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[dothelokimotion]

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[spellslots]

[The name means nothing to him, but that's fine, it's still a name, and he winks as Loki shakes his hand, giving the question a moment of consideration.]

I think there's just two. The boring kind, which isn't my jam at all, and the fun kind.

[Two drinks are placed in front of him, and Taako neatly picks them both up, offering one to Loki.

It's the closest thing to a martini he can get on this shitty planet.]

[dothelokimotion]

[ He takes the glass with aplomb, twirling it with his fingers. ]

I do not believe Sakaar makes room for the boring kind.

[spellslots]

You know, I think boring might actually be illegal here.

[Not technically true, but it may as well be, considering the general atmosphere.

Taako lifts the drink to this lips and drops his voice, just quiet enough for Loki to hear.]

Helps to keep people distracted.

[He's perceptive.]

[dothelokimotion]

[ His expression flickers before a false smile graces his lips once more. At least he doesn't disguise it. ]

From what? The constant lawlessness, the slavish gladiatorial fights or the Grandmaster's taste in music?

[spellslots]

All of the above?

[None of those things, but Taako thinks they both know that, which was the point of his comment in the first place. He's decent at talking around things and being vague, but really this shit isn't his forte. Still, he's learned to be careful.

If Loki is more than just someone swept up in the Grandmaster's nonsense, then Taako will have more to offer him, in exchange for not ratting him out.]

If you want better music, there's a lotta places to go.

[aka: not here]

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki discreetly winces as the Grandmaster puts on another heavily synthetized song before dredging up a smile. ]

By all means, lead the way.

[spellslots]

[He bites his lip to hide a laugh - honestly, the music doesn't bother him that much, but he can understand why it would be annoying - then quickly finishes off his drink.

The big fight, as it were, is still far enough away that they can slip in and out before anyone really cares, so he starts weaving through the crowd towards the exit, assuming Loki will follow, since he agreed to.]

Are you putting yourself in my hands again, or do you wanna give me some preferences?

[dothelokimotion]

Why not?

[ Loki curls his fingers around Taako's hand, raising it to his lips with a twinkle in his eyes. ]

Is there a problem with that?

[spellslots]

[What a fancy ass motherfucker.]

You're the one wandering off with some strange dude, you tell me.

[dothelokimotion]

You are quite strange, hiding in plain sight.

[ He releases his hold gently. ]

But I've always been fond of a good trick.

[spellslots]

That's the best place to hide.

[With a wink, he catches Loki's hand before it completely drops away, and uses it to gently lead him away.

Taako does actually have a bar in mind, one that isn't too far, but:]

I'd offer a teleport, but I'm trying to keep that shit on the downlow.

[That shit being magic.]

[dothelokimotion]

[ Magic. His eyebrows go up curiously. ]

So it is magic. What would a mage be doing here?

[spellslots]

Same thing every dipshit is doing here.

[They got lost, they ended up here, and now they're stuck until they can find a way to escape.]

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki hums thoughtfully. ]

No one leaves Sakaar.

[spellslots]

And we have ourselves a winner.

[There's only a hint of bitterness in his tone, but enough to be heard. Still, he doesn't dwell on it too long, because they've arrived at their destination, an unmarked door down a side street, where Taako draws an invisible pattern on the metal and something inside unlocks, the door swinging inward.

The bar is dark and smoky, though the starkest contrast to the Grandmaster's set up is the music, because it's being sung by a person instead of blasted electronically. It's soft, a little jazzy, and Taako lifts his chin in something like pride as he looks at Loki.]

First impressions?

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki smirks. ]

You and the room? A vast improvement.

[spellslots]

Flatterer.

[But he's amused and pleased, grinning as he leads Loki towards an empty booth; Taako makes himself comfortable on one side.]

Should we get down to business, now we're away from prying eyes?

[Even with the compliments, he's working on the assumption that Loki is playing along until they can talk money.]

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki crosses his legs underneath, a relaxed slouch. ]

And what business would that be?

[spellslots]

You caught me cheating, kinda figured you'd want something in return for not snitching?

[The problem with a world like this is that everyone is desperate, and that leaves no room for kindess.]

[dothelokimotion]

[ He shrugs, not bothered. ]

I see no reason to snitch. Though I won't be against anything you have to offer.

[spellslots]

[Taako decides not to say because you can, because you could threaten it to get something; he's not going to offer up ideas.]

Money's easy but boring, scrapping's a little better if there's anything in particular you're looking for - [Lup handles that side of things, but he isn't going to actually mention her unless he has to.] - but you strike me as an information kinda guy. It's fucking amazing how many people forget that waiters have ears and are some of the worst gossips in the universe.

[He works in the kitchen, not as serving staff, but the end result is the same.]

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki is well aware of that. Still, he leans forward with a hum, resting his chin on his hands. ]

And the Grandmaster? What do you have on him?

[ As much as he "enjoys" it here, living under the thumb of that lunatic is too risky. ]

[spellslots]

That's a dangerous question, bubbale, you should be careful who you ask.

[Taako has no loyalty to the Grandmaster, but other people are more than happy to throw a potential 'traitor' under the bus in return for favor.]

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki shrugs. ]

I tease. I'm well aware that being on the top means no gossip or rumor will topple him.

[spellslots]

[He relaxes a little, tapping an idle rhythm on the table.]

You wanna topple him or you wanna get out?

[Those are two very different goals.]