#roddy: (tf2 voice) this is a button

[talentforlying]

the low sound of laughter has constantine pressing his cheek against the phone to feel the reverberations through the speaker, like the beat of a heart beneath a splayed hand. always something of a risk, extending an open invitation like that; can't say he minds knowing it was well-received. maybe he'll try the excuse himself, next time he drops by the church unannounced.

of course, with a rebuttal like that, it's not likely to be very believable. there's no containing his delighted snort of surprise, smile splitting into a broad, bright grin. ' ha! point. think he'd let me in fer a fiver like any good bouncer, or should i be askin' you to sneak me in through the back? '

it's a classic enough line, one that gets ahh'd at with an appropriate amount of faux concern as he ashes his silk cut and settles his chin in his hand. ' oh aye? not like me, leavin' things behind. must've been distracted. ' he's outright teasing now, words low and playful and his voice studiously, cheerfully innocent. ' how'dje figure it's mine? got a monogrammed J.C. or summat? '

a pause, a glance stolen out the window for a peek at the time of day. ' or d'you reckon i should come over and see for meself? what with it bein' real important an' all. '

part of rodrick is disappointed that the phone is picked up. the careful deliberation of calling again after the last one had gone unanswered makes him stupidly unsure if he should let the line ring through or just hang up, but when the phone is answered and he has to speak the only thing that comes out is, been lookin' for a reason t'call for a few days; he's surprised that nothing in his voice betrays him.

a rumbling laugh comes from rodrick's end, warmed at the implication of such a brazen sentiment. if he'd known, maybe he could have used that. maybe he'll use it in the future, when john forgets and the reminder is a sweet joke between them. is it still blasphemy if it was a joke ?

❝ not like you can check - why i got a feelin' saint peter's got a picture of you at the heavenly gates ? ❞ the preacher takes a drag of his cigarette before glancing at the end table.

❝ well, ❞ he starts, a grin in his voice. ❝ i found somethin' that might be yers'. ❞ rodrick exhales, pulling the receiving closer to his mouth.

❝ figured it's real important. ❞