Chapter Text
He's staring at you. You just stare right back. It's a silent battle of wills, a fight to see who will back down first. He always loses. It's just a flickering glance away before he goes back to staring with his ever-present snarl, or to pretending he has better things to do. But you both know exactly who broke down first. Nothing even has to be said.
This time, however... This time, he's holding up well. A Courtyard Droll comes around, asking his boss what the next job to be done is. Without even breaking eye contact, he orders the Droll to do some meaningless task. It will keep the tiny little thing busy for a while, at least.
You smirk. This is different. It's enjoyable, on some level, to see him managing to hold his ground. You're always testing him. Testing him to see if he has what it really takes. He may hate you for it, but some day, he'll have a position worthy of making people remember him. Serve under him.
"So, Jack. Have you thought about my offer yet?"
He snarls. Well, even worse than he already was. So easy to get a reaction from him. So easy to see him trip up over his own hatred. You need to see more of that. "It's a shame, really. What's your title, again? What do they call you in other timelines, other sessions? Soveriegn Slayer, Spades Slick, even one where we were lovers, and they called you the Sinister Sovereign... Never by your real name. No one remembers you as just Jack Noir. Maybe this time, you'll have that chance? Make your mark on the game, Jack."
You hold out a playing card. Ace of Spades. His card, his symbol. "Make your mark. Leave this behind, and be known as something more. Something better." You tear the card in half, and hand it to him. Still, his eyes never leave yours.
You turn to walk away. Leave him to his decision. Leave him with this one victory, to encourage him. Maybe he will make his mark, and be remembered by his real name. But most likely, he'll fail. And when he does, you'll be there to watch, and laugh.