[Well well. Now wasn't that even easier than you thought it'd be? Captured already, with the barest hint of a morsel on the hook-- Not that he hadn't already had a couple of backup plans for worst-case scenarios just in case, but...]
Just as expected, you catch on sharply! We truly are on the same page in these matters of business, you and I.
[They really are terribly appraising, aren't they? Those off-color eyes always just a little too sharp, no matter the eccentric airs and acts Hugo might slip on and off, contrasting even now against his languid lounging upon the couch--the keen attention that currently follows Wise's every movement, every subtle shift in expression. Noting the fingertips that distractedly turn over the thumb drive in that amusingly familiar way; recognizing the particular sort of hunger in the examination already being leveled. Some lovers only wish they could capture this sort of fervor from their cherished, ha. ...It's even almost a bit of a pity, in a detached sort of way, that it isn't being turned Hugo's own way currently--but that was never part of the plan anyway, of course. Let's not secondhandedly envy a thumb drive, goodness.
...Call it a taste for the finely honed, the difficult to attain, the criminally overlooked. It's not as if he isn't fully aware, that the legendary Phaethon is two parts of the same whole. That they're likely quite evenly skilled at their favored craft. In terms of pure practicality, Hugo's been going maybe a bit too out of his way for a little while now--taking the road just a little too steeply difficult--in trying to get a feel of Wise specifically, instead of taking the objectively far smoother route of bubbly and outgoing Miss Belle's more freely-given favor. ...But maybe he didn't get this far in life taking the easy paths, you know? And maybe he truly does enjoy a good challenge. And maybe...he's been starting to glean a bit of an impression for himself, that Wise isn't quite entirely settled in his chosen place in Phaethon's backdrop--no matter how content with it he may claim to be.
After all, if he truly were, his demeanor surely wouldn't be sharpening the way it so charmingly does in this moment...all motions of a good host briefly forgotten, cup of tea left cooling on the table, a clear intrigue piqued at a worthwhile puzzle. No mention of Belle's candidacy being raised. Oh, Wise's tone certainly has that note of quiet caution, despite its challenge. But Hugo knows the greed of a heart glimpsing something it craves, when every person is capable of this sort of desire, and his work sees it plenty.
It's not a bad look on Wise. Not at all.
(Alas, any respectable member of Mockingbird cannot help but covet beautiful things too--)]
For helping me...why, perhaps you could get whatever you want. [It's an exceedingly brief sort of moment, of his tone dipping just so: the answer nearly a purr, lilting just on the edge of something almost salacious, a gloved thumb at a corner of his mouth in mock thought, smile curling into a smirk with fangs. And then--a chuckle, playfully tapering away the implications. With an idle shift of crossing legs, Hugo's posture straightens into something closer to professionally proper.] --Which always sounds nice, but that'd be far too vague, of course. Let's see...naturally, it could easily be a simply monetary compensation. I've yet to encounter a price I cannot pay for a service valued highly enough, rest assured. But this isn't exactly just a conventional sort of favor, is it? I could be dragging you into some pretty delicate business...so this needs to be worth your while, doesn't it? Something worth the risk, of indulging a shady man in his shady deeds. Hmmm...
[Hugo has already planned out plenty of different offerings, of course. But he does enjoy the theater, the act of a good pondering. Humming thoughtfully, he leans forward to start spooning some sugar into his own tea, his handling of the cup and utensils immaculately refined. (Muscle memory.)]
How about, alongside a certain sum...perhaps some assistance, too, with the physical security issue you seem to be facing recently?
no subject
Just as expected, you catch on sharply! We truly are on the same page in these matters of business, you and I.
[They really are terribly appraising, aren't they? Those off-color eyes always just a little too sharp, no matter the eccentric airs and acts Hugo might slip on and off, contrasting even now against his languid lounging upon the couch--the keen attention that currently follows Wise's every movement, every subtle shift in expression. Noting the fingertips that distractedly turn over the thumb drive in that amusingly familiar way; recognizing the particular sort of hunger in the examination already being leveled. Some lovers only wish they could capture this sort of fervor from their cherished, ha. ...It's even almost a bit of a pity, in a detached sort of way, that it isn't being turned Hugo's own way currently--but that was never part of the plan anyway, of course. Let's not secondhandedly envy a thumb drive, goodness.
...Call it a taste for the finely honed, the difficult to attain, the criminally overlooked. It's not as if he isn't fully aware, that the legendary Phaethon is two parts of the same whole. That they're likely quite evenly skilled at their favored craft. In terms of pure practicality, Hugo's been going maybe a bit too out of his way for a little while now--taking the road just a little too steeply difficult--in trying to get a feel of Wise specifically, instead of taking the objectively far smoother route of bubbly and outgoing Miss Belle's more freely-given favor. ...But maybe he didn't get this far in life taking the easy paths, you know? And maybe he truly does enjoy a good challenge. And maybe...he's been starting to glean a bit of an impression for himself, that Wise isn't quite entirely settled in his chosen place in Phaethon's backdrop--no matter how content with it he may claim to be.
After all, if he truly were, his demeanor surely wouldn't be sharpening the way it so charmingly does in this moment...all motions of a good host briefly forgotten, cup of tea left cooling on the table, a clear intrigue piqued at a worthwhile puzzle. No mention of Belle's candidacy being raised. Oh, Wise's tone certainly has that note of quiet caution, despite its challenge. But Hugo knows the greed of a heart glimpsing something it craves, when every person is capable of this sort of desire, and his work sees it plenty.
It's not a bad look on Wise. Not at all.
(Alas, any respectable member of Mockingbird cannot help but covet beautiful things too--)]
For helping me...why, perhaps you could get whatever you want. [It's an exceedingly brief sort of moment, of his tone dipping just so: the answer nearly a purr, lilting just on the edge of something almost salacious, a gloved thumb at a corner of his mouth in mock thought, smile curling into a smirk with fangs. And then--a chuckle, playfully tapering away the implications. With an idle shift of crossing legs, Hugo's posture straightens into something closer to professionally proper.] --Which always sounds nice, but that'd be far too vague, of course. Let's see...naturally, it could easily be a simply monetary compensation. I've yet to encounter a price I cannot pay for a service valued highly enough, rest assured. But this isn't exactly just a conventional sort of favor, is it? I could be dragging you into some pretty delicate business...so this needs to be worth your while, doesn't it? Something worth the risk, of indulging a shady man in his shady deeds. Hmmm...
[Hugo has already planned out plenty of different offerings, of course. But he does enjoy the theater, the act of a good pondering. Humming thoughtfully, he leans forward to start spooning some sugar into his own tea, his handling of the cup and utensils immaculately refined. (Muscle memory.)]
How about, alongside a certain sum...perhaps some assistance, too, with the physical security issue you seem to be facing recently?