Post by The Muse on Aug 31, 2009 23:11:58 GMT -5
Title: Romeo, the active to be.
Challenge: Crossover #4
Fandom: Buffy/Dollhouse
Pairing/Characters: Adelle Dollhouse, Echo Dollhouse, Giles BTVS
Summary: Giles is looking for information and has been told a lie about what Dollhouse does, Adelle wants a new doll.
Rating: G
Warnings: Light bit of sexual tought.
Disclaimer: "I don't own the characters. All bow to Whedon."
Word Count: 1801
Author's Note: Thanks Beta Meliafairy.
Meeting number one, as it would later be marked in his file, was due to start at noon. Tardiness was un-acceptable and would not be looked upon pleasantly. Adelle sat waiting, her chair in a straight backed position. She had not yet met her new potential obsession and was only referring to him as Romeo for now. R was a strong letter, a good sign. Adelle already knew she had a few favourites who were all strong at taking on their roles when given to them. Maybe Romeo would prove to be her new favourite.
Adelle picked up her mug cautiously. No need to burn yourself unless you were the one to touch the flame, she thought. As she took a sip of her Earl Grey, a solid knock came from the oak door of the office. Good, she thought, Romeo was even three minutes early.
Romeo stepped into the room. He was a few inches taller than Adelle. His brown hair and blue eyes were the first things she noticed. He had a presence about himself, the room felt different with him in it. Adelle also noted that the man was roguishly handsome. Adelle suppressed these thoughts and labelled them mentally as positives for future clients. She stood and sidestepped the table to welcome him. She took his hand and found a solid handshake. His grip told her that he had not always been just a librarian. He felt as though he’d travelled and maybe gone hand to hand with people, maybe he had even killed. Adelle stood back and gave him a quick once over, taking mental note of his posture, his balance, his presence and his appearance. Nothing wrong so far, she thought; ticks in all the right boxes.
“Good afternoon, I hope to find you well. I’d like to thank you for being on time as well as your interest and acceptance to this meeting. We shall aim to cover the niceties and any questions in this initial meeting. From my understanding you need us as much as we need you. I’ll be asking you a couple of questions before I make everything final, once confirmed yourself and I will discuss more. Please feel free to ask anything in return.
Tea?” As she asked she waved at her tea set at the centre of the table. Looking at her precious tea set made her think of what she’d done in the past as well as who she had to tread on, literally, to get it. She’d had the tea set for many years, it’d been given to her by her boss. Well, given wasn’t the right word, more like sent 1st class Royal Mail in the post with a note of congratulations for her promotion.
“Thank you, white and one sugar if you don’t mind,” he said with a note of appreciation in his voice.
Adelle listened and soaked up the way he spoke and his manners. Also the fact that he was British was ticking more boxes for her on a personal and professional level. She once more noted to herself that he would be excellent for lonely older female clients. By thinking this she was able to stop the images of his hand on her knee, slowly creeping up along her thigh.
She took a breath to compose herself. Graciously, she took the handle of the pot and started to lift it. The pot had only boiled a few minutes beforehand so she resumed pouring out a mug of tea. She glanced up and offered him the mug which he took swiftly. A smile played across his lips, he nodded his thanks.
They both drank their tea and the situation felt less like a meeting of strangers and more of a meeting of two minds. But what does he want? She knew enough about him through contacts and word of mouth, he was after something, she was sure of it. How could he not be, but I want him to be mine.
“So from your phone call, it sounds as though you want to apply for a place here, but what do you know about us and what we do?” She tilted her head to the left and looked him in the eye. Let’s see if he tells the truth, Shall we play call my bluff.
Romeo put his mug down after a final mouthful of tea. “From what I’ve heard, you have agents, in a way. They were once people who came to you for help. I need your help. I need out, a break. I’m no longer on the inside of what I do, I have no role. I have no purpose. I’ve done things, unspeakable things of which people would not believe or understand. Maybe I need to disappear.”
Romeo looked desperate and rushed although he added a quick smile to try and cover up this blip in his composure. Needless to say Adelle was not fooled by a smile, and she never had been.
