RP between Degu and Rook
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Degu — 03/10/2021
When Jack's shift was finishing, Harpur's was only just starting. No doubt Bazil would be here soon to meet him but the office time he had before heading out onto the streets was his own. He passed the other night shifters as they stood around chatting, speaking with their captains, some of them off in side rooms getting changed out of their armor. Of course there were others eating in the dining hall, some having breakfast, some technically having dinner. The barracks were a strange and timeless place, especially for those who lived there as well.
Groups went quiet when Harpur passed by on the way to his office, others whispered or glanced nervously at him, others greeted him with salutes. Just another day and he needed some damn coffee.
Rook — 03/10/2021
Jack had been one of those who wanted his armor off first, cleaned and put in its usual resting place to wait for him on his next shift. After he changed from his boots to something simpler, he headed out of the side room and likely close to where Harpur was going.
Oblivious to the Captain, he waved to a group of those from his own squad, checked the time via pocketwatch and turned to head down the hall himself. He heard the whispers behind him, but seemed unconcerned for the moment. Finding something to 'eat' was the focus, though finding the time before sunrise was an issue.
Degu — 03/10/2021
Harpur stifled a yawn into the back of his hand and cracked his neck noisily. It almost made him miss Jack passing him by. He turned his head and narrowed his eyes at the back of Jack's head and thought back to his conversation with Aeson. Hmph, what was Jack up to?
"Private Jack." He grunted after him "I hope your hunts have been successful lately?" he said perhaps too friendly. He wouldn't try to keep the guy if he was set on getting out the door.
Anyone nearby who knew what Jack was might have even looked up with surprised blinks because the change in demeanor was just that jarring.
Rook — 03/10/2021
When his name was spoken, Jack paused mid-step and turned his attention to Harpur fully. It took him a moment to try to read this sudden change, but with everyone staring at them, he played his own card. Afterall, he made himself appear as nonchalant as he could to the rest.
"It's been alright, too many animals with offspring, so hunting has to come with a sort of pickiness. I got a couple things, sold them. Why? What's up?" He asked, as if curious, leading on with that charade. "Looking for something specific out there?"
Degu — 03/10/2021
Harpur tilted his head to regard Jack "I suppose it is coming in towards spring." not that it mattered so much when the area was warm so consistently but animals still had specific cycles regarding the daylight hours.
"No. But you should be....the super moon is coming. I'd advise you get yourself a calendar so you don't run into any unfortunate circumstances out there." he smiled too warmly, it almost sounded like a threat even if it wasn't presented as one. Perhaps it truly was simply just a warning. "You're new here, aren't you Jack? I expect you've never come face to face with an Aetheros-born werewolf, have you?"
Rook — 03/10/2021
"Indeed it is. Never been a fan of hunting baby animals, didn't even ate lamb....when I did it. Anyway." Jack waved a hand dismissively and he focused on the next topic, while he brushed a thumb against his bottom lip absentmindedly in thought. "Well, even if I am, lucky for me, I have a friend who knows the lore and such of this place."
The vampire said confidently, but reached out to rest a hand to Harpur's shoulder. "I have not, thankfully, but my time in the woods is very focused, usually short. Look at you, though, taking care of the little guy. I'm starting to wonder if I'm going to be the sign the rumors aren't true."
Degu — 03/10/2021
Harpur tensed as that hand came out for his shoulder, his smile faltering very quickly to make it only too obvious he didn't trust Jack. He didn't like vampires touching him, not at all.
He didn't reach for his weapon though, just tensed every visible muscle in his neck and face before forcing himself to relax and smile more tightly. "I take care of my-" ...privates. No you can't say that "-my own, that includes all guards." he stumbled at first to correct what had almost been a giggle-worthy fuck up.
A pause.
"...rumors, private?"
Rook — 03/10/2021
It wasn't hard to pick up Harpur's tension, even if the man tried to look proper and relaxed. The vampire winked, patted his shoulder and pulled away. "Well, that's nice. Makes me feel appreciated, you know. But, worry not, as I mentioned, my friend is very educated and knows his stuff."
