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You said it because you think it might change something. I'm listening, Jasper, not judging.

Something was taken from you that defined you, that gave you power, it's okay if you are not over it.

I would want to be turned again if I were in your position.

Jasper, you don't have to get over it or blow it off like it isn't important. It is.

If we are just saying crazy things out loud, I would turn you again. If you asked. If Nathan would not leave me for doing so. If it was what you wanted I would give that to you.

Would Nathan really not want that for you if it is what you wanted? I am not like the vampires you know.

I suppose I can do that. Though I don't think you wanting to be turned is unreasonable.

[She nodded, looking past him for a long moment. Then cleared her throat to ask.] What mushy details?

I might tell you if I knew which part qualified as mushy.

I have never seen him smile so much so yes, I think that we are. Which is terrifying.

Important is one way to describe it. It is unlike anything I have ever had in a relationship before.

You are welcome to come by at any time. The door is always open. With security clearance, of course. I won't keep him from you, promise.

Of course. James will clear both of you for all facilities and the armory.

Jasper have you ever gotten close to using the marksmen to take him out? Has he ever gotten...loose?

Adrian. He is the one who brought the phone, yes?

He told me the same and I agreed. I will do what must be done. I was interested in what methods you may have used to contain him without killing him if he had gotten out.

We can save that for another time though.

He said we are an Alpha couple, it is not just him I may need to protect. They are a different breed from what I know. I want to learn.

I will see that it is arranged.

Even though you are no longer a vampire you are still considered part of their house?

As soon as I changed I was hunted by what I thought was my family. I had hoped I had what you have but didn't. I am glad to hear not all of us are so biased.

I can see why they would want you in such a position. You are a dark horse. Your demeanor might make someone think they can underestimate you but they can't.

That your first drink is free?

...Yes, I did.

Do you have time for a drink?

But I owe you for my nails.

One assumes you'll have more than one, then.

It's alright, I promise I'll make it up. What would you like?

I rarely have anything other then a dark red wine or whiskey. I would like it very much if you made me your favorite.

Oh, my favorites vary rather widely, but...I'll make you something I like.

[ Ganymede smiles as he takes a glass from under the bar, setting it aside for a moment as he reaches for a rosemary sprig and a slim matchbox; there's a neat little trick to lighting a match with only one hand, and he taps the box on the bartop to strike the match, and light the rosemary to catch the smoke under the glass set over top. It's a little bit of a show, yes, but he can still converse easily while doing it; the benefit of having been at this for a very long time indeed. The rest of the drink is simple, turning out golden-amber and smelling like rum, sherry, and ever-so-slightly bitter orange.

Pushing the drink over as the rosemary begins to burn out, he clears off the match end and twirls the metal shaker in his palm. ] I hope you like rum. And rosemary.

Coffee probably. I already did my, get fucked up booze and brawl round.

Come then, coffee it is.

Brawl?

[She was fascinated watching him make the drink. It was an experience and it smelled incredible. Selene smiled and leaned in, breathing in the scent.]

I have never had rum. But it smells incredible. Do I smell orange?

And I thought women had it bad going out to bars.

Are you too old or just old enough to know not to put up with bullshit any longer?

Well, rum is fermented sugarcane, so as alcohols go it is a bit sweet. But it doesn't taste sugary. [ He takes off the glass currently catching the smoke from the rosemary sprig, letting Selene breathe it in before she drinks. ]

You ought to, yes. The orange is in the bitters in this drink.

It is lovely. [She was impressed by the artistry and skill he put into the drink. In her long life she had not yet experienced such a thing. Which gave her hope. Hope that even though he had lived too long there was still more. Things that were new. Selene raised the glass and took a drink. Her eyes registered surprise.] Wow. That is...unlike anything I have tasted before.

That is a Rum and Smoke. Like a Negroni, but less sharp. Aged rum, Oloroso sherry, Gran Classico bitters, rosemary simple syrup.

And a little show for a pretty lady. [ He smiles and chuckles at her surprise and interest, always enjoying watching people who liked their drinks. ]

Benjamin...am I too bold in saying I think there is more to you then meets the eye?

Edited 2022-09-05 03:29 (UTC)

More to me? I certainly hope so, I'd like to think I have varied interests.

I bet you didn't know I like going to renaissance festivals. [ That isn't what she meant and he knows full well it isn't, but nothing about his smile and easy gestures as he cleans out the glass that had been catching the smoke gives that away so easily. ]

I did not know that. But you and I both know that is not what I mean.

Maybe you should tell me what you do mean, then.

Seems there is freedom to be found in not putting up with bullshit. And you appear to have gotten out of this brawl in good repair.

I cannot say for certain but you are more. Perhaps not entirely human. [After entering the sacred place and experiencing Var Dohr her perception of the world and people around her was different. Depending on the soul of a person she could feel them. Sense who they were. It was easier with her own kind. They were open books. With someone like Benjamin there was the sense that he was more.] I cannot perceive more then that.

Oh, no, I am entirely human. I bleed, I laugh, occasionally I get laid. If I'm lucky.

[ He's just not mortal anymore; it's been a long time since he was, and it's changed him. Enough time with the Twelve and no one is the same. Ganymede moves with an almost unnatural grace, the way old men who've been trained with weaponry move, just before they're too old to use it. But as to the more, he is very good at hiding that. Most people never know he is anything but a young twentysomething that has a gentle air of oddity about him. ]

I am sorry if I disappoint.

Interesting. Usually I am quite good at this.

I don't doubt you. Unfortunately what has made me different is...difficult to describe.

It always is. We get more complicated the longer we live.

I am indeed very complicated.

[ He reaches for a shot glass and a brightly yellow-gold liqueur, flicking his braid back over his shoulder. ] And yourself? There's something different about you as well.

I wouldn't know where to start. I have been many things. What I am now? I am still getting use to.

[She motioned to the yellow gold liquor.]

May I?

Edited 2022-09-06 00:40 (UTC)

[ He nods, and pours her a shot of the drink, sliding it over. ]

Cuarenta y Tres. It tastes...mostly of vanilla. Some cinnamon. Very different from the Rum and Smoke you have there.

Yes, that is true. I have someone coming this week to take a few precautions I would not normally employ but from what little I have read in Revelations seems a necessary step.

Jasper...I saw his memories. There are gaps. I know there is no one who will fill in those gaps for me but Nathan and he isn't ready. The precautions I wish to take I don't think will matter. They won't change anything. Only appease the fear I feel of the things I do not know.

CeCe is welcome to come prowl the area whenever you have time.

[She hands him a card with an address.]

While I would love to pretend the world will stop so I can be with Nathan that will never happen. There is still a job to do.

Besides, I would hate to smother him.

Knowing both of our histories I think he's been through worse and still going through it. I'll tell that insecure voice in my head that worries to be quiet.

[Selene looks excited by the prospect of working with CeCe.] You can teach me her commands? As long as I can keep her safe I would be thrilled to have her with me.

Thank you, Jasper. I'll be in touch. I should probably get back to smothering Nathan before the moon steals him away.

That is Spanish, yes? [She picked up the shot glass and raised it in salute.] To new friendships.

It is Spanish, yes; for forty-three, so named for the number of ingredients. Supposedly.

[ He raised his own glass in equal salute before knocking it back--possibly with greater ease than someone who looked as Ganymede did should have had. It went down like drinking sunlight, warm and clear and faceted, but uncomplicated. He liked that drink. ] Şerefe. Cheers.