[Well. All of a sudden Rufus hates this little shenanigan a whole lot more than he did about five seconds ago, to say the least. When Reno interjects, and the portrait admonishes them both to play along, the strange compulsion he'd been fighting against begins to lessen — thankfully enough. But the threat has been made, and resentment darkens something behind the mask of impassivity he quickly pulls back onto his features. It's one thing to play on his own terms, whatever the risks. It's quite another to be manipulated into dancing on someone else's strings.

This feels, suddenly, like a mockery of a children's game of cards. He's holding a handful of sins, and he's aware of at least a few of the ones Reno keeps in his. If he has to play first, then it has to be something of a magnitude that Reno can still beat — or alternatively, to throw a card that can't be outplayed, knowing full well that he'll have to accept the supposed punishment for it.

Which would be better, he wonders. Whatever he does, the threat isn't about whether he or Reno takes point in the administration of the supposed punishment. No, the threat here is if they both lose control of this entirely, and that compulsion seizes control of his throat again.

The way he turns to look at Judgmental John, drawing himself up and squaring his shoulders, is probably tell enough to anyone who knows him that he's just made a decision, and is about to make his move. It's all the warning that Reno gets.]

I've engaged in a conspiracy to commit theft and destruction of private property.

[Without leaving room for a pause, he smoothly turns his gaze to Reno, meeting his eyes.]

And you littered once, rather than throwing your waste in a proper receptacle. Didn't you, Reno.