[Earthquake] ((SCENE: Matt and Wellington))

Jul 27, 2008 00:50

((Takes place the Friday after breakout.

Part 2 will be posted in Matt's journal when we get around to it.))

Matt: *It's past ten pm when Matt slips off his helmet and glances up at the large house in front of him. The place looks almost the same as it did three years ago, when the former actor used to frequent the private establishment. The owner was (and Matt still hoped) some pompous, old, rich dude who had way too much money and time to spend so he opened up his house to other wealthy and important people for a bit of fun. Setting his helmet down on top of the motorcycle, he unzipped his stolen leather jacket and pulled out the small feline hiding in it.* No worries, little Shoe dude. I go way back with the owner here, so he might give us a place to crash tonight if we are lucky. And let me tell you, for the past week, I have been Mr. Lucky. *Grinning down at his cat, Matt made his way to the front door before knocking sharply on it.*
Matt: *The doorman opens the door and stares at Matt for a few seconds (raising an eyebrow at Shoe) before stepping back and allowing him to pass inside. Matt walks down the hall and stairs towards the larger open room, his gaze darting everywhere as he looks for familiar faces.*

Wellington: *Wellington is seated at a blackjack table, the very picture of wealthy arrogance, with his usual gaudy style of clothing, though he presently sports a pair of slim new glasses. Two women in evening gowns are gathered at his sides. One of them giggles airily and leans on his shoulder while he hands her a fan of cash, and the other has her eyes fixated on the cards, though she twirls a strand of hair around one finger as if bored and uninterested. Wellington glances at her, smirks, then taps the table twice, and the dealer slides a card forward. After turning the card over, he sits back and sips from a tall glass of champagne, and his eyes rise to the occupants of the card room. Suddenly, his movements freeze and his eyes go wide, and a moment later he spits the champagne from his mouth in a spray. The first woman yelps and jumps away, while the second one frowns and also rises from her chair. Wellington nearly slams the glass down onto the table, then brings a hand to his mouth, glaring at the impossible sight across the room.* Engarde..! *His voice is an incredulous hiss.*

Matt: *Without noticing his former prison mate, Matt slips beside a tall woman, smiling sweetly as he leans his head in to talk to her. He tucks Shoe under his arm, the cat giving only a small meow in protest.* So...* His eye flickers up from admiring her attractive low-cut dress to her eyes.* Can you tell me who exactly is in charge here, babe? *She returns his smile and begins to reply, but Matt completely misses it as his gaze leaves her face once he hears a woman in the room yelping. He spots the woman (pretty cute thing too), but it is the man right next to her that he locks eyes with.* No way...

Wellington: *Wellington stares at the man for a long moment, eyes narrowed. But suddenly, he seems to regain his composure. He straightens his scarf and rises from his chair, muttering a few words to the second woman, then walking away from the table.*

Matt: *Leaves the woman's side, she wasn't that hot anyway, making his way over to his former 'friend'. His smile widens to a fake cheerful grin. It almost looks like he is happy to see Wellington.* Welly! Dude, what are you doing here?

Wellington: *Doesn't bother to mask his disdain, frowning at Matt. He motions for Matt to follow alongside him as he moves away from the ears of other guests, towards a far wall with some bookshelves marked with rows of decorative literature; owned by the mansion's master, but looking like they've never been touched. As he walks, there is a visible tension in his shoulders, as if he is about to burst with frustration or shock.*

Matt: *Matt follows after the smaller man quietly. He'll try to not embarrass him...for now.*

Wellington: *He stops once they're far enough from everyone else, facing the books for a long moment, seeming to have trouble keeping his breathing even. Finally, he turns to Matt, expression bordering between rage and panic.* Why are you here?! Did you follow me?

Matt: *Pouts.* That's not a very nice greeting... *His face smooths over as he plasters that same grin from earlier on again.* I'm not following you, dude. This place is an old hang out of mine. What exactly are you doing here?

Wellington: ........ *takes off his glasses for a moment to rub the bridge of his nose* I'm... just gambling, okay? I happen to be a very first-rate card player...

Matt: Really? *Tilts his head to the side, regarding Wellington.* Making any money?

Wellington: *despite the weirdness of reuniting with the one person he hoped and believed he'd never see again, he smirks* I'm raking in a small fortune.

Matt: *Sounds bored, not that he really believes the shorter man anyway.* Sounds like a lot of fun for you... *Suddenly smiles brightly again, moving Shoe out from under his arm and straight into Wellington's face.* Look who I got back, Welly dude! It's Shoe! Remember? I showed you tons of pictures!

Wellington: *flinches and steps back as the cat is shoved far too close to his face* Watch it! I don't want to get my face scratched up by an animal. *glances at Matt, then back at the oblivious face of the cat* ...What did you do, go back to your house?

Matt: Nope, just had to pick him up from a friend. *Brings Shoe to his chest, wrapping his arms protectively around the small feline.* He was all ready and waiting for me.