“And what is it that you know of our organisation?” She gave him a piercing look, almost daring him to lie about what he knew. She knew he was no fool. He would’ve researched her and the organisation as much as possible. Thankfully all leaks about the Dollhouse are quietly and quickly removed or wiped out, whichever terminology you prefer. Except for Alpha, but that was a different story.
“I know very little of the organisation, I’m not interested in its past, present or future to be honest with you Adelle. I just want to know what it can do for me. I have a question for you though, now that you recall your offer.” Rather than stopping to seek permission he forced his question onto Adelle, giving her little time to prepare herself. “Adelle, what do you know of Twilight?”
Adelle paused, of all the questions to ask, he chose to discuss Twilight. How practical and yet undeceiving. He was here about Twilight information. Adelle almost chuckled inside herself, this would be too easy, and he didn’t wish to know about the Dollhouse’s true purpose no matter how close he might be. They ran so close together but each had its own goals to achieve before Operation: Final Days was put into effect. Adelle hadn’t prepared herself for the question but she knew an easy way to deflect it and gain another active by the end of the day. Excellent work, she thought, she’d most certainly add a bonus to her wages this month. If he goes for it, I can use him. Maybe I should refer to him as Rain, seeing as November is already active and seeing as they could do the same role. November Rain, spies. It had a ring, she admitted silently. As well as reminding herself of an old record by Guns N' Roses. Adelle knew what to say, it flowed so easily.
There was a shuffling sound coming from the corridor it sounded like the shuffling of feet, someone who was not walking fast but almost wandering around. Romeo seemed not to notice but Adelle heard it. ‘Excuse me one moment please.’ Quickly she slid off her stole and walked to the door. She popped her head around the door looking for the source of the sound. Just at the bottom of the wooden panel corridor was Echo. Echo never failed to amaze Adelle. How did she manage to get out of the basement. Suddenly her handler appeared, escorting her back towards where she should have been. Adelle shut the door with an efficient snap, walking to the table and took her place once more in her seat.
“Sorry about that, I hadn’t expected other staff to be floating around today but they’ve gone now. So I’ll resume. Obviously, you’re no idiot, we can discuss Twilight later. I’ll be more than happy to discuss it with you and maybe we will share information. I myself have heard whispers and wish to know why Twilight is so key to some of my clients at the moment. Do you know how we get such good results here?” And she would discuss Twilight with him later, she kept clear eye-contact and a level tone to say she was not lying. The Organisation had taught her the art of body language as well as being a cold-hearted bitch.
Romeo/Rain nodded in a way that suggested he understood. “Your organization, Adelle, retrains the brain, or so I am led to believe. You don’t brainwash, but you have some technology here that helps one have a greater knowledge in certain areas; for example, skills in fighting or literature knowledge. I request you consider me for this, I need information and I need it fast, time is running out for all of us.”
Romeo is so dramatic and thrilling. He was almost a shiny and new toy that she would soon be playing with. However, he had no idea what he was dealing with. She could read liars as well as body language and knew somewhere along the line one of the cover lies had been intercepted. It was interesting to hear her own lie repeated back with utter conviction. Let’s wrap and wipe this up. Also, time to put on a shocked facial expression.
“How very intuitive of you, I have no idea where you found information like that out. People come to us for reasons they disclose in this meeting, sometimes they are a right fit for the place and sometimes not. But I think we can help you, in fact, you won’t be here for a very long period at all. Believe me when I say we like to keep track of you, normally for a period of time just to ensure all our assets are used to their full potential. I would, of course, be willing to accept and help you.”
As quick as that, Adelle realized, and imagined a rabbit caught by a fox. Adelle was the fox. She stood and walked to a small filing cabinet tucked into the corner of the room. From the cabinet, she pulled the document that would make him hers. She took a pen from the same filing cabinet. Slowly she walked back to the desk with a sickly sweet smile. She placed the pen and document on the table and slid them into the direction of Romeo.
“If you’d like to read and sign the document, agreeing to our terms and conditions I will be more than please to take you through to my brilliant colleague, Topher, who can start putting your new training package together. You will have to take a seat and you may even fall asleep, for a little while. Just sign there on the bottom line and we’ll begin, Rupert Giles.”
