16285/The not so accidental meeting

The not so accidental meeting
Date of Scene:	19 May 2024
Location:	Club Lux, Melville
Synopsis:	A meeting at Lux turns into snacks and a contract signed in blood.
Cast of Characters:	Phantasm (Drago), Hawkeye (Barton), Lucifer, Sinister

---

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
When one decides to go clubbing it is generally not on a day such as today. And yet there are some who do and as such, the club is open. Some people need to vent. Others need to dance. And what better place to let out the inhibitions than the Lux?

Nick is not on the dance floor, nor is he on the stage area performing. Tonight is more or less an off night and yet, he's still here. But oddly enough not at the bar. Instead he's at a booth in one of the quieter parts of the club. A glass filled with a dark liquid is situated in front of him along with an open notebook where he's ever so slowly, writing things into it.

Every so often, with his head not moving, pale eyes glance to the entrance.

Hawkeye (Barton) has posed:
And this is exactly on such a day, usually quieter, that Clint Barton prefers when he has to visit such a place. A place full of people, strangers, some of them under influence. Which influence is difficult to determine, but it is assumed that some are not 100% themselves.

As he walks in Lux, wearing your usual city Joe's clothes, the archer stops momentarily by the main bar to order a non-alcoholic beer. If the barperson looks at him oddly, Clint doesn't care.

Beer in hand - it is still a beer! - Clint looks around and it takes him a moment to find his destination, the booth where Nick Drago is sitting by himself.

"Hey Nick, whassup?" the archer says as he sits down, placing the small backpack he's carrying, to his feet. "Thanks for coming," he adds, grinning, "It's nice to have some time to catch up. Plus, I'd like to see the owner at some point." And on that, Barton sits down, facing Nick at the booth.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Upon one of his glances, Nick does see a Clint enter in. As the archer moves to the bar, Nick looks back to his notebook. A hand reaches over, grabbing one cover to close it shut. Pen and notepad shifted to the side, Nick glances back up to set his hand upon the glass in front of him.

Hearing his name, Nick glances up, flashing Clint a smile in response. "Hey Clint. Good seeing you. " He responds back once the archer's tush hits cush-
-ion.

"No problem." Nick replies to the thanks, "I have reason for being in the area as well."

Giving a glance over to where Lucifer would typically go to observe the club but finding the perch empty at the moment, Nick glances back to Clint. "You're seeing Lucifer?" Nick asks. His lips part open seemingly to ask a followup question to that but pauses. "-Alright. He'll probably swing by at some point. He's pretty attentive to who shows up here."

He glances to the drink and then back to Clint. "Non-alcoholic?"

Hawkeye (Barton) has posed:
"Yup," Clint replies, eyeing the glass in his hand, "Was surprised they even had any. Mind you, more expensive than the real thing." But it will do, despite the face he makes when tasting it. Definitely not a real beer.

Glancing over, following Nick's gaze to the perch, the archer raises an eyebrow as he looks back at Nick, "Either you are a regular, or you know him well," he observes.

Since the informal meeting is not an official one, the archer shrugs and does not asks too many questions. Heck, even with a fake beer, he can try to relax and have fun?

"Yeah, thought I'd drop by see if he's around," Clint explains, "Met him once and left with more questions than needed." He pauses, thinking for a moment - maybe about the extent of the explanation he should provide - then adds, "So, what's shaking? Prepping for a tour or somethin'?"

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
"They have a lot of specialty items here and cater to people of different constitutions so I'm not that surprised." Nick replies, "It's just I remembered you don't drink beer." Nick observes the expression on his face, "...You know, they won't blink if you just ask for a water or soda if you don't like the taste of that. They're used to designated drivers."

Clint's statement regarding Nick's understanding of Lucifer. "...A bit of both." Nick replies, eyes scanning the club. "Security's really good here. A neutral zone where people can hash out their differences. Also I get booked here for live shows a bit."

There's a pause, considering Clint for a moment before he continues. Shaking his head.

"I did play a few venues when I was in Ireland filming. Considering some changes...I might take up touring again. Once we've got a good plan in place for how to select venues and how far in advance the scheduling can be."

