2019-02-07 Adidas Vodka Hardbass

2019-02-07 Adidas, Vodka, Hardbass
Hoxton, Sydney, Wolf, Dallas

[20:11:54] <Hoxton> *He can hear the dim sound of Vlad whooping. Good, the man is happy and amused. Good for him, he doesnt fucking have to see a man getting killed on screen. Call him hypocritical but...it's something else when it is filmed for....sport. Jesus, when did this become so...goddamn murderhappy. He curses and fumbles out a smoke. The river sounds good and he looks forward to the gentle sounds of the water.*
[20:14:25] <Sydney> I would've drawn it out a lot more, but the coppers arrived and cut our fun short.
[20:14:52] <Dallas> Vlad: You will be the first to know! Ahh, I am almost sad that it is over. But that's why they invented the replay button, eh? *He gives Sydney a cheeky wink, then passes the phone back, and lets out a deep sigh. Satisfied.* My friends--my beautiful beautiful friends! You have made Vlad a very happy man. And I know you are all tired, so I will leave you for now. Bain will bring you the rest of the money, okay? With a big bonus for making sad Vlad very very glad. *He grabs each heister in turn, planting a kiss upon the top of their heads. Mwah. Mwah!* We will keep in touch! Thank you--thank you so much, Vlad is in your debt. Sydney--you have a great talent for the stage! I expect great things from you in the future!
[20:15:35] <Sydney> *Sydney flashes him a genuine smile, then winks.* You know how to reach me.
[20:19:03] <Sydney> *Sydney shakes her head and smiles.* I like Vlad. Man after me own heart.
[20:20:53] <Wolf> *Wolf chuckles at that. Otherwise silent.*
[20:17:40] <Dallas> *Dallas manages to duck the smooch, moving off to the kitchen and pulling out his phone. Still beaming, Vlad says his good nights to them, and then he heads out to his car, singing a happy song in Russian.*
[20:17:53] <Dallas> *Hoxton's phone vibrates. Incoming call.*
[20:19:00] <Hoxton> *Hox almost drops the cigarette and fumbles around for his phone, pulling it out. He fumbles a little and then takes the call.* Oi?
[20:21:47] <Dallas> *When he goes to unlock his phone, the password is rejected. That's not Hoxton's phone. It's the phone Hoxton took off Dmitri back at the club. It vibrates again. And again, as an unmarked black car pulls up behind him almost silently, and two men get out and make for him at a brisk clip.*
[18:39:04] <Dallas> *Dmitri's phone vibrates in his hand. Insistent, though he has no way of taking the call. Then, he hears it. The muffled rumble of an engine behind him, and heavy footfalls in the snow, fast approaching. Almost right on top of him.*
[18:39:34] <Dallas> *Lucky him, he's been in prison. You notice these things quick.*
[18:42:17] <Hoxton> *Hox looks at the stranger phone in a moment of confusion. Wait...that's not....He looks up as he hears the sounds behind him and whirls around. He drops the phone, raising his arms to defend himself, jumping backwards. Oh shit!*
[18:43:28] <Hoxton> *It's all happening so quick, his thoughts chopped short by sheer reacting and adrenaline rushing through his system.*
[18:44:56] <Dallas> *Two big men, tall and sturdily built like brick shithouses, not a trace of good humor on their scowling faces as they make right for him. One of them reaches into his coat--going for a gun, and the other makes a lunging grab for Hoxton's arms to hold him still.*
[18:47:37] <Hoxton> *Dirty fighting? Good. Though there is certainly fear, it gets pushed back by the wild instinct to win and get those motherfuckers down as quickly as possible. Hox jumps back, pulling his arms back and kicking snow up at the attackers. Just one moment of distraction he needs and goes to kick the guy with the gun right into his crown jeweles.*
[18:48:03] <Dallas> *All right, roll for it! 2d6 for dirty street fighting!*
[18:48:18] <Hoxton> !roll 2d6
[18:48:19] <RNGesus> Hoxton rolls the 2d6 and gets: 4 [2, 2]
[18:50:17] <Dallas> *Snow hits the two big guys in the legs, and Hox's kick lands right across the gunman's leg. It barely moves him. He looks down at the white track across his pants, looks up at Hox in outraged confusion like an irritating little gnat just flew into his face for the third time tonight, and aims a quick jab at his face.*
[18:50:26] <Dallas> !roll 2d6
[18:50:26] <RNGesus> Dallas rolls the 2d6 and gets: 10 [5, 5]
[18:55:01] <Hoxton> *Fuck. A frozen ice patch almost makes him stumble as he kicks. A hearty curse and before he can duck back out, there is already this fucking big angry russian. He sees the jab before the pain and he howls out as it connects to his face. With gritting teeth he goes to punch that motherfucker right back, fury pounding in his veins. Right into his armpit.*
[18:55:38] <Dallas> *All right, let's have another 2d6!*
[18:55:46] <Hoxton> !roll 2d6
[18:55:47] <RNGesus> Hoxton rolls the 2d6 and gets: 8 [3, 5]
[18:59:20] <Dallas> *His fist connects hard with the big Russian, and he stumbles back a step, growling in pain. He's still within striking range. But Hoxton's outnumbered two to one, and there's the other guy behind him, hooking Hox under the arms to pull him back and off balance, dragging him off his feet.*
[19:02:20] <Hoxton> *A scream that is half a roar and half curse. He furiously tries to wiggle himself free, kicking and spitting and hitting at the guy holding him. Panic seeping in like the ice cold waters of the river behind him. He tries to step hard on the man's feet, making him stumble as well.*
[19:10:46] <Dallas> *There's a strong stomach dropping lurch as he and the Russian fall backwards and land on the ground. The big guy's winded, but still stubbornly holding onto him, arms wrapped around his middle in a bear hug. The other thug steps over them, aiming a kick at Hox's side--but he's shoved aside, and there's a third man there, hissing angry words in Russian before he looks down at Hox and says* Fuck's sake, Boris, get him up!
