[WOW. Listen. He won't sully Zaun's good name, but he may bring the sass back when they're in Piltover later... Someone has to give Jacopo a little hell. He didn't think he could simply reincarnate into another world and escape being bullied, did he?]
It transmuted my body in a way to make it more perfect; it stripped it of what it thought was logically unnecessary for perfection. Like eating. Like reproductive parts. Like sleeping.
[Sorry, he was definitely a HORROR. Jacopo was right.]
We can get some sweet milk from The Last Drop when we're finished.
[He scoops up one of the tendrils of meat as the rice and drinks come. The rice has a fork! But just one; unfortunately for Jacopo, he will have to indirect kiss. He "cheers" Jacopo with the meat before he slides it into his mouth. SEE, HE WASN'T BEING MEAN.]
[ Jacopo would have back in the day because then he could just keep working, but he remembers how Viktor was... How muted he seemed. He didn't undergo such change from outside influence, but he sort of understands changing for the worse. Depression can make you feel alien in the sea of people.
He was a solitary man before, but it was even more isolating after... So. Cheers. Meat touch meat. ]
But I like you better now. You were kind of creepy before.
[ In a place where Viktor can let people in and be simply himself. At this point, he's idly eating. How long has it been since he had food? When you're just a wayward soul, you don't need that.
He doesn't mind sharing, so when the flavor coats his mouth too much he'll have a forkful of rice. ]
[Yes, but who really is still alive and also here to bully him except Viktor? Okay. Don't just write sad as hell prose about all his friends being dead and think I won't forget it.]
I had not seen the wrong in it either, [after waiting to swallow,] but now I know better.
[People would be stupid to kill for it. It hadn't been as perfect as he thought. Not eating, not sleeping, not feeling anything at all whether physically or emotionally - what point was there in living then?]
I see you really haven't lost your brutal honesty.
[Jacopo just takes pot-shots at him all the time, damn. (He isn't wrong.) Viktor smiles ever so slightly.]
It is. Many topsiders let the look scare them from trying it.
[They can be foolish if they want. More for them.]
[ I was going to say he had so few friends from turbo, but it doesn't change the fact that he had nothing when he died and now he has nothing because i wrote them dead. LISTEN HERE, IT HAS BEEN A THOUSAND YEARS. WHAT IS HE SUPPOSED TO ASSUME? ]
It would not be a very good alien overlord if you were able to discern right and wrong very easily. [ A snort as he drinks the ale, easing it in without any judgment. Even if it isn't quality liquor, he can appreciate it. It's going back to roots. ] I can't have you becoming too soft.
[ There's a sly smile, so familiar but it still lacks the same amount of shit-eating. It isn't near smarmy enough, but perhaps that takes time. At least he hasn't forgotten the shape and the motions.
Brutally honest when it doesn't matter, roundabout when it does, a little aggressive when he tries to do good, and still a bitch. Jacopo Bearzatti, you are so fucking stupid. ]
My only complaint is that I don't like it dripping off my fingers...
[ He feels like... He's going to get things dirty. ]
[It feels rude to shit-talk the magical alien orb in the staff which has been leaned between his leg and his arm and his front. Almost like it will hear them and seek revenge.
But he laughs some at how little Jacopo continues to care about saying it like it is - with other people.]
That's the best part, Jacopo. You get to suck the flavor and the sauce off your fingers.
[Here. He takes another of the pieces and eats it, then stick each finger in his mouth to rid them of the golden juices.
He at least didn't grab Jacopo's hand and do it himself just to shittily see if Jacopo would sink into the floor out of embarrassed humiliation, so be thankful.]
[ Jacopo would flip off the magical alien orb regardless of how much power it holds... Fuck you. But don't seek revenge. They are too tired to deal with an eldritch tantrum again.
Obviously, he grimaces with gritted teeth showing, not looking forward to that. It does beat having dirty fingers, though? But instead it's coated with saliva? Are there no napkins or towels? You just WANT HIM TO DIE? Oh my god why would you even pose that possibility, hE WOULD
DIE
AND CALL VIKTOR A FREAK while pulling his hand away. FUCK. VIKTOR IS ALREADY ATTACKING HIM FOR HIS FAKE STATUS. ]
Shut up.
