The meeting of a different kind.

[french_for_fame]

Participants: Roderich and Francis
Can people just hop in?: Non.
Where: A quaint little cafe.
What: Francis needs to discuss something with the Austrian.
Summary:
Francis stormed through the Administrative floor with the intention to hunt down a specific member of NationCorp. As he approached the targeted office door, he pulled, from his jacket, a

Comments

[zwiefacher]

Roderich yanked his arm out of Bonnefoy's grasp once the man had stopped. "Are you out of your mind?" he snapped, glaring at his kidnapper. "If you have not realized it yet, we are in the middle of the work day, Director Bonnefoy." He stressed the word "director", as if hoping the man would suddenly remember his duties and start acting like one of the company's leaders.

In spite of his irritation, Roderich found the director's actions highly curious. He had always thought Bonnefoy was a trouble maker after his run ins with the Bad Touch Trio during high school, but those had been mostly Beilschmidt's doing. Bonnefoy had never shown much personal interest in him then or now. Which begs the question...

"Was there a point to you abducting me from my office or were you merely trying to amuse yourself while avoiding actual work?"

[french_for_fame]

Francis observed their surroundings before seating himself at their table.

"We can discuss everything once we get settled. If you would so kindly take a seat, Roderich?"

He laid an elbow on the armchair and held his head in his hand--an amused gesture. In an instant, Francis realized how much Roderich had grown. From that awkward little 'mess' Francis considered him to be in high school to the refined young gentleman standing before him--it was quite a change...and Francis was thoroughly enjoying the results.

A good-natured smile plastered itself onto Francis' face, but he looked to Roderich with eyes that were as grave and serious as a turbulent ocean.

"I would like to discuss something with you, Roderich," his voice was serious though he still held his smile.

[zwiefacher]

There were two options that Roderich could see at the moment: 1. Sit down as Bonnefoy was asking him to or 2. Turn around and make his way back to the office. Roderich wavered, his dislike for Bonnefoy and his sense of decorum warring in his mind.

Finally, he grudgingly pulled out his chair and sat across from the director. Roderich made sure there was a frown on his face so Bonnefoy would know exactly what he thought of this excursion--meaning "not much".

"I'm listening."

[french_for_fame]

Francis' fingers brushed gently against his hair as he pondered the employment of tactful words. Roderich would probably be one of the hardest to convince that Francis' endeavor was not merely frivolous.

"You see, mon cher..." he began, but the words seemed to disintegrate as they left his tongue.

"Well, I've always..."

No, that approach was too sappy. Perhaps one that was more direct? If the Frenchman effectively got the point across, then maybe, just maybe, Roderich might be taunted enough to take the bait and pose a question that further investigated Francis' intentions.

"Roderich...I need help."

Bon! Sweet and simple.

[zwiefacher]

"Well, I already knew that," Roderich informed him with a touch of dry humour. "I have to admit, it surprises me that you are actually admitting it."

Folding his arms across his chest, he thought that perhaps this would not be as painful as he'd imagined it would be. Watching Bonnefoy fumble for words was certain much more entertaining than filling out paperwork, of that Roderich was certain.

[french_for_fame]

The Frenchman felt the slight scorn in the Austrian's voice, but he let it pass since, ultimately, he was trying to get what he wanted and was obviously imposing on his companion

[zwiefacher]

Roderich could barely hide the twitch in his fingers as Bonnefoy continued speaking. The director had stated he needed help, but even then Roderich had been skeptical of his sincerity, questioning the validity of their meeting. However, the mention of family had him listening to Bonnefoy's words much more closely, despite his initial misgivings.

Shifting uncomfortably, Roderich realized he was giving Bonnefoy the benefit of the doubt. Though I really shouldn't, he thought, not liking where this was going. It was odd that Bonnefoy was revealing something so personal, and even odder that Bonnefoy was revealing it to him. Where does he intend to go with this?

[french_for_fame]

"I know I already have a job..." he hesitated. "Don't get me wrong, Nationcorp is wonderful work. But...I've dreamt of opening a line of cl