[19:10:58] <Dallas> *Familiar face. It's the man from the card game, the one who'd smiled at Hox from the bar.*
[19:14:29] <Hoxton> *Hox is wriggling and cursing relentlessly, trying to get off the big stupid brute. He is aiming punches with his ellbows, viciously jabbing for the face.* Let me go, you cocksuckers! I'll fucking kill you! *he hisses and flinches away from the incoming kick, but looks up in confusion as the pain does not come. A confused blink and again he feels a cold rush down his spine.* You? Fuck's sake, fella let me go!
[19:16:54] <Dallas> *The young Russian isn't smiling anymore. He looks stressed. Clearly, this isn't how he wanted things to go.* Easy--easy, Hoxton. I only want to talk-- *impatiently* Let go of him, suka! Let him up! *The big guy tightly holding onto Hox reluctantly releases him, and the young guy holds out a hand to him to help him up.*
[19:19:33] <Hoxton> *Sorry but Hox is jumping backwards, breathing hard. Only the promise of a gun from keeping him bolting right away. He gingerly touches his face, where the guy jabbed at him. But his eyes are focused on the russian man.* Talk? Fuck's sake by lettin two of ya rottweilers loose at me?
[19:22:44] <Dallas> *The Russian looks at him, and then he spreads his hands with a rueful smile. Ya got me there. He motions invitingly to the waiting car, says* Let's have a chat. *Not that Hox seems to have much of a choice. The two big guys, looking a bit scuffed now, have moved to block his escape.*
[19:25:50] <Hoxton> I dunno mate, but I feel way more talkative out here. *he casts the van a nervous look and then eyes the two big guys. Shit. Not much of an escape route at hand.*
[19:29:33] <Dallas> *Thankfully not a dubious van, but an equally disquieting Audi. Having opened the back door for him, the Russian's arm wavers a bit, then he lets his hand drop to his side.* You made a grave mistake tonight, my friend. If it were up to another, you would be dead before you could even answer Dmitri's phone. Thankfully, you're more useful to me alive than dead. Come. Let's talk.
[19:34:12] <Hoxton> *Hox' mouth runs dry and he nervously licks his lips.  Jesus, he could have stopped Sydney. If he knew she'd actually fucking hurt him, whom they knew had connections to the mob....* Listen mate, that was...not planned. Not that I do not appreciate ya.....friendliness. *A wide-eyed look at the car.*
[19:35:36] <Dallas> *The Russian motions to the car again.* There's a bottle of vodka. We will have a drink, and then we will talk. Or you can run, or fight. And we'll shoot, and then we'll find your friends and shoot them too. It's your choice.
[19:36:40] <Dallas> *Speaking of phones, he comes over to where clear signs of struggle still lie in the snow, and picks up Dmitri's phone, wiping off the screen.*
[19:37:18] <Hoxton> *A brief look of explosive anger but he swallows it down. He puffs up his chest and nods tensely.* Right. But know my friends wont be amused as well if they find me dead in the gutter.
[19:39:41] <Dallas> *The Russian slips the phone in his pocket, motions for Hox to follow him to the car and get in the backseat.*
[19:41:32] <Hoxton> *Hox tensely follows the russian, casting a look back into the direction of the safehouse. But he does as he is told but making sure neither of the big guys are touching him.*
[19:47:21] <Dallas> *No one outside the laundromat, and there's no one out on the street. No one heard the altercation. The thugs leave him alone, though the Russian with all the durak advice insists on lightly frisking him. But he's fair about it. He also disarms, passing his pistol to one of the big thugs for safekeeping.*
[19:47:30] <Dallas> *It's warm in the car. Pounding hardbass coming from the speakers. The Russian slides in next to him, introducing himself as Aleksandr as he pours him a glass of vodka.* Though my friends dub me Aleks. You can call me Aleks too, if you like. Should I call you Hoxton, or...?
[19:50:37] <Hoxton> *Hoxton sits tensely in the seat, the...well. It's goddamn unsettling. The pounding music does not fit with the situation at all. He feels preciously naked without his knife and gun, looking at the glass of vodka as if it contained live snakes.* Hoxton. I am Hoxton.
[19:53:50] <Dallas> Aleks: Hoxton. All right. *He pours himself a glass of vodka from the same bottle, casually clinks with him--completely ignoring his unease--then takes a sip. The two big Russians pile into the front, blocking out most of the view, and then the car heads off down the street along the river.*
[19:54:04] <Dallas> Aleks: I won't lie to you. This thing you did tonight. You're not in a good place, my friend. When you came to us that first night, interrupting our game uninvited, we gave you a place at our table. We assumed the best of you, turned the cheek, and you spat in our face--you understand?
[19:58:13] <Hoxton> *Hox takes a sip as well, but more not to offend Aleksandr. He is in deep shit as it is anyway. He listens, and then reluctantly nods.* What happened at the tasteful was not supposed to bloody happen. *he stops, very carefully weighting his words.* You know how it is...some people get lost on violence.
[19:59:23] <Hoxton> Dmitri was not supposed to be hurt.