[ Suddenly, he's stubborn and obstinate, but he keeps eating. Does he lap up the sauce from his hand and fingers yet? No. But is he requesting a napkin? No. ]
[Jacopo is so lucky he is normal now and does not have the same detachment to his emotions, or he would have done that.
He laughs, quiet but genuine. JACOPO IS A CLOWN AND SO FUNNY!!!!! From out of one of his pockets, he pulls a handkerchief with his clean hand and offers it to Jacopo.
Here, princess. It's nothing fancy. Very simply, much like Viktor (excluding the science).]
It isn't sticky, at least. We can rinse them after.
[ He would punch you, Viktor... At least ask first, dumbass....... Even if he would outright reject.
A leer is pinned onto Viktor as Jacopo continues to eat, then flickers to the handkerchief. A simple handkerchief should earn gratitude, but it doesn't. He's glowering at it, too. ]
That's one blessing.
[ Do not stare at him as he finally licks off the sauce from his dirty hand. There's a desire to turn slightly so that no one has to see him, just because of learned propriety, but there's so much defiance to be casual about it. ]
So what's this about sweet milk?
[ Tell him more now that his desire to fight you has simmered. ]
[Stop being so damn rankled and skrunkly, you piece of shit Italian.
Viktor casually puts the handkerchief on top of Jacopo's fluffy head without much consideration, and then he carries on with helping finish off the food and the drink.]
Someone may have... invented ice cream. And fridgeration, of course. Mostly the latter. [Him. It was fucking him after being exposed to it in murder land.] They enjoyed the ice cream so much.
Anyhow, the sweet milk has been turned into a rather delicious treat. We can get some at the Last Drop.
Also, stop that. He plucks the handkerchief off of his head and hits him with it, which of course doesn't feel like ANYTHING. ]
You brought them fridgeration and ice cream...
[ They can finish the bowl off. Jacopo doesn't like wasting food now that he isn't lord—also, it's quite good? So there won't be a grain or fishy morsel left. The ale, too, he will politely wait for Viktor to have as much as he'd like before he will work it down to nothing. ]
Actually, I'm surprised these weren't already existing in your world...
[ He remembers the technology when Viktor forced memshared him. ]
[Haha. He tries to shield the hit with his elbow and arm, but is more amused by it than anything else. LOOK, he was saving Jacopo's delicate lordling princess fingers.]
Perhaps...
[Maybe it did... Maybe it did... But I think it is funnier if not. Here we are.]
There was never a need to extend the life of prepared food... Well, at least not for those here. It has helped with a growing medical field, too. Being able to preserve medicines.
[He's becoming Bruce Wayne. Sort of. It's fine.
Speaking of, he puts some money down on the counter for Jericho. For the both of them, of course. He is treating Jacopo, as one would do with a princess.]
[ Once he has displayed that Viktor was being silly by retaliating in a matching silly way, he will clean his fingers and hand with the handkerchief.
What can Jacopo do? Reject Viktor's generosity? He has no money. He will also compliment the chef. Not flattering or sizing up, but give his genuine approval as he folds the handkerchief and pockets it (he will clean this and return it another time). ]
Feeling proud of yourself?
[ Not in a mocking tone, but maybe a teasing one. Refrigeration just seemed like a big quality of life upgrade much like Viktor said, so! Wow.
Slipping off the stool, he's ready to go. ]
I didn't know I'm in the presence of someone so important—patron of frost and frozen treats.
[Don't tease him then turn around and use what he's given you, asshole. Not that he doesn't want Jacopo to use the damn thing. For now, he will accept bullying Jacopo by paying for food and drink, and also dragging Jacopo around all over.
Jericho seems to appreciate the compliment. He looks like a guy who might sell kidneys on the black market, but he is actually surprisingly chill and normal with his small food booth.]
A little.
