You mean the man who signs my checks, who ensures my mind does not go to waste on some Dominant who simply desires a pretty face? I think he will surely not mind so long as I am returned as safely as I left.
Should I expect any particular danger to that arrangement? I assured him you were a gentlemen of taste.
Danger isn't the word I'd use, but you were the one who gave you assurances before even making first contact so in that sense the responsibility of anything going array surely lies with you, not me.
But as far as I'm concerned I only want to know that I'm not going to have to deal with the ruffled feathers of a disgruntled Dominant not keeping track of their property. That's not the kind of interpersonal petty drama I want to get caught up in. But you've established that you're free to chase after what you want and are willing to take the risks to get it then who am I to feign disinterest.
I assure you no such drama will fall to your doorstep on my account. That assured and aside, should I expect you at the train station or shall I be seeing myself to our meeting, dear doctor?
Your Dominant must need to get up especially early each morning to keep up with one like you. Either he's sharper than you are, or you run rings around him. Whichever it is, I honest can't tell who I envy more right now, you or him.
I'd be remiss if I weren't to meet you at the station. Check points are getting stricter and stricter these days and I'd hate to see you caught up by petty red tape.
[Essek doesn't respond again, but he is waiting at the station, not a hair or piece of opulent jewelry out of place. He's well-used to being treated like a gem and it shows. Most don't do more than glance at him and the one or two who bother making remarks or calling to him are met with a cold indifference and a raised chin. Diminutive though his stature may be, he was well above those he chose to be.
Stephen, however, is met with an honest smile and a slight bow of Essek's head in greeting.]
[Of all the things that Stephen is, he is a man of his word. Granted, he picks his words carefully to ensure that's the case, but it means that he is absolutely where he says he'll be exactly when he says he'll be there.
He's differently well-put togther than Essek, but no less so--all sharp lines of a well-tailored suit that shows off every inch of his status as a Dominant with every move he makes. And the moves take him directly toward the Submissive waiting for him, lips tugging upward into a slow, very pleased smile.]
You shouldn't say that, it's the kind of thing that would make me want to push my luck and see just how long a wait I'm really worth.
[Then, he offers an arm rather than a hand, it is supposed to be 'less business-formal environ,' after all.]
But rather than test the limits of the theory, shall we get going?
[It's offered with only a hint of cheek and temptation. There were many...uses to be found in playing with certain kinds of waiting games. For now, he takes Strange's arm, a small appreciative but polite glance given over his form before falling into step with him.
It was rude to discuss business before dinner and unseemly to allow anything more than the very light flirtation and flattery he'd offered while still in such mixed company of the city streets, so Essek kept conversation light. Asking after Stephen's work and his recent interests and only speaking very vaguely on his own research that had lead him to crossing paths with the good doctor again. It served it's purpose to pass the time nicely until they got to their destination. Where, of course, he remained primly either on Stephen's arm or at his heel as necessary until they were sequestered away in their corner. Only then did the more playful tilt return to the edge of his smile.]
I must admit, it is...refreshing to find a man so in-tune with his appearance and that appearance which others perceive. Especially to find it in a man who is willing to take such well measured steps to a more courtly dance than can often be found in our time. I said you were a gentleman and you are proving me right in the ways that matter. In short, I am impressed and, though the night is young, I am already appreciative of your company.
[A dance indeed, verbal though it may be, it was the sort of dancing Essek enjoyed. Like a mental and social puzzle to navigate. A promising partner in such a thing was refreshing.]
[For this version of Stephen Strange, there are some things he very much takes for granted given his standing in Duplicity.
He takes it as given that he will be able to go effectively anywhere he wants, whenever he wants, and with whomever he wants; the latter of those points only really has limits when it comes to people whose throats are as clear as his own.
He also takes for granted that a Submissive's place is exactly where he tells them to be and expects them to defer to him entirely. After all, it's just his birthright and the way of things. That doesn't mean he needs to be cruel or unpleasant on principle, of course, but it is what he expects.
And in many respects, Essek both seems to understand his role perfectly well in all the right places, and then at the most strategic points can unveil the impression of something transgressive. And for Stephen, it's a difficult line to walk and yet when done right is one of the most enticing things imaginable.
Folding his long fingers together, he regards Essek with a steady, focused stare as he speaks, amused and intrigued by his read of things before giving a low, throaty chuckle.]
