deportation | ( open post. )

It's been a while since you've made an appearance, John. Two bottles of a fine whiskey and cigars should be a fair enough enticing invite.

you know how it is, always a mess to clean up. though with an invite like that, how can i refuse?

but keep the cigars. hate for them to go to waste.

Edited 2020-04-17 08:35 (UTC)

Putting up the habit, John? How curious.

Let somebody else clean up for tonight. It's a offer you can't refuse.

maybe i'd rather be eviscerated by an elemental instead of taken out by a bad habit.

didn't know there was anybody else available. i could use a night off if there's somebody to mind the store. there's a difference between won't and can't, midnite.

Oh I'm sure if anyone can manage that, it's you. Try not to press your luck, hmm?

The shop doesn't need to be open 24/7. Shut down, take load off. [Someone needs some entertainment tonight.] Not much difference. 'Wont' sounds nicer too.

now where's the fun in that?

you know it's a saying, right? i'll drop by. [ Must be pretty bored if he's calling over John for help with that. Or desperate. ] you, nice? world must be ending.

or it's tuesday. i always get them confused.

Evisceration is a nasty thing, John. What's giving you the turn around?

I know what your saying. [Maybe he has business with a relic he wants. Maybe it's a slow night. The Que is low and he has nothing to run at the moment. Maybe he's had a few too many to drink. Does it matter, John?]

The world is always ending. It just depends on who's playing the game.

i've had nastier. the usual. half-breed pieces of shit thinking they can sway things outside of their normal.

so it's just impatience. i've never seen that look on you. [ It always matters. If somebody's inviting a con man into their house, it doesn't much matter if they're an old friend. ]

well, you know me: i don't play if i can't win. is your guy still mad i laid him out that time?

you'd let me know before i walked into something awful, right? [ No, he wouldn't. ]

That's never stopped you from smoking before.

Hardly impatience. Though if you take too long there's only going to be one bottle left. [So maybe it matters. Maybe he's holding his reasons until the face to face.]

You weren't invited to my house last time. You didn't have to be so rough with him, John. Don't let him harass you on the way in, but try not to break his face this time, hmm?

Of course I would. [No, he wouldn't.]

something about satan's hands digging into my lungs doesn't make me want to pick it back up again.

thirsty tonight, i see. i'm nearly there. this cabbie doesn't know what he's doing is all. [ He misses Chas. ]

so does this invite come with perks besides the alcohol? or is it just the honor of your company? i'll try. it's a rat in a dress, right?

knew i could count on you.

So he did made a trip up to see you. How curious. So the rumors are true. You died, did you.

And a lack of your boy as well. Must have been a rough time.

This invite is what you make of it, John. I have no set intentions at the moment, though the honor of my company is always a thing.

I personally like the rat in a dress.

yeah. lot less fanfare than i expected. didn't count on the boiling tar. it was a nice touch.

the last part was thanks to gabriel. if you see him around, hit him for me. pain is the best part of the human condition. it'd be a shame not to help him take advantage.

of course it's an honor. aren't i always glad for it? just brimming with gratitude.

an oldie but a goodie.

[ Now at the club, he forgoes texting for heading inside. The whispers start almost immediately. After all, how many did he deport on what he assumed was his final show? He lost count. The hush that falls over the club is a rush to the head.

If his arrogance was astounding before then it's off the damn charts now. The door to Midnite's private office opens. ]

I think I killed the mood.

Edited 2020-04-17 10:48 (UTC)

He does what he wants.

Is that so? What delightful information, and for free no less. Thank you for that.

If I didn't receive such satisfaction from electrocuting you last time, I might ask to see more form of this so call gratitude.

[He hears the club fall under a hush and it feels as if the music almost died down for a moment. He snorts, pouring a second glass and sliding it to the other side of his desk. That answers a few questions right away, and the rumors were true so far. The man made quite a mess.]

[Still, he leaned back, smoking a slim cigar and waiting. The door opens to a beat of music and little to no other noise. As John enters, a soft hush of whispers returns. Papa smiles a faint dark smile.]

You killed more than a mood, I hear. My queue is low because of you.

it would be more endearing if he was a little less unsettling. [ Terrifying, actually. But he already had his balls in a vice once. He's not trying to get them mounted again by giving him that much credit. ]

it's information, sure. never said it was free.

always knew you were a sadist. besides, you still owe me a shirt.

[ Well, if more than half a dozen half-breeds hadn't been guarding the place and conspiring against all of humanity--- Can John really be the one to shoulder all the blame here? Some of it, sure. All is a stretch.

Something about the way Midnite sits there, nonplussed and leisurely always has an effect. Maybe its' the brand of magic. Maybe it's just the command he holds here. Even with quitting, he can taste the smoke in the air. It doesn't stop desire.

He comes around the front of the chair and lounges insolently, digging in his jacket pocket for the gum he keeps there now. ]

All I did was add a little counterweight. Jesus, Midnite, what do you want? A heartfelt apology?

