"I very much doubt you could offend me."
There was no way to clearly explain that had more to do with who she was and how he felt about her than the situation or her manners. He simply did not have that capability, in fact he didn't know that he had ever had it although he remembered feeling.... softer toward his children when he was a human.
He smile, it was small, faint, but it was was honest.
"I have come to be fond of you as well. It would please me a great deal if you would let me help to look after you, as I am able. The complications will work themselves out."
He wasn't afraid of one little assignment and oddly enough her alternate personality did not disturb him. Undoubtedly he would not be as open or inmate with Jacqueline as with Claire, but he didn't see her as that big an obstacle.
"I thank you for being more direct, I too should have said something. But please do not thank me, I've done very little."
That much was true, he was taking the risks he was simply doing what any other responsible member of the clan would do. Perhaps a bit more.
Confronting the Me (Attn: Bao)
She wasn't really sure why she was back here. The murderer was still loose and Sorin certainly wasn't very safe. Jacqueline sat down in the dinning room and stared into the depths of her wine glass. She was subdued tonight, even her appearance looked it. She had on a pair of black denim capris and a black and white striped boat necked shirt with a pair of black ballet flats.
Claire wanted out and seemed to think that after the conversation with Akahana that it was time to come back to the Manor.
Jacqueline had evaded that inner compulsion for a while, driving it away with shopping, hunting and sex but any time her mind was quiet there was Claire. She demanded to go home.
So here they were.
Bao
13 years ago
Claire
13 years ago
His smile, however slight, was beautiful. Transforming his handsome but formidable features into something more approachable. Claire returned his smile, feeling relief that he was not simply being polite, that she might mean something to him as well.
She nodded at his words, it would trouble her to be a burden to him but his words allayed her fears. Working at the shelter taught her that sometimes everyone needed help; knowing that made it easier to ask for it when it was her that needed the aid. Claire did not wish for there to be a time when she could return the favor, her own expertise lay in mending broken things and she would not wish that on Bao or anyone he cared for; however she would most certainly be there should he need her in any way.
Claire smiled at him when he mentioned that he too should have said something. She wondered what they did now? For centuries it was the woman's place to wait for a man to make those overtures and while she knew that times have changed she was not certain how she felt about being more forward with a relationship she cared about. However, she knew that Bao was not very expressive himself; perhaps it would be a relief to him if she were the more -outgoing- of the two of them.
"Would you prefer me to be more...direct?"
Her hands were still on his shoulders, Claire watched him intently for both his spoken response and any unspoken expression that might also answer her question. She could be forward if he wanted; she was even trained for it. It was just not what tradition deemed appropriate but she can overcome that mindset with the right motivation and Claire considered Bao's company exactly that.
She nodded at his words, it would trouble her to be a burden to him but his words allayed her fears. Working at the shelter taught her that sometimes everyone needed help; knowing that made it easier to ask for it when it was her that needed the aid. Claire did not wish for there to be a time when she could return the favor, her own expertise lay in mending broken things and she would not wish that on Bao or anyone he cared for; however she would most certainly be there should he need her in any way.
Claire smiled at him when he mentioned that he too should have said something. She wondered what they did now? For centuries it was the woman's place to wait for a man to make those overtures and while she knew that times have changed she was not certain how she felt about being more forward with a relationship she cared about. However, she knew that Bao was not very expressive himself; perhaps it would be a relief to him if she were the more -outgoing- of the two of them.
"Would you prefer me to be more...direct?"
Her hands were still on his shoulders, Claire watched him intently for both his spoken response and any unspoken expression that might also answer her question. She could be forward if he wanted; she was even trained for it. It was just not what tradition deemed appropriate but she can overcome that mindset with the right motivation and Claire considered Bao's company exactly that.
Bao
13 years ago
She hadn't stepped back, she'd left her hands on his shoulders. Bao took that as a positive. After a second's hesitation he pulled her back to him, although he didn't kiss her again. It wasn't that he didn't want to, it was a question about what was proper. He hadn't even had the decency to ask her out, manhandling her was out of the question.
Another smile, twice in one night there must be something in the air, or the water. But he couldn't help it. That one question said quite a lot about Claire. Bao gently picked up one of her hands from his shoulder and kissed it.
