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

[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.

[unchangeling]

Depends on the day.

[ He's at least trying, bless him - even if his body language is showing that it's ... straining. ]

[allinacon]

We are a little of what our nature makes us.

[ He's a troublemaker and a bit of an ass that likes pushing buttons of those around him. Cromm likes things to go his way or no way. It made their encounters very interesting. ]

Though I do admit to a hint of stubbornness when it comes to doing what I wish to do.

[unsatisfying]

So I am coming to understand.

[Poor Cromm, with someone that stubborn against him.]

[unchangeling]

[ Cromm rolls his eyes, shifting the rose back into a knife before he drops his hand. ]

I like a challenge, but sometimes there are limits to what even I can deal with.

[allinacon]

Oh, I give in when it suits me.

[ Aww, he didn't like the rose. Robin pouted and rolled upright before hopping off the bed and prowling back over to where they were both standing. He shouldn't tempt Cromm to take issue with him, but at the same time, he did want to get to know the woman a little better. After all, technically he was an outsider that should at least show some deference towards the current ruling body of the area.

But then again, that would be boring. ]

Given enough of a reason to do so, of course.

[unsatisfying]

[she has no fear. why should she? and this really is entertaining, in a way. who knew Cromm had this other side to himself]

A reward for your behavior?

[unchangeling]

Sometimes I wonder what exactly he thinks a reward is in that case.

[ Not that it wasn't enjoyable for him, but it was still odd. ]

[allinacon]

Of course. Nothing is more exciting than watching a man lose his control.

[ Well, it is fun to play with the small minds around him, but Robin found it far more satisfying watching how they react to losing control. Cromm was no exception, even if it was in tiny ways and not such a huge thing. Giving the assassin a smile, he leans up to pseudo-whisper in Coire's ear. ]

Though you probably see him with all his guard down... I am jealous of that, my lady.

[unsatisfying]

I would have to agree on that count...

[She has seen some men lose control. Some of substantial power and rank, who would not appreciate that being well known. And some who wouldn't mind letting the world know.

The fake whisper makes her laugh. Yes, she knows it's all to tease Cromm, but really.]

Are you? Perhaps you lack the right touch.

[unchangeling]

[ ... he's doomed, isn't he.

Cromm narrows his eyes at the both of them, and no, he's not sulking that Coire and Robin are getting along at all, shut up. ]