|
|
Post by Sparrow on Mar 20, 2010 11:37:38 GMT -5
Taki's face was slammed into the rough carpet and he closed his eyes, catching his breath and grouping his thoughts. He didn't have long though as he was harshly pulled up by his wrists and forced to stand.
Master Nick, the prisoner has requested to speak to you. When you wish him to leave, page me. I will return. The random Archangel's breath was hot and menacing on Taki's neck. As soon as his wrists were released, he pressed a hand to the back of his collar and wiped the moisture away. His cheek was burning from the carpet fabric as he lifted his eyes to the Archangel before him.
The board room attached to the DA's office was basically empty except for the stacked chairs and long wooden tables pushed against the bare walls. Nick, sitting in one chair royally, seemed to have made one of them his own space as only one of the tables was adorned with paper.
When he felt it was appropriate to speak, Taki clasped both his hands behind his back and tried to pull together what inward strength he still had after being beaten down for two years.
Nick, I came to speak to you today because I am aware of your prestigious position in this place. I... I want some sort of respect. I will always do what I am told here, I will sweep the floors and use my powers for the Corporation as I have no choice but... I don't deserve to get beaten for it. I know this place better than anyone else and I think that counts for something! Finished, Taki rocked on his heels but kept his gaze lifted on Nick's so as not to appear meek.
|
|
|
|
Post by Phoenix on Mar 20, 2010 20:41:05 GMT -5
Although Nick had been many years, he did not yet have his own office for his private thinking and working. However, he did not complain. He had just simply improvised making his own area. He didn't need to explain what would happen to anyone who trespassed on his area, and always being in close range with Wilder, he had the heightened sense to alert him if anyone everyone came into his area when he wasn't around. And the punishment would be far from nice.
Being so close to the Dark Angel, he was often approached by the others who would seek the big man through Nick. It was one of the jobs Nick took pride in. Acting as the gatekeeper. Who would he deem important enough to speak with Dark Angel, and who wasn't.
When Taki was first shoved into the room with another lackey, Nick at first took it as a joke. Was he serious? Did he seriously think the Dark Angel was interested in anything this slave had to say? But then the other man left Nick alone with Taki, and Nick knew he was far from joking.
Oh alright. Nick said putting his pen down, showing he was listening to Taki. No matter how pointless he felt this hearing might be, he still had to show some level of interest. How else could he command respect from him?
He listened quietly while Taki laid his request out. Nick thought for a moment. With the Dark Angel temporarily away, it meant Nick would have to take charge of the situation at hand. Now how would the boss handle this sort of request?
Close the door Taki. And stop looking so nervous. It doesn't do you any good. If I was going to hit you, I would have done so already. And I'm far too busy to bring myself towards you to do so. Very blunt and fairly rude, but at least he was making it clear he was above abusing Taki. Now what do you think I can do about this abuse? I'm not the leader. He wanted to hear Taki's reason for coming to Nick rather then the Dark Angel, and why he waited so long to come forward.
|
|
|
|
Post by Sparrow on Mar 22, 2010 21:19:40 GMT -5
Although Nick was being blunt, Taki was used to people ignoring his feelings and long ago forgone any sensitivity when it came to insults or harsh words. Also, Nick did make sense.
Well, sir, you are the second to the leader. And he isn't here right now, I'm pretty sure. Usually I know these things thanks to being one of his more "valuable" slaves. Taki held up his hands in quotations to emphasize.
I'm hoping with your influence sir, that I could possibly have a better situation since undoubtly I'm going to be here for my life. Taki didn't bother hiding the fact he knew escape was inevitable. He was just about to add more when he suddenly realized he hadn't closed the door like he had been told to and backed up slowly to do that, running a hand through his messy dark locks in embarrassment.
But just before he could, a brunette head popped through the crack and smiled at Nick.
Oh hey babe, sorry to interrupt your uh.. meeting? Lily Jackman said looking at Taki in uncaring confusion. Whatever the Corporation did was their problem, not hers.Esther wants some stupid papers you have and I would have waited but she has her "hurry up" face on and I'm not in the mood for her or Kaycee Hunter's attitude if the lab doesn't get what the lab wants.
|
|
|
|
Post by Phoenix on Mar 22, 2010 21:34:48 GMT -5
Nick did listen to what Taki said, but with an impatient look on his face. Why hadn't the other boy closed the door? He was about to open his mouth to yell at him to close the damn door when none other then Liliana poked her head in.
He turned to Taki. Take a seat and keep your mouth shut. He ordered the slave. He wouldn't be long with Liliana, but he still didn't want the slave to get in the way or say anything.
He turned back to Lily. Alright. Come in. He said. He might be her boyfriend, but there was no written contract that said he had to act like a perfect gentleman every minute they spent together.
