Whenever you're ready. I'll make sure one of the guest rooms has fresh linens for you. I'll let Martin know you're coming. It's just the three of us for now. If you know any other Subs who need help and you trust them, you can bring them, as well.
It is distinctly unpleasant; thank you again for welcoming me.
[Agnes unwinds her scarf from around her neck. By the time that John's finished closing the door, any snow and wetness that had fallen on her has completely dried off again.]
I can't recall it ever being quite this bad in the previous couple winters. Does it feel to you as if the weather is getting worse, all around?
Floods? Blizzards? Yes. The world seems to be turning on us. I'm sure the city has its own thoughts about why. I wonder if they'll be evacuating us again to that horrible camp.
[Jon shudders just thinking about it.]
Did you want some tea? I can show you up to your room otherwise. [He motions to the stairs.]
[And she absolutely wouldn't mind contracting with Jon. But it isn't anything about Jon himself that keeps her from jumping on the chance.]
I only don't want to put a strain on you when you already have other outstanding contracts, and I so often see other Dominants struggling to stay out of jail for lack of a contract.
[Even if she clearly hasn't managed to contract with any of those individuals yet, it still feels like she should try to help where she can.]
[The electric kettle goes on, and Jon turns to face her.]
That's... fair. I do worry about you not having a contract, though. I know Elias isn't in the city anymore, but... I just don't want you to ever wind up in that sort of situation again.
[Agnes nods her head slowly, but even knowing that Elias isn't around, as he said, she can't help but frown.]
It's hard to imagine anyone else choosing to take advantage of me in such an extreme manner.
[Not that everyone in Duplicity is a saint, and she's met her fair share of people she's hardly fond of, but even some of the more aggressive individuals she's come into contact with couldn't compare.]
But there's only so much we have control over in a city that owns our agencies.
I know. If there were a way to take this whole designation system and chuck it into the ocean, I'd take it in a heartbeat. Chris and I are working on something to try to help. I don't know how much good it will actually do, but it's trying... something.
You should meet him. I think you'd enjoy his company. He's been working on a letter campaign to the Creator and Bel using the data I've gathered about designation switches.
[He gestures briefly around the room.]
I don't expect it's going to get much traction. But... well... once that fails, we can figure out something else.
[Considering with how little respect they're treated, she can't help but assume the same: that they won't be listened to. Nonetheless, it's a noble effort. Agnes smiles.]
Does he like coffee? Perhaps he could join me for a cup, sometime.
I've never asked him, but I know he likes tea. I'm sure he can find something to drink with you.
[Jon offers a brief smile before the kettle chirps its completion and he pours out a pair of boiling cups for each of them. In go the teabags, and he's offering her a mug.]
We really do need to get your coffee shop business off the ground, don't we? How else have you been keeping yourself busy when the Down isn't a complete mess?
[He starts leading her up the stairs to show her into Alessandro's old room. It's been more than a year since the man had lived there, but it's still his in Jon's mind.]
And what about you? Have you considered any self-portraits?
[The question seems to take her aback, just slightly. She's quiet until after they've reached the top of the stairs before figuring out how she feels about it.]
I hadn't thought of it. I don't particularly like to look at myself.
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[Things she should probably tell people, but she honestly doesn't think to mention it.]
I'd hate to put you out; you know the cold doesn't bother me.
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That doesn't mean you shouldn't have a place to sleep.
And I have a giant house with just Martin and me.
You're not putting us out.
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[And brave the malfunctioning elevators.]
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I'll make sure one of the guest rooms has fresh linens for you.
I'll let Martin know you're coming.
It's just the three of us for now.
If you know any other Subs who need help and you trust them, you can bring them, as well.
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I'll be there soon.
[He'll find her ringing the doorbell a few hours after this conversation, once she's made her way through all of the current weather hazards.]
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Hey. Glad you made it. It's... [He peers past her before quickly shutting the door.] Well. A blizzard, I suppose.
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[Agnes unwinds her scarf from around her neck. By the time that John's finished closing the door, any snow and wetness that had fallen on her has completely dried off again.]
I can't recall it ever being quite this bad in the previous couple winters. Does it feel to you as if the weather is getting worse, all around?
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[Jon shudders just thinking about it.]
Did you want some tea? I can show you up to your room otherwise. [He motions to the stairs.]
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[She looks around as her coat comes off.]
I'm so used to being here when you're having a party.
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[He tries not to worry about her, but... well. The Down is a terrible place. Jon heads toward the kitchen as he continues talking.]
Are you... looking at anyone in particular for a contract?
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No, not at all. Perhaps someone who would be interested in helping me open my business.
[The perpetually not-opening business.]
It's been difficult to find the means of starting when I'm so unfamiliar with the process.
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If you're coming close, you can always contract with me. I don't know much about businesses, but I can vouch for you... all that.
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[And she absolutely wouldn't mind contracting with Jon. But it isn't anything about Jon himself that keeps her from jumping on the chance.]
I only don't want to put a strain on you when you already have other outstanding contracts, and I so often see other Dominants struggling to stay out of jail for lack of a contract.
[Even if she clearly hasn't managed to contract with any of those individuals yet, it still feels like she should try to help where she can.]
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That's... fair. I do worry about you not having a contract, though. I know Elias isn't in the city anymore, but... I just don't want you to ever wind up in that sort of situation again.
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It's hard to imagine anyone else choosing to take advantage of me in such an extreme manner.
[Not that everyone in Duplicity is a saint, and she's met her fair share of people she's hardly fond of, but even some of the more aggressive individuals she's come into contact with couldn't compare.]
But there's only so much we have control over in a city that owns our agencies.
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[And something is better than nothing.]
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[She can't remember meeting anyone with that name, at least. Still, anything that could help catches her interest.]
What is it?
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[He gestures briefly around the room.]
I don't expect it's going to get much traction. But... well... once that fails, we can figure out something else.
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Does he like coffee? Perhaps he could join me for a cup, sometime.
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[Jon offers a brief smile before the kettle chirps its completion and he pours out a pair of boiling cups for each of them. In go the teabags, and he's offering her a mug.]
We really do need to get your coffee shop business off the ground, don't we? How else have you been keeping yourself busy when the Down isn't a complete mess?
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[Not all the time, but it's certainly become her most prominent hobby.]
I'll have to bring my camera sometime to show you. I cannot say if they're any good, but I enjoy taking them.
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What are you taking photos of, though?
Please tell me it's not pornography.
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Did I forget to tell you about my growing portfolio of erotic portraits?
[She gives a huff of laughter, shaking her head.]
Just things that catch my eye. Usually people, when they're behaving decently.
ignore me forgetting what format we were doing...
And what about you? Have you considered any self-portraits?
happens to the best of us!
[The question seems to take her aback, just slightly. She's quiet until after they've reached the top of the stairs before figuring out how she feels about it.]
I hadn't thought of it. I don't particularly like to look at myself.
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