For smirkinbackground

[stillfriends]

Natasha smiled at the hostess as she was led to a table on the patio of the New York restaurant. This particular location, frequented by the most influential and money heavy in New York, was far from the reconstruction happening in Midtown. In fact as people spoke over their mimosas and eggs benedict, it hardly seemed as if this side of town had been affected by the attack at all.

A few glances were shot her way as she was seated, an expected result of the designer dress she was wearing, but her actual reason for slipping on her most expensive heels and dialing up Natalie Rushman to an eleven hadn't appeared yet. She ordered her own mimosa and waited.

Natalie Rushman at an eleven was actually Natasha Reed, art buyer and connoisseur to the rich and famous. It was an identity that she hadn't drawn on for at least two years and one that had been created nearly five years ago to retrieve information about valuable art knock offs that were being auctioned off to influential people. Of course, they'd been less interested in the art than the state secrets inside of each piece. Or were until Natasha had made their interest wane with a host of bad information and switches.

Her stint as Natasha Reed had led her to cultivating quite a collection of contacts inside the art world of New York. She had met up and coming artists, hobnobbed with New York's elite and exclusive at art gallery openings and most importantly, met the movers and shakers behind the business side of the industry.

The man she was lying in wait for now just happened to be one of the most influential, a role that he'd carved out of opportunity with his wit and charm. Gaius Maecenas was nothing more than a con man in some ways, despite being born into the right financial class. He dealt with all sides of the business, legitimate and underhanded, and somehow had always managed to keep himself out of trouble. Natasha might have helped with that a time or two, in her own way. It wasn't often that she got attached to a contact, but her and Maecenas had their own game and stakes, along with their own code of honor.

The truth was, she was looking forward to seeing him again and it had nothing to do with the favor she needed to ask of him.

Comments

[smirkinbackground]

It had been a while since he'd heard from Natasha, he'd been beginning to suspect she was out of the art business for good - but then, he was also fairly certain that art wasn't exactly her only line of business, so it was likely that she'd turn up again eventually.

Sure enough, the contact had come, and he was more than a little intrigued - he would have expected to hear her name around a little before she got in touch with him again, some indication that she was back in the game, but her call had come out of the blue. Of course he'd been casual, feigned a hectic schedule, arranged a meeting not quite as soon as he really would have liked, but he was definitely interested to hear what she had to say.

Had it been anyone else, he would also have been fashionably late, but it's impolite to keep a lady waiting, and beyond that he actually counted her a (sort of) friend - one of a very small group of people - so he did her the courtesy of arriving on time.

"Natasha, how good to see you again," he drawled as he strolled up to the table.

[stillfriends]

"Maecenas," she said, not having to fake the smile that settled on her face as she got to her feet. Her eyes took in those that had entered behind him as she gave him a quick hug. Satisfied that he'd come alone she pulled back.

"You're looking well," she said, raising an arched eyebrow at him. "Business must be good."

She happened to know for a fact that it had been. More than that, that Maecenas had expanded the many different investment interests that he had. In the long run it made him an even more valuable connection, but at the moment there was one particular association that she was interested in.

She gave his arms one last quick squeeze before sitting again and crossing her legs. "How long has it been?"

This was all pomp of course. The give and take of what interactions should be, if they were the people they pretended to be. She gave him a small smile and dared him to play along a little bit longer.

[smirkinbackground]

"Oh, you know how it is, I can't complain," he replied with a casual smile. Business was actually very good, but you never gave away all your cards in one go, even if they probably knew already. He liked Natasha, a lot, but that didn't mean he trusted her - he didn't trust anyone.

"Far too long," he replied, taking the seat opposite her, content to play along with the game - after all, it was what he lived for, even with the people he was close to. The game was why he'd gotten into this business

"How have things been for you?"

[stillfriends]

"Interesting," she said, giving him a wry smile as she picked up the wine list and moved her eyes over it.

Interesting was an understatement, but it would've been difficult to get into the details with Maecenas. Even if she liked him more than most, she was far from trusting him. Not completely, though he had proven to be useful when their aims were aligned.

Mostly, she appreciated his sense of style. He played by his own code and it was one that she could respect.

"I hear you're dipping your toes in politics."

[smirkinbackground]

Maecenas nodded politely, though his interest was piqued - 'interesting' meant exactly that, and usually more. Particularly amongst the two of them, the word had certain connotations, it meant 'things I don't want to tell you about', or 'things I can't tell you about', or any number of other fascinating possibilities. As usual, beneath his cool exterior Maecenas was itching to know what this particular 'interesting' meant, and as usual he probably wasn't going to find out.

"Through no fault of my own," he shrugged deprecatingly, and idly wondered where she'd heard it from, though he'd long ago realised that her sources often proved to be just as good as his, occasionally better. "A favour, for a friend."

[stillfriends]

"A good friend?" Natasha asked, lifting her eyes from the wine list to meet his and hold them for a moment. Octavian had been particularly difficult to read or get information on.

