genessia | (no subject)

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private text/action for whitley; wednesday night, home
We need to talk. Are you still awake?

[ The text came from just the bedroom over. They lived in the same house and Weiss had gotten ready for bed already, but honestly? She hadn't been able to sleep. She'd been going over something over and over in her head. It was something that would be life changing for her and while she didn't trust Whitley, one thing that she had learned in Genessia was that sometimes you needed to give people a chance to become someone new before they'll try.

She'd left Whitley all alone with their father. He couldn't fight. He couldn't prove himself in another way. That had been what he'd been left with as a path, and the more she thought about it, the more she wondered if she wasn't capable of fighting, would she have followed that same path? It was a question she'd never have an answer to, but if she offered Whitley a path where his only option wasn't to follow the only path set out for him, maybe he'd find his own footing now that their father wasn't there to show him where to place each step. And even if that weren't the case... Weiss still needed to do this for herself.

Weiss watched her device briefly, standing up when she doesn't receive an immediate text back from Whitley. If he'd gone to sleep already she could probably just wake him up. Be patient, Weiss. She'll give him twenty more seconds. 20, 19, 18... ]

action for cassian; thursday midday, SC:NC
[ Nova City had seen a busy day today. For anyone near the prison, they would've heard alarms going off, blaring lights to alert the staff that there had been a prison break. Three escaped convicts. The news was buzzing across town. By noon, one had been reclaimed by the City Guardian's office and two were still at large. The second would reveal himself very soon. Considering they weren't pendant-toting criminals, it wasn't as though they could really hide for very long. Robot police at the archway's gate would catch anyone if they got help, but that sort of trapped feeling would be why the second of the three escapees would take a different tactic with his short-lived freedom: Take something from the woman who put him away, Weiss Schnee.

The most public place, the best place to send a message, would be Schnee Company's front-and-center branch right at the entrance to Nova City. Which would mean that Cassian's wonderful, peaceful security job would be interrupted by a rather large sonic explosion of one of the building's walls as a cyborg with a green-illuminated set-up that looked like the world's most pretentious speaker system somehow gone weaponized stepped through the rubble, declaring some nonsense about how they weren't being very welcoming as the dust cleared. ]

action for jaune; thursday evening, guardian skyrise
[ It'd been a while since they'd really talked, and Weiss wasn't particularly going out of her way to do so. Jaune had said a lot of things, and even if he'd clarified that he didn't blame her, he still accredited her presence to the reason he can't get over her. He still had a lot to go through and figure out and even if she had been helpful at one point, unless he approached her first she wasn't sure it was a good idea to try to be the one to fix this. Which was really hard for her, because Weiss's first instinct is to go attitude first at the problem.

Which is probably why she's a little quiet while she walks past his office as she starts trying to head out of the Skyrise, tip toeing so her heels don't clack on the floor, but the sound of the elevator binging as it hits each floor is probably a dead giveaway, especially when Weiss makes a little surprised sound at the first one as if she forgot it was going to make the noise. If he spots her, he'll see her moving her Pokeballs out to her belt. She likes to go train Pokemon after work, especially since she has enough to do it on her own so even if she doesn't find anyone else out, she can do it on her own. Though having the balls out certainly helps advertise now that more people have Pokemon. ]

text; anon, OTA
Favorite adventure ideas and spots in Genessia, Fayren, et al.?

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[Weiss wasn't the only one avoiding talking. Jaune was aware Weiss staying away. Even if he hadn't noticed how her ponytail trailed as she turned a corner, or heard her talking only to always manage to miss her, he was doing the exact same thing. When she was at the Skyrise, he stuck to his office as long as possible, both to make things less awkward for her, but also because he didn't know what to say or do anymore. How were you supposed to go from close friends to merely coworkers after ruining someone's trust? He didn't understand why Weiss even wanted to try that much when she could just dismiss him, unless it was out of some self-inflicted sense of responsibility regarding being the one to hire him in the first place. He didn't ask. He poured himself into his work, and when he wasn't doing that he was either training, living with Dave and Jeff or hanging around other people outside of Weiss to try and figure out what he was supposed to do in order to move past her. He thought he might have found the answer, but he continued to avoid her out of months of mostly silence from both of them and his crushing guilt when he had come to terms with everything.

