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xavier delamere {the count of monte cristo} ([info]whatbefell) wrote in [info]bellumlogs,
@ 2010-07-15 23:02:00

Previous Entry  Add to memories!  Tell a Friend!  Next Entry
Entry tags:cinderella, count of monte cristo

Who: Hannah and Xavier
What: Lunch Except it’s never just lunch is it?
Where: 1003
When: The day after this.
Warnings: Just Xavier’s usual...train of thoughts?

Doing this to Lucas wasn’t one of his better plans. No, an attempt at spreading rumors to temporarily save Lucas’ life was definitely one of his worse. It was tricky, it could go the wrong way, and worst of all it put him jeopardy if it came back to him. The last thing Xavier wanted was to lose the man’s trust. That wasn’t to come yet.

Hannah seemed like a good starting point, mainly as she seemed so earnest. Xavier had liked her the few times they spoke and he had a sense that she was a bit wiser than it initially appeared. His own confusion and outbursts over the forum had been untoward…and if he could repair relations with his neighbor, as well as moving his plans for revenge along, then the day was a productive one.

He was no cook, but a woman often cooked meals and sent them to him. A few sandwiches were put out on the table in the kitchen, the table set for a casual meal. Nothing too oppressive though the air in the apartment was meant to throw people of. Tall cabinets and stark contrast between black and white all contributed to the feeling that one didn’t belong. Xavier himself wasn’t too fond of it – he kept in his study for a reason – but sacrifices had to be made. There was a reason for everything and this too would work out in the end.

When the knock on the door did come, Xavier had only just finished putting down glasses. He headed for the door – glancing at a recently acquired mirror as he did so, checking that his illusion was in place. One tug on his polo shirt’s collar and he figured he looked presentable. He opened the door with a business smile and a gesture to come inside. “Hannah, I take it? It’s nice to meet you at last.”


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[info]noglass_slipper
2010-07-16 04:42 am UTC (link)
Hannah wasn't quite sure what to think of Xavier yet, and she didn't usually like coming to conclusions about people based on forum conversations, because a bunch of typed words really wasn't much to go off of. Still, there were some exceptions - like his business partner in D2. Somehow the man had the ability to present himself as an asshole through a computer, and Xavier's vague comment about him being 'difficult' to describe didn't motivate her to change her opinion. She felt incredibly stupid for letting him make her feel bad, not to mention apologizing. The girl in 703 was right - he likely had been lying.

But learning more about the jerk on the deluxe floor wasn't her only reason for accepting Xavier's offer of lunch. She was admittedly curious about her neighbor, and then there was the simple fact that a little human interaction every now and then was nice. Even if he'd been a little skeptical of all the fable business, at least he hadn't been outright rude.

Even though it was just lunch, common courtesy required her to bring something - it was a habit she just couldn't break. It seemed rude to show up empty-handed, even though the fact that she was only going next door was a little amusing. Even though her cooking skills were rather lacking, she managed to bake a batch of cookies the night before that didn't completely suck (she'd tried one just to make sure). Holding the tin full of cookies in one hand - chocolate chip, because everyone liked those, right? - she knocked with the other, offering a smile when the door was opened.

"That's me." Hannah stepped inside, casting a quick glance around and noting how very black and white everything was. It was nice, but somehow it didn't seem very... homey. "And you must be Xavier - it's nice to meet you as well." She turned back, offering the tin with a faint hint of uncertainty. Xavier seemed very sure of himself, and for the first time she thought that homemade cookies might seem a little juvenile. "I hope you like cookies. I made them myself, but I swear they're not terrible."

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[info]whatbefell
2010-07-16 04:15 pm UTC (link)
As Hannah stepped in, Xavier shut the door behind her. The tin in her hand surprised him – it wasn’t often that people went to such an extent around him. His smile became a little more genuine as he took them, shaking his head. “I’m sure they’re great. I can’t remember the last time someone made me cookies.” The truth. It might have been as far back as his mother when he was in high school. He managed to keep his face composed though, lifting the cover to catch a whiff. No need to lie about that.

“They’ll work as dessert,” he said, motioning to move into the kitchen. “Can I get you something to drink? Juice, soda, water…?” He put the tin on the counter and hovered by the fridge.

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[info]noglass_slipper
2010-07-16 06:35 pm UTC (link)
Most people tended to gravitate towards the store-bought option, which she'd done countless times herself, but with a lot of free time came improved cooking skills that she figured she might as well try out. In a way, he was sort of like her baking guinea pig - not that she'd tell him that, obviously. "It's becoming a lost art, I guess," she quipped with a shrug.

Hannah followed him into the kitchen, mentally comparing his to her own modest-sized one - even though they were on the same floor, her apartment's layout was a lot more scattered and disorganized. "Soda would be good, thanks." The hint of a smile tugged at her lips when her gaze fell on the sandwiches and the set table, since relaxed lunches were far more in her realm than formal things. "Your apartment is nice, by the way. Very..." She trailed off, trying to find the right word. "Modern." Did that even make sense? Maybe she should have gone with 'classy.' Well, hopefully he'd realize it was meant as a compliment either way.