Jack rested his arms at his sides, only to shrug. "Probably not something to talk about out here, I think, so many people watching. Perhaps another time?"
Degu — 03/10/2021
"Marcello?" he asked more quietly. Who else? after all, Marcello was faewatch and good at it too. No one would know the phases of the moon better than him, no doubt.
He frowned "No, now, if you have the time. My office?" he motioned towards the door not too far from here.
If Jack would follow him, he'd lead the man inside and shut the door behind him. If the vampire had been casting bait, Harpur had taken it easily...obviously he wanted to know what was being said about him. He sure hadn't heard any rumors circulating.
Rook — 03/10/2021
"No." Jack replied simply, but quietly. He was about to try leaving, but Harpur suggested going to his office. "Uh, sure. You're going to need to find me a place to sleep if you keep me when sunrise hits." He pointed out, as he followed him to the office.
Once in there, he'd gesture to a chair. "May I?" And if allowed, he'd sit. "Rumors of your racism isn't...new."
Degu — 03/10/2021
Harpur squinted in confusion, Oh, right. Vampires. He scrunched his nose up to himself as if to stomach his disgust.
"Go ahead. I'll make this quick."
He heard the rumors and then grunted "You could've said that out there" he'd wondered if there had been anything new, people had been giving him odd looks lately... ever since he'd started hearing them saying things they specifically denied saying.
He wasn't mad! damn it!
"Hmph. Wariness is more like it." he grumbled "I won't keep you, Private. Though...I wonder if you might reconsider transferring to my night team. Think about it, at least?"
Rook — 03/10/2021
"If you can, I'd appreciate it. It's quite a walk to my house." Jack figured he could cover up if he really needed to. "Could I? You got angry, real angry last time I did and I'm sure you want to look as nice as you were acting." He said as he leaned forward and pressed his fingers together. "Wariness towards...what?"
He asked, eyebrow raised. "Why do you want me exactly? What good is it to you?"
Degu — 03/10/2021
Harpur's jaw quirked to the side as he exercised a little restraint, taking a deep breath. He bit back any irritable jabs "I might have been too harsh." it wasn't entirely an apology but it came close.
"Towards the supernatural. I've faced more supernatural threats than the average citizen... of course I am going to be wary." again, not outright denial of prejudice.
"Well I think you could be a valuable addition to my night team. I only accept the best." he said, taking a different approach this time "I will admit, I have personal reasons. I care a great deal for the Grimani family and even more so the Aiolfi family. Perhaps I simply want a chance to get to know you better, hm?....perhaps a temporary basis would be more agreeable to you?"
Rook — 03/10/2021
"And we've dealt with no different from humans. All sides have it, but you see one and are ready to ruin it." Jack brushed a tooth against his bottom lip, while he tensed his fingers. "You are more than wary at this point, Captain."
At Harpur's new approach, he seemed unsure this time and was quiet a moment. Then came mention of the noble houses and the vampire straightened up, eyebrows raised. "Is that why? Tommaso?" He assumed so, because of mention of the Houses.
'We'll see. I'm not an open book, Captain."
Degu — 03/10/2021
Harpur's eyes narrowed, Jack certainly didn't know how to talk to his superiors but the captain had a goal in mind and just for now he bit back any punishment and decided to ignore the first part of what had been said altogether in order to keep the peace.
"Not just Tommaso, but yes." he rumbled and regarded Jack now out of the corner of his eye "And neither am I, private." he checked the little pendulum clock on his desk and hummed.
"You'd best get a move on, if you are to beat the sunrise. Consider it, at least."
Rook — 03/10/2021
"My friendship with Tommaso doesn't affect my job." Jack said, as he moved to stand and he'd press his fingers to the desk between them. "It is their choice, too, however. People shouldn't put themselves between that, imagine how they'd feel. How he'd feel." He sighed slowly, dragging his nails back as he moved his hand.
"What exactly are you hoping to learn about me, Captain Harpur?"
Jack asked suddenly, as if the curious thought just popped into his head. "Maybe if you indulge me, I will consider it even more. I can spend a day sleeping in the barracks here, take myself home after to tend to my needs before I work."