Hawkeye (Barton) has posed:
Lux's reputation is well known in the city and even if the archer is not a regular customer here - or at any bar for the matter - it is known that the place often offers live performances. "Must be nice playing here," Clint nods, "Not a fan myself, but the place sure is tuned for fun." Hopefully, there will be none tonight, or late enough that the archer will be long gone when it starts.

At Nick's comment about the beer, Clint states, "Alcohol can lead to hell, trust me," as he pushes his glass away. Sitting in a bar without any kind of beverage looks quite pathetic, so at least appearances are saved as long as there is a glass clearly meant for him.

"So life's treating you well, makes for a change. No more thugs on your ass?"

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
"It is nice." Nick allows. "I miss playing larger places but- it's good to have kind of a home stage."

He looks to Clint's glass once again. "Well at least you don't have to pay for that drink. First one is free. Although, if you're not going to drink it, you should have just gotten a water or soda. Come to think of it tea's a possibility too."

The question switched back to him, Nick nods. "Things have calmed down. If any are on my ass they're staying well hidden. Got back into filming. Working on another album. And... the founder of the shelter that had the wall blown to shit that one Thanksgiving made sure to invite me back."

He pauses, cracking a small smile. "Although I haven't met my father yet...I have found a few relatives I didn't realize I had."

Hawkeye (Barton) has posed:
Clint's smirk replies to Nick's comment about alternative drinks. "Man, whatabout my reputation? C'mon, tea?". He would never hear the end of it, if folks at SHIELD heard of the marksman drinking tea of all things!

But the comment about Nick's dad and relatives seems to bring a somber look on the archer's face. He's silent for a moment. A rather, long moment.

"Lemme tell you somethin', Nick," Clint finally says very seriously, "Family is important, I'm glad you're finding more of them. But remember, no one pick their family. I only got one brother, a bit on the crooked side, but I love him anyway."

It seems as if Clint was about to say more, but instead decides to give a second change to the fake beer. Maybe as a distraction, or maybe from freshly dug memories.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick nods. "Glad to hear you say that. They're a bit...unorthodox. But I'm glad to have found them."

Nick takes a moment to sip his beer as Clint gives his another chance. At least the Guinness tastes great. The glass sets down, and the musician looks to Clint, "...on a similar note it turns out that I'm not fully human."

Hawkeye (Barton) has posed:
Nick's revelation could be surprising to some, but not to the Avenger. To think about it, the archer could hardly find a 100% human among his partners and friends. It starting to feel weird to be the only Human he knows! Even his girlfriend is Inhuman. Ah well.

"That's cool," Clint simply says, placing the glass back on the table. "Gets me a bit edgy, don't take it personal. I just didn't like waking up with a Skrull by my side is all."

And again, there is another story untold. Would executing a Skrull, point blank and with all intent, be considered murdering?

"So, what is it? Half Human, half guitar?" Clint finally jokes.

Lucifer has posed:
Early evening. So the club isn't filled to the brim just yet. Then again, the weeknights between the weekends are usually quieter as most of his usual clientele can't really afford to get wasted -every- night. Que sera sera. Often times Lucifer doesn't even come down until later in the evening just to check things out - but today seems to be a special occassion. See, his demons are smart. They know when someone who has even a pending contract with the Devil return to the bar.

It still gain's Lucifer's curiosity.

Even curioser still when he eventually makes it down to the club, dressed immaculately as always, this time in a powder blue suit with a salmon pink undershirt and matching handkerchief tucked into his left breast pocket, that when he sees who is at the bar causes a brow to raise. One step. A second. Then he is beside the booth where the two men are enjoying a brew and conversation. "My my. Nick Drago and Clint Barton. Did we strike up a conversation out of need or...is this a familiar duo?"

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
As Clint points out that the news might make him a bit edgy he nods. "Well, you're taking it a bit better than the one other person I told. So...okay."

To the mention of halves, Nick chuckles shaking his head. "It's not a half. It's much a smaller percentage than that. It just leads to the-" He pauses.

As Lucifer's voice enters in upon the conversation, Nick's head turns, expression brightening a bit. "Hi Lucifer. Familiar. Come join us."

Nick scoots over in his seat to make room for Lucifer if he wishes to join. Allowing the club owner the ability to look directly at Clint for any conversation. "Judging from that, name introductions might not be necessary but added explanations..."

