Smile And Be A Villain {Richard/Hamlet} FIN

[RICHARD PLANTAGENET]

Richard stared right back at Harry; somewhat amused at how his reaction seemed to have shocked him. He clearly hadn’t been expecting him to give in so easily. Then again, what else was Richard to have done? Argue pointlessly against lowering the taxes, when they would serve him no further? He would be foolish even to consider that.

"...yes. Yes, yes, that's satisfactory but listen...I'm really sorry for being so disagreeable but as you know, this is really important to me and..."

Richard nodded. Clearly the matter was important to him if he was willing to vouch for the city he so clearly despised.

"I'm just a little stressed. Maybe more than a little. Doesn't matter. Anyway, thank you. I appreciate it."

“I would agree with you Mr. Chandler that you seem not quite your usual character, but I would disagree with you when you say it doesn’t matter.” He paused. Then, “Think nothing of it. I’m glad I’ve been able to offer you some relief, however slight.”

"How are you holding up since the dinner?"

For all outward appearances, Richard was holding up well, though when the subject of Edward came up he was always careful to still appear appropriately cut up by the event. This was true, but only in part. While he still had yet to feel any regret for his actions or genuine sorrow for Edward’s passing he could not deny that it continued to prey on his mind. The events of that night kept replaying themselves inside his head, as did many conversations he and Edward had had before his death.

“Wouldn't like to have you running this city...God knows what you'd do to it!"

“You always seem like you're hiding something, you know that right?"

“You’re…right. You…always are.”

Of course, having Harry Chandler cognizant of this act he was putting on was not an option.

“I think, for all outward appearances, I seem as though I’m handling it well,” Richard said at last. “But I can’t deny all is not as well as it may seem. Being and seeming. Appearance versus reality. Things are never quite what they seem, I find.”

ooc: I'm so terribly sorry this is so late Yols! D: Please forgive me!

[hamlet]

I would agree with you Mr. Chandler that you seem not quite your usual character, but I would disagree with you when you say it doesn’t matter. Think nothing of it. I’m glad I’ve been able to offer you some relief, however slight.”

Harry furrowed his brow and nodded in slight bemusement. "You disagree?" He grinned a bit. "Pfft...really, it doesn't matter. Not in the scheme of things right? I mean what is one moment or one week or even a year in the scheme of things?" There was something snarky and sarcastic in his expression and tone. He couldn't help it. He knew what he was speaking the truth, but the truth sometimes was very, very frivolous. Like this lingering feeling that his dreams were a reality - that his uncle really did kill Hamlet. What good was that if he couldn't be absolutely sure enough to act? What good was the truth if you could do nothing about it? "Anyway, I'm sure you have a lot to be stressed about yourself."

Yeah, he found that hard to believe.

He was so wary of Richard for some reason. He couldn't trust anyone really, but something about Richard just didn't settle right with him....especially now that he was somewhat sober.

Ah, but what reason did he have for this distrust? No real reason. Just this gut feeling. Irrational and insensible. What was wrong with him? The man just changed his whole policies for him. What else did he have to do to gain Harry's trust?

Then again Harry felt he had every right to be paranoid. Richard's next words seemed to speak to that fact.

“I think, for all outward appearances, I seem as though I’m handling it well, but I can’t deny all is not as well as it may seem. Being and seeming. Appearance versus reality. Things are never quite what they seem, I find.”

"Mmm, very true." Harry agreed. No wonder the public was on his side for elections - he had a way with words. Harry almost thought that he actually wrote his own speeches. "Well my condolences are still with you. If it's any consolation, I know that Detective Holmes is working diligently to figure out exactly what happened to him. I didn't exactly know your brother well but the thought of it possibly being a homicide..." He shook his head. "Let's just say that if it is, whoever did it should get equal justice." He wouldn't say that he knew what Richard felt, because he only had fleeting 'evidence' towards his uncle's guilt. But he was sure that his own father's death was unjust, even if his uncle was involved or not.

"A man's life is too fragile already to be taken by force." It was clear that Harry, nonetheless, was taking Richard's woes personally. Murder almost begets murder as far as Harry was concerned.

