Heyyy, what's happenin'? You've reached the voicemail of one very fine-lookin' man. Wanna chat? Fanboy all over my mad skillz? Declare your undying love for me? You know what to do. [BEEEEP]
[She seriously cannot believe this is his voice message. What even- Okay back on point. After a moment of silence, Caterina settles on a simple message.] May I have a word with you as soon as possible? It's important.
[Hey, he's just speaking the truth, y'know? That he's heard. Sometimes. In his head.
He barely hears the tail end of the message before he's out the door, making sure all his weapons are on him and that his breath is minty-fresh. Hey, you never know. He likes to remain optimistic.
Deadpool knocks briskly on her door a few seconds later.]
Cat? Hey, I got your message. You wanted to see me?
[By this point, Caterina is working on small, every day tasks like braiding her hair back so those long curls of hers are not constantly in her eyes. (Spoilers: it never works completely.) She's nearly done so she doesn't see a good reason to stop just yet.]
Yes, please let yourself in. I'll only need another moment.
[He opens the door without further ado, entering Caterina's apartment and having a seat on the couch. He taps his foot as he waits, not out of impatience but because he's not really all that used to staying still. A result of undiagnosed ADHD, most likely.
The bathroom door is closed. She must be inside, putting on her face or working on that hair of hers or whatever women do when they're in there.]
[Caterina chuckles as she rushes through the last part of her braid and quickly uses a a hand mirror to check her work. She's satisfied with it.]
Yes, everything is fine. [Caterina exits the bathroom with her hand mirror, setting it on a nearby shelf, before pulling up a chair to sit opposite of him. The duchess doesn't waste any time sitting down. Caterina is wearing a polite smile as always, but there's an intensity to her gaze once it fixes on him. Wade wouldn't be wrong to get the impression she wants something from him.]
I apologize for making you wait. Shall we get right to the point or would like to go through pleasantries? I could make you tea.
[That sharp look in her eyes immediately electrifies him-- it's unnervingly intense, but he finds that he never gets tired of seeing it. He leans forward on the couch, steepling his hands and resting his elbows on his knees.]
That depends on you, ma'am. I could go for some tea, but it looks like you've got something on your mind. We could always save the refreshments for later, if you want.
I do want to save it for now. The topic I need to discuss with you is rather delicate. If I think it over too much, I may not be able to explain myself clearly. I would hate for a misunderstanding to ruin our relationship.
[Her smiles diminishes as she gets down to business.] I've noticed for quite some time you have either put off discussing your payments or not mentioned it altogether. I admit I should have pressed a little harder, but I can honestly say this has never happened to me before. I wasn't sure how to proceed.
[She looks a touch embarrassed by that before growing serious once more.] I believe we're getting to the point where I couldn't hope to repay you if I let it get any further. I need you to name a price.
[Caterina stops there and patiently waits for an answer.]
[And that knocks him for a loop, really. He shouldn't be so surprised-- this conversation was a long time coming. He scratches the back of his head helplessly and attempts to laugh it off.]
W-well, I mean... it's kind of hard to gauge a price when I haven't even done anything for you yet. I try not to negotiate costs until I know what I'm in for, y'know?
[That surprises her. Caterina wrongfully assumed he'd have an answer; not he'd deny she owed him anything in the first place.]
You searched for Abel for quite some time at my request. I have had you on retainer to deal with my doctor if the need arose and a man who admittedly is no longer here, but that doesn't change the fact you're still owed something.
[She hates it when her fears are confirmed. They're barely into the conversation and she's already angered him. Caterina keeps her cool as if his tone doesn't register.]
This isn't a question of your character, Wade. You already know I think well of you and that I am aware of your friendship with Abel. I am only trying to give you what you rightfully deserve.
But I don't deserve it, even if that was the reason I went out there for two days straight. I mean, I didn't do anything. I didn't find him. Not even a trace of him.
[He hates it. He hates the way his voice breaks. He hates the way he can't stop thinking about the what-ifs and the could-have-beens and the if-only-I-hads.
He hates how much he cares.]
Like I said, I haven't even done anything for you yet.
[The genuine concern creeps into her formerly professional demeanor. Caterina knows it is there. Briefly, she despises herself for continuing to encourage this and cynically wonders if she isn't taking advantage of him. It would be so like her to do so.
The bottom line is she can't force him to accept anything. Caterina eventually nods and answers quietly.]
I am sorry for upsetting you. I should have foreseen you would feel this way.
No, it's not your fault. I am what I am, as a famous sailor once said. Mercenary, assassin-- whatever you wanna call it, seems like all I'm good for is ending people's lives.
I mean, sure I've had my moments-- who hasn't? But it seems like when it comes to put up or shut up, I just fall short of the mark every time. Even... when it comes to people I care about.
[Caterina shakes her head gently.] It's not that. [She is quiet for a long moment. She doesn't know what to say to make him feel any better. Suddenly she asks,]
Did Abel ever tell you about a woman named Noelle?
Not ringing a bell, no. He didn't tell me a lot about himself. Wasn't exactly an open book, I guess.