Degu — 03/10/2021
Harpur let out an exasperated sigh that heaved his shoulders and his chest in tandem. Jack really was pressing for more. "I am not seeking to put myself between you and anyone, private. I am simply seeking to get to know you better. Yes, I am worried and I worry for these families. There are rumors going around about you, you are worrying people, specifically their parents" he said more seriously now, not all of it was honest but the latter part certainly sold it.
He turned and put a hand down on the desk firmly, leaning forward "If you've nothing to hide, then there's no reason to evade me is there? You might even find the city center patrols more to your liking."
Rook — 03/10/2021
"Worried for what reason, Captain? I am doing my job as any of them." Jack went on, as if really wounded by any comment that one needed to be worried about him. "What are the rumors about me?" He'd move his hand to his chest, over the spot where his badge would normally rest and he'd grip at the fabric there.
"Perhaps I am not meant for this." The vampire half-closed his eyes, as he looked away. "I thought I did well enough, but this situation.." He said nothing of hiding, at first. "I don't know." He moved his hand, letting it drop to his side. "Perhaps a fellow guard shouldn't be of your concern anymore, Captain Harpur, when there are criminals out there that need your attention."
Degu — 03/11/2021
Harpur blinked as Jack fell into what could be perceived as a self pitying mood. "Uh-" he narrowed his eyes, first feeling that perhaps he'd been too harsh but then he felt angry. There had been times before he'd spoken to Jack and every time there was something that Harpur felt could have been manipulation or genuine, it teetered on that line and it was starting to get frustrating.
He huffed "Well that's up to you, isn't it, Private? You can proudly tell the long line of city center applicants that you snubbed the chance, can't you?" he huffed "Working for me isn't a punishment, private. And don't profess to tell me how to do the job i've been doing probably for longer than you've been-" alive? "...around. I concern myself with criminals daily."
He growled, buttons thoroughly pushed. He jabbed a finger towards the door "Just get out before you earn yourself a disciplinary for smart-arsery. Rest in the barracks if it's too dangerous for you out there. Just get out of my sight."
Rook — 03/11/2021
"Maybe it'd be good for them." Jack said, as if still thinking it over and he'd chew at his bottom lip. "I'll think about it, talk to Tommaso - get his opinion on the matter." When Harpur mentioned the bit about his length of employment, something in Jack's eyes changed for a quick moment and he smiled at him. "Yes, of course."
When Harpur dismissed him so aggressively, the vampire raised an eyebrow. "I have done nothing of the sort to receive that, Captain. I think that settles it, I am going to someone else about this. You are no longer doing this out of concern, but to treat me poorly and threaten me." He headed for the door, pausing just as he touched the doorknob.
"Unless, you give me reason not to."
Degu — 03/11/2021
Harpur grit his teeth, but that fell away as Jack turned back to him. He narrowed his eyes "Is that some kind of attempt at blackmail?" he growled, bristling visibly but the worry hidden behind his eyes was real.
de Ovando had already forced a partner on him that he didn't want, but what if there were still complaints? would he have a partner even in his private office hours? or perhaps worse.
He grit his teeth and worked his jaw "And what exactly is it you're looking to gain from this, Jack?"
Rook — 03/11/2021
"It is a way to ensure I can work without worrying about everyone else around me, I'm sure you can understand." Jack wouldn't outright confess to blackmail, especially since he doubted Harpur would see it as anything else.
He moved his hand again, stepping away from the door to ensure no one passing by heard anything. "It could be beneficial to both of us. You want me in your squad, and maybe I'll agree, but that and my compliant silence needs offers of your own in return."
Degu — 03/11/2021
"I'm listening..." he grumbled reluctantly, he seemed like he might throw caution to the wind at any moment and tell Jack to just go tell someone and have done with it, but yet he hadn't... he would hear this out.
"And what is it you want from me? What is it I would need to be silent about, exactly? you sound like you want me to look the other way .... if I didn't know any better I'd almost say it sounds premeditated."
Rook — 03/11/2021
"Oh, my apologies, my silence - not yours. I won't go to the Chief." Jack elaborated and he moved to sit back down, so he could lean forward. "You need not worry about keeping secrets about me, Captain. I've no plans to do anything that concerns the city and its lovely occupants."
