sixwordstories verse : featuring <user site="livejournal.com" u

[moralambiguity]

Continued from here, wherein John asked Zee for some help in contacting the spirit medium looking for Jessica's soul, and/or doing some complicated magic.  Depending on how this all goes.  It also may or may not involve John being almost romantic, wut.

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Bloke goes by the title 'the Third Grey of Ithaca' if that rings any o' your bells.  Keeps shop in the back of a casino.  [Grins at her sideways]  Who knows, maybe he's caught yer show.

Comments

[hexappeal]

I didn't mean it that way, but since you're offering... who am I to refuse such a generous offer? [Strange, but sort of cute. In that terribly awkward sort of way. She likes it.]

[the-hellblazer.livejournal.com]

[Covers a smile with a puff on his cig, but then pats his pockets absently as something strikes him] Er, 'cept ye might have to spot me some dosh this time, luv. [An almost sheepish expression crosses his face. Oops.]

[hexappeal]

I thought it was whomever asked the other that usually paid, yes? It's on me. [She puts a hand on her neck, messing with it a bit.] I know you wouldn't take advantage of me like that. It's nothing to worry over.

[the-hellblazer.livejournal.com]

You're right, I wouldn't. Jus' didn't exactly expect t'be sticking around America this long, an' didn't come fully prepared.

[Nods up the block at the casino in question]

That's the one. We're gonna have to go through the back though. Not a lot of casinos I can get in through the front door around here anymore.

[hexappeal]

I don't mind being the one wearing the pants.

[She looks the place over. Just in case, she makes a mental note that there's a high chance there won't be a performance at this place any time in the near future. Just in case.] Of course. Unless you want to try a disguise. I've found I'm quite good at them.

[the-hellblazer.livejournal.com]

Well, that's a figurative statement if I've ever heard one.

[Quirks a brow at that suggestion] Now's not a time fer the rabbit suit, Zee. [Small grin]

[hexappeal]

And a bit ironic, considering I rarely wear them.

As adorable as that was, I'm pretty sure you knew what I meant.

html faillll, because I am too sleepy. :( Bedtime for me.

[the-hellblazer.livejournal.com]

That I did.

Well, alright, ye wanna give it a go, let's try it. Worst they can do is throw me out.

D'aww, s'okay. Goodnight! (:

[hexappeal]

What's your preference? Feel like being a 4'9" elderly Chinese woman? [She begins to pull up her sleeves, as if it will be actual dirty work.]

[the-hellblazer.livejournal.com]

Was that a threat?

[hexappeal]

If you want it to be. I can handle a whole crowd at this point, so figure out what you want to try. --and no. I will not make you look like a member of a boyband.

[the-hellblazer.livejournal.com]

Alright. I'll trust ye on that.

Just make me into somethin' that won't stick out.

[hexappeal]

Suoucipsnocni naidnI tsiruot elpuoc, it is! [And inconspicuous Indian tourist couple they are, draped in Hawaiian print and awkward hats.] Not bad, hm?

[the-hellblazer.livejournal.com]

[Pulls the hat off his head to examine it a minute before setting it ruefully back on his head] If anybody does recognize me this way, I'm gonna be severely disappointed in me-self.

[Gives a little half-cocked grin that looks strange on his new face, and throws his cigarette to the curb, as he heads in the front revolving doors]

[hexappeal]

I can hold it up as long as you need. Just give me the word and it's gone. [She fiddles with the disposable camera and takes a few pictures.]

[She follows closely, playing the good tourist and looking surprised at everything she sees.]

[the-hellblazer.livejournal.com]

[Glances around as they head through the tables and machines] Been some time since I've seen the inside of this place. [His attention seems to get drawn to one of the card tables] Y'know, while we're here, I could take care of that low-on-funds problem I've been havin'...

[hexappeal]

[She tugs on his arm. Though amused, she keeps her tone a little serious.] Business first, pleasure later - or else we'll never leave.

[the-hellblazer.livejournal.com]

Right, right. [He's still got one eye on the tables, even as he starts steering her in a weaving pattern towards the back of the casino.] We can just make a pit stop back here before dinner.

