Hannibal's house, Saturday morning

[sharp_as_knives]

Jono had been a bit twitchy for several days now; anticipatory and a little on edge. Not enough that Hannibal was concerned, but enough that he noticed. So today he'd set aside a bit of extra time and a large and disposable blanket. The back yard was sheltered by enough trees to give them privacy, and if there should be any...mishaps...it would be less messy.

Now he just needed to herd Jono out there.

Comments

[sharp_as_knives]

"It does sound interesting, if potentially dangerous," Hannibal noted. "And you've been enjoying yourself for the most part?"

[myownface]

"You know, I don't really have any complaints? Granted, most things are a step up from prison..."

Funny, that.

"It's... a marked improvement, all the same. I'm seeing a lot. I'm getting plenty of excitement. I'm ruining a lot of people's days..."

[sharp_as_knives]

"So, you're experiencing new things and enjoying yourself, and many worlds are a little less rude for it," Hannibal summed up. "I would say it sounds like a decent accomplishment."

[myownface]

"It feels like one to me," Sparkle replied, nodding. "And whether other people agree or not is their problem, not mine."

He really had no time for most lectures, these days. There weren't a hell of a lot of people he'd actually sit and take them from with a grain of salt.

[sharp_as_knives]

"I'm very pleased to hear that." Hannibal's smile this time was fond. "I'd rather despaired of it at times when you were my student. Tell me, do you still treat yourself to operas?"

[myownface]

"Here and there," Sparkle agreed. "There's something poetic in taking a mark to see Faust, actually."

Sparkle had developed a decent sense of irony over the years, at least.

[sharp_as_knives]

That got a laugh from Hannibal. "There is." He was still on coffee, but he raised his cup to Sparkle. "Here is to poetic justice, enjoying life, and fewer rude in the world."

[myownface]

"To life, justice, and fewer rude," Sparkle agreed, grinning and raising his beer.

He would drink to that, absolutely.