Tonight would have been the same, if he hadn't heard people talking about Weiss stepping down as CEO to Schnee Company to give it to someone else. The company that was his main source of income. If it had been a year ago, he wouldn't have believed it, but Weiss had made several decisions that could have looked dramatic to any outside observer. They could argue and fight constantly, but Jaune trusted that her decisions were made for her own wellbeing.

So instead of pretending not to hear the elevator, tonight he steps outside his office, hovering in the doorway as if afraid to approach her any further. And he kind of is. His chest feels tight with anxiety, and he holds his arm, glancing at the Pokeballs before trying to speak up.

He just wants to make sure she's okay. And it's probably time they actually talked.]

Uhm... Heading out? I mean, hi. I mean-- Haven't seen you in a whi-- Weiss. Ms. Weiss? I heard about Schnee Company. And as a coworker, who's concerned, I just wanted to ask if...

[This isn't working. Running a hand through his hair in frustration, he stops his nervous rambling and asks bluntly.]

Weiss can we talk?

[ Weiss's grip tightens slightly on the Pokeball in her hand, the last one that she'd been hooking to her belt, as Jaune starts rambling. She said she wanted to try to move forward and stop being awkward, then they'd argued, and now everything just felt.. wrong. She didn't feel comfortable in this conversation at all and it had barely started, and part of her wanted to just pull what she would have once with Jaune and step into the now opening elevator and hold the "Close Door" button...

But she did the next best thing, loosening her grip on the ball now that it's secured and turning around, crossing her hands. Her expression didn't exactly read as "yes Jaune how are you today?" so much as "no go away" like he used to get so often, though. ]

Regarding?

[He felt like his heart had just been frozen over and broken. His crestfallen look was probably incredibly familiar to Weiss. The only difference was Jaune explicitly knew he deserved that kind of reaction. If it weren't for the fact that she had to talk to him professionally, she wouldn't even be here right now.

It wasn't fair to her to ask her to do this. Maybe some things couldn't be fixed.]

Uhm... [Great start. Awesome. He starts fidgeting, looking anywhere then at Weiss.] Nevermind. It's late and I just remembered I have paperwork and stuff to do. Sorry. Have a good night. [He stares down at his combat boots, nervously trying to escape from this failure.]

[ He had just slipped under the covers and closed his eyes when his device makes the little chime that indicates a private message. There's something of a resigned sigh as he sits back up, but he tries to wake himself up enough to be properly coherent. If he was being sought specifically for something it must be important to some extent.

If it wasn't, he would just sleep and handle it in the morning.

But upon seeing the sender and the message attached to it... well, it's probably something worth tackling up front. ]

I am now.

[ Rude response, but she kind of prefers it. She would've answered the same anyway. Within a couple of seconds, he'll hear a knock on his door. He already knows she wants to talk, so she barely waits before opening it. ]

I know it's late, but I think you're going to want to hear me out regardless. May I come in?

Edited 2017-04-06 16:09 (UTC)

[ He would call it "informative".

He's just barely out of bed when she opens the door, and he fixes her with a little frown. ]

Dear sister, the idea of knocking is to wait for the door to be opened for you.

In any event, come in.

I'm apprehensive right now and manners aren't exactly my number one priority. Which.. actually leads me to what I want to speak to you about.

[ At least she waited until he gave her permission to come in to actually do so. She doesn't bother closing the door behind her- it isn't as though there's anyone else living with them that would interrupt their privacy. Frost and Sleet are in Weiss's room and that door is closed, so she's not concerned. ]

But first, I want you to know that I know you don't like me. I got my memories from home back, and you'll be happy to know Schnee Dust Company is yours, and I'm no longer in your or father's life. Just like you wanted. So, with that off my chest, I have a business proposition for you because I think both of our priorities are different than what either of us initially thought they were.

[ She sighs. It's obvious that he's just giving up, probably because he's actually reading her body language now, so she puts her hands at her side and sighs, sounding more exasperated than irritated now. ]

Jaune, talk to me.