"I should rather you be yourself."
He paused to consider it and amended slightly.
"Except when you are Jacqueline, but that cannot be helped."
He was a lawyer, being precise was second nature, perhaps it was his first nature it wasn't something he questioned much. It simply was.
"You may simply have to... encourage me from time to time. I am too often... formal."
Even that small bit of honesty, opened did not come at all naturally, or easily. Right now it was all he had to offer her to indicate his level of interest.
Another smile, twice in one night there must be something in the air, or the water. But he couldn't help it. That one question said quite a lot about Claire. Bao gently picked up one of her hands from his shoulder and kissed it.
"I should rather you be yourself."
He paused to consider it and amended slightly.
"Except when you are Jacqueline, but that cannot be helped."
He was a lawyer, being precise was second nature, perhaps it was his first nature it wasn't something he questioned much. It simply was.
"You may simply have to... encourage me from time to time. I am too often... formal."
Even that small bit of honesty, opened did not come at all naturally, or easily. Right now it was all he had to offer her to indicate his level of interest.
Claire
13 years ago
Claire sighed softly as he pulled her close again, enjoying the feel of his arms around her. After being trapped in her own mind for weeks, she could think of no place she'd rather be. Bao made her feel safe; his concern for her made her feel loved.
She smiled at him when he kissed her hand again and told her that he'd prefer her to be herself. He could have said no kinder words to her, especially now. Claire laughed softly when he amended his statement to exclude her alter ego.
Nodding, she agreed that could not be helped.
Claire leaned down and brushed her lips lightly against his cheek. It was in the French nature to kiss; perhaps it was just as well he got used to it if he was interested in her being herself.
"I respect your honor and decorum." Kissing the other cheek, she added with a smile. "Perhaps some day we will know each other well enough to be less...formal."
Claire leaned back and gave him a rare, knowing, seductive smile. Then she sighed.
"Shall we see if Jacqui is agreeable to this situation?"
She smiled at him when he kissed her hand again and told her that he'd prefer her to be herself. He could have said no kinder words to her, especially now. Claire laughed softly when he amended his statement to exclude her alter ego.
Nodding, she agreed that could not be helped.
Claire leaned down and brushed her lips lightly against his cheek. It was in the French nature to kiss; perhaps it was just as well he got used to it if he was interested in her being herself.
"I respect your honor and decorum." Kissing the other cheek, she added with a smile. "Perhaps some day we will know each other well enough to be less...formal."
Claire leaned back and gave him a rare, knowing, seductive smile. Then she sighed.
"Shall we see if Jacqui is agreeable to this situation?"
Bao
13 years ago
She was soft, warm and yielding all things that appealed immensely to Bao. Especially when one took the trouble to realize Claire was this way because she chose to be. The Night did not accept tender young things, or if they did they did not remain so long.
Softly, almost tenderly he brushed an errant lock of hair back over her ear. Yes she was a woman worth perusing. Coping with her extra dimension shouldn't be much of a problem.
He allowed that smile to affect him. Bao wasn't the oldest vampire in the clan, in the manor or even in this room, but he was too old to let games like that impact him unless he wanted them to. Right now, he wanted them too. He kissed her again, aggressively this time, but carefully not demanding, just to establish that he was the hunter not the hunted. Of course, perhaps he wasn't -only- the hunted as she had been the one to put this into the daylight, so to speak.
"Yes. I should quite like to be... less formal at some point."
He sighed, not quite wanting to lose Claire just now. But she was right, it would be best to have her alter ego's trust and cooperation as soon as possible or the woman would become a major stumbling block. The curator was living proof how far one could go to get around a command.
"You may be right."
He focused and added power to his words, being especially careful with the Latin, not wanting there to be any confusion.
"When you hear 'Tu fui, ego eris' Jacqueline will return."
Bao waited a second, making a note to himself that Jacqueline would have to be commanded as well before exercising the command.
"Tu fui, ego eris."
As he spoke those words, he remembered Pakpao's prediction that this gift would get him in trouble. It certainly seemed like it might at this rate.
Softly, almost tenderly he brushed an errant lock of hair back over her ear. Yes she was a woman worth perusing. Coping with her extra dimension shouldn't be much of a problem.
