Plans, Plans, and More Plans

Who: Arienne and Max
Where: Max's Apartments
When: Late Afternoon

Ari got home from school with the accompaniment of the people Lucas had assigned to watch her. It was a little odd, but oh well. She'd said she would put up with it, so she was. She also went straight back home, hoping her brother would be there when she arrived. "Maximillieno?" she called, looking around the home. "Are you in?"

Max had been watching for his sister’s arrival for the past few minutes, quietly seething at Lucas’ audacity. He’d received the phone call earlier. Arienne needed more protection. Lucas had suggested it and no one had seen a problem with it. It grated on Max’s nerves and he was sure that it was being done not for some misplaced worry about his sister, but to stick it to him. Max couldn’t do anything about it without coming off like a child and uncaring about his sister but it was highly insulting. He was perfectly capable of making sure Arienne was protected. He listened to the door open and his sister call from him before he finally moved away from the window after making eye contact with a few of the men.

He’d had a casual day and wasn’t in his usual suit pants and vest. Jeans and a white t-shirt were his uniform for that day and his hair was a disheveled mess but there was something nice about lazing about and sharpening instruments. “Did you enjoy your entourage?” he asked his sister dryly, bobbing his head to the big band coming from the radio.

"I feel like Ramona. She's constantly shadowed by people, and she's one of the most sheltered individuals I know. To the point where normal human interaction is a mystery to her at times." Arienne commented, moving to sit with him. "You don't sound as if you're overjoyed with the idea. Did Lucas mention the 'security' he wanted to try and implement here?" she asked. She hadn’t expected Max would be okay with any of this.

Max’s scowl was rather comic given that he was still bobbing his head to the music. “He mentioned security for you but that was days ago. I assured him that everything was fine and that he needn’t worry his head about it.” He grimaced and peeked out the window again. “He’s trying to do my job and he’s not getting away with it. I don’t know what I’m going to do yet, but I’m going to do something.” He knew what Lucas thought of him. Calling him a dog. Really? Well if he was a dog, this was serious breach of territory. “Too many people know you’re here now. Stupid son of a whore.” Max was definitely in a foul mood and he glared out into the sunny afternoon.

"I rather thought a security detail would mean it drew attention as well." Ari said, watching Max. "I know you can protect me. Honestly I think he's barking up the wrong tree entirely in the first place. I'm in no danger. And he brought up something ridiculous." she added, sighing. "He started trying to convince me that mother's death was some sort of assassination attempt. Nevermind it would be the most inefficient in history, as well as ridiculous as I know people from the other side fell as well." she said, shaking her head. "He was...let's say he was rather 'displeased' with my pointing out the flaws in his thinking." she said, laying that hook out there for him to latch onto.

“He’s a reporter,” Max said in disgust, highlighting the occupation with air quotes. “Half the things they write are far from truth and he’s one of those people. He’s just hoping that his theory is right and he’s going to catch whomever he thinks did this and he’ll get a pat on the head because he is the dog in this family, not me.” Max snorted and shook his head. “Waiting for a pat on the head. Oh, he’s good at handling reporters and cops, but they all know him already. What he does could be done by you, you know. Or someone else who had good media presence. He’s also a complete dick when it comes down to things. He can go from happy to mad just like that, over the stupidest things. He’s petty and annoying.” The rant was clearly something he’d been holding in. “And he calls me impulsive.”

Ari arched a brow at Max's antics, particularly the bit about being the 'family dog'. There were issues all around, it seemed. She was starting to become certain that she was the only family member that could keep a level head, or not explode issues all over everyone. Though she was used to it with Max, it was just how he was. She was glad he could be honest with her. "I did note that he turned to angry and petty at the drop of a hat, yes." she told him, since that had been what she was getting at, and she was waiting for him to ask her what had gone on.

"Getting annoyed with you though?" Max frowned and shook his head. "That's new. Did you give him one of your logical observations?" He may be annoyed with his cousin but he couldn't help teasing her. It was often that he got to indulge in that. "He really hates logic. I keep trying to be logical and he keeps scowling."

"Oh yes." she said, smirking a touch. "It seems he and logic are only passing acquaintances. As I said, he was rather displeased that I was pointing out the flaws in his thinking. I was merely trying to point out that he wasn't looking in the right direction, but clearly the man doesn't actually take direction at all. It's not a wonder he's been left out of a lot of things, if he's this childish. His reaction to it was to take a cheap shot at me to make me feel bad." she explained. It was obvious from her tone that he hadn't succeeded in reality, but she'd known what he was up to.