[Viktor has to have some level of gentle arrogance as a scientist. It's a good thing, so he will let himself be playfully proud of having accomplished it.]
Now you're being facetious.
[Taking the staff up, he follows Jacopo's exit of the little street stall. Sorry, linking arms again momentarily so he can guide Jacopo through the coming and going currents of people toward the bar.]
Jacopo doesn't seem perturbed so much by Jericho's appearance. He has met pretty of sleazy-looking individuals who were darling, while he himself is handsome yet rotten to the core. He's sure Jericho might sell chicken kidneys. Offals are delicious. ]
Confidence is a good look.
[ Does a compliment on top of a tease make it any less facetious or better? However, Jacopo's smug look waters down when their arms are linked again... He's back to feeling lost simply because he's being guided, a little self-conscious by their proximity. No one has bothered them, so he has to take it that this is out of convenience.
They approach the bar and he looks at its emboldened and flashy signage. It has the flare of art he finds intriguing, though nearing dramatic and gaudy. ]
[A lot of things have happened in these lanes and also at this bar. A history Jacopo can feel, but not intimately know. Viktor only knows as much as he does because he has seen it within the minds of the people who lived it.]
Are you telling me you find me attractive...?
[This is not what Jacopo said at all. He is teasing. He will not let that little line escape unteased, though, sorry. Giving Jacopo a momentary look, lips turned up.
But then he glances over the front of the bar as they approach.]
Is it? Maybe it's just "good till the last drop"? I promise the usual patrons of this establishment aren't going to run you through. You don't have to worry.
I can't promise they won't cheat at cards, though.
[ It's the small little signs that Jacopo will notice, though only vaguely aware. He will never know all the brawls and infighting that happened in here, but it wouldn't surprise him. ]
I'd say you're being ridiculous, but as your friend I should be supportive in your budding career as a comedian.
[ To be clear, it did fluster him a bit, though he stifled that so hard that it may be hard to notice. Confidence in general is a good look on anyone! Desperation is a bad look in comparison, but they're both desperate people. Jacopo especially...
Why else is he here, if not out of desperation? Including this space where they stand before the bar, gazing upon its choice of signage. He tilts his head, absorbing Viktor's words, then laughs. ]
Multiple interpretations make it a good name.
[ It reflects the human psyche upon looking at it and it tells more about himself than he expected. Jacopo supposes death and melancholy still hang off of him, though less. As he's led, ]
I'm quite familiar with rigged card games, fortunately.
[The hand of the arm looped around Jacopo's pats Jacopo's forearm reassuringly. There, there, dear.
Inside, naturally, everyone sort of glances up when they go through the door. A habitual reaction from the regulars. Thankfully, Viktor is mollusked to Jacopo's side, and it seems pretty much everyone is happy to see him appear out of anyone else who could possible appear to them. One or two call out to him in greeting as he pulls Jacopo through the tables toward the bar, and he offers a nod and a smile in return.
The Drop is not run by Vander or Silco anymore. Instead, a dark-skinned and darker-haired woman with a mechanical arm is looming in the back with one other helper working the counter. (The helper is because she is definitely not always here most of the time.)]
Hello. [A greeting for the worker. The woman in the back gets a nod of his head and,] Sevika.
[Viktor offers Jacopo a bar seat - i was in the middle of this tag right here when a spider crawled over my head and fell down on me and i think my soul left my body as i flung myself over the back of the couch - and releases him from being trapped in the perpetual arm-hold.]
How is the arm?
[Sevika shrugs said arm. The parts of it are quiet as they move, but apparent, and their coloring is a familiar violet-blue. Definitely Hextech.]
anna i'm glad this tag will find you well, having survived a spider attack. Jacopo raises his eyebrows at all the regulars, sweeping the bar with some scrutiny. It's a habit of wanting to know what kid of people frequent places, not so much malicious judgment. How their faces light up at Viktor's presence is cute, even though Jacopo's response is a whisper: "aren't you so popular."
