[Scene] Klavier and Phoenix in: Playing the Piano
Klavier: *By the time he sits down, it's already late. The dinner crowd had already left, and the party crowd had yet to show. Not that many came to such a small, out of the way bar. It was just what he needed too, to drop down on a wobbly stool and get something cold and sweet to drink. Klavier gives a little sigh, not really looking at or thinking of anything in particular, just allowing himself to relax*
Wright: *he's only slated to play at the place one night a week at most, so it's a coincidence that he's amongst the handful of people in the quiet little bar that night. Seated on the piano bench (and as always, facing away from the keyboard), he notices the prosecutor's arrival almost immediately. He takes a good minute or three to contemplate what exactly he should do, however, before finally pushing to his feet and wandering his way over*
Wright: You know, you're not the first prosecutor I've met at an out of the way bar this week.
Klavier: *Klavier looks up, not surprised to be approached, but when he sees who it is he straightens* Well. This is unexpected. *He hopes that Phoenix isn't about to make a big scene--he really has just come out to unwind for a bit*
Wright: I play at most of these dives on one night or another, as it happens. *takes a seat beside Klavier without asking-- the bartender across the counter glares at him when he sits, but Phoenix disregards it* What are you doing here, though? Come to escape your many fans and admirers?
Klavier: *Klavier smiles faintly, turning back to his strawberry daquiri for a slow sip.* Just taking a break from work, *he replies, watching the ice move in the glass. Of all the people he could have run into, it would be Wright. It should have been Ema. Or Lana. Or Miles. Someone he could have at least teased and flirted with to take his mind off of things* And you?
Wright: *grins* When I said I "play" here, I meant I "work" here. Though I suppose I'm taking a break right now too. *laughs, staring rather piercingly over at the rock star for a man with his eyes half shut* No hard feelings, of course.
Klavier: *He looks up, eyebrow perking. His tone is light.* Are you referring to being here? * Or are you referring to other things?
Wright: *shrugs * It's one and the same, isn't it? *flags down the bartender, who scowls as he walks over, slamming a large bottle of grape juice down on the counter in front of Phoenix* At least, by my count.
Klavier: *Shaking his head, Klavier turns to his own drink again.* Is that so. Even if that's the case, then shouldn't those be my words?
Wright: Should they be? *glances off vacantly*
Klavier: *It was always games with him, it seemed. Klavier shakes his head, looking to the older man again* Are you content, then? *he asks, deciding to just be blunt*
Wright: Like this? Sure. I get to go out on the town more often, to enjoy the nightlife and company like this.*leans in--not aggressively so, but simply closing the distance between them* It's a pretty even tradeoff, I'd say.
Klavier: *He snorts quietly, glancing away* I'm surprised. I had always thought you had more passion in you than that. To be satisfied with that kind of life...
Wright: Not all of us are quite so ambitious as you. Though I've got to say, I'm balancing more jobs than you are at the moment. *from a few feet away, the bartender mutters something that sounds quite like "You can subtract one of them from your list,"... but like before he's disregarded*
Wright: You say you've "always" thought so, though? *grins, resting his head on the back of a hand* Since when?
Klavier: *He figures Wright is looking for some flattery, but at the moment he doesn't care if he's humoring him. Talking to someone felt good, even if it was Wright.* It was the impression I got, *he replies.* The horror stories in the office of your cases. My brother still speaks highly of you, too.
Wright: *if Phoenix enjoying the conversation, he doesn't really give any particular indication aside from the fact that he's continuing it* Kristoph is too kind for his own good. *twirls the green glass bottle around by its neck as he speaks* I've wondered why he's kept me around. Tell me--is that something common that runs in your family?
Klavier: *He blinks, not sure he understands.* Does what run in our family? Keeping things around?
Wright: *laughs* I was going to say "kindness," but if that's why you're humoring me right now and why your brother has dinner with me every other week, then sure.
Klavier: *He shakes his head.* I can not pretend to know what my brother thinks. Even after all this time, I still can not read him well. *And perhaps that was part of this. As always, when he found things got quiet like this, he couldn't help thinking of...how far apart he might have been.*
Klavier: *changing the subject* Does that mean you think me kind?
