It had been a hectic day for the young hero, and the evening only promised to be more hectic. Ollie had delayed him for several hours playing pool, which was fine except for a small gaffe on Jean Paul's part in the last game, and then he spent the afternoon in the boutiques of Paris, searching for the "perfect outfit" as described by his mentor.
A small gaffe? Azrael's voice called out in his mind. Is THAT what you are calling it now?
Shush, Jean Paul thought back, it's going to be hard enough to get through the ribbing I'm bound to receive without you adding to it.
You made a bet. With an Archer. On a pool game.
And I lost, all right? I admit it, after beating him twice in a row I thought it was a sure thing. The exasperation in Jean Paul's mental voice grew with each passing thought. How was I to know he was playing the shark? Did I expect him to go all "Color of Money" on me? No! He's one of the good guys!
Obviously not when it concerns bets, mortal. Azrael shot back. And what exactly is "Color of Money?"
Trust you not to get a movie reference, Jean Paul retorted, then went back to carefully placing the suit in a garment bag.
Ollie's instructions had been very specific. Jean Paul was to show up on The Crimson Fox's balcony at exactly 7:00, in his Azrael armor, with a garment bag over his shoulder holding a pressed and tailored suit. This way he would be prepared no matter what she had in mind for the evening. If it was a quiet dinner, he could excuse himself long enough to change clothes in her restroom. If it was a night out in costume, he could "conveniently" leave the garment bag there, giving him an excuse to visit another time. Ollie wasn't known for his battle plans, actually he was known more for shooting first and asking questions later, but when it came to the pursuit of the fairer sex, the Emerald Archer built in as many contingencies as Batman did when facing the Joker.
Jean Paul almost giggled at that last thought, again comparing Ollie and Batman.
What was it he called Batman? Azrael asked in his mind, The Dork Knight?
That did it for Jean Paul, and he busted out in a hearty guffaw. Which was just what he needed to calm the butterflies in his stomach.
I'm SO not going to explain that one to you, and NEITHER OF US will ever repeat it.
As you wish, Mortal. Azrael chimed in lightly.
Guess we'd better stop putting this off, Jean Paul thought simply, as he began to clothe himself in Azrael's armor. Just do me a HUGE favor, and keep the snide mental remarks to a minimum while I'm talking to her, okay? I DON'T want to explain why I'm smirking in the middle of a serious conversation..
I shall be as unobtrusive as a church-mouse, Jean Paul.
I'll believe that when it happens, Jean Paul thought back, as he finished putting on the armor. Now, let's find that address and see what happens.
Do not forget your bet with the Archer, Azrael ribbed.
The video link has already been set up, damn it...
to be continued... eventually...