video; un: aquila

[leitstern]

Name: Jasper
Date: 8/2
Format: Video

[An elegant man sits behind a writing desk with both feet ungraciously raised on the grain. Pristine white sleeves rolled to his elbows, his spotless waistcoat embroidered with gold. The heroic image is shattered by the expression upon his face; quiet and solemn as the grave. Fingers massage where his neck and shoulder meet before he utters a word.]

May I have the pleasure of your ear a moment? I am informed by the Coven that I would do well to find a partner. Only they encourage me against their better judgement, as I am afraid I am a terrible partner for anybody.

[He does little but focus on playing with his fringe for ten seconds, maybe twenty.]

So forgive the ironic curiosity - it will kill me one of these days - and kindly share what you like to see in a partner. Age? Beauty? Perhaps you harbour a fondness for wealth?

Sentimental fools believing in love and friendship need not waste my time.

If the first, I should laugh. If the second, I should call you a fool.

Comments

video; un: nibelung

[sonnestark]

[It's something that's been on her mind quite a bit lately, as well, to tell the truth, and this isn't even the first message concerning bonds that she's chosen to respond to. Her answers are more or less the same every time: that it seems too great a commitment or responsibility for any of them to ask of anyone, except it seems that they must, that they are a necessity.

She considers her words carefully before answering, her expression somber— the video component of these devices is foreign to her, but she does like the idea of being able to talk to someone face-to-face even from a distance.]

Whether you think you'd be a terrible partner or otherwise, I've already heard horror stories about what happens to those who don't form bonds.

[A solemn word of warning, rather than a lecture.]

If I had to set all sentimentality aside? I think... experience is an important quality. I haven't been able to decide much beyond that. What we're expected to do requires more trust than anyone could reasonably build in a short number of months.

[But it's been a month since her own arrival, and she knows time is not on anyone's side, least of all hers.]

[leitstern]

[Unsurprising.

Her appearance is unsurprising and it hardly lightens his face with a smile. Given how exacting he is, it shouldn't be astonishing. What she has to say is equally predictable; hints of personal needs and the requirement of trust. It sours his bitter face further and he continues playing with his hair only to flick it aside.

All's not a waste. Agreements, pacts and friendships. They drive people to chat meaninglessly and betray themselves easily.]

On the contrary, it requires only a pleasant word and a willingness to speak a few words. I doubt every citizen enjoys a full and healthy relationship with their partner.

[sonnestark]

[Well. Even before he says anything, she can tell he didn't like that answer, and she huffs softly, though otherwise remains composed.]

No, I'm sure they don't. Believe me, I understand that what I want is not a luxury that can be afforded.

[She has no intention of allowing herself to go feral, thank you. She has too much sense for that.]

Still, that doesn't mean that any bonds made should be taken lightly. It's a necessity, but also a responsibility to another person.

[leitstern]

You are making an obvious argument to one who already believes it.

[The slightest twist curls the corners of his lips and cracks his frosty stare. He is speaking on an uncomfortable subject.]

Partnerships should not be driven by thoughts of outperforming the other but on growing together. That is one responsibility of many. I can name others, I must admit, but that would make a boring conversation.

video; un: METTATON

[metalcrusher]

[Jasper's greeted to the sight of... a large metal rectangle reclining upon a very dressed-up bed, made up in magentas and purples. One of his clawed hands moves to run over a single one of his tall rabbit ears, tall enough to be otherwise cut out of the frame. When he speaks, it's on a voice deep and full of inflection, despite being a robot.]

AND WHAT A PLEASURE IT IS, TO BE LENT ONE OF THESE IMPRESSIVE EARS OF MINE. WHAT ELSE ARE THEY FOR BUT TO LISTEN TO YOUR PRETTY INQUIRIES?

[His 4×5 screen, yellow at first, displays a red heart upon its face.]

I FIGURE YOU'RE TOUCHING SPECIFICALLY UPON BONDS. AND LUCKY FOR YOU, I HAVE A SHORT LIST OF CRITERIA ANY POTENTIAL BONDED PARTNER OF MINE SHOULD MEET... BEFORE I SO MUCH AS GRACE THEM WITH MY CONSIDERATION. BEING CLEVER AND INTERESTING IS JUST ONE OF THOSE ITEMS! HOWEVER. IT WOULD BE A LIE TO SAY I HAVEN'T ALSO CONSIDERED THE COMPLIMENTARY BEAUTY OF MY BONDED. AHAHAHA...

