Jason Schuyler

"As I said, I have a proposition for you. We're looking for a dominant for Nathaniel, and he has expressed an interest in you."

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*Snape manages to look surprised for only half a minute*

I had wondered if it would be something along those lines.

Firstly, as per the conversation I had with him, which I am aware that you overheard, I believe the current...complication with Mr. Nathaniel is that he needs less domination in his life. You also presume a great deal upon my personal proclivities by assuming my interest in this.

Secondly, I am not particularly fond of lycanthropes.

And finally, that you are...advertising for someone to take Mr. Nathaniel off your hands, as if giving away an unwanted pet, is frankly abhorrent.

Why, exactly, do you think I would be at all interested in participating in the very system that I expressed my displeasure at? And, most importantly, why are you asking me? Where is Mr. Nathaniel?

((DED!!! This should be a very interesting conversation, indeed.))

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Actually, the current complication is a lack of a dominant in his life, which has left him lost and unsure. What he wants is to belong to someone, his words not mine. And I was not presuming anything, just inquiring as to whether or not you were interested.

I have found that there are many differences between the lycans of your world, and the lycans of mine. Even in leopard form, Nathaniel is extremely docile.

And no, we're not giving him away. We are trying to find someone who will take care of him, keep him happy and safe in the way he desires. Someone who is trustworthy and willing to care about and for him, to give him the type of relationship he wants and needs. Something we can no longer do.

As I said, he expressed an interest in you, and I thought it couldn't hurt to ask.

As for why Nathaniel didn't come to you, I offered to make the first approach. He is here, waiting to hear your response. If you are that much against the idea, just say so and I will try to find someone else.

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*Snape is silent for a few minutes*

You have made the first approach. I wish to speak with Nathaniel now.

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*nods and moves aside to let Nathaniel talk*

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Sighing, staring at the flames a long moment before repeating what Jason did, his words mumbled but clear.

Whimpering as he moved into the flames, shuddering at the very thought. And then, eyes still lowered, staring at the toes of his shoes, he waited.

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*Is silent for a few minutes more, the uncomfortable tension growing.*

Hell's apples, this is just not going to work.

Back away from the fire, Nathaniel.

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Head snapping up, the confusion showing in stark relief on his features. Staring a long moment, before giving a small sound, nodding stiffly and disappearing back through the flames with a choked voice.

"Sorry to have bothered, Snape Sir."

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Pulls Nathaniel into a hug, glaring at the fire.

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He hugs Jason tight.

"I'll be fine. Really. I can do this."

Smiles tightly, nuzzling at Jason's cheek.

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Nods and heads outside, leaving the two of them alone.

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*After Nathaniel clears out of the way, the fireplace shoots out huge green flames, and Snape lurches out of it with some effort. ((I assume you're not hooked up to the floo network proper, so that was kinda hard for him)) He straigtens up, and brushes soot off his robes*

*He takes in Nathaniel's posture, and shoots Jason a "I want him alone" look*

Calm yourself. No one is judging your worth. This is not a matter to be decided quickly, nor should it be.

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Trying to stay loose, but nerves and training leaving him stiff, fighting not to assume a posture that might once more earn him this man's ire.

But he does manage to bring his gaze up, the effort showing on his face, in his lilac colored eyes as he just barely made eye contact.

"Yessir?"

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*Once Jason is out of the room, Snape seems to deflate. He looks tired. With a flick of his wand, a bottle of Ogden's Reserve and two glasses appear.*

Have a seat, Mr. Nathaniel. We need to talk. *He pours two glasses, hands one to Nathaniel, and sits down himself. He knocks back his glass and pours another. His voice is smooth and direct.*

Now. This is not an audition. I need you to relax and speak to me openly and honestly.

We do not know each other, Nathaniel. We have had only one conversation up to this point, hardly enough to base such a decision on. I realize that you are in a difficult position here, but why are you so willing to give yourself away to a stranger, and of all the strangers in the Nexus, why me?

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Taking the glass before curling down into the corner of the sofa. Propping himself against the arm, a position of comfort and denning at the same time. Sipping the liquor, a small blink and a smile.

"This is.. Delicious. Is it a wizard thing or... Sorry, if I presume. I know a little of Tamarantha and have heard her and Leela's small friend Tom talking.'

Another sip, seeming to relax a little more.

"It's really two seperate things. Why I wish to leave and then why you. Leaving? I... I love Gabriel. Even when he wasn't healthy and as bad for me, I loved him. But he loves Jason. And Zane's crushing on Leela and Scud and Lil are close and Lil's marrying Jaydyn and... You see the trend here, right?'

Smiling shyly, ducking his head. 'It made me begin to think. And then your convesation pushed my thoughts further. I... I know my place. I like my lace. I have no qualms of being someone's pet, their submissive, hell, call it housewife if you want. I am a submissive and not merely a sexual one. But... I want what the others have. A connection. Even just to belong to one person, rather than being a community charity case.'

Sighing, realizing he's babbling and sinking down further into the sofa's cushions.

"Why is it around you I can talk?"

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*Cocks an eyebrow, a self-directed smirk on his face*

I certainly couldn't answer that. I tend to have the opposite effect, actually.