[ There's a little lift of his eyebrows - he obviously wasn't expecting to be called out so directly right now, but he keeps himself relatively composed as he folds his arms slowly over his chest. If what she said is true - and he has no reason to believe it's not, because she wouldn't suddenly have that information otherwise - then she must have had a breakdown that allowed her position as heiress to be taken from her. He doubts she would have abandoned the title of her own accord, and their father wouldn't do so unless he had a reason that could be explained publicly. He's curious about the details.

But this probably isn't the time to probe. If anything he could go to the dream docks and catch up as well, anyway. ]

I can't speak for your priorities, but I'm curious to hear what you presume of mine. Go on.

I can live out of a single suitcase in the back of a cargo ship as long as I'm doing something that I think is making a difference in the world. This house is nice and I won't pretend I don't enjoy the luxury, but you need it more than I do. You need the lifestyle and you need a job that keeps you out of danger or having to do anything you might deem barbaric, as much as I'm sure I'll be saving your skin more than once here in the future.

[ Look, she's not going to deny that she's bitter. He's still a lil shit even if she's come to a conclusion about what to do about this lil shit of hers. ]

I think you'd be happier here if I gave you Schnee Company, and I'm willing to do that given a few stipulations I have.

Edited 2017-04-06 19:28 (UTC)

[He glances up, his mouth a flat line, and stops where he is. This response is more muted as he's trying to appear calm.]

Right here? Uhm. Okay. I heard you gave away Schnee Company, and I wanted to make sure you're okay. I know you probably are, but... I don't know about you, but I'm uncomfortable, so you probably are too so if it's about that then I can quit or something to make it easier because--

You don't have to be distanced from someone to place them on a pedestal. I didn't think I was doing that at the time, but that's what I did to you. [He looks down before glancing back at her, no longer able to reign in his anxiety.] I can't apologize enough for what I did, everything I've done, and I don't deserve any more chances. I care about you, and I miss you. This feels wrong. I met someone, and I really like her. She doesn't talk much, but I don't know. I feel like we understand eachother pretty well. And you said to get help and I have and you're right, you've done so much for this city. This is our home now, and I think I want to do the same. But not by relying on you-- I've done that enough. So, if you're okay with me trying again, and rebuilding our friendship... Are you okay with trying that?

[He's staring at her Pokeballs now.] And there's something I think you should see.

[ Going for a job in security had been a foregone conclusion for Cassian, as it is one of the few things he can do without giving away on what exact field his area of expertise as a soldier lies, and unlike most jobs requiring his special skills it's even legal. He hadn't expected security in Nova City to be so... quaint. He doesn't even get furious new arrivals, since the welcome center in Genessia is the first point of contact.

It's a dull job, and he has not been above complaining to his friends.

It happens without a warning, in one moment he's pointedly ignoring an overly friendly welcome center customer chattering at him about some new restaurant, in the next... there's a hole in the center's wall.

So much for another quiet day at work.

Cassian grabs the stunned man by the scruff of his jacket and hauls him behind the counter, little protection that it will offer against the cyborg whose weapon can blast through walls. His heart's pounding as he hisses at the man to stay put, and looks around, counting the cowering employees and visitors. Trying to win a shoot-out is going to get everyone killed, so... Gritting his teeth in annoyance, he stands up again, hands raised above his head, holding his second-best blaster. ]

Hey, hey, there's no need. I'm sure we can discuss this like civilized people? Here's my blaster, I'll just place it down on the ground now and then we can talk, yes?

[ He may not think highly of the Force, but right now Cassian is ready to pray to it that whoever the Guardians send arrives soon. Small talk has never been his strength. ]

[ He's his father's son - now that he's settled into the suddenness of this conversation he plays the professional, even as Weiss all but suggests that she will hand over the company here in its entirety. If anything, he's perhaps even a little better than his father at it; Jacques can play a bit overemotional, either through visible smugness or tangible frustration, but Whitley knows a hint of subtlety can go a long way. ]

That sounds enormously advantageous to me, but you know what they say about things that seem too good to be true.

[ He draws a few steps closer, eyeing his sister warily. This is a bold move on her part, and he wants to be absolutely certain he doesn't miss a single thing. ]

They always are. So what, then, are your stipulations?

