[This... seems like this was not a message intended for him. It seems, in fact, a message about him, and Jonathan doesn't entirely know what to do with it. It's a bit of a slap of the reality of the burden he's been putting onto Neria.]
My apologies. I will find alternate accommodations for those here. - Jonathan
[ Jonathan's text comes through and she glances at it, initially. Then pauses, reads it again. She grabs the device, pilfers through it, goes back. What did she say to him that... ]
[ Fuck, fuck, fuck, how could she have mistaken his device for Ivy's... ]
Jonathan, no. That wasn't my intention. You don't need to do anything.
[ And she's also now hopping out of her seat to go down to the lab to find him, because she's not going to have him sulk when her comments were unkind. ]
It was my mistake. Please do not trouble yourself about it.
[She'll meet him coming up from the basement. If he's to find accommodations elsewhere, then he'll need to search for an appropriate and abandoned building quickly. Something like Sean Hampton's Night Shelter, perhaps. That would work. When he reaches for the door, though, he's wrapped up enough in his own thoughts to miss her on the other side as she opens it.]
[ She nearly runs right into him, close to throwing open the door to get down there before he leaves. Neria is red in the face with shame and something just on one side of frustration as she takes him by the arm. The expression on his face makes her chest feel as if it'll cave in on itself. ]
[He's tempted to resist, and it shows in how he tenses up and looks past her. But there seems little point in drawing this out. She might notice the mark on his neck shading from white to pink to gray as he acquiesces.]
As you wish.
[Guilt washes through him, as well, as he follows her upstairs to her office.]
Again, my apologies for the inconvenience. I can, of course, see to other arrangements. Those here were meant to be temporary residents and patients.
[ Her gaze flickers to the mark, her stomach twisting in knots. He won't notice for now but...he will, and this will be her fault too. Neria closes her eyes briefly and then turns to take him upstairs. Her hand remains on his arm, like she's afraid he's going to disperse into shadows and slip out. ]
Stop that. I know what you're doing. I do it too.
[ Putting up a wall, being formal. The minute they're in her office, she closes the door behind them, and looks at herself in the glass for a scant moment before the blinds are pulled down to give them privacy. She swallows, slowly turning around to face him. ]
I'm sorry. It wasn't right of me to say what I said. [ It doesn't matter that it wasn't meant for his eyes. It was unkind and thoughtless. ] I don't want you or any of them to leave. It's just... It's a lot right now, Jonathan. But that doesn't make it your fault - and you aren't going to banish yourself or these people elsewhere because I made a foolish, errant comment.
[ He'll undoubtedly notice her heart racing with the slow building terror that he's going to leave her. ]
It was thoughtless of me to send out a message as I did without consulting you first. You're right. It's a burden upon our resources when we are already struggling with these new constraints. I should not have been so cavalier. We are a partnership; I have not been acting as such.
[He does sense her heartbeat picking up.]
We said if the situation became dire, I would see to leaving and attending to a separate affair elsewhere. It may be simpler, leaving Haven free from the trouble I might bring to it.
We said we would discuss it, not have you pack your bags and go. And you...say that like I've not been a poor partner too--
[ Her throat is tight for a moment and she takes a slow, steadying breath, trying to get the discussion back on track, even if her heart rate remains elevated. She carefully closes the distance to touch his arm with her fingers, not grabbing this time. Neria meets his gaze. ]
You weren't being thoughtless. You were being kind. You have a good heart, Jonathan, and that's what's needed now, here, in this world. Your tenderness isn't a burden. Your decisions are not a burden to me.
[ All this talk of her not being able to handle things, as if he has any idea. The weight of a country, the world, was on her shoulders. A clinic shouldn't be so difficult. But it is, she has to admit. Back home, she'd have had the influence and more than enough coin to spare for this. Now she has none of that and the noose is tightening. She has to make a choice.
Rather, she has to voice what that is, because the choice has already been made. ]
If this is how you want Haven to be, then we can do this. But we have to reconfigure how we go about this.
[Considering how often he's been accused of being mechanical and cold, it's surprising to hear her calling him tender, of all things. His expression shifts to concern.]
You seeing to people's safety and their needs. Bringing them into your house and home without asking for anything in return. Your tireless dedication to our patients, our staff, and to those in need in this city-- To your friends, your acquaintances, even to strangers. To me.
[ Now she seems confused. Is this the part he's stuck on? ]
[She puts it in a very peculiar light, and Jonathan finds himself blinking at her. She'll recognize it as the look he gets when he would be blushing if he were capable of it.]
I am a physician. I took an oath. It is simply my duty. I meant... how might we need to reconfigure?
It isn't just your duty, Jonathan. It's you. You have a greater heart than you give yourself credit for.
