John Haveland (phony_king) wrote in nevermore_logs, @ 2012-07-23 23:37:00 |
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Current mood: | busy |
Entry tags: | maid marian, prince john |
Who: Maid Marian and Prince John
When: Thursday evening, 8 April 2011
Where: Pizza bistro, Bronx
Just as Marian had promised herself, she had made way for one of her favorite pizza places. It was a little out of the way but sometimes when an urge arises one must take action. And now was one of those times. There was nothing quiet like New York pizza and even though she had been raised with the finest dining those years had passed and she had become accustomed to the American life. To an extent. This was an occasional splurge sort of meal where she usually preferred something lighter. Similar to New Years and her short ribs. She'd end up with leftovers anyway.
Sitting at the booth she enjoyed what was to hopefully be the beginnings of a relaxing night. She could really use one of those, that was for sure. So leaning back with her head resting against her seat she smiled vaguely, sipping slowly at her wine. All that was missing was Robin and this would be perfect.
Surely John wouldn't run into Richard here. He'd taken notice of the clothes Richard was wearing, and what he was doing last time they'd met, and decided that some random pizza joint in the Bronx would be one of the last places his brother would end up being. Okay, maybe it was a little manic to drive around the city like that, changing direction ever second street, but if it meant avoiding Richard, it didn't matter.
Plus, pizza is good.
John as strode up to the counter to order, he passed someone who made him doubletake. There was a familiarity about her that he couldn't place immediately, but she certainly wasn't like any of the mere mortals that sat around them. He paused, taking a step back to stop at her table.
"Hi, I hope you don't think this is the most corny pick-up line ever, but, have we met?" he asked, giving her a winning smile.
Marian had gotten so used to not being around so many immortals the last couple of months that when she felt the sudden pang it gave her a start. Although she knew well enough that there were so many like her in this city alone, she somehow hadn't expected to run into anyone.
She laughed, eying him a moment. "I really hope you're being serious and not trying to pick me up, because you definitely need some work on your lines. And if not, then I'll just answer your question." She stared at him a moment longer, "Something's familiar but I can't quite place it. Who are you?"
"I wasn't trying to pick you up with that line, I promise! John Haveland," John said with a smile, holding out a hand to shake with hers, his business card between his fingers. "One time large land owner and now lawyer. You must be some princess or noblewoman from days gone past. I must know you."
"Good, because I know a man who would be up for a fight if he had to." Oh Robin, he would always be her thief in shining armor, or something like that. She took the card and looked at it with a nod. She looked back to him, "Something like that. Some knew me by Maid in old days, these days I've dropped the Maid and just go by Marian."
John's smile broadened and his slipped into the seat opposite her without waiting to be invited. "Marian! You are just as beautiful as ever," he said. Too bad if she was waiting for somebody to join her. "What have you been doing in this dirty old town? A bit of a far cry from London, isn't it. One can help but wonder how much better a job I'd do if I could be king here too, but... it's the way of things. I hope we haven't been missing each other in the street for the past few years. Have you just moved here?"
Well the only John's she could remember ever knowing was only one and so she immediately took this to mean Prince John. She smiled politely and though she did prefer a quiet evening that night she didn't object to him joining her. "Oh well, thank you." Unlike most women she didn't blush and giggle uncontrollably. Contrary to some portrayals Marian was no damsel and she made sure to remind those who thought otherwise. "I do this and that while I'm here. When I'm not I'm usually working elsewhere." At the king comment she made no comment. "I've only just returned. I was off in California on a job. And what about you?"
"I've been in New York the past seven years. I'm in corporate law, I do some pretty big cases." John shrugged like it was no big deal, looking a little smug. "I work pretty hard for it though. It's my company so I have to, to keep everyone in line. You know how people can get if you don't keep an eye on them." He chuckled. Marian was just as she had been, sensible and straight-forward. "And you? You're not still seeing whatsisname are you?"
Marian nodded at that, taking note of his obvious smugness. Well that isn't very attractive, now is it? She hated arrogance. She found it downright unattractive. "I tend to lose track of how long I've been in one place. I've been here a few years, though I don't think as long as you have." A little smirk showed at his comment about keeping an eye on people, "Yes, I know exactly what you mean." She smiled sweetly at that question, "And if I were still seeing Robin," she put purposeful emphasis on his name, "what would you have to say about it?"
"Nothing I haven't said before, my dear," John said, reaching across the table to pat Marian's hand. He didn't push it by trying to hold her hand, though. If there was anything he didn't need, it was Marian making a scene and Richard hearing about it and humiliating him tomorrow. "He's still a jumped-up, immature fool who doesn't know his place and has no respect for the law. Not that I don't imagine he's charming enough in person to put any woman off guard." He shrugged a shoulder.
She made no movement though she suddenly felt on guard. "If by no respect for the law you mean helping those who have nothing to their name then yes, you are correct. However, Robin is honorable and he helps where he sees fit. There are certain things I do not personally agree with and he knows this, but at least he's charitable." Marian stopped the waiter and asked to have her order to go. At least it hadn't come out before John had arrived. She might have felt obligated to share. She had suddenly lost her appetite.
"There's charity and then there's theft. Everyone should give to charity. I give to charity. But stealing, even for a good cause, is illegal. If Loxley wants to do his part he should get a clipboard and join Greenpeace. But-" John held up a hand to stop himself, giving a light laugh and waving it off. His tone turned from a hard to more jovial. "That is a discussion for another time. I shouldn't like to ruin the mood by arguing. But, I see you're in a hurry."
John was always a little dramatic in his gestures, pressing a hand to his chest when he spoke of giving to charity and then shaking his head in pity at the depths that Robin went to.
Marian simply stared at him. She should have known better than to say anything of Robin. But even then chances were John would still have something rotten to say. Marian didn't exactly turn a blind eye to what Robin did and she still hadn't forgotten his past misdeeds. But still, he took money that didn't even belong to the rich, the under taxed assholes.
She put on an unbiased face and kept her composure, for now. "I will not discuss this neither now, nor tomorrow, nor the next day. But yes, I am in a hurry. I have lost my appetite and I wish to be home where I can listen to silence."
John's eyes flashed with anger a moment and his jaw tensed, but he swallowed it back. How dare she talk to him like that, look at him like he was dirt under her shoe? It was the same look Richard gave him sometimes, and he hated it. He opened his mouth to say something cutting- and was saved by the bell. Or rather, his cellphone going off. He gave Marian a tight smile and held up one finger, and answered his phone.
"Haveland speaking. Yes. What? Oh Christ. Wait one second." He rolled his eyes and got up from the table. "Sorry Marian dear, duty calls. Lovely to speak with you, however briefly. Enjoy your meal." He gave her a shallow bow and an insincere smile, then strode away, phone pressed to his ear, back straight. "Do I have to do everything around here? Tell me what you did, starting from the start." He didn't even glance back.