He stays well-behaved as Viktor's accessory, friendly smile put on, and stays as such even though Sevika is so intimidating. He isn't going to awkwardly listen in to their conversation and try to find a way to interject, so until he's pulled into it he will small talk with the patron beside him.
Despite being prickly and abrasive sometimes, he's a good conversation partner. They probably chat about the establishment, how long had they been a regular, that this is his first time here so he's curious about what they have to offer though he has something in mind already, what do they do for a living? he himself is between places right now. do they have any funny stories about Viktor...
and he embellishes a story about Viktor being lord of the rats. some of the events he regales are plain lies. ]
[The way you forced Jacopo to speak to someone else instead of waiting to be introduce to Sevika so you may have some D&D info. Same, king.
Things in Zaun are not one hundred percent great, but they are much better than before. A sort of middling ground between Silco's rule and Vander's rule. Jobs are easier to get because healthcare is easier to get; people can work. Crime is lower, though not eradicated. Topsiders actually venture down here occasionally now that the quality of the environment isn't toxic.
Like this one - they are a postman, raised in Zaun, but having waded out to Piltover, and they have found a renewed love for a bar in the Lanes.
They do know a funny story about Viktor, perhaps with less rattage. Someone who did not like his ideals had hand-sewn Viktor's face onto a pair of a underwear and flown it from one of their windows in Piltover like a flag of shame.
Enough of that. Jacopo gets a little jab in the side from one of Viktor's long fingers (thankfully not Eldritch and purple this time). Stop swapping stories about him, most of which are embellished to hell and back.]
[ Jacopo knows his place here as an outsider is to be introduced by Viktor to the owner of the establishment! However, he is free to chat with other patrons as a patron while Viktor has formalities and properly does his job as a guide.
Jacopo of course would give something in return, though in vague specifics. Coming from a melting pot of a nation, not too dissimilar to this, he was a big investor of public transit as they lack means to conveniently and efficiently travel a long distance. Takes too much resources, too much time, a whole lot of shortcomings. Ultimately, he ends it with that he's retired now.
Of course he's going to laugh at these stories until Viktor prods him to shut the fuck up. He bats that hand away and stops spreading tales. ]
Sweet milk, was it? [ Mmm. ] And whatever is the house special.
[Stop laughing at probably maybe definitely false stories about him!]
I meant besides sweet milk ice cream.
[But he's got it. To the barkeep (not Sevika):] A glass of vintage, please. And two snow milkshakes. Oh - and your little crackers. [The helper nods and gets to work which leaves the two of them there with intimidating Sevika. Of course, Viktor doesn't seem bothered by her really.
She is the one who asks first: "Friend?"]
This is Jacopo. He is from out of town.
["I can tell," is her response, but she nods in greeting to Jacopo despite. And, to Jacopo:]
This is Sevika. She owns the Drop, but she's a councilwoman now, [said with a bit of a smirk, and she rolls her eyes,] so she is often dealing with other matters and isn't here. I'm surprised we caught her.
[ Are they still fake if over half of it is true? Based on a true story, maybe? He offers the barkeep a smile as they manage their tab. Thank you.
To Sevika, he keeps his smile, though not intimidated and takes no offense with being clocked as an outsider. That won't do for first impressions. She gets a nod in return as greeting and the raise of his eyebrows when Viktor drops that she holds a position. ]
How lucky. It's a pleasure to meet you, Sevika. Glad to see that you can find respite between the many responsibilities you have. [ Genuinely. ] My expectations for your business are quite high as Viktor chose it as one of the first few to show me. Let it not disappoint.
[ High regards and yet not too much flattery. Leaning over to Viktor, ]
[One of Sevika's brows lifts very high. VIKTOR BROUGHT JACOPO HERE AS THE FIRST VENTURE? is what the gesture seems to scream. Why would Viktor do this? Though the bar is seeing much better days (and a little clientele now).]
Don't let him fool you, [to Sevika] if he wasn't at least a little impressed, he'd leave.
[Tattles on Jacopo.
Who the FCK is Jesus? He sort of smiles, but looks a bit confused by the reference. He is thankfully intelligent enough to be able to guestimate the time period Jacopo must mean.]
