Who: Ben and Jake (with Fitz as Mew) What: 'Big Brother Talk' When: August 2nd, afternoon Where: A greenspace outside the Facility Rating: Mid - some language Status: Complete
Over the past few months Ben had grown quite close to Fitz, they were dating but of course could not officially say anything to anyone else. Spending time with Fitz also meant that he had gotten close to Kyrie as well, the younger woman who was now more like a little sister than anything else and he was becoming protective of her.
He knew that Kyrie was getting somewhat attached to the tattooed enigma that was Jake. He seemed like a nice enough guy, especially helping keep her safe as the hurricane approached and making sure was safe afterwards but both Ben and Fitz agreed that they needed to know more about this man, find out what his deal was and was he going to break Kyrie’s heart or not.
It was a rather nice day and he had finished his class for the day, he had organized to meet Jake out in the middle of an open, green space that was near the Facility but just far enough away that hopefully their conversation couldn’t be picked up by any microphones that were scattered around to eavesdrop on the residents.
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Jakob was coming off his ‘job’ at the facility and was dressed in is ‘work uniform’, a grey pair of coveralls that were unzipped, the top half tied around his waist, black t-shirt underneath which showed off his tattooed arms. Approaching the area requested he took a moment to size Ben up as he approached. He’d seen him before, socializing with Kyrie but they’d not said more than casual greetings to each other. He was curious as to why he felt the need to meet. Of course, Jake had informed his handler of the meeting. “Hey.” He said with a nod as he approached.
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The Manx cat lurked in the bushes. Yup, that’s the tattooed hottie Kyrie’s talked about. It thought to the cat whisperer. Ask him what his intentions are with Key! Tell him if he breaks her heart we’ll break his legs.
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Patience mon amour, I will get there. Ben said mentally to Fitz, knowing that both of them had Kyrie’s best interests at heart.
“Hello, thank you for meeting with me.” It was probably the nicest way to greet the man, although like Fitz he really wanted to open with ‘What are your intentions with Kyrie?’. He also had to remember to talk slowly, his accent was still foreign to some. “Thank you for taking care of Kyrie during that hurricane, I’m glad you both were safe.” That was a good place to start.
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His hand waved slightly a the thanks. “Of course. I wouldn’t let anything happen to Kyrie.” Or at least that’s what he wanted people to believe. Jake looked down and chuckled to himself a bit. “She actually pushed me to go back out and help bring more back to the facility. She’s got a really good heart.” His lips turned into a smile that seemed to say he respected her.
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That was true, Kyrie really did have a big heart and was more worried about others than herself and it didn’t surprise him that she was trying to get Jake to go out and find more people but he did guess that her main concerns that day were him and Oliver. “I think that I might have been one of those people she wanted you to go out and find. But I ended up in the Marketplace and managed to ride out the storm.” He offered a smile. “She’s like a little sister to me and I do worry about her.”
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“She did, she mentioned you were finding her cat… but I just couldn’t find you again.” He hadn’t really tried.
Jake nodded. “I get that. I’m glad she has supportive people around her- especially considering everything.” It was actually good information to have. Ben would be someone he’d have to keep an eye out for- he made a mental note to inform his handler of their relationship. “The harassment…” He clarified, not sure what Ben did or didn’t know.
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“I got to the Facility late and they were full so I had to find shelter elsewhere. And yes, I found her cat and I don’t think they would have liked me to bring him into the building.” But Ben was sure that Fitz would not have liked to be inside that building if he could help it.
Ben nodded, he did remember the harassment that Kyrie suffered at the hands of that stalker guard, the one who’s shoes Fitz had pissed in that day when he actually got to meet Fitz - in person. “Oui. I’m glad that he seems to be leaving her alone, for now. Maybe he’s seen you and me around her and doesn’t want to risk anything.” Or something else had happened to the man, not that he would be missed that much.
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Jake had stood down the man once, but it hadn’t deterred him. Which was why when he first asked Kyrie to do something socially he just teleported her- to make her feel safer. It had been a great way to get into her good graces. “He seems to have been staying away. Still, if he’s in the market when Kyrie’s off and I happen to be around I’ve gotten her home safe-” or taken her to their special place. Could it even be a ‘special place’ if they’d only been there twice? He was sure she thought so.
He squinted one of his eyes slightly and tilted his head at Ben. “But I’m sure you didn’t really ask to meet me… just to thank me for helping her in the hurricane… that could have easily been done over the network.”