"He took a shot at you?" That was very much not okay and Max's scowl deepened even further. And Arienne was the one Lucas actually liked. He wanted to say 'I told you so' but he was not the childish one. He was trusted and mature despite his own temperament. "He doesn't like being told when he's wrong about something."

"Clearly. And it was so strong that the man actually made a snide, hateful remark about our dead mother to her teenage daughter. Granted, I didn't actually care or anything, I merely played that for him, but he doesn't know that. It just speaks of his character that he would do something like that." she explained. Really she didn't give a damn if Lucas wanted to be an incredibly ridiculous and cruel person, but it impacted her decisions on him. "I'd say it takes a special kind of childishness and petty nature to manage that. And with so little provocation."

Max was caught between wanting to rip Lucas' head off and feeling pleased that Arienne had seen for herself what kind of person Lucas was. It was an interesting kind of internal pull but what was more interesting was Arienne's statement of her decision being impacted by his bratty behavior. Crossing his arms he leaned against the wall and regarded his sister. "What are you considering? Telling on him is too easy for you." If Arienne had actually cared about their mother's death, Max would've had less of that torn feeling but she didn't so there was that conflicting emotion and he knew his sister well enough that she was rethinking the plans she'd already started to make for Lucas.

"I am not sure yet." Arienne said, musing a little. "The problem I see is he seems to have the mentality of a playground bully. He really needs to be cured of that, don't you think?" she asked. "Or at the very least, taught that he needs to be working at a higher level of human interaction, not going with the knee-jerk reactions of a third grade child with a sore ego." She tsked, drumming her fingernails a little. "I suppose we see just how childish he can get. See just how compromised he is, emotionally and maturity-wise."

Max smirked at her question and pushed off the wall and came over to sit by her. "Does this mean I get to poke him with a stick?" he asked, looking quite pleased at the prospect of messing with Lucas and having a blessing on that.

She laughed, a sweet sort of sound. "That's exactly what it means." she confirmed. "Just give him different situations, don't make them all personal, but definitely see how he reacts to different situations, see if he can reign it in at all, or if he does what he did with me--flies off the handle and does something entirely ill advised just because he believes he can. Find out where the lines are." she encouraged. “Personally I would love to see if he ever pulls out that bully mentality on you.”

"I will definitely see what I can do," Max nodded, intrigued by the prospects. "Sounds like it'll be entertaining and," he arched an eyebrow at her. "you know know, for all the pushing I've done, he hasn't done that yet. I wonder what I'd have to do to get him to snap at me." Oh, that sounded like quite the entertaining prospect. Lucas knew what he was capable of and the fact that he'd held it in was proof enough that Max scared him to some level. But if he'd lost his temper with Arienne, who would surely tell him, that meant there were cracks and Max wanted to see exactly where those cracks were.

"I suggest you start with you noticing I was seemingly down after you got home the other night. See if he confesses to anything at all. Don't tell him I said anything to you, play it as if you merely noticed my emotional state was mildly off. It'll also let him know that it's possible you aren't exactly blind to everything, and that your attention with me is more than he gives credit for." Which was true, as well, so she had to wonder how that might factor in. "I wonder if the only reason he felt he could snap at me is that he thinks there'll be no repercussions."

That was something Max could do and he was interested to see how Lucas would handle the situation. He was questioning Max's ability to care for his sister and his eyes were drawn to the window again. "Well, no one really knows what you're capable of, now do they?" Max pointed out. "Do you think it would drive him mad if I disbanded this ridiculous entourage. It's screaming your location."

"Of course not." Arienne said, fluttering her eyelashes innocently. "I believe it would upset him greatly. Of course, it's up to you, it's your house, after all. I'm under your authority and all." she added, amusement there clear. She and Max were partners in crime, not master and subordinate. "Have fun, do what you will, just keep me informed." she said, knowing Max would enjoy this. "Now. On to other matters. What is it we are going to do for my birthday?" she asked. "I'm turning eighteen, is there going to be a society party in my honor? Or is father too busy to arrange such things?" It would be traditional, after all. It was meant to happen, and it was coming up soon. She would be presented to the world, an adult.

