A Mockingbird In The Crows Nest

Cookie Cloud

Oh, there were..So many things going on in that sentence. Too many things.

First of all- it was never a good thing for the King of Rogues to want to talk to him specifically. Because what the fuck? Why would he want to talk to him?

But for some reason, Tommy's mind latches onto what the rogue had called him.

A hero.

Fundy's cake had said it. The newspaper says it. And now Roulette was calling him one.

He wasn't sure how he feels about that.

"..I'm not a hero, though." He mumbled, his heart leaping into his throat at the half-truth. "I'm just an apprentice."

The rogue shot him a strange look, and glanced towards the hall with the elevator with an odd look. "..Well; hero or not, we're technically business partners. You work for the Board and I work with them- so I'd call us partners."

For some reason, something like hope blooms in his chest at that. The idea that he could be someone's partner. That he could be on even ground with someone and be on their level. He wouldn't have to put on a mask for someone, and they wouldn't have to put on a mask for him.

Equals.

"You're business partners with the Board?" He asks instead. "Aren't you supposed to be a rogue? Y'know- all 'I don't need nobody' n shit?"

Roulette snorted. "I'm a king, kid. Kings always need somebody to do their dirty work; for better or for worse. Which actually reminds me.." Tommy watched with only a minor amount of fear as the rogue rummaged in his coat pockets and handed him a playing card. A red one with the number 7 in the corners and a very elaborate feathery design on the back. Then on the face, there was a phone number, and an email.

"If you need someone who won't ask questions..Gimme a call." He winked at him, then nodded towards the hall. "Better tuck that away before your friends get here."

Instantly, Tommy tucked the card into his pocket, and he looked over just as Wilbur and Peleus emerged from the hallway. They weren't dressed in full costume anymore; but both were wearing their casual masks. Wilbur stopped short when he saw Tommy on the couch, looking a little shocked- but Roulette stood and fixed his coat before he could even open his mouth to speak.

"Erebus! Peleus! My favorite twins! How was the photo shoot?"

Wilbur looked between Roulette and Tommy a few times in disbelief, and Tommy had to stifle a quiet laugh at how stupid he looked.

"What're you guys doing here?" He asked, finally drawing Wilbur out of his surprise.

"Oh- We um.." He glanced at the rogue briefly. "..We were looking for you."

He sat up a bit straighter at that, and frowned nervously. "Is something wrong?"