After I came back actually. She had worked for one of the former owners of this bar and uniter of Zaun. Silco.
[ Technically, it's the second, but that's still within the first few as he said. Why WOULD Viktor do that? Jacopo wouldn't know! He is a visitor, as he was so graciously introduced, so he keeps his smile on so that Viktor be the source for answers.
Even though Viktor tattles on him, he doesn't find it far from the truth. ]
I do like the atmosphere.
[ He wouldn't waste his time and wouldn't waste words on flattery if he won't gain. Even if Sevika holds a seat, he gains nothing right now.
Does Viktor want to ask about Jesus? ]
Don't think you've talked about Silco much... But honestly, I'm more curious about your partner.
[The first one was nice, but doesn't count. Jacopo should put up more resistance to being dragged around. Not that Viktor isn't going to drag Jacopo around anyway.
Viktor does want tot know about Jesus! He had been in Heaven after all.]
He has quite the story. Maybe I can tell you later.
[Maybe not in front of Sevika, though he's sure Sevika has some hilarious commentary about all of that. He won't plague her with their conversation, though.
A glass of wine is placed down on the counter in front of Jacopo, followed by a plate of what looks like slices of tomato with mayonnaise on crackers.]
You mean... Jayce? Why?
[So many people from Heaven assigned them soulmates which is probably true, so to break the spirit of League lore and continue to hurt Cola.]
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It transmuted my body in a way to make it more perfect; it stripped it of what it thought was logically unnecessary for perfection. Like eating. Like reproductive parts. Like sleeping.
[Sorry, he was definitely a HORROR. Jacopo was right.]
We can get some sweet milk from The Last Drop when we're finished.
[He scoops up one of the tendrils of meat as the rice and drinks come. The rice has a fork! But just one; unfortunately for Jacopo, he will have to indirect kiss. He "cheers" Jacopo with the meat before he slides it into his mouth. SEE, HE WASN'T BEING MEAN.]
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People would kill for that.
[ Jacopo would have back in the day because then he could just keep working, but he remembers how Viktor was... How muted he seemed. He didn't undergo such change from outside influence, but he sort of understands changing for the worse. Depression can make you feel alien in the sea of people.
He was a solitary man before, but it was even more isolating after... So. Cheers. Meat touch meat. ]
But I like you better now. You were kind of creepy before.
[ In a place where Viktor can let people in and be simply himself. At this point, he's idly eating. How long has it been since he had food? When you're just a wayward soul, you don't need that.
He doesn't mind sharing, so when the flavor coats his mouth too much he'll have a forkful of rice. ]
This is quite good, actually.
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I had not seen the wrong in it either, [after waiting to swallow,] but now I know better.
[People would be stupid to kill for it. It hadn't been as perfect as he thought. Not eating, not sleeping, not feeling anything at all whether physically or emotionally - what point was there in living then?]
I see you really haven't lost your brutal honesty.
[Jacopo just takes pot-shots at him all the time, damn. (He isn't wrong.) Viktor smiles ever so slightly.]
It is. Many topsiders let the look scare them from trying it.
[They can be foolish if they want. More for them.]
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It would not be a very good alien overlord if you were able to discern right and wrong very easily. [ A snort as he drinks the ale, easing it in without any judgment. Even if it isn't quality liquor, he can appreciate it. It's going back to roots. ] I can't have you becoming too soft.
[ There's a sly smile, so familiar but it still lacks the same amount of shit-eating. It isn't near smarmy enough, but perhaps that takes time. At least he hasn't forgotten the shape and the motions.
Brutally honest when it doesn't matter, roundabout when it does, a little aggressive when he tries to do good, and still a bitch. Jacopo Bearzatti, you are so fucking stupid. ]
My only complaint is that I don't like it dripping off my fingers...
[ He feels like... He's going to get things dirty. ]
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But he laughs some at how little Jacopo continues to care about saying it like it is - with other people.]
That's the best part, Jacopo. You get to suck the flavor and the sauce off your fingers.
