[OTA] Just another game

[heartsthespades.livejournal.com]

He'd been laying low, keeping quiet for...several days, really, though he'd started giving serious consideration to Ceiro's offhand idea about a museum for the assorted in-storage artifacts he'd spent way too many years organizing and cataloging. And that was odd for him, to be giving credence to the ideas of a man he'd been planning to replace as long as he'd been king. But there it was.

For now, however, Jordan was down at the Four Suits, alone. He had bourbon, though not enough to get him drunk, of course; a pool cue and the table to himself. It was a good way to deal with some of the recent stress without looking like he was dealing with the recent stress - there was something satisfying about the sound of the balls knocking together, but to all the world it looked like he was just playing a game. And honestly, in a lot of ways? Jordan was always playing some sort of game.

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[wiredspade.livejournal.com]

Casual clothing is worn. Nothing designer, her long hair in a simple braid. Meghana she sits backwards in a chair studying Jordan for a few moments. She's at the pub to escape the melodrama that's still brewing around Spades Castle. Culprit caught, culprit scrubbing all the floors the last she heard, and the 'victims' seem content as far as she knows. However? Beautiful pictures of the melodrama will be cherished on the Deck forever.

Jordan's... probably not as unfocused as he seems. Not him. Never Jordan. And with the events that are happening back home, she can't help but compare. How would he react if he was still there in the Castle with … the rest of them? The sociopaths, the psychopaths, and where the rumors are darker and darker with each passing day? Would he be screaming for blood over cheap clothes and a childish prank? Even if it did expose some of the weaknesses of the Spades...

So don't mind her, Jordan, studying you and wondering for a moment or two longer. And Meghana finds herself glad that Jordan got away.

[heartsthespades.livejournal.com]

He's heard about the events happening back home, of course. He's pretty sure the entire Deck has at this point, really, and he laughed when he heard about it. And wasn't at all surprised to learn who the ringleader was. And honestly, he thinks as he smiles over at her and lines up a shot, no. He wouldn't be screaming bloody murder at a prank. Even if he'd never left Spade Castle, he wouldn't have.

Because he would have still been raised by Laureline Novak. and despite his infamous vicious temper, Dwayne hadn't been the type to explode over nothing either. "You're in the pub," he says as he sinks a pair of balls. "Escaping from the Heart-wreaked insanity?"

[wiredspade.livejournal.com]

She has a photobook she's composing. Yes, she's a solid Spade (so everyone thinks, even Meghana), but this was ridiculously wonderful. The high and mighty getting knocked down a few pegs is always a good thing, it keeps a suit sharp. Really, the Spades were getting soft and seeing an edge of teeth among neighbors isn't a bad thing. (Of course, she knew about it and wasn't a victim).

Clothes? Take them. Computers? Blood murder. No screaming. Just the act, and simply because of the information on the computers. When he smiles, she returns a cheeky one. "I am in the Pub. It's quiet and completely free of Spades until I walked in." She bobs her head, "Your kids did good, Novak."

[heartsthespades.livejournal.com]

He hopes he gets to see it later. He has nothing against the Spades who got hit - though the only one he's particularly close to is Vincent, since they sort of grew up together - but it was an amusing situation. Everyone concerned should admit that, at least. And he's sure Sandy thinks that's the end of it and that she's paid Dr. Rhodes and the Spade Jack for whatever they did to deserve a Heart-style prank.

But Jordan was a Spade, and he can guess that they probably won't let go of it. Not just yet, at least.

"I daresay they won't kick you out," he says as he leans on his pool cue. "You're not exactly the most raucous of your Suit. And yes," he says with a flash of a grin. "Our fair ladies of Heart Castle are formidable when they set their minds to it."

[wiredspade.livejournal.com]

Of course Jordan can, there are photos. You'll just love the expression on the Jack's face. And she thought you had issue with hiim for the rumors that are flying around about him and your brother. And hopefully Jordan won't be too upset that she's accepted Vincent's offer of friendship... thought it wouldn't really be his bussiness, right? And would he care? And-

Whatever the kid thinks, she caught Sandy singing Whistle While You Work when Siobhan had passed by her.

