Casino Royale (Azalea & Jacques)

Subject: Re: Casino Royale (Azalea & Jacques) Sat Feb 09, 2019 11:14 am

The fact that Azalea agreed to his ideas -- however briefly he'd laid them out -- warmed Jacques to the witch more in that moment. Whilst beauty was all well and good in a woman, it was not that which lured the Clement heir in, no, it was the way women thought that truly caught his attention, even if their ideas didn't match his own. The beauty that came with intellectual conversation was what became important, and in that moment, Azalea was becoming increasingly more so.

Still, Jacques Clement never rushed things, and was definitely not the kind of man who simply asked a woman if she would like to go home with him that evening. No, he worked up to such things, in order to be sure he wasn't going to fall in to the media's clutches by picking the wrong girls.

It would remain to be seen another day if Azalea would fall in to such a category, or not.

The confession that followed their mutual agreement not to let anyone know of their inner nerds, however, brought a fond smile to Jacques' lips as he looked across at Azalea's friend before returning his gaze to the witch's face. "Alas, I had hoped that you would be here only for me," the Frenchman replied, clearly joking in his words by the way he spoke, matched with the not so subtle conspiring grin. It would show that no harm had been done by the witch for what she'd done, because he understood the workings of friends. "Though, should there be a next time, simply tell whomever sets you up for bait to talk to me -- or any other person they may wish to talk to -- rather than playing games like this. Though, Cieran has done me a favour in introducing you to me inadvertently."

With the compliment finished, and the song slowly coming to an end, Jacques leaned back in to speak softly in Azalea's ear. "If you wouldn't mind getting me a drink, I'll see you shortly." He promised before carefully twirling her out across Alizeh's path so the two witches would be brought together, and offering his hand out to Cieran.

The boy that was decked out in an overly flashy suit stood frozen for a moment, looking at Jacques as if his whole world had just blown up in to millions of fireworks. Cieran's eyes had grown slightly wide in that moment, simply looking at the Clement heir without knowing what it is he should do. Taking another step closer to the man, Jacques very carefully moved his hand closer to Cieran's before he spoke.

"Azalea told me that you would like to dance, but if you'd rather not, the ladies are heading to the bar, we can join them?"

Cieran's head shook much too quickly, his hand clumsily taking up Jacques' proffered hand. The Frenchman acknowledged the move by carefully drawing the male out on to the dance floor. Unlike the female counterparts of the evening, though, Cieran's body didn't seem to want to comply as well, and the action was much less fluid than it had been with the others. The Clement heir did not show the mild amusement at the other man's current state, instead following the same actions he had with Azalea. Cieran raised no objection to the hold, and though he'd never really danced with another man -- of course he'd danced with the younger boys at Clement Balls when he danced with all the children present, but nothing like this -- Jacques didn't find it too out of place.

"H-hi I'm... i wanna say Riecan?"

The belated introduction was on the verge of adorable, and Jacques inclined his head to show he'd head. "Nice to meet you, Cieran. I'm Jacques," he replied, not making a point of the fact the other male couldn't say his name, and simply returning the introduction out of politeness to not make the other man feel awkward about the conversation. "What are you studying? Herbology with Azalea, or Potions?" Jacques asked, and for a moment, the man looked completely in his own world. Not entirely sure that Cieran was listening, Jacques was about to move on to something else to discuss when Cieran's reply came.

"Herbology. A-Aesthetic herbology."

"Ah, yes, I've heard about your talents then. You're the one who makes lives much, much easier for boys on campus to woo the women -- or men -- of their choosing, right?" Jacques asked, and from the shade of crimson that Cieran's cheeks went in that moment, Jacques knew he'd gotten that much right. As they swayed to the second crooning slow song in a row, Cieran's eyes seemed to be permanently attached to Jacques' features, drinking him in heavily. Another man might have been baffled in to awkwardness with such things, but Jacques knew that it was only harmless of the other male.

"Would it be terribly rude of me to ask you to make me one of your masterpieces?" Jacques asked, and almost instantly Cieran's head was shaking to show that he wouldn't mind it. "Perhaps with a Halloween theme, if that's not too much to ask. My chouchou would adore one of those being sent to her. I'll pay you, of course, for both your time to complete them and for the flowers." Cieran's reply came with an enthusiastic nod, and Jacques couldn't help but feel sorry for the man who had become completely incoherent in that moment. "Thank you."