[RICHARD PLANTAGENET]

ooc: That post was made of WIN Yols, m'dear. Just had to point that out. <3 The part about Ricky writing his own speeches made me laugh, and the fact that Harry mentioned Holmes...

bic:

"You disagree? Pfft...really, it doesn't matter. Not in the scheme of things right? I mean what is one moment or one week or even a year in the scheme of things?"

There was something about Chandler's tone that wasn't sitting right with Richard. The fact that he regarded himself the way in which he did was cause for concern enough, but it seemed now that the truth, of the scheme of things, seemed to vex him also.

"Anyway, I'm sure you have a lot to be stressed about yourself."

Richard said nothing, not feeling inclined to play the pity card. It was clear Harry felt sorry for him if his reaction to the announcement of Edward's death at the dinner had been anything to go by...then again, he'd been rather drunk. But it seemed to Richard as though Harry was taking what had occurred more personally than he ought...and why was this?

"Well my condolences are still with you. If it's any consolation, I know that Detective Holmes is working diligently to figure out exactly what happened to him-"

Richard hardly heard the rest of what Harry said after his mention of the detective. He felt as though he'd been doused in a bucket of ice cold water, such was his shock, but he knew he couldn't let his surprise show. It was clear from Chandler's observant nature, as Richard saw it, that he would notice.

Well. This certainly was one for the books. Detective Holmes was on the case. Whatever came of this would not be good.

Then again...Richard had been sure to denounce Faustus and blame him. But the mayor was coming to realize that was nothing. Why would Faustus accept this and not tell Holmes it was really he, Richard, who had killed Edward?

No reason.

D***.

It was lucky that Richard was so used to playing different roles; he managed to keep his face impassive as Chandler spoke, his only sign of shock or surprise being how he felt inside and the cursing inside his head.

"I didn't exactly know your brother well but the thought of it possibly being a homicide...Let's just say that if it is, whoever did it should get equal justice."

Richard nodded, somewhat stiffly but a nod all the same.

"I thank you for your condolences Mr. Chandler. The fact that Holmes is looking into the circumstances surrounding Edward's untimely death...that is a condolence indeed. Thank you."

He paused before speaking again.

"Equal justice, Mr. Chandler?" he asked. "I agree that the man responsible, if indeed it was a homicide, should suffer the consequences...but to such an extreme?"

He decided not to comment on the truth of Harry's last statement; things were awkward enough now as it was.

[hamlet]

(haha thanks!!)

"Equal justice, Mr. Chandler? I agree that the man responsible, if indeed it was a homicide, should suffer the consequences...but to such an extreme?"

Harry tilted his head a bit and furrowed his brow, mulling over his answer. Yeaaaah, he said way too much. He would, wouldn't he? After keeping his suspicions bottled in for so long, it would be only a fair amount of time before he'd let some things slip. But perhaps claiming that he had vengeful tendencies wasn't the best route to tread upon - even accidently.

"Well..." He started, carefully. But why be careful now? What was the point in censoring himself now? He was playing a role, correct? This was not himself, but a personality. But there could be dangers in allowing bits of himself in this crazy persona of course....that is, more than he already had. "Well, yes. Extreme. But murder is extreme, is it not? Especially to rob life from an innocent man, a man who didn't deserve that kind of fate. I see no reason why equal punishment would be too much to ask." His expression was about stoic as he looked at Richard, his tone dead pan.

Then his expression suddenly broke into a grin, then a bit of a laugh. "Wow, I'm sorry. That was definitely not me vouching for the death penalty or anything like that. I'm not a very political man and I should definitely, definitely stay away from political topics, especially in front of the mayor. So scratch that from the record. My point is that...extreme actions sometimes call for extreme consequences and since, I know you miss your brother very much, I just hope who ever did that to him will get what they deserve, thats all."

[RICHARD PLANTAGENET]

"Well..."

Chandler seemed hesitant, and Richard couldn't say he was all that surprised, considering what he'd said. But as the heir of Hamlet Enterprises went on to clarify his point, Richard's surprise grew even more.