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[info]whatbefell
2010-07-16 07:03 pm UTC (link)
Xavier smiled at that. "Most things go down that vein these days - or maybe I've just been cut off from everyone else." Both were true actually. His college years had been busy and cut short - prison had not had any opportunities for contact over cooking. His time with Iris had been about surviving and getting used to reality. Since then, he'd only been working on his plans. "I really appreciate it though."

He got a few cans from the fridge - placing them on the counter so she could take her pick. He took a can of coke for himself, popping up the top. The compliment made his smile twist a bit more. "That's what the designer I hired called it too." He'd merely asked whatever was the most impressive style these days. "I'm not sure how much I like it-" He shrugged. "But it seems to leave people impressed."

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[info]noglass_slipper
2010-07-17 12:21 am UTC (link)
"It is true, unfortunately." She'd gotten used to how quickly things changed over the past year, but when she was first released from the institution it was like being hit with a ton of bricks. Five years was a long time to go without contact with the outside world, and reacquainting herself hadn't been easy or fun. "But that's what neighbors are for, right? Keeping lost arts alive." Most neighbors probably fell into the antisocial category, but she never purposely ignored people - she didn't trust them, but she was never rude.

Hannah took a coke as well, snapping back the lid and taking a sip. "The fact that you had a designer is impressive enough on its own," she laughed. "And everything goes together really well. My apartment is kind of more... mismatched. Although I did try to stick with a general theme of blue and white." She didn't like to pry, mainly because she hated when people did it to her, but she was curious. "Why didn't you ask the designer to do something that you liked? If you're not sure about the modern look, I mean," she added, hoping it didn't seem critical.

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[info]whatbefell
2010-07-17 02:11 am UTC (link)
“Exactly,” he said, giving an easy smile. That was a complete lie however – he’d never had much luck with neighbors. The ones’ near his parents’ small house had always been too eager to gossip about his siblings’ advancements. In college, they’d only yelled about how much noise he and Gina made. And now? One was never around or was this blonde before him. He couldn’t say much for them, though Hannah did seem alright.

As someone on the tenth floor, Xavier shouldn’t have seemed that much wealthier than Hannah. The truth was far off – in terms of money, he belonged on the penthouse level. But misleading things like that – being able to throw open his door and prove that he was more than he seemed was necessary. He was supposed to be a mystery, at least to an extent. “I’m sure it’s comfortable,” he shrugged. Taking a sip of his coke, he pretended to consider the question. “I didn’t really think much of it at the time. I knew I’d probably be hosting a few things in the future…didn’t want to hear any criticism from the people I do business with.” Xavier shrugged again, before gesturing to the kitchen table. “I can’t risk ruining my career.”

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[info]noglass_slipper
2010-07-17 03:18 am UTC (link)
It did strike her as a little strange that someone who could afford to hire an interior designer lived on the tenth floor, especially since she was positive that the deluxe floor was still fairly vacant and there was at least one empty penthouse left. Then again, what Xavier did or didn't do with his money really wasn't any of her business. In all honesty the tenth floor was a little out of her price range, and yet here she was.

"It suits me fine. I figure if I'm living somewhere, I should at least be comfortable with it." Hannah nodded thoughtfully at his explanation, since it did make sense. People could be terribly judgmental, especially the wealthier types - whom she assumed he did business with. "That makes sense, though. When you have people to impress, it's different. I only have myself and my dog, and he's not really one for aesthetics." She took another sip of pop, deciding that he looked like the kind of person to excel in the business world. "What kind of business are you involved in?"

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[info]whatbefell
2010-07-17 03:29 am UTC (link)
He moved to sit down, expecting her to follow. “Good for you to rise above peer pressure.” The laugh that accompanied it was only a tad bitter. “Xavier” was a pathetic man when it came to these things – but if it weren’t for his plans, he wouldn’t care about what people thought. An eyebrow rose at the mention of a dog. “I thought I heard barking before – don’t worry,” he added, with a smile. “I’m not bothered. What kind is he?”

A very good question, probably going to lead back to the “reason” for this meeting. “Investing, actually,” Xavier said. “I do a fair amount of work on the stock market, but I look into individually owned businesses as well. Anything that ends with a good return rate - or is for a good enough cause.” He took another sip of his soda, before returning (fair was fair), “And what do you do?”

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[info]noglass_slipper
2010-07-17 05:23 am UTC (link)
"I'm not sure if I'd call it peer pressure exactly, but thanks." After a brief moment of hesitation she took a seat, noticing but not commenting on the hint of bitterness in his tone. It only made her more aware of just how little people actually revealed about themselves in everyday conversations, aside from a few hints and clues here and there. For a second she thought Xavier was about to complain, but she relaxed once he said he didn't mind. "Oh, good. Usually he's not very loud, but he has his vocal moments. He's a black lab - still small for his breed, but he's getting there."

