14419/Favors Are Free, Aren't They

Favors Are Free, Aren't They
Date of Scene:	15 March 2023
Location:	VIP Lounge - Hellfire Club
Synopsis:	Colleen asks for a loan, and ends up with a job instead.
Cast of Characters:	Sebastian Shaw, Colleen Wing

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Sebastian Shaw has posed:
The Hellfire Club is not the sort of place that people generally come to without a purpose. Although that purpose is usually... less than savory, in some respects. And there is a stiff membership fee, and for the pseudo-public part s of it, an admission fee is pretty significant too. None of that applies to Colleen Wing, however. Upon her arrival at the club, she is greeted and allowed entry without collection of any cover fee, or any mention of it all. She may not even realize she is being waved in and comped.

Once inside, at the merest mention of an interest in meeting with the owner, Sebastian Shaw, she would be given every courtesy and sign of respect. A hostess appears, wearing what is typical of the employee uniform for the Hellfire Club - a bustier, thong, and thigh highs, all in black leather - and escorts Colleen past the figurative velvet robe, and to an elevator.

"Mr. Shaw will typically take his guests in the VIP lounge," she will explain briefly, as the elevator rises. When the doors slide open, the hostess waves her hand ahead to suggest that Colleen advance, and she follows along briefly before pointing out a cushiony table off in the corner. Nestled into those cushions behind the table is Sebastian Shaw, dressed as he typically is in a purple Victorian overcoat, a matching purple waistcoat, with white lace spilling from collar and sleeves. A glass of brandy is in front of him, and his eyes look up towards Colleen upon her arrival. It appears that he was advised of her visit.

Colleen Wing has posed:
She had debated it for weeks. She knew she was behind on the loan she had to take out for the resoration of the Dojo after the fire. She also knew that she was not going to make the payments required by the end of the month that the bank later stated she must. She was never one to ask for help. It was a pride thing with her; pride and honor. Yet there is a moment when you realize that pride must be swallowed and honor; well honor can be restored overtime. The doors of the Chikara Dojo had to stay open for the children of the city who saw it as a safehaven and a place to learn discpline and respect among other lifelong skills they were not getting elsewhere.

She knew Sebastian Shaw. They had had various interactionsd from time to time and despite much of what she may have heard of him through various sources, he was always pleasant with her...and he had the sort of money he needed. It was worth a shot a least. Perhaps a small loan from him to keep the building. A loan she could pay off with monthly payments she was able to make. What was the worst that could happen? He could say no and then she would not be any worse than she was before.

Thus she found herself at the Hellfire Club and being shown its ownerShe was not one to typically be nervous, but this meeting had her heart beating out of her chest and the slightest bit of sweat on her forehead. She was completely unclear how this all worked. She was not exactly one who frequented a place such as the Hellfire Club, so she simply asked to speak with Mr. Shaw. Yes, a simple request.

As the hostess came forward to assist her, she nodded and murmured a soft. "Thank you." As they stepped into the elevator. She was most certainly out of her element and her clothing showed.

As the elevator opened, Colleen stepped off, eyeing the man she had come to see from a distance standing just in front of the elevator in a pair of jeans, high-top sneakers and a black hoodie jacket, unzipped just enough to show the low cut shirt beneath; a shirt that did give her just enough modesty though. "Mr Shaw. Thank you for agreeing to see me. I know you are a busy man." It is only then that she takes a further step into the room towards him. "I am sure you are most curious as to why I am here."

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
Indeed, what was the worst that could happen, asking Sebastian Shaw for help?

As Colleen made her way over towards his table, Sebastian slips out from behind it and moves to greet her. "Ms. Wing. A pleasure to see you again," he says, inclining his head to her respectfully. The hostess slips away, and then he turns to indicate for her to take a seat at the table. "Can I get you anything? Food, drink, other distraction?" He smiles at her as he follows back towards the table.

"I am less curious about why you are here as I am delighted that you have decided to join us. But if you have a reason for being here other than simply savoring the tastes available, then please, feel free to share if you would like."

Colleen Wing has posed:
Come into my parlour said the spider to the fly. That is how she felt and yet at the same time she pressed onward, moving to take the offered chair and settling herself down into it. There is a soft breath taken and then a slow exhale as she places her hands upon the table and folds them, not taking her eyes of the man. "Water? Just water if you would. For now. Thank you." She wants to get it over with, but at the same time is almost afraid to do so.

A hand raises to tuck a strand of hair back from her face to tuck behind her ear. "This is not easy for me Mr. Shaw. But, I keep thinking, it is not about me. It is about the children I teach. So here I am." She reaches down into the pocket of her hoodie and pulls out a folded piece of paper, opening it and reading from what is on the page.