Harpur asked what he wanted and the vampire looked thoughtful, as he brushed at his chin. "It's honestly something I've just come up with. I want to do my job, you want to avoid issues, I assume. I need this citizenship, and I don't want to have to be stressed while I'm working. I am unsure what you could offer me, though.."
Degu — 03/11/2021
Harpur slowly sat down at his desk "I'm not trying to cause you any problems, Jack. Just trying to get you on my squad. If you're that stressed out about it I won't ask again, simply." he started moving paperwork around on his desk as if preparing himself for work.
"The offer was a position on my squad in city center, it comes with slightly higher rates of pay. If you see that as more of a punishment than a reward then I have nothing more to offer you, private, and you shall not be 'bothered' again. You are dismissed."
Rook — 03/11/2021
"I'm talking about you and your personal agenda." Jack said, though he thought to himself - simply because Harpur didn't come forward with anything. "I want a higher rank then, to go with the increased pay. You will get to learn more about me to your...heart's content."
He offered and held his hands forward, looking to the papers. "Since, I guess, you have nothing that truly benefits me otherwise. Does that work at all?"
Degu — 03/11/2021
Harpur's steely blue eyes narrowed up at Jack from his desk. The answer on his face was a resounding 'No way. Get lost' but something else seemed to catch in his mind and he huffed and looked away.
He spent perhaps too long in a mental battle with himself. Something was stopping him from outright saying no.
"A promotion would skip you straight to a full citizenship." he said a tad suspiciously, trailing off.
Could he forgive himself if this man took the kids off into the woods and killed them, though? if he turned Jack away now.
He cursed under his breath and ran a hand through his hair.
But what if all this was just a paranoid delusion? what if he and Aeson were just being too protective and then Harpur ended up with this manipulative, difficult vampire on his squad?
To say he was torn was to put it lightly.
"I need to think about it." he said and rose up from his seat.
Rook — 03/11/2021
"I know." Jack replied with a nod, and he pressed his hands to the desk. "But, I would ensure I would work and continue to work for that position. It would still be on your squad, too." No slacking afterwards.
He had noted the look he got, but didn't say anything on it. On Harpur's decision, while not an agreement, he held out his hand. "I look forward to hearing your decision in the end, Captain Harpur."
If he shook his hand, Jack would likely pry into his mind and pulled away to head for the door. "I will be in one of the solo quarters."
Degu — 03/11/2021
Harpur reached out to shake Jack's hand very tentatively, it was just a polite gesture even if he wasn't feeling like being very polite.
The vampire's mind would be flooded with Harpur's previous thoughts and a swarm of fears and prejudice. He didn't trust Jack because he was a vampire. He feared what he was planning to do with the Grimani and Aiolfi family, genuinely in his heart believing that the vampire had some plot to lure away the children and harm or change them.
He was remembering Pierro, thinking about Sandro and his current state of ill health. About how he needed to protect the family from more heartache, how he loved them and how he cared for the Grimani family too. Jack was weaseling his way into the lives of both and Aeson was worried too. The captain also felt a lot of pressure over it all, pressure to find out for Aeson and Sandro what exactly Jack had planned and whether he was safe to be around the kids.
Harpur was also pretty damn sure Jack was manipulating him, he was resentful and pretty eager to see the back of him, he didn't really want him on his squad at all.
Once they got to the door he held it open and grunted "Alright." no farewell, he just shut the door behind Jack and went to sink into his seat at his desk and smoke heavily to calm down before Bazil got there.
Rook — 03/11/2021
Jack's expression remained the same, even as those paranoid thoughts filled his mind and he headed for the door, since he wanted to come off as if done with that meeting. "Good day." And once he was outside, he paused next to the door and took out a pocket watch with the intention of getting the last bit of anything revolved around him.
The image of Pierro was useful, should such an open memory pop up. Sandro's health, too, but that'd be a consideration for much later. When he seemed good with the hour, he headed for the quarters and spoke to one of his fellow guards along the way.
Much to their disbelief, Jack would mention only good things coming out of the talk.