He allowed that smile to affect him. Bao wasn't the oldest vampire in the clan, in the manor or even in this room, but he was too old to let games like that impact him unless he wanted them to. Right now, he wanted them too. He kissed her again, aggressively this time, but carefully not demanding, just to establish that he was the hunter not the hunted. Of course, perhaps he wasn't -only- the hunted as she had been the one to put this into the daylight, so to speak.
"Yes. I should quite like to be... less formal at some point."
He sighed, not quite wanting to lose Claire just now. But she was right, it would be best to have her alter ego's trust and cooperation as soon as possible or the woman would become a major stumbling block. The curator was living proof how far one could go to get around a command.
"You may be right."
He focused and added power to his words, being especially careful with the Latin, not wanting there to be any confusion.
"When you hear 'Tu fui, ego eris' Jacqueline will return."
Bao waited a second, making a note to himself that Jacqueline would have to be commanded as well before exercising the command.
"Tu fui, ego eris."
As he spoke those words, he remembered Pakpao's prediction that this gift would get him in trouble. It certainly seemed like it might at this rate.
Claire
13 years ago
She closed her eyes briefly enjoying the soft brush of his hand against her cheek as he tucked back a stray strand of hair.
Claire had not been quite ready for her smile to have the results that it did. She found herself held more tightly as he kissed her with more force than before. She moaned softly against his lips, yielding her own to him, making it very clear that he was invited. When he pulled back and spoke, she sighed softly in regret.
She focused on his words, willing her mind to be open to his command, yielding to it as she had done his kiss. When it in place, Claire nodded her understanding. It was done and now they needed to see how well it had worked.
The last thing she remembered clearly was Bao speaking the words again.
********************************
Jacqueline came to herself in the most interesting of places. A sly smile played across her lips as she found Bao's arms encircling her waist. Her own hands on his shoulders. Reaching fingers up to her lips, Jacqui found them flushed and swollen, as she expected.
Arching an eyebrow, she said.
"Well, I guess she wasted no time. At least my leaving was for a good cause."
She didn't begrudge Claire companionship; the woman needed it from what she could tell. Smiling a genuine smile, Jacqueline squeezed Bao's shoulders and stepped back, only to find herself up against the table.
Sliding up onto it, she said.
"I don't suppose its me that you want to be embracing so I'm guessing you two have a plan."
The knowledge was filtering back to her as she regained her bearings. Musing over the offer, Jacqueline would admit that it was more than she could hope for.
"It sounds reasonable to me. Command away. I suppose you'll want Claire back...and that is fine too."
She could be generous with the body that wasn't her's. The more generous she was now then the more likely it was that Claire wouldn't try to break the commands that would result in Jacqueline's destruction.
Claire had not been quite ready for her smile to have the results that it did. She found herself held more tightly as he kissed her with more force than before. She moaned softly against his lips, yielding her own to him, making it very clear that he was invited. When he pulled back and spoke, she sighed softly in regret.
She focused on his words, willing her mind to be open to his command, yielding to it as she had done his kiss. When it in place, Claire nodded her understanding. It was done and now they needed to see how well it had worked.
The last thing she remembered clearly was Bao speaking the words again.
********************************
Jacqueline came to herself in the most interesting of places. A sly smile played across her lips as she found Bao's arms encircling her waist. Her own hands on his shoulders. Reaching fingers up to her lips, Jacqui found them flushed and swollen, as she expected.
Arching an eyebrow, she said.
"Well, I guess she wasted no time. At least my leaving was for a good cause."
She didn't begrudge Claire companionship; the woman needed it from what she could tell. Smiling a genuine smile, Jacqueline squeezed Bao's shoulders and stepped back, only to find herself up against the table.
Sliding up onto it, she said.
"I don't suppose its me that you want to be embracing so I'm guessing you two have a plan."
The knowledge was filtering back to her as she regained her bearings. Musing over the offer, Jacqueline would admit that it was more than she could hope for.
"It sounds reasonable to me. Command away. I suppose you'll want Claire back...and that is fine too."
She could be generous with the body that wasn't her's. The more generous she was now then the more likely it was that Claire wouldn't try to break the commands that would result in Jacqueline's destruction.