He rummaged around his desk for a moment searching for the 'stupid papers' that Lily, or rather Esther and Kaycee needed. After a few minutes of searching he found them and stood up and made his way around the desk to stand in front of Lily. He handed them over to her, but when she took them, he kept a hold on them and whispered to her so Taki wouldn't hear. Liliana, I thought we agreed you wouldn't call me babe? Anyone else he'd throw an accusation or statement in their face.
|
|
|
|
Post by Sparrow on Mar 22, 2010 21:41:08 GMT -5
Taki wasn't sure who this girl was exactly but by the look on Nick's face, he decided to obey the order without question. However as Taki slid quietly into the chair, he noticed something else on the deputy's face. Could that be... affection? He wasn't exactly aware Nick cared about someone else here but maybe it was a secret. That would explain the harsh order so suddenly.
Nick's attitude in front of various people varied and Lily wasn't bothered by it. She was similar that way and he accepted it easily enough. It wasn't like she didn't know he cared. This was especially evident in the way he approached her and murmured in her ear. If there was some sort of problem, Lily was sure he wouldn't get up. Or call her by her full name which only her mother and Nick did.
Sometimes I forget. she said with a wink and assumed she was forgiven. Who's the beat up kid? She asked, gesturing with her head towards Taki and keeping a hold on the papers.
|
|
|
|
Post by Phoenix on Mar 22, 2010 21:55:51 GMT -5
That was one of the best things about Liliana. Too many girls would start whining or sulking about not being allowed to be all 'cutesy' and whatever with their boyfriend. Nick couldn't stand it. Lily would just take what he said, nod and grin it off and move on with life. She didn't care if she didn't get to call him 'sweetie' or 'honey'.
Having said what he needed to, Nick let go of the papers so she could have them. Ah right... the kid. He turned back to Taki and spoke in a louder voice. Have you not heard of the Corporation's little pet here? Since she was asking, he guessed she hadn't. This is Taki. He's our... captive. His powers are very useful to the Dark Angel. Isn't that right? Now he was addressing and giving Taki permission to speak.
|
|
|
|
Post by Sparrow on Mar 22, 2010 22:33:48 GMT -5
Lily carefully folded the papers and stuck them in her purse as Nick let go. Though they were not a touchy/feely couple unless they were alone, their body language often gave them away as a couple. For instance, now Lily was leaning towards Nick as he spoke and he was behind her in almost a protective way. It was subtle but still there for those willing to see it.
Running a hand through her light brown locks and shaking them out, Lily looked thoughtfully at Taki. Can't say I have, she said. Nor was I aware the Corporation has captives. She added.
Taki understood easily enough that he was supposed to respond. He just wished Lily would stop staring at him. Oh yes. Absolutely. I agree. He spoke in a monotone and stared at the floor to avoid Liliana's gaze.
|
|
|
|
Post by Phoenix on Mar 22, 2010 22:38:55 GMT -5
Ah well, now you do. Nick said in reponse to Lily saying she wasn't aware the Corporation had captives.... or rather more like a slave.
Seems he had a pressing matter to discuss that could not wait until the Dark Angel returned from his work. Nick raised an eyebrow at Taki, his way of saying that he found the whole ordeal ridiculous, but being second in command, he had to deal with the matter.
|
|
|
|
Post by Sparrow on Mar 22, 2010 23:08:34 GMT -5
Well I'm sure you will deal with it accordingly Nick, Lily said, turning to look over her shoulder at him and shoot him a captivating smile. You always do. I guess I should be going to deliver these papers. You know Kaycee when she is impatient with people. I will be forever on her bad side. Lily rolled her eyes at Kaycee's ridiculousness. Will I see you tonight? She asked Nick as she headed for the door, her head turned so she was still looking at her boyfriend curiously.
Taki watched them interact quietly and waited patiently, his head now up and interested.
|
|
|
|
Post by Phoenix on Mar 22, 2010 23:14:55 GMT -5
Nick simply nodded in agreement to what she said about needing to deliver the papers. He didn't find it necessary to say anything. That was another thing about her. They didn't feel the need to fill every little silence they had while in each other's company.
When she asked about seeing him tonight, Nick was about to reply when he saw Taki was watching. Are your eyes stuck? He asked, his way of pretty much telling Taki to stop staring.
When Nick saw Taki turn his head, he focused back on Lily. tonight? I have lots of work to get through in the Dark Angel's absence, but I will make time. He didn't kiss her, he didn't hug her, he didn't give her some 'lovey dovey' smile. He wasn't for the cute interaction. He'd leave that to the girls and their stupid romance books and movies.
|
|
|
|
Post by Sparrow on Mar 22, 2010 23:30:06 GMT -5
Taki merely grinned in an almost satisfied way before turning his eyes and staring at the wall. So maybe Nick was jealous in his own way. That was something to keep in mind.