When Jack's shift was finishing, Harpur's was only just starting. No doubt Bazil would be here soon to meet him but the office time he had before heading out onto the streets was his own. He passed the other night shifters as they stood around chatting, speaking with their captains, some of them off in side rooms getting changed out of their armor. Of course there were others eating in the dining hall, some having breakfast, some technically having dinner. The barracks were a strange and timeless place, especially for those who lived there as well.
Groups went quiet when Harpur passed by on the way to his office, others whispered or glanced nervously at him, others greeted him with salutes. Just another day and he needed some damn coffee.
Rook — 03/10/2021
Jack had been one of those who wanted his armor off first, cleaned and put in its usual resting place to wait for him on his next shift. After he changed from his boots to something simpler, he headed out of the side room and likely close to where Harpur was going.
Oblivious to the Captain, he waved to a group of those from his own squad, checked the time via pocketwatch and turned to head down the hall himself. He heard the whispers behind him, but seemed unconcerned for the moment. Finding something to 'eat' was the focus, though finding the time before sunrise was an issue.
Degu — 03/10/2021
Harpur stifled a yawn into the back of his hand and cracked his neck noisily. It almost made him miss Jack passing him by. He turned his head and narrowed his eyes at the back of Jack's head and thought back to his conversation with Aeson. Hmph, what was Jack up to?
"Private Jack." He grunted after him "I hope your hunts have been successful lately?" he said perhaps too friendly. He wouldn't try to keep the guy if he was set on getting out the door.
Anyone nearby who knew what Jack was might have even looked up with surprised blinks because the change in demeanor was just that jarring.
Rook — 03/10/2021
When his name was spoken, Jack paused mid-step and turned his attention to Harpur fully. It took him a moment to try to read this sudden change, but with everyone staring at them, he played his own card. Afterall, he made himself appear as nonchalant as he could to the rest.
"It's been alright, too many animals with offspring, so hunting has to come with a sort of pickiness. I got a couple things, sold them. Why? What's up?" He asked, as if curious, leading on with that charade. "Looking for something specific out there?"
Degu — 03/10/2021
Harpur tilted his head to regard Jack "I suppose it is coming in towards spring." not that it mattered so much when the area was warm so consistently but animals still had specific cycles regarding the daylight hours.
"No. But you should be....the super moon is coming. I'd advise you get yourself a calendar so you don't run into any unfortunate circumstances out there." he smiled too warmly, it almost sounded like a threat even if it wasn't presented as one. Perhaps it truly was simply just a warning. "You're new here, aren't you Jack? I expect you've never come face to face with an Aetheros-born werewolf, have you?"
Rook — 03/10/2021
"Indeed it is. Never been a fan of hunting baby animals, didn't even ate lamb....when I did it. Anyway." Jack waved a hand dismissively and he focused on the next topic, while he brushed a thumb against his bottom lip absentmindedly in thought. "Well, even if I am, lucky for me, I have a friend who knows the lore and such of this place."
The vampire said confidently, but reached out to rest a hand to Harpur's shoulder. "I have not, thankfully, but my time in the woods is very focused, usually short. Look at you, though, taking care of the little guy. I'm starting to wonder if I'm going to be the sign the rumors aren't true."
Degu — 03/10/2021
Harpur tensed as that hand came out for his shoulder, his smile faltering very quickly to make it only too obvious he didn't trust Jack. He didn't like vampires touching him, not at all.
He didn't reach for his weapon though, just tensed every visible muscle in his neck and face before forcing himself to relax and smile more tightly. "I take care of my-" ...privates. No you can't say that "-my own, that includes all guards." he stumbled at first to correct what had almost been a giggle-worthy fuck up.
A pause.
"...rumors, private?"
Rook — 03/10/2021
It wasn't hard to pick up Harpur's tension, even if the man tried to look proper and relaxed. The vampire winked, patted his shoulder and pulled away. "Well, that's nice. Makes me feel appreciated, you know. But, worry not, as I mentioned, my friend is very educated and knows his stuff."
Jack rested his arms at his sides, only to shrug. "Probably not something to talk about out here, I think, so many people watching. Perhaps another time?"