[ He suspects this will be the part where she tries to put some sort of pressure on him - and him being currently under her employ, in a home she paid for, means she has significant weight to throw around. ]

[ Whitley's much more used to their father and cutthroat business than he is used to Weiss. Her demands are a bit more.. well, honest. Weiss takes a deep breath, keeping her voice as steady as she can while she goes over the numbered points she'd decided upon in her head in one long monologue. It's clear she's been thinking about this for some time, possibly since things calmed down after she got back and was able to think things through. ]

If you take over the company, I can't afford to support the deputy program. I need you to promise me that you'll continue to pay for the current three additional deputy salaries I'm paying for. You can do that however you'd like- run fundraisers, pay out of pocket, it doesn't matter as long as it's legal.

[ Weiss holds up her fingers as if to indicate the number two to him, pacing slowly as she goes through her requirements. ]

I'll need you to purchase the house from me because I absolutely won't be able to afford it once you take over my salary. If you want me to move out after that, that's up to you, since it'll be your house to do with as you please, though we can discuss that afterward as I don't want that to influence the deal. The only strict part of the deal is that you buy the deed.

[ Number three. ] I'm listing it third, but it's very important. You follow the law and respect the rights of everyone here regardless of how you feel about them.

Lastly...

[ She hesitates for a moment, because she knows how this one is going to sound. Probably to Whitley, but to anyone who doesn't understand their family. But putting Whitley in power means that she needs to make certain of one thing: That he's not vulnerable to future.. Genessian residents who may show up. ]

I need you to promise me that if Father shows up here, you won't let him in. Not in this house or into Schnee Company, and you won't let him use you to get away with whatever he wants no matter what he does. If that gets hard or you starting getting into your whole [ she folds her hands behind her back and changes her pacing while she speaks just slightly, stretching her leg as long as she can as she takes a step- she's imitating his long legs and and doing a terrible impression of Whitley in the snottiest voice through an angry gritty teeth expression ] "It's not wise to disobey Father" thing, just remember that when he goes home, he won't remember so you'll still be the only one left who hasn't left him and you'll still get everything you wanted.

[ Okay, the impression was probably a bit much but it drives the point home. And Weiss is not the one here who's good at manners and politeness. It's one of the reasons she thinks he'd actually be great at running Schnee Company, because he wouldn't get into arguments with people because she said something judgy every ten conversations or so.

Weiss relaxes a little, facing him straight on, and going back to speaking professionally. ]

Violate any of those stipulations, and I'll take the company back for myself. Follow them, I'll let you do as you please with it and only offer advice if you ask for it regarding company issues.

[ The cyborg grins at him as he steps forward, looking like he's almost impressed that someone had the guts to step forward. He sways with a bit of swagger, hands on his hips as the lights on his apparent speakers begin to slowly light up again but he doesn't fire right away.

"Nothin' to discuss, pal! You all work for that grandma-haired kid who runs this joint so we have a problem. She arrested me, and, well, I didn' like that very much."

Lights are full. He turns and delivers a huge blast to the left of Cassian, as if he's trying to intimidate him, and it blows another wall into the next office to the screams of whoever was working in the other room.

"Everyone on the ground, first one to play hero gets their ears burst!" ]

I didn't.. give away Schnee Company. I asked Whitley to take over. I managed to do what I needed to with Schnee Company and afford to pay for a more effective number of deputies so we can divide the city up among a more reasonable number of leaders instead of three people trying to care for the whole city. I was being stubborn about it before, when I wanted to hold onto everything, but I have people I can rely on now and I know what I need to be happy. I'm proud of what I've done at Schnee Company. It's a lot, and it's what this world needed.. but what I need is to find a way to make a difference in a way that only I can. Whitley may be a conniving pest, but he'll do Schnee Company right and he knows I'll come arrest him in his sleep if he tries anything like Father might have. I'm not running from you, I'm moving forward for me.

[ And she's a little hopeful that Whitley might come around to not hating her if she's not in the way of what he wants, but they'll see. Weiss's family is complicated, but that doesn't mean she doesn't want to try. At least as long as they're both here anyway and no one's stopping her from living her own life. ]

I'm glad you're getting help though, and that you found someone. [ She sounds sincere at least, even if it's clear she feels a little awkward. He's apologizing again, and Weiss wants to forgive him but it's not like that's something that's easy to get over even if mentally, she's told herself to do it. Last time she tried to reach out, they ended up arguing and it only seemed to get worse.. but now it seems like Jaune's made progress. ] What's her name?

