A chin finds itself perched in a foreign hand as Roman listens to the excuses Proton burst forth with. Of course, there was no lie to be had behind his words– however they managed to inspire a scoff of annoyance just the same. There was no need to draw out what was a set of irksome circumstances traded over from the Rocket’s mind to his own; this mute comprehension instead lending Roman some modicum of silence whilst the other spoke to his observations made out in the real world.
❝It’s amazing what fear can do to people, hm?❞ This time some degree of humor did cling to the kingpin’s tone, the slightest of smirks a familiar sight cloven across Proton’s features. However, short of being malicious, the expression itself appeared subtle and telling of the man’s experience with such trite adaptations of man. For fear was inspiring in itself– providing reins by which to bridle those who fell victim to it.
❝Then again, you’d know all about that, now wouldn’t you?❞ Distinctly taunting arose these words from Roman’s lips, straight-backed posture bent ever slightly nor unlike a willow beneath a fierce gale to shorten the gap which separated them. Yet, rather than greet the other man’s gaze, it was in the course of this playful closeness that a hand served to claim the cigarette enroute to return to the man’s lips, content to take his own draft in the meanwhile. What a feeling it was, to live beyond the wanton lust for tobacco on his tongue… But old habits die hard.
❝And what would you recommend I say?❞ Loftily now was this remark placed alongside a thin stream of smoke parted from split lips. There could be little doubt in any onlooker’s mind that this was a test, his remarks just short of facetiousness.❝You are the boss now, aren’t you?❞
「 The scoff earns little more than a sharp glare, but it’s quickly wiped away within a few seconds. Regardless of the reaction, there’s nothing he can do to change the other’s attitude towards his newfound position, so accepting it with a sharp tongue was simply the full extent of his ability to deal with it. He’d rather not argue a point, since it rarely ended well, even if he was the one with the advantage at this point. Considering he could still remember the feeling of a cane striking cheek, it was a precaution. 」
Hah! No kidding. Not much better than the shit they pull when they’re terrified.
「 Spoken like a true felon. The humor isn’t lost, and it’s clear both of them enjoy the feeling of inducing fear, although the younger perhaps a little too much. After all, people being scared of you meant you were obviously worth the terror, and that was satisfying in itself. He would have loved to fuck around while he was out and about, but unfortunately, a body on loan with reigns left little room to play around in.
For the most part, anyway.
A sharp reminder curls his lips into a scowl, especially coupled with the smug tone that usually came out of his own mouth, moments of unfortunate circumstances rising to mind. No, he didn’t rather fancy those, and he would rather not have a remake. His own posture straightens somewhat in anticipation for the other’s movement, and quirks a brow once the smoke is freed from his grip and transferred to the slender fingers of another. 」
Can’t really argue with that. Not like it’s worth it.
「 He watches intently the inhale of smoke that comes from his stolen item being placed between familiar lips, looking up to lock gazes after mere seconds with a small ‘hm’ accompanying it. 」
Should I be glad you’re being generous and sharing? Since cigars don’t really go with my pretty face.
「 It’s a taunt and a test, and does he ever know it. It’s a familiar scene, familiar switch, the only thing that’s changed is the mindsets to go with it. Proton allows a few more moments of silence before he smirks and settles back, leaning into the chair with a dismissive shrug. 」
Oh, it’s so tempting. Buuut, I think I’ve had enough of being the boss for one day.
I think it suits you a lot better than me, after all.
「 A wave of the hand, an almost challenging gaze: a taunt of his own caliber, 」