[closed] Because you heard I'm cool

[catchacold]

WHO: Rincewind, Leonard Snart & Mick Rory later on
WHERE: Boondock and later Heropa 20
WHEN: Valentine's! Feb 14th
WHAT: Leonard is a romantic and taking Rincewind on a date. (he's not dating Rincewind)
WARNINGS: PG

[Valentine's Day really isn't a thing Leonard has ever cared about, so even though he notices the decorations around and the lines at flower shops on his way, it doesn't matter to him much.

His one plan for today is taking Rincewind out for drinks and maybe some fun he can persuade him to, simple stuff. So he's relaxed when he walks into the bar, not wearing any of Rincewind's clothes and instead solely his own, on the whole a lot more subdued, but at least the pants are well-fitted. When he spots Rincewind he walks up to him, giving a curt nod.]

Nice outfit.

[It's Rincewind. Every outfit is something.]

Comments

[wizzardly]

[Rincewind's interest in this holiday begins and ends with the drink specials. He'll be perfectly happy to just get through this evening without one of Calendar Man's monsters chasing him up a tree.

Leonard shouldn't have too much trouble finding Rincewind in the thickening crowd - not too many people at the bar are wearing pointy hats. Or glittery sweaters, for that matter, even if this one is framed by his usual, tattered robe.

He cocks a brow, taking a drink and looking Leonard over.]

...And look at you, wearing your own clothes for once. Well. I assume. They aren't mine, anyway.

[which is really all that matters here. He waves at the pitcher in front of him and an accompanying empty glass.]

So you aren't one to celebrate this holiday either? Everyone else around here seems rather fond of it.

[catchacold]

I never really kept track of stuff like that. I'm no good at romance. Or emotions in general.

[Leonard sits down and pours himself a glass, taking a slow sip.]

You got anyone special? Just make them feel special another day.

[wizzardly]

What, you? But you're so expressive.

[Rincewind manages to keep that deadpan until the last moment, where he has to hide a smirk in his pint.]

Me? What, you mean - romantically? [the tips of Rincewind's ears go pink. Oh, I don't know about - I mean there's... well, but she's -

[oh, just look at the art they have on the walls here, isn't it interesting?]

Anyway, what about you? You've something of a more - [Rincewind gestures vaguely] - classic look to you. I'm sure you get interest.

[which is sadly the least awkward way he could think of to call Leonard handsome.]

[catchacold]

Thanks. [What does he even do with that? Leonard arches an eyebrow at Rincewind, leaning forward in his seat and catching his eyes.] Do you have interest?

[Might as well be a tease about this, though it doesn't last long before he breaks and simply shakes his head.] I'm taken. Very taken with someone.

Anyway, tell me about that "she" you're talking about. I thought you had someone. [He remembers those texts...]

[wizzardly]

[well if there's anything to make a wizard flush and choke on the air he's breathing, that's it. Rincewind coughs hurriedly into his hand, which conveniently provides him a reason to lean away from Leonard's teasing other than the more truthful, embarrassing one.]

Well - good to know. [another cough. He clears his throat.] Anyone I know?

And there's... I've just, um, spent some time with Harley. If you know her? She's a doctor, rather energetic?

But I wouldn't say I have her, when did you get that idea? [this with a startled, only somewhat guilty look.]

[catchacold]

[This is just too easy. Leonard raises his eyebrows but says nothing to that, at least for the moment, instead answering the question.] I don't know who all you know. Mick Rory, if you know him. Also if you don't know him.

[He's never really kept it a secret and these days it's pretty much readily available information anyway.] Yeah, I know Harley. She high-fived me after she got a half-naked picture of me.

Don't think anyone could have her. But you like her, yeah? Be careful.

[wizzardly]

Oh. I don't. Didn't. [he'll have to be on the lookout for that name now, if only because he's having a difficult time picturing the sort of person Leonard would go around arm-in-arm with. Everyone he manages to picture is wearing a bandit's mask.

...Maybe Leonard's dating a bunch of raccoons in a trenchcoat.]

After you - ? [Rincewind startles.] You sent her a - why did you send her a half naked picture of yourself? You sound rather more the one to be careful about!

[catchacold]

[If it helps, Leonard's not really into PDA, so the walking around arm-in-arm isn't a thing that happens.

Also, raccoons are deceptively cute, so...]

I didn't. Mick did. [Maybe he should be more forthcoming with information.] During the time with all the mixed up messages. He meant to send the picture to me. Harley thought she'd congratulate me. For something.

[wizzardly]

Mixed-up messages? Oh, I must have missed that.

[he didn't. Unfortunately, he also never found out about it.]

She's always incredibly positive. Encouraging. ...Mostly of actions which seem bloody dangerous or embarrassing. But there's a sort of charm to it. [when it's not Rincewind she's trying to rope into danger, anyway.

...And maybe a little then too, still.]

You're lucky she didn't turn it into a poster and plaster it on half the buildings in the cities.

[catchacold]

Probably. [This could be a time to reveal that he knows that Rincewind definitely didn't miss it, but since he hasn't told him then and since Harley apparently rolled with it too, he decides to just stay silent.]

Well, she's a pretty woman. Tends to make things seem cute to people rather than just insane. [Something he's largely immune to. Tricksters.]

Think Mick pleaded with her against that. Not that she deleted the picture, so who knows. You might see me shirtless yet.

[wizzardly]

Oh, there you are. [Rincewind scoffs into his beer.] That can be your - Valentine's Day, right? That can be your Valentine's Day gift to me. I'll have Will hang it above the mantle.