To save the other man from further need of talking Jacques carefully twirled Cieran out from him, and then -- with much less grace than Azalea -- back to him. Had it not been for years of practice, Cieran's feet would have stepped right upon Jacques', but the Frenchman artfully corrected the other man's steps to ensure neither one of them got hurt. Though, perhaps, the two came back together a little closer than Jacques had anticipated in that moment. From the close proximity the Frenchman could hear the other man's breath catch in that moment, and looked away from the man to give him a moment.

By now, a number of eyes had turned to the couple dancing, and Jacques... well, the Frenchman couldn't help himself, truthfully. Spinning Cieran away once more as the song came up in to a crescendo, the man span Cieran back in, a little bit too quickly for the man who clearly hadn't had any dancing lessons outside of his bedroom in front of the mirror, before dipping him down in to what usually would make a movie worthy moment, the hero all but ready to kiss the heroine. From the way Cieran's eyes grew in that moment, Jacques knew the man's hopes had been piqued, wanting the next part to come true.

For a moment, Jacques considered simply straightening them both back up, but, not wishing to disappoint Cieran so much, Jacques' lips placed the softest of kisses to Cieran's cheeks before the room erupted in to a round of applause at the end of the song. Grinning to himself, Jacques helped Cieran back up right, checked the man was capable of standing on his own two feet, before he let go.

"Come on, lets get a drink, and you can give me your number." Jacques leaned in to tell the other male as a faster song came on, and the DJ passed comment on the two males needing a room, or something. All around the room, though, the ladies' eyes followed Jacques from the dance floor, looking so thoroughly impressed with the Clement heir's inclusion of anyone in the bar.

Spotting Azalea and Alizeh, Jacques held up his hand in a small wave, leading Cieran behind him to the table the two girls had taken up, and the rest of his group were just getting to with the rest of their drinks. "Did you see Cieran's moves?" Jacques asked them both, looking quite amused with the two of them. "He made the crowd go wild, that's for sure." He announced, putting his arm around the other man and pulling him in to the circle to ensure he got included. "Enjoy that?" Jacques added to the man, making sure that he hadn't crossed a line with his own actions, though he doubted he had.

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Subject: Re: Casino Royale (Azalea & Jacques) Thu Feb 14, 2019 3:53 pm

The Aurar in training's advice of simply walking up to someone and talking to them without the elaborate plan involving a human bait mirrored her own thoughts exactly, making the witch grin. "I'll be sure to pass it on. Believe me, I'm a fan of the direct approach myself. But alas, the things we do for our friends." Though she didn't say so, Azalea was fairly sure the Frenchman had to do a lot for his friends too. Alizeh for example was on the verge of passing out yet refusing to leave the dance floor. And Jacques would probably have to see her safely sobered up before he could think of what he wanted to do at the party.

The witch tried hard to ignore the resistant pink on her cheeks that blossomed anew as Jacques considered how Cieran might have done him a favor. At his request of saving him a drink, Azalea nodded happily before he spun her out and, instead of exchanging her for Alizeh, took Cieran into his arms instead. the brunette found herself with a handful of a very unstable Alizeh and had to engage her entire weight in making sure the other witch didn't stumble to the floor.

The American witch would have liked nothing better to witness Cieran's moment o glory, and why the whooping and cheering that was emanating from the - the boys were putting up quite a show, but ehr priority was now the girl she was slowly guiding towards the bar. Having failed at normal words, Alizeh seemed to now be speaking in a foreign language her companion couldn't begin to understand. Perhaps she was speaking a version of French, thinking herself to still be with Jacques.

"Coffee please, strongest one you've got," she asked the bar tender, placing Alizeh on a stool and then keeping the witch propped up with one arm. The bartender looked at her oddly before doing as instructed. "Come on Alizeh, drink up," the brunette gently encouraged, using her other hand to press the coffee mug into the sloshed witch's hand. It took some persuading but finally, Azalea's new acquaintance was drinking. And after two cups, was okay to sit up all on her own.

"Two scotch on the rocks please," the American ordered once again, keeping her word to Jacques who was keeping his word to her. She was just in time to catch the grand finale, the Frenchman dipping Cieran down low before bringing him up and placing a kiss on the other man's cheek. Azalea could have sworn she felt Cieran's happiness all the way here. Alizeh, lost in her third cup of black coffee, had fortunately not noticed.