Degu — 03/10/2021
"Marcello?" he asked more quietly. Who else? after all, Marcello was faewatch and good at it too. No one would know the phases of the moon better than him, no doubt.
He frowned "No, now, if you have the time. My office?" he motioned towards the door not too far from here.
If Jack would follow him, he'd lead the man inside and shut the door behind him. If the vampire had been casting bait, Harpur had taken it easily...obviously he wanted to know what was being said about him. He sure hadn't heard any rumors circulating.
Rook — 03/10/2021
"No." Jack replied simply, but quietly. He was about to try leaving, but Harpur suggested going to his office. "Uh, sure. You're going to need to find me a place to sleep if you keep me when sunrise hits." He pointed out, as he followed him to the office.
Once in there, he'd gesture to a chair. "May I?" And if allowed, he'd sit. "Rumors of your racism isn't...new."
Degu — 03/10/2021
Harpur squinted in confusion, Oh, right. Vampires. He scrunched his nose up to himself as if to stomach his disgust.
"Go ahead. I'll make this quick."
He heard the rumors and then grunted "You could've said that out there" he'd wondered if there had been anything new, people had been giving him odd looks lately... ever since he'd started hearing them saying things they specifically denied saying.
He wasn't mad! damn it!
"Hmph. Wariness is more like it." he grumbled "I won't keep you, Private. Though...I wonder if you might reconsider transferring to my night team. Think about it, at least?"
Rook — 03/10/2021
"If you can, I'd appreciate it. It's quite a walk to my house." Jack figured he could cover up if he really needed to. "Could I? You got angry, real angry last time I did and I'm sure you want to look as nice as you were acting." He said as he leaned forward and pressed his fingers together. "Wariness towards...what?"
He asked, eyebrow raised. "Why do you want me exactly? What good is it to you?"
Degu — 03/10/2021
Harpur's jaw quirked to the side as he exercised a little restraint, taking a deep breath. He bit back any irritable jabs "I might have been too harsh." it wasn't entirely an apology but it came close.
"Towards the supernatural. I've faced more supernatural threats than the average citizen... of course I am going to be wary." again, not outright denial of prejudice.
"Well I think you could be a valuable addition to my night team. I only accept the best." he said, taking a different approach this time "I will admit, I have personal reasons. I care a great deal for the Grimani family and even more so the Aiolfi family. Perhaps I simply want a chance to get to know you better, hm?....perhaps a temporary basis would be more agreeable to you?"
Rook — 03/10/2021
"And we've dealt with no different from humans. All sides have it, but you see one and are ready to ruin it." Jack brushed a tooth against his bottom lip, while he tensed his fingers. "You are more than wary at this point, Captain."
At Harpur's new approach, he seemed unsure this time and was quiet a moment. Then came mention of the noble houses and the vampire straightened up, eyebrows raised. "Is that why? Tommaso?" He assumed so, because of mention of the Houses.
'We'll see. I'm not an open book, Captain."
Degu — 03/10/2021
Harpur's eyes narrowed, Jack certainly didn't know how to talk to his superiors but the captain had a goal in mind and just for now he bit back any punishment and decided to ignore the first part of what had been said altogether in order to keep the peace.
"Not just Tommaso, but yes." he rumbled and regarded Jack now out of the corner of his eye "And neither am I, private." he checked the little pendulum clock on his desk and hummed.
"You'd best get a move on, if you are to beat the sunrise. Consider it, at least."
Rook — 03/10/2021
"My friendship with Tommaso doesn't affect my job." Jack said, as he moved to stand and he'd press his fingers to the desk between them. "It is their choice, too, however. People shouldn't put themselves between that, imagine how they'd feel. How he'd feel." He sighed slowly, dragging his nails back as he moved his hand.
"What exactly are you hoping to learn about me, Captain Harpur?"
Jack asked suddenly, as if the curious thought just popped into his head. "Maybe if you indulge me, I will consider it even more. I can spend a day sleeping in the barracks here, take myself home after to tend to my needs before I work."