Hannah didn't know very much about investing or any of that, but she knew enough to be able to deduce that Xavier must have been investing in this D2, if they were business partners. Still, it was impressive - if he was an investor then he had to have money. "It must be exciting. Risky, but when it pays off, probably worth it." She couldn't help but laugh a little when he asked what she did, since in comparison their jobs were... very different. "It's not quite as impressive as what you do, but I work at an animal shelter a few blocks from the building.

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[info]whatbefell
2010-07-17 05:31 am UTC (link)
"What would you call it then?" He asked, genuinely curious. A leg bent so that an ankle rested on a knee. Maybe not the best manners, but this was just a casual lunch - slips were necessary. His smile said more than enough about her dog's sounds- "It's nothing to worry about. This floor does seem to be pretty quiet, all things considered for well, the building." He shrugged.

"Exactly," Xavier said with a nod. "I can't imagine doing anything else-" Lies. "It's rewarding to know you're funding people's dreams." Fucking bullshit. It just provided the best way to increase your money while only watching numbers. It was a wonder how so few people made a living off the stock market. But Xavier kept his expression composed, smiling slightly as she explained what she did. "That's more admirable though. Far more rewarding than what I do." He was tempted to ask what she'd think of Sam's zoo, as an animal-lover but managed to stop himself. He gestured to the spread, adding, "And do feel free to take something. I get carried away by talking too often."

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[info]noglass_slipper
2010-07-17 07:19 am UTC (link)
At first his question caught her off guard, mainly because she wasn't used to people actually paying attention to what she said half the time. "Society's standards, maybe. No one's trying to outright persuade me to make my apartment more 'acceptable' or anything, but there's still that unsaid expectation - like from your clients, for example." She paused, drumming her fingers absently on the tabletop. "I suppose it's different for you and I, because no one aside from friends see my place and they don't really care what it looks like, but it's still out there. The trick is to become impervious to what people think, which is easier said than done." She knew she was starting to ramble, and stopped herself with a shrug. "Luckily it's just hard, not impossible."

She nodded, thinking that it was actually a relief that their floor was so quiet. "We're lucky, but I'm not complaining. It's bad enough that we have to deal with insanity coming directly from the building without all the personal drama that goes on." Even though she hadn't quite managed to stay out of all that entirely, she'd never been the center of attention like Boyd or the man in R1. When he mentioned not being able to do anything else, Hannah tilted her head slightly to the side, trying to see if she could picture him as anything other than a businessman - some people were easier to label than others. Xavier fell into the latter category, though. "That's a different way to look at it. Most people are just concerned with how much money they can make for themselves." She shrugged, although she couldn't help but smile. She did like her job, after all. "It is rewarding, although most people tend to give me this look of pity because they think I make next to no money and I'm bankrupting myself for a bunch of animals." A roll of her eyes showed what she thought of that.

"I don't mind, really. It's nice to have actual conversation every now and then instead of just typing over the forums all the time." It was a lot easier to read people in person than through a computer screen, too. Still, she studied the spread before choosing a sandwich and taking a bite.

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[info]whatbefell
2010-07-18 01:38 am UTC (link)
Xavier listened closely, raising his can to sip the soda on occasion but otherwise paying attention. “I suppose that’s another way to put it.” His head tilted as he considered. “It’s definitely not impossible though – becoming impervious. It just takes a large amount of confidence and consistent efforts.” He didn’t mind her rambling though and different perspectives intrigued him – though she had repeatedly appeared to be kind, there was that hint that she knew more than she let on.

“I wasn’t either,” he assured her. No, the last thing he needed was to be caught up in a whirlwind of trial. Eventually, his revenge with Lucas would cause problems – he knew this. But when that happened, Xavier intended to be disconnected it from it all – the last thing he needed was to be sent to jail for something he was guilty of. “You’d think people would relax as things are crazy enough. Team up and help.” He shrugged, returning to her job. People sometimes grew more comfortable talking about themselves – he enjoyed pulling information from others. “Most people don’t understand the bond between people and animals.” Like himself. People were more important – they were actually sentient. Hannah didn’t need to know that.

He gave her a quick smile, before reaching for a sandwich himself. He munched for a few moments, as if thinking over what she said, before venturing, “You don’t interact with those in the building that much?”

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[info]noglass_slipper
2010-07-18 03:26 am UTC (link)
"It's something you never stop working towards, I guess, because you meet new people all the time." Secretly she thought it was impossible to become immune to the opinions of others, since there would always be at least one person whose opinion truly mattered. The trick was determining who should be listened to and who should be ignored before it became too late, which was something she'd failed at in the past.

