nysalogs | [closed] a doctor, a squid, and an agent walk into a restaurant

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[closed] a doctor, a squid, and an agent walk into a restaurant

Who: Claire Fraser (

nineteenfortyfive) & Theon Greyjoy (

reek) & Peggy Carter (

revlon)
What: Lunch and friends and disaster, maybe
When: Early Feb
Where: Some eatery in Olympia
Warning(s): it's Theon

[After the usual check up on Theon's hand, today Claire keeps him for a while longer under the promise of lunch. It's not a far walk, and it's blissfully away from any street corners that have become soap boxes for those calling for war or some other issue relating to it. That's not for today. Today, she's fighting a smaller war. Getting Theon out in friendly company, and hopefully finding him another person that, in time, he might be able to trust and is worth trusting.

She definitely didn't plan this with Peggy and she most definitely didn't have her come in once their food was served so it's just that more difficult for Theon to wiggle away.]

Oh! That's a friend of mine, Peggy Carter. Didn't expect to see her here today. [Of course not, Claire. She lifts an arm to wave Peggy over, dropping her napkin on the table and standing once she's got her attention. There's a whisper to Theon as she gets up:] Surely you won't mind her joining us?

[There just happens to be a third seat at their table. How convenient.]

Peggy, this is my friend Theon Greyjoy. Theon, this is Peggy. She and I lived together, for a time. Why don't you sit with us, Peggy? We only just got our plates.

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[ Theon’s mood has been a little less sour, though not by any means good, since he shared the details of the entire situation with Claire. It would be wrong to say that it lifted a weight from his shoulders, but telling someone did briefly relieve him of his burden.

At any rate, he’s been less difficult where his hand is involved and it took a minimal fight to draw him out today, but he still looks miserable as he stabs at the food on his plate. His head snaps up and there’s a hint of paranoia in his voice as he hisses back to Claire: ]

Surely I don’t have a choice.

[ Claire promised not to repeat his words to anyone else, but a twisting in his gut reminds him that he has no way of knowing if that’s really true. He casts a distrustful gaze toward Peggy, eyes narrowed slightly as he puts on a tight, false smile and false pleasantries. ]

Another person Claire has stayed with. And here I thought I had met them all.

[ He hasn’t, of course. He never even met Jamie. He just has a Thing about the Starks. ]

[ No, this absolutely wasn't a coordinated strike. Claire and Peggy surely hadn't agreed to meet at this café around a certain time and Peggy herself definitely didn't insist on helping as best she could. John, of course, wasn't part of this — not in a very direct way, at least. He'd simply mentioned some time ago that they ought to keep an eye on situation as friends of Claire and who was Peggy to disagree?

And so, here they are. ]

Mr Greyjoy, [ she greets with a far more sincere smile than his own. He looks cheerful, doesn't he? Well. Once more unto the breach and all that. ] It's a pleasure.

[ IS IT THO ]

Are you sure you don't mind? [ Even as she starts unwinding her scarf, pulling the gloves off her hands. ] I was just going to get something packed up to bring home, but if you insist. [ Coat off and draped over the back of that third chair; and that's it, she's taking a seat. ] And how is everyone?

[Theon, always so so pleasant. Claire knows what his comment means, but she simply ignores it, greeting Peggy with a touch on her arm. It's not a time to make veiled comments about the Starks. As she sits, Claire takes her seat again.

Christ. Here it goes.]

Good. I thought I'd bring Theon out here today. I was telling him that they have fantastic desserts. Things I've never seen before. [Not untrue. Claire doesn't mention the unpleasant task of checking a healing wound or remembering how it came to be--Peggy knows enough about that, and Claire trusts her not to draw attention to it.

Giving Theon a chance to reply, Claire waves down a waiter to bring Peggy a menu.]

If you intend to call me anything, let it be only Theon.

[ His tone is far too icy to make his smile seem sincere. It’s Lord Greyjoy, really, but he doesn’t throw a meaningless title around here. All the same, he dislikes being called mister. It sounds foreign and wrong placed before his Westerosi name.

It seems as though whether he minds or not doesn’t matter, because Claire’s friend is already making herself comfortable. He isn’t stupid; he can tell there’s something off about this “chance” meeting, but he keeps it to himself, letting only his expression show just how suspicious he is.

He turns back to Claire to respond, smirking. ]

Is that what you were telling me? I’d stopped listening.

All right, [ she responds without missing a beat. ] Theon.

[ She does get that menu and peruses it with some interest; most of her attention is on the people in front of her. She'd been warned, however vaguely, that he was a difficult young man ("young," they're likely not too far apart in age) but she's dealt with pricklier individuals. And she's sure Claire has, too. The woman has an infinite well of patience that's curiously at odds with her temper, but that's a balance Peggy herself doesn't know how to strike.

They really are quite similar. ]

Well, that's not very nice, [ she chimes in mildly, without lifting her gaze from the menu. Maybe a roast beef sandwich. ] I always believed a gentleman ought to pay attention when a lady is speaking. God knows they expect us to extend them the same courtesy.

