[center][h2][color=a36209]Bunga Kurniawan[/color] | James Porter[/h2][/center] [hider= Some pleasant discussions] Bunga looked at the menu for a lil bit. The breakfast she had with her Persian and Middle Eastern friends has left her very fulfilled to say the least, she’s not sure why people from that region like their big portions. But Bunga certainly can’t complain about the generosity her dorm-mates have given to her, she tried reciprocating as best she can, helping students with their tasks, providing advice when it comes to Egoism, even hanging out with them whenever they’re in the dorms, but she feels inadequate to the sheer generosity she has been granted. Are they as genuine as they come, or do these dorm-mates of hers have some ulterior motive she’s not aware of yet? One thing’s for sure, the pastries she ordered sure tasted great! She ordered a thing called a ‘cinnamon roll’ and a ‘croissant’, pastries most likely originating from the occident, as well as some English tea just to try out what the occidentals are doing with exports originating from her country and Zhongguo, and surprisingly enough they’re good! For all the jokes she has heard about Occidental people and their food and drinks, the taste of the cinnamon roll and croissant is mild, yet powerful, while the tea is very pleasant and soothing. She almost forgot that she has to talk to James at some point. Thank goodness she remembered while she’s stuffing her mouth with tea and pastries. [color=a36209]“So. James.”[/color] Bunga started, grabbing a small piece of tissue to wipe out any crumbs on her mouth. [color=a36209]“This French woman. Do you know her? And mind if I pry a little bit, just what kind of favour are you exchanging? Don’t you worry, I can keep a secret. I was born with merchant parents, so keeping trade secrets was a thing my father always reminded me to be good at.”[/color] She’s not hoping for James to open up at all, but he seems a bit distressed when she comes at him all distressed and all. Did the information this French woman exchanged with him so mind-breaking that it warrants his distress? [hr] His brow furrowed, his eyes fixed on his mug, [b]”I seem to know her… Or rather used to? It’s complicated…”[/b] James took a sip of his coffee. [b]”... And the favour that I’m exchanging is rather benign, just some sleep medication.”[/b] He was careful not to reveal too much. Jeanne had already seemed offended once, to aggravate her by revealing too much information that she may not want revealed would be like standing in front of an aggravated bear and asking to be violently mauled. He then looked towards her and asked a prudent question, hoping to shift away from the topic. [b]”Were you able to get what you want from my roommate? I realized that perhaps if I had stayed, I could’ve smoothed over a few things. However, this favour took priority.”[/b] [hr] Bunga simply nodded at James’ explanation. Feeling that she shouldn’t pry this little affair between him and Jeanne any further, she decided to go along with James and take the bait. [color=a36209]“No, unfortunately.”[/color] Bunga replied to the British person’s question. [color=a36209]“I want to see the schematics relating to Nazca’s clockwork machines, but it seems that she is too uhh… crossed I think? Yeah, that’s the word. Crossed, to actually even listen to my offer. Ugh…”[/color] [color=a36209]“Maybe you can help convince her to share the schematics, but other than that, I don’t think I want to get you into something out of your depth and potentially anger a close friend of yours too. But uhh, outside of asking Nazca directly, can I ask you for a favour?”[/color] [color=a36209]“James. I know that you’re a technologist that specializes in alchemy, yes? Can you perhaps concoct me some uhh, sleeping potions that I can throw about? Like, I throw the vial, and the ensuing vapour is strong enough to make my would-be assailant asleep? Oh, and also perhaps a potion that can paralyze the enemy as well? I’m willing to pay you for your services, and I need 10 of each if you’d be so kind.”