I find there's a tendency and an ease with which we can fall over ourselves to grasp onto the crass, as it were. Not that I'm opposed to it, don't get me wrong, but it's as you say--it's a little harder to find something more drawn out and appreciative of some of the finer details. Rather than complain about what's lacking though, I'd rather create it for myself. [He leans in slightly, not too close, just enough to show interest without crowding.] So I have a sneaking feeling we'll both be remembering this night for quite some time to come.
But not all Submissives would be nearly as forward as you have been and I could have very easily sent you packing. What made you bold enough to take the risk with me that you did? Surely not my professional reputation alone--I get very mixed reviews depending on who you speak to.
[Essek leans in a bit as well, his fingers coming to rest under his chin as he considers the very fair question, though the lingering in his thought is, to a degree, performative. He rarely made an unmeasured move, even now with his memories full of a life knowing his place in this world, knowing he would serve and care for his betters. He never once took that to mean being stepped on in the process. A good life could be had, if only with a bit of care and patience.]
You could have, it's true. I could have been very wrong and you'd have been in your right to respond in kind. However, I...pride myself in my observational abilities. My intuition is often a guiding factor and I have learned there are times to be cautious and times to be bold and those instances can switch with each other at a moment's notice.
Simply put: I took into consideration all reputations I could find, mixed or otherwise, noted to had...occasion to be kind, but more than that seemed to like a level of intrigue and suspense and thought perhaps you might enjoy a-hm...particular kind of attention. The kind, perhaps, that is paid in full to you, but not so far as to simply make things easy.
[His head tilts slightly and his smile grows into something almost sweet were it not for the watchfulness in Essek's eyes.] Was I mistaken in any of that?
[In so many ways, Stephen is a model Duplicity citizen. He participates in all the activities expected of him with all the types of people he's expected to do them with, he keeps his head high to show the bare throat he's been given, and he embraces all the specialised work and extracurricular endeavours of a high-flying Dominant working in Duplicity's sex-tech industry.
And then there are the things that tempt Stephen, a taste for the transgressive.
Because he knows about his temptations, Stephen has an excellent poker face, the one he wears across the table from Essek as he speaks through his reasoning, how he came to measure up the pros and cons of the risks and ultimately pegged Stephen as someone worth taking the gamble with on the one hand, but also clearly confident enough with the odds to feel very safe making it at all.
But even Stephen's poker face has limits when presented with something he is genuinely enticed by as his lips slide into a slow smile.]
No, not mistaken at all. Which is probably for the best since we both know there are a lot of Dominants who would relish thoroughly putting you in your place just for this.
[It isn't lost on Stephen that Essek has managed to put him in a pretty unique position where having gauged things entirely correctly means he's got some pretty solid leverage on Stephen socially speaking, if he felt inclined. And he's done it so effortlessly. Damn. Stephen really should feel far more nervous than he is and instead find himself entirely intrigued and impressed as his fingers tap against one another in thought.]
You're not wrong at all. Which makes you more than a little dangerous. [He points his two forefingers toward Essek from the steeple of his hands.] But if you know all this, you know that too. Which has me wondering if you do this often, or if I should consider myself special.
[His lips quirk up at the mention of dominants 'putting him in his place' of course there were, and were he ever caught flatfooted, they'd be in their right. Which was why he did his best not to be caught in a position he couldn't handle. He doesn't say I'd like to see them try, but the thought is there and gone in seconds.
He folds his hands before him in an almost demure act.] Watching your mind at work is lovely, doctor. Do I often watch and learn and file away information on others so that I might know where to step around or near them in social situations? It would be...foolish not to. Do I take an active interest in any of those who fall in my attentions? Not so nearly often as you may think. I may be dangerous, but the fact you've not yet called for anyone to remove me from you, nor taken your leave to smear my reputation, means you might just find that danger appealing. That is also interesting information and not unappreciated.
[If this Stephen knew the reference Danger, Will Robinson, that would be flashing through his head right about now and he wouldn't even care.
Because it's not only true, Essek is proving Stephen's instincts to be increasingly correct. And worst--or best--of all, Essek clearly understands all the implications and can pluck out the treads of meaning with such skill that he's probably weaving a rope together with all of them. And Stephen wouldn't even mind if he gets lassoed with that rope. Maybe it's already happened.]
How do you know I'm not just waiting for you to say something more incriminating still? Something indisputable if I were to call some SIN guards over before contacting the city authorities and your Dominant?