Nick nods to Clint. "Clint is a friend of mine." The head tilts towards Lucifer. "And Lucifer. Is family."

Well.

That's one way to answer the question.

Hawkeye (Barton) has posed:
A nod is given to Lucifer and a hand extended over the table in the direction of the offered seat in a silent invitation to join them, "Talkin' of the Devil," he says, grinning, "By all means, Mr. Morningstar."

Did he hear correctly? This place is a bit noisy, especially for him.

Again, the Avenger isn't overly surprised or otherwise shocked. To remember all the people he met over the years with strange background - some from space, some from the other side, from the past, from the future - you name it, the archer would need a whole day to list them.

"Family, hey?" Clint says, grinning, "Well, as I said, no one picks their family. No offense. Could have been worse, Nick. Now you won't have to worry about cash."

Lucifer has posed:
"Or a place to stay, or food to eat. Believe me, if Nick is ever in a position of being down and out, he has a place to come to and call home. Even temporarily." Lucifer offers as he takes the proffered seat next to Nick. "And please, call me Lucifer. I really don't like formality...just ask his manager."

"And no. No introductions are needed. I was aware of Clint even before the first time he walked into my club. But he's been here before." This is all Lucifer will say. It is not his place to discuss private contracts openly after all. If Barton wishes to admit to it, that's his own game.

"So. Clint. Might I ask what brought you to Lux tonight? Even though you've been here before it has been some time. And if I had known you and Nick were friends I likely would have extended a person invitation sooner." He offers this, and then a waitress passes by to set a whiskey in front of him.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
As Clint responds to the indirect news, Nick looks back over to Lucifer. "Oh money wasn't an issue before so that was never a concern. But- I'm happy with how things turned out."

A hand sets upon the glass as Lucifer mentions the missed opportunity to invite earlier. "I believe things have been busy for Clint. Work can be like that. I'm surprised the was able to get any break from it at all."

A curious glance is given to Clint before he glances to the doorway and for any other possible observers.

Hawkeye (Barton) has posed:
"Two birds with a stone," Clint replies, "Mind you, I could hit four with a stone." And yes, he could. "Wanted to check on Nick, cuz I was away for a bit." Like, for years? "Long story short, back to the past for a moment that ended up being two years. So yeah, some catchin' up to do. And," the archer looks purposedly at Lucifer, "Maybe discussing the small prints on a possible partnership."

Oh yes, a partnership, way to call a deal with the Devil. Even years did not deter him from his initial plan. There are many things to say - not all positive - about the marksman, but even his enemies will attest that he is the most stubborn son-a. It is best that his exes not be asked about it.

Lucifer has posed:
"Those small prints are ready for you to look over whenever you'd like to, Clint." Lucifer offers to Clint first and foremost before he looks between the two. "Well I can understand that. Especially in Clint's position." Does he know? Of course he does. He even called Clint by his Avenger moniker the last time the man was here. Yet Lucifer does like to keep a few Aces in his pocket for ever the just in case that the chips are down.

"Well now he's back and you two are reunited and business can return to...somewhat normal..." Commenting such before he lifts his whiskey to take a slow drink. "So, are we just drinking and talking? So you know, there's a full kitchen if you're hungry."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick glances between the pair. Considering Clint's other expressed wish to speak to Lucifer, he has a general idea of what's going on without knowing the particulars. Particulars that probably need discussing without someone sitting right next to them.

"I've been sitting here a bit longer than Clint." He starts, reaching over to pick up his notebook to tuck into a pocket. "I could stretch my legs a bit. Maybe I could run the food order over to the kitchen while I'm at it?"

Hawkeye (Barton) has posed:
Now, food. This place must have the best finger food in town. Must be expensive as shyte too. Still, the archer is hungry and eating is a nice idea.

"If there's pepperoni pizza, I'd take that. If not, then wings. Large coke to flush it down. Thanks, Nick."

Now, if the Club's owner wanted something to eat, the archer is pretty certain that the staff already know what and when! This place obviously runs on some undercurrent. But hey, what's a weird place when you go there to ask for an ever weirder favor?

Once Nick leaves with the order, the archer frowns slightly, thinking. Then shrugging, says, "It would be easier if you read minds," Clint states, "But in any case. I remember what I asked you then, Lucifer. If I recall, we had some small prints to cover."
The archer is not reminding Lucifer of any details, maybe to test his ability to remember the discussion that happened like two years ago.

