(closed to natasha;) backdated to september eighth

[iustitiae]

This is all a big gamble, is what it is. It's a gamble to get enough forces, it's a gamble to actually show up. But territory claims were rather common and deaths seemed like they happened only to people no one knew, so statistically speaking at least the worst didn't seem like it'd come to pass. Or if it did, he would apparently just hang with his ghost buddies and live life as annoyed as he already does. So, you know, nothing to lose.

But he does need help. He always forgets (should've done your research, Connor) that Natasha is with Redbright. It's too easy to see her just as a vampire. Just as a free agent who acts rationally. But she's not, and it's his first mistake. But he'll make several before the claim is over.

"Hey, Natasha," that he catches her is a gamble too but it works out. He offers her a smile that is easier than his feelings. "Are you busy right now? Maybe I can buy you a drink?"

Comments

[outstandingbalance]

"I guess I'm not what you'd call idealistic," Natasha says with a note of regret in her voice. It's born only somewhat out of the fact she's let him down‐she wishes she hadn't, but in this case, it seems like it was bound to happen. It's even less the result of her own compromise. She's long since come to terms with political realities much harsher than this.

No, it's mostly because for all that he's right, it's still an improvement over what she's known until now. She doesn't think he'll see that as an excuse though.

And maybe it isn't.

"It's been a long time since I had much faith in anything."

[iustitiae]

"I'm not asking you to be idealistic." He'd even called out Laurel on her idealism when they'd first started studying together. But for all that he pretended around his classmates that he didn't care about "saving people" or "doing good," he really did care. But there was a big spectrum as far as idealism was concerned and people who claimed they weren't were usually far into the cynical side. "I'm asking you to have some morals."

[outstandingbalance]

Natasha almost doesn't quite wince at that. He hit his mark, and it's not even one she's inclined to defend. Morality and her haven't ever been on the closest of terms, even when she's trying. "Sorry," Natasha says, catching his gaze after a brief break. "I wish I could. Right now, I'm putting out fires."

Metaphorically speaking.

[iustitiae]

Putting out fires. It was an ironic choice of words, after last night. He doesn't like it, and he's not even sure he believes her apology. He's glad he hasn't said anything yet about his plans.

"It doesn't work like that," but he knows there's not much else left to argue, here. There's nothing he's going to say that suddenly makes Natasha change her very set in ways.

[outstandingbalance]

"It shouldn't work like that," Natasha says, gently, realizing that she's not winning any more points here. She takes another drink of her beer and stands. "Probably time for me to get back to work."

[iustitiae]

He's obviously not about to stop her. He just watches her get up, shaking his head. "Try not to kidnap any children." Bitter? Acting like a child? Check.

[outstandingbalance]

Natasha winces slightly, a wry grimace that's for his benefit. She's not going to try to convince him he's wrong about her, though. She'll take that hit. She might not believe she deserves it in this case, but on the whole she's done more than enough to have that coming.

"I'll see you around," she says instead.