022 [voice]

[7livesleft]

I never thought I'd see the day this place got some decent entertainment. But what's with the security?

[Someone overhearing nearby replies, "Sorry, sir. We do have a dress code." The line stays open while he argues with them, ("Hey, it's a suit, isn't it?" -"Try again, sir." "What's wrong with it? -"Sir, your gun." "You don't allow those

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[action log]

[7livesleft]

[It's been a while since he last saw Nagi. So long that he has to spend most of the time it takes to get there trying to remember. Not since after the Meteor hit and Nagi took over watching Ed for a while. Right before Ed disappeared. (Thinking back, Spike might have dropped the ball on that one.)

Spike kept his distance and minded his business, but he kept his tabs; it's a habit more than anything. From what he'd heard over the network, Nagi had gone through a rough time lately. That suddenly made more sense after what Makina told him. Spike could guess that he'd be less than thrilled to see anyone from his past. Maybe that's something they have in common.

The walk back to the other side of the city is a long one, but the less people around the better. By the time he gets to the house, Spike has gone through almost an entire pack of cigarettes. Funny, he didn't realize he'd been smoking them.

He reaches the door and gives a curt knock, and probably sounds more serious than he intends when he calls out.]

Nagi. It's

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[7livesleft]

[Spike has never been that good on the business side of bounty hunting. Usually it was more about the chase than the reward. If he really cared about it, he could have done this differently. As trusting as Nagi is, Spike probably could have set up a trap without ever having to fight him. He thought Nagi would have learned to be more suspicious, but apparently prison doesn't make everyone hard.

Then again, this could be a mistake. Just because Spike has known him for a while, doesn't mean he can judge what kind of person he is. All he has is what his instincts tell him. But Spike figures that he owes him a favor or two either way.]

I'll figure something out.

[It might put him in an awkward position, but Makina barely thought Spike was competent before. She probably has her expectations set low. All he has to do is find the other two.

He turns to the door as he considers Nagi's advice. Yeah, that probably would be the wise thing to do.

Spike is still smiling when he looks back over his shoulder.]Sorry, I can't do that

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[cicumae]

[ nagi's glad that spike hasn't tried anything violent here, and he's grateful for this opportunity to explain himself, he really is. but when spike heads off towards the door, nagi rises quickly from his seat with a start, the chair clattering behind him -- then pauses, knowing he has to say something, but not sure what.

and he looks torn. on the one hand, it's only natural that he worries for karako and ganta -- but on the other hand, spike's also been a friend here, and he feels that it wouldn't be impossible for spike to be killed by the branch of sin. biting his lip, he hesitates for a moment before giving a small nod. ]

-- thank you. For at least listening to what I had to say.

[ then he looks back up at spike, weak smile on his face despite the slightly guarded manner with which he's holding himself now. it's clear that he hates this situation, this inevitable conflict -- but he's trying to balance his priorities as best as he can. ]

I'm afraid none of us can consider surrendering to the Warden, so I can't wish you luck --

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[7livesleft]

[Spike turns when Nagi stands, surprised considering how collected he's been. But Spike can't really reassure him that it'll end well. That's the way it goes. Whatever happens--

He shakes his head now. It seems like Nagi is more concerned about him than the others. Spike hasn't drawn a gun, if he wants he can stop him from finding them he could try something. Yet he'd rather hope for the best and tell him to be careful.

Hell of a guy.

At his last statement he nearly laughs, but catches himself. Maybe that old man was right. Maybe he does take women too lightly. Still, there's humor in his voice when he replies.]

You should see her when she's losing at poker.

[He pauses, then adds more seriously.]

I'll keep in touch.

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[cicumae]

[ nagi's just torn, really. worried for both sides. and all he wishes is that the chief warden wouldn't try to reinforce her self-centered idea of justice in this place, wouldn't disrupt the meager peace that the deadmen have finally caught sight of. because in this sort of situation, neither side can really back off.

still, spike's comment about poker does make him smile, even if it's wry and more concerned than amused. (he never would have gusseed that the chief warden would spend time on something so seemingly trivial as poker.)

letting out a small sigh, he eventually gives a small nod, expression determined. ]

I'll speak to you later, then.

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[7livesleft]

[Spike waits at the door for a minute, wavering between saying something else or not. But he thinks better of it, deciding it's better to leave looking like he knows what he's doing.]

Yeah.

[Almost the exact moment that he reaches for the door, the sound of a very irate cat calls out. Spike's expression sours, but he doesn't acknowledge it. So it can get out of crates too. Or someone let it out thinking they were doing him a favor.

Story of his life. After a short wave behind him, he shoves his hands in his pockets and stalks back out the way he came.]