[hexappeal]

Alright, but only a little. We don't want to draw too much attention. [She keeps her eyes forward, scanning the area for any threats. Just security, thus far. Nothing a little magic can't handle.]

[the-hellblazer.livejournal.com]

Eyes forward, luv, and follow my lead. [Despite security looking on, he suddenly beelines straight for an unmarked door near the back. Immediately, two big beefy guard types exchange looks and start heading directly towards them both. Constantine opens the door and ushers her into the hallway, shutting it without another moment's hesitation]

You wanna do the honors, pet, or should I? Nice and tight. [Jerks a thumb at the door]

[hexappeal]

Of course. [She rushes forward, considering tugging him but knowing full-well that only would look more suspicious and... it is certainly not worthwhile to act upon it so soon.]

Evomer rood, ecalper htiw llaw. [The door molds into the wall, becoming one with it. Wallpaper unfurls over the bare area until it looks like there was never a door there to begin with.] To your satisfaction? Ah, almost forgot! Saremac, ecalper slausiv htiw gnihtemos... ton suoicipsus! That'll take care of the cameras.

[the-hellblazer.livejournal.com]

[Surveys the wall, looking amused] Not bad at all. Would love t'see their faces right about now.

[Zee having taken care of the finer points, as it were, so thoroughly, he immediately starts down the hallway, bypassing most of the doors, though he occasionally pauses as if listening to something. He does this at one juncture of hallways, then abruptly takes a left there, and gestures for her to follow]

Prob'ly should do this part in me own face.

[hexappeal]

It never gets old, does it?

[She stays far behind, disabling - or changing - things that need be along the way, making sure they've a safe pathway to work through. At a certain point, Zee stops and waits for him to gesture her forward. When he does, she follows.]

Got it. Nruter ruo secnaraeppa ot eht yaw yeht erew erofeb gnieb dnuoblleps. [No real glamor to the spell, it's done quickly.] You first.

[the-hellblazer.livejournal.com]

Really doesn't.

[Comfortably returned to his own self, he pats his pockets and comes up with a box of Silk Cuts, sliding one out and holding it in his teeth while he digs for his lighter]

Now, the old boy isn't exactly expecting me. So to speak.

[Finding his lighter, he takes a second to get his cig going, before finally pushing open the end door. A flood of incense immediately works its way into the hallway, and Constantine glances back at her and half grins.] Follow my lead.

[Pushes his way inside, to a far from opulent den decked out in a weird mix of casino paraphernalia, pillows and beads, and the sort of tacky decor you might see at a 'fun' diner. The Third Grey is seated on a pillow in the middle of the room, apparently engaging himself in a game of Guess Who. The travel edition. He looks like he could be about 40, but a rough 40 that's left him too stretched out. The 'grey' moniker could very well be a reference to his skin and beard tone. His eyes are hidden by big sunglasses complete with rhinos and he's wearing a long 'Elvis is dead' t-shirt with disturbing stains on it. Very classy. He speaks without turning his head.]

John Constantine. You've got a nerve and a half, don't you?

[Constantine casually takes a puff and nods a hello.]

Nerve and three quarters, some say. Zee, this is the Third Grey.

[The mystic looks up and gives her a rather yellow grin.]

Stan is fine.

[hexappeal]

I wouldn't have guessed. [She waits for him to take a puff before following close behind, taking in the area with quick glances, just in case the need for a quick escape comes along. No strong magic artifacts in sight, she assumes that at least for the moment, it's all peachy keen. When the man's voice comes, it's clear they are on neutral - if not somewhat begrudgingly friendly - ground. A relief, but only a small one. There was a reason other than Constantine's gambling that they had to be careful and there was certainly a reason he the man was back here, rather than some tawdry little shop.]

Zatanna Zatara. [Never hurts to throw the name around, considering her father was rather well-liked. But then again, it tends to give way to "I saw you on the tv when you were little, so cute!" so she keeps it brief and polite, with a slight bow and the removal of her top hat.] Pleasure to make your acquaintance, er, Stan. I hope you can excuse me for barging in like this, but we could use a favor.

[She glances to her companion, hoping this is going to go smoothly.] If you will.