"I follow the line, yes. Probably a bit better than most." Though she had been showing her colors more as supporting David, but people probably figured that was her kissing up, finally. "I'm sure the gentlemen can be much sharper than they pretend to be." Well, except their King. But not all men in the Spades are knwoledgeable as David. Not all men in the Clubs were as... fool hardy as Alexander. "So what are you doing here?"

[heartsthespades.livejournal.com]

Not particular issue. Hadyn might be rash and foolish in a lot of ways - the recent coma was testament enough to that - but he hadn't gotten the impression that the Jack was particularly interested in his brother. And that sort of thing wasn't likely to hold Hadyn's attention for very long.

No, it was the Ten of Clubs they had to worry about.

Jordan isn't too worried about Vincent. He likes Vincent, and if Meghana wanted to be dating Vincent, she would be. "Spades just have a terrible rebellious streak that comes out in the presence of alcohol." Personally, supporting David probably counts as towing the line. God knows the King of Spades is both omniscient and practically immortal. "And all gentlemen can be sharper than they pretend, darling. All people, really." And then he shrugs. "Playing billiards. Getting away from the atmosphere in Heart Castle. It's not been the best of times, with Itchy dead."

He was curious whether he'd be considered to replace him this time. Probably not.

[wiredspade.livejournal.com]

This is excellent news, Meghana doesn't have to worry about marching into the Jack's office and strangling him if he does something to Hadyn. Oh, she's very sure she'll fight the desire to strangle him for other things. But harming babies emotionally are a sure fire way of getting Megs upset. And she'd really rather the baby be not someone she knew.

Though, it wouldn't be as easy to find Elisha to strangle in case he did the same thing. But he was a ten. Tens found each other easily.

So the dramatic break up of two years ago is still in play. He is a decent man, probably the most decent above the rank of Seven, but it wouldn't have worked out even if Meghana didn't have issues with Spade men. "I haven't had a drop since... that party your friend gave her a few months back. Unless if we're counting club soda as the drink of choice." Though there had been times during the Andrea situation. "Remind me to send a stern note of warning to Avery to keep away from unpleasant places for the next few weeks. I'd rather we not lose anyone else important for a while."

She was slightly curious about that, too. And not quite sure if she wants him to be a Jack or not.

[heartsthespades.livejournal.com]

"Oh, yes, Get Jordan Drunk Night," Jordan says dryly as he sets up another shot. "An abysmal failure on that front, I'm afraid." Jordan didn't get drunk, but Andrea had inspired the urge, at least. "Are you going to send one to Sieben, too?" He's just kind of curious.

He'd be hurt if he knew that. Mildly, at least, though honestly - he's not expecting to be named to the post. He wasn't named last time, he wasn't named Ace, and he does some of the most work in the Suit. But he's also...Jordan Novak, and while Ceiro ironically gives him the benefit of the doubt, he doesn't think Judith has ever liked him very much. They're close to the same age, after all.

[wiredspade.livejournal.com]

She's only been drunk, seriously, seriously, drunk a handful of times. One time was two nights before she challenged for Ten and she's fairly sure she smashed up a few good vases of a friend. "No, I got to take home a few people and made sure they ended up in their bed." Meghana looks aghast for a moment but starts to laugh, "There are rumors about the Jack, and there are other rumors about the Jack. I don't want to see if any of those rumors are true." She's been poisoned once before, it is not happening again if the rumors are true. "I'm only sharing the pictures with non-Spades."

She doesn't even know why the idea unsettles her. Perhaps it's own annoyance she never got to challenge for Jack. Judith is... a strange woman, really. But she might be wiser than Meghana gives her credit for. "Hey, I was thinking.." She brushes back a stray hair. "If Ethan had a get Jordan Drunk Night... can I have a 'take Jordan out to Dinner' night?"

Voicetesting again? Why yes!

[so-complicit.livejournal.com]

Davin wandered into the bar, paused to get himself a Jack and Coke, then somehow found his way over to the pool table his nephew was at. Total coincidence, really.

"It's easy to win the game when you play by yourself, I find."

Excellent. XD

[heartsthespades.livejournal.com]

Jordan looked up at his uncle, one corner of his mouth quirking upwards. "I suppose that's why they don't let us challenge imaginary opponents," he said, but he set up the balls again and cocked his head at the cue rack.

"I hear there's been some excitement at Spade Castle of the red and glittery kind."