[There's a wicked little smile just at the edges of his lips, though not at the actual thought of doing any of that in reality. It's the anticipation of hearing what Essek has to say, the prospect of getting to see more of his mind at work, because as flattering as it is to hear that his own mental processing is pleasing, the sensation from across the table is evidently mutually shared for Stephen.]
[That falsely demure act splinters with the curve of Essek's smile. A delicate turn that couldn't possibly be a smirk because that just wouldn't be proper.]
My dear doctor...to play such a game, you must no the rules or fall to them. What could I say that would be so incriminating? I am certain that no such thing could fall to this table. I like to think I...have more care than that.
[His head tilts, the jewelry along his ear jingling with the movement.] A care that I may artfully apply when and where I so choose, of course. A counter-question, then. What, do you think, is to stop you from simply making something up and doing as you wish? I have put myself in a vulnerable position with you, you would be within your power to walk away with very little evidence to whatever words you offered. Perhaps you are no less dangerous yourself.
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no subject
Should I expect any particular danger to that arrangement? I assured him you were a gentlemen of taste.
no subject
But as far as I'm concerned I only want to know that I'm not going to have to deal with the ruffled feathers of a disgruntled Dominant not keeping track of their property. That's not the kind of interpersonal petty drama I want to get caught up in. But you've established that you're free to chase after what you want and are willing to take the risks to get it then who am I to feign disinterest.
no subject
I assure you no such drama will fall to your doorstep on my account. That assured and aside, should I expect you at the train station or shall I be seeing myself to our meeting, dear doctor?
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I'd be remiss if I weren't to meet you at the station. Check points are getting stricter and stricter these days and I'd hate to see you caught up by petty red tape.
no subject
I'll meet you there, then. And for the record: I prefer gold ribbon over red tape, if I am to be caught up by anything.
I look forward to an evening with your peerless wit and gracious company, doctor.
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Guess we'll be seeing each soon, won't we.
no subject
Stephen, however, is met with an honest smile and a slight bow of Essek's head in greeting.]
Seeing you is well worth the wait.
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He's differently well-put togther than Essek, but no less so--all sharp lines of a well-tailored suit that shows off every inch of his status as a Dominant with every move he makes. And the moves take him directly toward the Submissive waiting for him, lips tugging upward into a slow, very pleased smile.]
You shouldn't say that, it's the kind of thing that would make me want to push my luck and see just how long a wait I'm really worth.
[Then, he offers an arm rather than a hand, it is supposed to be 'less business-formal environ,' after all.]
But rather than test the limits of the theory, shall we get going?
no subject
[It's offered with only a hint of cheek and temptation. There were many...uses to be found in playing with certain kinds of waiting games. For now, he takes Strange's arm, a small appreciative but polite glance given over his form before falling into step with him.
It was rude to discuss business before dinner and unseemly to allow anything more than the very light flirtation and flattery he'd offered while still in such mixed company of the city streets, so Essek kept conversation light. Asking after Stephen's work and his recent interests and only speaking very vaguely on his own research that had lead him to crossing paths with the good doctor again. It served it's purpose to pass the time nicely until they got to their destination. Where, of course, he remained primly either on Stephen's arm or at his heel as necessary until they were sequestered away in their corner. Only then did the more playful tilt return to the edge of his smile.]
I must admit, it is...refreshing to find a man so in-tune with his appearance and that appearance which others perceive. Especially to find it in a man who is willing to take such well measured steps to a more courtly dance than can often be found in our time. I said you were a gentleman and you are proving me right in the ways that matter. In short, I am impressed and, though the night is young, I am already appreciative of your company.
[A dance indeed, verbal though it may be, it was the sort of dancing Essek enjoyed. Like a mental and social puzzle to navigate. A promising partner in such a thing was refreshing.]
no subject
He takes it as given that he will be able to go effectively anywhere he wants, whenever he wants, and with whomever he wants; the latter of those points only really has limits when it comes to people whose throats are as clear as his own.
He also takes for granted that a Submissive's place is exactly where he tells them to be and expects them to defer to him entirely. After all, it's just his birthright and the way of things. That doesn't mean he needs to be cruel or unpleasant on principle, of course, but it is what he expects.
And in many respects, Essek both seems to understand his role perfectly well in all the right places, and then at the most strategic points can unveil the impression of something transgressive. And for Stephen, it's a difficult line to walk and yet when done right is one of the most enticing things imaginable.
