like I said, the main game didn’t even start yet;

[unchangeling]

[ it was annoying enough that the cat decided to follow him home today, but Cromm supposes it can't be helped. though he's suspicious considering how willing Robin was in doing so in the first place. for the moment, though, he shoves that aside and shadow-walks them to the door before unlocking it -

boy was this a familiar feeling, though he was still on the fence if it would end the same way that it did at the hotel.

(probably)

he unceremoniously shoves the other fae into the nearest chair as he lets out a long exhale. ]

Stay put for once. I'll ... be back.

[ it's then that he realizes that someone else is here alongside them, and he's ready with a knife, eyes narrowed before he pokes his head around the hall and -

he does something that only a certain pair have seen.

he sputters. ]

Wh- what are you doing here, Coire? [ the tension and dark aura surrounding him dissipate immediately, replaced with mild confusion as he sheathes the knife for the time being. ]

Comments

[unsatisfying]

[Coire always likes Cromm's reactions. She knows how few people have seen that soft side, and it is all the more endearing to know that. And to keep witnessing it for herself.]

Followed, you? He must have some skill. I can't believe you would let down your guard for just anyone.

[Time for a better look at him, then. She's met many people of many races. There are plenty who wouldn't or didn't know to bow, but remarkably few fae who would choose not to. Coire won't pass judgement on that - not just yet - because there is something both impressive and intriguing about someone who could track down Cromm.]

If he does have such a chamber, he hasn't told me either. And it does sound like something he ought to share.

[And take her to! Honestly!!]

I will, of course. You did introduce yourself as such. It's a pleasure, free agent Robin Goodfellow. I am Coire Dagdae.

[unchangeling]

[ ... and this is why normally he wouldn't have let Robin follow him home in the first place. Cromm shuts his eyes with an exasperated sigh. ]

I wouldn't, no. And for the last time, I do not have a hidden sex chamber.

[ The look he shoots Coire says that he would've taken her there if he had one, but that's not what it was, despite certain peoples' apparent expectations of him.

Though he is putting a hand at the back of Robin's neck, gently for a split second before he shoves him down to try and put him in an awkward bowing position. ]

... it's a pleasant surprise to see you, regardless. I apologize if you were waiting too long for me.

[allinacon]

[ Robin could almost laugh at how much stress this was probably putting on the poor assassin. Almost, but he knew that it was a very thin line he walks around Cromm, and while he was okay with some violence, he did have a line which he did not want to cross.

Including getting grabbed by the back of his neck and getting forced to do something he did not want to do.

The puck snarled, a hand going back to grab Cromm's wrist and dig in even as he was pushed down in a bow. He fought it, twisting around and fighting the slight urge to go limp because as much as he was a cat, he was also a free fae and thus not one to play this game. ]

You protest too much for it to not exist. [ He hissed the words, twisting enough to look back at Cromm, eyes narrowed. ] How improper to play this in front of your guest.

[unsatisfying]

[Briefly, she wonders whether that move is for her honor or something quite different. Coire doesn't think on that long. It's kind of dry stuff, but besides that, the near violent reaction is more to focus on.]

Not so long that I'm bothered by it. There's no room for me to complain even if I were, really. I came on my own.

[The angry cat in the room, though... ]

Do let him go, he couldn't have expected me either.

[unchangeling]

[ He's about half-tempted to bare his teeth and snarl at Robin again, but then Coire speaks up. He blinks a couple times before letting go of the puck's neck. ]

I suppose.

[ He crosses his arms, not pouting but still looking fairly annoyed. ]

[allinacon]

[ It was amazing at how they manage to get along considering that they were always arguing about matters. There was an aspect of when they weren't fighting, they worked together rather well - Robin and his illusions helping boost Cromm's already stealthy skills. But as she could no doubt tell, they still got on each other's nerves a lot.

Freed from the grip, Robin visibly puffed up a little. If he was in cat form, his fur would be puffed out and his tail whipping around as he tried to smooth his fur back down. Like this, he settled for tugging his clothing back to reasonable shape, tugging his charm back to rest at the hollow of his neck, and ending with a flick of his fingers at Cromm.

All to annoy him, of course. ]

I had thought him to be far too prickly to have very many friends.

[unsatisfying]

[Well. That's interesting. She watches without comment, trying to figure this out. There's something to the bickering.

Ah, boys.]

I can't see why not. Honestly, he's so very sweet.

[Didn't he stalk around his own house with a knife literally three minutes ago ready to stab a man, Coire]

But you know him too, of course. However did you meet?

[unchangeling]

[ Okay no that one gets him to bare his teeth a little. Apparently being around each other brought out traits from the animals the two of them prefered to shift into.

But then he remembers who's also in the room with them and he opts to look more disgruntled than anything. And if he felt a little swell of pride when Coire called him sweet, he wouldn't say anything else. ]

I ... had gone to a casino, mostly to mess with a few mortals. He .. he was there as well. Apparently he had the same idea.

[allinacon]

I think you must see that side of him more, my lady. Then again, I do tend to bring out the ire of a lot of people.

[ He shrugs as he says that, knowing that he was by nature a rather different fae for most others' sense of responsibility. Free faes usually were, especially one that was prone to mischief and chaos as him. It took a rather stubborn person to stay around him for so long - that or be someone like Cromm who just seemed to always end up within Robin's usual haunts.

Really, he was beginning to think that Cromm liked him for some reason. ]

It was like that, more or less. He was in the same place as I and we ended up combining a few of our talents against some idiot humans that thought themselves wolves among sheep.

[unsatisfying]

Very possibly. But I find I often see another side of people.