"Well, yes. Extreme. But murder is extreme, is it not? Especially to rob life from an innocent man, a man who didn't deserve that kind of fate. I see no reason why equal punishment would be too much to ask."

It wasn't just what Harry said, it was the tone in which he said it. Richard hated to admit it, but what Chandler was saying un-nerved him. Of course, the younger man hadn't the slightest idea he was adressing the man who was responsible...then, if he had done, Richard suspected his words would have been a good deal more severe.

He nodded slightly, not sure what to say under the circumstances. But it was then that Chandler continued.

"Wow, I'm sorry. That was definitely not me vouching for the death penalty or anything like that. I'm not a very political man and I should definitely, definitely stay away from political topics, especially in front of the mayor. So scratch that from the record."

Harry's sudden seemingly jovial mood caught Richard a little off guard after his previous words, but as he spoke and the words sunk in he allowed himself a laugh of his own, albeit one that was somewhat uneasy. Harry's sudden change of mood was a bit too close to home for Richard's liking.

"Consider it off the record, Mister Chandler," Richard said, his small smile back in place.

Richard wouldn't have thought Harry Chandler to be some seemingly vengeful, and on Edward's behlf too, a man whom he'd barely known when he was alive! It struck Richard as quite suspicious, but he couldn't as yet discern a way to find out the truth. Not that Chandler would be likely to explain if he asked.

"My point is that...extreme actions sometimes call for extreme consequences and since, I know you miss your brother very much, I just hope who ever did that to him will get what they deserve, thats all."

Richard's small smile became a little wider at these words, as he was able to easily slip back into his act.

"Well, that makes a bit more sense now, Mister Chandler."

He paused.

Then,

"Thank you for understanding. Really. So many people lately have misinterpreted this whole situation...it's pleasant to have someone who sees things as they really are."

[hamlet]

Harry had to notice that Richard was somewhat quiet throughout much of his ramblings. Was it because he was unnerved by Harry's behavior? Quite possibly. Maybe it was something else, something about Harry's blunt opinions...also possible. But if it was the former case, Harry would be pleased. Should Richard think something was seriously wrong with him, he - holding the highest position of power in the city - would not believe Harry could come up with any well thought-out plan to cause the downfall of anyone. So far the world thought he was simply a drunkard - a hopeless alcoholic - so affected by his addiction that his state of mind was fragile even when sober. Lately, and admittedly, the lines seemed to blur between the role and the role player. But Harry cared less and less about that now. Perhaps it was worth it if he were to be believed.

So just to be sure, Harry thought he'd extend this conversation as much as he could. After all, it sure beats spending time at the office anyway.

Richard smiled when Harry was done talking and said, "Well, that makes a bit more sense now, Mister Chandler."

Harry gave a lopsided grin and nodded. "Good. I might have to put a foot in my mouth again if I had to explain a second time." he joked.

"Thank you for understanding. Really. So many people lately have misinterpreted this whole situation...it's pleasant to have someone who sees things as they really are."

Harry looked bemused for a moment. "Pleasant. Right." He glanced away and saw Richard's office shelf of books. "I wouldn't get your hopes up, mayor." Harry commented as he stood up from the chair and went over to the shelf - as if something was drawing him to it.

"I can't see anything really. I'm blind. Completely." That bit of crazy rambling had some truth to it as well, ironically. Harry felt completely in the dark in his home, in the company he was supposed to inherit. He ran his fingers across the book bindings as if he were feeling Braille. He noticed Machiavelli's The Prince in his collection - intriguing. He himself was schooled on that piece work, of course.

"I can only speak through my intuition." He turned to Richard. "You know? That gut feeling of right and wrong? But other than that, I really can't see anything. I guess thats why I admire Holmes so much. His sight is 20/20. Zip - laser vision." He returned his gaze back to the shelf and removed the Machiavelli book and started flipping through it. "I think you have it too," he said before looking up at Richard. "That's how you govern, isn't it?" His tone became full of astonishment. "That's why you understood me just now. You saw through me and you knew...you knew that giving theaters a break was the right thing." He grinned and shook his head. "Why am I surprised? You're mayor - you do that sort of thing in your sleep probably."