[He has no idea why he sounds so bitter, saying that. What did it matter what Abel revealed to him? It wasn't as though Wade didn't have secrets of his own.]
[She narrows her eyes in response to his tone. It's the only sign of displeasure she'll give. He's entitled to feel offended by Abel's secrecy, but she doesn't have to like it.]
Noelle is not someone mentioned lightly by either Abel or myself. She was our ally and friend when I was little more than the unwanted child who fought her way to true power.
[She relaxes and adds casually.] I think the story of her relationship with Abel might benefit you if you're willing to hear it.
[Her disapproving gaze makes him lower his eyes, feeling as though he's been silently reprimanded by a teacher. He offers her a noncommittal shrug, shame adding a sullen edge to his voice.]
Noelle was witch with a harmless, but infinitely useful power to read the emotions of others. She was charming, passionate, and intelligent; a few years than I am now.
[She smiles painfully at the memory of her.] Initially, she worked very well with the rest of us especially Abel. Like many women, she grew to be quite fond of him. [Her gaze lingers on Wade again in case he missed the implication of that.]
A couple of years into her service she suddenly quit. I let her go quietly to live out her days in a monastery out of respect for her contributions. Unfortunately, I was forced to call her back to work with Abel one last time after an incident with a certain man left myself and Father Tres injured-- more so with him than myself.
Noelle returned faithfully and was able to uncover key parts of what that man had planned, but by calling her back, I put her in the middle of an incredibly dangerous situation. While I wasn't present for what followed and Abel's report was shaky at best, this is what I gathered happened: he already planned to destroy the city of Barcelona that Noelle was conducting her investigation in, but he made sure Abel had the opportunity to be made aware of the fact Noelle was dying while it happened. Abel blamed himself for being unable to save her and the city. He ran away and quit AX shortly afterward.
It took time and the threat of Rome suffering the same fate to get him return. He never forgave himself for it. To this day, he only mentions her when we run into that man.
[There's a deliberate pause before she asks too innocently.] Now tell me Wade what does that make you think of Abel?
[Wade is stunned. Abel hadn't even shown an inkling of that. Not a trace. He'd only seen his cheerful facade break a few times-- the worst when he believed Kite was holding his brother hostage. The thought of him having that sort of tragedy bottled up inside him... and yet. And yet.
He shakes his head.]
No. See, that... that was different. He didn't have a choice. He couldn't save her. Even if he could, he's... he was different than me. He was good.
[She shakes her head, a little amazed by his stubbornness.] You feel so guilty over what happened I can't help being reminded of Abel. You even use excuses he would.
Do you think truly bad men feel bad for their mistakes? I can assure you that's not true. The one who brought so much suffering down on us did not. I know you're nothing like him.
Heh. You'd be surprised. [It's been so long since he's thought about his past, and probably the first time he's thought about it willingly. A question from years ago echoes through his mind, taunting him, and this time he recognizes the voice as his own.
Tell me, Wade. Is it that the number got so high that you stopped caring... or did you just never care to begin with and that's why the number got so high?
[Caterina would like to argue, but she can't actually know either way. She is reminded of the hospital suddenly; she didn't think she could understand him then. Was her initial judgment right or was he like Abel letting his grief and guilt get the better of him?]
Did you really do something that can compare to that? Was there really ever a time that kind of evil was standard fare for you? You shouldn't say something like that unless you truly mean it.
[She states icily. There is a great divide between guilt over past wrongs and what the Magician had done to her world and its most vulnerable citizens. Caterina takes it very seriously.]
Edited (did i ever mention i hated the enter key? because i do.) 2013-11-13 16:45 (UTC)
[He thinks back to what she's said-- about how an entire town full of people was destroyed all to serve the whim of one man. As angry and self-serving and sociopathic as he had been in the past, he hadn't gone that far. At least there was that to hold onto.]
As bad as mass genocide? No. It was more of a... case-by-case basis. I've done things you don't exactly write home about, let's just leave it at that.
I doubt you're the only one here who can claim that. [Caterina is well aware of her misdeeds; they are always troubling her mind. As far as she's concerned, she's likely the most despicable person in the room right now.]
I don't mind skeletons so long as I don't have to worry about that level of trouble. I won't ask unless it becomes necessary.
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voice;
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He barely hears the tail end of the message before he's out the door, making sure all his weapons are on him and that his breath is minty-fresh. Hey, you never know. He likes to remain optimistic.
Deadpool knocks briskly on her door a few seconds later.]
Cat? Hey, I got your message. You wanted to see me?
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Yes, please let yourself in. I'll only need another moment.
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[He opens the door without further ado, entering Caterina's apartment and having a seat on the couch. He taps his foot as he waits, not out of impatience but because he's not really all that used to staying still. A result of undiagnosed ADHD, most likely.
The bathroom door is closed. She must be inside, putting on her face or working on that hair of hers or whatever women do when they're in there.]
Everything okay in there?
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Yes, everything is fine. [Caterina exits the bathroom with her hand mirror, setting it on a nearby shelf, before pulling up a chair to sit opposite of him. The duchess doesn't waste any time sitting down. Caterina is wearing a polite smile as always, but there's an intensity to her gaze once it fixes on him. Wade wouldn't be wrong to get the impression she wants something from him.]