Liliana was just pleased when Nick was able to make time for her. She knew how busy he always was and made sure to give him space to do the things he needed to do. His loyalty to the Dark Angel was something she both admired and had accepted when they started dating and she would never come between that. That's great, if you can. If not, you know how to get me. She wiggled her fingers at him in a wave goodbye and shot him one of her "For Nick Only" expressions before reaching the doorknob.
Her hand on it, Lily turned back to Taki. Goodbye Taki. I'm sure I will see you again. Be respectful now. And she disappeared, shutting the door behind her.
|
|
|
|
Post by Phoenix on Mar 23, 2010 12:43:58 GMT -5
Bonus about Lily. She understood when he was too busy, unlike those ditzy teenagers who would sulk when their boyfriend had work to do. When they first got together he made it clear that his loyalty and dedication to the Dark Angel was the top of his list. She knew and accepted it. Besides, if Nick was always off with her, the Dark Angel would grow angry and be forced to separate them by any means necessary. Thus far their relationship had not been an issue and so the Dark Angel let them be.
As soon as the door was closed, Nick whipped around to face Taki, the almost smile (Nick never smiled) that had been on his face was completely gone. You better wipe that grin off your face immediately if you want my help! He snapped, going back around his desk and sitting back in his chair.
And you will not mention what you saw to anyone! Not only because he didn't want Taki blabbing around that Nick had an almost soft side (he would never admit to being anything but stone-cold), but because those 'stupid papers' he had just handed over to his girlfriend were top secret information that only the scientists in the lab, the Dark Angel, and Nick knew about. Well... if Lily decided to look at them on her way to deliver them, she would know too, but Nick knew she was smart enough to keep quiet about whatever went on in the lab and anything involving the experiments down there. The Dark Angel had wanted to keep things going on down in the lab quiet until he felt it was time to reveal it to the rest of the Corporation.
Alright Taki. You want some sort of respect from the rest of us. And you wish to quit being abused? Well what did you say you'd give in return to the rest of us? He paused for dramatic effects. Right. You said you'd dedicate all your powers to the Dark Angel was it?
|
|
|
|
Post by Sparrow on Mar 23, 2010 21:02:14 GMT -5
The weird half smile thing Nick had going on made Taki want to comment so badly on whatever was going on with him and Liliana but he did need Nick's help. So he let the smile fade and turned the chair around so he was facing the deputy.
Taki shrugged. Who would I tell Sir? He wasn't being rude, just honest. No one, not even the prisoners, never stuck around long enough in the dungeon. Only Taki.
Then of course, despite the dramatic interlude, Nick came to the point of this meeting. And even Taki couldn't help but wince as he submitted. Yes sir, no holding back. No lies. No...anything. His usual optimistic attitude disappeared for a moment. You and I both know that I'm never leaving this place. I'm just not. So I might as well make my life bearable. Even if I have to sacrifice my morals to do it. His sigh at the end didn't exactly match the determination in his emerald eyes but it made sense given what he was saying.
|
|
|
|
Post by Phoenix on Mar 23, 2010 23:39:29 GMT -5
Nick tilted his chair back, staring at Taki, much like a big boss of a corporation would do in the movies. Alright. Deal.
He opened the drawer of his desk and pulled out a sheet of paper and slid the paper along with a pen across the desk to Taki. Fill out your name and powers on this sheet. Then sign it. You are going to joint the Corporation as a full time member, but you will never leave.
Nick leaned over the desk, the lighting in the room shifting on his face in an errie manner, making Nick look ten times more threatening then usual. If you manage to escape, I will personally hunt you down. Do not take advantage of my generosity Taki, or you will experience the full extent of my wrath.
He sat back and pulled out a key. Your new room is located next to Jace. And although you are an official member, and the abuse will cease, you are still at the bottom of the totem pole. You still must take orders from others.
|
|
|
|
Post by Sparrow on Mar 24, 2010 10:37:34 GMT -5
Taki didn't touch the paper yet. Woah, say what? I wasn't really expecting this. Uh, will the Dark Angel be ok with this? He was stammering because he was in shock. Never in his dreams had he thought he would be offered this, he wasn't really sure if he wanted to be a part of the Corporation who had abused him for two whole years. This wasn't just a moral issue, it was a lifetime commitment. Taki looked from the GPS anklet on his leg and the papers on the desk, caught in a decision. Squeezing his eyes shut at his own potential stupidity, Taki looked up at Nick. Sir, I honestly am not trying to discourage your generosity. I really, really am not. But, I'm not sure about this particular solution. Please understand. I just... I mean, isn't there a less extreme option?
|
|
