[The comment about being a babysitter makes Aether's eyes widen with surprise; the subsequent show of having destroyed all the hidden microphones in the room almost makes him laugh. It doesn't really matter to the traveler whether or not the room is bugged, but he doesn't want to make a show of trusting Alhaitham without a little verification, so Aether presses one finger to the beautiful white-and-gold earpiece he's wearing, establishing a remote connection somewhere else.]
Paimon. Tap check.
[There's a slight pause, and then — it's quiet, but only audible to Alhaitham because the room is silent — a sweet, girlish voice rings out: "All clear!"
The mysterious Paimon, one would assume. In any case, Alhaitham was correct; he has indeed destroyed all the bugs planted in the room, which is now a headache for the Akademiya to solve, and Aether is free to speak his mind to the man without fear of retribution by their employers.
He lets a little smirk grace his features as he seats himself upon the armrest of Alhaitham's chair. Why not sit in one of the other chairs around the table? The reason isn't that sophisticated: Aether's just a bit like a cat sometimes, and he likes to perch rather than sit. But then, maybe Alhaitham will read, correctly, that Aether is also the kind of man who doesn't like letting others have the upper hand.]
...Being useful is my job. I'm sure you won't have any complaints. I've never left a client unsatisfied.
[Entendre fully intended. He crosses one leg over the other, looking down at Alhaitham with an appraising eye. The headphones are an interesting touch. Aether doubts he's listening to music, so he wonders what they're for. Maybe the man just likes to ignore the world around him?]
Since you know I'm here to babysit you, that makes things a lot easier. Let's be up front with each other. Your bosses want me to keep you in line. You, clearly, don't want to be kept in line.
[Alhaitham is staring. There's not much that Aether's buttoned-up appearance will tell him. He's wearing a well-tailored suit, no tie. Leather shoes. His long, braided hair looks too ethereal to be real. And yet, when his hand comes down to rest upon Alhaitham's broad, bare bicep, the warmth of his fingers only proves that the angelic assassin is real.]
How's this for an offer? I'll let you do whatever you want, provided that you actually listen to me and fall back when you're being too reckless. Secondly, you can negotiate when it comes to money, but let me do the talking when it's about people. You do as you please, but I make the calls.
no subject
Paimon. Tap check.
[There's a slight pause, and then — it's quiet, but only audible to Alhaitham because the room is silent — a sweet, girlish voice rings out: "All clear!"
The mysterious Paimon, one would assume. In any case, Alhaitham was correct; he has indeed destroyed all the bugs planted in the room, which is now a headache for the Akademiya to solve, and Aether is free to speak his mind to the man without fear of retribution by their employers.
He lets a little smirk grace his features as he seats himself upon the armrest of Alhaitham's chair. Why not sit in one of the other chairs around the table? The reason isn't that sophisticated: Aether's just a bit like a cat sometimes, and he likes to perch rather than sit. But then, maybe Alhaitham will read, correctly, that Aether is also the kind of man who doesn't like letting others have the upper hand.]
...Being useful is my job. I'm sure you won't have any complaints. I've never left a client unsatisfied.
[Entendre fully intended. He crosses one leg over the other, looking down at Alhaitham with an appraising eye. The headphones are an interesting touch. Aether doubts he's listening to music, so he wonders what they're for. Maybe the man just likes to ignore the world around him?]
Since you know I'm here to babysit you, that makes things a lot easier. Let's be up front with each other. Your bosses want me to keep you in line. You, clearly, don't want to be kept in line.
[Alhaitham is staring. There's not much that Aether's buttoned-up appearance will tell him. He's wearing a well-tailored suit, no tie. Leather shoes. His long, braided hair looks too ethereal to be real. And yet, when his hand comes down to rest upon Alhaitham's broad, bare bicep, the warmth of his fingers only proves that the angelic assassin is real.]
How's this for an offer? I'll let you do whatever you want, provided that you actually listen to me and fall back when you're being too reckless. Secondly, you can negotiate when it comes to money, but let me do the talking when it's about people. You do as you please, but I make the calls.