Lucifer has posed:
Lucifer slides out of the booth to let Nick out to take the orders to the bar upstairs. "Pizza, wings, and some fried mozza sticks. Actually two orders of those. In case Si--Nathaniel joins us soon." He says to the other man and watches as Nick shifts and toddles off.

Sitting back in the booth, he listens to Clint for a moment and seems to settle comfortably in his seat. "You want a favor. Of a particular family member who is in my realm to be brought back here so you can have one final conversation with them. They'll have to inhabit a body - so you know. Which means the voice, the memory, and emotion will be theirs...but the body will be the person chosen for him to enter." Lucifer lays down that little bit. "In exchange...a favor for me. You must be ready to receive this favor anytime, any place. Refusal of the favor renders the contract incomplete and you have sealed your fate. Should you go through with the favor, the contract is complete in full and you get to go on with your happy Avenger life galavanting around the planet and - if I recall some stories - the universe...keeping mankind safe and sound." His eyes shift to find Clint's own more directly.

"So what finer details are you wishing to hash out, Clint Barton?"

Hawkeye (Barton) has posed:
Listening attentively, Clint takes notes of some details and questions. There are some aspects that require more details.

"I do not recall you mentioning anything about needing a host. Who would it be, a volunteer?"

Would it be one of his choice, a demon or even a corpse? Everything is possible.

The more complex and personal part of the favor to be rendered might be more difficult. "You know my line of business," Clint states, not doubting a second that Lucifer isn't aware of him being a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, "I might not be always available without consequences. This would be out of my control. Like, if the Skrulls show up again in the Big Apple, I might need to die again to save the World. Can hardly let down Humanity that way, now, could I?" That said with a grin, although the basis is true.

Lucifer has posed:
"Semantics. I just wanted to make you aware. I have someone who would make a good host, and would do it as a favor to me without being contractually bound." Love is funny like that. He might be able to talk Nathaniel Essex into doing this.

"Look. Contrary to what many people would tell you, I'm a fair guy to deal with. I will even put a clause in the contract that you have to be free and able to fulfill the contract. Meaning if you're out on a job, I cannot ask a favor of you. But if you are free, able, and still turn down the favor. That's the lake for you." See? Lucifer CAN be decent. Sometimes.

"Besides. In all honesty you're no good to me dead or dying, so if I have to wait for that, what's the harm? I have eternity... and this favor could come in a few days or a few years. You'll never know. And that's the main rub. Are you ready and willing to always look over your shoulder waiting for the Devil to call upon you?"

Hawkeye (Barton) has posed:
Well, the explanations seem to reassure the archer as the frown disappears from his face. It all sounds quite fair, even if at the back of his mind, Clint senses that nothing is usually that fair and easy.

But Hawkeye also knows that everything and everyone has a price, life sucks, and sometimes you have to take chances if you want something. This wouldn't be the first time the archer took a gamble, or rain check, and risk being cheated or backstabbed. Been there, done that. So what risk is there, really?

"Man, there's a weirdo at each block waitin' to help me buy the farm," Clint laughs, "What's one more? 'sides, you're not even an enemy, so hey. So, heck, yeah. A man must do what he thinks he has to do." Yup, and good luck for anyone trying to make him change his mind about this duty that he self-imposed on himself.

Lucifer has posed:
"Very well..." Lucifer states simply and then he gives a snap of his fingers.

It appears before Clint in a flash. Glittering as if gold, and shining against all the lights. There in written script lies out the details they just went over. Succinctly and plainly. He's done contracts in many ways, but this one seems to be the cleanest in all it's forms. Besides - written contracts are so much easier to keep track of.

A pen appears, it looks simple at first, unless someone takes a -good- look at it. It doesn't have any ink within it and there's no inkwell that came along aside it. "Take up the pen. There will be a moment of sharp stabby pain, and then the inner well will fill. Then all you have to do is....sign on the dotted line...."

Can anyone else in the room see this? No. Even Nick? Especially not him. For everyone around, the two appear to still be having a normal conversation. Lucifer doesn't need the public eye on this anyway.

