[ Without any warning Matt slides into the empty space next to where Max had sat down to eat dinner, maybe a little closer than necessary. ]
Hello Max. You're Max, right?
[ If it's odd the blind man who has never spoken to him recognizes who he is a quick look around will reveal he's not alone. The fellow Matt regularly walks around the complex with is there too. If Max has ever inquired about Karen's closest friends at home she might have pointed to these two. Matt and Foggy have heard Max mentioned by and with Karen more and more lately. It was about time they met him properly. ]
[ Look, Foggy's aware that he's about zero percent intimidating on any given basis, so he's not even going to try. Besides, he doesn't want to intimidate, just - learn. Well, mostly learn, but also make it clear that Karen has people in her corner.
Still, he sets down a jug of wine and a bowl of bread drizzled with honey, because they're all friends here, right?
[ Max regards the newcomers to the table with all the wariness and uncertainty he gives most situations, which is to say a more than healthy amount. He continues to eat his dinner, hunched over it like he fully expects to eventually have to fight someone over it (old habits die hard, after all), but listens to the two speak without interruption. He looks from one to the other; he's been very careful not to give his name out to most, and the fact there are two effectively-strangers approaching him using it is...not entirely the best feeling in the world. It puts him on edge at default, has him starting to wonder what they want from him, and the fact they mention having close ties to Karen doesn't exactly make him feel any better about it.
But he grunts in acknowledgment all the same, because they merit at least that much. ]
[ Had Matt been aware of Max's background he'd be a little gentler in the intense friendliness approach. With no super senses to clue him in on Max's expression or how fast his heart is beating Matt is going by tone of voice, whatever he can make out of his movement, and Foggy's reactions to tell him what might be on Max's mind. Shouldn't be a problem! ]
We figured it was about time we said hello, maybe get to know each other. I don't know what Karen has told you about us or where we're from...
...but any friend of Karen's is a friend of ours. We even brought food to share, no strings attached.
[ Well. Some strings attached, because Foggy usually comes with strings, but those strings tend to be I guess we're friends now I'll try not to be too annoying while invading your life.
Mostly he's noticed the way Max is hunching over his food, the wary way he watches them, and it's made him adjust his approach a little. It also kind of makes him think that Karen has a type, but, well, he can't fault her there. Foggy has a type, too. ]
[ It's at least half grunt, but at least he's still talking. Sort of. ]
And there are always strings.
[ A universal truth learned in blood, hard won. None can be trusted wholly, and kindness always comes with a price. There's a crack in it now, but that doesn't make his words any less believed now. ]
[ Interesting reply. So he's more of the cynic type? Okay, they can get to the point quicker if it helps. ]
Alright, technically there are strings but I think you'll find they're reasonable. We just want to know more about you. Where you're from, what made you answer the call to come to Rome... And what your intentions are toward Karen.
Food is always better when it's shared. Trust me, my family owns a butcher shop and deli, so I know what I'm talking about. Besides, do I look like the kind of guy who makes good judgment calls on what's enough food?
[ He's joking, casually self deprecating in an attempt to counteract some of the tension - and then there goes Matt. While Foggy appreciates the bluntness, he's also kind of wondering just how badly Karen is going to maim them for this.
Hopefully she'll forgive them for meddling eventually. ]
Well. One man's reasonable is another man's slightly invasive and highly personal questions, but that's practically the same.
[ Max snorts, and returns the bulk of his attention to his food. So that's what this is about. He pointedly continues to eat, taking his time before answering, and when he does it's in measured words. Deliberate. ]
Always strings.
[ He continues to ignore their offerings, for now anyway. ]
Came from the Wasteland.
[ He raises a hand to point in their general direction without looking up from his meal, dropping it again as soon as he's made his point. ]
Your future. Nothing worth staying for there.
[ A lie, but not entirely inaccurate either. He'd already left his friends there, maybe he would be back some day but not yet. They didn't need him. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
[Action]
Hello Max. You're Max, right?
[ If it's odd the blind man who has never spoken to him recognizes who he is a quick look around will reveal he's not alone. The fellow Matt regularly walks around the complex with is there too. If Max has ever inquired about Karen's closest friends at home she might have pointed to these two. Matt and Foggy have heard Max mentioned by and with Karen more and more lately. It was about time they met him properly. ]
I'm Matt, he's Foggy. We're Karen's friends.
no subject
[ Look, Foggy's aware that he's about zero percent intimidating on any given basis, so he's not even going to try. Besides, he doesn't want to intimidate, just - learn. Well, mostly learn, but also make it clear that Karen has people in her corner.
Still, he sets down a jug of wine and a bowl of bread drizzled with honey, because they're all friends here, right?
Right. ]
Good to meet you.
no subject
But he grunts in acknowledgment all the same, because they merit at least that much. ]
Okay.
no subject
We figured it was about time we said hello, maybe get to know each other. I don't know what Karen has told you about us or where we're from...
no subject
[ Well. Some strings attached, because Foggy usually comes with strings, but those strings tend to be I guess we're friends now I'll try not to be too annoying while invading your life.
Mostly he's noticed the way Max is hunching over his food, the wary way he watches them, and it's made him adjust his approach a little. It also kind of makes him think that Karen has a type, but, well, he can't fault her there. Foggy has a type, too. ]
no subject
[ It's at least half grunt, but at least he's still talking. Sort of. ]
And there are always strings.
[ A universal truth learned in blood, hard won. None can be trusted wholly, and kindness always comes with a price. There's a crack in it now, but that doesn't make his words any less believed now. ]
no subject
Alright, technically there are strings but I think you'll find they're reasonable. We just want to know more about you. Where you're from, what made you answer the call to come to Rome... And what your intentions are toward Karen.
[ Too on the nose? Or just right? ]
no subject
[ He's joking, casually self deprecating in an attempt to counteract some of the tension - and then there goes Matt. While Foggy appreciates the bluntness, he's also kind of wondering just how badly Karen is going to maim them for this.
Hopefully she'll forgive them for meddling eventually. ]
Well. One man's reasonable is another man's slightly invasive and highly personal questions, but that's practically the same.
no subject
Always strings.
[ He continues to ignore their offerings, for now anyway. ]
Came from the Wasteland.
[ He raises a hand to point in their general direction without looking up from his meal, dropping it again as soon as he's made his point. ]
Your future. Nothing worth staying for there.
[ A lie, but not entirely inaccurate either. He'd already left his friends there, maybe he would be back some day but not yet. They didn't need him. ]
Rest isn't your business.