[leitstern]

[Jasper lightly twitches in the corner of his face; an impassive mask otherwise exposed for one second. His attention focuses entirely on the creature and its surroundings. A luxurious bed and ample sheets and pillows. The hand that hints at furry ears that rise from view and the emotions revealed upon its... chest?

His curiosity is hardly driven by disgust or disdain, fear or foreboding. He has lived long enough amongst monsters to become one, and plenty of them were robots with lives of their own.]

Indeed. It is an important consideration. After all, we all have our ideals of beauty, do we not? Forgive me for asking, but...

What precisely are yours, friend?

[Few words, but it's clear enough this robot loves the sound of his own voice. So why not let it speak?]

[metalcrusher]

[That Jasper didn't immediately comment upon Mettaton's being a robot is agreeable — he gets that a lot, otherwise. But Mettaton does take note of that fleeting break in expression. He decides it means he's piqued his interest. He's vain enough to feel that's the case.

Jasper's assumption that Mettaton enjoys hearing his own voice would be right. And he's very inclined toward answering this question. He scarcely has to think upon it.]

APART FROM THE OBVIOUS ANSWER - THAT IS, ME... [he is so beautiful. he makes sure that this is known with a stroke along the side of his angular chassis. sensually.] SOMEONE WHO LOOKS GOOD REFLECTED UPON MY METAL FACETS... I LIKE A DISTINCT LOOK. SOMEONE WHO CAN OWN IT, DARLING! I APPRECIATE THOSE WHO HAVE TAKEN CARE TO MANICURE THEIR IMAGE INTO SOMETHING THEY FIND REFLECTIVE OF THEIR CORE! A DISTINGUISHED IMAGE STANDS OUT IN A CROWD! A SOPHISTICATED CHARM... A CONFIDENT AIR... LONG, SEXY LEGS. WHO COULD RESIST??

[leitstern]

[There is a playful smirk, the kind that invites one to cause trouble, before Jasper's playing with his fringe again. This situation is amusingly absurd. Daft and comic in equal measure. But there are diamonds amongst its rough nonsense. Pride, he thinks. It is pleasing to see one take pride in their appearance.]

Only the blind, I suppose.

[He pins his hair behind his ear, well aware of his own appearance.]

I have long suspected that most people have no appreciation of style.

voice; un: scenarios

[silentsavant]

[Get a load of this guy. Soren can already tell they're incompatible.]

At least you are self-aware. Happily for you, some folks make a habit of hitching themselves to terrible partners, so all hope is not lost.

[leitstern]

[Jasper holds his breath and counts to five. The honesty he can appreciate but not the insolence.

Incompatable, indeed.]

Indeed.

Then it is simply more fortunate that their judgment of me matters greater than yours.

[silentsavant]

[His voice remains cold and impersonal.]

That would be correct, since I have no intention of Bonding with you. However, it is ultimately better for you if you find even one person. I don't want you exploding, making a mess, or casting Mirrorbound in a bad light. Do you consider your inadequacy to be more a defect in personality or performance?

[Oh jeez, Soren. Will you ever learn to uh. phrase things less rudely???]

[leitstern]

[Despite his coldness, Jasper's temper is boiling. His lips press thin and his eyes narrow in the corners.]

Neither. That your assumptions turn to character and capability both speaks more to your personality than mine, friend.

[Honestly? Maybe he is a terrible partner just because he is demanding. People cannot keep up and that's a loss.]

text; un: reddeer

[rightfoot]

I don't know, you sound neat.

Maybe someone will appreciate your honesty.

[leitstern]

That would be the optimal outcome. Only most have taken it upon themselves to mistake my candour for discourtesy.

I ought not be surprised. People are so easily between the two, are they not?

[rightfoot]

Many don't have the awareness to know that they're terrible. Since you're a witch, given your mention of the Coven, I'm certain you'll find a suitable Monster.