Hawkeye (Barton) has posed:
Ah yes, this was a bit surprising to the archer. Stuff appearing in the air, out of the blue, in his face always tend to have Clint jump back in instinct. Only this time, he had time to see what it was, so the backpack at his feet remains untouched.

"So it's true," the archer says, eyeing the pain-pen, "Signed in blood? Really?"

Despite his hesitation and not waiting for an answer, the pen is taken, observed, until a light pain announces that the "ink" is ready.

And there is then no hesitation - typical Hawkeye jumps in with the most superficial of precautions. In the archer's world, there is always a way out. Easy way, or hard way. Universally known for his stubbornness, Barton is also known for being a man of his word. No matter what, he will honor his part of the deal. Even if he might be signing up for yet another death of his. The clean contract is signed /Clinton Francis Barton/.

"You gonna mail me a copy?" Clint asks, grinning.

Lucifer has posed:
Lucifer smirks. "Of course. How else am I supposed to track you?" Asking this in retort but it's really a rhetorical question.

He watches as the man doesn't hesitate further and simply signs the contract. Soon after the pen and contract are gone as if they had never been there. Lucifer smirks and then motions. "Copy in your pocket. You should frame it to mark this glorious occassion. Now, you let me set up my end of the deal and I will let you know when I am ready. Once my end is done, the time begins to tick for your end of the contract." Because Lucifer has to show he'll make do in order to gain further confidence that he's a man of his word.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
As the pair take advantage of the time Nick is away to iron out the details. Nick is otherwise occupied near the kitchen. No sooner did he put his order in did a couple of clubgoers approach him. Apparently they either recognized him or someone was kind enough to point it out. Either way, the pair got their selfies and a few smiles in.

No sooner had the signature dried on the contracts did the food come up. Being that he was already there, a few words were exchanged and the musician came back with the food, still piping hot.

The pizza is slid in front of Clint while the wings and mozz sticks are placed before Lucifer. To the side of Clint's pizza, a simple cup of tomato soup and grilled cheese is placed.

"Mind if I sit on this side now?" Nick asks of Clint while a club staffer quietly comes by to grab the tray loaned out to Nick. Might as well save the rocker the trip now that stalling is no longer needed.

Hawkeye (Barton) has posed:
A hand pats his side, and indeed there is a folded, legal size, document now in his pocket. "Nifty skill," Clint comments.

As Nick returns with the food, no more comment is made about the deal. The Avenger is no more stressed about it, than he would be about returning home alone in the dark. There is only one thing that he forgot to add to the deal - free meals at Lux. Oh well.

"Wow, thanks Nick," he says, making room on his side for his friend. "Smells damn good too." And on that, the archer grabs a slice and proceeds to eat, visibly enjoying the meal. As he eats, it is probable that Clint is already thinking of the things to say when the moment comes, rather than on the possible consequences of his decision.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
And with business concluded and fresh, delicious food delivered to the table, there is a pause in the conversation as the respective meals are shown appreciation by taking time to actually taste their meal. But pizza is a finite thing and soon there is nothing left of Clint's order. Nick's soup and sandwich had lost the fight long ago.

But lo... there is still some of the mozzarella sticks and wings left on Lucifer's side of the table. Being saved for someone perhaps. However that someone shall remain a mystery for the archer as he gets up, says his thanks, and makes his leave. Letting Nick look to the pan, plate, and then remaining food on Lucifer's side.

"I could go back over and put in an order for a fresh order if you'd like." Nick offers helpfully to Lucifer.

Lucifer has posed:
Lucifer watches as food is devoured, then Clint leaves and it's only Nick and Lucifer left at the booth. There -is- food left on the table just in case Sinister comes down to join them but the night is still young and the club is SO EMPTY... Lucifer almost doesn't want to stay downstairs. Then again, he's been upstairs a lot as well, but staying here sort of forces Nathaniel to be socialble.

Sometimes.

"Nah. You haven't noticed but I've been keeping them warm and fresh. It'll be fine for if and when he gets here. But if it's much longer, we might just take the party upstairs to him..." Lucifer comments back to Nick with a smirk.

Sinister has posed:
Force him to be sociable eh? When the man's bein an irrascible grump, that's not necessarily a good thing!

But, left to his own devices, he does usually emerge to clear his mind, or find out where the heck everyone went. Or to check there's still people in the universe other than he, himself, and I.