Dear Ms. Wing. This notice is to inform you of your outstanding payments..." She tosses the paper on the table with frustration in a careless flip of her wrist and just blurts it out. "I took a loan to restore the dojo after the fire. The only one I could get has a rate that is friggin criminal. I mean seriously. I had no choice. The monthly payments are..well more than I can afford. I am behind. I have two weeks before they take it back. " She then begins to stammer a bit. "I..I...I can't lose it. The children...I would be homeless. I mean it is not much of a home, but it works..for me." She sighs and leans forwardm her elbows going to the table. "I don't need much. Just enough to get me caught up. I could pay you back as I am able. I do not know what else to do."

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
Settling down into the cushions behind the table, Sebastian takes a moment to regard Colleen. It becomes apparently quickly that she wants something, and he is well used to seeing how these situations play out. He nods to her request for water, a slight smile appearing at the 'for now'. Perhaps she will need something stronger by the end.

He nods for her to go on, anticipating the sob story. And then he hears it. The dojo. The children. The money that she needs.

"Ms. Wing," he says finally, lifting up his glass of brandy as he looks at her. "I am neither a bank nor a charitable foundation, despite what I may look like." He waves a hand to indicate himself, as if either of those things would be excluded by his attire and bearing. "I am, however, someone who appreciates those who give back to the community, and I do try to support them how I can, when their cause is worthwhile and they, themselves, prove themselves to be worthy as individuals." He takes a long sip, and then sets the glass back down on the table, and he meets her gaze.

"I will not give you a loan, Ms. Wing, but I would be willing to _hire you_, if you would be interested, to train with me. And, I assure you, at generous enough rate that you would be more than capable of meeting your monthly obligations for the dojo."

Colleen Wing has posed:
As he speaks, her body language seems to almost sink inot the chair. He is not a charitable organization. He is not a bank. She knew that. What she also knew is that she was more than likely not going to get something for nothing. However, as he continues to speak and expresses his own solution to her problem, she finds herself feeling smixture of relief and trepidation.

When he finishes speaking and presenting his offer, there is a slight pause before she offers her reply. She visbly nibbles her bottom lip as her hands fidget upon the table. She clearly is weighing the offer in her mind and she is not rushing to agree to it just yet. "Mr Shaw. Let me make sure I am clear on your offer. You would hire me as a training partner and pay me for that? Enough to make my payments?" Another deep breath is heard being taken and she eyes him through a narrowed eyed glance, seemingly looking for anything he may be revealing.

"So a Martial Arts trainer of sorts. A private client. Clearly you think I am qualified enough to do so." A hand goes to run across the back of her neck a few times as she struggles from within, shifting in her seat. "Okay. Yes. I will. I will um...train with you. If it will keep my door open." She raises her glance to him once more. "You have a deal Mr. Shaw. We will just have to iron out the details."

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
The body language is clear. She is a martial artist, not someone who works parties the way Sebastian does. She is desperate, and desperation leads to opportunity. He nods to each of her questions, affirming the offer. Fairly simple, and accomplishing what she wanted. Maybe not what she expected, but...

"I believe from what I saw of you during your performance that you are exceptional at your arts, and it is always helpful to have outside perspective. It is a challenge for me to find good training partners, and when I say it would be quite worth it to me to hire you at such a rate, rest assured, I am not lying." He can tell that this is a struggle for her. As much as it was to come and ask for a loan, being presented with an option to _earn_ it - that protects honor and pride. Even if how she earns it may present some worry.

He raises his glass in return to her. "Excellent. I am pleased to hear that." He takes a long sip from his brandy. "What details do you feel need to be ironed out?"

Colleen Wing has posed:
Before she answers his question, she actually leans forward on the table and asks. "Forget the water. A beer? Anything." Oh yes she is past water at this point. "Well when I say details I really mean..well. The amount and the when and all that stuff. How often. What I would be paid. I feel that must be decided on. I would hate for either of us to not recieve what they expected from this deal."

She finally leans back in the chair, her arms moving to fold over her chest infront ofher, but not in a threatening manner. "I can promise you Mr. Shaw that you will not find a better training partner." Arrogance or confidence, it is hard to tell in her tone. "I am going to be honest Mr. Shaw, a place like this will take some getting used to for me. It is not typically my scene if you understand what I am saying. Yet, I do promise you I am adaptable. I have needed to be." She reaches back and take her ponytail out, letting her black hair fall to her shoulders upon her jacket, almost blending in. "I feel this will be beneficial for both of us."

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
Watching her as she leans forward, Sebastian considers those questions for a moment. There is a slight nod, and almost before her questions are done a glass arrives, a nice golden wheat beer. "Well, let us start with the compensation." He glances at the paper, and then back to Colleen. "We can start at that figure, and work backwards from there to determine the frequency that you feel such a figure would command." He lifts his own glass for a moment, taking a long sip as he studies her. Waiting for her to place a value on her time.

He nods again as she speaks of the atmosphere of the Hellfire Club. "Well, if you do not feel comfortable here, I could call upon you at your dojo. While I do spend most of my time here, it is not out of the realm of possibility for me to travel." He considers for a moment, watching her, his gaze briefly drifting over her shoulder before meeting her gaze. "But my time is of value, so if you could find it within yourself to come here, we can certain consider your travel time when considering the compensation." He swirls the glass around, studying her again before nodding. "And yes. I think this will be beneficial for us both. I find myself rather looking forward to it."