[Well, if he's going to play it that way--]

He's very funny. Always making me laugh. [On the inside. She's laughing. On the inside. While she's not entirely past the point of being ruffled by Theon's remarks, she has learned to take most of what he says in stride. She lifts a brow at Theon, though it's not yet a warning about his mouth.]

But he is a gentleman. I wouldn't worry about his manners.

[Just his bloody attitude.]

I’m sorry, were you saying something just now? I hadn’t been listening.

[ He smirks once more, finally setting his fork down. Ramsay had been certain to take a finger from his dominant hand, making tasks difficult while it mends, but he hadn’t been doing much more than stabbing aimlessly at his food anyway. ]

It was a jape.

[ He tacks it on quickly before Claire can give him a disapproving look, but continues before either of them can get a word in. ]

How long have you been planning this meeting? Neither of you are very good at pretending it was by chance.

[ Peggy can't help but smile a little at that, raising an eyebrow in Claire's direction. ]

Does that matter? Claire and I often meet here for lunch when our schedules allow it.

[ Whether or not that's true doesn't mean anything, either. The purpose wasn't to ambush Theon (well, not entirely). Her hand lifts in the air to flag down a waiter and she places her order before turning her attention back to the table. ]

But we hadn't planned on that happening today. I know she's been quite busy lately.

[ With you. ]

[Claire gives Peggy a look as if to say See? Funny. But if she has anything nice to say about Theon, it's always that he's quick. He knows, of course he knows, and Claire doesn't really confirm or deny anything.]

You should be happy you're not trapped with only me at this table. Less likely I'll lecture you about one thing or another, hmm?

[ Theon snorts, his gaze flickering between the two of them as he sits back in his chair. For as troubled as he is, he really is ordinarily quite sharp, though it all takes root as suspicion and distrust. He doesn’t buy any of what they’re trying to sell him. He doesn't feel cornered or ambushed knowing that he may be correct in his thinking, but he does feel irritated and just a little bit betrayed. ]

Then I’m free to go, am I? The two of you can enjoy one another’s company, unless there as something you hadn’t planned on discussing in front of me. Just as you hadn't planned on meeting today.

[ Yes.

Very funny.

Not bitter and angry at all. ]

This isn't about —

[ Peggy heaves a silent sigh, but somehow manages to only seem mildly exasperated rather than irritated. ]

Can't this just be a nice lunch? Things have been such a mess outside lately, it wouldn't hurt to try and enjoy an afternoon once in a while. Meet some new people. [ She raises her brows. ] But if the idea of something so innocuous is offensive to you, then I'll leave you to your meal.

[Claire takes a sip of her sadly nonalcoholic drink.]

Is it so bad if I wanted you to meet my best friend? [Best friend. Not words she uses to describe a relationship, personally, but she knows Theon knows the significance.] I don't ask much of you, Theon. You're free to go if you wish, but I would like it if you stayed.

[ Theon snaps his head up with a glare. Yes, those two words hold an incredible significance to him. Robb was his closest friend, his best friend, and now Claire has been made well aware of that fact.

Now he’s trapped by his own stubbornness. It’s as though he’s being dared to leave, so he can’t very well give in and do that. So he merely grips the arms of his chair, willing himself to stay. If there were alcohol, it would be easier. ]

People tend to share more with their closest friends more than share with others.

[ That was how it was with him and Robb, at least. It’s a little telling, coming from someone as guarded as Theon. On a good day, he’s unwilling to even tell someone how he’s doing. He inclines his head toward Peggy, is smile just a touch too sharp. ]

I don’t believe this is the first you’ve heard of me, is it?

No, it isn't.

[ It wouldn't do to lie, of course. Not about something like this; where's the use? She settles back in her seat and considers what she's about to say next. It is honest, though, there's no bones about it. ]

Claire and John have made your acquaintance and they happen to be good friends of mine. I've heard your name in passing. [ More or less. ] But don't think that others have been gossiping about you because that isn't the case. How did you two meet?

[That's her girl. Claire bites back a relieved smile in her direction, but she does give her a nod of agreement. It's true enough. She turns her gaze back to Theon, reminding him quietly:] I did make you a promise.

[Not to share his business with John, but in general. She might not keep her word forever, but for now, it stands.

Besides, if she shared all of what Theon's told her recently, Peggy might not be so keen on meeting him.

Peggy's given an out that Claire gladly takes, though it has her looking to Theon for some genuine assistance for possibly the first time in their relationship.]

Ah, good question. Was it the Sanctuary? I think we met in person before any conversations on the network.

[Blame it on the twenty years since. She feels like she's known him for a very, very long time--take that as you will.]

I should hope not.

