16089/Stirring the Raven's Nest

Stirring the Raven's Nest
Date of Scene:	28 February 2024
Location:	Lucifer's Penthouse, Melville
Synopsis:	Nick is bombarded with results of conversations past, and then Lucifer attempts to soothe his lover fair.
Cast of Characters:	Lucifer, Sinister, Phantasm (Drago)

---

Lucifer has posed:
The last couple of days since Raphael's visit that...somehow turned a bit sour...have been a little glass-walkie for Lucifer. So, he does what a Lucifer always does when Nathaniel goes all silent and broody.

Kippers and jam. And clotted cream. Yes? Maybe. Whatever he usually serves with the always-on-point comfort food. He also sends a text to Nick. <You back? If so, Penthouse. Whenever you can. Thanks! ~L.M.>

Everything else is set up accordingly. Raven slippers ready for the feet, something boldly historical music wise that Nathaniel likes to listen to playing on the stereo, and...well...yes. He's done all he can.

Now it's just seeing if the Raven has talons out our not.

Sinister has posed:
Actions speak louder than words.
Words can be comforting, or scathing.
Sticks and stones will break my bones...

At least one thing can be said for a taciturn Essex, it does not stop him talking with bodylanguage. Tension has been plain since he walked out onto the balcony, but there have been small affections, strokes of hair, rubs of shoulders, the making of cups of coffee, the laying of a rose on a pillow. Those kinds of things.

Just not many words and some disturbingly deep and dark expressions when chance has happened to catch the Doctor unguarded and staring off into nowhere. Brooding and deep, deep in thought.

So the answer to whether the Raven has talons out, is yes, but they're not digging in. They're hunkering. There was even smiles, albeit small ones and a few words of thanks and affection, for the comfort food. But he's still not spilling what's in the nutshell of his head and his thoughts are surprisingly quiet. Not absent, but very muted. Whispery. One would have to listen -intently- through the bond shared, to glean them.

Today, much like the two days prior, he started out silent. But he took a rather long, hot shower and spruced himself up with a good shave (no matter that he doesn't need it) grooming, cologne, beauty regimen, fitness, the whole works. He's actually rather good at yoga, probably because it's mindful. And it's therefore still actually light outside and evening is not QUITE there yet, when he finally comes to where the devil is and gives him a long, warm kiss on the cheek and a rub across where the wings are 'housed' in greeting. "I think I'm back from the journey inside my own mind."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
When Nick bid on the date with Psylocke, he had figured it'd be a simple affair between friends. Show up for a date, do something together, part ways and go to their separate homes to sleep.

Well. Things are not that simple when it comes to a certain Miss Braddock. The date was on the other side of the country and-

Um...We'll just say that Nick might have been a tad distracted the last time he got a message from Lucifer. And he may not have specified just how long he had been planning to be in LA. But then again, he may not have left when he initially planned to either.

Lucifer gets a message back. < Yes. I'll be right over. >

Nick was true to his word but still had the decorum to use the elevator instead of the window. Which...may lead to Essex knowing of Nick's pending arrival first with a bit of a jaunty rhythm and a very Irish voice seeming to be on the mental list.

'We're going out for the weekend Chasing Rainbows
Going downstream, wherever the beer flows
I don't really care wherever the blame goes
Cos we're going out and we're, Chasing Rainbows
We're going out for the weekend Chasing Rainbows
Going downstream, wherever the beer flows
I don't really care wherever the blame goes
Cos we're going out and we're, Chasing Rainbows...'

Well someone's in a good mood at least.

Lucifer has posed:
Lucifer takes a soft inhale of breath as his cheek is kissed in such a fashion and those fingers dance over the housing of his wings. His eyes shift to side-eye the Doctor and then he gives a soft smile. "One more day and I would have taken a journey into your mind palace myself... or made it a point to listen to the whispers in my mind that filtered from yours." He offers this and then turns to face Nathaniel, leaning in to kiss him at just the meeting point of ear and jaw.

At some point, the elevator dings and Nick comes jaunting in with a song and if Lucifer didn't know better, he would expect an irish jig to begin soon. "Ah. Nick. Thank you for coming over on such...slight short notice." He offers and then takes a breath once more. "How have you been?"