Folding his long fingers together, he regards Essek with a steady, focused stare as he speaks, amused and intrigued by his read of things before giving a low, throaty chuckle.]
I find there's a tendency and an ease with which we can fall over ourselves to grasp onto the crass, as it were. Not that I'm opposed to it, don't get me wrong, but it's as you say--it's a little harder to find something more drawn out and appreciative of some of the finer details. Rather than complain about what's lacking though, I'd rather create it for myself. [He leans in slightly, not too close, just enough to show interest without crowding.] So I have a sneaking feeling we'll both be remembering this night for quite some time to come.
But not all Submissives would be nearly as forward as you have been and I could have very easily sent you packing. What made you bold enough to take the risk with me that you did? Surely not my professional reputation alone--I get very mixed reviews depending on who you speak to.
no subject
You could have, it's true. I could have been very wrong and you'd have been in your right to respond in kind. However, I...pride myself in my observational abilities. My intuition is often a guiding factor and I have learned there are times to be cautious and times to be bold and those instances can switch with each other at a moment's notice.
Simply put: I took into consideration all reputations I could find, mixed or otherwise, noted to had...occasion to be kind, but more than that seemed to like a level of intrigue and suspense and thought perhaps you might enjoy a-hm...particular kind of attention. The kind, perhaps, that is paid in full to you, but not so far as to simply make things easy.
[His head tilts slightly and his smile grows into something almost sweet were it not for the watchfulness in Essek's eyes.] Was I mistaken in any of that?
no subject
And then there are the things that tempt Stephen, a taste for the transgressive.
Because he knows about his temptations, Stephen has an excellent poker face, the one he wears across the table from Essek as he speaks through his reasoning, how he came to measure up the pros and cons of the risks and ultimately pegged Stephen as someone worth taking the gamble with on the one hand, but also clearly confident enough with the odds to feel very safe making it at all.
But even Stephen's poker face has limits when presented with something he is genuinely enticed by as his lips slide into a slow smile.]
No, not mistaken at all. Which is probably for the best since we both know there are a lot of Dominants who would relish thoroughly putting you in your place just for this.
[It isn't lost on Stephen that Essek has managed to put him in a pretty unique position where having gauged things entirely correctly means he's got some pretty solid leverage on Stephen socially speaking, if he felt inclined. And he's done it so effortlessly. Damn. Stephen really should feel far more nervous than he is and instead find himself entirely intrigued and impressed as his fingers tap against one another in thought.]
You're not wrong at all. Which makes you more than a little dangerous. [He points his two forefingers toward Essek from the steeple of his hands.] But if you know all this, you know that too. Which has me wondering if you do this often, or if I should consider myself special.
no subject
He folds his hands before him in an almost demure act.] Watching your mind at work is lovely, doctor. Do I often watch and learn and file away information on others so that I might know where to step around or near them in social situations? It would be...foolish not to. Do I take an active interest in any of those who fall in my attentions? Not so nearly often as you may think. I may be dangerous, but the fact you've not yet called for anyone to remove me from you, nor taken your leave to smear my reputation, means you might just find that danger appealing. That is also interesting information and not unappreciated.
no subject
Because it's not only true, Essek is proving Stephen's instincts to be increasingly correct. And worst--or best--of all, Essek clearly understands all the implications and can pluck out the treads of meaning with such skill that he's probably weaving a rope together with all of them. And Stephen wouldn't even mind if he gets lassoed with that rope. Maybe it's already happened.]
How do you know I'm not just waiting for you to say something more incriminating still? Something indisputable if I were to call some SIN guards over before contacting the city authorities and your Dominant?
[There's a wicked little smile just at the edges of his lips, though not at the actual thought of doing any of that in reality. It's the anticipation of hearing what Essek has to say, the prospect of getting to see more of his mind at work, because as flattering as it is to hear that his own mental processing is pleasing, the sensation from across the table is evidently mutually shared for Stephen.]
no subject
My dear doctor...to play such a game, you must no the rules or fall to them. What could I say that would be so incriminating? I am certain that no such thing could fall to this table. I like to think I...have more care than that.
[His head tilts, the jewelry along his ear jingling with the movement.] A care that I may artfully apply when and where I so choose, of course. A counter-question, then. What, do you think, is to stop you from simply making something up and doing as you wish? I have put myself in a vulnerable position with you, you would be within your power to walk away with very little evidence to whatever words you offered. Perhaps you are no less dangerous yourself.