stefanged | Drift Fleet

It's about your surprising... athletics.

And your aversion to fire.

[.......................... Well, might as well get it over with!]

And since we'll be working together in a small space for a considerable time... I was wondering if there's an blanket explanation for those particular traits.

If I may be so forward.

[Shit, that's right. Vash already knew, but Nami and Jarvis sure didn't.

. . . ]

Oh.

[is it too late to hang up?]

Yes? Maybe? [He sighs.] Look, Mr. Jarvis, I try to um, keep that under wraps, so to speak.

Well... It's not particularly wrapped at the moment.

[A sigh.]

Whatever concerns you may have, you can put your faith in me, as long as I can find good faith with you first. I do not judge people based on their origins - I base them on conduct.

... Which I hope is satisfactory.

Edited (omg typos) 2017-01-18 00:11 (UTC)

[Now he just feels bad.]

No, no - you've been fine. I promise. You're from Peggy's world, which um, also means you don't - [He sighs.] People like me technically don't exist there.

This might be easier to explain in person. Do you have a moment, or should I come over, or - what would work best?

Splendid!

[Can you practically hear him tapping his heels together, because he's up and jacketing up right this instant.]

I can hop right over, if you'll have me. It will be just a moment.

What ship was it, again?

[Oh man, Stefan sure can - should he be worried?]

Of course. I'm on the Paisley - do you take tea? If so, it'll be ready by the time you come over.

Ah - I was going to make my own, but... absolutely, yes.

It's hard to remember I'm not the sole tea-maker.

[Ana makes tea sometimes, but Jarvis loves to prepare food and drink and dote on her, so.

Really he's hopeless.]

I'll be there shortly.

[Its a good thing Stefan isn't a killer vampire guy dude.

Jarvis would walk right into it, bless his soul.]

You're coming to see me. [He laughs, not unkindly.] In this case, hospitality is way more important than tradition.

I'll see you soon.

[Whenever Jarvis arrives, Stefan's standing in the Paisley's kitchen with two freshly-brewed mugs of tea. He brought out the good stuff - some loose-leaf saved from a planet - as well as powdered milk and sugar packets. This is a man who knows what he's about, and it's tea.

His smile is a small, nervous one as he motions for his friend to take a seat.]

Hey. I didn't um, I didn't remember if you took milk or sugar or none of the above.

Oh, both, certainly both.

[He loves his tea as prissy as possible, okay.

And he's already quite eased by the concept of a man who appreciates fine tea.

He takes a seat and tries to look a little less formal, with little success.]

... I apologize if I'm being too forward.

I realize I can be a bit - eager.

[It doesn't mean he's not gonna ask a million questions tho.]

You got it.

[He focuses on the act of pouring milk and sugar until the color is just right — it's a lot easier than say, trying to figure out how to explain his immortality and powers to someone whose world lacks them altogether.]

Ah, no, no, it's fine. I wasn't exactly trying to hide my abilities back there.

[Stupid survival instinct just had to kick into overdrive.]

Yes, well. I am not one to judge a walk of life simply because the idea vexes or shocks me.

As long as I am safe and sound in your company I am quite willing to broaden my horizons.

And besides, many powered individuals here are really lovely people.

Edited 2017-01-23 23:47 (UTC)

Of course you're safe. [Though now Stefan has to pause and wonder - did Jarvis take ANY precautions before coming over? He hands over a mug, quietly furrowing his brow.] It's more uh -

[ . . . ]

What does your world say about "powered" individuals again?

[He is absolutely 100% unarmed without any precaution, because Stefan totally seemed chill and he works with him so W H Y NOT. Who needs a gun if Stefan turns out to be a serial killer or something? Please. They're both civil gentlemen who've caused no trouble.]

I couldn't rightly say; the only man I can think of with any superhuman power is Captain America. But... I would imagine powered individuals would be met with extreme confusion and prejudice, as many groups and ethnicities are, regardless of their character.

[He doesn't sound particularly pleased with the concept.

He rather hates bigots.]

Edited 2017-01-27 07:02 (UTC)

Hm, so my species definitely doesn't exist.

[He takes a sip of his tea, a little relieved at the idea. Perhaps Peggy and Jarvis (and now Steve?) will never, ever encounter someone like him in the middle of the night.]

You see um, I'm not exactly human. I'm more um, like a vampire.

[... He's so thrown off, he chuckles and swats a hand.]

Oh, very funny, Mr. Salvatore. I'm sure you would make a fine son to a Bela Lugosi Dracula.

[Wait, what.

No one's ever DENIED the possibility of him being one before . . . ]

But I'm completely serious. I've been one for over a century now.

[Ohohohoho very funny, very humorous, Mr. Stefan.

:'D You kidder.]

Now, I may have been anxious at the thought as a boy, but there simply can't be —

They're just silly old tales to frighten children.

[Jarvis, are you really saying that to the silly old tale guy.]

You're - you're calling me a piece of fiction?

[That's what he's been reduced to? Stefan doesn't know if he wants to laugh or cry - no memory has prepared him for proving that he is what he says he is.]

[He takes a deep breath, ducking his head so that he can force his true face without too much alarm. The lack of color from his eyes, the veins protruding underneath them, and his unusually long fangs - all of those appear as Stefan dares to look back at Jarvis.

If he's a piece of fiction, how can he look like this?]

No I'm simply saying vampires aren't —

[He gives a very undignified yelp at the sudden shift in the man's face as he looks up, arms jolting, and then leans back frozen in his chair. He's not really sure what to say to that face, Mr. Salvatore. Okay, so vampires, they're real, and he's working with one, and — he sure hopes this fellow is as nice as he's been thinking he is -

gulp]

[He's no stranger to that gulp, and if anything, it causes him to bow his head in deference. His shoes have suddenly become way, way more interesting than the man before him -

Or maybe he's equally afraid to meet his gaze.]

Vampires aren't what, Mr. Jarvis?

[He sits for a moment, staring.

Then leans on his elbow, hand over his hand, brow furrowed with intense thought and confusion.]

...

This is very new territory.

For both of us, I think.

[He'll put the vampire face away like a polite person, though his apologetic expression remains.]

But for the record, Stoker got most of the details wrong.

Edited 2017-02-06 04:50 (UTC)

I see...

[He looks thoughtful for a moment, and then nods firmly.]

... Well, it's nothing to be embarrassed about! We are who we are.

And you're a rather peaceful vampire, from what I know of you. Miss Carter would not speak kindly of someone without them being truly a valuable and trusting acquaintance.

Peggy said that? Really?

[He draws in a breath. No matter how long it's been, Stefan still finds praise hard to believe - especially when it's from someone he admires.]

I'll have to thank her later. [His expression softens, considerably.] And you, as well, for being so trusting.

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