[ John takes a deep breath and blows it out slowly. This feels vulnerable and it feels dangerous in a way that John hasn't felt since the Denarians abducted him. Looking into Harry's deep brown eyes is like looking down the barrel of a gun in a way that makes his skin prickle from the electric tension.
He also drinks, still matching Harry, and leans forward as well. John's clasped hands almost brush Harry's. Just how far can he goad Dresden? How much will Dresden get out of him? He should take that into consideration. But John's been so careful about everything for so long. ]
I am useful. But so is the Knight's family. [ Ignore the twinge of guilt there. ] So are the rumors of your connections to the White Court. So are Sgt. Murphy and your police allies. So are the ragtag werewolves that call themselves the Alphas. And so, I imagine, are the many other people you've accrued favors from that I haven't heard about in the grapevine.
But here, tonight, with whatever it is you're not telling me about on your heels, you don't vanish into the Ways, as any Council Warden could with Winter's permission. You come to me.
[ John grins, this time without hiding it, enjoying this game too much. ] I think it's more than that. I am the devil you know, but as much as I loathe to admit it, you made me Baron, and don't tell me I was the only option. Or even the cheapest price.
[ That articulated, John picks up his glass, holding it right between the two of them, a silent your move to Dresden, before gunning it back. Finally dropping the facade of easy grace, he lets the tumbler thump back down loudly. ]
oh my god this is so good I am biting my knuckles uuuuugh
He also drinks, still matching Harry, and leans forward as well. John's clasped hands almost brush Harry's. Just how far can he goad Dresden? How much will Dresden get out of him? He should take that into consideration. But John's been so careful about everything for so long. ]
I am useful. But so is the Knight's family. [ Ignore the twinge of guilt there. ] So are the rumors of your connections to the White Court. So are Sgt. Murphy and your police allies. So are the ragtag werewolves that call themselves the Alphas. And so, I imagine, are the many other people you've accrued favors from that I haven't heard about in the grapevine.
But here, tonight, with whatever it is you're not telling me about on your heels, you don't vanish into the Ways, as any Council Warden could with Winter's permission. You come to me.
[ John grins, this time without hiding it, enjoying this game too much. ] I think it's more than that. I am the devil you know, but as much as I loathe to admit it, you made me Baron, and don't tell me I was the only option. Or even the cheapest price.
[ That articulated, John picks up his glass, holding it right between the two of them, a silent your move to Dresden, before gunning it back. Finally dropping the facade of easy grace, he lets the tumbler thump back down loudly. ]