Degu — 03/10/2021
Harpur let out an exasperated sigh that heaved his shoulders and his chest in tandem. Jack really was pressing for more. "I am not seeking to put myself between you and anyone, private. I am simply seeking to get to know you better. Yes, I am worried and I worry for these families. There are rumors going around about you, you are worrying people, specifically their parents" he said more seriously now, not all of it was honest but the latter part certainly sold it.
He turned and put a hand down on the desk firmly, leaning forward "If you've nothing to hide, then there's no reason to evade me is there? You might even find the city center patrols more to your liking."
Rook — 03/10/2021
"Worried for what reason, Captain? I am doing my job as any of them." Jack went on, as if really wounded by any comment that one needed to be worried about him. "What are the rumors about me?" He'd move his hand to his chest, over the spot where his badge would normally rest and he'd grip at the fabric there.
"Perhaps I am not meant for this." The vampire half-closed his eyes, as he looked away. "I thought I did well enough, but this situation.." He said nothing of hiding, at first. "I don't know." He moved his hand, letting it drop to his side. "Perhaps a fellow guard shouldn't be of your concern anymore, Captain Harpur, when there are criminals out there that need your attention."
Degu — 03/11/2021
Harpur blinked as Jack fell into what could be perceived as a self pitying mood. "Uh-" he narrowed his eyes, first feeling that perhaps he'd been too harsh but then he felt angry. There had been times before he'd spoken to Jack and every time there was something that Harpur felt could have been manipulation or genuine, it teetered on that line and it was starting to get frustrating.
He huffed "Well that's up to you, isn't it, Private? You can proudly tell the long line of city center applicants that you snubbed the chance, can't you?" he huffed "Working for me isn't a punishment, private. And don't profess to tell me how to do the job i've been doing probably for longer than you've been-" alive? "...around. I concern myself with criminals daily."
He growled, buttons thoroughly pushed. He jabbed a finger towards the door "Just get out before you earn yourself a disciplinary for smart-arsery. Rest in the barracks if it's too dangerous for you out there. Just get out of my sight."
Rook — 03/11/2021
"Maybe it'd be good for them." Jack said, as if still thinking it over and he'd chew at his bottom lip. "I'll think about it, talk to Tommaso - get his opinion on the matter." When Harpur mentioned the bit about his length of employment, something in Jack's eyes changed for a quick moment and he smiled at him. "Yes, of course."
When Harpur dismissed him so aggressively, the vampire raised an eyebrow. "I have done nothing of the sort to receive that, Captain. I think that settles it, I am going to someone else about this. You are no longer doing this out of concern, but to treat me poorly and threaten me." He headed for the door, pausing just as he touched the doorknob.
"Unless, you give me reason not to."
Degu — 03/11/2021
Harpur grit his teeth, but that fell away as Jack turned back to him. He narrowed his eyes "Is that some kind of attempt at blackmail?" he growled, bristling visibly but the worry hidden behind his eyes was real.
de Ovando had already forced a partner on him that he didn't want, but what if there were still complaints? would he have a partner even in his private office hours? or perhaps worse.
He grit his teeth and worked his jaw "And what exactly is it you're looking to gain from this, Jack?"
Rook — 03/11/2021
"It is a way to ensure I can work without worrying about everyone else around me, I'm sure you can understand." Jack wouldn't outright confess to blackmail, especially since he doubted Harpur would see it as anything else.
He moved his hand again, stepping away from the door to ensure no one passing by heard anything. "It could be beneficial to both of us. You want me in your squad, and maybe I'll agree, but that and my compliant silence needs offers of your own in return."
Degu — 03/11/2021
"I'm listening..." he grumbled reluctantly, he seemed like he might throw caution to the wind at any moment and tell Jack to just go tell someone and have done with it, but yet he hadn't... he would hear this out.
"And what is it you want from me? What is it I would need to be silent about, exactly? you sound like you want me to look the other way .... if I didn't know any better I'd almost say it sounds premeditated."
Rook — 03/11/2021
"Oh, my apologies, my silence - not yours. I won't go to the Chief." Jack elaborated and he moved to sit back down, so he could lean forward. "You need not worry about keeping secrets about me, Captain. I've no plans to do anything that concerns the city and its lovely occupants."