It was part of the reason why she was enlisting Maecenas help, even i she wasn't outright asking for it. Still, trying to pinpoint what he and Octavian could possibly have in common was of particular interest to her.

"P.R. work would suit you."

[smirkinbackground]

"An... old friend." he corrected. His friendship with Octavian was too complicated to characterise as 'good' or 'bad', the way the both of them showed friendship was too cautious, and yet they'd known each other for a very long time and knew each other better than anyone. Octavian and Agrippa were his closest friends, though he still teased Agrippa terribly, the man was so stiff and awkward that Maecenas couldn't help it. Octavian, on the other hand... friendship was probably the wrong word for how he felt about Octavian. It was true that he hadn't really chosen to get into politics, but if Octavian said jump his feet had already left the ground.

"Well, I am very good at getting people to like me, so I'm sure I can manage it for him," he chuckled, his casual nature giving none of his thoughts away.

[stillfriends]

She didn't miss that note of hesitation. She filed it away to be reviewed later, though she sensed that it meant things were much more complicated than SHIELD had assumed. There would be layers to pull back and that would be tricky work with someone as guarded as Maecenas.

She gave him a small smile. "Well, you've never been short on charm," she said, setting down the list and folding her hands in her lap. "It'll be interesting to see how that translates into politics though." She tilted her head. "It seems a shame to weigh your fun loving nature down with something as droll as politics. You must care about this old friend very much." She paused. "Or owe him a very big favor."

[smirkinbackground]

"Oh, I agree, very interesting," Maecenas chuckles. He still doesn't know why Octavian thinks this is a good idea, but as long as he can stay out of the public eye himself it ought to work. He can write some beautiful, rousing speeches - they just lose their impact if people know they're coming from someone like him. No, clean cut, wholesome Octavian, with his charisma and leadership abilities, that's who the people want to hear - Maecenas is just the one putting words into his mouth. Or rather, putting his ideas into words that sway people into agreeing with him.

"That would be telling," he winked. In truth it was most definitely the former, but he wasn't about to go giving that away.

[stillfriends]

"Yes, it would," she said easily. The waiter appeared and she took control, ordering wine for the both of them. She trusted that his choice in wine hadn't changed so much since the last time they'd been friendly.

"You know, I've been considering a role in politics myself," she said, leaning towards him slightly. "If I remember correctly, we used to work well together."

[smirkinbackground]

Maecenas nodded slightly at her wine selection, happy to allow her to make the order. He quite enjoyed her confidence, and he definitely wasn't the kind of man to take issue with her taking charge like that - he liked to be in control, true enough, but with something as simple as a choice of wine, he was relaxed enough to allow someone else to take over, and confident enough himself that he could regain power if he chose ... maybe. It was always a bit of a battle for dominance with her, but he enjoyed that.

"Is that so?" He asked, on the surface mildly intrigued, but definitely more interested than he was letting on. He was smart enough to figure out this was the real reason for their meeting, and as casual as the conversation still remained, he could tell they were getting down to business. "You're not wrong, what sort of thing were you considering?"

[stillfriends]

She took a deep breath and let it out slowly, lowering her voice so that it was more in line with that of a conspirator than that of an old friend.

"The truth is, my most recent foray into art collecting almost got me burned." She allowed the corners of her mouth to turn down the slightest bit, her eyes wandering down to the table momentarily. "I have more than enough to retire on, but we both know people like us don't take to retirement well." She met his eyes and held them.

"I think it's time for a new career. A new start. You've actually been a huge inspiration. Taking what you've made and turning legitimate? At least on the surface. I'd like to do the same."

She leaned back in her seat. "You know I know how to handle people. Not to mention I have connections. In fact, I've come bringing a gift."

She picked up her clutch and retrieved a check, sliding it across the table. "A donation from Stark Industries."

I don't know how much he'd know about her connections, so let me know if I should change this

[smirkinbackground]

He was smart enough to take her words with a pinch of salt, there was always the possibility that she wasn't telling the truth - or that she wasn't telling the whole truth - but she was still asking for his help, and he did count her as an almost-friend, so he was willing to listen to her request and take her words at face value - for now.

"Stark industries?" he repeated, glancing down at the cheque with a raised eyebrow "You have some friends of your own... so why do you need my help to go legitimate?"

It had to be something to do with Octavian, she'd never have brought up the politics otherwise, he was sure of it.

[stillfriends]

"What better place to con legitimately than on the Hill?" She gave him a knowing smile. "Let's face it, no ordinary job is going to be as much fun as the game, but this one is similar."

She leaned back in her chair. "I'd try to talk Stark into running in opposition, but he's too caught up in the superhero life to actually be someone that people can get behind. Instead I've convinced him that your man is the horse to back."

She glanced at the check. "Don't tell me I've made a mistake."

[smirkinbackground]

Well, he couldn't argue with that, it was practically how Octavian had got him involved after all - not that he had needed a lot of convincing, but Octavian was kind enough to have given him the excuse - and he had to admit her words made sense.