[Here. He takes another of the pieces and eats it, then stick each finger in his mouth to rid them of the golden juices.
He at least didn't grab Jacopo's hand and do it himself just to shittily see if Jacopo would sink into the floor out of embarrassed humiliation, so be thankful.]
Do you need a napkin, lordling?
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Obviously, he grimaces with gritted teeth showing, not looking forward to that. It does beat having dirty fingers, though? But instead it's coated with saliva? Are there no napkins or towels? You just WANT HIM TO DIE? Oh my god why would you even pose that possibility, hE WOULD
DIE
AND CALL VIKTOR A FREAK while pulling his hand away. FUCK. VIKTOR IS ALREADY ATTACKING HIM FOR HIS FAKE STATUS. ]
Shut up.
[ Suddenly, he's stubborn and obstinate, but he keeps eating. Does he lap up the sauce from his hand and fingers yet? No. But is he requesting a napkin? No. ]
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He laughs, quiet but genuine. JACOPO IS A CLOWN AND SO FUNNY!!!!! From out of one of his pockets, he pulls a handkerchief with his clean hand and offers it to Jacopo.
Here, princess. It's nothing fancy. Very simply, much like Viktor (excluding the science).]
It isn't sticky, at least. We can rinse them after.
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A leer is pinned onto Viktor as Jacopo continues to eat, then flickers to the handkerchief. A simple handkerchief should earn gratitude, but it doesn't. He's glowering at it, too. ]
That's one blessing.
[ Do not stare at him as he finally licks off the sauce from his dirty hand. There's a desire to turn slightly so that no one has to see him, just because of learned propriety, but there's so much defiance to be casual about it. ]
So what's this about sweet milk?
[ Tell him more now that his desire to fight you has simmered. ]
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Viktor casually puts the handkerchief on top of Jacopo's fluffy head without much consideration, and then he carries on with helping finish off the food and the drink.]
Someone may have... invented ice cream. And fridgeration, of course. Mostly the latter. [Him. It was fucking him after being exposed to it in murder land.] They enjoyed the ice cream so much.
Anyhow, the sweet milk has been turned into a rather delicious treat. We can get some at the Last Drop.
I promise it's quite good. One of my favorites.
[BECAUSE HE BROUGHT IT TO THE PEOPLE.]
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Also, stop that. He plucks the handkerchief off of his head and hits him with it, which of course doesn't feel like ANYTHING. ]
You brought them fridgeration and ice cream...
[ They can finish the bowl off. Jacopo doesn't like wasting food now that he isn't lord—also, it's quite good? So there won't be a grain or fishy morsel left. The ale, too, he will politely wait for Viktor to have as much as he'd like before he will work it down to nothing. ]
Actually, I'm surprised these weren't already existing in your world...
[ He remembers the technology when Viktor forced memshared him. ]
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Perhaps...
[Maybe it did... Maybe it did... But I think it is funnier if not. Here we are.]
There was never a need to extend the life of prepared food... Well, at least not for those here. It has helped with a growing medical field, too. Being able to preserve medicines.
[He's becoming Bruce Wayne. Sort of. It's fine.
Speaking of, he puts some money down on the counter for Jericho. For the both of them, of course. He is treating Jacopo, as one would do with a princess.]
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What can Jacopo do? Reject Viktor's generosity? He has no money. He will also compliment the chef. Not flattering or sizing up, but give his genuine approval as he folds the handkerchief and pockets it (he will clean this and return it another time). ]
Feeling proud of yourself?
[ Not in a mocking tone, but maybe a teasing one. Refrigeration just seemed like a big quality of life upgrade much like Viktor said, so! Wow.
Slipping off the stool, he's ready to go. ]
I didn't know I'm in the presence of someone so important—patron of frost and frozen treats.
[ who would pick this princess ]
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Jericho seems to appreciate the compliment. He looks like a guy who might sell kidneys on the black market, but he is actually surprisingly chill and normal with his small food booth.]
A little.