Challenge: Crossover #4
Fandom: Buffy/Dollhouse
Pairing/Characters: Adelle Dollhouse, Echo Dollhouse, Giles BTVS
Summary: Giles is looking for information and has been told a lie about what Dollhouse does, Adelle wants a new doll.
Rating: G
Warnings: Light bit of sexual tought.
Disclaimer: "I don't own the characters. All bow to Whedon."
Word Count: 1801
Author's Note: Thanks Beta Meliafairy.
Meeting number one, as it would later be marked in his file, was due to start at noon. Tardiness was un-acceptable and would not be looked upon pleasantly. Adelle sat waiting, her chair in a straight backed position. She had not yet met her new potential obsession and was only referring to him as Romeo for now. R was a strong letter, a good sign. Adelle already knew she had a few favourites who were all strong at taking on their roles when given to them. Maybe Romeo would prove to be her new favourite.
Adelle picked up her mug cautiously. No need to burn yourself unless you were the one to touch the flame, she thought. As she took a sip of her Earl Grey, a solid knock came from the oak door of the office. Good, she thought, Romeo was even three minutes early.
Romeo stepped into the room. He was a few inches taller than Adelle. His brown hair and blue eyes were the first things she noticed. He had a presence about himself, the room felt different with him in it. Adelle also noted that the man was roguishly handsome. Adelle suppressed these thoughts and labelled them mentally as positives for future clients. She stood and sidestepped the table to welcome him. She took his hand and found a solid handshake. His grip told her that he had not always been just a librarian. He felt as though he’d travelled and maybe gone hand to hand with people, maybe he had even killed. Adelle stood back and gave him a quick once over, taking mental note of his posture, his balance, his presence and his appearance. Nothing wrong so far, she thought; ticks in all the right boxes.
“Good afternoon, I hope to find you well. I’d like to thank you for being on time as well as your interest and acceptance to this meeting. We shall aim to cover the niceties and any questions in this initial meeting. From my understanding you need us as much as we need you. I’ll be asking you a couple of questions before I make everything final, once confirmed yourself and I will discuss more. Please feel free to ask anything in return.
Tea?” As she asked she waved at her tea set at the centre of the table. Looking at her precious tea set made her think of what she’d done in the past as well as who she had to tread on, literally, to get it. She’d had the tea set for many years, it’d been given to her by her boss. Well, given wasn’t the right word, more like sent 1st class Royal Mail in the post with a note of congratulations for her promotion.
“Thank you, white and one sugar if you don’t mind,” he said with a note of appreciation in his voice.
Adelle listened and soaked up the way he spoke and his manners. Also the fact that he was British was ticking more boxes for her on a personal and professional level. She once more noted to herself that he would be excellent for lonely older female clients. By thinking this she was able to stop the images of his hand on her knee, slowly creeping up along her thigh.
She took a breath to compose herself. Graciously, she took the handle of the pot and started to lift it. The pot had only boiled a few minutes beforehand so she resumed pouring out a mug of tea. She glanced up and offered him the mug which he took swiftly. A smile played across his lips, he nodded his thanks.
They both drank their tea and the situation felt less like a meeting of strangers and more of a meeting of two minds. But what does he want? She knew enough about him through contacts and word of mouth, he was after something, she was sure of it. How could he not be, but I want him to be mine.
“So from your phone call, it sounds as though you want to apply for a place here, but what do you know about us and what we do?” She tilted her head to the left and looked him in the eye. Let’s see if he tells the truth, Shall we play call my bluff.
Romeo put his mug down after a final mouthful of tea. “From what I’ve heard, you have agents, in a way. They were once people who came to you for help. I need your help. I need out, a break. I’m no longer on the inside of what I do, I have no role. I have no purpose. I’ve done things, unspeakable things of which people would not believe or understand. Maybe I need to disappear.”
Romeo looked desperate and rushed although he added a quick smile to try and cover up this blip in his composure. Needless to say Adelle was not fooled by a smile, and she never had been.