He knew he was probably holding the guy up from any duties he might need to attend to, but Richard would have to show him to the door if he really wanted Harry out of there.

"Great book by the way." He continued, referring to The Prince. " So tell me, how many times was this drilled through your skull in your lifetime?" He grinned.


((OOC-hope you don't mind me saying there's a bookshelf in the office - or that it had The Prince in it If so, just let me know ))

[RICHARD PLANTAGENET]

"Pleasant. Right."

For a moment Richard feared Harry may have seen right through his false words, but as 'the Prince' continued to speak it was clear this was not the case. The man was simply setting off on another tangent of self degredation. What had happened that made Chandler look to put himself down so often? Richard couldn't fathom it.

"I wouldn't get your hopes up, mayor."

Unsure whether to laugh or not (was this another of Chandler's jokes?), Richard simply watched as the heir to Hamlet Enterprises extricated himself from his chair and moved to peruse the nearby bookshelves.

"I can't see anything really. I'm blind. Completely."

Once again, Richard was unsure how to reply to what Chandler had said. But his words had, however, served to confirm Richard's suspicions that there was far more to Harry than met the eye, suspicions that he'd harboured since he met him for the first time in that church all those months ago.

"I can only speak through my intuition.You know? That gut feeling of right and wrong? But other than that, I really can't see anything. I guess thats why I admire Holmes so much. His sight is 20/20. Zip - laser vision."

Richard laughed, covering up for the fact that, as Harry had mentioned the Detective again, he'd felt that unfamiliar and unappreciated feeling of unease come over him. He knew there was no point to it, there was nothing Holmes could do, Richard had made sure of it. But his investigation didn't matter at present; what mattered was keeping up the act, making sure Chandler didn't harbour any suspicions of his own.

He saw Harry remove Machiavelli's book from the shelf, unsure what to make of it considering the book's nature as the ultimate in power politics, instruction on a man with no morals scruples gaining and maintaining power. Hopefully Harry wouldn't see any parrallels.

"I think you have it too,"

Despite the fact Harry seemed engrossed in the book, Richard shot him a somewhat quizzical look. It was when Harry looked up however, surprise written all over his face, that his expression changed to one of surprise himself...with those words it sounded as though Chandler had him all figured out.

"That's how you govern, isn't it? That's why you understood me just now. You saw through me and you knew...

Luckily this didn't seem to be the case.

"...you knew that giving theaters a break was the right thing. Why am I surprised? You're mayor - you do that sort of thing in your sleep probably."

Richard chuckled again, hoping his relief wasn't conveyed in his laughter. He refocused his attention on the book in Harry's hands as the younger man did, while still observing him rather than the volume.

"Great book by the way. So tell me, how many times was this drilled through your skull in your lifetime?"

Richard's laughter abated and he shook his head, somewhat resignedly.

"Not as often as I would have liked for it is, as you say, a great book," he said, with an attempt at humour. "To be perfectly honest I first came upon it in the library at university. It was only a few months ago it occurred to me to get a copy of my own."

Hopefully the topic of books would steer the conversation to less treacherous grounds.


ooc: Don't be sorry; that was an excellent surprise and a great way to keep the thread moving; I feared Ricky may've been holding it back by trying not to say too much. XD Loved that post! 'What is it you read, my lord?/Words, words, words.' =P Funnily enough, I am still reading The Prince...only a few more chapters to go. Slow-going due to work. D:

[hamlet]

As Richard spoke, Harry flipped through it again, pacing the office a bit, remembering the contents well.

"Good for you," Harry said to his decision to get a copy of his own. "I've always found it really interesting. Thinking perhaps this, " he slapped the inside of the book lightly with the back of his hand for emphasis. "is exactly the way to run a business. My father thought it was absolute crap and outdated," Harry laughed a bit. "Listen, Richard. It says, ' it is much safer to be feared than to be loved when one of the two must be lacking.' When I read this does it seem fiting for a democracy? Pffft. And I look at you and I hardly fear you."

