middaeg | ( closed ) a friendly business proposition

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( closed ) a friendly business proposition

Who: Karin Koenig & Jasper
When: Septeril 6th
Where: Jasper’s residence.
What: Time to talk bonding, for better or for worse.
Warnings: Cutting sarcasm and exasperating overtures of friendship.

[She could have easily reached out to him using the watches, but considering what Karin meant to ask, that seemed terribly impersonal. Face-to-face seemed the best route— especially considering that she wanted him to give her proposition serious thought before dismissing it outright, and over the watches, it would have been all too easy to simply cut off communication without giving it due consideration. True, the very same could happen here, he could ask her to leave and she would, of course, respect his wishes, but she hopes that for his own sake, Jasper will give pause before defaulting to dismissal. The full moon had been easier for her this time around than it had the previous month, but it had not left her unchanged, and it was just another reminder of how short time was growing for those who had not yet sought out bonds. While she’d made one of her own, she doubts Jasper has allowed himself to do the same.

In truth, she would be surprised if he hadn’t already given this a fair amount of thought on his own, given that he had very openly been doing some research on the nature of bonds and potential bondmates, but while she had both voiced her own opinions on the situation as well as made a few good-natured jabs at his expense, they hadn’t actually discussed forming such a partnership between the pair of them. Dismissive though he was, Karin is almost certain that she’s the closest thing he has to a friend in this place, and prickly though his responses to her opinions often were, they did have common ground, similarities in where they came from— enough that from time to time, she would call him companionable, though decidedly distant for reasons she had yet to decipher.

She wouldn’t be aiming to get to the bottom of any such mysteries this afternoon, however. Instead, the offer she intends to make will be simple and forthright, but when she appears on his doorstep, it’s not empty-handed— she’s brought along a large white box tied with string and bearing the mark of one of the city’s patisseries. She gives a polite knock against the door before taking a step back to patiently await an answer.]

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[Jasper looks apathetic when he opens the door. His residence is nestled in an backalley near the coven grounds; a crooked house that looks as dour as its owner. Scarcely had he arrived before getting to work. Though it remains a far cry from the palatial luxury he once enjoyed, it's home. Close enough to people to seem part of the group - but far enough away to be left alone.

Until now. By the time his guest had rolled around, he had made himself comfortable in the living room. Several books remain open on the table and he glances back as though he misses their company. All his frustration at finding himself lumbered with a visitor is swallowed, a lump disappearing down his throat. Then he claps eyes on her offering. A bribe to get inside.]

You certainly know how to make yourself welcome.

[Though she does smile when he opens the door, it's polite rather than over-eager, and she gives a nod in response as she holds up the box in offering.]

Well, I do know how much you like sweets.

[Their first meeting had been a memorable one, after all, and probably among their friendliest encounters, even with the rough start.]

I won't trouble you for long, but I'd like to discuss something with you, if you can spare a few minutes.

[Both hands lift the box as though it will lift the burden of her presence off his shoulders. One, two steps back and he's affording her room to enter.]

Fine. Step inside.

[The hallway is a cramped space of stairs and corridors. No pictures on the wall, no decorations. What is noticable are vases of flowers upon sidetables, pink roses and white gypsophilia, whose small fills the air. There are tall plants growing out pots placed on the floor. Nearby, an open door to the living room he sprang out of to open the door. An enclosed space lined with shelves and books - with a few nice pieces of art.]

[She steps across the threshold and takes a moment to look over the area just inside the entrance— it's a tight space, and largely very spartan, though the flowers are an interesting touch she had not expected. Though it's small, he has certainly made the space his own, although surprisingly welcoming, given who it belongs to.]

Your home is lovely.

[He has good taste in art, too, though that doesn't come as much of a shock. He seems to pride himself on his good taste in general.

She follows him through to the living room, pausing to incline her head towards a nearby chair.]

May I?

If you insist.

[Jasper closes his eyes for a moment before returning to his chair next to a stack of books upon the table. They remain closed as he hoists one knee over another; crossing his legs with his fingers coming to rest. He inhales the smell of flowers and for an instant his mood and manner seem to lighten. Two seconds later both vanish with a grimace as the corners of his mouth twist and turn.

There is motive for her presence - the bribe proves that theory if nothing else. His fingers clench him down to the both and he positively bristles in his seat. Few subjects are so important that she would intrude on him at home, and he throws it immediately on the table.]

What is it you want?

[It neither surprises nor bothers her that he's direct. He's proven himself to be almost painfully straightforward on several occasions before now, and knowing he doesn't care for small talk or beating around the bush, she doesn't intend to waste his time with either. She crosses her ankles once she's taken her seat across from him, hands neatly folded in her lap.]

It's not about 'wanting' anything. It's a business proposition, if you'd prefer to look at it that way.

[That statement alone echoes one of their earlier conversations, and she's sure he can infer what this is about from that alone.]

We're both quickly nearing three months in this place. If you haven't found a bondmate that suits your needs yet, I wanted to offer myself.

[Almost immediately, Jasper bristles in his chair. He drums the fingers of his left hand and crosses his right leg. Yes, she is direct, a fact to her credit, but that straightforward attitude is maneuvering him to face situations he has no love of entertaining. There are even more pressing concerns - namely what the bond entails. The sharing of emotions? Antithesis to a private man.

He doesn't stop scrutinising her in the entire time his thoughts are going down.]

How can you offer yourself for such a relationship? You know nothing of me and I know nothing of you, suffice the fact you are insufferable.

