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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]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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