By the time Jacques waved towards them, he and a large group were getting ready to head to the bar. Alizeh had become just aware enough to start to panic. "Wo Araha hai! Meri lipstick!" Though unsure what the words meant, Azalea caught the main now, reaching over to ehr clutch and handing the other witch her lipstick. Alizeh gave her a grateful smile before swiveling on ehr seat. A moment later, she was back and looked perfectly made up again, no sign of the coffee she'd been drinking in front of ehr. Azalea would have been more impressed if she had seen how quickly Alizeh had gathered herself, as it was the young woman was simply beckoning her friends over.

"Azalea, babes, do you remember my phone number?' Cieran approached her first, his voice both blissful and frenzied. before he repeated a little louder. "Jacques Clement asked for my number."

"I'll pass it on to him if you premise to never call me that again,' the witch winced a little before smiling. By now Jacques had joined them all and Azalea handed him the promised drink. "I hope you like scotch." It became obvious soon enough that Jacques had won over everyone, and all anyone could talk about was the inclusiveness on display by the Clement male. In fact, it spurred soemthing of a movement, encouraging other couples to take non traditional dancers to the floor in a show of solidarity. Cieran was asked to dance by three more boys and eventually Alizeh too was seen dancing with Sophie who didn't look entirely pleased by the arrangement but couldn't exactly say no.

"You seemed to have started a movement,' Azalea complimented when finally the bar began to empty of people. "You should do it more often, the power to change minds is a valuable asset."

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Subject: Re: Casino Royale (Azalea & Jacques) Sat Feb 16, 2019 8:34 am

The group that amalgamated by the bar had grown from just Jacques' group of friends, the Frenchman noticed with indifference as he leaned gently against the bar beside Azalea as Cieran announced that he'd asked for the boy's number. Smiling slightly as he took his drink from Azalea, the Frenchman sipped it carefully, not wanting to overindulge too quickly on the harder liquor of choice. He'd done as Azalea had asked of him, danced with the man who looked much too pleased with himself, and thrown in something a little extra to ensure his work was done.

The number was simply a means to an end.

Thankfully, the crowd decided dancing was much more fun, and soon after the bar was much quieter, and they were able to breathe again.

"Scotch is perfect." Jacques admitted to the witch as he took another sip, before moving to a small toast. "Too two conspiring minds, and happy friends." He offered, giving her a knowing look before looking out to the dance floor to find Cieran in the arms of another man. He didn't look quite so happy as before, but the notion of being the centre of attention clearly suited the other man.

As Azalea mentioned starting a movement, Jacques looked across to the room filled with unusual couples dancing before looking back to her without completely knowing what to say. The second part, however, sounded very much like his Maman. In a manner of speaking.

"It is valuable, but also dangerous." Jacques pointed out gently so not to cause offence to the other witch. "Though, my intentions are always for the betterment of the world, so fortunately... we're not ending up with terrible situations. Perhaps, though, we might see a more open society around the university tomorrow than we had today, if people believe that this is the right way forward."

Reaching in to his suit jacket, Jacques carefully extracted his phone, unlocked it, before passing it to the witch. "Would you mind entering Cieran's number for me? I really don't wish to disappoint him by going back on my word." Jacques explained, waiting for the witch to take the device before he spoke again. "And, if I might be as bold as to ask, would you put your number in there too?" The man asked, not assuming that the witch would simply do it. He'd given her a choice, and should Azalea say no, then he would respect that choice.

"Oh, and thank you, for looking after Alizeh for me in the interim. She seems to have sobered up considerably in my brief stint with Cieran."

For a moment, Jacques was content on watching the dancing. Seeing everyone in unison was quite something, but he reminded himself, bringing inebriated youths together, compared to keeping a country together, were two different milestones, but it was good to know he had the power to do the less difficult of the two. Baby steps were everything. But this wasn't a moment for considering the future of France, tonight was just to relax.

"So, tell me more about yourself. Are you staying on campus? Or is this just a side piece to your life? Are you working?" He asked, trying to get to know the witch more now they had time alone. It could never hurt, after all, and the more people you knew, the more power you held in the world.

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~ Clement Heir ~ 24 ~ Athletic ~ 5'11" ~ French Accent ~

Thanks to .V0ldiemort @ TDA for my signature!