Bao
13 years ago
Ah, he was going to have to be more careful of that. He let Jacqueline go and took a step back himself. Unconsciously reaching to fix his tie, but as this was technically his day off, there was no tie. But any miniscule bit of warmth or feeling that and creep into his demeanor immediately vanished with the alternate personality's return. He only nodded to her.
"I thank you for the time and for being so cooperative."
Claire had said that Jacqueline would be aware of what had transpired in her absence, so Bao waited rather than attempting to explain anything.
"I am sure Claire appreciates you being amenable to the idea." As did he but Bao did not presume familiarity with this woman. "Did you have any one that might miss you or business you need to complete?"
Loose ends created havoc and Bao did not need or want some one coming looking for Jacqueline only to find Claire and then to try and cover it.
"If not, then I do think we should let Claire retain control for now."
"I thank you for the time and for being so cooperative."
Claire had said that Jacqueline would be aware of what had transpired in her absence, so Bao waited rather than attempting to explain anything.
"I am sure Claire appreciates you being amenable to the idea." As did he but Bao did not presume familiarity with this woman. "Did you have any one that might miss you or business you need to complete?"
Loose ends created havoc and Bao did not need or want some one coming looking for Jacqueline only to find Claire and then to try and cover it.
"If not, then I do think we should let Claire retain control for now."
Claire
13 years ago
Jacqueline gave him a momentary pout when he stepped back but it was hardly serious. He was nice and all, perhaps too nice, and that was not for her. Reese had certainly been more her speed; Jacqueline tried to imagine sex with Bao and wondered if it came with a formal invitation and a dress code. Claire was very interested in finding out and that was fine by her; she would look for entertainment that might get to the bedroom some time within the next decade.
She nodded to him and shrugged slightly at his thanks.
When he asked if there was anyone who would miss her or any business she needed to attend to, Jacqui shook her head, no, giving him a smile for being thoughtful.
"No, I had taken a leave of absence from the shelter in order to do the things I needed. I have been contacted so now it is a matter of waiting. I suppose they could change their mind and pick me up at any point but with your command even if they pick us up while Claire is in control then its a simple matter for her to call me forth."
Sliding back off the table, She looked down at him and nodded.
"Reinforce the commands please. I don't trust myself under the right pressure and then she's all yours."
Jacqueline was created to do a job and that was very much her priority. She was happy that Claire was allowing her to stay around for the moment but her main goal was still to preserve their life while giving as little away as possible in the event they were captured.
She nodded to him and shrugged slightly at his thanks.
When he asked if there was anyone who would miss her or any business she needed to attend to, Jacqui shook her head, no, giving him a smile for being thoughtful.
"No, I had taken a leave of absence from the shelter in order to do the things I needed. I have been contacted so now it is a matter of waiting. I suppose they could change their mind and pick me up at any point but with your command even if they pick us up while Claire is in control then its a simple matter for her to call me forth."
Sliding back off the table, She looked down at him and nodded.
"Reinforce the commands please. I don't trust myself under the right pressure and then she's all yours."
Jacqueline was created to do a job and that was very much her priority. She was happy that Claire was allowing her to stay around for the moment but her main goal was still to preserve their life while giving as little away as possible in the event they were captured.
Bao
13 years ago
Bao nodded shortly. Pleased that Jacqueline had been so through. Of course, what was the point in using one identity to shield another if the one was sloppy about their work?
He hadn't quite decided how to deal with Jacqueline, not as a person and she very clearly was a different person, even if she didn't have a body of her own. So long as she kept Claire safe and did not cause trouble, he would respect her though.
"As you say."
Again Bao commanded the woman in front of him, but he put more force into these commands, and closed the loopholes he felt Jacqueline might try. It took a bit but in the end was, in his mind, a good job. A combination of brute force and the subtly his father had taught him; his father, who had not contacted them at all since leaving. However, Bao would dwell on that later. He had not been nearly so aggressive with Claire, after all she was, or should be, the dominate personality. She was allowing the other to reside within her. Bao didn't want to risk Jacqueline keeping control against Claire's will.
"If you are ready then? Tu fui, ego eris."
