[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.

Comments

[wiredspade.livejournal.com]

"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?

[heartsthespades.livejournal.com]

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."

[wiredspade.livejournal.com]

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?"

[heartsthespades.livejournal.com]

"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."

[wiredspade.livejournal.com]

"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?"

[heartsthespades.livejournal.com]

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

[wiredspade.livejournal.com]

"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."

[heartsthespades.livejournal.com]

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

[wiredspade.livejournal.com]

"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?"

[heartsthespades.livejournal.com]

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