Wright: *glances sleepily over* Sure, that's one thing I've noted about you--I've been keeping track of your cases, after all. *he raises his bottle as if in a cheer before he takes a long drink from it* That, and you're an idealist.
Klavier: *correctively* I'm a musician. There is nothing wrong with having a positive outlook on life, is there? How else can we keep going throughout the day despite opposition?
Wright: Ha. Other people seem to make it through just fine--including yours truly. *glances off, falling quiet*
Klavier: *Shrugging, Klavier shakes his head.* As you say. If this life is suiting to you, then I am glad for you.
Wright: *a little abruptly--but still with good humor in his tone, and still not making eye contact* What, no gloating?
Klavier: Gloating? You say you're content with your current state--what have I to gloat over? *He looks over, setting his glass down.*
Wright: True enough. *smiles quietly, still looking off. He speaks as though remarking to himself, making some sort of internal note* ...I'm too used to speaking with your brother.
Klavier: *He chuckles quietly.* As he likes to remind me, I am not the same as my brother. He is...on a level I will never reach.
Wright: *this seems to draw Phoenix's attention back-- or rather, he glances casually back over* Does he, now? I wasn't aware. And that's what you think as well?
Klavier: *He waves a hand idly.* I know I am not him. *He pulls his tone to something a bit lighter.* After all, I am a prosecutor, not a defense attorney.
Wright: A ha ha. And to some that actually matters, yes. *he's studying Klavier's features a little too carefully now*
Klavier: *Klavier lets him. He has nice features for studying, after all.* Also, he does not have the same passion for creating music. It allows him to focus much better on his work, I think.
Wright: You seem to be doing just fine with multitasking--he's had a head start on law, that's all. *offhandedly, his tone shifting somewhat* People often behave quite differently when it comes to their younger siblings. How much would he go out of his way to help you, would you say?
Klavier: Go out of his way? *Klavier almost laughs, sipping his drink before replying further.* My brother, I believe, feels it best I learn on my own. And I am glad for it--I would not want him to ever go out of his way for me.
Wright: ...That's about what I figured. *sighs out, seemingly fully relaxed--even stretching out his arms somewhat* ...Well. I hope I didn't take too much of a toll on your personal time.
Klavier: *He shakes his head.* Not at all. Drinking alone is rather melodramatic, I think. *Though he isn't ready to let Wright slip away just yet--the conversation has worn on him slightly. He needs a moment of thought before he speaks again, his voice a bit more serious.* You know my brother well, ja?
Wright: I'd like to think I do. *chuckles, choosing his words carefully* But sometimes he's rather the enigma, isn't he?
Klavier: *He nods, relieved to hear it--that would have been his answer as well.* You two share meals often. I admit I was curious to know whether it was all business or not.
Wright: Business? *amiably* No, we rarely talk about business at all. He's a good friend, and the meals are... friendly dinner-dates. *grins slightly*
Klavier: Ah. *It doesn't answer much, but at least it's a little more information than he'd had before. Klavier sips at his drink, as he's getting to the bottom and wants to make it last.* I think he sees you more often than he does me.
Wright: It's likely. Do you wish you were closer? *he takes a quick sip of grape juice, not waiting for an answer* I'm sorry if I hold his attention a little too much these days.
Klavier: *He chuckles, shaking his head a little.* It's his choice who he spends time with. It's not for me to decide who he chooses to be around. If he wishes to spend his free time with you, than who am I to say otherwise?
Wright: But you wonder. *his half-shut eyes are... smug? merely sure? confident?* Because him remaining friends with me through all these years... says something about how he sees you.
Klavier: *Klavier looks to him, something a bit sharp in his gaze this time. A warning, maybe.* And I suppose you know more about how he sees me than I do?
Wright: No, I hardly know anything about that--which is why talking to you has been so illuminating. *with amusement* I'm not so bad at reading others, though. So do correct me if I'm wrong and you don't see the situation this way yourself.
Klavier: *There isn't a good way to reply to that, because he's not a liar, and he couldn't pretend that he knew his brother when...he had such doubts. Instead he turns back to the bar and his drink.* I can see why he likes you.
Wright: Oh? *lets him look away, tending to his own drink as well--he shakes his head slightly* That's one thing I haven't figured out.