What?

Okay so you gave it away to someone you trust. [He pauses and takes a breath, closing his eyes for a moment. As sad as a part of him is, he tells himself it's not loss this time. It's moving forward. Not everyone gets that chance.] I'm happy if you're happy. And Whitley seems pretty smart. He uses a lot of words I don't understand, so I'm sure he'll do a good job. [The arresting comment almost elicits a ghost of a smile, but it doesn't quite reach his eyes.] Just make sure he's in some embarrassing pajamas.

[Her reaction could have been worse. This wasn't really a conversation he had ever wanted to have with her to begin with, but his expression seems to warm with affection when he mentions the person's name.] Link. Her name is Link. Pretty fitting, isn't it? I think she's the link to fixing my heart--

Anyway. Oh, I saw your Pokeballs. It has to do with those. Pokemon are a pretty safe topic for restarting friendships, right? Unless we're not.

I don't trust him, he's a manipulative, spoiled brat. I'm mostly hoping he'll learn that he doesn't have to be when he's not around Father and that he doesn't have to lie to me to get what he wants. [ She's hoping Schnee Company is going to fix Whitley as much as Whitley is going to take care of the company. ]

Don't say anything like that to her and you might actually manage to get a date.

[ Listen if Jaune's taste in Weiss is any indication, she's sure she's right about this. ]

They're safe.

Right. That's just normal, big sister stuff. I hope it works out. He might be a brat, but your father is...you know.

We already went on one when we met. We ate steak fries but I don't think she liked the much. We also had pancakes, a cookie, and I think other stuff too. She loves food. I-- I'm thinking of asking her to go camping since I like sleeping in the park anyway.

You were heading out, right? [He's glancing around.] Wanna show off our new Pokemon? We might need more room.

I mean he figuratively stabbed me in the back because he wanted Father to disinherit me I'm not sure that's normal sibling stuff.

That sounds like a good idea. [ A beat. ] I mean, as long as she's the kind of person who likes things like that. You shouldn't be the only one enjoying yourself.

[ She nods. When he says they need more room, she has an inkling that he might've finally gotten Magikarp to level up. ] Sure. I take it you've finally figured out Neptune?

I was being fastidious.

I don't think she liked the steak fries or coffee. But she seemed to like the sweet stuff. I'll ask her first, but she just has this whole...outdoorsy, beautiful wildflowers that could also probably easily kill me vibe going on. She uses a sword too. She actually helped me retrieve mine from the stone.

[His shoulders slump in disappointment.] You already knew?

I think you mean facetious.

[ So Jaune went from perfect princess with attitude to quiet hippie assassin. Huh. ] It's about time you got your sword back.

Of course I already knew. Why do you think I picked it out for you? I didn't just go find some random Pokemon.

Same difference.

Yeah. It's almost been a year. I might upgrade it eventually, but for now I'm just sticking to the basics. Do you know what you're going to do? Besides guardianing.

Wait. Then-- [He looks down pensively, gritting his teeth after a moment. It's probably obvious he's trying to keep everything light. Safe.] I thought you were just saying I could take a hit...

Fastidious means someone pays close attention to details and accuracy. It's basically the antonymous concept to your butchering of language.

Nothing that I'm going to share yet. I need to figure a few things out first. Making it possible to have that time was the first step.

[ She shakes her head. ] I was saying that even if you're not the strongest or you start out like a floundering fish, if you work hard, you're going to become stronger than anyone would've expected as long as you have the support of someone who believes in you [ like Jaune, his trainer, in Magikarp's case ] and you keep fighting and don't give up. [ It's possible she thinks he might still be in the floundering fish stage, but it's the message that's important. ]

Butchering I understand. Look, they sound similar to anyone who doesn't spend their time devoted to reading dictionaries.

Sometimes you have to take a step back to really figure things out. [Hugging his arm.] I'm glad you're making the choice that's best for you.

...Thank you. [He looks down, avoiding her eyes.] I'm starting to regret naming him Neptune. So, uh, anyway, want to see him?

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