[ It seems to be the answer he’s after, or at least a sufficient enough one. Claire did promise not to share the information he spoke to her about. He backs down, relaxing in his seat. The question gives him something else to focus on. ]

Aye. Shortly after we all arrived, when we gave blood. She wouldn’t use the knife as the Westerosi maesters would. Insisted upon the needle. I imagine I wasn’t the only one to question the method.

[ Robb and Asha were awake then, he can’t help but mentally note. In a way, losing people is how he keeps track of time. It was Asha first, then Robb, then Victarion, and now Ramsay. How long until he’s the only one left? What a punishment that would be. ]

I still say the knife is quicker.

[ He pauses, glancing down at his bandaged hand. That had not been a quick amputation, but a slow and agonizing flaying. Trying to suppress a wince, he adds: ]

For certain purposes.

For certain purposes, [ she agrees rather mildly. What? It's true. She marched through most of the war with a bayonet in her boot. ] But definitely not that.

[ Peggy's lips quirk and she glances from Theon to Claire. It feels like a lifetime ago that they were all fresh from the station and tasked with those things — giving blood at the Sanctuary, exploring the wilderness around the city for unusual flora or fauna and all for a bit of coin. ]

Claire drew mine that day, too, didn't you? I must have just missed you, Theon — or gotten there before. Lightest touch in the Sanctuary, I'd say. [ Then she teases, sotto voce, ] But I wouldn't dream of getting on her bad side. I've heard of battlefield medics with kinder dispositions.

[ Untrue. Morita would swear six ways to Sunday while patching someone up under fire, and none of it to do with the hail of bullets and everything to do with the "stubborn son of a bitch" under his steady hands. ]

[She encountered Robb that day, too. Not the first time, and the memory is hazy, but she does recall snatching a blade out of his hand. She wishes she would have gotten a chance to speak with him more.

Claire watches Theon with a worried frown before moving on. Not difficult for her to guess where his mind is.]

You were one of the most patient donors, Peggy. You wouldn't believe how many people would rather be sliced open than stuck with a tiny little needle. Alarming, really. [But she was most alarmed by how just anyone was allowed to pick up a blade.

Peggy makes her smile, eyes rolling playfully.]

The two of you have yet to give me any reason to consider you on my bad side.

[Congratulations. Though, really, it takes some obvious and grand wrongdoing to stay on Claire's bad side permanently.]

Must have been before. I was there for some time.

[ That had been an intense day, and the last time he and Robb had truly spoken beyond short, curt interactions. The first and the last time they truly let their anger be known which words rather than shouting matches and cruel japes. Sometimes, Theon thinks it should have ended there. Robb should have stabbed the knife into his heart and let that be the end of it.

But that wasn’t the end of it. He’s still here, Robb is asleep, and Theon believes that neither one of them is pleased. ]

Certainly a lighter touch than others I’ve met.

[ He doesn’t look up from his hand as he laughs, not meaning it to sound nearly as unhinged as it does. It’s been a rough few weeks. He manages to pull himself together quickly though, snapping back to his old self with a smirk as he raises his eyes to Claire. ]

And how is it that I’ve not managed to get on your bad side yet?

[ When I've manage to get on everyone else's is an unspoken addition to that sentence. ]

[ Now that's a question whose answer she's interested in. Luckily, her meal arrives just in time and she occupies herself with that; draping a napkin across her lap, picking up a knife to slice the sandwich into two halves.

Don't mind her, you two. She's taking a bite of her roast beef sandwich and is far too busy chewing to get a word in edgewise. ]

[Christ, Theon. Claire's half a second away from putting her hand on his arm to shake him away from wherever his thoughts are headed (Ramsay, as she often assumes), but he does it himself. Still, the intent to move was there, and so she shifts in her seat and takes another drink.

How has he not managed to get on her bad side? Well, that's the million dollar question, isn't it? A glance towards Peggy--and a sandwich that smells amazing--and she tries to settle on a response that's honest, yet not something to set Theon off.

She takes another sip of her drink to buy some time.]

I ask myself that very question, sometimes. [She smirks over her glass, then sets it down.] I am simply a fountain of infinite patience.

[It's fine to fib if it's for humor, right?

Truth be told, Claire knows that he won't have too many people left if she discarded him now, let alone a grown adult that's fairly reliable. And she's not about to duck out on a young man in this state.]

[ Theon rolls his eyes at the response, letting his gaze drift away from both women. It’s slightly dangerous to let his focus wane. He’s already being questioned and judged by everyone, and allowing his mind to wander to darker places is doing him no favors, so he does his best to keep his thoughts focused on a response. ]

Infinite is a strong word.

[ Beyond stabbing at it with his fork, he hasn’t touched his meal, nor does he seem intent upon eating now. He tries to keep the smirk and false light mood about him, but he’s clearly unhappy and moody as he sinks down into his seat. ]

You just have a longer rope than most.

[ Implying that she’ll reach the end of it eventually. Everyone does. Jon’s reached the end of his, and even Sansa seems to be nearing the end of hers. ]

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[closed] a doctor, a squid, and an agent walk into a restaurant

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