[A more vulnerable, raw, naked side. Well, that's hardly a surprise. Most fae know how extremely open she is with those sorts of relationships. It does explain away her name. None ever left unsatisfied.

She does look pleased by the story. She probably would have enjoyed any, but that doesn't diminish a thing.]

It sounds almost thrilling. I hope they learned their place, or saw you crush their condescension into something pitiable. Do you often go against those sorts of mortals, Robin?

[unchangeling]

[ Cromm doesn't confirm or deny any of it at this point - it was a waste of breath when they both have seen the different sides of him.

So for now he only opts to nod to confirm the story, letting the two of them commiserate over it for a bit. ]

[allinacon]

[ Cromm looked like he was trying to not say or do anything wrong, which was kind of funny to Robin. He glances at him for a second and then turns back to her, his smile widening a little more. ]

Oh, I find myself playing with a lot of fools in one form or another. I am a gambler at heart, and it's so very easy to gamble with those that think they are better. They make for easy marks.

[ And he was going to move around the room to look, but decided that the best thing to do would be to lean back and look up at Cromm, all but purring. ] Of course, we did have a spectacular time after as well.

[unsatisfying]

I've never tried my hand at it, you see. Gambling. Perhaps I'll give it a try someday.

[Now he's speaking her language. Her own smile grows more teasing.]

I trust you fully enjoyed yourselves? It would be a pity otherwise.

[unchangeling]

I'll teach you, if you would prefer.

[ Never mind he'd probably want to go along as well anyway.

Cromm's body stiffens as Robin leans back against him, eyes narrowing at him for a few moments. He should've known. ]

We ... did. Yes.

[allinacon]

I don't know... Are you sure you want to learn from a rube? He still fumbles some of the quick palming techniques.

[ And he pulls away because he knows just how much of a limit Cromm had for casual touching and did not want him to get itchy enough to force him into something more ridiculous than a bow. Of course that meant that Robin just now had to explore so now he is casually walking around the room and peeking around things or poking them. ]

I'm pretty sure he has the basics though.

[ He glances at Cromm and winks. ] That we did. I think there is a table that will never recover as well.

[unsatisfying]

I'm fine with it. Starting with the basics is usually recommended. But I have no doubt that Cromm would be thorough with his teaching. I wouldn't let him shirk.

[that just means she can slip closer to Cromm in his absence. She isn't mean enough to drape all over him or start grabbing to embarrass him. It's fine to take up position at his side and just let her hips brush up against his as she takes her place]

Do you think they'll try to keep using it? Without ever knowing?

[unchangeling]

And I wouldn't shirk considering who I'd be teaching, either.

[ Honestly, he's a little insulted that Robin would insinuate he wouldn't know what he's doing.

He's more than okay with Coire replacing Robin at his side, though. Even if it does mean that the puck is starting to try and wander the apartment. A hand gently brushes against her hip before dropping down. ]

Probably. We used glamour to keep people away when we did the deed but afterward ...

[ He makes a vague gesture. ]

[allinacon]

We will see, though I'm sure he at leas tknows the basics.

[ Yes Cromm, fear a free puck exploring the room. He wouldn't do anything as rude as use his magic in another fae's place, but he does move things around a little and open drawers to take a peek. Nothing really big, just a general poking around before he just flops on the bed. ]

They had to refurbish it and I was scolded so severally by the old family for being such a pest.

[unsatisfying]

Yes, I know, Cromm. I can always count on you to do it well.

[She can't quite imagine that Cromm is pleased by the snooping, but she is sure now that it's only going on because she is present. She does seem to have a knack for distraction even in the worst times.]

Really! How sad. I didn't think anyone minded such little bothers when only humans were affected.

[unchangeling]

[ No, he's not pleased by the snooping at all, but he doesn't try his usual tactic of pinning Robin against the wall to get him to stop if only because Coire's there. ]

Needless to say there wasn't a repeat performance.

[ ... y'know, at least not there, anyway. ]

[allinacon]

I suppose since I'm no longer their luck, they don't feel the need to be so polite.

[ He stretched out toes and fingers curling and a strip of skin at his waist showing before rolling over so the his head was hanging upside down while he looked at them. The smile he gave Cromm was that of a very satisfied puck that knows he was getting away with murder in the eyes of all that was present. ]

At least, not at that particular spot. Cromm tries to make me shut up in the most interesting ways.

[unsatisfying]

Hmm, and does it work?

[This is getting more fun than expected. She has to look to Cromm to see what his face is doing now that this is coming out]

[unchangeling]

[ u little shit ]

... sometimes.

[ At this point he's still looking more annoyed by the fact that Robin keeps pushing his buttons intentionally. And the only reason why he hasn't tried one of those methods to get him to shut up is because Coire's in the room with them.

Though that doesn't stop him from twirling a knife between his fingers with a dangerous glint in his eyes as he stares down Robin. ]

My ratio of success isn't as high as I'd like it to be, admittedly.

[allinacon]

It all depends on how busy he makes me and if it needs any commentary.

[ And if his mouth is full or not. You know, the usual stuff really. And yes, he pretty much knows that he was going to get it in all ways short of murder once Cromm figures he can get away with it, which is probably why he was pushing the other fae's buttons so much. He even looks at the knife and wrinkles his nose.

Which means the knife was now a rather nice rose twirling around until Cromm shifts it back. ]

You shouldn't beat yourself up over that. After all, you're one of the few that manages that amount of success considering.

[unsatisfying]

[Oh, this is getting pointed. Coire glances between them, taking particular note of the former knife. How much longer will Cromm behave himself?]

You make it sound so difficult.