Hannah nodded, although it was almost too idealistic to hope that people could put their differences aside long enough to focus on the bigger picture instead of their own problems. "It would be nice, and it would make a lot more sense than turning on each other... but honestly, I'm not too surprised." There were some good people in the building, she couldn't deny that, but there were also some bad ones too. Xavier didn't seem like he was part of the latter group, but she didn't know him well enough to be sure - and she wasn't making the mistake of assuming again. She also wondered if he was one of those people who didn't understand the bond between people and animals - it wouldn't really surprise her if he was. A lot of people didn't, which was something she didn't understand either. Animals would never betray you or take pleasure in watching you suffer. If a dog was treated with love and kindness its whole life, then there would never be a reason for it to turn on its owner. Animals lashed out in response to cruelty, in self-defense - people on the other hand had the capacity to hurt and even kill for no reason at all.

She gave a little shrug, munching on her sandwich to stall for time. "I know a few people, but most I just know in passing." There was Nick, who she knew from before moving here; Lotte seemed nice, and so did James; then there was Luther and the girl in 703 whose name she still didn't know. Sure, she knew some people, but she didn't have the same ties that others did. "Some people I was friends with moved out - like the girl who lived in 1007, Boyd." Admittedly she still missed her, and often wondered where she was and what she was doing, but all she could really do was hope that she was happy.

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[info]whatbefell
2010-07-19 03:48 am UTC (link)
There was a grin at that, hiding further information - quite common with him. "Right. You have to fight the urge to impress whenever you meet someone new." Another shrug as he waved his sandwich, emphasizing his point. "No one can truly be cut off from the world. You'd be surprised how many people you meet just on your own."

He took a bite of his sandwich, shrugging in agreement as Hannah said she wasn't surprised. No, that made sense - people were prone to causing more trouble in chaos. There were a few situations where in times of need people banded together - but with an ever-changing group such as Bellum Letale and with people like Lucas in the building it was an impossibility. He doubted there were many acts of good will around here. Hadn't someone said someone was dead the other day? He didn't want to get involved with that.

"I guess that's a safe route to be around here," he mused. 1007 did ring a bell - he'd noticed that there wasn't a redhead in the halls. Funny, he thought she'd said her name was Ainslie. Liar. Like attracts like... "Have you considered moving out? A few of the older residents seem to bring it up as a topic. Considering the dangers and all..." Though she'd said her fable was less dangerous - but then again, some people had deeper motives. His own for staying were far from innocent.

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[info]noglass_slipper
2010-07-19 05:26 am UTC (link)
"Exactly. It's a lot easier to let your guard down when you're with someone you know and trust, someone who won't judge you." It was a little like stating the obvious, but that didn't make it any less true. To find true friendship was hard, and keeping it was even harder. "I guess that's true. No man is an island, after all - even if they'd prefer to be."

She thought of Boyd, and how she'd been involved terrible things and people who just seemed to keep hurting her, even if they didn't mean it. Shane, Vaughn, Trenton - it was better to not know people like that, to avoid interacting with them as much as possible. "Safe is a good way to describe it." His question made her pause, and Hannah realized she didn't really have a good reason for not moving out - aside from money, that is. "I have considered it. It does make sense, to get away from all this and try to lead a life that didn't involve fables or weird building episodes where you end up somewhere completely different without warning." She looked down at her sandwich for a moment before shrugging. "I guess I haven't been able to leave yet. I can't really explain why." Even if she tried, she knew it wouldn't make any sense. "I know I'll move out eventually, I just... don't know when."

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[info]whatbefell
2010-07-19 06:28 am UTC (link)
Even friends judged to an extent. It was done unconciously but it was still done. Xavier's expression remained composed though and he nodded thoughtfully. "I guess that's the real benefit of having people who are close." And after a moment he nodded. Before he might have denied it but at this point, it was surprisingly true. "Or how hard they try."

Sipping his coke, Xavier watched her expression. How long had she said she was in the building for? Even from glimpsing at the forums and the few conversations he'd had, things hadn't been easy here - drama seemed to be erupting left and right, as well as the dangers the building seemed to provide. With the way the police overlooked things, it wasn't appealing to a more innocent crowd either. But then again...how hard was it to find home? He listened before nodding. "I think I understand," he said. "It's hard to find a place to settle in...and then pick up and leave again."

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[info]noglass_slipper
2010-07-19 07:16 am UTC (link)
Hannah's memories of her friends before things went downhill were admittedly skewed, and even though they'd probably been far from perfect her mind had chosen to idealize them, since in comparison to most people she'd met since then they were practically saints. Even now, she didn't see her closest friends as judgmental - Nick was too kindhearted to judge anyone, and Boyd had never criticized. Even if it was wrong to go on thinking that way, it was something she couldn't help, especially since very few people were trusted enough to be called friends. "There was a time when I practically fought to be alone. Luckily it didn't work." It was said without thinking, and she quickly took a bite of her sandwich in an attempt to cover up her slip.

