[Clara’s expression gets darker and darker as Claus talks, she has to end this conversation before he manages to say anything.. inconvenient. She steps forward, laying her hand on Craig’s arm with a sickly sweet look on her face.]
“WELL gentlemen I truly hate to interrupt this heartwarming exchange, but I do believe it’s a bit rude to crowd someone’s doorway like this. Shall we move things inside?”
If he notices the glare, he doesn’t say anything. In fact, he doesn’t react at all in any noticeable fashion. More likely than not, it passed over his head entirely.
“Heh! Always knew I could count on you, Claus. You’re as reliable as a– a–” Craig pauses for a moment and rubs at his chin, “–A really reliable thing. Anyway, yes! Clara’s right! We should all head inside because it’s actually cold as BALLS out here now that I’m thinking about it? And this coat looks hot on me but that’s about as close as it gets to actually keeping me warm. Claus, we’re not done with this conversation by the way, I want to hear in EXCRUCIATING DETAIL just how much everyone missed me, but in the meantime– INNN WE GO.”
He pushes past Thespi, one arm around Claus’ shoulders and another around Clara’s waist and hustles everyone inside.
Before they get too far in however, Payton puts a hand on Thespi’s arm, signaling for him to hold back a little.
“Hey, uh….” He begins. He looks apologetic, among other things, “Sorry about all this. I probably should’ve explained everything in better detail before showing up. I was just… sidetracked, I guess. Doesn’t excuse it but– maybe this will work out in our favor? They seem to know each other. Um. Maybe we can get some information out of that.”
Claus, of course, is glaring at Clara every chance he gets, but for his friend’s sake he tries to tone it down. He tries to just enjoy the moment, knowing his companion is alive and well.
Thespi was about ready to trail in with them, but Payton stops him and he turns to listen. He puts hand to his chin as he considers his friend’s words.
“I dunno what kinda info you hope to get, Bond,” the actor shrugs, “but sure, I’m with ya. I’m frankly enjoying this, this is so neat. Although I am gonna have to.. do somethin’ about his hair, uh.. Oh, and don’t worry about the confusion, buddy, I mean-- I mean we’ve all three got clones running around, I don’t think you can avoid confusion with this sort of thing.”
Thespi catches up with the others and leads them all to a sitting area within the mansion. Its large and pristine white, with glass and diamond decorations. Vases of vibrant red and white roses sit on nearly every table; out with Christmas and in with Valentine’s day. Thespi mentions to one of the workers as they leave the room that his guests would enjoy refreshments, and the woman hurries off to prepare them.
“Welcome to my humble abode,” Thespi chuckles, flopping down into one of the luxurious couches spread around the room. A warm fire roars beneath a brick mantle decorated with awards that Thespi has won in his many years of acting. Claus sits near Craig, straightening his vest and smoothing out his hair. “Make yourselves right at home, huh?”
vaporwave
2087
theartofmadeline