Let's get down to business

[first_rule]

If Daniel had thought the last year had been a whirlwind, it was nothing like all that changed the moment they stood before Dylan in the park. A lifetime of hardwork, a year of risking prison and failure, and now he had come to the pinnacle of all he had ever wanted.

And it wasn't even close to over yet. Packing wasn't hard, and leaving behind his life had already been done. They had no idea where they were going, or what was coming next.

He did know that McKinney didn't stop making whatever sound that was at the ungodly hour of not even four in the morning, and he was about ready to scream if the coffee maker didn't go faster.

Comments

[first_rule]

It's a conspiracy. Daniel's positive of. How else did this happen? He made a face at Jack. "I don't understand it. You all live the nightlife too, so how do you get up so... perky," he said, nose wrinkling as if he had smelled something bad.

He was trying not to smile though, no matter how honest he was being.

[the_death_card]

Jack couldn't help but grin back at him. "C'mon, man, we're leaving today. It's awesome." He paused a beat. "And maybe wherever we're going will have a coffee maker that doesn't take forever."

[first_rule]

Now, he couldn't argue that. He really couldn't. "Okay, that is pretty awesome. I'm hoping for a cappuccino machine," he admitted. "Definitely want that."

He sighed, just at the thought even as he got clean mugs down.

"Coursed, we have no idea where we're going," he pointed out.

[the_death_card]

"We work for a super-secret magic organization, now. If anybody can get us a cappuccino machine, it's probably them." He paused a beat. "Also, dude. We're totally in a super-secret magic organization. Who cares where we're going?"

He was still hoping for Narnia or something, though.

[first_rule]

There was something about Jack's enthusiasm that was contagious. A tiny bit scary as well, but contagious. He smiled, giving him a nod.

"Okay, I'll give you the whole they can get us anything part of it. And okay but what if it's like..." He made a face, nose wrinkling. "Dayton or something?"

[the_death_card]

Jack has enough enthusiasm for all of them, it's true. "Okay, that would kinda suck if it's somewhere really boring. But people end up in the mountains to learn kung-fu or whatever, right?"

[first_rule]

He glanced at him, arching a brow. "Why do I just feel you went Batman on me," he asked, meaning it. Because that was totally what it sounded like. Or any of a large number of other comic book characters who had done exactly that.

"Is that your desire?"

[the_death_card]

"To learn kung-fu?" Jack returned, raising his eyebrows at Daniel. "Magical kung-fu, yeah. I've already got hitting stuff down." He grinned.

[first_rule]

He laughed at that. "Yeah, you were hitting the guy that was on our side. Not sure that counts," he said, definitely teasing hi. How could he not when he could?

"Now I'm imagining your action figure with kung-fu grip."

[the_death_card]

"His partner's not," he pointed out - and then grinned. "I was thinking more like... 'card throwing action'," he returned, miming throwing a playing card. "Yours'll just say something awkward whenever it gets close to Henley's."

He had to poke back. Daniel was practically his brother, after all.

[first_rule]

"Okay. Fair enough. One point for Jack," he said with a grin. "Oh well, that whole thing. I mean, it is I suppose kun..."

The words stopped, giving him a look. "That is what happens when you care about someone. When you grow up, you'll understand."

[the_death_card]

Jack snickered. "Gonna explain the birds and bees to me, Dad?" he teased further.

[first_rule]

"Yep. Here it is. Don't let Merritt touch you where your bathing suit covers," he said, trying to keep a straight face.

[the_death_card]

Jack lost it entirely at that, cracking up and practically giggling outright. It took a moment or two for him to stop laughing and regain his composure, and he made a face, shaking his head. "That's just wrong, man."

[first_rule]

"It is wrong! It's dangerously wrong, and that's why I'm warning you," he said with a smirk. "Do the right thing, Jack. Just say no."

That Jack appreciated his humor would likely always make him smile. He just couldn't help himself.

[the_death_card]

Jack was glad Daniel appreciated it, really, but he could stop, now, before he broke his brain completely. "Anybody told you lately you're just not right?"

[first_rule]

"Lately?" He paused, making as if to consider that. "Not lately, though Henley does tell me that on a fairly regular basis."

[the_death_card]

"I meant 'in the head', though she probably means more 'about everything ever'."

Jack grinned, every inch the Little Shit Dylan had named him during their fight.

[first_rule]

"Would we be doing any of this if we were entirely right in the head?" And he meant that. Not that he would ever give it up, but it was the truth. "Maybe she means in ways you don't want details for."

[the_death_card]

And again, Jack clapped a hand over his eyes. "Oh, God. Now I've gotta go find Merritt to wipe my brain or whatever."

Ugh, Daniel. You two are like his siblings. Don't give him those mental images.

[first_rule]

"Do you really want him in there knowing you're thinking about him naked? Which you will be now because I suggested it," he asked, knowing he was being a dick and he just can't help himself.

[the_death_card]

"I hate you," Jack mutters into his hand before he drops it from his face. "But you brought it up, so you have to be thinking about it, too."

[first_rule]

"I know you do. It's my burden to live with," he said with a smirk.

"Actually I see it in all in pixels. Always. Even his face."

[the_death_card]

"Like The Sims?" Jack asked, puzzled, because yes, he knew enough about the game for that. "Because if so, we need to never let you cook."

Since, y'know. Setting the kitchen on fire and staring at it.

[first_rule]

"I..." he paused, frowning at that and putting it together in his head though he doesn't play the game. "Wait, they show their junk in pixels?"