He furrowed his brow. "Unless your one hell of a good actor." Which was also a possibly. Hm. Harry had a tough time reading people so it was certainly possible. There must be something to the protests going on that he heard about. Did Harry feel like thinking about that? Not really. He didn't care as long as Richard helped his business (and in turn other theater businesses) stay afloat. Perhaps he'll think about it come the next election. But not now.

"...but what are we both anyway? Over rehearsed individuals. That's what I think. Buttered up for a role. Me? Heir of Hamlet Enterprises - which my uncle has taken under my nose, but no need to dwell..." He rolled his eyes. "And you for mayor." He gave a smirk, closed the book and put it under his arm. Then he clapped as if someone just recited a poem. "Bravo, us. Bravo, us. I think we've done quite well."

"I'll tell you what though," He said, taking the book in his hand again. "Machiavelli got one thing right. People are fickle. Fickle, fickle, fickle. Uuuggghhhhh," he huffed in frustration as he walked back to the shelf to put the book back, before leaning his back against the shelf. Thats probably what the protests were about anyway - what leader didn't have protesters? Even his father had enemies - some more passionate than others and it is what ultimately got him killed, or so Harry believed. "Perhaps if the world was completely taken over by gremlins people can stick to their guts about one thing in their frivolous lives just so they don't get chewed upon. And yes, gremlins, not zombies. Zombies are overdone - gremlins are more interesting," He turned his head in Richard's direction. "I'm sorry did you want to say something?"

Yes, Harry thought. Bravo indeed. Richard has to be buying into this - thank God.

[RICHARD PLANTAGENET]

"Good for you. I've always found it really interesting. Thinking perhaps this is exactly the way to run a business. My father thought it was absolute crap and outdated,"

Richard chuckled slightly as Harry did, but didn't voice his opinions of those of the man's father lest he offend. Instead, as he had done previously, he simply listened.

"Listen, Richard. It says, ' it is much safer to be feared than to be loved when one of the two must be lacking.' When I read this does it seem fiting for a democracy? Pffft. And I look at you and I hardly fear you."

Richard wasn't sure how to respond to that. There was every reason for Chandler to fear him...but the man himself was unaware of these reasons. And there was no question of Richard divulging them. This aside, that was a good quote he'd found. One of Richard's favourites.

"Hardly?" he said, the laughter still evident in his face. He was joking, that was all.

"Unless your one hell of a good actor."

Richard had been in situations before where it had been tough to keep up his act, but never like this. Chandler was different to the others. He had this depth about him, a way of making one feel as though he knew every detail about them with his words. Yet at the same time this apparent vastness of knowledge was mixed with his vulnerability...he insisted on putting himself down (for reasons unknown) and had no idea just what he was dealing with.

This being said, Richard was amazed with himself that he managed not to betray a hint of amazement or apprehension at what Chandler had said.

"Admittedly, that is a possibility," he replied, his smile still lingering. "But I wouldn't consider it a probability if I were you."

Harry's next words, and the spontaneous round of applause, earned him another short laugh but no other reply. Richard feared his earlier words, though said in jest, had been foolish, and didn't particularly want to follow along the same lines again.

"Machiavelli got one thing right. People are fickle. Fickle, fickle, fickle. Uuuggghhhhh... Perhaps if the world was completely taken over by gremlins people can stick to their guts about one thing in their frivolous lives just so they don't get chewed upon. And yes, gremlins, not zombies. Zombies are overdone - gremlins are more interesting... I'm sorry did you want to say something?"

As Chandler finished his little gremlin speech and turned to face the mayor again, Richard found he was still smiling. Was it simply because Chandler's antics amused him, or was it simply because, although he'd touched upon the notion, he didn't know the truth of Richard's act?

"Gremlins," he said, after a moment's pause. "Interesting indeed, far more so than zombies. Not that I'd consider myself an expert in the field, mind you. As for mankind's fickle nature, as Machiavelli said 'it is simple to convince them of something but difficult to hold them in that conviction'...I'm not so certain if he was right there. I've found when people are convinced of something they tend to stick to that conviction, assuming themselves to be in the right. What do you think?"


ooc: Ricky likes discussing his favourite book. XD /pointless ooc comment is pointless

[hamlet]

"Admittedly, that is a possibility but I wouldn't consider it a probability if I were you." Richard said to his acting comment.

