[ He gives a flat look at that first part. That kind of idealism has no place here, sir. No matter how much a part of Arthur wishes he could believe it.
But he sighs through his nose again, nodding. ]
Alright. If I do this for you, can I ask for a favor in return?
[ Arthur hesitates for a moment because he's only really mentioned this in passing to "Adam" before now. ]
I'm trying to make notebooks for keeping important information in. About the Titans, research. And I want to try and use them for the clinic some guy in my house is starting. But I need more supplies for that.
[ He does look a little surprised at the insistence, and his first instinct is to take offense. But he bites back the immediate response that threatens to follow and nods.
He'd come to Arthur for a reason; this is not his area of expertise (nor had it been, it seems, of the man he'd asked in the first place), and if he could have done this on his own, he would have. ]
Alright. [ And there's an awkward pause before he turns to leave. ] Thank you.
[ The only he reason he says that, aside from being used to doing research on his own, was that it would be less suspicious for just one guy walking around the building. Two and someone will wonder what's up. A lone vagrant doesn't draw the same attention in this kind of city.
Arthur gives him a nod. ]
Don't thank me yet.
[ He hasn't gotten him in yet. ]
And don't let that other guy know we spoke. Don't talk about this to anyone. It's just between us right now.
[ It may not have needed to be said but it bears saying all the same. Just so they are both at an understanding. ]
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[ And he leaves it at that. Outliers aren't what society should be judged on as a whole, only how that society treats its outliers.
And he laughs, leaning in to grasp Arthur by the shoulder. ]
Thus why I need help.
[ And a particular set of skills. ]
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No matter how much a part of Arthur wishes he could believe it.But he sighs through his nose again, nodding. ]
Alright. If I do this for you, can I ask for a favor in return?
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Of course, that's only fair. What?
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I'm trying to make notebooks for keeping important information in. About the Titans, research. And I want to try and use them for the clinic some guy in my house is starting. But I need more supplies for that.
[ He misses his Moleskine, okay? ]
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Do you want me to get you supplies or money or--?
[ He could do with a little less of this house bleeding him out, but at least there's a tangible reason to pay out over this, if it comes to it.
He doesn't say no. ]
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Whichever. I gotta go shopping again soon for more supplies.
Before then, I need to scope out the senate building.
[ Try to get an idea of how many guards are around, the schedule. But he makes sure to add, pointedly to Charles. ]
Alone.
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He'd come to Arthur for a reason; this is not his area of expertise (nor had it been, it seems, of the man he'd asked in the first place), and if he could have done this on his own, he would have. ]
Alright. [ And there's an awkward pause before he turns to leave. ] Thank you.
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Arthur gives him a nod. ]
Don't thank me yet.
[ He hasn't gotten him in yet. ]
And don't let that other guy know we spoke. Don't talk about this to anyone. It's just between us right now.
[ It may not have needed to be said but it bears saying all the same. Just so they are both at an understanding. ]
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[ Deal with it, Arthur. But he nods toward the last as well. ]
I'm not positive I want to make a habit of conversation [ (Would any of it be true?) ], but mum's the word, as it were.
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Only when the job is done.
[ Because who knows how successful it will even be? He's learned not to assume smooth sailing after the last few years with Dom. ]