He comes in through the front door though, rather than down from the elevator. And it is with a large box of kitty litter in hand, which is a nonsequitur if ever there was one.

The contents of the club on a Sunday is never high, but it does seem particularly quiet, glancing around and bee-lining. He doeesn't need to look to know, when someone is around. It's like he's psychic or something.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
With Lucifer turning down the offer with the very reminder that the devil is quite capable of bringing the heat to random assortments of food. "Good point." Nick allows. He smiles, "...Well, that encounter with a friend went a little better than my last one at least. Did you guys resolve whatever business you two were discussing?"

A glance to the side ends up bringing Sinister and Kitty Litter to his attention. Seeing the man adjust his steps to walk over to their booth, Nick lifts up a hand to wave.

"Looks like he'll be joining us down here." He replies, smiling to Lucifer.

Lucifer has posed:
Lucifer shifts his gaze over when he notices Nathaniel heading in their direction from the front door. "Why are you carrying that box? Let someone take it off your hands and store it where you need to. Up or down?" Asking this before he side eyes Nick and nods. "We concluded our business well enough, yes. Thank you. And I am glad that the reunion went well. I had wondered briefly where he had ran off to, but that explains a bit..."

Sinister has posed:
A cat named Raven usually doesn't run out of litter. Unless there were reasons why catlitter absorbency might come in considerably handy. Best not to ask.

"Because having it floating behind me can cause a few questions when out and about, if I'm not paying as much attention as I ought--" there's a happy surrender of the box to one of the club staff, though with a single point of the finger upward. "I might have used the last and that would not be a good emergency to be having..." he settles in with a kiss to the cheek of his partner and a nod to Nick, complete with a present, if wan smile.

"So, what's new? Oooh, mozza sticks."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick nods. "Time travel is a funny thing." He agrees, looking back over to Sinister as he passes off the litter to the staffer. "Lucifer had a chat with one of my friends." Nick supplies in an answer, "It went over better than the last friend who came over."

Perhaps Henri was a poor choice for the first friend to introduce. Although... having set the bar that low, it does seem to make it easier to introduce others...

Lucifer has posed:
What Nick doesn't know is that he and Henri had met before, but Henri didn't recognize him. It makes sense in the long run, but best he not tell the man this. "Well. Clint and I had met before. We already had something being arranged. It just took him a long time to return and make good on the offer." He says this much and then glances to the mozza sticks as Nathaniel makes a note of them. "Aye. Kept them warm for you too, love." He offers this much and then settles back in his seat, lifting his whiskey to sip from the glass a moment.

"I don't think Clint would take kindly of you knowing what was done, Nick, but for the sake of things... I might need to let you know. But we'll need to make sure you don't let Clint know...that you know..." He says this much and then shrugs. "Unless you'd rather not know at all and I just talk to Nathaniel about it later...ball's in your court. But he is your friend..." And you're Lucifer's family. Such a decision!

Sinister has posed:
"A little like bringing friends home to meet the relatives, there's always a risk there'll be awkwardness..." Sin says this then quietly considers his words, his expression grown a little distant as he does so. A brief little shake of the head later and he's looking between the two men with a dip of the mozza in marinara sauce. Luci receives the lion's share of the regard though. "And I thank you for being so considerate, my love. It went well, then?" he asks, innocently enough. And then that reply, which is the know that you know, but you don't wink, wink, nudge, nudge, Say no...

"...Or there's that. I take it a deal was /properly/ struck?"

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick frowns. "It's a tricky thing to consider. Sometimes too little information can bite you in the butt. But othertimes too much."

There's a moment of consideration before he tilts his head forward, "He values his privacy. So, I think this falls under where I should just leave it to trust. Unless Clint's in trouble or you feel that it is necessary for me to be pulled in on matters, I'll let him decide when and if to tell me. I already assumed that a deal between you was arranged. He hinted as much as that being part of the reason why he chose to meet me here."

Sinister's comment about what it is like causes for Nick to chuckle. "No... It's exactly that, isn't it? Well... singular. You weren't here when he was."

