people just want to see if it's true, if it's you

[lostundercover]

Characters: Billy Costigan + Kyle Rayner; + alt!Lincoln Lee; + [OPEN]
Date: July 20-23ish
Location: Various
Situation: Costigan's out of prison and needs to talk to people and stuff.
Warnings/Rating: Language. Potential mentions of prison, gangs, violence.

[Thread starters below. Feel free to add your own. Past-tense prose preferred, but open to whatever.]

Comments

[lostundercover]

"Yeah, something like that." Costigan can't help but smile a little at Bruce's innocent assumptions. He's confident that the man has done and seen worse, but that Bruce's mind still doesn't leap to those places is almost entertaining to the undercover. "I was thinking more along the lines of their blood."

He gives Bruce a quick glance. Not murder, just roughing them up.

Then he rolls his shoulder into a light shrug and takes another long sip from his beer. He still doesn't like magic. At least Bruce understands that he'll give what he can, no more and no less, and he understands the same. "Always do."

[angermanaging]

There's an instinctive refusal to the suggestion, largely based on how blatantly he denies anyone access to his blood. Bruce does try not to be hypocritical. It's less a moral absolute for him than a general distaste toward violence, and toward betraying privacy without permission. Yet he can't deny its potential usefulness here, and if they want answers, sometimes they have to make sacrifices.

This isn't one they have to make yet. "How about we try asking them first," he answers, cautious. "We don't need to get-- drastic unless we're desperate."

[lostundercover]

He gives an indifferent shift that can almost be construed as a shrug. Whatever gesture it might represent, it's clearly a silent acceptance of Bruce's suggestion. Costigan follows it with more drinking, the only way he can handle all of the ideas in his mind outside of the pills that he has run out of, minus an emergency handful hidden away to help with withdrawals.

"You ask," he replies finally. Costigan talks to the Emperor. He find access to resources that are not easy to get. He plays a strong arm when one is needed, though he may question his judgment on the matter later. He collects information. If there's one thing he does not do, it's politely ask the kedan for some of their bodily fluids.

[angermanaging]

Sadly, Bruce has never had the luxury of relying on crutches like that, whether alcohol or drugs. He'd never allow himself them even if he could, too rigidly determined to prop himself up on his own without help, but having the option removed entirely is nonetheless somewhat irritating.

His morals are just a hindrance sometimes, but he still can't get rid of them. He taps his fingers speculatively on the rough wooden table. "Alright. You'd be surprised what people will give you if you sound like you know what you're talking about." Bruce's ability to sound like he knows what he's talking about is never in question.

"We need answers to that," he decides finally. "I'll work on it. My next project."

[lostundercover]

Costigan chokes a little on his drink at Bruce's first remark with an unintentional laugh. He immediately coughs the liquid back up without too much difficulty and waves a dismissive hand to settle any potential concern from Bruce or the waiter. Once he seems alright, he takes the intended sip of beer, a smile still on his lips. Yes, Bruce. He knows what people give you if you sound like you know what you're talking about. His profession is based on it.

"Sure," he croaks. After clearing his throat, he begins again. "Sure, guy. I'll keep asking around with the other issues."

He finishes his drink and sets the empty glass on the table between them. "Anything else?"

[angermanaging]

He watches that choked laughter with an exasperated, wry look, not even attempting to guess what it was about.

"No. You're released." Bruce shakes his head, relaxing back into his seat more comfortably and making no move to leave himself just yet. "Maybe some day we'll do something not work related." Because this is work, undoubtedly.

[lostundercover]

"Sure, yeah. Anytime." Which, between them, is really code for 'yeah, maybe someday.'

Costigan gives the man a respectful nod as he stands, grabbing his empty glass to carry over to the bar. There are waiters, of course, but he's found that they appreciate him a little more when he shows signs of small favor like this. Setting his glass up at the bar, he and the bartender exchange nods and then he makes his way out of the place, leaving Bruce to his own thoughts.