houseofcards_rp | [OTA] Just another game

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[OTA] Just another game

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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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."

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."

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?"

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.

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.

"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.

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?"

He's been seriously drunk once. He was sixteen, and didn't care much for the feeling of it. "That sounds fun," he says dryly. "My brother got carried home by whatever he calls Elisha Kagan." Boyfriend? Probably not. Hadyn's not exactly one for commitment. Of course, neither is Jordan.

Which is part of why he blinks and surprise at Meghana's question. Judith is a strange woman. So's Meghana, given he'd not expected that. "I have a lot less objections to a 'take Jordan out to Dinner' night than Ethan's Get Jordan Drunk night," he says slowly. "I can't think of any, actually."

"Oh, it was fabulous. No wonder Diana was pissed." She rubs her temple and gives a slight nod. Kegan. Six when she was gone. Ten when she came back. Someone was busy.

If you think you're confused, Jordan, look at Meghana. Or not. A polite smile for right now as she flicks thought in her mind. Why did she ask that? Why did she want that? How many Diamond and Heart girls did she hear about? "I mean, theoretical and all? I mean, I can't be sure if someone wants to do that or not. Probably not Ethan. No, not Ethan."

Goddamnit, she was 27. She left trails of hearts. What is this?

Elisha Kagan had done it in three months, too, making all of the people who took pride in knowing what everyone else was sit up, take notice and recalculate.

She heard about a lot of Heart and Diamond girls. A few Clubs, too, even one or two Spades. But Jordan is just smiling, slowly, the dimples deepening in his cheeks. "Ethan's definitely not interested in Take Jordan Out To Dinner Night," he says. "Someone else will have to do it."

Who hasn't? Rumors and trails.

Her hands, nails painted pearl white, quietly running her fingertips over the chair's back. Meghana gives him a smile, flits his gaze away, "Rumors are so cruel about you two. Who should I listen to? You or them?" She then rests her elbow on the back of the chair to study him a moment longer with amused eyes, "Are there girls left on the Deck that wouldn't be a repeat, Mr. Novak?"

"Both, obviously," Jordan says. "And then come to your own conclusions." He shoots another ball, and then straightens. "There's a few girls," he adds.

"There's you."

"I kinda am used to being in the minority, y'know." But she doesn't look away. She smiles, more amused than anything, "But didn't you give up on this crusade hmm... when you were 20?"

"Five years ago," he agrees. "I was busy being a responsible adult. But maybe I want to try again."

"And I have heard each and everyone of those attempts of adulthood in the real of romantic context since then, y'know." She looks curious for a moment, trying to study his reaction. "Though they have more bittersweet endings than sour."

Jordan lifts his eyebrows, and then shrugs. "I'm not a heartbreaker, Meghana."

"And if I really thought you were, this conversation wouldn't have gotten to this point. I fucking hate beating around the Bush." She keeps her gaze on him, "So... May I take you out for dinner, Jordan?"

Jordan's lips curved up and he inclines his head. "Why, Meghana," he says. "Yes, you may."

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[OTA] Just another game

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