[so-complicit.livejournal.com]

"Well, that and shadow-boxing can get rather dull sometimes," Davin said with a wry smile as he reached for a cue of his own.

"And yes, I heard something similar....though I admit I tried to avoid the drama that ensued."

[heartsthespades.livejournal.com]

"I'd hate to be bored in a challenge." There had actually been a number of his challenges that Jordan had been bored in, but croquet wasn't the world's most stimulating sport.

"Probably wise," Jordan said as he tossed his uncle the chalk. "My understanding is that somehow the royals got sucked into it."

[so-complicit.livejournal.com]

"So would we all," he said, lips quirked, as he applied the chalk.

"I'm sure they love having their time wasted with such things, don't you think?" Though at least it provided something of a distraction from the other...issues of the day. Whether that was good or bad likely depended on where one stood, of course.

[heartsthespades.livejournal.com]

Jordan shrugged, his expression still faintly amused.as he took up position on one side of the table. "Perhaps, then, some of them shouldn't get into situations where young ladies have the inclination to prank them." He tapped his cue on the floor and shrugged.

[so-complicit.livejournal.com]

"That would be clever of them, yes." Davin shrugged in return and did the breaking of the balls.

"Or perhaps at least ensure that their guards feel a little more motivated to prevent the pranking from occurring."

[heartsthespades.livejournal.com]

"I'm sure the guards are in a tizzy over it." Jordan just raised his eyebrows, though, as his uncle started methodically sinking balls. "But maybe it can be an informative lesson for them."

He'd be watching awhile, he thought, and tipped his head to one side. "I think it's nearly time to challenge for Ten." After all, it doesn't seem like Wren's promotion plan will likely be coming to pass."

[heartstrine.livejournal.com]

Off hours often find him at the Four Suits. Sometimes he threw a few darts, argued the merits of footy versus any other game on the planet, and sometimes he decides one bloke oughtn't hog an entire pool table.

"Fancy a game?"

[heartsthespades.livejournal.com]

It's not hogging if no one's asked if they can play, like Cooper just did. Jordan looks up and gives their cook an assessing look. There was a time not that long ago when he wondered if Cooper had painted a target on his back.

Couldn't be too careful, after all. "Grab a cue," he says.

[heartstrine.livejournal.com]

If anyone has a target, it's Cooper from that brother of his. He's been an Eight for two years now, and he's happy where he is. Wren might steal the kitchens from him if he goes up any higher.

"Loser buys the next round," Cooper says as he pulls out a cue, careful to use his right hand. He's not entirely ambidextrous, but back in the old days when he was a kid and thought being a Royal would be the greatest thing since Vegamite he'd perfected all sorts of tricks to hide his left-handedness.

All in good fun. See if Jordan's been paying attention.

[heartsthespades.livejournal.com]

Jordan can honestly say he's not entirely sure what Eight Hadyn has his eye on. It might even be a Nine, which would be...annoying, unless Jordan gets to Ten first.

"Sounds like a deal," Jordan says, and merely lifts an eyebrow when Cooper picks up a cue with his right hand. He's fairly sure he's seen Cooper play tennis with his left hand.

[heartstrine.livejournal.com]

"Your table, Mate. Your break." Cooper racks the balls. "How's that brother of yours? Recovering alright?"

[heartsthespades.livejournal.com]

Jordan circles the table before bending to break, glancing back up at Cooper. "You know Hadyn wouldn't ever complain," in public, at least, "but I think he is. Itchy hit him hard, of course." Jordan was probably more worried about that than the bullet wound and the coma.

[heartstrine.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Jordan. He came to the pub to escape the doom and gloom and try to forget that fixtures in his life are suddenly gone. He heaves a sigh.

"Itchy delivered me. Frankie was off Deck. Hard to think of the place without him. And Lance...." He'd wanted to be Lance when he was a kid.

He cocks one hip, leaning a bit on his pool cue and watches the break. It had been almost twenty years, but he still remembers what looking out for a kid brother had been like.

"He'll be apples with you keeping an eye on him."

[heartsthespades.livejournal.com]

Jordan just lives to burst bubbles, Cooper. He sinks a ball on the break, and keeps going.

"He was an institution." One of the few who didn't eye him with intense dislike and distrust when he'd arrived in the Hearts, any grief over Dwayne battened down. As ordered.

"He'll give me gray hairs, I don't have any doubt."