Subject: Re: Casino Royale (Azalea & Jacques) Mon Feb 25, 2019 7:17 pm

"Too two conspiring minds, and happy friends."

Well that was easy, the witch thought, bringing her glass to her lips and taking a small sip, still unable to comprehend why Cieran hand't just walked up to this polite, friendly young man and asked to buy him a drink. But then again, her friend was a not so secret drama queen who probably wanted a story for his future children about how he met their dad.

"To not being too hungover tomorrow,' she added as an afterthought, though she wasn't anywhere near drunk. At least not the kind of drunk Alizeh had just recovered from. Having already seen the worst of what could happen, the brunette decided tot make extra care. After all, it wouldn't do to make a show of herself in front of someone as nice and interesting as her personal companion - if only for Cieran's sake.

At his words of a more open society, the brunette found herself genuinely surprised. "Oh, is the setting here more conventional?" she asked, curious over what she was missing by virtue of not being a resident on campus. "I only attend classes so I actually have no idea what the it crowd does. This is my very first social after orientation week in the summer." Taking another small sip of her drink, the witch thought a moment before she continued.

"In my... very limited experience, I've found schools and universities to be some of the more... shall we say experimental places? But my experiences are limited to America. I'm originally from California, from a really tiny town you've probably never heard of." the chance that Jacques too - like Josh - would know of Carmel were one in a million. unless her hometown had somehow gained worldwide popularity while she was off being sick.

"Would you mind entering Cieran's number for me? I really don't wish to disappoint him by going back on my word."

"Oh of course," the witch replied, reaching for her own clutch tor retrieve her phone on which Cieran's number was stored. The time display on the silver device was the first thing to catch her attention. But it wasn't too late... Yes, she could stick around a bit more, at least until her friend returned and could safely stake his claim for the night.

And then Jacques did something Azalea knew Cieran would not appreciate.

"Uh, yes, you may," she replied, taking his phone carefully and typing in Cieran's contact details before her own. Though the guilt was only a second behind, prompting the witch to add a "<3" symbol beside her friend's name before she entered her own name in a much more subdued "Azalea H (Uni)" fashion.

"So, tell me more about yourself. Are you staying on campus? Or is this just a side piece to your life? Are you working?"

With his phone safely tucked away (and Azalea took a moment to silently commend the Auror in training over his ability to not look at his phone for long periods of time. An art her fellow classmates seem to have never heard of), proper conversation again. His interest in erh didn't seem limited to the dance floor as he quizzed her about what she did and how she approached her studies. And for the first time, Azalea felt... proud telling someone of her minimal accomplishment.

"No I don't live on campus, my dad has a place in Surrey. Though to be fair I don't really live there either." the admission even caught Azalea off guard. But it was true, after August, Furz Croft had never really felt like home.

Did that mean Wales did?

"I'm actually returning to higher education after a bit of a gap. I was going through some... medical issues for a number of years. I've only just gotten well enough this past year or so, and I figured why not catch up on things I've missed. Easier said than done right?"

To his question of whether she was working, the witch gave a genuine, joyful smile. "I work as a TA, I teach children potions. Of course, little do they know that they're actually teaching me. But the best way to get the hang of your chosen field is to basically work in it, which was my rationale when joining." Of course it was far from the only reason, but the young man didn't need to know that.

"What about you, do you work?" she asked automatically before realizing what she'd said. If the rumors were true, Jacques Clement didn't have to work a day in his life, nor did his future seven generations.

"I mean, uh, I'm sorry that was stupid. Can we please pretend I asked something much smarter?" she suggested with a warm laugh. The scotch and good company was definitely having an effect on the witch.

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Subject: Re: Casino Royale (Azalea & Jacques) Sat Mar 02, 2019 1:41 pm

Jacques let out a soft laugh at his own lack of clarity when Azalea asked if the campus was not already quite open. "My apologies, my statement was misleading. I meant more open in the sense that everyone can do what they want freely. Without judgement." Jacques explained, before quickly continuing. "I'm not aiming for a perfect concept within the world, that will never happen. But if we can get the vast majority of society to be okay with such displays, and bring them to being just as normal as any other relations, then I think we're moving in the right direction.

"Like, for me personally, I have no interest in other men in that manner, but that doesn't mean I'm afraid of that, or opposed to it. People like who they like, and that's more than okay for me." Jacques explained, hoping that would clear the air because he really didn't want the witch to think there was a bigger problem with the university. "Not to mention, I find it amusing when the 'cool' boys of the university lose their sense of self when I put in to question their masculinity by owning my own." He added, smirking in to his glass with a manner that showed he wasn't completely selfless in his actions.

