"i probably do."[break][break]

he nods his head, agreeing.[break][break]

"i hear they'll be allowing people into the rifts shortly. will you be venturing into one?"

[attr="class","ooc"]Katherine Fairburne[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-manectric"]

[attr="class","icon"]

"Mm."
[break][break]
"All of them, if I get my way. Why, have you been thinking about doing the same?" Was this interview slash conversation only a guise? Did James have a business proposal for her? The fact it's this official and serious almost insults her.
[break][break]
He even turned down a drink from her. It's almost humiliating.
[break][break]
"If you're going to ask me to hold your hand through it..."

[attr="class","bottom"]JAMES BAKER [break]

"i have. though it'd be more for work than my own curiosity."[break][break]

it was only a matter of time before aeos would've been sent out to investigate these events. these anomalies. he knew as much after the first conversation he had with FERNANDO SILPH.[break][break]

at her comment, he laughs, shaking his head.[break][break]

"no hand holding will be needed, i think. but i would certainly appreciate the help."

[attr="class","ooc"]Katherine Fairburne[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-manectric"]

[attr="class","icon"]

"If you say so. But there's nothing wrong with being interested in dangerous things," she's no longer referring to the rifts, clearly.
[break][break]
Katherine crosses her legs and leans slightly in her chair, a glimmer of sinister temptation flitting through her eyes. It's been long—it's been too long since she had someone to toy with. Someone to pass the time with.
[break][break]
Who'd have thought that living with another man would cause such an issue? She had always imagined it'd have the opposite effect.
[break][break]
"I'll make you a deal then. I'll keep you alive, and you'll come back the next time AEOS wants to ask me something," her lips ease into a smile before parting once more, breathing further words to life, "or you can just come back for a drink. Whichever you prefer."

[attr="class","bottom"]JAMES BAKER [break]

as clear as it is, james almost misses it if only because he's focused on work. but surprise eventually washes over his features, unable to resist as he realizes how their conversation is steering in a different direction. or it at least could be.[break][break]

a smile flits across his face as he leans forward. he reaches for the recorder and pushes a button, ending their official conversation.[break][break]

"i think that can be arranged."[break][break]

it's unclear which choice he's referring to but he leaves it up to her to decide. he slides the recorder along with any files he might have brought out back into his bag, preparing for his departure.[break][break]

"here's hoping i stay alive, then."

[attr="class","ooc"]Katherine Fairburne[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-manectric"]

[attr="class","icon"]

"It's a date, then." Regardless of whether James thought of it as one and whether he was taken. It was a date now.
[break][break]
Scarlet eyes follow after the scientist's hands while he retrieves his files along with the recorder, trailing every movement until he's all but finished, where they finally meet him again.
[break][break]
"I have a good track-record, James. Save your hope for something better, hrm?"

[attr="class","bottom"]JAMES BAKER [break]