Of course, I have...less of a role to play here in the Nexus. It is odd to have a simple discussion.

*He regards Nathaniel*

You do realize that sex is not an option. You are courting someone who is little better than a monk.

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The look to cross Nathaniel's face is not one of disappointment but pure confusion. Head canting to the side, puppyish and if he'd been capable in this form, his ears would have perked.

'Why? I mean, not to utterly...'

Head ducking, blushing, hating his own brazeness.

"Celibacy by choice is not something I understand. And as for the rest, it... I would need know what you required of me. To be cut off from contact with others, not even sexual but in general will, over time, kill me. Literally."

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*Stares into the fire, tracing his mouth with a long finger. He sighs.*

I propose an experiment. You claim to want to serve, and I believe that you would benefit from time away from the...social structures to which you have become inured.

There is an old family home in Wales which has not been used in many years. With some attention, I believe it could become habitable again, and I am in need of a safe house and a new laboratory. If you truly wish to leave this place, you may assist me there.

It is a remote location, and I am currently very busy. There is a war... In any case, you will have ample opportunity for personal reflection. I will attempt to be as available to you as I can for discussion and company. You will earn your keep by assisting me, and will receive room and board, and a small additional salary. After the house has been dealt with, we can discuss your wishes for the future.

There is a fireplace which I will connect to the nexus so that you may communicate with your friends, but it will not allow bodily travel for you or anyone else. ((Don’t want to cut you off from the nexus totally! ;-)) This sounds extreme to you, I know, but it is for your safety and my own. As I said, there is a war, and I wish to keep this safe house as safe as possible. I imagine we will find opportunity to visit the nexus.

Allow me to take a moment to be honest with you, Mr. Nathaniel. I do not like lycanthropes. Mr. Shuyler has assured me that your condition is not like that to which I am familiar from my own world, but lycanthropy is a disease, and I consider your kind to be dangerous in the extreme. While you are in my care you will take Wolfsbane Potion regularly. I have a half-dose for you here, so that we can observe any variations which your particular...condition exhibits and adjust the formula for maximum efficacy. You will spend the night of the moon secured in a separate structure for your own safety and the safety of my neighbors, miles away though they may be.

If at any time you become uncomfortable with the situation, I will return you to the nexus, or to this dimension.

Do you understand?

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He listened attentively, doing his best to stay silent. But as the picture unfolded, he slowly sank down into the cushion until the only thing keeping his head up was the catch of his long hair over the arm of the sofa.

Mewling, tiny sounds in the back of his throat as he curled onto his side, hands clutching at the glass as he stared straight ahead, unable to look at Snape.

"Tell Jason and Gabriel. If they tell me to go, then I will."

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*He fixes a penetrating gaze on Nathaniel*

I will not do that, Nathaniel. You must come willingly, of your own choice.

...I am not a warm person by nature, and as I said, I have spent many years completely devoted to a cause which I have not yet won. I cannot risk everything that I have worked for, that I have...sacrificed. *For a brief moment, he stares at the fire, his face unguarded. There is pain and fear and isolation in his eyes, and a terrible determination.* I swore to bring victory, no matter what the cost...

*Blinking back to reality, he regards his whiskey*
I am not trying to be cruel to you. I do not wish to deny you your friends entirely. I ask that you attempt to spend some time to yourself, so that you can come to terms with yourself.

It is not easy, but nothing worthwhile is.

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"I can't do it."

Said so softly, in the meekest voice he has, dying inside to tell a dominant no in anything, to admit to that weakness, an inability in anything.

"I... I can't live without contact, Sir. You are not merely asking me to think for myself, or spend time alone. You are asking me to give up my most basic need. Over food. Over survival. I've nearly died for it. More than once. I can't survive without contact, Sir.'

Sighing as he slipped to the floor, curling up into a ball around the glass.

"I would die."

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*Concern tinges his voice*

Then what I proposed is not the answer. It is not surprising, I know little of your world. I am a stranger, after all.

Do you refer to a need for...touch? Is this tied to your lycanthropy somehow?

Nathaniel, look at me.

*A long, pale hand reaches out and grasps Nathaniel's chin, turning it gently but insistently toward the other man.*

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Lifting his head, lilac eyes limpid pools hazy with tears.

"I... I don't mean to disappoint but yes. The lycos virus affects us enough that we are true pack animals. We can not survive without the contact of others. Perferably pack or pard, where we can feel the beast of the other within. But contact is needed."

Sighing, turning his head and rubbing his cheek against Snape's hand, almost as if demonstrating but likely not even realizing he's doing it.

"It's not about sex, though that can work. It's.. touch. Many of us sleep in piles, as puppies and kittens do. At.. At Gabriel's? We did. Until Cherry killed the others."

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*His lips tighten to a straight line.*

I...don't know what to tell you. I wish to help, but this is not an easy time for me...

Very well. I see that I have approached this in the wrong way. What places are open to you to stay at? You have mentioned that this particular group has all paired off, which makes you somewhat uncomfortable. Do you have other friends outside this pard?

((Mun will need sleep soon...))

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