[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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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.
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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.