[Viktor has to have some level of gentle arrogance as a scientist. It's a good thing, so he will let himself be playfully proud of having accomplished it.]
Now you're being facetious.
[Taking the staff up, he follows Jacopo's exit of the little street stall. Sorry, linking arms again momentarily so he can guide Jacopo through the coming and going currents of people toward the bar.]
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Jacopo doesn't seem perturbed so much by Jericho's appearance. He has met pretty of sleazy-looking individuals who were darling, while he himself is handsome yet rotten to the core. He's sure Jericho might sell chicken kidneys. Offals are delicious. ]
Confidence is a good look.
[ Does a compliment on top of a tease make it any less facetious or better? However, Jacopo's smug look waters down when their arms are linked again... He's back to feeling lost simply because he's being guided, a little self-conscious by their proximity. No one has bothered them, so he has to take it that this is out of convenience.
They approach the bar and he looks at its emboldened and flashy signage. It has the flare of art he finds intriguing, though nearing dramatic and gaudy. ]
The Last Drop is a rather morbid name.
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Are you telling me you find me attractive...?
[This is not what Jacopo said at all. He is teasing. He will not let that little line escape unteased, though, sorry. Giving Jacopo a momentary look, lips turned up.
But then he glances over the front of the bar as they approach.]
Is it? Maybe it's just "good till the last drop"? I promise the usual patrons of this establishment aren't going to run you through. You don't have to worry.
I can't promise they won't cheat at cards, though.
[Leading Jacopo in by the arm.]
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I'd say you're being ridiculous, but as your friend I should be supportive in your budding career as a comedian.
[ To be clear, it did fluster him a bit, though he stifled that so hard that it may be hard to notice. Confidence in general is a good look on anyone! Desperation is a bad look in comparison, but they're both desperate people. Jacopo especially...
Why else is he here, if not out of desperation? Including this space where they stand before the bar, gazing upon its choice of signage. He tilts his head, absorbing Viktor's words, then laughs. ]
Multiple interpretations make it a good name.
[ It reflects the human psyche upon looking at it and it tells more about himself than he expected. Jacopo supposes death and melancholy still hang off of him, though less. As he's led, ]
I'm quite familiar with rigged card games, fortunately.
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Inside, naturally, everyone sort of glances up when they go through the door. A habitual reaction from the regulars. Thankfully, Viktor is mollusked to Jacopo's side, and it seems pretty much everyone is happy to see him appear out of anyone else who could possible appear to them. One or two call out to him in greeting as he pulls Jacopo through the tables toward the bar, and he offers a nod and a smile in return.
The Drop is not run by Vander or Silco anymore. Instead, a dark-skinned and darker-haired woman with a mechanical arm is looming in the back with one other helper working the counter. (The helper is because she is definitely not always here most of the time.)]
Hello. [A greeting for the worker. The woman in the back gets a nod of his head and,] Sevika.
[Viktor offers Jacopo a bar seat - i was in the middle of this tag right here when a spider crawled over my head and fell down on me and i think my soul left my body as i flung myself over the back of the couch - and releases him from being trapped in the perpetual arm-hold.]
How is the arm?
[Sevika shrugs said arm. The parts of it are quiet as they move, but apparent, and their coloring is a familiar violet-blue. Definitely Hextech.]
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anna i'm glad this tag will find you well, having survived a spider attack. Jacopo raises his eyebrows at all the regulars, sweeping the bar with some scrutiny. It's a habit of wanting to know what kid of people frequent places, not so much malicious judgment. How their faces light up at Viktor's presence is cute, even though Jacopo's response is a whisper: "aren't you so popular."
He stays well-behaved as Viktor's accessory, friendly smile put on, and stays as such even though Sevika is so intimidating. He isn't going to awkwardly listen in to their conversation and try to find a way to interject, so until he's pulled into it he will small talk with the patron beside him.