[ And considering that's one of the many things she dearly likes about him, she isn't shy of saying so. Her expression eases only slightly, and she releases him to go back behind her desk. She opens one of the drawers and pilfers around in the papers there before drawing out a few. She brings them back to him.
They're listings for other buildings within a two to three block radius of the clinic. ]
We can look into other properties in conjunction with this one. We need to reconfigure spending and salaries and donations. Which...you told me to do.
[ And she has been resistant up until now in every way, digging her heels in. But if this is the trajectory their operation is going to take, then she needs to compromise in more ways than one. ]
[He suspects she's being very emotional about something that is simply what he accepts as his life's work, but that's not really something to argue about. When she pulls out papers, Jonathan steps toward her desk to take a closer look.]
Ah. Yes, about that. Ezio has offered his services in managing finances and as a donor. It may be wise to take him up on that offer. Mr. Tepes has offered to extend a greater portion of his funds to us, as well. I've also had a few other donors contact me through the missive I sent out on the network.
[ Neria rolls her eyes, but the gesture is fond. ]
Ezio is already stealing supplies with me. He's likely doing more behind the scenes as well...but he won't take no for an answer. I'll speak to Sinbad. I-- There are some people I can contact.
[ She's just been reluctant about doing so, as it'd wound her pride and make her seem desperate. But Gilgamesh runs a damn casino and he's bound to have money. Perhaps Saber will help if she bribes her with mana. ]
Zexion is looking into native Dominants who might want to help. He thinks - and I agree with him - that they should be a last resort. But they are there, should we need.
I suppose I could see to stealing more supplies with Ms. Imoen. I would much prefer to keep natives out of this business, but I understand desperate times. And... if we wish to turn minds, then perhaps allowing them to help might assist with that.
[This probably isn't the best time, but since they're laying everything out.]
Speaking of such things... did you see young Mr. Jones' missive, calling for a demonstration march on the Up?
[ Well, there's that. Neria blinks at him for a moment before she looses a long sigh, pushing her fingers into her hair. Stealing with Imoen. How long has that been going on? At least with Ezio, they've only been skimming but--
...Wait. ]
We can wait on deciding about native donors. Perhaps just talking with them. But what, exactly, have you been stealing with Imoen?
[ And the other part. ]
I did see that. I...I think that's likely going to be dangerous. I wasn't going to go, personally, but I was going to speak to Ezio about it. I wondered if I could provide some assistance from elsewhere, in case things get dangerous.
... Large equipment--the new CT scanner machine. Some laboratory things for the basement, as well. It was a bit fun.
[As these things go.]
And I did mention my support for Mr. Jones. I said I would need to speak with your before doing anything, but said he might be able to hold a meeting for it here. If that's too dangerous, though, that is a thing I am more than willing to arrange for elsewhere. I found something of a secret place a few weeks ago, underground springs. The water is not safe, but it would be a place for them to gather and to hide for a short while, if there is trouble.
[ She's just been skimming bandages and shit, Jonathan. Neria's expression is twisted between dismay and frustration and...pride? Is that pride, somewhere down deep? She sighs, rubbing at her forehead for a moment.
Slowly, she loosens a breath. ]
...How many people? If there's too many, I don't think it would be wise for it to be here. If their numbers are limited, we can have it in the lab. I'll see about asking for some protection and I'll stay late to watch over things.
[As the answer to that first question is self-evident, Jonathan doesn't bother to ask.]
I have offer of security help from a man named Isaac, as well. He has the ability to raise the dead and control them. He thought to have hounds patrolling for us, if you would be all right with that.
Perhaps if you gave me a number you are comfortable with here? I do not know how many Mr. Jones has, yet.
Let's say twenty to thirty at most. And if they're going to come, again...trickle in, be careful and discreet.
[ There's a reason why she's called the Dark Wolf back home. She's done her share of sneaking and conspiring. ]
I'll see if Lancer and Archer might help. They're both Heroic Spirits and I trust them. Very few can stand up to their ilk. But they are both Submissives as well, and I want to protect them if I can - them and their partners.
I'll let him know... about that and the caves, in case there are more. There's also a woman, Ms. Dutch. I can check if she might be available. I'm confident I can guard us at night with some minor support, but during the day, that is when I worry.
I think we need to start looking into alternative exit strategies in the case of a true emergency, Jonathan.
[ It isn't that she doesn't trust guards or defenses. It isn't that she doesn't trust him. But depending on how many people come under their wing, as the authorities crack down on them - which is inevitable, and she is counting down the days - then it will be impossible to ensure no one is injured. Her fear is capture, being taken to one of those facilities. If that should happen to anyone they are caring for...
It will fall on their shoulders, his and hers. She will take it. She worries for him, though. ]
I'm working on devising glyph magic for the building. No one gets if they have untoward motives. But it's...slow going. I have other things to work on. Fighters won't keep our people safe; it will only buy them time.
