The New Kid

[Goblin]

He shrugged, considering how he could appear to give Risk information while actually getting more information from him. He was so interested in the lodgers--looking for someone in particular? Someone he wasn't supposed to be looking for, or he'd say it outright--an ex-girlfriend, a runaway sibling...maybe an enemy?

"Just like they've got something to hide, you know? But I guess we've all got our secrets, things we've done that we'd rather not discuss."

[Risk]

Risk eyed Goblin suspiciously. This kid was good at keeping secrets for someone who supposedly knew so much about everyone else. He couldn't put his finger on what Goblin was doing but decided to keep him close. No harm in having "allies" around here, anyway.

"True. That's everyone though. We're all a little odd in someway," he said, kicking a pebble out of his way. "You from around here, then?"

[Goblin]

"Born and raised in Manhattan. How 'bout you?" Goblin did not talk about himself, even with people who didn't have weird vibes.

[Risk]

"Me too," he said, observing his surroundings as they walked towards the Distribution Center. "It's the usual story. Y'know, didn't know my mom, hated my Dad and so I ran away and been doin' random things here and there ever since."

His story was more or less true, leaving out bits and pieces that Risk refused to share with someone he just met.

[Goblin]

He nodded. "It's a pretty common pattern. I guess it's the random things that are always interesting. So, no brothers or sisters you gotta look after?" He wanted to test each of his theories.

[Risk]

Risk cringed inwardly.

"Nope. Just me. Siblings are just trouble," he said, shrugging it off. "You?"

[Goblin]

"I have a sister," Goblin admitted. He'd find that out quick enough if he asked around. He thought there was a brief hesitation in Risk's answer, a hint of discomfort--but so slight that he might've imagined it. This guy was good, he thought delightedly. He loved a challenge.

"How 'bout a girl? Anyone special? There are a lot of pretty ones around here, but some of 'em might stab you if you look at 'em wrong." And if you try and lay a hand on Clara, my vaguely suspicious friend, I'll make sure you vanish without a trace.

[Risk]

"Is your sister a newsie too?" he asked, wondering whether Goblin will reveal more. Then again, it wasn't as if it was about his deepest and darkest secret.

"Girls are too complicated," said Risk, chuckling softly. This time, he wasn't lying. He had enough drama with girls and decided to take a break and enjoy the single life while he can. "I've gone out with some, of course, but they're all just too crazy... or high strung. Seems like they are around here too."

[Goblin]

Oh, you have no idea. But he didn't seem cagey about this topic, Goblin noted--he probably wasn't here chasing some fleeing ex. "Yeah," he said in response to the question about his sister, "she lives at the lodging house too. And almost everyone's a little crazy or high-strung around here. At least it's not Brooklyn."

A sibling or an enemy. Unless I'm totally off track. He remembered he was supposed to be giving a tour, and pointed out a couple landmarks as they walked--Bottle Alley, the place where the nuns handed out rolls and coffee each morning.

[Risk]

Risk listened patiently, more or less paying attention while Goblin pointed out the usual spots where the newsies spent their time. He was tempted to ask more about the people at the house but figured it wouldn't be the best idea, especially when he just met the guy.

"Brooklyn's a whole different story," scoffed Risk. "I'd much rather be at Manhattan."

[Goblin]

"Same here. Not as much bad blood. I hear you can't step out the door in Brooklyn without running into someone who wants to pick a fight." Aaand, gauging the reaction.

[Risk]

"Well, that's Brooklyn for ya," said Risk, recalling how he'd wanted to be transferred to Brooklyn instead of Manhattan. He thought Manhattan was child's play with no one worth arresting. Brooklyn would've been more of a challenge. Then again, they thought he'd get into too much trouble. As a newsie, however, it didn't stop him at all from going there in the future.

"Newsies around here go over to Brooklyn a lot?"

[Goblin]

"Not me. Some of 'em do, though. There was all this drama over there a few months back--" He stopped short, astonished with himself. He was currently giving Risk useful information for absolutely no reason. He couldn't believe he'd actually been tricked into it. Easing someone into casual conversation in order to get answers was his own specialty, for God's sake!

"Why? You know anyone across the bridge?" he asked casually.

[Risk]

Risk ears perked up once Goblin began retelling his story but was disappointed as soon as he caught himself. Maybe one day he'll hear more. Or from someone else.

"No one in particular," he answered, making a mental note of Brooklyn. "Just heard stories. You know how word gets around here. Wasn't there a poker tournament with them a while back?"

[Goblin]

"So I heard. Didn't bother checking it out." Clara had gone, he remembered. Come to think of it, that was when she'd first acquired the odd glow of happiness she'd had recently. Though she'd been appalled, later, when they heard about the nightmarish events that transpired that night.

"Here we are," he added cheerfully as the distribution center came into sight. As always, newsies milled in every direction.

((We have to get more people in here to spice up the dance of deceit. ^_^))