[20:03:58] <Dallas> *The vodka is as smooth as baby's ass, as Vlad would say if he were here. But he isn't here, and Aleks nods at his words, listening closely, then says* It's funny. When you showed up at the card game, some of us took bets. We were laughing about it. Ahh, Vlad sent his pet clowns to teach Dmitri a lesson in stealing Annie. Nobody tell Dmitri! And if you had smashed the club-- *He makes an ambivalent face.* It's fine, Dmitri cleans it up, business as usual.
[20:04:01] <Dallas> But now we have a big problem. Dmitri is in the hospital. He might lose his legs. If Dmitri loses his legs, Dmitri cannot run the Tasteful. And if Dmitri cannot run the Tasteful, we lose a lot of money.
[20:07:40] <Dallas> Aleks: And we don't want to lose money--do we, Boris? *Sitting shotgun, Boris growls.*
[20:07:43] <Hoxton> He's alive? *he blurts, grabbing the little glass of vodka. Holy shit. He was sure he'd bleed out before ...wait. There were cops. Hox blinks and looks rather bleak.* If this is...purely economic in nature, I am sure we can get to an agreement.
[20:11:52] <Dallas> *Aleks looks over at him in the half light of the car.* We need to be made whole, my friend. And I don't expect you to come and manage the Tasteful Club, but I'm sure two reasonable men such as us can come to an understanding. *He goes quiet, watching him. Waiting for him to make an offer.*
[20:18:02] <Hoxton> *Hox leans back, frantically trying to think of an offer that could satisfy the russian. Because if he doesnt...well.* I'm....sure we can cover Dmitris bill. Medical one. And compensation for his time...well. Recoverin. *He takes another sip of vodka* And well...if ya need a job done, we are kinda the fellas to do so, yeah?
[20:24:33] <Dallas> *Aleks smiles.* I was hoping you would say that. The boss' son has committed... let's say, an indiscretion. I want you to make this problem go away.
[20:26:02] <Hoxton> *Ah fuck. He already regrets this. But if it means he can walk away from this one.* We are...kinda the fellas to make problems go away. *beat* Mostly.
[20:36:43] <Dallas> *Aleks tops off his vodka for him, says* The MPD is currently holding a large quantity of coke in the basement of the second district station here in DC. I want you and your friends to break into their evidence storage, and break the coke out for me.
[20:41:31] <Hoxton> *Hox raises his eyebrow, looking at Aleks and then tensely nodding.* Breakin into a police station. Bold. But then I guess that's a lot of money down there. *he eyes Aleks for a moment* I hope that also involves me walkin out here. Ya know, knees in workin order.
[20:45:52] <Dallas> *Aleksandr looks back at him, watching him steadily.* At our first meeting, I had hoped we would come to work together someday towards a mutually beneficial goal. This has not changed. *Beat.* There's something else. I want you and your friends to free the coke, but I need you-- *You specifically.* --to do something else for me. In that same evidence storage is a case file. I will give you the number. I need you to find the box and quietly  contaminate what's inside. No one is to know you were the one who opened it. And you are not to tell your associates about this. Can you do this for me?
[20:52:12] <Hoxton> *Hox shifts uneasily.* Waddaya mean contaminatin'? Listen if this is so...delicate it's somethin I only need to do, I need to know. Ya understand.
[20:55:01] <Dallas> Aleks: I want you to make the evidence utterly inadmissible in court. Taint it so it cannot be used. I can provide you with the needed contaminants. But it cannot be traced back to me, or you. Do what you must--switch the cameras off. Make sure no one sees you do it. I'm glad you understand this is a sensitive matter.
[20:58:13] <Hoxton> *Hox watches him for a moment and he nods.* Alright... consider it done. It's...clever, I give ya that. Stealin the coke and no one will link the file with us. Or ya.
[21:00:30] <Dallas> *If Aleks is flattered by the compliment, he doesn't let on. Just gives him a nod.* Good. Do this for us, erase this indiscretion, and the boss may find himself in a more merciful mood with regards to yours. *Hoxton's phone vibrates. Incoming call.*
[21:02:43] <Hoxton> *Hox jumps at the phone vibrating. He goes to reach for it but stops, giving Aleks a look.* I'd be fuckin alright with that. Listen mate, we ...the clowns don't want a bloody war with your people. If this can be settled without fuckin carnage, I'd say we are all happy people.
[21:06:27] <Dallas> *Aleks chuckles.* Hoxton--my friend, I get nothing out of killing you. We're reasonable men, we've already established that. But your friends. Your fellow clowns, they are... wild dogs, right? The rabies hits them, they start to snarl and bite, and then we have no choice but to put them down. *He leans in a little, looks at him.* Can you keep these wild dogs out of our way, Hoxton?
[21:07:17] <Dallas> *The phone vibrates again.*
[21:11:07] <Hoxton> *Hox is quiet, eyeing Aleks with a long stare.* Can I take that call, mate? *Beat* And dont go an threaten my crewmates. What happened was a bloody mistake. But dont make it personal.
[21:12:00] <Dallas> Aleks: *firmly* Control your dogs, and we will have no problem. *A nod.* Take your call. Hey, Boris! Turn the music down!
[21:12:39] <Hoxton> *Hox nods and takes the call.* Oi? *god dont sound too breathless. Holy shit.*
[21:13:44] <Dallas> *It's Dallas. Bit loud, sounds like he's outside.* Where the hell are ya? Thought you were having a smoke. Where'd you run off to? I checked in the back alley, I checked up and down the street--
[21:15:20] <Hoxton> *Hox looks up at Aleks and leans back.* Sorry mate I am...uh. Let's say I was more or less invited for a drink. This vodka is good shite.