[leitstern]

An equally terrible one, I dare say.

But fate is what it is. And thank you for your kindness - or at least your candor.

voice;

[unsundered]

[The voice that comes over the line is low and idle, though there's a certain deliberation to it all the same, a detachment clearly practiced.]

Oh... someone who describes themselves as a terrible partner- is either beset by a woeful lack of self-confidence, or by an equally troublesome amount of self-insight. Perhaps both.

[Emet-Selch could choose to answer the question- he considers his own opinions most important and valuable, after all- but he instead chooses to ignore it for the moment. Not that his tone even conveys that much curiosity- it's too casual for that, bored and flippant.]

Any reason for the description, the disclosure? If you were hoping for someone to take you on as a charity case- I suppose this is one way of arranging things. Though I wonder if such a method is like to attract the equally as pragmatic- or instead those in full thrall of their belief in friendship, in some desire to prove you wrong.

[leitstern]

[Jasper listens carefully and examines between the lines; reading curiosity in the gentleman's analysis and finding it in his questions.

But that is his interpretation and nothing more.]

The misfortune of addressing the public is that one invites all sorts. Such a method perhaps attracting both, as you say.

[His aloof voice possesses an edge. Pride offended by the insinuation he would ever stoop to fishing for charity.]

To such people I describe myself as terrible simply because, well, surely you comprehend that honesty on matters of compatability saves time if nothing else?

[unsundered]

[And he'd be right in detecting that hint of curiosity; were the Ascian not interested at all, he wouldn't have responded.

But the tone doesn't put him off, and he only hums quietly at first. Pride could be either irksome or intriguing; as with most things, it depended on what it was paired with.]

Honesty is an underutilized and underappreciated trait, [There is, perhaps, a slight hint of bitterness there.] so I'll agree that it casts you in a favorable direction to make a claim of it. If that's all that names you terrible, your sins are lighter than most.

And if your interest is in saving time- what then, do you yourself seek in a partner, undesired yet required all the same? That is, assuming your preferences extend beyond an exclusion of those with a sentimental bent?

[leitstern]

[Something seems hidden beneath the conversation. This man's investigation of whether he is an honest man at all - accusations hidden beneath words. His own suspicions are turning around on himself, it seems. He closes his eyes in thought and keeps them shut as he dictates his words.

The change to an impersonal topic a welcome one.]

Intelligence, of course. I do not expect them to interfere with my life and in return I shall not disrupt theirs.

I hardly think that is too much to ask for.

video;

[fordola]

[ A bond... hm. She'd been considering what else she might look into, what else she might wish for. But a partner... ]

These partnerships aren't about romance, in my opinion. But they're about trust. Trust that they won't spill your feelings, what you think.

Though that sounds almost as pathetic as believing it's about love and friendship, huh?

[leitstern]

[Jasper relinquishes his fringe. The question gives him something to focus on, to distract him from his thoughts.]

I dare say you are expecting me to agree with you, but no. Trust is a necessity between companions - but whether we are capable of feeling it is another matter entirely. People who believe in it might well discover that it will have them in an early grave.

[That's his experience, at least.]

video; un: farron

[sparkstrikes]

[Lightning isn't sure whether she's surprised or unsurprised by the way this message played out. Surprised in that he's even asking at all, because he struck her as the opposite of curious about the Bonds, but unsurprised by the fact that he cares little about "love and friendship".]

No love or friendship? [She scoffs.] You seem to know what you want, so why ask?

[Ah, dodging the question by asking a question. Classic.]

[leitstern]

[Jasper clears his throat a little. It might be because of her audacity. It could also be of the wine he had ten minutes before. When stuck in a foreign land one might as well sample it's delights, right?]

Oh necessity, of course. Better to ask today than to plead next month, correct?

[Yes, he's heard about what happens when people don't bond. He can do without that hassle, thanks.]

[sparkstrikes]

[Lightning tries not to smile when he clears his throat, and even harder when he answers her question so willingly. She doesn't have much reason to want to talk to him, but she can't pass this up before she gives him a real answer.]

So, this is a solicitation for a bond.

[A booty-call?]

At least offer to buy me dinner first.