"Probabilities have possibilities within them. Take out the 'b' and 'r', replace an 'a', and add a couple of 's's and voila." his tone was dead pan, as if he were completely serious.

Harry turned his head forward again, looking into space as he thought about Richard's question. More interestingly than the question, Richard was entertaining Harry's antics. Usually, people would advise him to take a rest or get him out of the room, or leave the room, not knowing how to approach him. Not so with Richard. Richard seem to be enjoying this a bit. Did Richard know it was all an act? How would he? No, that couldn't be it. If he realized anything, Richard would tell him to stop wasting his time. But he didn't.

So why was Richard encouraging this? Was this a business tactic? Maybe encouraging Harry's insanity was in his best interests. Its always good to have a multi-million dollar company's heir in your back pocket, especially if he was unstable. It must be tactical.

"I think," Harry finally said. He paused in bemusement. "...I need an I-Pad. You know those computers that are about as big as a small laptop but has a touch screen and all that? Yeah. I need one of those. Because...its not compact. Its actually quite a nuisance to carry around everywhere and a waste of the concept of a microchip. To think, everyone was all about things being small and compact, small and compact. But everyone has one of these big awkward devices, now so I guess I'll get one." He looked at Richard. " You should too actually. You could read books on them. Mob mentality, always go with the mob. And to answer your question, people are fickle, always have always will be."

He paused again. "You must not have noticed the protests outside, by the way. I'm sure half of them were people who voted for you....possibly."

[RICHARD PLANTAGENET]

Having commented on the interchangeability of possibilities and probabilities, Harry proceeded to stare into space awhile before making his next comment. Richard didn't know what he was thinking; despite the fact he was good at seeing through people it didn't mean he could read minds. It was hard to know what Chandler was thinking at any rate, if this conversation was anything to go by, jumping from one topic to the other with such rapidity.

Edward's death, Machiavelli, the fickle nature of mankind...

"...I need an I-Pad."

Now this. Astounding.

Richard nodded, somewhat bemusedly, as Harry continued to speak. It was usual for him to be lost for words but with Chandler, as mentioned before, things were different. The man was so full of words himself, with such as reflective and pensive nature...and, as Richard seemed to have touched on, able to play him at his own game...in words and putting on acts.

"...Mob mentality, always go with the mob."

Ah yes, mob mentality. Richard had had quite enough of that as late.

"You must not have noticed the protests outside, by the way. I'm sure half of them were people who voted for you....possibly."

And this was exactly why. True he hadn't exactly made his best efforts in dealing with them, but it wasn't as though he was going to tell them the truth about the cuts.

"Believe me, I've noticed Mister Chandler," Richard replied, his tone somewhat resigned. "I don't really need reminding." He paused. Then, "What do you mean by possibly?" Just what was he implying when he said that?

[hamlet]

Harry shrugged, digging his hands in the pockets of his slacks. He walked over to Richard's desk and said, "Well obviously I can't read minds, Mayor, though that would be an extremely useful skill. But I assume many people who are protesting against you are the very ones who voted for you. Taking a trip back in time for a quick moment - hey, remember your campaign? You had a good amount of people supporting you." He gave a lopsided grin. "Why do you think those people are protesting then? I chose option A - fickle."

He sat back down in his seat, slapping a hand on the desk. "Whoo! Fascinating stuff!" he exclaimed suddenly. "You know all of this is extremely interesting. Its like studying sociology or something. Like I said, I'm not a political man but I am a business man and business men know that people's passions change with the wind. Swoosh. On to the next thing. I want pie, no I want Pepsi, no I want to see DRAMA, no I want to laugh, nuh-uh just give me good metaphors to decode, ya de ya de ya. Tastes change with the sound of muuuusic." He ended with a sing song voice. Looking at Richard, he grinned again. "...in my opinion."