[21:18:09] <Dallas> *Aleks smiles from where he's sitting, takes a sip. Dallas on the line:* What the f-- Jesus, buddy. All right, hold tight. Can you talk? Where are you? I'll come pick you up. *Sounds like he's running to his car.*
[21:20:51] <Hoxton> *Can Hox gauge where they are? He goes to peek out of the windows, trying to looks for street names or landmarks*
[21:26:20] <Dallas> *Aleks reaches over and takes the phone from him. Says to Dallas in a cheerful tone* Good morning! No need to worry, okay? We're just having a little chat, and we're almost done. We will have your friend back in time for breakfast. *Dallas' voice on the other end gets shouty enough to make out even at this range, and Aleks ends the call and deftly slides the phone back into Hox's pocket.*
[21:29:04] <Hoxton> *Hox almost snatches the phone out of his hands but instead just grips the vodka glass tight. A tense look as the phone eventually returns to him.* Almost done? You really dont wanna piss him off.  Just...advice.
[21:29:50] <Hoxton> *It's helpless frustration. Aleks is calling the shots here. Letting him answer his phone? And ending the call like this? Fuck's sake. Dont get angry, Hox.*
[21:32:39] <Dallas> *Aleks chuckles.* He feels very strongly about this, your friend. Dallas, right? *He pulls out a slip of paper, writes something down in a neat hand. Two strings, one of them recognizable as a phone number, the other a case number. This, too, he slips into Hox's pocket, giving it a pat.* Case number for you. And if anything happens, and you think you might wake the sleeping bear again--call the number, and we can talk it over. Okay?
[21:36:57] <Hoxton> He bloody cares about his men. Like ya do. Or ya boss. *He tenses up as Aleks reaches over. Healthy portion of paranoia but no punch or knife follows him. Hox nods slowly. Fuck him, he is not a bloody kid to be lectured about fucking manners. He has got Aldstone for that.*
[21:40:36] <Dallas> *The car pulls over on the curb. It's a silent street, no one around. Aleks turns to him, says* Sorry we can't drive you back to the river. I don't think your friend will be very happy to see us. *beat* You're no durak, you know. I think you're a nice guy. Maybe we'll get to play cards again sometime.
[21:43:36] <Hoxton> *Ah fuck. This is it isnt it? The place they beat him up a little to bring the fucking point across. Maybe break his knees. Hox tenses up, hands curling into fists. Ah fuck you, Aleks. Just get it done.* Cheers, mate. For the record, I was runnin from ya bouncer. Maybe consider hirin someone a little quicker next time.
[21:49:31] <Dallas> *At this, Aleks laughs. Genuinely, breaking into a smile.* That fucking idiot. Well, no regrets. I'm happy to have met you. Maybe-- Ah, we'll see. *A friendly pat on the shoulder, and a squeeze.* Stay safe, my friend. We will speak again. Boris--his weapons, please! And here, have a little more vodka. I insist. It's so fucking cold outside. Keep the glass; at least you'll have something to keep you warm while you wait for your friend.
[21:54:01] <Hoxton> *Hox is tense as a board. The squeeze almost painful to him. He cant return the smile however and just takes the glass with him. And  his guns which he takes rather hastily.* Well. I am glad we could come to an agreement, Aleksandr. And if anythin, I hope it will be only card games when this....is settled.
[21:57:14] <Dallas> Aleks: Of course. And Dmitri--he still doesn't know it was you, and... I don't see any reason to tell him, do you? When this is over, it will only be durak, and cigars, and vodka. Only good things, I promise.
[21:59:16] <Hoxton> I wasnt exactly plannin on bringin him....flowers and grapes. *Hox nods. His look clear he isnt believing any of this any second now.*
[21:59:57] <Hoxton> *He casts the two brutes a glance* Is that all now?
[22:00:42] <Dallas> *Aleksandr doesn't seem to mind.* Yes, that's it. Any questions--call me.
[22:02:36] <Hoxton> *Hox nods.* Right. Well. *he goes to clamber out of the van, fighting down the urge to just book it out of there. Fuck's sake, a little dignity.*
[22:04:09] <Dallas> *Out into the cold and the snow. The black Audi purrs away in the snow, leaving him standing on the side of the deserted street. The sky's brightening overhead. It's almost dawn.*
[22:06:49] <Hoxton> *Out in the cold, a glass of vodka and a slip of paper in his pocket. He curses, downs the vodka and tosses the glass away.* Fucks SAKE! *he grabs for his phone, dialing Dallas' number. Shuddering in the cold and also from the tension that is falling off him now.*
[22:07:22] <Hoxton> *Better not be many people around. Or cops. He is keeping out of view, anxiously waiting for Dallas to pick up.* C'mon fella..
[22:07:49] <Dallas> *Dallas picks up instantly.* Listen up, you son of a bitch--
[22:09:07] <Hoxton> Oi! Oi, it's me! I am alright! *he is sounding more high pitched than normal.* Fuckin hell, I am sorry about this! I didnt see those tossers comin.
[22:10:52] <Dallas> Dallas: Okay--take a deep breath, buddy. Need you to get to the nearest street corner and tell me the names.
[22:12:27] <Hoxton> Fook! It's the fuckin russians...yeah. Fuckin streetnames...hang on. *He does take a deep breath and goes to find street names for Dallas.* Dmitri aint dead. He's in hospital. Might...lose his fuckin legs. Fuck!
[22:14:46] <Dallas> Dallas: That's okay--that's okay, it's gonna be fine. I'm on my way. *His voice goes distant, like he's put Hox on speaker.* Just hang tight, okay? It's not far, I'll be right there.
[22:17:49] <Hoxton> *with a shaky laugh.* I am fine, tellin ya. Just one little bruise. Fucking big guy hit like a pussy. *he goes to lean against a wall, just taking a deep fucking breath.* Ya might want to leave me here. I ...kinda agreed we'd do a job for them.