All too willing to get away from the topic, she nodded. "I never really stayed anywhere very long before moving here, so this place has kind of been the only actual home I've had in a while." Hesitating, she offered a faint smile. "I know it sounds crazy, considering everything that happens, but somehow I feel like I belong here. More so than anywhere else I've been, at least."

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[info]whatbefell
2010-07-19 07:37 am UTC (link)
He'd taken the last bite of his sandwich when Hannah's comment jarred him. Forgetting to chew for a moment as he processed that piece of information, Xavier looked at her. That could mean several things - probably which she didn't want to talk about. He chewed and swallowed, before asking hesitantly, "When was that?"

Xavier couldn't say he felt that way - or ever had anywhere - but the concept of it made sense. Misery loved company. There should have been a sense of community, at least in suffering through things together. Even if they tore each other apart int he process. "It makes sense."

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[info]noglass_slipper
2010-07-19 08:04 am UTC (link)
The way he asked the question made her think that she could easily shrug it off without him pushing any further, which she appreciated. Still, she didn't respond right away, instead trying to figure out how to word it without making no sense or being too specific. Boyd had never been shy about letting everyone know that she'd been institutionalized, and even Nick had mentioned it a few times over the forums where everyone could see. But for her it was still something she didn't like talking about, for a variety of reasons. "It was about five years ago," she said finally. "It... lasted longer than it should have, but eventually I realized there were some people that refused to be pushed away." She shrugged, something she realized with an inward sigh that she was doing far too often.

Hannah couldn't help but laugh. "Does it? Sometimes it doesn't even make sense to me. It makes me wonder if I only feel like that because I have a fable counterpart, as does everyone else."

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[info]whatbefell
2010-07-19 08:13 am UTC (link)
He took another sandwich, waiting for an answer. When she finally did speak it didn't give him much to go on - though he did remember a few hints from before. His mouth twisted into something thoughtful, before nodding. Letting it drop, he took a bite of his sandwich a good enough cover.

"I'm too new to answer that appropriately," Xavier admitted. "I can't say I feel I...belong quite yet, but I understand why you do. Or anyone does. Perhaps I need to find out mine to know." He gave a helpless shrug. "But then again, some others seem at home already without knowing."

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[info]noglass_slipper
2010-07-19 06:22 pm UTC (link)
It was a relief that he didn't push the topic any further - even though it would have been nice to talk about it sometime, the only people she trusted were those who'd been through similar experiences. Hannah doubted people who'd managed to avoid the sort of darkness she'd known could ever understand. There might have been something there that hinted he might have caught on, but it was gone before she could focus on it.

"I've noticed that." Hannah frowned down at her coke. "But if someone never had a fable, and everyone else did, I don't think they'd feel at home for very long. They'd feel... left out, at some point, even if they didn't want to." The mention of feeling at home made her think of D2, who seemed determined to cause as much trouble as possible despite the fact that it turned everyone against him. "Your business partner seems right at home, though," she said dryly. "Even though he doesn't believe anything we say. It's like he relishes thinking he's the only sane one."

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[info]whatbefell
2010-07-19 07:56 pm UTC (link)
"No one likes being the odd one out," Xavier said simply. He hadn't much experience with it but it was true - he rambled on, feeling like it was a safer topic to do so. "It leads back to peer pressure again - no one wants to be the person left out of the group. We're naturally sociable creatures, we like being a part of a whole." He cracked a grin. "We being a relative term of course. I..." And that was why he didn't ramble. Not allowed, being Xavier. "I studied psychology for awhie as a hobby." He needed to remember that.

Which lead to Lucas. Xavier sighed, shaking his head - unsure of how much truth was necessary here versus making things work. "He's always been a bit different from everyone else. Thinking wise, he does enjoy getting a rise out of them." He'd seen that in college though it had been second hand - he'd never thought it would be turned against him one day. "I doubt he'll be without a fable if the next moon goes 'normally'. A slap of reality would be good for him."

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[info]noglass_slipper
2010-07-19 10:10 pm UTC (link)
Xavier sounded like he knew what he was talking about, but whether it was from personal experience or something else, she couldn't be sure. "Right. And when we are the odd one out, we try to pretend like it doesn't matter, but no one is ever fooled." She raised her eyebrows. "Really? Well, it is pretty interesting. Did you ever think about pursuing it as a career instead of a hobby?" After all, it was what she'd done - volunteering in vet offices and humane societies had eventually led to an actual job.

Hannah wasn't surprised, since the whole point of his post had seemed to get a rise out of as many people as possible. "I can't stand people like that. I know he's your partner and everything, but really, doesn't he have anything better to do with his time then think up ways to get people worked up?" She couldn't help but laugh at what his reaction would be once he realized firsthand that the fables were real. "I think a slap of reality would probably be the only way to really get through to him. For some people, that's what it takes."