Harpur asked what he wanted and the vampire looked thoughtful, as he brushed at his chin. "It's honestly something I've just come up with. I want to do my job, you want to avoid issues, I assume. I need this citizenship, and I don't want to have to be stressed while I'm working. I am unsure what you could offer me, though.."
Degu — 03/11/2021
Harpur slowly sat down at his desk "I'm not trying to cause you any problems, Jack. Just trying to get you on my squad. If you're that stressed out about it I won't ask again, simply." he started moving paperwork around on his desk as if preparing himself for work.
"The offer was a position on my squad in city center, it comes with slightly higher rates of pay. If you see that as more of a punishment than a reward then I have nothing more to offer you, private, and you shall not be 'bothered' again. You are dismissed."
Rook — 03/11/2021
"I'm talking about you and your personal agenda." Jack said, though he thought to himself - simply because Harpur didn't come forward with anything. "I want a higher rank then, to go with the increased pay. You will get to learn more about me to your...heart's content."
He offered and held his hands forward, looking to the papers. "Since, I guess, you have nothing that truly benefits me otherwise. Does that work at all?"
Degu — 03/11/2021
Harpur's steely blue eyes narrowed up at Jack from his desk. The answer on his face was a resounding 'No way. Get lost' but something else seemed to catch in his mind and he huffed and looked away.
He spent perhaps too long in a mental battle with himself. Something was stopping him from outright saying no.
"A promotion would skip you straight to a full citizenship." he said a tad suspiciously, trailing off.
Could he forgive himself if this man took the kids off into the woods and killed them, though? if he turned Jack away now.
He cursed under his breath and ran a hand through his hair.
But what if all this was just a paranoid delusion? what if he and Aeson were just being too protective and then Harpur ended up with this manipulative, difficult vampire on his squad?
To say he was torn was to put it lightly.
"I need to think about it." he said and rose up from his seat.
Rook — 03/11/2021
"I know." Jack replied with a nod, and he pressed his hands to the desk. "But, I would ensure I would work and continue to work for that position. It would still be on your squad, too." No slacking afterwards.
He had noted the look he got, but didn't say anything on it. On Harpur's decision, while not an agreement, he held out his hand. "I look forward to hearing your decision in the end, Captain Harpur."
If he shook his hand, Jack would likely pry into his mind and pulled away to head for the door. "I will be in one of the solo quarters."
Degu — 03/11/2021
Harpur reached out to shake Jack's hand very tentatively, it was just a polite gesture even if he wasn't feeling like being very polite.
The vampire's mind would be flooded with Harpur's previous thoughts and a swarm of fears and prejudice. He didn't trust Jack because he was a vampire. He feared what he was planning to do with the Grimani and Aiolfi family, genuinely in his heart believing that the vampire had some plot to lure away the children and harm or change them.
He was remembering Pierro, thinking about Sandro and his current state of ill health. About how he needed to protect the family from more heartache, how he loved them and how he cared for the Grimani family too. Jack was weaseling his way into the lives of both and Aeson was worried too. The captain also felt a lot of pressure over it all, pressure to find out for Aeson and Sandro what exactly Jack had planned and whether he was safe to be around the kids.
Harpur was also pretty damn sure Jack was manipulating him, he was resentful and pretty eager to see the back of him, he didn't really want him on his squad at all.
Once they got to the door he held it open and grunted "Alright." no farewell, he just shut the door behind Jack and went to sink into his seat at his desk and smoke heavily to calm down before Bazil got there.
Rook — 03/11/2021
Jack's expression remained the same, even as those paranoid thoughts filled his mind and he headed for the door, since he wanted to come off as if done with that meeting. "Good day." And once he was outside, he paused next to the door and took out a pocket watch with the intention of getting the last bit of anything revolved around him.
The image of Pierro was useful, should such an open memory pop up. Sandro's health, too, but that'd be a consideration for much later. When he seemed good with the hour, he headed for the quarters and spoke to one of his fellow guards along the way.
Much to their disbelief, Jack would mention only good things coming out of the talk.