I apologize for making you wait. Shall we get right to the point or would like to go through pleasantries? I could make you tea.
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That depends on you, ma'am. I could go for some tea, but it looks like you've got something on your mind. We could always save the refreshments for later, if you want.
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[Her smiles diminishes as she gets down to business.] I've noticed for quite some time you have either put off discussing your payments or not mentioned it altogether. I admit I should have pressed a little harder, but I can honestly say this has never happened to me before. I wasn't sure how to proceed.
[She looks a touch embarrassed by that before growing serious once more.] I believe we're getting to the point where I couldn't hope to repay you if I let it get any further. I need you to name a price.
[Caterina stops there and patiently waits for an answer.]
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W-well, I mean... it's kind of hard to gauge a price when I haven't even done anything for you yet. I try not to negotiate costs until I know what I'm in for, y'know?
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You searched for Abel for quite some time at my request. I have had you on retainer to deal with my doctor if the need arose and a man who admittedly is no longer here, but that doesn't change the fact you're still owed something.
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[He breaks off and closes his mouth tightly in case he says something he'll regret later. He sounds incensed; wounded.]
That wasn't just a job, Cat. I didn't just go looking for Abel to get some money out of the deal.
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This isn't a question of your character, Wade. You already know I think well of you and that I am aware of your friendship with Abel. I am only trying to give you what you rightfully deserve.
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But I don't deserve it, even if that was the reason I went out there for two days straight. I mean, I didn't do anything. I didn't find him. Not even a trace of him.
[He hates it. He hates the way his voice breaks. He hates the way he can't stop thinking about the what-ifs and the could-have-beens and the if-only-I-hads.
He hates how much he cares.]
Like I said, I haven't even done anything for you yet.
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The bottom line is she can't force him to accept anything. Caterina eventually nods and answers quietly.]
I am sorry for upsetting you. I should have foreseen you would feel this way.
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I mean, sure I've had my moments-- who hasn't? But it seems like when it comes to put up or shut up, I just fall short of the mark every time. Even... when it comes to people I care about.
[A hollow laugh.]
Guess the whole hero thing's not in my blood.
[He shakes his head.]
Sorry. You don't wanna listen to me angst.
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Did Abel ever tell you about a woman named Noelle?
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Not ringing a bell, no. He didn't tell me a lot about himself. Wasn't exactly an open book, I guess.
[He has no idea why he sounds so bitter, saying that. What did it matter what Abel revealed to him? It wasn't as though Wade didn't have secrets of his own.]
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Noelle is not someone mentioned lightly by either Abel or myself. She was our ally and friend when I was little more than the unwanted child who fought her way to true power.
[She relaxes and adds casually.] I think the story of her relationship with Abel might benefit you if you're willing to hear it.
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Uh... sure, I guess. If you want to.
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[She smiles painfully at the memory of her.] Initially, she worked very well with the rest of us especially Abel. Like many women, she grew to be quite fond of him. [Her gaze lingers on Wade again in case he missed the implication of that.]
A couple of years into her service she suddenly quit. I let her go quietly to live out her days in a monastery out of respect for her contributions. Unfortunately, I was forced to call her back to work with Abel one last time after an incident with a certain man left myself and Father Tres injured-- more so with him than myself.
Noelle returned faithfully and was able to uncover key parts of what that man had planned, but by calling her back, I put her in the middle of an incredibly dangerous situation. While I wasn't present for what followed and Abel's report was shaky at best, this is what I gathered happened: he already planned to destroy the city of Barcelona that Noelle was conducting her investigation in, but he made sure Abel had the opportunity to be made aware of the fact Noelle was dying while it happened. Abel blamed himself for being unable to save her and the city. He ran away and quit AX shortly afterward.
It took time and the threat of Rome suffering the same fate to get him return. He never forgave himself for it. To this day, he only mentions her when we run into that man.
[There's a deliberate pause before she asks too innocently.] Now tell me Wade what does that make you think of Abel?
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He shakes his head.]
No. See, that... that was different. He didn't have a choice. He couldn't save her. Even if he could, he's... he was different than me. He was good.
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Do you think truly bad men feel bad for their mistakes? I can assure you that's not true. The one who brought so much suffering down on us did not. I know you're nothing like him.
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Tell me, Wade. Is it that the number got so high that you stopped caring... or did you just never care to begin with and that's why the number got so high?
He shuts his eyes tightly to block it out.]
You'd be surprised about a lot of things.
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Did you really do something that can compare to that? Was there really ever a time that kind of evil was standard fare for you? You shouldn't say something like that unless you truly mean it.
[She states icily. There is a great divide between guilt over past wrongs and what the Magician had done to her world and its most vulnerable citizens. Caterina takes it very seriously.]
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As bad as mass genocide? No. It was more of a... case-by-case basis. I've done things you don't exactly write home about, let's just leave it at that.
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I don't mind skeletons so long as I don't have to worry about that level of trouble. I won't ask unless it becomes necessary.
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