[RL with Randolph, Alexia?]

[chapter_behind]

[James absolutely refused to believe that Alexia could be so cavalier about sacrificing her family for safety, and so he came for a long-overdue tea. Although he had a better handle things now (and he was more confident in the fact that his friend was comfortable with her decision and not being forced) hestill didn't find the situation exactly palatable.]

Comments

[cravats]

[Lyall was occupied with some matter of pack business or he'd have heard James was here before... and likely avoided him entirely. The admiral had a remarkable way of getting under his skin somehow.

Unfortunately, getting ready to partially move to London had him quite distracted and he came down the stairs without realizing James was in the foyer, flipping through a stack of papers.]

[chapter_behind]

[Well. Possibly the only thing more awkward would be pretending to ignore Lyall in the very small hallway.]

...Randolph. [Softly. It hurt more than he expected to see the man -- not just because of this most recent scheme, but because of the words they'd exchanged after the virus.]

[cravats]

[Randolph looks up, surprised- though he had caught his scent already, he'd been focusing on other things.]

Oh, I say. Admiral.

[He's just as enthused as James is to see him. What on earth is he doing here? Come to try and persuade Lady Maccon to give up the only plan that had a chance of keeping her safe and in London, no doubt...]

How lovely to see you.

[chapter_behind]

And you, of course.

[Well, look at what a convincing pair they both make. James swallows around the lump in his throat, directing his glance just to the side of Randolph's shoulder.

Even though he's not the one who should be hiding.]

[cravats]

What brings you to Woolsey?

[It's amazing. He really is very good at polite interest when he really just wants to shake the man.]

[chapter_behind]

Visiting Alexia.

[Which surely you should know.

The last time they were this close together -- actually, the last several times -- they'd --

James flushes faintly and looks away, remembering all too well what Randolph's skin felt like.]

[cravats]

Of course. It's likely the best time for it, since we're all going to be quite busy soon with the move and all that.

[He feels inane. And irritated. He wonders if James still feels as though they're doing something wrong, but bringing up the subject out of nowhere would be rude...]

[chapter_behind]

So I hear. It sounds like quite the undertaking.

[That depends. Which part of this does Randolph think he thinks is wrong? There are so many different aspects.]

[cravats]

Yes, quite. At least we've decided not to repaint the house.

[Because like hell will their house match Lord A's.

And he isn't sure. Besides the fact that James seems to think they're selling the child.]

[chapter_behind]

Priorities.

[Because really, Randolph? Paint color? You tore Alexia's family apart.]

[cravats]

And what do you believe they should be?

[His tone is very mild. Very, very mild. Because James really has no idea about the intricacies of vampire-werewolf-preternatural politics and Randolph as been steeped in them for centuries.]

[chapter_behind]

I'm not involved, Randolph. This scheme is all yours.

[There's a bit of an edge to his voice, there.]

[cravats]

But I would value your ideas, since you seem to know so much about this situation.

[Look, he's being so polite. So very polite.]

[chapter_behind]

[So very bland. Well done, Randolph, at least you aren't inconvenienced.]

Don't be sarcastic, Randolph, it's petty.

[cravats]

[Oh, no, Randolph is not inconvenienced at all. He never is.]

I am honestly curious about why you seem to feel qualified to judge this matter at all.

[chapter_behind]

[He can tell.]

Because Alexia is my friend.

[He's pretty solid on his qualifications yup.]

[cravats]

And that certainly tells you everything you need to know on the matter.

[Sorry, he's reverted back to sarcasm.]

[chapter_behind]

[James works to keep his tone even -- he knows he's overreacting because of their recent history, but damnit, how can Randolph treat this so cavalierly.]

It tells me enough, Randolph!

[cravats]

And what, exactly, does it tell you?

[Simply because Lyall doesn't show things on the outside doesn't mean he's being cavalier. He's acting for the good of the pack, and that includes Alexia and her unborn child.]

[chapter_behind]

[Maybe showing a little more emotion would benefit him.]

It tells me that you simply don't care what you do to Alexia's family if it's the most expedient route to protection.

[cravats]

[Well, it's just not going to happen.]

Of course I care about Alexia's family- do you think I am entirely heartless, Admiral? They are my pack.

[chapter_behind]

You're certainly doing a good impression of it if you aren't, Professor.

[Were they back to using titles now? Fine.]

[cravats]

The fact that you have no idea what you're talking about is more obvious than ever.

[He feels like he's been slapped. It's not particularly pleasant.]

[chapter_behind]

Then by all means, enlighten me.

[Because really, James has begun to wonder if the mistake wasn't believing Randolph had feelings for him, but that he had feelings at all.]

[cravats]

Considering your tendency towards willful misunderstanding, I'm not certain that it's worth my time.

[He would rather not expose his feelings only to have them scorned, after all.]