But if you couldn't have a small win every now and then, what was the point in the world?

"California? Mon chouchou is from California, actually. She's spent less time there of late, which isn't a bad thing... But her guardians are still living out there. If I'm honest, though, I've never liked America very much. I'm assured Carmel is supposed to be one of the nicer areas, but..." The Frenchman gave the look that showed he hadn't been swayed, whilst staying in a position where he hadn't said anything bad about the place. "Mercifully, I haven't had to visit for a number of years. But, my sister has just taken to New York for her degree, she's doing music at The Julliard School, actually. She's an extraordinary pianist, even if she tries to play it down. She's done her Level 8 exams -- those are the highest -- so I hope she gets everything she wants from her course."

Jacques was unabashed with talking of his sister, he treasured her no matter what she might have done over the years, and that much was clear to see from the fondness with which he spoke about her.

"I'm sorry to hear you've not been well..." Jacques offered politely, and with an underlying tone of sincerity. The witch definitely didn't look as if she'd been ill, but of course, he barely knew her at all. You could never judge a book by its cover, and Azalea was becoming more and more interesting the more they spoke. "But I'm glad you got back in to learning. I would imagine it can be difficult taking a break and coming back, but I'm sure you'll manage just fine."

The information of being a TA for Potions was interesting, though. "Where are you teaching?" Jacques asked with polite curiosity, his lips showing his amusement at the way she played down her teaching role to being one of learning. Perhaps in a manner it was a case of learning too, but Jacques suspected the witch liked to talk herself down. Until such time as he knew where she might be teaching, though, Jacques didn't pass more comment on that subject.

"Actually, you're probably one of the more clever people amongst the group." Jacques replied as Azalea tried to back track her question of him working. "Most people incorrectly assume that I don't work at all. Though, I would argue that if you put the remuneration part aside with a job, then yes I do work." The Frenchman explained, allowing a moment before he continued. "I work with my Maman and Papa on matters of the Clement estate, business... whatever you wish to call it. I actually..." Jacques hesitated for a moment, considering whether or not to express his actual line of work or whether to just leave it at that.

Glancing down at his glass, Jacques thought for a moment before deciding to trust what he knew of Azalea so far to not jump to any judgements on him based on what he'd said. She seemed much more open minded than the others he'd spoken to, so after a moment, he decided to simply explain.

"I'm actually learning how to manage portions of our families assets, namely... Italy. In recent years my family bought out the debt of the country, and now... we manage it for them. Although, that is a huge simplification on what we do, I don't wish to bore you with the details. But, should that tick the right boxes, then yes, I do work, it takes up most of my free time, truthfully."

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Subject: Re: Casino Royale (Azalea & Jacques) Tue Mar 05, 2019 6:50 pm

A discussion on the perception of sexuality was the last thing Azalea had expected to have at this gathering, yet here she was. With a drink in her hand and a pleasant stranger beside her, talking social strata as if it was a topic he was well versed in. The mixture of idealism and realism was probably Jacques Clement's biggest draw, the witch figured. He was not naive enough to misunderstand the world for what it was, yet had hope for it to be the best version of itself too.

And Azalea really liked that.

It was also somehow more grounded than she expected him to be. Though his admission that the male gender did nothing for him did register as a blow to Cieran at the back of her head somewhere. But right now Azalea was too interested in actually talking to the young man than worrying about her friend's dashed hopes and dreams. "Oh, I can only imagine the crushed spirits of all the men out there,' she teased lightly, putting down her glass momentarily as she leaned forwards.

"Though if I were you, I wouldn't hurry to dishearten anyone yet, who knows what connotations can come in handy in the future." The joke was subtle, but she was starting to understand her companion picked up subtlety incredibly well.

The mention of "Mon chouchou" sparkled her interest but not as much as the name of her own hometown. So it seemed that Carmel must have become prolific in her absence, or this was a genuine coincident. Which probably meant she knew the young lady he spoke off, at least peripherally. Carmel was small town and Azalea had grown up very much involved in the local community due to Kit's attempts to make her socialize and Clara's general nosiness around the locals.