Despite being prickly and abrasive sometimes, he's a good conversation partner. They probably chat about the establishment, how long had they been a regular, that this is his first time here so he's curious about what they have to offer though he has something in mind already, what do they do for a living? he himself is between places right now. do they have any funny stories about Viktor...
and he embellishes a story about Viktor being lord of the rats. some of the events he regales are plain lies. ]
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Things in Zaun are not one hundred percent great, but they are much better than before. A sort of middling ground between Silco's rule and Vander's rule. Jobs are easier to get because healthcare is easier to get; people can work. Crime is lower, though not eradicated. Topsiders actually venture down here occasionally now that the quality of the environment isn't toxic.
Like this one - they are a postman, raised in Zaun, but having waded out to Piltover, and they have found a renewed love for a bar in the Lanes.
They do know a funny story about Viktor, perhaps with less rattage. Someone who did not like his ideals had hand-sewn Viktor's face onto a pair of a underwear and flown it from one of their windows in Piltover like a flag of shame.
Enough of that. Jacopo gets a little jab in the side from one of Viktor's long fingers (thankfully not Eldritch and purple this time). Stop swapping stories about him, most of which are embellished to hell and back.]
What would you like to drink?
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Jacopo of course would give something in return, though in vague specifics. Coming from a melting pot of a nation, not too dissimilar to this, he was a big investor of public transit as they lack means to conveniently and efficiently travel a long distance. Takes too much resources, too much time, a whole lot of shortcomings. Ultimately, he ends it with that he's retired now.
Of course he's going to laugh at these stories until Viktor prods him to shut the fuck up. He bats that hand away and stops spreading tales. ]
Sweet milk, was it? [ Mmm. ] And whatever is the house special.
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I meant besides sweet milk ice cream.
[But he's got it. To the barkeep (not Sevika):] A glass of vintage, please. And two snow milkshakes. Oh - and your little crackers. [The helper nods and gets to work which leaves the two of them there with intimidating Sevika. Of course, Viktor doesn't seem bothered by her really.
She is the one who asks first: "Friend?"]
This is Jacopo. He is from out of town.
["I can tell," is her response, but she nods in greeting to Jacopo despite. And, to Jacopo:]
This is Sevika. She owns the Drop, but she's a councilwoman now, [said with a bit of a smirk, and she rolls her eyes,] so she is often dealing with other matters and isn't here. I'm surprised we caught her.
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To Sevika, he keeps his smile, though not intimidated and takes no offense with being clocked as an outsider. That won't do for first impressions. She gets a nod in return as greeting and the raise of his eyebrows when Viktor drops that she holds a position. ]
How lucky. It's a pleasure to meet you, Sevika. Glad to see that you can find respite between the many responsibilities you have. [ Genuinely. ] My expectations for your business are quite high as Viktor chose it as one of the first few to show me. Let it not disappoint.
[ High regards and yet not too much flattery. Leaning over to Viktor, ]
You guys met during your Jesus days or before?
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Don't let him fool you, [to Sevika] if he wasn't at least a little impressed, he'd leave.
[Tattles on Jacopo.
Who the FCK is Jesus? He sort of smiles, but looks a bit confused by the reference. He is thankfully intelligent enough to be able to guestimate the time period Jacopo must mean.]
After I came back actually. She had worked for one of the former owners of this bar and uniter of Zaun. Silco.
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Even though Viktor tattles on him, he doesn't find it far from the truth. ]
I do like the atmosphere.
[ He wouldn't waste his time and wouldn't waste words on flattery if he won't gain. Even if Sevika holds a seat, he gains nothing right now.
Does Viktor want to ask about Jesus? ]
Don't think you've talked about Silco much... But honestly, I'm more curious about your partner.
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Viktor does want tot know about Jesus! He had been in Heaven after all.]
He has quite the story. Maybe I can tell you later.
[Maybe not in front of Sevika, though he's sure Sevika has some hilarious commentary about all of that. He won't plague her with their conversation, though.
A glass of wine is placed down on the counter in front of Jacopo, followed by a plate of what looks like slices of tomato with mayonnaise on crackers.]
You mean... Jayce? Why?
[So many people from Heaven assigned them soulmates which is probably true, so to break the spirit of League lore and continue to hurt Cola.]
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