We need other ways. Asra might teach me teleportation magic. If so, I can devise a way to get people from one point to another and rig it for downstairs in the lab. Its initial function is to be able to allow people to summon a single person from one place to another. I was going to use it for here. For you or the staff to...summon me.
[ And for her, in dire circumstances, to summon Ereuvir to her side. But that is a very, very last resort. ]
What about tunnels? Ms. Mystique... she knows a man with skills that may be useful for any construction work. We could build a passage out of Haven, located in the basement, the entrance hidden with your magics.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2019-01-20 05:08 am (UTC)From:My apologies. I will find alternate accommodations for those here.
- Jonathan
1/idk yet, you asked for this
Date: 2019-01-20 05:09 am (UTC)From:2/3
Date: 2019-01-20 05:09 am (UTC)From:Oh, fuck, that wasn't meant for him-- ]
no subject
Date: 2019-01-20 05:11 am (UTC)From:Jonathan, no. That wasn't my intention. You don't need to do anything.
[ And she's also now hopping out of her seat to go down to the lab to find him, because she's not going to have him sulk when her comments were unkind. ]
no subject
Date: 2019-01-20 05:15 am (UTC)From:[She'll meet him coming up from the basement. If he's to find accommodations elsewhere, then he'll need to search for an appropriate and abandoned building quickly. Something like Sean Hampton's Night Shelter, perhaps. That would work. When he reaches for the door, though, he's wrapped up enough in his own thoughts to miss her on the other side as she opens it.]
Ah... Ms. Neria. I was just heading out.
no subject
Date: 2019-01-20 05:18 am (UTC)From:No, you're not. Come upstairs with me. Please.
no subject
Date: 2019-01-20 05:24 am (UTC)From:As you wish.
[Guilt washes through him, as well, as he follows her upstairs to her office.]
Again, my apologies for the inconvenience. I can, of course, see to other arrangements. Those here were meant to be temporary residents and patients.
no subject
Date: 2019-01-20 05:29 am (UTC)From:Stop that. I know what you're doing. I do it too.
[ Putting up a wall, being formal. The minute they're in her office, she closes the door behind them, and looks at herself in the glass for a scant moment before the blinds are pulled down to give them privacy. She swallows, slowly turning around to face him. ]
I'm sorry. It wasn't right of me to say what I said. [ It doesn't matter that it wasn't meant for his eyes. It was unkind and thoughtless. ] I don't want you or any of them to leave. It's just... It's a lot right now, Jonathan. But that doesn't make it your fault - and you aren't going to banish yourself or these people elsewhere because I made a foolish, errant comment.
[ He'll undoubtedly notice her heart racing with the slow building terror that he's going to leave her. ]
no subject
Date: 2019-01-20 05:35 am (UTC)From:[He does sense her heartbeat picking up.]
We said if the situation became dire, I would see to leaving and attending to a separate affair elsewhere. It may be simpler, leaving Haven free from the trouble I might bring to it.
no subject
Date: 2019-01-20 05:44 am (UTC)From:[ Her throat is tight for a moment and she takes a slow, steadying breath, trying to get the discussion back on track, even if her heart rate remains elevated. She carefully closes the distance to touch his arm with her fingers, not grabbing this time. Neria meets his gaze. ]
You weren't being thoughtless. You were being kind. You have a good heart, Jonathan, and that's what's needed now, here, in this world. Your tenderness isn't a burden. Your decisions are not a burden to me.
[ All this talk of her not being able to handle things, as if he has any idea. The weight of a country, the world, was on her shoulders. A clinic shouldn't be so difficult. But it is, she has to admit. Back home, she'd have had the influence and more than enough coin to spare for this. Now she has none of that and the noose is tightening. She has to make a choice.
Rather, she has to voice what that is, because the choice has already been made. ]
If this is how you want Haven to be, then we can do this. But we have to reconfigure how we go about this.
no subject
Date: 2019-01-20 05:50 am (UTC)From:In what way?
no subject
Date: 2019-01-20 05:53 am (UTC)From:[ Now she seems confused. Is this the part he's stuck on? ]
Does that not sound like tenderness to you?
no subject
Date: 2019-01-20 05:57 am (UTC)From:I am a physician. I took an oath. It is simply my duty. I meant... how might we need to reconfigure?
no subject
Date: 2019-01-20 06:03 am (UTC)From:[ And considering that's one of the many things she dearly likes about him, she isn't shy of saying so. Her expression eases only slightly, and she releases him to go back behind her desk. She opens one of the drawers and pilfers around in the papers there before drawing out a few. She brings them back to him.
They're listings for other buildings within a two to three block radius of the clinic. ]
We can look into other properties in conjunction with this one. We need to reconfigure spending and salaries and donations. Which...you told me to do.