Klavier: *He snorts quietly, thinking how alike they are. How both seemed to enjoy being vague and teasing.* I can't see why not. You both hide your real thoughts too well.
Wright: Ah, that. I guess it does get to be a bit of a game, between us two... other than that, though, we're not really all that similar. *chuckles, placing a hand lightly on the rock star's closer shoulder* I appreciate your earnestness, for instance.
Klavier: *So he was saying that his brother didn't? This was going to drive him a bit mad.* I'm sure you don't appreciate it all the time.
Wright: No hard feelings, remember? *chuckles, removing his hand*
Klavier: *No hard feelings. Was that another bluff? He thinks it's best not to try and think on it too hard.* Very well. I still don't agree with your late practices, but I suppose it's of little consequence now.
Wright: *amicably and without a hint of remorse or offense* I've paid my price for it, after all. *tilts his head* If I see you at another place like this, I hope you won't mind me joining you again.
Klavier: *When he thinks about it, he feels there are worse things in the world, and so he nods.* I do not think I would mind that too much.
Wright: Good, good! *gathers up his bottle, letting out a mock-sigh* ...Well, I'd better see about that piano, then. *makes to rise to his feet-- but he's interrupted by a sharp glare from the bartender that he can somehow understand all too well * ......Or not. *chuckles, settles back in, and raises the neck of the grape juice bottle to Klavier's glass* Cheers.
Klavier: *He humors him, clinking their glasses together.* Cheers, *he echoes softly, noting the look as well. He finishes off his drink, setting it down with a sigh.* I'll not take up any more of your time, if you're supposed to be on the clock.
Wright: No, don't let me keep you. I think I've been downgraded to being a paying customer here. *takes a long drink from the bottle* Remind me not to spend so much time around you prosecutors, next time.
Klavier: *Nodding, Klavier pushes to his feet.* It was...good to have this chance to speak with you, *he says honestly.*
Wright: Thanks--I enjoyed it too. *his once again sleepy eyes linger on Klavier a moment longer before he turns back to his drink*
Klavier: *He offers a little nod, even if Wright doesn't see it--it always pays to be polite. He straightens out his coat before heading out, feeling he now has several things to think on.*
Wright: *rests his elbows on the counter and his chin on his hands, falling into quiet contemplation as well. As to what he's thinking of, exactly-- well, as Klavier observed earlier, it's rather hard to tell*
Wright: *he's only slated to play at the place one night a week at most, so it's a coincidence that he's amongst the handful of people in the quiet little bar that night. Seated on the piano bench (and as always, facing away from the keyboard), he notices the prosecutor's arrival almost immediately. He takes a good minute or three to contemplate what exactly he should do, however, before finally pushing to his feet and wandering his way over*
Wright: You know, you're not the first prosecutor I've met at an out of the way bar this week.
Klavier: *Klavier looks up, not surprised to be approached, but when he sees who it is he straightens* Well. This is unexpected. *He hopes that Phoenix isn't about to make a big scene--he really has just come out to unwind for a bit*
Wright: I play at most of these dives on one night or another, as it happens. *takes a seat beside Klavier without asking-- the bartender across the counter glares at him when he sits, but Phoenix disregards it* What are you doing here, though? Come to escape your many fans and admirers?
Klavier: *Klavier smiles faintly, turning back to his strawberry daquiri for a slow sip.* Just taking a break from work, *he replies, watching the ice move in the glass. Of all the people he could have run into, it would be Wright. It should have been Ema. Or Lana. Or Miles. Someone he could have at least teased and flirted with to take his mind off of things* And you?
Wright: *grins* When I said I "play" here, I meant I "work" here. Though I suppose I'm taking a break right now too. *laughs, staring rather piercingly over at the rock star for a man with his eyes half shut* No hard feelings, of course.
Klavier: *He looks up, eyebrow perking. His tone is light.* Are you referring to being here? * Or are you referring to other things?
Wright: *shrugs * It's one and the same, isn't it? *flags down the bartender, who scowls as he walks over, slamming a large bottle of grape juice down on the counter in front of Phoenix* At least, by my count.
Klavier: *Shaking his head, Klavier turns to his own drink again.* Is that so. Even if that's the case, then shouldn't those be my words?
