"Judgment": A Dishonored Fanfic

Chapter 2

The trio sat off to one side at a small table, keeping out of the way while Callista and Lydia were still setting up the dinner table. Cutlery was carried in and arranged after a white tablecloth had been positioned, and various plates, bowls and platters began to make an appearance one after the other.
"So what d'you think?" Daud asked Corvo.
"Of what?"
"Of our newest member, of course."
"Good start, she's pleasant enough. Very enthusiastic, nice to talk to, that kind of thing."
"I love her hair." Emily insisted. "She's real friendly, too."
Daud smiled. "Not quite what I meant..."
Corvo glared at him silently.
"Oh please," Daud grinned, "don't give me that look. You know exactly what I meant and you know it."
"She's barely been here five minutes." Corvo said stiffly.
"I saw the look on your face, friend. I don't need my Void Gaze to know what's inside that thick head of yours."
"Shut up."
Emily looked at Corvo. "Do you like her? You know, like like?"
Corvo first shot Daud a quick look of pure irritation, realising that the far-too-clever idiot had probably set him up, then the look changed to one of slight apprehension as he turned his face towards Emily.
"...well, I..." He then paused, unsure of what to say next.
He might as well have said yes. That's how they heard it, in their own minds. Daud's grin grew even wider, and Emily giggled.
"Cute." Was all that Emily said.
Daud was far more expressive. "You sly old fox. I knew it."
"Less of the old, thanks." Corvo muttered.
"Quit tryin' to change the subject, old-timer. Want me to put in a good word for you? I could, seein' as you're a friend and all."
"Your 'good words' are anything but. I'd rather you just left it alone. She may get embarrassed, and that won't do well when working together."
"I think you're wrong. She seems a sprightly lass, up for a laugh. I reckon she'd find it pretty charming."
"Coming from you? I think not. Just leave it, please."
"Okay, okay, just tryin' to help. Anyone would think that you didn't trust me. I'm shocked."
"Whatever gave you that idea." Corvo said sarcastically.
Daud's gaze lingered on Corvo for a few seconds, then looked away and towards the dinner table once more.
Any second now...there. Knew it.
Not while she's here, you idiot.
Corvo quickly moved his left hand, putting it in his lap.
"You alright?" Emily asked as that movement caught her eye.
"Yeah, I'm fine." Corvo replied with a smile.
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Daud's slight smirk, which he steadfastly ignored. He then became better distracted when Elaine came into view, walking over to where they all sat. She'd changed, swapping her elegant dress for far more casual blouse and trousers. She had a nice figure, now properly visible.
"Hey there." Elaine smiled. "Said I wouldn't be late."
"You sure did." Emily smiled. "And that's more like it. Nice and casual, just like us. Have you unpacked yet?"
"Heh, no. Decided to leave that for tomorrow. I'd much rather leave the boring stuff until after I've relaxed a bit."
"...we'll definitely get along." Emily smiled.
"You up for a bit of boozing too?" Daud inquired.
"Some. I'm not out for getting trashed."
"Don't have to if y'dont want to. And to be honest, I'm not either. Just a few is all, loosen everything up. You in too, Corvo?"
"If I must." He said with a smile.
"Oh yeah, you must. I'm sure that you're just as keen to get to know our newest friend as much as the rest of us, right?"
Damn you. "Yes, of course." He smiled.
"I must admit, I'd like to know more about all of you as well." Elaine confessed. "I've always been a curious sort, more so if I get on well enough with someone."
"You may revise that after hearing about some of us."
"And by some," Emily supplied, "he means one."
"That's not fair, Empress." Daud sniffed.
"It's not sposed to be fair. Just fun."
"I completely agree." Corvo smiled. "First things first though, it looks like the table has been set."
"Outsider's teeth, lemme at it." Daud said as he instantly got up and went over to it first.
Emily rolled her eyes then got up next, followed by the others.