Sinister has posed:
"It might've been terribly confusing in there, I was reading history from several different angles at once." Crown to crown there's a forehead bonk, then a press of cheek to cheek, a curl of fingers at the base of wings and a follow-up hug.

There's not even a tickle of mental brushing for Nick to experience, so the humming is definitely what cues the locals to the tunage in mind.

Sin's red gaze takes in the elevator and there's a nod to the irish-american rockstar, as he silently gives an odd little pip salute and heads to the kitchen to put the kettle on. Silently.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
As the elevator doors part ways, the visible smile complements the hum of musical contentment. Catching a glimpse of the pair, Nick raises his hand in a wave as he gives a quick greeting in tune to the unplayed music.

"Hey!"

'Hey
Hey
Hey
Chasing Rainbows'

At the very least, Nick has the foresight to cut off at the end of the phrase.

"I'm doing alright." Nick replies, "LA trip lasted a little longer than initially planned but back in one piece."

The musician smiles, looking to the other two. Looking to to the doctor moving to the kitchen and then back to Lucifer, he gives a curious look. "How are you two doing?"

Lucifer has posed:
"Well, between Leo stopping by the club one night, to then Nathaniel running into him again the next, and a slightly tense visit with Raphael a couple nights ago... let's just say... it's been interesting. Nathaniel is still in a slightly broody mood...and I'm just trying to navigate the waters as I always do." Lucifer explains this and then smiles gently.

"Oh and I've been going crazy trying to find some flasks that Raphael has hidden in the Penthouse. I've found three so far... and I'm not entirely sure how many he's hidden." There's a shift as he moves to take a seat upon his throne.

Sinister has posed:
The kettle is filled and stared at in silent accusation. How dare you not boil immediately. There's a sigh from Sinister and then a look about at the cupboards for tea caddy, cups and additives. Honey and the suchlike. And a lemon slice or two. He rests his knuckles on the counter, leaning forward until the cheerful whistle of boiling water actually pierces the air, along with a load of steam.

"I've been dealing with mild PTSD and being quite annoyed that I couldn't figure out why. Until I did. And until I successfully quieted my mind enough to listen to the silence. It's a beautiful thing, sometimes, to acquire the state of Zen." Looking over at the archangel and his distant nephew, he indicates the tea and the kettle and makes cups, based on if they're wanted. His own is the standard earl grey with a slice of lemon.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
As the name Leo is mentioned, Nick looks over, giving a concerned look to Nathaniel. He hasn't been witness to any Leo sightings since the bar but he's aware that the interaction between those two apparently wasn't pleasant. And him stopping by twice? "Twice in a row?" Nick asks, "...Were you following him or him following you?" And why?

"And what happened with Raphael?"

The musician glances around the Penthouse to the mention of hidden flasks.

The mention of PTSD brings Nick's attention back over to Sinister, "...What did Leo do?"

Lucifer has posed:
Lucifer gives the rundown to Nick while Nathaniel fixes teas. He'll give sign that he wants his own usual and then resumes giving Nick the cliff notes. Leo being here. Leo and Nathaniel meeting again at another club. There's spots left out where Nathaniel can fill in the blanks but not enough to really give Nick any cause for misunderstanding.

"And that was two evenings ago..." He finishes about Raphael. "So I've just been trying to give Nathaniel his space when he needs it most, and attention when he seemed open to it."

Sinister has posed:
Sinister prepares the beverages, nods to himself as he turns to face the music, or at the very least... the musicians... and brings over the steaming teas. His seat in his own chair is comfortable enough, but contained, cup resting on his knee, legs crossed, pointedly not manspread.

"Short short version. I don't really have a whole lot to add there." He sniffs.

After a sip of the tea and a rather loud swallow in the relative silence "I realized I respected Raphael on a level I did not at first appreciate -- which has soured, when I felt subject to the same scorn and judgement I once felt in the medical field. When I was a young man. I don't take that very well, it seems. Unrelated to a degree, but logic and memory and trauma do not necessarily agree that they should be completely sensible and predicated." He glances at the pair of them, then somewhere into the space between the two of them.

