[ota] the evening after

[acethatmatters]

Well. Having dinner and wine with Ms. Briony Williams wasn't one of the ways he typically spent an evening but it had been...not pleasant, really. But if he had to choose someone with whom to sit down to dinner with, at least Briony tended to remain interestingSo here he is, late in the evening, walking home from the Club district in Town. Feel

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[cutslikeaspade]

Ethan was actually on his way out; the after-hours session with poor Jeremy Mitchel had gone rather well. At least the kid hadn't actually cut himself this time. But it was late and he was looking forward to a few beers, blessed quiet and hopefully more than three hours of horror-free sleep.

Suffice to say, the Ace of Spades had never even come close to that little list, but alas, Julien himself was strolling up to the castle's walkway, and be damned if Ethan turn around, step aside or cower. Those days were done.

He did, however, pause just enough to give a polite nod of recognition; no one was going to ever accuse him of not having manners, not again.

[acethatmatters]

Julien raises his eyebrows at Ethan, "heading out for a night on the Town, then? Or just going back home?"

Not that he cares, precisely. Only as much as he has interest in any of the Spades and their doings. Ethan perhaps more than most because of being David's protege, because he's training up the next generation, and so on.

[cutslikeaspade]

"Home, actually. School night." The "nights on the Town" weren't as much fun as they'd used to be. Or maybe he was just overly jaded.

Ethan was, in fact, a bit surprised the Ace hadn't made it down to the armory yet. He wasn't sure if it was a subtle insult, or just pure nonchalance on Julien's part. Ethan really didn't give a shit either way, but the curiosity was still there.

One subject he was not going to broach was David. Not ever. Because he'd given Katya his word and be damned if he break it. Not over Julien.

[acethatmatters]

Well, once one had been Outside a few times, they realized how small this Town really was. Almost a village, if one was being honest.

"How responsible of you."

It's a tossup whether Julien sounds somewhat surprised or is just making enough polite conversation until he can continue walking past the other man without being blatantly insulting.

[cutslikeaspade]

"I take my work seriously, milord," Ethan drawled back, adopting the same bland, bored expression he'd worn a million times before when in audience with the Royals. Also easy to leave the Ace wondering if such a reply was intended as a slur or not. Such games were amusing, after all.

[acethatmatters]

"Do you? That's quite comforting to hear."

Okay, that was probably less neutral than really necessary.

"I should wish you a good evening then, hm?"

[cutslikeaspade]

Ethan was sure it was. Butter wouldn't have melted in that bastard's ice cold mouth. But he let none of his thoughts reflect on his face, merely inclined his head correctly.

"Unless I can be of some small service, milord."

He was mildly surprised that the Ace hadn't paid the armory a visit since Ethan had began his duties down there. Not that he gave a damn whether Julien showed up or not, it was merely the curiosity speaking.

[acethatmatters]

Oh?

That has the Ace's interest, Ethan. You may regret it.

"Is that an offer, Mr. Lucisano? I might take you up on it."

Here's your chance to back down.

[cutslikeaspade]

Color him shocked. Ethan perked a lazy eyebrow, internally wary but appearing only mildly curious.

"Oh? As long as whatever's required doesn't interfere with my training duties." Mustn't leave the kids along with sharp objects, Lord Ace; you know how they are.

[acethatmatters]

"I wouldn't dream of it."

Unless, you know, he had one of the Royals' backing first, of course. But this isn't worth all of that, really.

"Come by my office when you aren't busy training then, mm?"

And with that said, he'll finish moving into the Castle.