The train rocks gently back and forth as they move toward their destination. The sound of the wheels roaring over the tracks vibrates through Nikolas more than the movement of the train itself. It breaks through, reminding him of the tension close by...although, it is not his own.
Nikolas is, perhaps, surprisingly calm, considering their goal upon reaching New York.
He studies his nephew, slow and cautious. He will not say he is surprised the younger man found a way to come or that he did. In all honesty, Nikolas expected nothing less.
Certain things are what they are, and there is a level of loyalty to the family, to coming together to fight a common foe. Josef does not disappoint...not here.
So, in what is not a truce, in truth, but a pause, Nikolas levels his eyes on his nephew. "Do we need to discuss what's distressing you, Josef?" Nothing can get in the way of our combined efforts.
Josef doesn't give himself away easily. It's a talent within the family, the same way their twisted sense of loyalty is possessed, the ability to never give away one's weakness.
The frustration is evident today in the quick furling and unfurling of his fists and his focus within his own mind.
Josef leans back, eyes trained on the window before they direct themselves to his uncle. "Is this the part where we drink Cosmos and I tell you about my day?"
He is amused, more than anything. He probably shouldn't be amused, that their hatred must be placed aside to deal with something far more nefarious but he is.
No one ever said Josef didn't have a sadistic sense of humor.
"I prefer Scotch," Nikolas says with a chuckle. He's noticed the tightening of his nephew's fists. He's noticed the frustration, and the mere fact that he's noticed so easily speaks volumes.
"If you're going to tell me about your day, Josef, feel free to leave out everything that will bore me. All I need to know is what it is that's left you open to my simple observation."
If I can read you, there's a possibility others can.
This is far more conversation than Nikolas had initially planned on having on the trip up to the city.
His plans had included a discussion of the fastest, simplest way to annihilate their opponents without the loss of any more members of their family. If Josef is distracted, however, that's unacceptable. He needs his nephew at his best.
Josef lifts his head. It's this that gets to him. It's what's been itching at him for months, if he's honest, and he's annoyed Nikolas has zeroed in on it so easily. Suppression of the demon.
His last conversation with Elizabeth didn't help. He doesn't know why he tried to explain something he knows she wouldn't understand, knowing what her reaction was going to be. Josef understands she is who she is. The very same way he is who he is, and he's never made any excuse or apology for it.
It doesn't just remind Josef of how young she is, whether she likes being called it or not. It reminds him of what a bastard he is and how painfully different they are in very fundamental ways.
"No, perhaps I haven't been." He is not about to confide in Nikolas about any of it. "Worry not, uncle, I'll be at my very best."
Comments 15
Immediately. I'm already packed and ready. I was merely awaiting your word. I can meet you in two hours, if that's acceptable.
Reply
Remind me how bad this is again.
Reply
I asked you for help and you're willing. How much worse could it fucking get, nephew?
I am...concerned. This won't be pleasant.
Reply
Do I need to bring anything in particular?
Reply
Nikolas is, perhaps, surprisingly calm, considering their goal upon reaching New York.
He studies his nephew, slow and cautious. He will not say he is surprised the younger man found a way to come or that he did. In all honesty, Nikolas expected nothing less.
Certain things are what they are, and there is a level of loyalty to the family, to coming together to fight a common foe. Josef does not disappoint...not here.
So, in what is not a truce, in truth, but a pause, Nikolas levels his eyes on his nephew. "Do we need to discuss what's distressing you, Josef?" Nothing can get in the way of our combined efforts.
Reply
The frustration is evident today in the quick furling and unfurling of his fists and his focus within his own mind.
Josef leans back, eyes trained on the window before they direct themselves to his uncle. "Is this the part where we drink Cosmos and I tell you about my day?"
He is amused, more than anything. He probably shouldn't be amused, that their hatred must be placed aside to deal with something far more nefarious but he is.
No one ever said Josef didn't have a sadistic sense of humor.
Reply
"If you're going to tell me about your day, Josef, feel free to leave out everything that will bore me. All I need to know is what it is that's left you open to my simple observation."
If I can read you, there's a possibility others can.
This is far more conversation than Nikolas had initially planned on having on the trip up to the city.
His plans had included a discussion of the fastest, simplest way to annihilate their opponents without the loss of any more members of their family. If Josef is distracted, however, that's unacceptable. He needs his nephew at his best.
"You're not yourself."
Reply
Josef lifts his head. It's this that gets to him. It's what's been itching at him for months, if he's honest, and he's annoyed Nikolas has zeroed in on it so easily. Suppression of the demon.
His last conversation with Elizabeth didn't help. He doesn't know why he tried to explain something he knows she wouldn't understand, knowing what her reaction was going to be. Josef understands she is who she is. The very same way he is who he is, and he's never made any excuse or apology for it.
It doesn't just remind Josef of how young she is, whether she likes being called it or not. It reminds him of what a bastard he is and how painfully different they are in very fundamental ways.
"No, perhaps I haven't been." He is not about to confide in Nikolas about any of it. "Worry not, uncle, I'll be at my very best."
Reply
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