Edited 2020-04-17 11:22 (UTC)

Would he really be Satan if he were less unsettling?

we'll talk.

I owe you nothing but a drink

[He kept the comments short, knowing the other was here now. It wasn't hard to sense his presence after all. He was relaxed in his house, leaned back in his chair like there wasn't a constant threat going on in his club. He took no sides, and everyone knew it. A safe zone for both sides of the war. He had nothing to worry about.]

[As John enters the door closes again, and he watches as the other makes himself at home. Lounging almost as if this were his home. Most people trembled be fore him, or at least sat in the chair rigid and on edge. John was at least different. It entertained Midnite.]

That would be a start.

Most of the time I couldn't tell if he wanted to finish the job I started for myself or kiss me. Neither would've surprised me.

[ If there's one thing he could always count on from Midnite, even in the wake of the shit that nearly went down, is that he will always be neutral. He does a damn good impression of Switzerland. Don't they give out awards for that kind of thing?

It's telling how much John actually respects Midnite, though. If it were anyone else trying to run this con, he'd have razed this place to its foundations. Screw the balance. ]

It would be, wouldn't it?

[ He responds by pulling out a stick of gum, unwrapping it, and starting to chew. ]

Nor me. He has a peculiar interest in you, John. I wonder why. [His voice and thick accent said he didn't wonder at all. He knows exactly why and it's no surprise.] Maybe next time you kiss him first and see if you can startle the devil, no?

[He leaned forward, the cigar in his hand as he pushed the waiting drink a bit closer to the edge, one for John, one for him. He then turned the box of cigars to the man, opening it. Taking a long pull on his own and letting the smoke curl from his lips.] Take one. [He tempted, eyeing the man who just popped gum in his mouth.]

[He's natural, sure, a haven for those in between. Should his place be razed to the ground he'd just build again. Thankfully it hadn't come to that.]

You never were good for an apology. C'est la vie.

Maybe he just appreciates that I cause trouble. Agent of chaos, that's me. [ An eyebrow quirks up as he listens, mouth pursed as he thinks it over. ] Next time. I'll send your regards along with it.

[ It'll be a little strange with the gum but the nicotine in the air is bad enough. He wants to chase the scent of it. Breathe in the wafting smoke. He bets he could taste it on the other man's tongue if they kissed. He dismisses that thought and the stab of want in his belly.

It's a toss-up if it's from the want of a smoke or the want of just well---wanting. He raises a hand at the offer. ] I've got gum, thanks.

[ But he does reach out to take the previously offered drink. ]

I'm good for other things. But that might ruin the ambiance. [ A sip. ] And the leather.

You better hope there isn't a next time. You might not get off so easy. [He doesn't know what happened, but he's here, so it must have been easy. Easy as can be with the Devil himself that is. Loa knows there is no such think as easy with that creature.] I'll keep my regards to myself, thanks.

[He lets another curl of smoke drift out, pushing it forward. Maybe it's a game, to see if the other will break. Maybe he just likes the idea that the other is trying so hard. The offer ws turned down, and Papa smirked, a long sharp smile.]

Giving it up, are you. How noble. How long will that last, hmm?

[And the leather. Lords knows where that comment was going. Midnite took another pull of his cigar and eyed the man. He'd be a liar if he didn't like the idea of John Constantine naked in front of him, yet again. But he didn't normally partake in his office. He had better tastes then that.]

You think that's what this invitation is about? [Maybe it was. Maybe it wasn't. Maybe he just liked the idea that Constantine was still alive, though others had doubted he would be.]

He sent me back because I was on my way somewhere else. If I didn't know any better, I'd say he was jealous. [ Who else would talk so cavalier about the Devil himself? The same man that lounges insolently in front of the Papa Midnite without a care in the goddamn world. ] It'd be rude to not pass it on. Can't have that.

[ His eyes flick over at the curl of smoke and he resists the impulse to drag in a deeper breath. Instead, he lets the look between the smolder like embers and casually takes another sip. ]

I imagine until some half-breed gets the better of me.

[ How long has it been for them? He's pretty sure he goaded him into the last time. Quick and dirty in some alley away from the wards in the club and prying eyes. If he focuses a little on the memory he could draw it up, but he's not feeling that masochistic. Yet. ]

Would I presume to know what you were thinking? [ Yes. As far as what the meeting is about? Maybe it isn't. Maybe John doesn't give a shit. Maybe the idea of getting drunk off too-expensive scotch and getting fucked until he can't think straight is how he plans on dealing with this new lease on life he has.

At least to start. ] That the kind of guy I am?

[ He reaches up to undo his tie a little, absently flicking the top two buttons as he does. ]

No. The John Constantine, on his way out to somewhere other than Hell? I'll believe that when I see it. [He said with some surprise, eyeing the man. So he did die, and The Man showed up to take him but ... lost him? How curious indeed.] You and rude go hand in hand. It wouldn't be a first.

[He tries not to smile as the smoke drifts from his lips. There is something pleasant about being able to tease a ex smoker, especially one like Constantine.]