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[info]whatbefell
2010-07-19 10:22 pm UTC (link)
He nodded, guessing the same about her. She seemed to have a fairly good idea of how people really worked - and didn't seem naive about it. Considering how helpful she'd been it was surprising. Most people shut down with that knowledge. "Exactly. It's a taboo subject." He laughed slightly. "Minus the fact we're talking about it now." Her question made his expression turn briefly bitter, before he forced it back to amusement again. This was why he should never have used it as part of his cover in the first place. "Briefly. I ended up dropping out of college - Oxford didn't suit me. Went into the business world and never looked back." He shrugged, name dropping on purpose. It had taken a few well placed bribes to get his name on that transcript as he wanted it.

The look he gave was pure, honest sympathy. "I don't think he does. You might say he has an...issue with it. He's had it for years. I don't think he can help it." And he hoped that she would believe it. It wasn't far off from the truth. There was something wrong with Lucas - he had no fucking sense of humanity. His expression darkened slightly when thinking of his reaction. If he really was the Count of Monte Cristo, Lucas would be Fernand. Was Lucas smart enough to put it together? Would he actually get some sense? "Right. We'll have to wait on see on that case." A sigh escaped him despite himself.

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[info]noglass_slipper
2010-07-20 03:05 am UTC (link)
That flash of bitterness made her wonder if there was another reason he'd dropped out of college, and besides - who said Oxford didn't suit them? People would kill to get into a school like that, never mind to be able to afford it. Even though she still had yet to go to college, it was something she was planning on doing in the near future, but she knew it would have to be somewhere close and preferably not outrageously expensive. "Oh. Well, it seems like the business world does suit you, so you made the right choice." Unless he'd simply chosen money and security over something he actually enjoyed, that is.

Hannah would have laughed, but it didn't seem like he was joking. Instead she was beginning to like this D2 less and less by the minute. It did occur to her that Xavier could be lying, but from what she'd seen, his description of his partner fit his actions. "Does he enjoy it? I just can't see him making a lot of friends if he's like that. And isn't he married too?" She pulled a face, clearly not understanding why any woman would put up with someone like that. "I guess we will."

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[info]whatbefell
2010-07-20 03:12 am UTC (link)
Xavier shrugged and let it drop. There was no need to expand on it - he'd only trip over his own lies. He took a final drink of his soda, finishing the can. Using this as an excuse to get up, he moved to the fridge to get another. "Can I get you anything else?"

He paused though, one hand on the door. His expression was neutral before he gave a small shrug. "I have to imagine he does - at least to an extent. I wish people did understand though that he can't help it - there's just something wrong with the way he thinks." The truth, but it needed to get out somehow. Just enough so Lucas wouldn't get killed. "People probably wouldn't take me that seriously," he said, with a slight laugh. He opened the fridge hiding his expression as it turned to Lucas' wife. "I don't know why Gina is with him honestly. I've spent more time trying to figure that out then I should."

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[info]noglass_slipper
2010-07-20 05:01 am UTC (link)
She wanted to know whether he really liked being an investor, but they didn't know each other well enough for her to start asking questions like that, especially if he seemed to want to drop the subject. Xavier hadn't pushed her to answer, and it was only right to extend him the same courtesy. "Um... another coke would be good, I guess. Thanks."

Hannah frowned, a little of her disdain for Lucas ebbing away. "He really can't help it?" It was a little different if he had some kind of actual problem, instead of just doing it out of sadistic pleasure. "I guess... it wouldn't really be his fault, then. Still, it sounds like he's the one who needs help, not us." She vaguely remembered seeing a Gina post on the forums, but she seemed friendly - much more so than her husband. "Sometimes people don't get married for the right reasons." It slipped out before she could stop it, and she winced at her own tactlessness. "That sounds harsh. I mean, I don't know them so I don't have any right to assume..."

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[info]whatbefell
2010-07-20 05:34 am UTC (link)
Xavier got both out, using an elbow to close the fridge afterwards. Taking his seat again, he slid the can over to her with a friendly smile. "You're welcome."

His head tilted to the side as she took the bait. He let a grimace settle on his face, nodding. "I don't think so. He's never really stopped - at least, as long as I've known him." Small lies, but they were necessary. Lucas would thank him one day for saving his life. Then again, maybe not - he'd probably be off better if he was killed before Xavier was through with him. It really was too bad for him that it wasn't an option. "I don't really have a way to help him - only keep an eye out as he moves through things..." He trailed off when she mentioned that about marriage. Why else could Gina be with him other than the obvious? The story about their wedding night didn't sound that promising but Xavier couldn't believe she married him without some affection.

He shook his head. "It's fine. What's said here won't leave the room." There was a wan smile, before he shook his head once more. "He used to be wealthy, perhaps that had something to do with it."

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[info]noglass_slipper
2010-07-20 06:14 am UTC (link)
Hannah really didn't want to feel bad for Lucas, but it was hard to cling to her anger when he confirmed the fact that it wasn't done out of intentional cruelty. Maybe he had some problems that he denied, or low-self esteem, or any number of issues that could cause him to act in such a way. Still, maybe he really was an asshole and Xavier was just trying to protect him. "That's... kind of sad." She frowned before taking a sup of coke. "It doesn't excuse his behavior, but I guess it helps explain it." She sighed. "I don't think everyone is that understanding, though."