"My childhood home is in Carmel," she admitted softly, the hint of nostalgia clear in her voice. She had been the happiest back home by the beach. Or perhaps it was the lack of focus her memories had now which made her think so? Either way, it was a different time. "But I haven't been back in a long time, I guess like most things, you outgrow your childhood home too."

She merely listened as Jacques spoke of his sister, the fondness almost too cute to bear as he showed off in her stead. Anyone could see how much he cared for his sister and was proud of her, even Azalea began to feel as if she knew the girl from the way he spoke of her. "Wow, getting into Julliard's is no joke, that's a school for geniuses and prodigies." As someone with no musical talent to her name, Azalea appreciated all musicians, and Julliard trained musicians were next level.

At his condolences over her sickness, Azalea nodded. "It was at first, but I found out all you need is the right support system," she admitted with a bashful smile. Speaking of Josh usually did that to the witch, he made her smile without even having to be present to accomplish the feat. "I had a lot of help, and honestly I feel like my transition into society was a lot smoother than it could have been. So I guess I now owe it to the world to repay my debt of gratitude somehow."

"Where are you teaching?"

"Oh, just at-"

"Jacques, did you miss me?!" Alizeh's high pitched voice interrupted Azalea, alerting them both to the fact that Alizeh was now sober enough and back on track. "I'm so tired of dancing, but I saved one last dance for you." Azalea wondered if Jacques would indulge the girl despite clearly not wanting to or persuade ehr to give up on dancing for the night. If she had to guess, seh would have gone with him obliging the beautiful female. Luckily they were saved from the decision as more people joined them and a group soon formed.

The group dispelled slowly, but over the next hour and after two more drinks in her, it dispelled, leaving her and Jacques to continue their conversation regarding work. And as the Auror in training revealed what he did, the brunette understood why he had waited for most of the group to leave before divulging his career path.

"I'm.. not going to lie, I don't know a lot of what that means,' she admitted, having once again unconsciously shifted closer to him to better guard the privacy of their conversation. "But I can fully appreciate how expansive the work involved must be. Managing an entire country... let alone multiple ones... I can't even begin to fathom." By his definition of what he did, Jacques Clement didn't simply "work" he worked a hell lot, and no one was able to see it.

"Your family, your work, it sounds really fascinating to me. But then again, my family doesn't even cook. I grew up on take out," the laughter that accompanied the statement was clearly fond in nature. Clara was indeed the best food orderer in the world.

"Is there some kind of training schedule to all this? Like how many number of years do you have to do it before you're ready? If that is the goal even?" Clearly this wasn't your average job with incentives and promotions and bonuses and a career trajectory - words Azalea only knew from her brief exposure to employment contracts before she'd shut them away in a drawer never to look at again. This was more... a calling she supposed.

"I've only been to France a few times in my youth, not at all recently, do you think I'm past due for a visit?"

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Subject: Re: Casino Royale (Azalea & Jacques) Tue Mar 05, 2019 7:47 pm

The subtle joke about not disheartening anyone brought a soft smile to Jacques' lips as he looked across at Cieran. The other man's lips spread in to a grin, and Jacques gave him a small nod before sipping at his drink and turning back to Azalea with a knowing look. "I'm not so foolish as to give up good contacts by telling them something they don't want to hear." Jacques conspired. He wouldn't hurt Cieran purposefully, of course, nor would he use the crush for personal gain, but he wasn't about to let him down by telling him he had no hope. Some things just didn't need to be said, and so far, Cieran was harmless.

"I really don't hope I ever outgrow mine," Jacques replied to the statement of his home. Though... even the idea of university here in the UK had not been an easy one to make, so Jacques knew he wasn't going to grow tired with the Palace any time soon. But, the news Carmel was where Azalea came from was one piece of information that he tucked away. Small world...

The idea that Julliards was no joke was one that Jacques agreed to, but he didn't play it up any further than that. Elenore's capabilities with music was exemplary, and she had earned her place at the school, even if it hurt for her to leave. Even if it had created a divide, she had gotten in to the school most people dreamed of, and he could only hope she was doing well.

Their conversation was interrupted by the return of Alizeh, though, and Jacques gave Azalea an apologetic smile when she was cut off mid-sentence, his attention only turning to Alizeh when he'd assured himself that Azalea wasn't going to be upset if he did so. "Well, if you saved one..." Jacques started to reply, not really knowing how to get out of the dance, and not lose his conversation with Azalea, and keep both women happy in the same moment. But, through some great miracle, the group had converged once more, and whilst Alizeh cuddled up to his side, the thought of dancing was forgotten.