[22:18:56] <Dallas> Dallas: The hell're you talking about?
[22:21:18] <Hoxton> I signed us up for a job for them.... *he curses again. Rubbing his face and wincing. Ouch.* I'll tell ya the details later. But...yeah so far that bought me my fucking life. THose wankers!
[22:23:20] <Dallas> *A vehicle approaches, turns the corner. It's Dallas' car, and he pulls up to a stop on the curb and unlocks the passenger side door for him to get in.*
[22:24:51] <Hoxton> *Hox basically sprints to the passenger side and gets in. A deep fucking breath and now he is realizing that he is shaking a little.* Jesus....thanks, mate! Fuck it's cold.
[22:27:46] <Dallas> *Dallas turns the heat up for him, wastes no time doing a U-turn and taking him back to the safehouse. He looks tense, angry. Keeps checking the rearview mirror.* Did they hurt you?
[22:30:54] <Hoxton> *Hox leans, back taking a deep breath and trying to summon a cocky smile.* Wanka jabbed me into my face. Other than that, fuckin hurt my dignity. *He falls silent, a careful glance at Dallas.* I haven't been payin attention. Fuck, that whole night went tits up. I am sorry, fella.
[22:34:25] <Dallas> *Dallas blindly reaches for Hox's hand, gives him a squeeze. Warm.* It's okay. The guys are still back at the safehouse. Let's head back, let 'em know what happened.
[22:37:38] <Hoxton> *Hox squeezes back, his hand rather cold and nods.* Thanks. Fuckin....yeah. God I'd say I need a bloody drink but ...ah. Fuck! *he nods.* Jesus they gotta know the safehouse is somewhere around where they got me. I fuckin....the fuckin phone. They pinged Dmitris phone.
[22:42:08] <Dallas> *Looking grim, Dallas says* We'll figure things out. *Back on the span of road overlooking the river. Sun's gonna rise any minute now, and there's a sleepy haze over the water. Dallas takes a right here, and then they pull back into the alley adjacent the laundromat and come to a stop.*
[22:47:53] <Hoxton> *It's a beautiful sunrise. It really is. Just the kind only a crisp and cold winter morning can produce. And Hox sure feels fucking cold enough for that. But he nods at Dallas, straightening up. Him having a bout of panic wont help any of them. Work is inbound. Before getting out, Hox goes.* Ya really told Aleksandr somethin...jesus he was scared of ya. *a low chuckle*
[22:50:37] <Dallas> *Dallas doesn't laugh. Doesn't even smile. He leans forward--gets stopped by his seatbelt, works it off and pulls Hoxton into a crushing hug. Or one that would be crushing if they weren't both sitting in a car. As it is, he squeezes him, growling* God-fucking-damn it, god-fucking-damn it.
[22:55:04] <Hoxton> *Hox tenses up a little and is for a moment a little dumbstruck. But then, he returns the the hug. God fucking it all. Dying in the snow all by himself. That was way too close. Way too fucking close. He frantically looks for something to loosen up the tension, but for now he feels fucking grateful for Dallas being here.* Ya wont get rid of me so easily, mate.
[22:57:29] <Dallas> *Dallas doesn't say anything. Just gives the bristly back of his head an affectionate rub, then pats him firmly and lets go, getting out of the car. Heading for the door.*
[23:01:30] <Hoxton> *Hox looks a little ...well. A little less panicked. But he again straightens himself and follows him out into the safehouse. Ah fuck, his face is fucked yet again. Fuck that big russian guy. He let's Dallas get in first.*

[20:06:30] <Sydney> *Unaware of Hoxton's current predicament, Sydney's lounging around in the safehouse enjoying a drink. She's pretty happy with the results, and will treasure Vlad's reaction forever. Eventually she settles back down on the couch, looking to Wolf.* Pity you missed the party. I had fun.
[20:07:25] <Wolf> ... Eh. 'S not a big deal. You torture one of 'em, you torture all of 'em, y'know?
[20:09:32] <Sydney> *Sydney shrugs.* Let me guess. You prefer killing to torture.
[20:11:01] <Wolf> *He gives a quick, certain nod.* Course. With killing, it's one and done. They're dead. Forever. With torture, they've got permanent scars on 'em, and there's the risk of seeing 'em again.
[20:12:47] <Sydney> *She takes a sip of her drink, thinking for a moment.* Do you have a favorite kill?
[20:14:55] <Wolf> Hmm.. *He looks down, thinking.* ... A Dozer from back when we were breaking Hoxton out. Bled out via drill.
[20:17:58] <Sydney> *Sydney scoots forward a bit so she's sitting closer to the edge of the couch, listening intently.* A drill? Like, the ones you use for drilling safes? That kind of drill.
[20:18:25] <Wolf> *He nods.* Yeah, yeah. Killed one with a jackhammer, once, too.
[20:19:22] <Sydney> *Sydney laughs.* Oh my god, that sounds so gnarly. Wish I'd gotten to see that.
[20:20:06] <Wolf> Walked outta that heist with my hand broken and my ankle twisted, but that fuckin' kill made every second worth it.
[20:21:43] <Sydney> Sounds like it. Damn. I need to up my game.
[20:22:34] <Wolf> .. Gives me nightmares, but again, worth it.
[20:23:29] <Sydney> *She arches an eyebrow.* You get nightmares?
[20:24:10] <Wolf> W-When I do sleep, yeah- *He stammers, awkwardly chuckling.*
[20:26:52] <Sydney> I've never actually had a nightmare. Dreams, sure, but they're just weird. Never been scared of a dream.