Wright: Should they be? *glances off vacantly*
Klavier: *It was always games with him, it seemed. Klavier shakes his head, looking to the older man again* Are you content, then? *he asks, deciding to just be blunt*
Wright: Like this? Sure. I get to go out on the town more often, to enjoy the nightlife and company like this.*leans in--not aggressively so, but simply closing the distance between them* It's a pretty even tradeoff, I'd say.
Klavier: *He snorts quietly, glancing away* I'm surprised. I had always thought you had more passion in you than that. To be satisfied with that kind of life...
Wright: Not all of us are quite so ambitious as you. Though I've got to say, I'm balancing more jobs than you are at the moment. *from a few feet away, the bartender mutters something that sounds quite like "You can subtract one of them from your list,"... but like before he's disregarded*
Wright: You say you've "always" thought so, though? *grins, resting his head on the back of a hand* Since when?
Klavier: *He figures Wright is looking for some flattery, but at the moment he doesn't care if he's humoring him. Talking to someone felt good, even if it was Wright.* It was the impression I got, *he replies.* The horror stories in the office of your cases. My brother still speaks highly of you, too.
Wright: *if Phoenix enjoying the conversation, he doesn't really give any particular indication aside from the fact that he's continuing it* Kristoph is too kind for his own good. *twirls the green glass bottle around by its neck as he speaks* I've wondered why he's kept me around. Tell me--is that something common that runs in your family?
Klavier: *He blinks, not sure he understands.* Does what run in our family? Keeping things around?
Wright: *laughs* I was going to say "kindness," but if that's why you're humoring me right now and why your brother has dinner with me every other week, then sure.
Klavier: *He shakes his head.* I can not pretend to know what my brother thinks. Even after all this time, I still can not read him well. *And perhaps that was part of this. As always, when he found things got quiet like this, he couldn't help thinking of...how far apart he might have been.*
Klavier: *changing the subject* Does that mean you think me kind?
Wright: *glances sleepily over* Sure, that's one thing I've noted about you--I've been keeping track of your cases, after all. *he raises his bottle as if in a cheer before he takes a long drink from it* That, and you're an idealist.
Klavier: *correctively* I'm a musician. There is nothing wrong with having a positive outlook on life, is there? How else can we keep going throughout the day despite opposition?
Wright: Ha. Other people seem to make it through just fine--including yours truly. *glances off, falling quiet*
Klavier: *Shrugging, Klavier shakes his head.* As you say. If this life is suiting to you, then I am glad for you.
Wright: *a little abruptly--but still with good humor in his tone, and still not making eye contact* What, no gloating?
Klavier: Gloating? You say you're content with your current state--what have I to gloat over? *He looks over, setting his glass down.*
Wright: True enough. *smiles quietly, still looking off. He speaks as though remarking to himself, making some sort of internal note* ...I'm too used to speaking with your brother.
Klavier: *He chuckles quietly.* As he likes to remind me, I am not the same as my brother. He is...on a level I will never reach.
Wright: *this seems to draw Phoenix's attention back-- or rather, he glances casually back over* Does he, now? I wasn't aware. And that's what you think as well?
Klavier: *He waves a hand idly.* I know I am not him. *He pulls his tone to something a bit lighter.* After all, I am a prosecutor, not a defense attorney.
Wright: A ha ha. And to some that actually matters, yes. *he's studying Klavier's features a little too carefully now*
Klavier: *Klavier lets him. He has nice features for studying, after all.* Also, he does not have the same passion for creating music. It allows him to focus much better on his work, I think.
Wright: You seem to be doing just fine with multitasking--he's had a head start on law, that's all. *offhandedly, his tone shifting somewhat* People often behave quite differently when it comes to their younger siblings. How much would he go out of his way to help you, would you say?
Klavier: Go out of his way? *Klavier almost laughs, sipping his drink before replying further.* My brother, I believe, feels it best I learn on my own. And I am glad for it--I would not want him to ever go out of his way for me.
Wright: ...That's about what I figured. *sighs out, seemingly fully relaxed--even stretching out his arms somewhat* ...Well. I hope I didn't take too much of a toll on your personal time.
Klavier: *He shakes his head.* Not at all. Drinking alone is rather melodramatic, I think. *Though he isn't ready to let Wright slip away just yet--the conversation has worn on him slightly. He needs a moment of thought before he speaks again, his voice a bit more serious.* You know my brother well, ja?