A couple of round of drinks circled them, Jacques keeping the bills on his card rather than seeing his friends go short, before many of them decided either to get back to the dance floor, or in some of the more enamoured couples' cases, back to their apartments for the evening. Alizeh had been snagged by Faren for a dance, which had evolved in to something a little heavier than that on the dance floor, and slowly but surely Azalea and he were left alone once more.

"Sorry about that," Jacques offered in lieu of all of his friends, hoping that the crowd wasn't too much for the witch who had admitted only mere moments before the arrival of the group that she'd been working herself back in to society.

When the witch denoted she couldn't comprehend his 'work', Jacques gave something of a bashful grimace. "Sorry, it's not easy to explain... but... it's fun." He tried to make amends, but it turned out he didn't need to as Azalea admitted to finding it all fascinating. Relief flooded through him, touched his features in that moment, and the Clement couldn't help but feel grateful for Azalea's presence that evening. Not only was she vastly interesting in herself, but she was actually open minded enough to try to understand him. Even if he hadn't told her everything, she was trying to understand what he had told her.

"I've been being tutored since I could... well, since I've been able to talk, really. My Maman has always pushed myself, and my sister, to be well educated in our chosen fields, but also just in general. We've both been shown how the Clement family works, how to manage, build, maintain. My sister is very good at it, too, she accompanied me to Capris to negotiate the Italy acquisition, and did it very, very well." Jacques explained. "But, there's no time limit, nor no minimum amount of years. I just have to be ready for when my parents decide they've done what they can. Something I hope will not be for at least a decade yet. As to whether I will be ready... I really hope so."

The comment about France, though, made Jacques' eyebrow raise.

"You must come to France! England doesn't have anything on the beauty of France! If you ever come over to France, text me to let me know you're coming. I will do my best to change around my work to give you a personalised tour of Paris and Versailles. Not the tour they give tourists, but the real France." He insisted. "And, if I don't bore you with Paris and Versailles, you can come to my home, and I'll give you a sneak peak of my work."

The last was said in a conspiring tone, because Azalea had sounded like she was interested. And if, perhaps, she found that tone to be flirtatious, Jacques could not be blamed for it. Yes, Azalea was both beautiful and intelligent, but that did not mean he would bring her to the Palace for such things.

Checking his watch, Jacques sighed at the late hour. "It's getting late, and I wouldn't wish to keep you. Can I see you home? Alizeh looks like she's getting home safely this evening, and Cieran..." Jacques looked around, but couldn't find Azalea's partner in crime. "Seems to have disappeared-"

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~ Profile ~
~ Clement Heir ~ 24 ~ Athletic ~ 5'11" ~ French Accent ~

Thanks to .V0ldiemort @ TDA for my signature!

Subject: Re: Casino Royale (Azalea & Jacques) Wed Mar 06, 2019 12:30 pm

Once again, Azalea was quite enraptured by his telling of his training, which seemed to have begun at birth. Though Azalea supposed there really was a method tot he madness, there must be so much to learn one lifetime couldn't possibly be enough. The thought of him learning the ins and outs of the family business since he was old enough to talk made ehr feel like a right sloth though, all those mornings hen she'd simply darkened ehr room and gone back to bed, Jacques' Clement had been out acquiring valuable skills.

The invitation to visit France was received with due grace, the witch promising that she would try over the summer but that her plans depended on several other people making plans and she would not wish to disappoint him by making a promise she couldn't justifiably deliver on. All the while, the witch thought maybe... just maybe... She did once know the Capulet family. They were quite comprehensive too if memory served. Maybe the Clements knew them? And maybe they could be her excuse to visit Versailles?

"It's getting late, and I wouldn't wish to keep you. Can I see you home? Alizeh looks like she's getting home safely this evening, and Cieran... Seems to have disappeared-"

The American witch could have sworn Cieran had been lurking int eh shadows, just waiting for his name to be spoken out loud to materialize beside the man of is dreams. And what was worse, he didn't come alone. The group that seem to have shrunk over the last hour was back in full force - though thankfully without Alizeh. And within a few moments, a loud chorus of "shots, shots, shots, shots" had drowned out everything else.

