closed starter, max nilsson & felix ranstrom
Ah, New York. It isn’t Max’s favourite city, not by any sincere metric, but it does have the decency to contain some of his favourite people. A few decent hotels. A few excellent bars. A few private rooms where the lighting forgives almost everything. So he can forgive New York in return, if only temporarily. Even now, he cuts through the outdoor seating with all the confidence of someone assuming that paths are meant to clear for him, as he finds one of those favourite people sitting in daylight. His cousin. Or rather, the crime against nature itself. Max slows beside Felix’s table and looks him over with open, theatrical disapproval.
“Without fail, seeing you in daylight is like seeing a dog on its hind legs. Technically impressive, but ultimately odd. You always look out of place, Felix. Like someone reanimated you and propped you up in a suit.” he drags the opposite chair back and it screams against the pavement with a horrible metallic scrape that makes someone nearby glance over their menu. Max does not apologise, he just drops into the chair with a smug little grin. “How have you been?” he asks, and then nods straight to Felix’s hand. Never mind the fact there's no ring there. “Oh, before I forget. Congratulations.” And just like that, Max then claps his hands together and rubs them, brightening at once.
“Anyway. More importantly, the club.” his grin returns, alive with terrible purpose. “There’s this marble I want from somewhere inconvenient. Maybe just for the bar. Or the toilets as well, depending how much we can get hold of without committing an actual crime.” A pause. “Or with one. I’m open.” He leans back, eyes narrowing as the idea rearranges itself in real time in his brain. “Do we think Bunny could get her aunt Tabs on the phone? She knows people, doesn’t she? People with quarries.” his fingers tap once against the table. “Oh. What about Lia? Lia would know a marble…” He pauses, frowns. “Artist? Is that a thing?” @manybcdthings