"Right, Right," He Conceded. If He Actually Wanted Answers, He Knew Who He'd Have To Talk To. He Really

John wasn't built for the sorts of missions that put him in harms way. Not to say he hadn't gotten his hands dirty before on behalf of the group or his own personal vendettas, but he wasn't much of a fighter. He wasn't fast enough at escaping--in person form--and he just did better when his weapon of choice was words.

He'd spun a tale or two, covered many a covert crime, played his part very well. He liked doing it too. So it wasn't a surprise when Karen came around for a meeting.

"Hey, Karen," John greeted with a grin, returning the hug. "Honestly only a matter of time, right? You lot cause the loudest commotions, I'm surprised I didn't get shipped off here sooner." He joked. He spent most of his time in London, some in Amsterdam, he'd been to the America's a few times for one reason or another. Usually cities with much higher populations.

"I take it this is more than just a friendly catch-up though," he inquired, tilting his head. "So what've you got for me?"

@into-the-voyd

The PR Game || Voydfellow

Jonathan Bailey putting his Dr. Henry Loomis's glasses on for Jurassic World Rebirth Promotion [x]

(x)

Hey Stranger || Fox Hop

John jumped a little as the items were slammed down in front of him. He'd been zoned out, listening to some conversation across the lounge. Some couple gossiping about one of their exes and that ex's new girlfriend and that girlfriend's secret instagram page... usual gossip.

This new surprise had all the makings to be far more interesting. Beer, a laptop, and Banzai.

"Never too tired for you," he grinned. "And you've got gifts? This gets better and better."

John was already interested when he heard it was a target's laptop. There was so much on here. So much potential.

He slid one of the beers to Banzai to open for him as John opened the laptop. "Ooh, you know I do--love some dirty little secrets," he scanned the lock screen, trying to see what he could gather from here alone. Calendar reminders, missed emails and messages. She just liked to see everything while her device was still locked, huh?

John paused and looked across the table though as more of Banzai's words sunk in. "You got promoted?" he grinned. "Look at you. Congratulations, Banz." When John first joined with MAFIA, he'd met Banzai's father. Mr. Bungu was an intimidating man for sure. But he also remembered a teenaged Banzai. It made his chest ache for a moment as he thought about the passage of time, seeing someone grow up into an adult. He needed to get into this laptop to stop thinking about this.

"Of course I want to," John laughed. "And you can tell me all about your promotion while I look for her Twitter drafts and DMs. There is always all sorts of stuff in there." He looked over the screen at the younger man, "You wouldn't happen to know if they found her little black book of passwords, would you?" he could figure out how to get in without it, it would just be more annoying and take more time.

@banzai-bungu

in the details // Honest Jackal

Unfortunately she was charming. Her little smile and blush. He knew he couldn't get too close, but having a beat on what the law knew was good. This could be a benefit in the long run, really. Especially for redirection.

"You made it look easy, though-- I know I'd be dragging myself across the floor if you stuck me in something like that," he replied.

He studied her quickly in return, a bit of a grin on his face. "I know what you mean, this town is certainly unlike any I've been to before," said John. "And I have to admit, as much as I enjoyed knowing that version of you, I think I'd prefer getting to know more about this you."

@officer-judy-moon

Hey Stranger || Fox Hop

JONATHAN BAILEY

Who What Wear (2024)

John had put that magical event out of his head. Mostly. Every now and again he'd think about it. It was strange--he knew about strange magic in Swynlake but hadn't experienced it himself. It was good to be back to the town proper, though. This place already had enough magic flowing through it that sometimes the sensations could get overwhelming. He was glad to be gone from that world made of magic.

He wasn't thinking about it at all while waiting for his drink at Hatter's, until he saw a familiar face. It didn't register as familiar at first because he'd never met her here, but at a second glance he knew exactly who he was seeing. When her gaze turned to him, he gave her a small wave.

"Oh, hey," he said with a grin, sidling closer to her. "As good of a look as the armor was, you do look a lot more comfortable without it."

@officer-judy-moon

Hey Stranger || Fox Hop

He took the beer. He listened to the rant with a furrowed brow. This poor kid. All of these things he felt responsible for, that he'd put himself through. Yes, he deserved to be seen and recognized for all he did, but was it worth it? Was giving up half himself worth it?

John had to hope so.

"At least they're not brand new recruits," John offered. "It's good to know your teams strengths and weaknesses, and it sounds like you do. They'll fall in line because you'll get them to."

John let out a sigh, leaning to clasp Banzai on the shoulder. "You need to relax, though, kid. What is this, day one of your promotion and you're already feeling vindictive about it?" He wouldn't point out that Banzai is just as much a kid as the others. Even if it was true.

"I've seen you go through shit to get here, I've seen the light fade from your eyes and turn to smoke. You know that? That you don't look the same as that kid all those years ago. If that's a good thing and what you were after, then great. But just--" John shook his head. He wasn't going to get into this with Banzai. Not now. "I'm glad you got what you were after."

The laptop was protected by a PIN and after a few attempted at what could be significant dates for the old owner, he was in.

"Other than the crew, how was it leading a mission? Karen said it was a big one," John asked as he started going through files on the computer, scanning for names and dates that may stand out.

@banzai-bungu

in the details // Honest Jackal

The only reason he was in Chapter Three was to listen. Hear chatter, listen for gossip. Belle owned it, right? Or something? He couldn't be bothered to recall. Just knew she had ties here, and she was one people were keeping an eye on. Not to mention, with her being married to the mayor, it was always a good idea to be looking for dirt on them.

Of course, he didn't see her around today, which was annoying, but he figured why waste a trip, so he just kept his ears open anyway. John leaned on a shelf, flipping through a book that he had no interest in like it was the most interesting thing in the world when he saw someone who was definitely interesting.

She looked like the bookish type, but also like she'd never been here before which led him to believe she was new in town. And those were always the most intriguing sorts of people.

"Hey," he called over to her, holding up the book in his hand so she could see the cover. "Have you read this one? Know if its any good?"

@wintersselene

Chapter Three | OPEN