"Sorry," the witch mouthed to Jacques before excepting her own shot glass. Over the next hour, Azalea noted the ways in which people tried to get away with fruitless acts. At least three young ladies dragged their stools to sit between herself and the Frenchman, pushing the two so far apart as if their proximity was a national threat. But Jacques was not to be outdone, when a fourth witch pouted she had nowhere to sit, the Clement heir immediately gave up his seat and came to lean next to Azalea on the other side.

It took a bit for her to catch on to what was going on, but when the brunette realized Jacques not only knew the game but was intentionally making it challenging, she couldn't help but giggle. The more neutral and impervious his expression remained as he spoke politely to everyone, the more amusement danced in her eyes. Or perhaps it was the result of the three shots she had taken that made everything Jacques did thrice as funny.

The one person who wasn't enjoying the secret bouts of giggling was her friend Cieran. He had held himself with remarkable restrain when Jacques had left his seat to stand beside Azalea but everything the Frenchman did after caused dark clouds to manifest on Cieran's face. Azalea really should have consoled him, reassured him that he had nothing to worry about, that it wasn't what it looked like. But the light buzz made even Cieran's anger highly amusing.

In the end, the man couldn't help himself.

"I think Azalea has to go now,' he spoke over the chatter going in the group. "She has to go all the way to Wales after all. Best not be too late." And with that, the poor man signed his own fate.

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Come Plot With Me <3

Subject: Re: Casino Royale (Azalea & Jacques) Wed Mar 06, 2019 8:50 pm

More shots came, and Jacques was very, very drunk by this point. Thankfully for the Frenchman he'd never found himself to be the kind of drunk that resorted to acts of idiocy or acts that made him dangerous to himself or others. He wasn't a sad drunk, either. Just a large number of things became more amusing to him, and the very rigid edges of the world just seemed to blur enough to make him perhaps relax. But never had Jacques Clement truly been out of control of his actions, and he didn't intend to get there, either.

Azalea's apology made him shake his head with a warm smile to show he truly didn't mind that they'd been interrupted. He'd only suggested getting her home due to the hour of the evening, not because he wanted to go. Another drink or two wouldn't hurt, so long as Azalea didn't mind. The witch didn't seem to, anyway, so Jacques simply went along with it, happily joining in with the group.

Girls tried to drive a wedge, only amusing Jacques further in that moment, before his seat was required for another of the ladies present. Moving back to Azalea's side, Jacques' arm fit much too comfortably behind the witch on the bar behind her -- not touching her, but perhaps suggesting an interest that wasn't pushed upon the witch, nor was it refuted. The drinks were met with comfortable conversation, easy conversation, and Jacques found himself wanting to use the number in his phone at another time to get the witch alone.

Not too soon, though, you had to get the timing right.

Jacques hadn't been aware that the way he spoke with Azalea, leaning in closer to ensure he could be heard, and equally hear her as they spoke was causing much too much of a stir in Cieran, something that was found out as he left Azalea in another light chorus of giggles which brought a smile to his features in the same moment.

"I think Azalea has to go now,'

Jacques' features turned in to something of a frown at this, turning to the man he'd danced with earlier that evening, about ready to question who he was to say when a lady had to be leaving, when Cieran continued on.

"She has to go all the way to Wales after all. Best not be too late."

"Does she now?" Jacques replied, checking his watch and deciding that it was late, and Azalea really should be getting home. "No bother. I'll take her home. I think the party's done now, anyway." He explained, nodding to the group who took their cue and downed the remainder of their drinks, and slowly but surely started to file out of the hall.

Whatever Cieran's reaction to that was, Jacques didn't notice in that moment as he shrugged out of his suit jacket, took out his phone, wallet and a small vial of potion, before offering it to the witch. "Here, it's going to be cold outside." He explained the offer of his jacket, waiting for her to accept, before offering his arm to the witch to lead her from the party and out towards his apartment where his bike would be waiting for him to take her back to Wales.

Not, however, before he took the potion he'd taken from his jacket, which would eliminate every ounce of alcohol in his system, and make it safe for him to drive her home.

After all, his Maman would never forgive him if he were to be caught drink driving.

And he would be in even more trouble if she were to ever find he'd done so with a lady in tow.

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~ Profile ~
~ Clement Heir ~ 24 ~ Athletic ~ 5'11" ~ French Accent ~

Thanks to .V0ldiemort @ TDA for my signature!

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