"That all lead to a 'How dare you' which lead to further 'how dare yous' when I realized that my conversation had been eavesdropped invisibly. There are other things, but those are the fundaments."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
As Sinister turns to make Lucifer's tea, Nick catches on. "...If you have mint or chamomile, I'd like that." He adds in, looking back to Lucifer as he fills him in on the details, nodding to the important bits revealed and giving curious glances to the portions that seem to be lacking information.

When the teas are presented, Nick takes his and moves over to one of the less throne-like seats that are near enough to have a conversation with the other two.

Nick is quiet, generally processing the information as he heard it. Leo came in to the club apparently wanting to talk about something. But- not quite getting far into the details. The second encounter, less productive. And...apparently Raphael lectured Nathaniel and the doctor's upset about that plus the eavesdropping. . And he's not sure what to put things.

On one hand, having experienced finding out just how much of his childhood was monitored by those who did NOT have his best interests at heart was quite upsetting.

But on the other hand...The one eavesdropping is Raphael. People pray to him for help all the time, don't they? And, if he's actually listening, isn't that a good thing? Especi-

"Huh."

Nick lowers his cup. "...You mentioned he called them both doctors." Nick comments, looking to Lucifer, "If he's a patron of doctors, wouldn't it make sense he'd be present amongst several?"

Lucifer has posed:
Lucifer does a little slip and slide dancey dance to mark the place where poses go.

Lucifer has posed:
Lucifer waves a hand in the air, as if being a bit dismissive. "I do not have a foot in this race. In many ways, I am both bound by written word and freed by it. It is said that where two or more gather in my name, there I will be. It's supposed to be in reference to God, Himself, however....what is the Choir but those Angels chosen to represent Him in different areas?" He offers this and then shifts in his chair, almost in a motion of being uncomfortable. "I say this, and then I am still upset that Raphael has been spying on us...as has Leo...and who knows whom else." Then he lifts his tea and takes a sip, silent for another moment.

There might be more on the Devil's mind, but he apparently chooses now to go completely silent. Perhaps let Nathaniel have another say in, or allow the doctor to get a few swipes at Lucifer himself based on what he just said. His thoughts are closed as well - to the best point that he can keep them such - as he turns his focus very steadily onto his tea.

Sinister has posed:
"However, angels are not omniscient and have no illusions to be. Can't be everywhere, all the time, to every individual, that's outside the scope of practice. So, there was deliberate intent, probably because of vested interest and curiosity. Plus you," Sinister nods toward Luci there and sips at his tea.

Silence hovers for a good while. "But what -really- got me, was being judged for actually trying to help. And handling a cactus of an irishman, whose none to happy with the fact that I've actually attempted to help you harness some of your abilities, Nick. Or rather, how to protect yourself from the likes of me." Another sip, then he rests his cup on his knee again.

"I've also come to the conclusion that I'm far too English, where sarcasm comes in."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick nods slightly as Lucifer provides a bit of clarity to the possible connection between Raphael, Leo, and Nathaniel. But, then there's a general backtracking. The silence the follows is hint enough. There's no winning to this discussion. Best to just sit back and let Nathaniel work things out on his own.

But there's a nagging sensation going on in the back of his head.

There's more than one side in a disagreement. And he's only really getting one side of them.

But on the bright side, this is probably a good confirmation that the latest song does wear off after a bit.

Nick sips his tea quietly.

Lucifer has posed:
Lucifer glances to Nathaniel after a moment, takes a breath and nods. "You're right. And they should learn to keep their distance and respect boundaries and such. Just because they've begun to take a part in our lives - finally in a way - doesn't get them the right to just..." And he flails his free hand again.

Then he blurts out, "Things used to be so much calmer...and I don't mean that about anyone here...but when all of that started getting involved it just..." Then he sighs and shakes his head. "I may have words with my brother once I see him next. He needs to know his time and place when it comes to snooping around. I can't do much about Leo, except tell him to get over himself and let things land where they fall because nothing is going to stop us from being friends with Nick other than Nick telling us to fuck off."

Sinister has posed:
"Mmm," a kind of non-verbal agreement to all of those things. "Now, I'm frankly going to be expecting the ones that disagree overall, to be trying to put an end to me, again. Two attempts was enough." The tea is then drunk all in one go the empty cup held like a kind of metaphor, fingers holding steady to the cooling ceramic.