[/color] Bunga knows that this is a big ask from her. But she is willing to fork over the money should she need to, this potential ensuing mission between her and Ryuuko is too important to not have those vials. Bunga took another sip from her tea. [hr] It was certainly fair that Nazca would be crossed, especially since they had showed up and not done a thing to help her. He had planned to help out the injured, but if they were to return now it would be a little difficult. It would be appropriate to wait just a little bit to let things calm down. Though, he raised an eyebrow to her request. [b]”Bunga, you seem to be expecting some trouble with your next endeavor.”[/b] James pondered whether he should poke deeper, but as she had not chosen to pursue his personal matters, he would not pursue hers. He placed the now empty cup of coffee onto the table and stood up. He took his cane and fixed his tophat, [b]”I’ll have to produce a new batch.”[/b] he then turned towards her, [b]”Let’s be clear however, I’ll have you return the favour for something I’d want in return. For now, you don’t have to think about paying me back.”[/b] There was obviously something more afoot. Another incident is likely to occur tonight was his thinking. But, this gave him something else to do than to brood and sulk over what had occurred but a few hours ago. Focus was what he needed and Bunga gave him an excuse to do something. In some ways, this was enough to pay him back. However, in his line of work, trust and favours are currency. The question is, how much would this be worth? [hr] [color=a36209]“Well, as long as you don’t request me to do something ridiculous, like belly dance in front of the public. I’m sure I would be able to reciprocate your favour easily enough.”[/color] Bunga responded. [color=a36209]“Will it be ok if you drop your shipments into the door of my apartment tonight perhaps?”[/color] She has finished eating her cinnamon rolls and croissants at this point. Her belly stuffed and her face showing utter bliss. [color=a36209]“Do you have anything else we need to discuss Mr Porter. Matters of love perhaps?”[/color] Bunga joked. [color=a36209]“Oh… oh right, speaking of love.”[/color] She bowed her head. [color=a36209]“I’m very sorry James. I think I may have insinuated that we’re in a relationship in an earlier conversation with Ryuuko. I mentioned that we ‘clicked’ towards the Japanese polymath, and it seems that she somehow took that fact as if we’re in a relationship. I’m very sorry.”[/color] [hr] And just like that, his focus was cut apart. [b]”E-Excuse me? I- Well then. That’s two favours you’ll owe me.”[/b] he pinched the bridge of his nose. [b]”I suspect I’ll have to play along with your ruse…”[/b] He then said, [b]”Well, we’ll cross that bridge when we get there I suppose. Besides that, are there any other surprises I should be aware of? You mentioned miss Ryuuko, I take it she’ll be with you in your dorm?”[/b] If Ryuuko’s involved, it must have something to do with Jeanne, Nazca, and Bang. It seems that his first hunch was right, there is more afoot. [hr] Bunga could only sigh. It’s fair after all. [color=a36209]“Two favours it is then. I can only hope my dignity will survive after this…”[/color] [color=a36209]“And no. I don’t think I have anything more to talk about James. Can I expect your shipment tonight? I need those vials fast James.”[/color] The woman is talking about affairs of the day, but in the back of her head, her mind’s wracking just what kind of ‘favours’ James might force onto her. Model clothes she’ll never consider wearing? Like a certain frilly black and white dress she saw in those occidental magazines? Dance for him? Perhaps even worse things like cook for him or do chores for him. [color=a36209][i]Ugh. I guess I’ll try that frilly black and white dress if he asks me to do so…[/i][/color] She thought to herself. Blushing at that thought. [hr] [b]”Miss Kurniawan, I am a professional. I’ll have the batch done before nightfall especially if I get started now.”[/b] James smirked, he knew what he was capable of doing. He was proud of his abilities. He was a chemist of extraordinary caliber, few are able to match up. [b]”I shall be off now.”[/b] He bowed slightly and then started walking off. Much to do, much to do indeed. Whatever is happening now, Jeanne, his past, and his mission they all seem to be in very close proximity. Perhaps, doing something of use to the JSDF would get him in a better position. Based on what little information he has, something is bound to happen tonight and it’ll involve the usual players. Perhaps, it’s time he goes out himself and sees with his own eyes. [/hider]