Wright: I'd like to think I do. *chuckles, choosing his words carefully* But sometimes he's rather the enigma, isn't he?
Klavier: *He nods, relieved to hear it--that would have been his answer as well.* You two share meals often. I admit I was curious to know whether it was all business or not.
Wright: Business? *amiably* No, we rarely talk about business at all. He's a good friend, and the meals are... friendly dinner-dates. *grins slightly*
Klavier: Ah. *It doesn't answer much, but at least it's a little more information than he'd had before. Klavier sips at his drink, as he's getting to the bottom and wants to make it last.* I think he sees you more often than he does me.
Wright: It's likely. Do you wish you were closer? *he takes a quick sip of grape juice, not waiting for an answer* I'm sorry if I hold his attention a little too much these days.
Klavier: *He chuckles, shaking his head a little.* It's his choice who he spends time with. It's not for me to decide who he chooses to be around. If he wishes to spend his free time with you, than who am I to say otherwise?
Wright: But you wonder. *his half-shut eyes are... smug? merely sure? confident?* Because him remaining friends with me through all these years... says something about how he sees you.
Klavier: *Klavier looks to him, something a bit sharp in his gaze this time. A warning, maybe.* And I suppose you know more about how he sees me than I do?
Wright: No, I hardly know anything about that--which is why talking to you has been so illuminating. *with amusement* I'm not so bad at reading others, though. So do correct me if I'm wrong and you don't see the situation this way yourself.
Klavier: *There isn't a good way to reply to that, because he's not a liar, and he couldn't pretend that he knew his brother when...he had such doubts. Instead he turns back to the bar and his drink.* I can see why he likes you.
Wright: Oh? *lets him look away, tending to his own drink as well--he shakes his head slightly* That's one thing I haven't figured out.
Klavier: *He snorts quietly, thinking how alike they are. How both seemed to enjoy being vague and teasing.* I can't see why not. You both hide your real thoughts too well.
Wright: Ah, that. I guess it does get to be a bit of a game, between us two... other than that, though, we're not really all that similar. *chuckles, placing a hand lightly on the rock star's closer shoulder* I appreciate your earnestness, for instance.
Klavier: *So he was saying that his brother didn't? This was going to drive him a bit mad.* I'm sure you don't appreciate it all the time.
Wright: No hard feelings, remember? *chuckles, removing his hand*
Klavier: *No hard feelings. Was that another bluff? He thinks it's best not to try and think on it too hard.* Very well. I still don't agree with your late practices, but I suppose it's of little consequence now.
Wright: *amicably and without a hint of remorse or offense* I've paid my price for it, after all. *tilts his head* If I see you at another place like this, I hope you won't mind me joining you again.
Klavier: *When he thinks about it, he feels there are worse things in the world, and so he nods.* I do not think I would mind that too much.
Wright: Good, good! *gathers up his bottle, letting out a mock-sigh* ...Well, I'd better see about that piano, then. *makes to rise to his feet-- but he's interrupted by a sharp glare from the bartender that he can somehow understand all too well * ......Or not. *chuckles, settles back in, and raises the neck of the grape juice bottle to Klavier's glass* Cheers.
Klavier: *He humors him, clinking their glasses together.* Cheers, *he echoes softly, noting the look as well. He finishes off his drink, setting it down with a sigh.* I'll not take up any more of your time, if you're supposed to be on the clock.
Wright: No, don't let me keep you. I think I've been downgraded to being a paying customer here. *takes a long drink from the bottle* Remind me not to spend so much time around you prosecutors, next time.
Klavier: *Nodding, Klavier pushes to his feet.* It was...good to have this chance to speak with you, *he says honestly.*
Wright: Thanks--I enjoyed it too. *his once again sleepy eyes linger on Klavier a moment longer before he turns back to his drink*
Klavier: *He offers a little nod, even if Wright doesn't see it--it always pays to be polite. He straightens out his coat before heading out, feeling he now has several things to think on.*
Wright: *rests his elbows on the counter and his chin on his hands, falling into quiet contemplation as well. As to what he's thinking of, exactly-- well, as Klavier observed earlier, it's rather hard to tell*