[RICHARD PLANTAGENET]

"Well obviously I can't read minds, Mayor, though that would be an extremely useful skill. But I assume many people who are protesting against you are the very ones who voted for you. Taking a trip back in time for a quick moment - hey, remember your campaign? You had a good amount of people supporting you. Why do you think those people are protesting then? I chose option A - fickle."

Or option B, they have good reason. Maybe even option C, the majority didn't actually vote for me in the first place. These options aside, Richard was happy with what the heir of Hamlet Enterprises had said. It didn't lay any blame on him, for a start, but rather the people who were forced to comply with how he decided to run things. Of course, Chandler saw Richard in a different light to how he truly was. But he didn't need to know that.

Richard laughed a little in response to Chandler's words.

"That's very kind of you to say so Mister Chandler, though I can't help feeling the policy itself has something to do with it,"

"You know all of this is extremely interesting. Its like studying sociology or something. Like I said, I'm not a political man but I am a business man and business men know that people's passions change with the wind. Swoosh. On to the next thing. I want pie, no I want Pepsi, no I want to see DRAMA, no I want to laugh, nuh-uh just give me good metaphors to decode, ya de ya de ya. Tastes change with the sound of muuuusic."

Richard found himself laughing again, more heartily this time.

"...in my opinion."

"Well, it's a sound opinion to have, all things considered," he replied, still smiling. He then changed the topic slightly in light of how Chandler had chosen to explain himself.

"This may seem a strange question, Mister Chandler...but you work with theatrical companies, yes? Have you ever considered treading the boards yourself?"

[hamlet]

"This may seem a strange question, Mister Chandler...but you work with theatrical companies, yes? Have you ever considered treading the boards yourself?"

Greeeat.

Richard was smarter than the average mayor, apparently. Harry wasn't, of course, going to give up the act just because Richard suspected it was one. He couldn't afford to. After all, as the Hamlet Enterprises started calling 'interventions' and started going to the media with their 'concern' for Harry - Harry already knew that they would.

Harry gave Richard an incredulous look. "I'm terrible onstage. Seeing everyone in their underwear does nothing but freak me out." He placed an elbow on the desk and rested his chin on his hand, leaning forward with exaggerated interest in whatever Richard had to say next. "You on the other hand, I think you'd be good for theater. Your voice could sell anything. If the mayor thing falls through, try doing voice overs." He cleared his throat, and said in a deeper voice. "In a world where pink elephants rule the land and music only consists of a single cowbell, comes a heartwarming story of suspense and intrigue, one pig and his plight against the giants with long trunks..." He grinned. "See? You'd be able to do it much better."

[RICHARD PLANTAGENET]

Had Richard been fully aware of Harry's act, doubtless his previous question would have had more motive behind it, even if phrased the same was. As it stood Richard suspected an act of some sort, but really only asked the question in an endavour to change the subject.

The incredulous look Harry gave him in response surprised Richard somewhat, due to the younger man's evident passion for the stage. His explanation had the same effect; since when had that become an acting technique? Richard decided not to pursue it, however.

Chandler then leant forward in an exaggerated gesture of interest, before saying;

"You on the other hand, I think you'd be good for theater. Your voice could sell anything. If the mayor thing falls through, try doing voice overs."

Richard was about to thank Harry for his compliment when Chandler launched into what seemed to be an example. Inwardly Richard smirked at how ridiculous it sounded but outwardly he allowed himself a small chuckle. What was it about Chandler that he found so amusing, and where did the man come up with all this? First gremlins, now pink elephants?

"See? You'd be able to do it much better."

"That may be the case, but I'm not going to try, Mister Chandler," he replied. "I thank you for your advice but if that's the sort of voice over you think I'd be suited for, I sincierley hope the 'mayor thing' doesn't fall through." He smiled back as Harry did, to show he was attempting humour himself, rather than criticizing his suggestion. He'd had enough of that as late...who knows if Chandler had as well?



ooc: First gremlins, now pink elephants. Stop making me laugh when trying to do Ricky posts Yols! XD Finished 'The Prince', by the way. Epic book is epic.