17 // Dictated, Action

[nothingtobelieve]

I'm leaving for awhile.

[And that's it. No preamble, no further explanation. In part because he's a man of few words, and in part to leave certain parties guessing.

He is, however, in the lobby not long after, a bag of expertly packed gear over one shoulder and a large, strange bird on the other. Apparently solo expeditions outside Paradisa are not enough to make him alter his usual suit-and-tie wardrobe, however. Although it might just be for show]

Comments

dictated

[dog_eat_dog]

Not that I give a shit about a total stranger leaving, but when you say "leave", where the hell are you going?

[Dictated]

[animusangelus]

Good luck with that.

[gottaknockhard]

[...

He can't imagine why he'd announce this to everyone, unless he's trying to pull something. Which of course had to be directed at Spike somehow. Who the hell knew anymore?

Still, even if that's what he's going for, it's unusual enough to speak up.]

I won't keep dinner waiting then.

Dictated

[nothingtobelieve]

Away from the castle. If I wanted to give specifics, I would have.

[Dictated]

[nothingtobelieve]

I don't anticipate bad luck.

[nothingtobelieve]

[He likes to think he's good at stirring up paranoia by doing absolutely nothing at all. And if nothing else, hey. He got Spike to reply. Success.]

Try not to miss me.

Dictated

[dog_eat_dog]

Cut me a break, I'm new. Where does anyone go when they leave?

[gottaknockhard]

[So what? He should just let this go?]

It'll be hard not to worry, with a sendoff like that.

Dictated

[nothingtobelieve]

There are a number of places outside the castle and the city surrounding it. I'm not the person to ask about them.

[nothingtobelieve]

You don't think I can be trusted on my own?

Dictated

[dog_eat_dog]

Whatever.

[She's out!]

[gottaknockhard]

Leaving someone behind?

[nothingtobelieve]

He'll be fine without me.

dictated; filtered to Vicious

[both_neither]

How long is awhile?

[Privately, though it doesn't reach his voice, he's combing over what might have made Vicious want to skip town and not finding anything but his own growing anxiety. Did he do something wrong again?]

[gottaknockhard]

[He wants to push it more, but it's too much of a risk with the way he's left himself open lately.]

I'd imagine. [If he isn't currently murdered. You can never be sure.]

[nothingtobelieve]

[So little faith, Spike.]

It had better stay that way.

[Just in case he was thinking of repeating that punching incident.]

dictated; filtered to Gren

[nothingtobelieve]

I haven't decided.

[Which isn't entirely the truth--he always has a plan--but he might change his mind. And reassuring Gren wasn't currently on his agenda.]

dictated; filtered to Vicious

[both_neither]

Looking for something out there?

dictated; filtered to Gren

[nothingtobelieve]

Nothing in particular.

[gottaknockhard]

That's quite the leap of faith.

[nothingtobelieve]

Is it?

I'd hate to rethink my plans.

[gottaknockhard]

And after you were considerate enough to mention them.

dictated; filtered to Vicious

[both_neither]

Not someone?

dictated; filtered to Gren

[nothingtobelieve]

No.

[He's not sure if Gren is just being insecure, or thinks he's going to try something against Spike, but he doesn't appreciate the scrutiny.]

[nothingtobelieve]

I'd hate for you to think I was gone for good.

[gottaknockhard]

And you got to wondering if I'd notice?

[nothingtobelieve]

I'd be hurt if you didn't.

[gottaknockhard]

It's hard to test that theory now.

[nothingtobelieve]

I'll just have to test it some other time.

[gottaknockhard]

[Blowing him off that easily... What the hell is going on with him?]

Sure. Some other time.

dictated; filtered to Vicious

[both_neither]

[It's a little of both, to be honest.]

Alright.

[And if it was anyone else he'd say 'good luck' or 'be careful', but those kinds of things don't go over well with Vicious, so he leaves it at that.]

[nothingtobelieve]

Always.

[Until both of them were dead for good.]