Professor Arc

Chapter 17

"I'd say I hope you know what you're doing kid," the well-dressed man said as he ushered Jaune into a corridor, "but I think by now it's established you don't." Dim lights flickered overhead, casting the barren hallway into darkness every few seconds.

"I haven't agreed to anything yet," the blond shivered slightly from the cool air, but collected himself – he couldn't afford to show weakness to her, "I'm just here to listen to what she can offer." Roman laughed.

"That's what they all say at first, funny thing is – I've never seen those who refused."

Jaune picked up on the warning easily enough, but by this point he was running out of options. The house of cards he'd been building hadn't collapsed yet, what was the harm in adding a few more layers to it?

"You're on your own from this point kid, good luck and keep safe. Neo will be pissed at me if she loses her favourite toy." The man took a long drag of his cigar, waving through the smoke as he backed off leaving Jaune stood before a closed door alone.

The final threshold as it were, his last chance to back out and do things legitimately. His hand settled on the cool metal handle, though he made no move to open it. Doing things the legal way... when had that ever helped him? It hadn't gotten him into Beacon, it hadn't kept him there – nor helped him make the friends he now had.

The door swung open as he pushed his way inside, blue eyes adjusting to the low light.

"Good morning Jaune," the sultry voice seemed to whisper, "I hadn't expected to see you so soon." She sat on a plush dark leather couch, bare legs crossed as one foot seemed to bob up and down lazily. A flash of light reflected off a piece of jewellery, an anklet that tinkled as it moved. His eyes roved up the long limb towards her face, where eyes of smouldering fire regarded him.

"Cinder," he greeted back as he took a seat across from her, "sorry to bother you, I hope it's not a hassle."

She smiled coyly as she leaned forward, red dress shimmering as she brought forth two crystalline champagne flutes, resting them gently on the table, before producing another bottle of red wine. This again? Sure, he could use the mental fortitude, but it was early in the morning... though perhaps as a criminal who worked nights, this classed as the evening for her.

"Allow me," he took the bottle from her, uncorking it as he poured out two small portions. Her eyes seemed to flicker as she watched him, her warm fingers brushed lightly against his as she accepted the flute, scarlet lips caressing the rim as she sipped.

"A gentleman in this day and age," she teased as she leaned back into her seat, "how very refreshing. There's not many of those in the circles I frequent."

"You've gone out of your way to meet with me; it would be remiss of me not to respect that."

"Intelligent as well, what a delightful combination." The fruity taste filled his mouth as he drank, a warm feeling that settled his nerves as he watched her tongue flick out to lick a single drop of wine from her lips.

"I prefer to think of myself as sensible," he replied as he leaned forward, laying the glass gently back on the table, "when speaking to one such as you, it's only right to be cautious."

"One such as me?" The woman cooed darkly, one finger tracing the edge of her glass as she too leaned forward, her legs disappearing beneath the table between them as her face hovered but a foot away from his own. "Please do tell me what that means dear Professor."

"Only that you deserve respect," he kept his eyes locked on hers, "I would pity a foolish man who tried to stand in your presence, though perhaps they would deserve whatever befell them."