That made her raise her eyebrows - it seemed a little superficial, although it did make sense. A lot of women married men for the security they could provide. "Maybe. It can be a security thing, knowing that you'll be taken care of if your husband has money." She shrugged. "Maybe she just sees something in him that no one else does." Or maybe she saw what she wanted to see.

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[info]whatbefell
2010-07-20 12:39 pm UTC (link)
Xavier nodded in agreement, keeping his expression as sincere as possible. "Most people don't understand and there's no good way to put up a warning sign, you know?" He shrugged, opening his can and taking a sip. "I'd just rather not see him dead."

He was quiet for a moment, debating it. Gina had come from a family even less well off than him - getting engaged to him had made her family furious. They hadn't cared, but would Gina have changed over time? "She never seemed that material," he murmured. It didn't quite add up and he sighed. "She seems happy with him at any rate."

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[info]noglass_slipper
2010-07-21 02:13 am UTC (link)
She was still hesitant to believe him, but arguing with Lucas like everyone else wasn't going to accomplish anything. He was clearly hard-headed, which meant that a more reasonable approach might work better. Trying to talk to him was an option - even warning him about the kind of danger he was putting himself in, although he probably wouldn't listen. Fighting with someone so stubborn was tiring. "No, I guess there isn't. Hopefully people can just learn to ignore him." He may have been a jerk, but Hannah certainly didn't think Lucas deserved to die.

For a moment she was confused - it sounded like Xavier knew this Gina better than just as his business partner's wife. Then again, maybe they'd been friends beforehand. She really had to stop assuming. "Maybe he's different with her or something," she shrugged.

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[info]whatbefell
2010-07-21 03:54 am UTC (link)
Hope was a good thing, but it went with optimism. People had to face the facts. He assumed Lucas had approached Gina at some point or another and when she refused had launched his plans. If that was over a woman, what would he do in case of his sainty? Xavier grimaced, raising his can to his lips to take a sip. "We can hope." He didn't clearly. He'd have to come up with a better plan.

"Maybe. He might love her-" He shrugged, not saying anything more. He didn't trust himself to. "I don't know."

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[info]noglass_slipper
2010-07-21 09:00 pm UTC (link)
Hope was usually what people turned to when there was nothing else solid enough, a last resort fueled by faith to sort out or fix whatever it was that had led them to that point in the first place. Personally Hannah wasn't very optimistic, based on people's reactions and how things had gotten so out of control during the fable list. "It's all we can do," she said carefully, "Especially since some people here tend to... overreact sometimes."

Curiosity got the better of her, but she tried to pose her question as casually as possible. "How long have you known him? I mean, were you friends before or did you meet as business partners?"

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[info]whatbefell
2010-07-22 01:49 am UTC (link)
He cracked a grin at that. "I think that's an understatement, Hannah." He moved to get to his feet, ignoring her question as he got the tin of cookies. It was about time anyway. Putting them on the table, he took one. "I really am excited to try these..." A bite later and he covered his mouth as he added, "They're really good. Thanks again."

Xavier didn't like lying that blatantly - about something that did matter so much but it was necessary. "Just through business. Our name came up in the same circles and we seemed like a good fit."

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[info]noglass_slipper
2010-07-22 05:15 am UTC (link)
She pulled a face, laughing despite the fact that said overreactions really weren't funny in the slightest. "I know. I think a nice round of anger management classes might be more useful around here than bringing in a troupe of psychiatrists." Another understatement, but saying that there had to be at least one sociopath living in the building - considering what had happened to Nick and the woman on the ninth floor - seemed a bit extreme. Her question was momentarily forgotten as she watched him try a cookie, relieved when they seemed to have turned out all right. "Oh, I'm glad. And you're welcome."

There was nothing she could do but take his answer as the truth, but she resisted the urge to ask how well he knew Gina. That was definitely none of her business and probably crossed some sort of social etiquette line. "What sort of business is he in? Unless that's being too curious," she added quickly. Gossiping wasn't really her thing, and the last thing Hannah wanted was for him to think she just sat around discussing other people all day.

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[info]whatbefell
2010-07-22 02:44 pm UTC (link)
"The problem would be getting people to attend," Xavier countered, smiling despite himself. "Unless we used the elevator to trap people." Mouth quirking as he looked to her, he asked in near-seriousness. "Do we have any good mechanics around here?" He took another cookie, munching thoughtfully.

"It's not at all," he assured her. He put down his cookie, leaning forward. “We both mainly work with investments. He had his money in a little of everything – stock market, real estate, and so on – until the recession.” Xavier shrugged. “Lucas has had some trouble recently-” Might as well jab at his pride. “So that’s where I come in. I’ve been more successful."

