"So we are going to attempt the working theory of some conflict I am dealing with that made your ghostly form and I need to overcome it. That's correct?" Ezra asked, pacing a little in his living room.
Chris and Vin occupied the sofa while Buck, JD and Nathan had the couch. Josiah was sitting on the arm of the couch.
"That's the plan, slick." Buck grinned.
"The success of this plan is not very high." Nathan murmured under his breath.
"Thank you for your continued optimism there." Vin rolled his eyes.
"I'm just saying, this plan, could actually break his mind more."
"Hey," Ezra shouted high enough to get both of their attention, "I'm standing right here."
"Yes you are, and you're doing a very good job." Buck chuckled.
"Buck, can you please take this more seriously."
The door opened and Ezra turned to see his mother walk in, looking pleased with herself and talking about her latest winnings at the tables. Ezra's eyes went a little wider with alarm and he looked to the others.
"Calm down, Ez, remember she can't see or hear us." Vin said softly.
Ezra turned to his mother, trying to put on a casual smile.
"Mother, I didn't expect you back so soon. Have you cleaned every man out of their money in one night?"
"No Ezra, I simply have come for a change of clothes. I met a man who wants to take me out to dinner."
"I can only assume then that you didn't tell him what your occupation is." Ezra said, sitting on his coffee table.
"I told him that I was an actress, waiting to make it on the big screen." Maude laughed as she walked across the room and sat down where Vin and Chris already were.
Ezra flinched a little, missing whatever she was saying about the man. Her purse, which no doubt was heavy from whatever she had won last night, was dropped where Vin's crotch was at. Vin winced a little before disappearing. Chris left right after him.
"Ezra, are you even listening to me?" Maude frowned when she noticed her son was staring at her bag.
"Huh? I uh, no I'm listening." He cleared his throat.
"I must say you are distracted these days. Going out all hours of the day and night, but not to any casinos or cons. How do you even spend your time here?"
"I go out for drinks."
"Drinks? You can drink at the casino. You can drink here. Why do you have to go somewhere that is not at all profitable, I'm assuming, to drink?"
"To see my friends."
That made Maude laugh, "Friends? Since when did you need friends, Ezra?"
That made Ezra stiffen.
"How about growing up? You never let me have any. Dragging me to different relative's houses. I never got the chance to be normal! To have friends!"
"Ezra, friends are for the weak. You cannot afford to be weak in our line of business."
"I'm hardly in your line of business anymore, mother." Ezra huffed.
"To give up your skills would be a waste." Maude bit.
"Well it would be at least my decision to make."
"Ezra, please, calm down son." Josiah said.
Ezra stood up and walked to the kitchen. Vin and Chris were there sitting at the island.
"She's a real piece of work." Buck grumbled, shaking his head.
"Why is she so rude? Isn't a mother supposed to be loving?" JD frowned.
"Not every parent is the same." Josiah tried to explain.
Ezra slammed his fist on the island top, silencing everyone. He needed it to be silent to be able to collect his thoughts.
"Darling boy, you remember I always say it's best not to let your emotions get the best of you."
"So I can be like you? Someone who doesn't even care for her own son?"
"I don't like this anymore. I'm feeling uncomfortable." JD slinked back in his seat.
"Then leave." Ezra growled at him.
Maude frowned in confusion and looked to where he was glaring at. There was no one there.
"Have you been drinking tonight?"
"No I have not, however I wish I had. So I could survive this night in dealing with your constant disappointment in the man I turned out to be."
JD winced and disappeared followed by Josiah and Buck.
"Well then. Perhaps I shall leave a few days early to stay with my date." Maude said, standing up to pack her things.
Ezra waited until after his mother left his apartment before collapsing on the vacant couch.
"Perhaps we should address the situation of our appearances later then." Nathan suggested, "I'll be leaving first then." He nodded before disappearing.
All that was left was Vin and Chris.
"If it matters any, you're a way better person than her." Vin said after a few minutes of silence.
"This coming from my imagination."
"To hell what she thinks." Chris growled, "To hell what anyone thinks. You are your own man, Ezra. Don't let those little shits control how you feel about yourself."
"I thank you for your attempts to make me feel better." Ezra sighed. "I'd like to spend some time alone if that is alright."
Chris nodded and Vin and him disappeared.
A/N: Things are getting a little testy. I wonder what their plan will look like when they actually try?