[20:27:32] <Wolf> .. Eh, minds work differently. I don't get a whole lot of good dreams.
[20:30:27] <Sydney> They're not good dreams. They're just weird. Like, one time, I dreamt that my head was replaced by an actual hamburger and people started calling me hamburger head. *She shrugs.* Some shrink could probably find some meaning in that, but it's just all nonsense to me.
[20:31:24] <Wolf> .. Guess that's something. I have a lot of nightmares about cloakers, or someone in the crew dying-
[20:33:12] <Sydney> *She leans back a little, takes a sip of her drink, then smirks.* Ever dream about me?
[20:34:39] <Wolf> *He gives a glance.* Does it matter if I do?
[20:35:26] <Sydney> Nah, not really, I guess. Just curious.
[20:35:55] <Wolf> ... I do, then. *He offers no further comments.*
[20:37:51] <Sydney> *Catching the mood, Sydney doesn't go digging further. She does, however, pull out her phone and glance at the time.* Hox's been gone a bit, hasn't he? How many cigs you think he's smoking?
[20:38:48] <Wolf> Maybe he went to Flordia too. Or fell off the face of the earth. Wouldn't be the first time a crewmember has.
[20:40:24] <Dallas> *In the background, Dallas heading for the door, having changed back into his own clothes. Tugging on his coat and lighting a smoke on the way out.*
[20:40:30] <Sydney> *Sydney nods.* Chains, right? Still haven't met the guy. He as badass as they say?
[20:41:27] <Wolf> *He nods in response.* Hell yeah. Also had this other guy, John Wick. Still don't know what happened to him.
[20:46:30] <Sydney> *She nods, then after a moment, laughs.* I just realized. I'm probably that person for some people back in 'Straya.
[20:48:52] <Wolf> *He gives a little laugh too.* Yeah, yeah. Same here.
[20:51:41] <Sydney> Honestly? Fuck'em. If they were smart, they'd've figured it out. And if I wanted to talk to them, I would've.
[20:52:59] <Wolf> *Wolf nods again.* Yeah! That's the way. Don't think about the past. Fuck it.
[20:55:15] <Sydney> I try. But it's so much easier said than done, yeah? And if you're not careful, you'll end up drunk looking at your ex's facebook posts at 3 am.
[20:56:15] <Wolf> *He clenches a fist, laughing.* Fuck, man, I feel that.
[20:59:53] <Sydney> Turns out he's havin' a kid. Crazy, right? *She laughs once, trying to be nonchalant about it, but she finishes off her drink with white knuckles and looks away.*
[21:00:49] <Wolf> Kid's gonna grow up with a dad with shit taste, leavin' you.
[21:02:50] <Sydney> You're sweet. But the kid's gonna have a lot more problems than that. *She looks back up at him, smiling slightly, but it doesn't reach her eyes.* Remember that fuckwit I told you about? The one who used my real name in the middle of a job?
[21:03:01] <Wolf> .. That's him?
[21:06:20] <Sydney> *Sydney nods.* We actually broke up after getting home from that job. Well. More like he kicked me out of the gang and told me he never wanted to see me again. That counts as a breakup, right? *She shrugs.* God, some people are such pussies when it comes to bloodshed.
[21:07:35] <Wolf> *He chuckles.* You'd think he'd get used to it.
[21:15:21] <Sydney> Nah, seems like he's outta the game now. Guess I scared him that badly. *She crosses her arms, sighs.*
[21:15:48] <Wolf> .. Good. Crime's got no room for pussies.
[21:17:13] <Sydney> Cheers to that, mate. *She goes to toast him, realizes her drink is empty. She waggles it apologetically and heads to the kitchen to get another.*
[21:27:13] <Sydney> *Sydney returns with another beer after a few moments. She gets settled on the couch again, and after a moment asks,* Do you think I went too far with that Russian guy? I mean, Vlad loved it, and he's who was paying for it, but...I dunno. Hox didn't seem too happy bout it.
[21:29:18] <Wolf> .. Nah. I say you didn't go far enough. Fuckin' bastard.
[21:30:26] <Sydney> *She seems visibly relieved.* Alright, good.
[21:33:29] <Sydney> I dunno. After Russia...I was kinda scared that I'd just fucked things up again. Gone too far.
[21:33:59] <Wolf> Nah. If ya did cause something, 's nothing that can't be fixed.
[21:35:07] <Sydney> With a lot of bullets, yeah? *She chuckles.*
[21:35:30] <Wolf> Course. Violence is always the answer.
[21:37:20] <Sydney> The others don't seem to agree. *She regards him carefully.* How much do you hold back around them?
[21:37:47] <Wolf> ... A lot. A lot, outside of missions. Bad things happen if I don't.
[21:38:08] <Sydney> What kind of bad things?
[21:38:42] <Wolf> Like the others being scared of me. I don't like it.
[21:39:03] <Wolf> Makes it hard to work with them.
[21:41:54] <Sydney> I getcha. *Beat.* Well, for what it's worth, you don't have to hold back around me. I don't get scared.
[21:42:15] <Wolf> .. Yeah, I- *He chuckles* I figured that out.
[21:43:49] <Sydney> People always say shit like "if you're not afraid, you're stupid". Fuck that. If I'm gonna die, I'm gonna die, and until then, I'm going to have fucking fun.
[21:44:15] <Wolf> We're here for a good time, not a long time.
[21:50:12] <Sydney> *Sydney glances up to the top of Wolf's balding head pointedly, arching an eyebrow and cocking her head to the side slightly. She chuckles after a moment, shaking her head.* Guess I keep forgetting you had a late start. I honestly can't imagine you doing anything else.