"Damn straight this is my house." Yes, he'd dismiss them in a little while and then Arienne was changing subjects to her birthday and he looked at her fondly. "No one's told me anything. I imagine you'd have to speak with your aunt on that. She's probably taken over planning since mother's passing. There might be a question of whether or not you should have one so soon after her death but..." He shrugged. "You and I should do something though." He wouldn't be allowed at her birthday party. Too many questions, too much of a scandal. He'd never been invited to the family functions in the past but he'd always tried to do something with her when he could to make up for it.

"Oh, I want the party. It would seem weak in the eyes of the city if we did not have one." she said, knowing public opinion was swayable. "And it isn't as if I should stop living my life." she added, smiling a touch. Really it was just what people would want to hear. "As for you and I doing something, I want my introduction to society, and I plan on you being there. I don't really care what anyone says. You were on my arm at the last social engagement." she added. She was changing the game and she planned on making a statement with it right then and there.

"There's a difference between that social function and your birthday party, where all eyes are on you," he pointed out but there was a warm feeling inside his chest and he was hit again with how much he cared for his baby sister. The only one who never looked at him like he was something to be ashamed of. Useful, but shaming. "Are we going to surprise them all?" he asked her, slinging his arm around her shoulder and resting his cheek against her head. "People will wonder and you'll say 'this dashing fellow is my amazing, wonderful, and absolutely perfect big brother? Father might have a heart attack."

She smiled and hugged him in return. "Perhaps we'll leave it a mystery." she told him. "But I want you there. End of story. And, just for fun, I want it to be a costume ball. Something entertaining." And she was positive that Max would come up with something interesting for a costume. She planned on trying to come up with something that might be noteworthy. "It'll be fun. And we can watch father slowly turn more and more red as his blood pressure rises as the night wares on, while he waits for you to do something terrible--and you won't, leaving him wondering at his own assessments."

Max smirked at the scenario she painted, already imagining their father turning various shades of red and purple. “It might kill him you know. Which is entertaining but could cause complications, but I suppose if you want me there I can take time out of my very busy schedule to be there on your big night. I’ll have to figure out the appropriate attire.” What would he be...

"He'll just need to learn to relax." Arienne said with a firm nod, though there was a mischievous look in her eyes. "And yes, I insist you attend. Therefore you will need to really come up with something interesting. Should be an entertaining night, all things told."

“Music, mystery, and good fun. Should be a wonderful night.” He grinned at her and rubbed his hands together. “I’m thinking an angel costume. Wings and a halo. The whole nine yards,” He gave he a cheeky grin.

She laughed. "I'm sure whatever it is you come up with will be just fine." she said. "I'm not sure yet what I might go with. I'll have to consider. But it'll be something memorable." she decided. "Pass it along to Lucas, and maybe the Walkers. They throw the best parties, have them host."

He raised a curious eyebrow. “Are you suggesting I invite people?” he asked curiously, not sure if he understood if she was asking him or just thinking out loud.

"I'm suggesting as a loving big brother, you be the one to make the arrangements. You take point on it, initiate the proceedings. It'll be very interesting for people paying attention to you, or the family." she told him.

Max leaned back a little so he could take a good look at her as she relayed her request and eyed her somewhat warily. “You want me to organize your birthday party? Send the invites, make the reservations, all of that.” Okay, that was more than he’d expected and he wasn’t quite sure if she could get away with that. Escorting her was one thing... “You really want me to do this?”

"No, just get the ball rolling. Like I said, get the Walkers involved." Ari said. "Just be the front runner on it. Get everything started. Don't worry, I don't expect you to actually organize a party. That's what the Walkers are for. I just want you to have everyone see that you're the one who's taking the initiative on it."

That made more sense to him and he nodded in understanding. “I can do that.” His job didn’t wholly entail taking people out. He was a perfectly good liaison as well. “When will you be ‘checking in’ with our cousin again?” he asked, tapping his chin in thought of who he needed to speak with in regards to her birthday.

"I'm not sure, after you do." Arienne said. "So, sometime after you get around to it." she assessed. "I want to be sure you've already raised certain issues."

Max nodded and got up to glare out the window one more time. “I think I’ll make dinner tonight. Are you going out?”

"No, I was staying in." Arienne told him, smiling. She hadn't arranged to meet Nathaniel, he had is own things to tend to, so she didn't have any other plans. She had been fully intending on staying in, and spending time with Max.

“Then maybe we should go out tonight. See that new Ingrid Birgman film. I heard it’s quite exciting.” He grinned at her and ruffled her hair before heading into the kitchen to start dinner, feeling more useful than he had in a very long time.