"No mistake in putting your money on the winning horse," he commented with an easy smile. "So you want to throw your lot in with me and mine, hmm? Well I can't deny I'll enjoy the chance to work with you again, but you know the decision isn't in my hands..."

He knows, or can guess, what she wants from him specifically,  but he'll wait for her to say it.

[stillfriends]

She gave him a knowing smile. "No, but you are a trusted advisor to the campaign."

She cocked an eyebrow the tiniest bit at him. "If you were so inclined, you could arrange for a meeting between myself and your employer. All I need is a chance to make an impression."

[smirkinbackground]

"So what you want from me is an introduction, one that will set you apart from all the others clamouring for his attention?" He clarified with a faint smirk. Octavian was known for being politely dismissive of a lot of people he met. It was just the way he was, he was good at being charismatic and making speeches when it was planned, but he wasn't the most social of people.

A planned meeting meant Octavian would make a good impression too, a good enough impression for the kind of money Stark could throw at him...

"A private meeting, or a public introduction?"

[stillfriends]

"I'd prefer a private introduction."

It would convey the in she had with Maecenas, which couldn't help with someone who seemed as guarded as Octavian. It would also allow her to feel out his weak spots with less distractions.

"You'll be there, of course. Maybe a dinner? We could all get to know one another better."

[smirkinbackground]

"I think I could manage that."

Octavian would probably agree to it, it gave him a chance to weigh her up as well without any distractions, and Maecenas imagined he'd prefer it that way. It was easier for him, as well, if this meeting didn't go well he didn't have to run around making amends the way he might if it went wrong publicly.

"Do you know when you're available? I'll check Octavian's schedule and see what I can come up with."

[stillfriends]

"Well, I don't want to be too available," Natasha says with a small grin. "But my calendar is open for you two."

There's the slightest hint of a flirt to that comment. Not unusual for Maecenas, but probably not unappreciated either.

"You can text me the details after you talk to him. You do still have my number, don't you?"

[smirkinbackground]

Oh he definitely appreciates, and he flashes her a little smirk to let her know that. It's yet another game that the two of them play, but he wouldn't change it for the world.

"I'll see if we can arrange a couple of options and you can just let us know which one suits you best. I think I still have your number, unless you've changed it?"

[stillfriends]

If I had, you would've known it.

[She grins at him.]

Now enough business, Maecenas. Are you seeing anyone?

[smirkinbackground]

Well that was unexpectedly blunt, but with their usual way of dancing around everything it was fun to get the blunt questions every now and again.

"Why, are you asking?" He grinned back.

Sorry about the random prose switch up.

[stillfriends]

"Just curious."

She gives him a measuring look.

"You look much more happy than you did the last time I saw you. Something tells me it's not your added responsibility. So that must mean love."

She's half teasing and half serious. If there is someone in Maecenas picture attempting to manipulate him might be more difficult.

I was so offended by it I made you wait. But actually because I fail

[smirkinbackground]

It took a lot to startle Maecenas, to create even the tiniest crack in his perfect calm veneer, but that comment certainly managed it. He was just taking a sip of wine and he almost choked on it.

Catching his breath, he stared at her incredulously.

"Love? Me?" he laughed "I don't think so."

[stillfriends]

Outwardly she didn't react to his choke of win, but inwardly she couldn't help but smile at it. Was it so unbelievable to him that anyone could care for him in that way? That said more about Maecenas than she'd ever discovered first hand before.

"And why not?" She asked, tilting her had. "As I recall, there were plenty in the habit of loving you. And fairly frequently as well."

[smirkinbackground]

"Well that's different," he smirked "that's not love, that's a good time. Good times, actually."

He shook his head slightly. "No, I'm not the... relationship type, you might have noticed. Casual and fun, that's my style, none of those pesky emotions, they just get in the way."

Lying through his teeth while also completely telling the truth, it was a skill. He didn't bother with relationships and emotions because he was already too smitten - not that he'd ever use the word to describe the way he felt.

[stillfriends]

"And why can't it be both?"

She gave him a small smile and shook her head. Maybe she had taken things too far, their relationship had never quite included this kind of talk, though there had been plenty of flirting leading up to but never actually following through with the good time part.

She liked the way Maecenas kept his emotions in check. He was a business man first and foremost. Ruthless and calculating, but not without the ability to have fun. They were alike in that way. Except her business was deceit. Death.

"Perhaps," she said with a small shrug. "But sometimes they make things that much more fun."

[smirkinbackground]

"I'm not saying it can't be both, I'm just saying that where I'm concerned, it isn't."

He didn't really mind talking about it, he had enough control over himself to dismiss any insinuation that he might be utterly head over heels in love with a particular red head who may or may not be his current employer, why would you even suggest that?
Mostly it was just that nobody would really expect him to be such a romantic, and nobody would expect Octavian to evoke that kind of emotion in someone, so he hardly expected anybody to make the connection.

"Well, I'll let you know if I agree when I experience any," he joked