[21:51:26] <Wolf> *He looks down, a little self consious before smiling.* .. Yeah. 'S weird, thinking about the past.
[21:53:05] <Sydney> If you could, would you go back to that life? Before it got all fucked up, I mean?
[22:01:17] <Wolf> .... No. I- I loved my family, of course, but I just felt.. trapped. All the time.
[22:02:17] <Sydney> And now you're free. *A statement, not a question.*
[22:02:46] <Wolf> *He nods, smiling.*
[22:07:53] <Sydney> I was pretty much always like this. I didn't feel 'trapped', per se...I just was a caterpiller back then. My destiny as a beautiful, murderous butterfly was inevitable.
[22:08:48] <Wolf> Beautiful metaphor.
[22:11:11] <Sydney> My Year 8 English teacher said I was good at 'em. That woulda been before I stabbed 'im with a pencil, of course.
[22:18:39] <Wolf> I took English in high school and college. Ended up not knowing shit once I actually wound up here, of course. It's so much different in practice.
[22:20:56] <Sydney> Yeah. Really don't make much sense as a language, does it. Been trying to pick up another one, but haven't been able to get the hang of it. English has warped my brain. *She chuckles.*
[22:24:48] <Wolf> .. *He nods.* Yeah, yeah. I mean, like, through, tough thorough, thought, and though are all completely different words with completely different prononciations but they look the exact fucking same!
[22:25:20] <Sydney> You gotta admit though, English is fucking amazing to curse with.
[22:25:29] <Wolf> It is, it is.
[22:27:25] <Sydney> *She sits back, takes a sip of her drink.* Feels like I've been asking all the questions here. Anything you wanna know about me?
[22:31:37] <Wolf> *He stares for a second, thinking.* .. You still interested in that 'Aishe' chick?
[22:37:27] <Sydney> Might fuck her a few times if she's down for it. *She shrugs indifferently.* Me and goldfish, we don't last long. Either I get bored or they get scared off.
[22:38:15] <Wolf> I take it you're not a virgin?
[22:38:24] <Sydney> *Sydney snorts.*
[22:38:52] <Sydney> Of all the things to fucking ask....
[22:39:16] <Wolf> It's just a question, okay? *He laughs too.*
[22:40:50] <Sydney> Until Russia, I'd fucked more people than I've killed. *She takes a long swig of her beer. Yes, it's almost dawn. No, Sydney does not care.*
[22:42:05] <Wolf> From the looks of you, I doubt it'll be long before the numbers even out. *He grins, throwing a playful punch at her.*
[22:44:27] <Sydney> *She sends a playful kick at him in return. It's a bit more forceful, sheerly by dint of her wearing her combat boots.* Don't know if that's a compliment, or a challenge.
[22:45:11] <Wolf> *He winces a bit, laughing harder.* Eye of the beholder, friend.
[22:47:21] <Sydney> *She laughs, rolling her eyes and shaking her head.* Christ.
[22:48:32] <Wolf> 'S not my fault you're such a sex addict.
[22:50:00] <Sydney> Like I said earlier. If I'm gonna die, I'm gonna die, but until then, I'm going to have fucking fun.
[22:50:19] <Wolf> Didn't realize you meant it so literally.
[22:51:53] <Sydney> Killing ain't the only rush, yeah?
[22:52:45] <Wolf> .. Fair, fair.
[22:53:35] <Sydney> Plus, unless you're a seriously fucked up piece of shit, it ain't illegal.
[22:54:04] <Wolf> 'S harmless fun. Destressing, too.
[22:58:39] <Sydney> Ain't that the truth.
[22:59:37] <Wolf> And good God, if it's not fun. *He gives a small laugh.*
[23:00:34] <Sydney> So you been with others since your ex?
[23:01:29] <Wolf> *He actually thinks for a second.* .. No. Been doing this since the moment I came to America.
[23:02:22] <Sydney> Too much killing ain't good for ya. Ya gotta vary it up.
[23:02:44] <Sydney> Or at least space it out.

[23:02:54] <Dallas> *The door opens, and Dallas comes striding in, reaching for his phone before he realizes it's not there. Still on the passenger seat. But he doesn't wait for a polite moment to interrupt, brusquely saying* We got a problem, people. Someone pass me a phone. I need to call Bain right now.
[23:03:16] <Sydney> *Sydney pulls out her phone, tosses it to him.* Sup?
[23:03:48] <Wolf> 'S not like I can get much worse, Sy- *He looks up when Dallas enters, nodding. The calm stature he previously had seemingly vanishing.* W.. What's wrong?
[23:03:52] <Dallas> *catching the phone* Russians caught our scent. Grabbed Hox off the street. *And he's walking off to make the call.*
[23:04:04] <Sydney> ...Fuck me.
[23:04:07] <Hoxton> *And Hox follows. Sporting a bruise on his face where one definitely was not before. He looks tense but then his gaze fixes on Sydney.*
[23:04:31] <Wolf> Oh, oh God- *He stands up, looking around, panicked.*
[23:05:10] <Sydney> *She looks back at him, her initial concerned look soon blending into an unfamiliar-looking frown.*
[23:06:02] <Sydney> *Silent for the moment.*
[23:06:17] <Wolf> *He's got a fist clenched, staring off, thinking.*
[23:06:34] <Hoxton> I hope you are bloody satisfied, lassie. What the fuck were ya....I shouldnt have let ya gettin all fuckin psycho on Dmitri! For the bloody record, his higher ups are fucking NOT happy he almost fucking died!