That would be some great mistake on your part, to let a half breed take you down.

[It's been a while. Papa has been upset for some time with John over that cheap knock off relic. Among other things. The breaking in to use the sing-sing chair was another moment that Papa should be annoyed with him, but he's honestly not. Maybe getting to electrocute him DID help a little.]

Yes. You would presume. That's exactly the kind of guy you are. [he mused, a smile on his lips as he watched the other undo his tie a buttons. Yes, get comfortable, John. Might as well. Papa took another sip of his drink and let out a sigh of smoke. It had been far too long since he felt the skin of one John Constantine pressed to his own. Too long.]

But perhaps I just wanted to touch base. After all, you left in such a hurry last time you were here.

I was just as surprised, believe me. I did have enough wherewithal to flip him the bird on my way out. Could be what pushed him over the edge. [ He offers with the shrug of one shoulder. ] I doubt I have many firsts left to share on any front.

[ Of course Midnite would get off on lording having a damn cigar while John sits there with his gum and his scotch. At least he's not paying for it. The scotch, that is. A little too rich for his blood, but he'll drink it just the same. If only cause he can. ]

If not that mistake then another. Don't think dying in my sleep is the way I go out.

[ It was strange to be back here so many times after such a long absence. He knew the man was still upset over the relic. He figures he got to take it out on him with the surfing. Nothing like getting to zap somebody with 2000 volts to clear the air. ]

And you wouldn't? [ Said with a kind of challenging tone. He watches him take a sip of the drink, throat moving as he does, and resists the urge to down the rest of his glass in response. Shit. ]

Touch base. Ok. I didn't have anything pressing going on right then, demonic births notwithstanding. Did my rush end up hurting your feelings?

Oh course you did. Because goin' to the heavens wasn't enough of a flip off. [He said, sitting forward now at his desk, pouring more scotch into his glass with his cigar in hand.] You could have told him to kiss your white ass to really piss him off.

[he does get some kicks out of it. The cigar was the purest of pure and the smoke was decedent as it was. A shame the other quit. He lifted the decanter of scotch to the other, offering another splash. Might as well indulge a bit.]

[And when I say indulge, I mean indulge in watching the trash mage get snookered with him.]

Dying in you're sleep isn't how you go. Anyone with a half sense can see that.

[Honestly, that 2000 volt zap did a lot to mend some bad blood between them. The relic was almost forgiven. The barging in on his house uninvited was still a bit up in the air, but he could get over that.]

[The challenge gets an amused huff of a inner laugh but no response otherwise. Just another sip of his drink and a lingering lick of his lips to clear them of scotch as he talked about touching base.]

My feelings were hardly hurt, John. But you did take off to your death. It had me curious how things went. Clearly they turned out for the better. For now.

I don't like to leave any room for misinterpretation is all. [ He picks up the crystal glass (as if the scotch itself wasn't expensive enough) and offers a toast to the air before drinking. ] I'll save that one for the next time.

[ He doesn't mind so long as Midnite's footing the bill. If he wants to waste his good scotch on John then who is he to argue? ]

In bed with a succubus wouldn't be half bad though.

[ Is he saying that to maybe get a reaction? Test the waters? Just how much of that bad blood is put behind them now? If he leers a little at watching the other man lick his lips after a sip then he's not going to apologize. ]

For now. Seems Luci wants me here again to prove I deserve in Hell. How many sins does that leave up for grabs that aren't mortal ones? It could be a bucket list thing.

I'm sure you could help with a few.

The only misinterpretation was not sending you right to hell. Not that I'm taking sides. [He said, hands splayed, cigar safe in one still, a grin spreading over his lips again. What an arrogant son of a bitch, really. Thinking he can get away with flipping off the evil himself.]

[Footing the bill. Ha, as if he had a bill to foot. Don't ask ho he comes across the good shit, but it's strong and it's fine.]

Speaking from experience, it's not as fun as you might think. They get.... needy. Are you that needy, John? [he asked, accent stressing the word Needy both times.]

[He did move though, coming around the desk to sit on it's edge, a arm crossed under his chest, and the cigar held out to the side before taking another long pull off it, huffing the smoke, closer to the other.]

I'm sure I could help you with that list. Sinning is simple, with the right person.

That's on him. Shouldn't ever take a detour for gloating. [ Especially not when dealing with a con man. Thinking he could? He kind of did. Sure, the son of a bitch had his hands in his lungs for a few seconds, but bygones.

John tries not to look too hard into how Midnite makes his money. Might sour the taste. More than it does sometimes. He's not stupid. So, he'll enjoy the scotch. ]

Experience, huh? Me get needy? [ It's not a well kept secret that he is needy. In his own way. His own way being a bossy son of a bitch at the absolute best of times. And at his worst? Well, he'll hop in bed with just about anybody. Or anything. The way the other man comes around to sit makes him have to look up at him. Normally they're pretty evenly matched, even if Papa is just slightly taller. ]

And what do you know, I think the right person might be here in front of me. So, where should we get started?

( open post. )

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