Lovingly framed, maybe. You can sign it with something like - [he attempts to imitate Leonard's voice, his own going monotone] - "Sorry for constantly taking your things, Rincewind. Cheers."

[small>he waves a hand, watching Leonard with some sly and subtle amusement.]

And something about how much you admire my hat, of course. Whatever comes to you, I'm sure you can be poetic.

[catchacold]

[That attempt at his voice makes him smile, if nothing else. Leonard shakes his head and takes a sip from his drink, not bothering to hide his bemusement.]

You want a half-naked picture of me for Valentine's Day, Rincewind? Damn, I must be an even better thief than expected.

[He leans forward, folds his hands, an obvious grin on his face.]

I didn't mean to steal your heart.

[wizzardly]

[Rincewind balks, flushes... and then drops his expression into an flat-lined stare the moment he realizes he's been had. A finger gets jabbed in Leonard's leaning direction.]

Right, just for that little joke, you're picking up my entire tab here.

[although let's be honest, a shirtless photo would probably have been worth more, monetarily.]

Although, regarding that little thief business of yours - do you ever do it for other people? As a "for hire" sort of thing?

[catchacold]

Not an issue. I picked a couple pockets on the way here.

[Old habits die hard, especially when you're not trying to break them. He raises an eyebrow at the question, tilting his head a little.]

I've done it, yeah. Especially around here, good way to get established. Why? You looking to have something retrieved?

Maybe I'll throw you a freebie.

[wizzardly]

[someone else might think that pick-pocketing comment was a joke, but not Rincewind. Rincewind believes Leonard 100%. Talking about stealing something is one of the only things you should always trust a thief on.

Not that Rincewind cares, of course - they weren't his pockets.]

Me? Oh, no. Surprisingly, the only people who ever take things from me tend to be... you. [with a pointed look, a sip.] But it's good to know. I'll keep that knowledge in my robe pocket, just in case.

[there's always the chance he could hire Leonard to steal from someone who's annoyed him, just to be petty.]

I'd ask who's hired you, but I expect you're not supposed to talk about that.

[catchacold]

Lucky you. It's always best to be serviced by a professional. [With that statement and a smile, Leonard tilts his head to the side and lets his eyes wander over Rincewind, as if to wonder what to steal next. Finally he settles on his face and nods.]

True. Would really devalue my service otherwise. But I do stuff for my own enjoyment, maybe I'll let you in on one of the heists I'm planning there.

[wizzardly]

[of course any eye-raking is going to be intimidating, never mind what it's for. As if sensing Leonard's intent, Rincewind fiddles a moment with his hat - reminding himself that it's still there and secure.

And don't think he missed that double-entendre, you scoundrel.]

Servicing, right. Don't expect me to pay you for it.

...And, sorry, did I hear that right? "Let me in on"? Oh, no. No, no, no. You can send me pictures, how about. Or letters from whatever prison they put you in. But I'm not stealing anything myself.

[catchacold]

Aw, relax. I know you're a good wizard, I'd never compromise that.

[Takes all types, even good wizards. He supposes it's better than making frenemies with a bad one. Not that Rincewind is likely good as a qualifier for his magical capacities, but then, Leonard wouldn't know about that.]

You ever stolen anything?

[wizzardly]

[it might be an offhand comment, that "good wizard", but quietly, Rincewind takes it to heart. Whatever the context, that's not a phrase he's often heard in his life. It feels good, hearing that.

Enough to be distracted a moment, before he realizes he's been asked a question.]

- Hm? Oh. Ah. [he glances towards the ceiling, remembering.] Well, y...es. Technically, I suppose. Once or twice. If we're going in the strictest sense, that is, and certainly nowhere on your scale of things. I'm not about to earn my membership into the Thieves Guild or anything, and it's of course tended to be highly circumstantial...

[catchacold]

[Len's observant, he actually notes the effect. Almost makes him wish he had meant it seriously, but he's not really in the business of baseless flattery.]

Oh, all my thievery is highly circumstantial too. Either I have to, need to or just really wanna.

[Circumstances.]

Best thing you've stolen?

[wizzardly]

[Rincewind muffles a chuckle into his next drink, then wags a finger in Leonard's direction.]

Those are indeed all circumstances, you've got a point there. The best thing I've stolen, though, the best thing...

[that takes a little thinking.]

...I sort of stole a friend of mine from Death, I guess. Which I mean in a more literal sense than people mean here, mind, as in referring to the actual, hooded, skin-deficient gentleman himself. I think that might count.

Or - well, there was the Eighth Great Spell of the Creator, too. But I didn't want to steal that, it sort of stole me, if I'm being honest. And the more I think about it, I'd categorize that one as the "worst", actually, not the "best", so never mind.

You?

[catchacold]

Huh. Kind of did that too, but a lot less literal. [Rincewind's world sounds fascinating, Leonard just takes the information as he gets it, putting together a vibrant puzzle that makes very little sense.]

Sorry. Hopefully next time you get stolen, it's a better experience.

[Reassuring.]

If we're talking all poetic... Hearts, probably.

Not literally.

Other than that, I don't know. I was mostly practical.

[wizzardly]

[there's definitely the brief flash of an expression which wasn't so sure about the hearts thing. He gives a weak laugh a moment later - oh, right, of course not literally. Knew it all along.]

You? Practical?

[that's news to Rincewind.]

You stole my hat. And clothing! And - nothing of practical value, is what I mean!

[he flourishes his beer for emphasis. Every time he talks with Leonard he swears the man only manages to confuse him further.]

[catchacold]

Well, Rincewind, what can I say?

[He leans forward with a smile, lifting a hand from under the table and, yes, presenting Rincewind's hat to him. When has he even taken that?]

You must be real special.