[23:07:13] <Hoxton> This aint a fuckin game where ya can go fuckin psycho on your bleedin leisure! We are in deep fucking shite now!
[23:08:39] <Sydney> *She keeps her voice low and level.* We were being paid to do a job. And you had plenty of opportunities to stop me. You chose not to.
[23:09:03] <Wolf> ... *He looks up.* It.. It's not her fucking fault Dimitri's little bitches got pissed. She did- She did her fucking job.
[23:09:28] <Sydney> *Her frown deepens.* Tell me, how did the Russians catch your scent anyways?
[23:12:03] <Hoxton> It's my fuckin duty to keep ya in line or what? I thought ya were a professional! *He shoots Wolf a glare, withering.* Shut it. That's not your business, Wolfie. *He looks back to Sydney* They wouldnt have even bloody cared if we just thrashed the place. And you!
[23:13:16] <Wolf> *He retreats, still looking at Hox with a glare that could kill.*
[23:13:32] <Hoxton> I dont bloody care ya havin a little fun on the job. But for the love of all fucks, look a little farther than your own bloody personal fun.
[23:14:16] <Sydney> Says the man who decided to play poker with a Russian mob boss while he was casing the place we were about to wreck.
[23:14:30] <Sydney> Thought you were a professional, mate.
[23:14:39] <Dallas> *Dallas is pacing around in the background, talking on the phone.*
[23:14:52] <Wolf> *Mumbled* A man with a known mug, no less.
[23:16:13] <Hoxton> If I didnt, we wouldnt have even know the mob had this place under protection. *He looks fuming, angry as fuck but still startled.* If that fella had been less forgivin, I'd be dead by the river. I get it you wouldnt give a shit. *a look at Wolfie* But ya?
[23:16:50] <Wolf> ... What about me?
[23:18:19] <Hoxton> *Hox looks between him and Sydney. Shaking his head.*
[23:18:58] <Sydney> We'd already fucking learned the Russian mob was there! Jimmy was fucking translating for us, remember??
[23:19:09] <Wolf> 'S not my fault Kelli's a much better friend /and/ person than you are.
[23:19:25] <Hoxton> And yet ya thought shootin the fella was a good idea?
[23:19:32] <Dallas> Dallas: *loudly* All right, that's enough. All of you, shut the fuck up! *His best dad voice. Pointing right at Hoxton* YOU. What the fuck was his name, the guy who grabbed you?
[23:21:06] <Wolf> And yet YOU thought playing cards with them was a good idea?
[23:21:10] <Hoxton> *Hox glares at the both of them. He is about to go on another tirade but instead just says.* It's easy when it's not your life on the line again. *He turns to look at Dallas, breathing hard.* Aleksandr.
[23:21:22] <Dallas> *pointing* Wolf--shut your fucking trap before I shut it for you.
[23:21:23] <Sydney> *Sydney glances towards Wolf, unsure if she heard him right, but when Dallas shouts, she looks away.*
[23:22:06] <Wolf> You're not my fucking dad.
[23:22:58] <Dallas> Then act like a goddamn adult, Wolf! *And he goes back to talking to Bain.*
[23:26:14] <Sydney> I'm still not exactly clear on how the Russians found you. *Her voice is low, with an icy tone.*
[23:27:07] <Wolf> *It's at this point one might notice Dot sitting on the far end of the room. Just watching.*
[23:28:32] <Hoxton> *Softly* If ya hadnt shot Dmitri none, NONE of this would have happened.
[23:28:55] <Wolf> Answer the fucking question.
[23:29:42] <Sydney> Yeah. We're all ears, mate.
[23:29:45] <Hoxton> Ah Wolf, stop bein the fuckin knight in white armor. Ya dont have to tell me shite.
[23:30:33] <Sydney> You keep evading. What the fuck did you do??
[23:30:52] <Wolf> And /you/ didn't have to play cards when you're a wanted criminal. We don't always get what we want.
[23:31:35] <Hoxton> Assumin I was workin with professionals not a bunch of fuckin psychos. *he eyes the two, falling silent. A cruel smile on lips but he doesnt say anything.*
[23:32:07] <Sydney> Mate, at least we're not lying about it.
[23:32:38] <Dallas> *Dallas comes back over to them, passing the phone back to Sydney.* All right, we're done here. Get outta here--scatter. Go home. Bain will be in touch.
[23:33:43] <Wolf> Shut it, you silverspooned, old money, t- *He shuts his mouth when Dallas shows up.* ... Fine. Goodnight.
[23:35:48] <Hoxton> *Hox, well stays where he is. Feeling that paper in his pocket like a lead weight. Aleksandr told him not to tell. But fuck him. This second job smells fucking fishy enough.*
[23:36:03] <Sydney> *Sydney takes the phone back, but keeps her eyes on Hoxton.* If you didn't know how they found you, you'd say that. If it was someone else's fault, you would have yelled at them. This has to be your fucking fault.
[23:36:15] <Dallas> *Dallas pushes his keys at Hox.* Go wait for me in the car.
[23:37:06] <Wolf> *Dot's on her way back into the garage now as Wolf grumbles, making his way out the door.*
[23:37:18] <Hoxton> *Tightly* It was the phone. Would ya have thought about it? Dont fuckin put the blame all on me. Ya were busy elsewhere anyway. *He takes the keys and stiffly marches to the car.*
[23:39:02] <Sydney> *Sydney's arms are tightly crossed in front of her. She watches Hoxton leave, unamused.*
[23:39:10] <Dallas> *Dallas starts for Jimmy's van to let him know what's going on, stops to say to Sydney and Wolf* Keep it together, you two. Stay focused. We may be in for some tough times ahead.