(2105) Jack's Orbit

[Jacque]

The Lord stood waiting for the savage's choice. Would he come or would he ignore the request instruction?

[JC Smith]

Continued from (2105) The Mehket Corner...

Once the Prince left the Mehket, effectively dismissing him, JC responded to Jack's summons. Straight armed, pointing. Yeah, definitely angry. JC's mind jump to two easy answers as to why but kept his mind open to other options. This was after all, the guy that had found insult between a nod and a hello.

"Seneschal Jack," he greeted the handsome man. Mask still wasn't enough to make JC not want to punch him in that face. Tense, relax.

[Jacque]

Jacque watched over as the events unfolded, and his eyes traced JC's movements as he quickly resigned himself to exiting the Mehkets' business. With his approach, the stiffness in Jacque's stoic posture relaxed, curling his fingers up to close his hand and folding that arm behind his back. Whatever the Savage felt about being plucked from the other conversation didn't matter to Jack. He knew when to pause and listen, and that was more than enough insight for the Lord's purposes.

It wasn't soon after JC approached Jack that Quinn removed her troublemakers and returned by herself. There was significant wisdom in her choice of handling, but it didn't change the fact that unlike some of her other stunts- this new display did not appear to be premeditated. How she'd handle the matter would simply have to remain an itch unscratched for the evening. He turned to greet his guest, "Mister Smith," he repeated, the tone no longer seeking to draw JC's attention. "I'll try to keep this brief since things are winding down tonight." A smile accompanied the words, "It has been quite some time since our first conversation on the topic of mettle..." he paused, giving the Savage a chance to think back. Perhaps he remembered and perhaps he didn't, "It seems you have your fair share of it, and it sounds like you're looking to be around for the long haul." Requesting tenancy, personal sacrifice- all amicable behaviors to an extent. "I wanted to give you notice that you'll be receiving an invitation to meet in the near future. Since we don't know each other very well, I figured I could spare you some anxiety that can come from a cold-called request."

The Lord's eyes rested on JC to check for understanding and field any questions he might have.

[JC Smith]

Though he didn't turn away, JC heard Quinn return, the solo confidence of her steps letting him know that her clan did not come back with her. Though distance and direction also told him, she was not making her way over to them. Again, he couldn't fault her with all the drama she'd just had to endure.

And though JC kept his face neutral, to his surprise apparently so had Jack. Maybe it was putting off the lecture till later, but given the compliment on mettle (and having seen before the Seneschal had no problem giving correction previously)... it left JC a little confused. And more than a little suspicious.

"That's very considerate of you Seneschal," he said with more honesty than the Ventrue probably knew, given how anxiety did tend to get the better of the Gangrel sometimes. "Are there any topics you'd like me to be prepared to discuss?" If this wasn't going to be a cold-call, might as well try and take advantage of the time and think ahead. And see if he could get a clearer picture of what Jack wanted and felt now.

[Jacque]

"Your perspectives," he replied. Knowing the response was very open-ended, he added, "Whatever you might find important for me to know about happenings in the Domains, and your own plans for establishing roots here." His lips pulled into a grin before punctuating the response, "Whatever you might feel is important for me to know about you."

[JC Smith]

Even without the mask of tranquility, it was easy for JC to see the smile as some sort of threat. Though it was mostly through the knowledge that the Seneschal was Kindred and could add fangs to his brilliant grin at any second. God, he wanted to slap the grin off his gorgeous face.

The smile JC so carefully returned was small, measured, and did not bare any teeth.

“I’ll await you invitation and until then, consider those topics.”

Flex, relax. Stop hating the guy and look at this rationally. You aren’t being chewed out in public and he’s asked for your perspective. Publicly asked. Acted like it!

“Thank you for giving me this honor,” he said, hiding the internal struggle he felt at saying those words.

[Jacque]

Jacque nodded at his response, satisfied that the foundation for a productive meeting had been set, "Enjoy the rest of your evening Mister Smith."

With that, Jacque paid final respects to Alessandra, Twist, Jennifer and finally Mister Kowalsic before heading back up the stairs and into the night.

Leaving the scene open in case you wanted to narrate a returning to the main thread. Jacque exits court.