He gets up abruptly then, floating his empty to the sink with a gentle 'frisbee' movement of one hand and walks himself over with purpose to the book shelf. Various tomes are stared at, labelled or otherwise and one of the particularly old ones, bound in human velum is selected and brought back to his 'throne', carefully opened and eyed. "I am rather glad I speak latin."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Pale eyes look over to Lucifer and then to the doctor as they add some more comments about the situations that Nick wasn't present for any of. Nick looks to his cup. "...I know you two are upset and yes the privacy thing -" He pauses, "-well."

He takes a moment. "...Isn't them wanting to get involved in some way a good thing?"

"...maybe not the methodology, but isn't the intent still good?"

Sinister has posed:
Sinister's eyes lift from the page to gaze at Nick a moment, shift by the shape of them at least, over to Lucifer (it's hard to tell when you have solid red pupils and sclera, except for the positioning of eyelids) then back to Nick.

"That's where things become palpably awkward, I think. You know who Lucifer is..." he looks over at the devil then and back "...he and the host were at odds for the longest time, with the blame game and vigorously trying to get him to do as he's told, playing him the same old lines about his culpability and all that nonsense." He looks at Luci again and rests a finger on the page in the book, closing it and placing his other palm atop the leather.

"With evidence that he's turned over a new leaf and is making more than a little effort to not... atone, but adjust and sublime into a new phase of who he is, they've taken a step back and given us the time of day. Uriel was the first, actually, which was endlessly surprising... outside of Michael who doesn't really count. And yet, that methodology shows that the more things have changed the more they've stayed the same." There's a faint smile, then a contemplative moment. "Which can be forgiven with lines drawn, I suppose. A thousand times over, it's a positive thing that hands-off have strived to be a little bit hands-on though." He sighs a little then, shakes his head faintly after a while. "I don't need to tell you that trying to change your pattern of behaviour is the hardest thing to make much progress with. But... given everything I just said and present company, I think at least Luci and I, can be forgiven for perceiving some of this as being a gigantic pratfall."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
"...So a case of 'one bitten, twice shy' and 'Old habits die hard' combined together." Nick surmises. His lips purse in thought as he seemingly studies a spot on the wall across from him.

There's still something nagging at him regarding the whole situation. "...Maybe I should talk to them instead."

Lucifer has posed:
"We certainly won't stop you. After all, there are three sides to every story." Lucifer finally says after a moment or few. He takes in a breath and reaches into a pocket to pull out his silver cigarette case. Two come out, are lit, and one is offered to Nathaniel. "Look, families have disagreements, arguments and the like. There's just some places where we would like lines drawn a bit deeper. I think once everyone has a chance to take their steps back, have a few breaths, maybe a couple meltdowns...all will work out in the end. This isn't me taking sides, it's just me playing...well... the advocate of myself I suppose." He actually gives a grin then.

Sinister has posed:
Sinister inclines his head and takes the cigarette. A moment has him looking at the book and just in case, encasing it in a red bubble of protective forcefield. "Thank you," a few puffs later and an ash flick "...Maybe you should, Nick. I'm fairly certain they'll explain things, or they'll crow in the case of Michael. Or they'll work in mysterious ways and sidestep admitting anything, I honestly don't know."

His lips press a thin line, tension at the corner of his eyes. "Good summary though..." pause, beat "...have I mentioned how annoying it is at times, to be living in the realms of a very vigorous apostition? Because it is. Opposite of superstition, apostitions exist whether you believe in them or not... which leads me to confronting the fact I annoyed an archangel."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick tilts his head at the mention of Michael. "...Is he still wanting to talk? Last time around he just up and left as I came in." He glances to the cup in his hand that's now empty, listening to what Sinister lists as having to come to terms with the reaction he got out of Raphael.

"You know, Considering you're practically married to one, wouldn't it be more appropriate to view it as you getting into a squabble with an in-law?"

Lucifer has posed:
Lucifer draws from the cigarette before exhaling smoke into the air and flicks ashes that go right where they need to be and nowhere else. He's silent for a lingering moment before looking between Nick and Nathaniel. "I suppose that is another way to look at it, but to they regard you similarly? Who knows. Also, Michael is still on probation...but...he has made efforts. Perhaps his next one will be at one point while you're here." As Michael should apologize to Nick as well, in Lucifer's opinion.