Colleen Wing has posed:
"Compensation? Well, I will put something together that you can decide upon. If the compensation is enough, then I can more than likely arrange more time. I cannot cut any of my group classes. Not the children classes after school." She takes a small sip of the beer, savoring it a moment before spekaing, but her nod seems to offer a sense of her approval of the beverage. "She then reaches into her jacket and pulls out a pen. "I will tell you what. I am going to write down on here what my monthly payment is. Feel free to look into it. I am being honest. I won't inflate the number." She begins to scribble on the letter she received, and then picks it up, taking another sip before standing..

She then slowly rises from the chair and pads her way slowly over to where he sits, standing beside him and peering down at him before offering the paper with the number written upon it. Her words are spoken a little softer this time as she is now closer to him. "No Mr. Shaw. The question is, what do you value my time at? Keep in mind the amount you reply with on this paper will refelct how much time I can commit. And I will commit to coming here. I will not make you come to the Dojo. I would like to keep my business propositions seperate." She pulls the pen from her hoodie once more and sets it on the paper in front of him. "Your turn."

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
"Oh, rest assured, I would not pry you away from the children," replies Sebastian with a smile. He watches as she begins to scrawl the numbers on the paper. "I would be quite content to have you late at night, after your other classes conclude." He lifts his glass. "Or first thing in the morning, as a good way to start my day." There is a bit of a grin on his face as he takes a long sip, draining the rest of the brandy.

He looks up as she stands beside him, his gaze slow in reaching up to meet hers. He takes the paper for a moment, glancing at it, and then looks back up to her. "Once per week. And training until we are satisfied, so long as your schedule permits." He does not write any numbers on the paper, instead leaving it at that. "And should you find that your expenses are piling up, we can negotiate extra sessions beyond that." There is a bit of a twinkle in his eye. "Or, if you find that the sessions are valuable for you as well, we can renegotiate in any direction." He extends his hand towards her. "Are we agreed, Ms. Wing?"

Colleen Wing has posed:
"Whatever you wish. Later in the evening or in the morning. I think either could work. Whatever you need as long as it does not interfere with my other classes. Granted I do not charge for those classes. Perhaps that is why I am in such need. Most of them could not pay it anyways." She watches as he does not right anythinf down, but does not say anything, seemingly content that she has managed to arrange a way to keep the dojo open. She did not expect a handout or charity. She half-expected him to simply say he wouldn't do anything at all.

With his hand extended, Colleen reaches out and grips it, shaking as her eyes remain on his gaze. "Flexibility and the option to renegotiate. You really know how to close a deal Mr. Shaw. However, I would think that you would not be sitting where you are if you didn't." She has yet to release his hand as she murmurs. "My trust is not easily earned Mr. Shaw. I am confident you will not do anything to slow that process now, will you?" It is only then that she release his hand and nods once, leaving the letter on the table.

"You can be sure that you will not be disappointed. You will not find a better training partner or someone to teach you something new. I think this will benefit both of us." She meets his gaze once more and offers a slight smile. "Can we keep the reason behind this between us?"

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
There is a bit of a grin on his face as Sebastian nods in agreement. Some sort of private joke that he is not necessarily sharing at the moment. "Of course. You are there for the benefit of the children, and I am glad that I can help you to be in a position to do that."

His grip is firm, careful against her hand, and shows a certain strength, although he is not trying to put on a show with it. "I try to make dealing with me as palatable as possible, Ms. Wing." He looks up as she leans over, keeping that hand. He nods. "Of course. I would not violate your trust at all. I will be completely transparent with anything I would ask of you."

He nods at that last condition. "Of course. It would not serve either of our images well - for you to be seen as unable to pay for your dojo, or for me for sweeping in to rescue with generosity." He flashes another grin. "When do you suppose we might have our first session, Ms. Wing?"

Colleen Wing has posed:
"Good. I knew you would agree with that Some things are just better left unsaid." She remains standing by the chair, continuing the conversation fro there, placing her hand upon the back of his chair. "I respect transparency. I never seem to get any. So forgive me if I am hesitant to belive such, but I will give you that benefit for now."

At his question about when they may begin their first session, she shrugs her shoulders and then plainly states, clearly a bit more confidence now. "Tomorrow morning. I like my coffee black and my eggs scambled. Don't overcook the bacon. Wheat toast." She winks and pats him lightly on the shoulder with a wink. "I supsect you will be ready?"

She pulls out her phone and checks the time. "I should be getting back. I consider this a success for both of us overall. Again thank you." And in a bold move before she moves towards the elevator, she reaches down and picks up the brandy glass, bringing it it to her lips and taking a sip before returning it to the table with a slight cough. "Have a goodnight Mr. Shaw. See you in the morning."