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“I don’t really trust technology at the moment, there’s something impersonal about messages over the network.” It did have its place but this was definitely something that he preferred to do face to face. Especially when it involved Fitz, who Ben still knew was nearby listening into everything that was said.
“I am not threatening you, but don’t hurt her. She might be physically strong but in here…” a hand rested on his chest, over his heart, “she’s still so young and innocent.”
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Jake shook his head. “I’d never.” He ran his fingers through his hair, appearing nervous. It made sense, big brother type giving the big brother speech. “I… really like her.” He said feigning shyness. “And don’t worry… we’re taking everything slow… I mean we haven’t even labeled anything yet. I know she’s never dated anyone and… it’s been a long time for me.” He admitted as if sharing something vulnerable.
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Ben nodded at Jake’s responses, he seemed genuine enough and he had no real reason to think otherwise, other than he was genuinely concerned about Kyrie. Anything else you think I should say? he asked Fitz, wanting to make sure that he had said everything that needed to be said before they went their separate ways.
What he said next he hoped came across as more big brother and nothing more. “She has probably told you about her… unusual childhood, she never really got to experience crushes or try things like dating, so it’s a big step for her, for both of you it seems. I am glad you’re both taking it slow.”
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I don’t trust him. Okay, Fitz had learned not to trust many people since coming to the island, especially when it came to Kyrie. I want to know more about him. What does he do on the island? What did he do before he came to the island?
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Jakob nodded. “She did. We both had unusual upbringings, it was actually something we were able to bond over. Granted in opposite ways. She had an overbearing mother… I had a series of cruel foster parents.”
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I don’t trust him either. Ben said, there was just something about Jake that didn’t sit right with him but he couldn’t say what it was, just that gut feeling. I’ll ask him what I can, I don’t want him to get suspicious.
He knew he was lucky that he had a good childhood and his parents did the best they could for both him and his older sister. He nodded a bit, “I have been meaning to ask what it is you do here? Do you have a job or are you just a man of leisure?” He knew that not everyone on the island worked.
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Jake nodded. “I’m actually a janitor… in the facility.” He said with a shrug as if he wasn’t exactly embarrassed for such a job but also indifferent because it wasn’t anything special. “It’s nice to have a bit of extra pay. Bought Kyrie some chocolate and fresh strawberries once.” Because showing he cared for her and was ‘selfless’ was a good thing. “I’ve seen you around… teaching your class.” He really didn’t. But most people tended to not notice the janitors and even if they weren’t sure Jake was right, didn’t want to risk looking like an asshole and admit they didn’t notice him.
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There was something about Jake being a janitor that Ben didn’t quite believe, he knew that although he had never seen the other man working in the Facility there was a bit of a gut feeling that it wasn’t the full truth. Plus Ben had been seen coming and going from the building, anyone would put two and two together and figure out that he worked there. “I have some good students. You should come to my French classes, Kyrie would love it if you spoke some French to her.”
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Jakob nodded. “I’ll have to see. Never been one for school and stuff like it. Sort of dropped out before I graduated.” Which would explain the menial labor job It was half-truth. He was taken by Rikken before he graduated. What he learned from them was very different than normal schooling. “But maybe some for Kyrie…” He rubbed his neck a little. “I should probably get going… unless there’s anything else. I need to shower, after work and all.” Another half-truth. While he didn’t spend the day cleaning and dealing with garbage, training did tend to put him through the ringer and he worked up quite a sweat. “Especially if I’m going to grab dinner at the diner.” Where Kyrie worked.
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“The adult’s classes are pretty relaxed, I don’t think anyone enjoys school once they’ve got past their mid twenties.” Then again Ben had finished his PhD around that time and had gone through extra studies since and had enjoyed it. “Oui. Just… be kind to her.” That was all he could ask, he already knew he’d be doing some more looking into this man’s background, for both of their piece of mind.
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Jake nodded as he left. “Always.”
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Once Jakob was out of view, Mew padded out from the brush. I don’t like him. He growled, though his dislike could have been more because it was someone interested in the little sister he’d vowed to protect rather than the man himself.
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I know While Jake seemed like a nice enough guy Ben was in the same mindset as Fitz - he didn’t want anyone to hurt Kyrie. She was an adult and deserved happiness, but was this man the right one for her? Still something inside him was shouting ‘Beware!’ about the younger tattooed man. Want to go for a walk? Or belly rubs?