He also feels there's a bit to smooth out between him and Nathaniel but that will be at a different time and place. For now, silence still reigns supreme.

Sinister has posed:
Sinister's mouth opens, then Lucifer goes and says what he was thinking and there's a click of the teeth as he shuts his trap once more, to the tune of a helpless little laugh. "Lucifer Morningstar? I love you dearly..." he expresses, then draws a verrrrrrrrrry deep lungful of cigarette, inhaling just a little more as it's pulled from his lips. "You're a nephew by association, Nick. Raphael missed my sarcasm, when I responded to him scolding me for standing my ground and my opinion with Leo. I noted I'm /only/ a friend, blood is thick, patronage is /thoroughly/ exceptional and all. But Luci is right, I don't... feel all that much like an in-law. I'm not sure how far tolerance goes, with the Host."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
"Hmm." Nick takes a deep sigh as he glances up again. Seemingly thinking about the situation. "You got along great with Raphael before this, right? Annnnd not only is he the patron of doctors, mental health, against nightmares, and travelers- I do believe lovers and finding someone's spouse is on the list somewhere too. So- considering the lack of subtley from you two, and that's HIS thing to take notice of. If your only discord from him was due to him missing out on sarcasm where you distanced yourself from anything family related...Well-"

Honestly Nick was going somewhere with this. But, he runs out of the words to get to the conclusion. Angels have feelings too. Take a look at Exhibit A sitting in the throne over there.

Lucifer has posed:
Lucifer does a little dancey dance, only to the right, because that's how the birdie does it

Lucifer has posed:
"Perhaps what is really needed is a sit down and talk out. Safe space for everyone to get out all their frustrations and work on how to be better at communicating." Lucifer offers this and then glances towards Nathaniel. "Myself included I think..." He nods his head, draws more of his cigarette and then sips more of his tea. "If Raphael missed your sarcasm, then he should be allowed a moment to -know- you were being sarcastic. I mean, it's true the angelic choir watches everyone, but that doesn't mean they know every nuance of conversational bits." He offers and then holds up a finger. "I'm not defending him either. I just don't want everyone up in arms at each other. We had to deal with that with one Angel. Best not make it the whole choir." He smirks then.

Sinister has posed:
"Mmmmmmm. You're likely right," the comment about all the OTHER things that Raphael is supposed to patron, has him looking over at Nick with his chin lowered, peering out beneath his brows at the man. There's a snort, but it at least sounds mildly amused. "Perhaps, given that he's an Archangel full of grace, I should be holding him to a higher standard..." and that, that right there, is POINTEDLY said to the air with a look up. "You hear that? Two -can- play at that game and I'm occasionally exceptionally petty. But you can bloodywell get your arse down here and chin-wag!"

He stubs his cigarette out there and immediately reaches for a fresh one from his own tin, following it with a second.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick takes note of the look his way and gives a shrug. "Mom had a thing about saint stories..."

As Sinister directs his shouts upwards, to challenge Raphael of sorts. Nick tilts his head, glancing up. He's quiet, waiting.

Nothing.

"...Maybe he's not listening right now. Maybe you could do the prayer thing." Nick suggests, "And actually say his name?"

The musician brings a free hand up to scratch the back of his head. "But...I'd like it if you two could get back on good terms..."

Lucifer has posed:
"Even angels may need time to sort out their own thoughts, I think. He may not be ready to talk just yet." Lucifer offers this, finishing his tea and then glances upwards as well. "It only happened a couple days ago. You needed time to sort out you mind... patience. I know it's hard, but sometimes necessary." Says the man who is so very patient himself. Right? Surely. Maybe.

Almost never.

"Maybe a change of topic is in order. I'm just... not sure what else to talk about... and I wanted you here, Nick, so you were caught up on all the recent happenings. Which I suppose I succeeded on... sort of."

Sinister has posed:
"Mmmm," that oh-so-expressive sound encompasses everything, from what Nick suggested to what Lucifer followed up with. Does he pray? Hell no. Nor does he use a name, though he glances to one corner of the room at ceiling height, then hands over the second smoke in Lucifer's direction.

There is a small shake of the head however, followed by rubbing of finger and thumb over his eyeballs as lids close over them and an exhale that isn't quite a sigh. There are a few things that he simply will not admit out loud and it's a jolly good job nobody here is an empath.

