knock âem back
  âWouldaâ been a lot worse if it were the other way around, huh?â his tone is teasing, but thereâs still an air of warning behind it. Standing up Pandoraâs hero wouldnât have been a wise decision, even if the commando did have a turret outfitted with all the bells and whistles DAHL could afford. Jackâs grin is easy but polished, eyebrow quirked just enough to insinuate charming nonchalance. At first itâs directed singularly at Axton, yet it finds itsâ true path, working down the ex-solder in a slow, gratuitous fashion.
 Short, stocky, mildly rugged, blonde and handsome. The grin spreads a bit wider, turning hungrier in an instant. Jack pulls his eyes away as he settles himself comfortably on the stool next to the commando. He waves two fingers at the barman and nods curtly, turning his attention back towards the man on his right.
  âSo, Axton,â the name rolls neatly off of Jackâs cocky tongue, âWhat brought you to this shit heap of a planet?â He leisurely swivels himself on the seat to better face Axton, propping his left elbow up onto the glass bar top. Jackâs foot finds a home on one of the rungs of his bar stool and spreads his legs, looking comfortable and confident within the space of his seat. Jack is positively charisma incarnate.
  âLemme guess, the usual. Solid climate, great place to settle downâ start a family, and sheezus, donât forget to mention the friendly neighbors, am I right?â He motions to the blood splatter on Axtonâs neck, grinning dimly at his own sarcasm.
Axton adjusts to the way Jack owns the space around him. Heâs like a great jungle cat, sprawling, looking over Axton as if heâs dinner. Itâs not an unpleasant feeling, to be looked at like that. The slow tingle of satisfaction it brings, gives Axton enough confidence to return the favor. A thorough glance, lithe, sharp features, long legs, attention to detail with both hair and wardrobe. Axton could smell is cologne. He smiles broadly, chest puffing out.Â
âMe?â heâs surprised that Jack doesnât know already. It seems as though he should, all things considered, but heâll answer, âWell, I was scheduled for execution by firing squad. Some people didnât like the decisions I made to get the job done, so... I said screw this noise, and came to where I knew they wouldnât find me, and where I could make a decent amount of scratch doing what I do best.â
Axtonâs fingers curl around his glass, eyeing his drink before taking a sip. When the bottom connects with the bar, a soft clunk, he exhales and laughs.
âWhich, as youâve noticed, noticed is socializing with all the friendly neighbors.â
Tit for tat, he figures itâs fair enough now to ask something in return.
âWhat brings on the sudden curiosity? My rugged good looks, aside,â he inquires, lifting one scarred brow in challenge.
