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[info]noglass_slipper
2010-07-22 11:25 pm UTC (link)
Suggesting that the entire building attend anger management classes would probably go over about as well as the psychiatric help suggestion had, but the idea of using the elevator's antics to their advantage had a certain appeal to it. "It's about time our fickle elevator was put to good use. We could split them up into groups and let it work its magic." She grinned at the thought, but shook her head almost regretfully as he asked about a mechanic. "Not that I know of, no. Getting outside help hasn't gone over very well either." Over time the elevator had been accepted as just another odd trait of the building.

Hannah was glad he didn't mind, because one of the best ways to find out about people was from others - unfortunate sometimes, but nonetheless true. "The recession did hit a lot of people hard, especially the ones who... well, weren't as careful as others - like you, clearly. He's lucky to have you helping him out."

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[info]whatbefell
2010-07-22 11:32 pm UTC (link)
He drummed his fingers on the table, head tilted to the side as he considered it. "Enabling someone to move in would be a bit harsh as well. Perhaps we should just put out pamphlets and glue them to the walls. They'll read them out of boredom eventually."

Xavier nodded, picking up his cookie again. As the mention of Lucas being lucky though, he laughed out loud. It was a stranger laugh, a bit caught up in the irony as he nodded. "Oh yes, he's incredibly lucky. I don't help out just anyone." No, it was reserved just for monsters who went and ruined people's lives. Lucas' luck had run out the day Xavier had been taken in by WITSEC. Lucky was far from what could describe him now.

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[info]noglass_slipper
2010-07-23 05:37 am UTC (link)
"I think someone actually mentioned pamphlets a while ago. It would save everyone the trouble of trying to explain the same things over and over, and we wouldn't have to deal with the reactions of people like Lucas - not to the same degree, at least." They should really post things on the front door, so people would have to at least glance at it before even stepping foot inside.

The laugh surprised her, since it was less friendly and a little more... unsettling than what she'd heard before. It made her wonder once again if maybe Xavier and Lucas had known each other outside of being business partners, but she didn't dwell on it. Instead she just smiled, albeit a little uncertainly. "In that case, I hope he realizes it."

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[info]whatbefell
2010-07-23 05:47 am UTC (link)
"I'd back the funding on that," Xavier said, honestly. "It would be for the good of the community - and who can resist such a thing?" He grinned, perhaps a little too ironically honest. People were too eager to ruin other's lives. It was his main issue with humanity since leaving jail.

He couldn't help the laugh and the uncertainty in her smile did make him wince slightly. He shook his head though, glancing at his watch in a practised movement. Casual- oh look at the time. She had enough information and hopefully this ended up productive in some way. Xavier gave a gentle smile, letting his wrist fall. "I hope I didn't bore you with all my worrying about him and talk of business."

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[info]noglass_slipper
2010-07-23 06:07 am UTC (link)
"Really?" She wasn't sure if he was being serious or not, but she appreciated the offer all the same. "Well, it's an idea. People should know what they're getting themselves into." Although most probably wouldn't believe it, at least it'd catch people's eye. "I don't think anyone can. Human curiosity is far too strong."

Hannah caught the glance at his watch, and it made her realize that he probably had other things to do and she'd stayed long enough anyway. "No, not at all. I hope I haven't bored you either - but I should probably get going. Thank you again for lunch."

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[info]whatbefell
2010-07-23 06:19 am UTC (link)
He shrugged, smiling slightly. "Really, though you're right. They'd want in on it to see if we're serious or not. By the time they figure it out, I bet it'll be too late." Still, the stupidity of some people brought a laugh as he got to his feet.

"You haven't." And he meant it. "It's nice to meet neighbors and I'm glad we're the more reliable floor." He shook his head at the thanks - honest once more. "It's no trouble. We should do this again some time. With a less troubling reason for it of course," he added.

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[info]noglass_slipper
2010-07-23 06:37 am UTC (link)
That made it seem hopeless, and she hesitated before reluctantly nodding. "Probably. But if it could help even one person... it might be worth it." She rose from her chair, finishing the rest of her coke and beginning to move towards the door. "I guess we both made a good choice when he decided to live on this floor." All in all Hannah decided she liked Xavier, and in terms of neighbors she could have had much worse. "I'd like that. You'll have to come over to my apartment next time, though. It's only fair."

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[info]whatbefell
2010-07-23 06:48 am UTC (link)
"It might," he said, giving a small smile. Xavier walked her to the door, reaching to get it for her once they got there. "Just tell me when and I'll do my best to be there." The grin he gave her was fairly wide, but it was fine. He did like her - it was nice to come across someone who had their head in the right place.

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[info]noglass_slipper
2010-07-23 07:20 am UTC (link)
"I will," she agreed, pausing just inside the doorway and nodding. "It was nice talking to you, Xavier." With that she turned and returned to her own apartment, glad that there were still some nice people living in the building after all.

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