Wellington: *watches the display of affection with exasperation* ...How wonderful. *frowns to himself, glancing back at the card tables* ...How long were you planning on sticking around here? *turns so he's facing Matt directly* You're not going to mention to anyone that you saw me here, are you?

Matt: *His sweet smile sharpens for Wellington.* Got anything to help keep me quiet?

Wellington: *flinches* ...What? You can't be serious...

Matt: *Continues smirking as Shoe lets off a tiny meow and begins to purr.*

Wellington: *grimaces* You're not exactly on parole yourself... what makes you think you have anything to hold over me?

Matt: I've been perfectly good so far while I've been out. If I go back, I'll still be released right on schedule. I just hope you've been behaving yourself, dude. I'd hate to see your sentence shortened, if you know what I mean. *Smiles.* I need a place to stay for the night. Care to help a friend out?

Wellington: I'm not going back there. *crosses his arms* And I don't have time to help you out. I'm obviously very busy...

Matt: *His cheerful tone disappears even though his smile sticks on his face.* You'll make time.

Wellington: *recognizes the change in tone, backing away half a step and moving his hands up to his upper arms* Look, I'm not JUST gambling here... *bites his lip for a moment* ...I can't exactly drop what I'm doing and start running free favors for you. Understand?

Matt: I completely understand and I promise I won't get in your way, dude. Shoe just really needs a nice comfy bed to sleep in or he doesn't really get enough shuteye. And I need someplace where I will be safe for the night. Seems like a fair trade for your freedom, doesn't it?

Wellington: What? I can't just give you a room...

Matt: Why not? You said you were earning a lot of money. Why wouldn't you be able to spend a little of it on me? Especially if you are earning so much...

Wellington: *glares* It's not that simple... and I don't have time to be chatting with you. Why don't you try winning some money on your own? Or if you want a free place to sleep so bad, you can go back to prison.

Matt: Listen, Wellington. *The smile finally drops.* You'll help me or I'll call the cops on your little shindig. You aren't just gambling, huh? Getting into something illegal again?

Wellington: *backs up once more, his back bumping against the bookshelf and jostling a few classic novels* You... you wouldn't call the cops...

Matt: You really think I wouldn't? *Gestures to his wrist phone before he pauses. Considers.* If I turned you in, I might even get my sentence cut in half...

Wellington: *eyes the phone* ...........Okay, stop! Fine... *moves sideways, away from Matt's stabbing glare* I'll.... I'll see what I can do. *turns to look at Matt over his shoulder* But don't expect to get a room just because you asked for it... you'll probably have to do some work. It's not up to me, you see.

Matt: Work? *Frowns. Why should he have to work? He's a star! Famous people aren't supposed to be treated like normal people...* What work could I possibly do?

Wellington: Well, there's money in it, too. If you're good. *glances around nervously, then steps back towards Matt and speaks lower* We're raising the odds...

Matt: Money? Alright...I'm interested. *Leans in towards Wellington.* What do you have in mind?

Wellington: *deadpan* Card counting. Card marking. *glances sideways, indicating with his eyes towards people in the crowd without pointing* It's a multi-man job.

Matt: *Follows his gaze over to the crowd. His voice lowers.* I've never done that before...

Wellington: *eyes Matt's face, considering* ...I doubt you can count cards.

Matt: Then why do you want my help? Just give me a play to stay and I'll keep out of your way, dude.

Wellington: *grimaces* ...It's not me that's going to hook you up, I don't own the hotel. It's the boss. And you have to do some work for him if you want to get anything. *stares at Matt's face for another moment* ...How good is your poker face?

Matt: My poker face? *Smiles suddenly.* You should know the answer to that one, dude.

Wellington: *sighs, looking away* Alright. I think you can get a role in card marking, if the boss likes your poker face. He'll probably want me to show you how it's done, since I'm the only one who remembers how to do it properly since the old ring. *a touch of pride is in his voice*

Matt: I don't need any help and I'm sure your boss will like me just fine.

Wellington: *shrugs one shoulder lightly* Who said I was going to help you? I'm sure you can handle making faces at the boss on your own. Have you heard of the old Hydeout Hotel building?

Matt: *Nods.* Yeah, it's real close to here, isn't it?

Wellington: That's where you'll find the boss. That's also where you'll be sleeping, if you have any talent worth using.

Matt: I have plenty of talent, dude. More than any of your little con friends do.

Wellington: *shrugs mildly* You seem rather sure of yourself for a man who said he's never done it before. You'll find out by tomorrow, I suppose.

Matt: *Feels a little put off that Wellington doesn't seem to care just how good he is. He scratches Shoe behind the ears, frowning.* Fine then. I will.

Wellington: Like I said, I'm busy... and I helped you, just like you wanted me to. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to regroup and win back some money that fell out of my possession the other day.

Matt: *Forces a grin onto his face.* Good luck, Welly. I'm sure I'll see you around, dude.

Wellington: *turns away without another word, muttering under his breath as he makes his way back to the blackjack tables*

oh god not him again, con artistry, illegal casino, earthquake

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