“And what is it that you know of our organisation?” She gave him a piercing look, almost daring him to lie about what he knew. She knew he was no fool. He would’ve researched her and the organisation as much as possible. Thankfully all leaks about the Dollhouse are quietly and quickly removed or wiped out, whichever terminology you prefer. Except for Alpha, but that was a different story.
“I know very little of the organisation, I’m not interested in its past, present or future to be honest with you Adelle. I just want to know what it can do for me. I have a question for you though, now that you recall your offer.” Rather than stopping to seek permission he forced his question onto Adelle, giving her little time to prepare herself. “Adelle, what do you know of Twilight?”
Adelle paused, of all the questions to ask, he chose to discuss Twilight. How practical and yet undeceiving. He was here about Twilight information. Adelle almost chuckled inside herself, this would be too easy, and he didn’t wish to know about the Dollhouse’s true purpose no matter how close he might be. They ran so close together but each had its own goals to achieve before Operation: Final Days was put into effect. Adelle hadn’t prepared herself for the question but she knew an easy way to deflect it and gain another active by the end of the day. Excellent work, she thought, she’d most certainly add a bonus to her wages this month. If he goes for it, I can use him. Maybe I should refer to him as Rain, seeing as November is already active and seeing as they could do the same role. November Rain, spies. It had a ring, she admitted silently. As well as reminding herself of an old record by Guns N' Roses. Adelle knew what to say, it flowed so easily.
There was a shuffling sound coming from the corridor it sounded like the shuffling of feet, someone who was not walking fast but almost wandering around. Romeo seemed not to notice but Adelle heard it. ‘Excuse me one moment please.’ Quickly she slid off her stole and walked to the door. She popped her head around the door looking for the source of the sound. Just at the bottom of the wooden panel corridor was Echo. Echo never failed to amaze Adelle. How did she manage to get out of the basement. Suddenly her handler appeared, escorting her back towards where she should have been. Adelle shut the door with an efficient snap, walking to the table and took her place once more in her seat.
“Sorry about that, I hadn’t expected other staff to be floating around today but they’ve gone now. So I’ll resume. Obviously, you’re no idiot, we can discuss Twilight later. I’ll be more than happy to discuss it with you and maybe we will share information. I myself have heard whispers and wish to know why Twilight is so key to some of my clients at the moment. Do you know how we get such good results here?” And she would discuss Twilight with him later, she kept clear eye-contact and a level tone to say she was not lying. The Organisation had taught her the art of body language as well as being a cold-hearted bitch.
Romeo/Rain nodded in a way that suggested he understood. “Your organization, Adelle, retrains the brain, or so I am led to believe. You don’t brainwash, but you have some technology here that helps one have a greater knowledge in certain areas; for example, skills in fighting or literature knowledge. I request you consider me for this, I need information and I need it fast, time is running out for all of us.”
Romeo is so dramatic and thrilling. He was almost a shiny and new toy that she would soon be playing with. However, he had no idea what he was dealing with. She could read liars as well as body language and knew somewhere along the line one of the cover lies had been intercepted. It was interesting to hear her own lie repeated back with utter conviction. Let’s wrap and wipe this up. Also, time to put on a shocked facial expression.
“How very intuitive of you, I have no idea where you found information like that out. People come to us for reasons they disclose in this meeting, sometimes they are a right fit for the place and sometimes not. But I think we can help you, in fact, you won’t be here for a very long period at all. Believe me when I say we like to keep track of you, normally for a period of time just to ensure all our assets are used to their full potential. I would, of course, be willing to accept and help you.”
As quick as that, Adelle realized, and imagined a rabbit caught by a fox. Adelle was the fox. She stood and walked to a small filing cabinet tucked into the corner of the room. From the cabinet, she pulled the document that would make him hers. She took a pen from the same filing cabinet. Slowly she walked back to the desk with a sickly sweet smile. She placed the pen and document on the table and slid them into the direction of Romeo.
“If you’d like to read and sign the document, agreeing to our terms and conditions I will be more than please to take you through to my brilliant colleague, Topher, who can start putting your new training package together. You will have to take a seat and you may even fall asleep, for a little while. Just sign there on the bottom line and we’ll begin, Rupert Giles.”
). Really good fic. 
Thats so Adelle.