[When that last word comes, his frown houses the beginnings of a smile. Lips twitching and twisting in a manner he is unaware of. It is a word once shared with friends.]

I'm certain I know as much as you'll allow anyone to know, and I'm an open book.

[Her response is calm and collected— she'd thought he might answer in such a way, but that tug at the corners of his mouth is almost like a smile.

'Insufferable,' is she? She almost catches herself smiling in return, though she takes care to remain as professional as she can manage, addressing him the way she might have spoken to a fellow soldier back home.]

If any of us could afford to cater to our personal preferences here, then I would be tempted to agree with you, because such partnerships should not be taken lightly. I promise, I've given this a great deal of thought. Whether you choose me or not, you'll have to bond with someone. It's a matter of survival. I would rather not see you explode, for what it's worth.

[She hears that gets... unpleasant.]

Indeed. It would be an appalling way to make new friends.

[Jasper wrinkles his nose. Given the way he made new friends and lost old back home, he is hardly one to talk. He can almost taste the irony, really.

And the sourness of it shows. In his cold expression and his bitter voice; in his harsh manners and even harsher words.]

Better I be an unpleasant fellow who hardly creates a mess. Correct?

[That would be unfortunate.]

'Mess' has nothing to do with it. It's out of concern for your well-being.

[Whether he believes that or not, her attitude is straightforward and earnest, though the explanation is not so sentimental as it might have been. She's trying to play to her audience as best she can here, and their numerous encounters since their arrival have helped her to learn something about what he does and does not appreciate or respond to.]

I hope you'll at least consider it.

[The offer is out there and is met with silence. Jasper continues staring in the same cold manner, his eyes suspicious and untrusting. He wants to decline it. He wants nothing to do with people. All the possibilities that might emerge have him mildly curious but also cautious. This ceremony is unwelcome for its intrusion.

But it is necessary.]

That I am considering it is why you are sitting there.

[His voice is cold and fast; his reply coming swiftly on the end of hers. If he wasn't considering it, she'd be out on her ear.]

I hope you have another reason other than proposing out of concern.

[Ew. Friends. Get it off.]

Of course.

[She knows better than to cite sentiment as her primary reason when it comes to Jasper, after all, and she shifts ever so slightly in her seat without losing her composure, hands still carefully folded, fingers interlocked in her lap.]

It would be mutually beneficial. I do have another bond in place, so the need is not desperate— but in case something were to happen to my partner, I would do well to ensure my bases are covered. In addition, you and I both have military backgrounds.

[It may not seem like much to some, but there are many things only a fellow soldier can understand.]

To a degree, we understand one another. I respect you. I like the idea of a bondmate who can fend for themselves, who can hold their own in combat. We'll see no small amount of it here. This world is a dangerous place.

You hardly need tell me. It is plainly obvious to anyone with common sense and judgment.

[The cold expression on his face cracks and shatters at the edges. Thoughts of his "old friend" boiling underneath - bubbing and troubling him to the point he struggles to reclaim focus. He breathes so deeply and for so long that he thinks he might never speak again - until there are a number of threads leading back to her offer. All of them in need of being laid to rest.]

It is a pity it is not more dangerous to teach a lesson to those who would underestimate it.

[He clears his throat and stares aside a little. Must these conversations beat about the bush?]

[She waits for him to regain himself, allowing him to do so uninterrupted. Though she cannot say precisely what may be going through his head, something about their conversation has struck a chord, and she doesn't intend to press— at least not now.]

Dangerous enough for some, but I wouldn't wish ill on those who do make that mistake.

[She can only hope that they learn from it— one of the most glaring differences between the two of them, she supposes, because Jasper does not seem to have much interest in 'hope' while she herself wants to believe that people can pleasantly surprise her.

She inclines her head slightly, thoughtful, patient.]

You don't have to decide right this minute, but I do think you should make a decision sooner rather than later. [There isn't a lot of time to waste, after all.] If you decide that a bond between us would be beneficial to you, as well, then you know how to reach me. I think I know better than to overstay my welcome, in the meantime.

[She braces her hands against either arm of the chair she's seated in, pushing herself to her feet. He's not interested in a social call, and if she wants him to take this seriously, then she knows she can't impose on him for too long.]

I know that asking you to trust me might be a bit much, but I think we can help one another.

[Jasper sits quietly and listens attentively to every word spoken. His eyes close for a moment to better focus on the offer - and to consider the catches between the lines. His universe potentially changing from a private one to one where others are aware of his emotions and musings. There is nothing to stop the tongue from talking, after all. Never trust anyone to keep their silence.

Which is what he wants now. So when her hands press on the chair and lever her to her feet, he swallows his urge to sigh and relax and links his fingers together in his lap.]

Of course. Thank you for indulging me with your time.

[A short, sharp farewell. He has indulged her enough with his time.]

But unfortunately all good things must come to an end, or so they say. Ought I escort you out?

[Get out his house, Karin! :|]

Thank you for your hospitality.

[Or complete lack thereof, really, but he had let her in, and they had spoken at length about what she had come to talk about, and that was enough. She's learning about him in bits and pieces, and so far, she's learned that he's closed off and removed enough that even being allowed to sit for as long as she had was indeed an allowance, not a given.

She smiles politely, though there's genuine warmth behind it, careful as it may be.]

You don't need to trouble yourself, I can find my own way. You know how to reach me if you make a decision. Enjoy the cake.

[She'll carefully raise one hand in farewell before she turns to leave, heading out exactly the same way she'd come in, and within moments, he has his house entirely to himself once more.]

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( closed ) a friendly business proposition

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