[video] rebel without a cause

[maddest]

What an exciting week!

In light of all the discussion, Adstringendum, let's chat- who would you trust to nominate as ombudsman?

Comments

[Video//Private//Unhackable -- Offline]

[thelightbringer]

Avarice.

[A considering pause, and then Lucifer appears at the door and walks through without knocking]

He doesn't care about order. You'll have your hands full.

[He says it with an almost sour tone, not very like him.]

[Offline]

[mister-hatter.livejournal.com]

Castiel wants to help.

[Offline]

[thelightbringer]

Oh? Good. He needs to get involved in politics.

[That's sarcasm, but not so much of it that it means Lucifer hates the idea. But he does give Break a steady look.]

He's human right now, Xerxes.

[Offline]

[mister-hatter.livejournal.com]

Damn it-

[Recalling.]

There goes my plan to delegate. I'll have to look out for him now.

[thelightbringer]

[Yes. He will. There will be hell to pay if Jean-Louis or his cronies harm Castiel in any way. But Lucifer doesn't bother saying so out loud. Instead he examines the sugar bowl.]

What is his plan for helping you?

[mister-hatter.livejournal.com]

We're still working on that.

[thelightbringer]

[He smiles, amused by his youngest brother, but just nods.]

I'd rather he work with you than come up with something on his own. Which he will do, if he thinks he needs to. I'm trying to get his Grace back, and when I do that may change things for you.

[mister-hatter.livejournal.com]

I need to ask a favour.

[thelightbringer]

[He looks up very slowly at him.]

[mister-hatter.livejournal.com]

I know.

[A little disgusted with himself.]

Hear me out. Nothing makes people crave authority and security like an outside threat. And you're the most threatening thing from miles around. Don't eat any babies in public this week- and keep an eye out to see if they're goading you purposefully.

[thelightbringer]

[There's a taut silence. Lucifer stands, never quite taking his gaze off Break as he moves.]

How would we measure that? Most people avoid speaking to me unless I find them first.

[mister-hatter.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure. I trust your judgement absolutely, but- I'd owe you if you'd keep it in mind. They'd use you if they had half the chance.

[thelightbringer]

Use me?

[Lucifer laughs softly]

They might paint me as a monster, as a common enemy. But I already did that on my own, didn't I? Well--me and the Bible. If they want to use that, nothing I say or do will sway the people. You know that.

[mister-hatter.livejournal.com]

Unless they send some bright little boy bouncing up to you to throw a punch.

[thelightbringer]

And you want me to be a pacifist.

[mister-hatter.livejournal.com]

Nonsense. I want you to duck.

[Popping a sugar cube into his mouth.]

[thelightbringer]

[Lucifer sighs, pacing now around Break. He pauses behind him.]

And you would owe me.

[mister-hatter.livejournal.com]

Not carte blanche.

[thelightbringer]

Why don't you tell me what I could cash in, then.

[mister-hatter.livejournal.com]

I'll watch over Castiel.

[Sipping his tea, watching him closely.]

[thelightbringer]

You're working with him so that's a given, not a reward.

[Besides, Lucifer intends to watch out for his brother anyway.]

[mister-hatter.livejournal.com]

Ah, ah, anything good I have you already get. My tea, my cookies-

[thelightbringer]

--and the like. [He waves a hand, not-quite-laughing.]

You'll have to offer something else, then.

[mister-hatter.livejournal.com]

[His fingers drum on the PCD. He concentrates.]

[thelightbringer]

[Lucifer waits patiently behind him still.]