[ And she has been resistant up until now in every way, digging her heels in. But if this is the trajectory their operation is going to take, then she needs to compromise in more ways than one. ]
no subject
Date: 2019-01-20 06:13 am (UTC)From:Ah. Yes, about that. Ezio has offered his services in managing finances and as a donor. It may be wise to take him up on that offer. Mr. Tepes has offered to extend a greater portion of his funds to us, as well. I've also had a few other donors contact me through the missive I sent out on the network.
no subject
Date: 2019-01-20 06:19 am (UTC)From:Ezio is already stealing supplies with me. He's likely doing more behind the scenes as well...but he won't take no for an answer. I'll speak to Sinbad. I-- There are some people I can contact.
[ She's just been reluctant about doing so, as it'd wound her pride and make her seem desperate. But Gilgamesh runs a damn casino and he's bound to have money. Perhaps Saber will help if she bribes her with mana. ]
Zexion is looking into native Dominants who might want to help. He thinks - and I agree with him - that they should be a last resort. But they are there, should we need.
no subject
Date: 2019-01-20 06:24 am (UTC)From:[Well.]
I suppose I could see to stealing more supplies with Ms. Imoen. I would much prefer to keep natives out of this business, but I understand desperate times. And... if we wish to turn minds, then perhaps allowing them to help might assist with that.
[This probably isn't the best time, but since they're laying everything out.]
Speaking of such things... did you see young Mr. Jones' missive, calling for a demonstration march on the Up?
no subject
Date: 2019-01-20 06:31 am (UTC)From:...Wait. ]
We can wait on deciding about native donors. Perhaps just talking with them. But what, exactly, have you been stealing with Imoen?
[ And the other part. ]
I did see that. I...I think that's likely going to be dangerous. I wasn't going to go, personally, but I was going to speak to Ezio about it. I wondered if I could provide some assistance from elsewhere, in case things get dangerous.
no subject
Date: 2019-01-20 06:37 am (UTC)From:[As these things go.]
And I did mention my support for Mr. Jones. I said I would need to speak with your before doing anything, but said he might be able to hold a meeting for it here. If that's too dangerous, though, that is a thing I am more than willing to arrange for elsewhere. I found something of a secret place a few weeks ago, underground springs. The water is not safe, but it would be a place for them to gather and to hide for a short while, if there is trouble.
no subject
Date: 2019-01-20 06:40 am (UTC)From:[ She's just been skimming bandages and shit, Jonathan. Neria's expression is twisted between dismay and frustration and...pride? Is that pride, somewhere down deep? She sighs, rubbing at her forehead for a moment.
Slowly, she loosens a breath. ]
...How many people? If there's too many, I don't think it would be wise for it to be here. If their numbers are limited, we can have it in the lab. I'll see about asking for some protection and I'll stay late to watch over things.
no subject
Date: 2019-01-20 06:46 am (UTC)From:I have offer of security help from a man named Isaac, as well. He has the ability to raise the dead and control them. He thought to have hounds patrolling for us, if you would be all right with that.
Perhaps if you gave me a number you are comfortable with here? I do not know how many Mr. Jones has, yet.
no subject
Date: 2019-01-20 06:50 am (UTC)From:[ There's a reason why she's called the Dark Wolf back home. She's done her share of sneaking and conspiring. ]
I'll see if Lancer and Archer might help. They're both Heroic Spirits and I trust them. Very few can stand up to their ilk. But they are both Submissives as well, and I want to protect them if I can - them and their partners.
[ ...Well, not necessarily Kirei, but. ]
no subject
Date: 2019-01-20 06:56 am (UTC)From:[Mainly because he just isn't awake and aware.]
no subject
Date: 2019-01-20 07:02 am (UTC)From:[ It isn't that she doesn't trust guards or defenses. It isn't that she doesn't trust him. But depending on how many people come under their wing, as the authorities crack down on them - which is inevitable, and she is counting down the days - then it will be impossible to ensure no one is injured. Her fear is capture, being taken to one of those facilities. If that should happen to anyone they are caring for...
It will fall on their shoulders, his and hers. She will take it. She worries for him, though. ]
I'm working on devising glyph magic for the building. No one gets if they have untoward motives. But it's...slow going. I have other things to work on. Fighters won't keep our people safe; it will only buy them time.
We need other ways. Asra might teach me teleportation magic. If so, I can devise a way to get people from one point to another and rig it for downstairs in the lab. Its initial function is to be able to allow people to summon a single person from one place to another. I was going to use it for here. For you or the staff to...summon me.
[ And for her, in dire circumstances, to summon Ereuvir to her side. But that is a very, very last resort. ]
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Date: 2019-01-21 06:43 am (UTC)From:(no subject)
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