Lucifer has posed:
"Yes, yes, and yes. I'll spare the details. They don't really matter anyway. I mean. I need to figure out a way to find a fresh corpse. I suppose I could put on my detective helper persona and walk into the morgue... it's borrowing the corpse to return later that they may not agree with..." Then again, Lucifer could bring Clint with him as a liason or something. Official SHIELD business. Something like that.

"So, aside from buying bulk kitty litter, how was your day love?"

Sinister has posed:
Sinister's lashes flutter at Nick, just a couple of times. But it's enough with the dimple that shows, to tease at the familial thing. "Probably lucky for them, mmm?" Self-depreciating humour, the hallmark of the brit. Another mozza stick falls by the wayside, where trust is mentioned and cogitated over.

And there's a thing.

"A corpse? I mean, they're not exactly hard to come by. Does it have to be intact?" -- what, wait? Hold on a second.

"I've been ... it's been..." words, we can do them. "...odd. I made a mess in the lab, hence the kitty litter, it's surprisingly unreactive. I crushed something accidentally and it made a very large mess."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
"Oh I think Clint could handle it." Nick replies, smile still present.

Well. Not for long.

To the mention of a corpse Nick glances over to Lucifer. "I think this is where I should... take a turn about the club or head up to my room. That'll make it easier than trying to skirt around the details."

With Clint having left, it makes it a bit easier for Nick to slide out of his seat and make himself scarce.

If it's absolutely necessary he's sure they'll let him know. Until then plausible deniability is not a bad thing.

Lucifer has posed:
Lucifer chuckles. "I'm not too sure about the intact thing, but that would likely be preferred..." As Nick scuttles off, Lucifer shifts so he can sit closer to Nathaniel, cuddling right up. "See. Clint Barton wants me to bring his brother back from Hell so he can have a conversation with him..." He offers. "Which I can. But, of course, for a price. Favor for favor. And a part of me wants Clint Barton to access SHIELD files and get rid of ours....but I doubt he could truly do that..."

There's a chuckle, and then he picks up a mozza stick to chomp down on. "I suspect I could just ask for a body from the morgue... for scientific research. Maybe they have a John or Jane Doe they wouldn't mind....misplacing....for 24 hours."

Sinister has posed:
"That does predicate on him being able to pull favours of his own, or be very good at hacking a system. I'm not so sure the hawkeye is quite that good at wiping files..." Sinister looks across his chest as room is made for close-proximity snuggling. An arm is stretched along the back of the booth, around the lord of hell. We'll just play thumbnail over bicep gently whilst we talk, yep.

"Now of course, my mind is wondering why he wants as he wants. One would have to be quite desperate or determined, to risk rumours being less than true, don't you think?" he smiles privately for the devil, then rapidly pecks him just to the side of the eye. MWAH.

"As to the corpse situation, think nothing of it. I will have one for you well... in an hour or less, if you want. If it needs to be fresh, that might take a little longer. Mostly due to the selection process."

Lucifer has posed:
"See, I was afraid of that. I really need to start weaseling my way into the upper members of SHIELD..." Lucifer says, mostly as a joke. Then he's being cuddled, feeling that thumbnail play over his bicep. Nathaniel's never really been the kind for heavy PDA, but when hidden in a dark corner of a booth. They can get away with a bit.

"I'm sure he told me...but I couldn't recall the actual reason why at the moment..." He shrugs and then smirks. "Fresher is better...I would say if you could provide one that's maybe no older than a month? Just settles better cause the corpse literally comes back to life. Just with another soul inhabiting it... and then I either let it go until it dies again, or I kill them." Which, he left that part out when discussing it with Clint. Why give the man hope that he could actually spend time with his brother again. "Anyway...what shall we do tonight? Wanna go clean up the mess in your lab?"

Sinister has posed:
"Aah, I see, I see..." said the Sin. "I probably shouldn't posthumously amputate both legs at the knee then, just to make sure it doesn't go anywhere. There might be protest." Nevermind the rest of it, the casual post-chat termination talk, that's just foreplay. The thumb slides up and over the shoulder, inching like a determined snail to the neck, hairline, jaw area, ears. Ears are definitely good.

As to the lab... "I already tidied it up, but I can ...completely get behind the make sure it's spotless initiative. I'm sure there's quite a few surfaces that need to be thoroughly attended to." The wry smile is anything but polite societal.

The promise is wholely personal.