"Well. Did everything else go well, in L.A. Nick? Anything juicy to be shared from the experience?"

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
When the suggested topic change switches over to LA, Nick blinks. "Hmm? Oh yes. Well, for the auction date, Betsy and I flew out there to get dinner and it turns out Jacob Hyde was eating there. And he wanted to talk to me about an upcoming project. After dinner we ended up going to his place and we ended up spending a bit longer amount of time than planned over there."

Nick pauses, "...As for the date itself-" Nick looks over to Sinister, "She brought up a group I think you've referenced before."

Lucifer has posed:
Lucifer smirks lightly. "Well I am glad a few things worked out for you." Saying this much as he shifts in his chair for a moment. "I wonder how the other things from that night panned out. The auction I mean. Lois came by for the interview with Nathaniel. You were signed up to play for...someone... was it Lois? I forget." Then he shrugs and glances to the cigarette being offered to him. He does what needs to be done to the cigarette and then tilts his head one way and then the other.

"Actually that reminds me. I need to speak to Lois about the double date she wants Nathaniel and I to go on with her and her fiance.."

Sinister has posed:
Second cigarettes are great for chain smoking. It was fresh as a daisy and of the clove blend variety that Sin sometimes favours. Brows are lifted though, intrigue as opposed to surprise at Nick's words first. "Oh, really now? Well, that is typically Betsy, to have a side hussle, even when socializing. She does it with me all the time. And what was mentioned about this group? I am assuming you mean X-force because frankly, I disbanded the Marauders a long time ago and put them all in stasis. Except for Sabretooth, he's still out there being himself..." ... ... yes. Stasis. Pulled out for special occasions, like the sunday tea set.

Then, he turns that intrigued eyebrow on Lucifer. "You know, I have never in my entire life, been on a double date? Unsurprisingly, such things never really played out as a possibility in times gone by."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Sinister gets a nod in confirmation as he mentions X-Force. "The one mentioned at the dinner we were all at. Uh it was more or less that I'm already involved in matters but she'd like to use my help more officially."

Nick tilts his head, to Lucifer's response. "Well it'll depend on how things turn out on whether or not it worked out for me."

Being that he highly suspects the reason why Betsy changed her mind at the last second for the restaurant they were going to just SO they could run into the producer and her general suspicion of the guy. "It could get complicated."

"It was Lois that won the performance." Nick confirms, regarding the performance. "She's thinking about me playing at her wedding but they still haven't sent the wedding date yet."

Lucifer has posed:
"She'll have to get her superhero of a fiance to actually sit down and wedding plan if that's ever going to happen." Lucifer chides with a soft chuckle and then he finishes his tea and floats the cup and saucer out to the kitchen. After another moment he stands, and while he still has a clove in hand, he stretches out, flicks ashes and draws another breath. "Well. This was an interesting evening, but I think I am going to call it a night. I think Nathaniel needs a little TLC that I want to ensure he enjoys before we go contemplate eyelids." He smirks. "And before you get any ideas, pampering him includes a long soak in the hot tub with variable scents he enjoys. And maybe a bath bomb..."

Sinister has posed:
"Oh my, the sensory delights..." -- that for the promise of the bath, Sinister draws a last on the clove in hand, casting eyes upon Nick -- "If you've not got much going on in the condo, we've room service here, as you know. If you're actually considering X-force, you and I should have a more .... ahhhh... professional chat, given I'm their patron."

He stubs out the cigarette then and rises.

"For one thing, I'll have to test some of the devices and equipment on you and figure out what to supply." TOYS!

That said, there's a wry half-smile and he is stepping up to Lucifer's side, leaning in for a very poignant kiss and heading to the bathroom. Jacuzzi + bath bomb = inordinate amount of bubbles everywhere. But also pampering in the extreme.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
"A talk would be good." Nick agrees, "...I'm still debating. Some more information could be helpful." The musician gets up, moving over to put his cup with the other dirties. "...Let me know when you want to talk."

Nick looks to the couple, giving them a nod goodnight before he moves over to the elevator, pressing the button. As the door opens, he glances over to Sinister. "...So you know in case it comes up in conversation again... I do consider you family."

The musician backs into the elevator, smiling as the door closes.