And he waited to see those numerous little changes that signaled the transition from one woman to the other.
He hadn't quite decided how to deal with Jacqueline, not as a person and she very clearly was a different person, even if she didn't have a body of her own. So long as she kept Claire safe and did not cause trouble, he would respect her though.
"As you say."
Again Bao commanded the woman in front of him, but he put more force into these commands, and closed the loopholes he felt Jacqueline might try. It took a bit but in the end was, in his mind, a good job. A combination of brute force and the subtly his father had taught him; his father, who had not contacted them at all since leaving. However, Bao would dwell on that later. He had not been nearly so aggressive with Claire, after all she was, or should be, the dominate personality. She was allowing the other to reside within her. Bao didn't want to risk Jacqueline keeping control against Claire's will.
"If you are ready then? Tu fui, ego eris."
And he waited to see those numerous little changes that signaled the transition from one woman to the other.
Claire
13 years ago
Claire came back to herself and smiled slightly at Bao who was once more standing away from her, watching. She nodded her head and said.
"It seems to be working perfectly."
She was relieved that Jacqueline had been civil at least and hadn't kissed him again. It was very strange to be jealous of yourself but she remembered that first embrace between Jacqueline and Bao and how much she'd long to take back the control of her body.
Now she had it and would for a while.
She looked down at her clothes and conceded that at least her alter ego had chosen to be somewhat more subtle tonight. Looking back up, Claire smiled at Bao in wordless gratitude since he had requested that she not thank him for his aid just yet.
"Do you have plans for the rest of your evening off?"
Having her body back was a cause for celebration as far as she was concerned and Claire could think of no one that she would rather celebrate with.
"It seems to be working perfectly."
She was relieved that Jacqueline had been civil at least and hadn't kissed him again. It was very strange to be jealous of yourself but she remembered that first embrace between Jacqueline and Bao and how much she'd long to take back the control of her body.
Now she had it and would for a while.
She looked down at her clothes and conceded that at least her alter ego had chosen to be somewhat more subtle tonight. Looking back up, Claire smiled at Bao in wordless gratitude since he had requested that she not thank him for his aid just yet.
"Do you have plans for the rest of your evening off?"
Having her body back was a cause for celebration as far as she was concerned and Claire could think of no one that she would rather celebrate with.
Bao
13 years ago
Bao nodded, satisfied by a job apparently well done. The commands should hold, Jacqueline wouldn't have much if any say in the matter.
He did have plans. They revolved around a brief he had to write and some funds that had to be moved, and a few other random odds and ends. Those plans gnawed at him, but he also knew it was not the appropriate response. Beyond that he though perhaps his time might be better spent other wise engaged.
After several seconds hesitation where he mentally rearranged his schedule Bao shook his head in the negative and offered her his arm.
"Nothing pressing, it is an evening off after all. Perhaps you would like to walk in the gardens? Or did you have something else in mind?"
He did have plans. They revolved around a brief he had to write and some funds that had to be moved, and a few other random odds and ends. Those plans gnawed at him, but he also knew it was not the appropriate response. Beyond that he though perhaps his time might be better spent other wise engaged.
After several seconds hesitation where he mentally rearranged his schedule Bao shook his head in the negative and offered her his arm.
"Nothing pressing, it is an evening off after all. Perhaps you would like to walk in the gardens? Or did you have something else in mind?"
Claire
13 years ago
Claire wondered if she was disturbing him. He took several thoughtful moments to consider his schedule and she knew that he had other things that he had been planning to do this evening. She should probably just excuse herself and let him get back to his productive night off.
He came to a conclusion and suggested a nice walk in the gardens. Claire favored him with a brilliant smile and hooked her arm in his.
"I would be delighted, Monsieur."
She accompanied him outside, enjoying the cool night air and the warmth of her very charming companion as they wandered through the lovely garden full of spring blooms.
((OOC: Both out ))
He came to a conclusion and suggested a nice walk in the gardens. Claire favored him with a brilliant smile and hooked her arm in his.
"I would be delighted, Monsieur."
She accompanied him outside, enjoying the cool night air and the warmth of her very charming companion as they wandered through the lovely garden full of spring blooms.
((OOC: Both out ))