Somewhat out of the way considering where both of the men currently sat within the camera's gaze live and work, but that was intentional. They wanted a break from the normal routine, a chance to mix things up compared to the usual lunchtime offerings and finally get round to having the chance to spend time with and catch up with the other.
To the left of the camera's view is Hans 'The Baron' von Richtoven, sitting across from him on the right of the screen is Matthew Kiriyama, otherwise known as Red Dragon.
Two glasses filled with differing liquids sit between them, menus are conspicuous by their absence. Clearly they've ordered by now and are awaiting the arrival of their meals.
Red Dragon took a long sip from his glass before setting it back down. He chewed on his bottom lip for a moment in a contemplative manner.
(Red Dragon): So… has the notion of fatherhood sunk in yet, mein freund?
A low but persistent blow of air comes from Hans, his eyebrows raising up and his gaze almost looking like something has caught his attention 1000 yards away.
Shaking his head gently, he nevertheless then bursts into a smile.
(Hans): Nein mein Freund, nein… ich... ah…
He grasps his glass, taking a sip of his own.
(Hans): Nein, it's not. And I'm not sure when it will. Perhaps tomorrow, perhaps next month... knowing my luck, it'll be when I'm being passed our child to hold.
Red Dragon allows a small smile to cross his face along with a subtle incline of his head.
(Red Dragon): Not that I have any basis for comparison. You know, Butch is probably the one to speak to for advice. You have my congratulations but I will not thank you for any babysitting requests.
(Hans): Requests?
A low chuckle.
(Hans): It won't be a request mein freund, it'll be a cry for help...
Another sip of the liquid passes his lips.
(Hans): Though Butch ist ein guter schrei, jah… perhaps once he's resurfaced I can speak to him proper.
(Red Dragon): From what I gather from Wisdom, he’s been in that gym of his for four hours a day for the past three weeks. He’s really taking this match with Rhodes to heart.
(Hans): Four hours?
A nod of the head greets this news, before a twinkle in the eye forms, matched by a tug at one corner of Hans' mouth.
(Hans): We'll have to tell him that those are rookie numbers, get him to up that.
A light snicker escapes Red Dragon’s mouth as he takes another drink.
(Red Dragon): You can tell him that yourself. Anyway… with all due respect to Butch, that’s not the match we should be focusing on…
(Hans): Ever the one to avoid conflict...
A wink towards his friend shows there's no weight behind the words.
(Hans): But jah, we need to prioritise.
Taking his glass, he clinks it against his friends.
(Hans): This match has been far too long in coming mein freund, I'd feel cheap if I didn't bring you anything less than 100%.
(Red Dragon): I wouldn’t expect anything less. I have to admit though, the two out of three falls stipulation wasn’t in my original thought process when I convinced Butch to allow me to have these matches. I’m guessing we have Wisdom to thank for that.
He shrugs his shoulders ever so slightly.
(Red Dragon): At least we’ll have some final closure at the very least.
(Hans): Jah…
Another tip of the head towards his friend.
(Hans): Does sound like Wisdom getting her moneys worth.
And to be fair, there’s been a few matches of late that haven’t started let alone gone the distance…
Und jah, closure.
Und another step on the way to your send off mein freund.
Red Dragon finds himself nodding, but there's a sense of something else within it. Like he's contemplating something.
(Red Dragon): Yes, it doesn't feel real that the end's nearly here. You and I, then Butch and then Sean-kun....
A more sombre and reflective tone affects his voice, his eyes dipping down and then up.
(Hans): What about Matt? I've seen him around the academy, but, what's your take on him?
(Red Dragon): Matt-kun...
Red Dragon puffs his cheeks out, his eyes losing a bit of their impetus.
(Red Dragon): It breaks my heart. Sean-kun is like a son to me but Matt was my number one student... you weren't here at the time but he did well and truly carry this company on his back. So the thought of a tournament like Ring Master coming back, an opportunity to become the new champion of the company and Matt Miller not being in that conversation?
Red Dragon shakes his head, looking very sombre. He averts his eyes for a moment, rapping his fingertips on the table before looking back up at Hans.
(Red Dragon): I didn't think I would hear myself saying this but I understand why Jeremy-kun wants the vengeance he does.
(Hans): Das macht zwei…
He exhales loudly through his nose, mirroring the contemplative look of his friend across the table.
(Hans): I'd be quite the hypocrite to judge Jeremy for the route he's wanting to go down, having your loved one hurt... jah, if you can do something about it, you do it...
The glass is raised to his lips, before he takes a drop though, he adds.
(Hans): I believe he'll know when it's over though mein freund, this won't define him, jah.
(Red Dragon): It certainly won't...just as what Matt-kun put himself through against Maniac as well.
Hans nods once more in response to his friends words.
(Hans): We can see if what Herr Chaos is saying is true. Here's a test for him to regain control once the match is through, jah?
A grunt of agreement from Red Dragon.
(Red Dragon): Indeed.
He toys with the chopsticks off to the side of him.
(Hans): What's on your mind?
(Red Dragon): Chaos... we'll be seeing that in the ring with the lumberjack match...
(Hans): Jah, we will. Who's your money on?
(Red Dragon): As much as I would like to say the young Draconis boy, something tells me Clarke will find a way to eek this one out.
(Hans): Jah? Even with half the roster gunning for him?
A snort of amusement at something he’s just thought recalled.
(Hans): And that might even have included me if I hadn’t already heard worse from people whose opinion I actually cared for…
They’re interrupted by a waitress approaching with their food.
Thanking her as she sets down their plates and bowls, they resume their conversation as she departs.
(Red Dragon): From my experience, people like him could fall into the ocean and come out with a fish in their mouth.
(Hans): Well I’m sure there’ll be extra checks for weapons before they’re allowed out.
I think you’ll have your work cut out commentating as it is without adding more tranquilisers into the mix.
Red Dragon’s face gives off a mixed expression as he shovels some noodles and chicken into his mouth with his chopsticks.
(Red Dragon): Jason-kun can worry about that. But yes, that was…innovative to say the least.
Hans’ eyebrow raises up as he hears his friends words.
(Hans): Innovative? Very diplomatic there mein freund…
Chuckling, Red Dragon takes another bite of his food.
Attention turning to his own dish, Hans glances across at his friend.
(Hans): Right, let’s eat.
He skewers a piece of his own meal, as the camera slows backs off, fading to black as it does so.
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