Jasper Ryder's Story

“Apparently, you weren’t paying attention when this guy,” Grey tucked her hair behind her ear and listened to the boy. “Was giving an overview of everyone’s life story. Obviously, simple bitch, you’re just as fucked up as the rest of the broken toys here.” She didn't let Jasper's rudeness faze her, she had been listening to the Benefactor with open ears and noticed him saw how the rude young man had been blamed for a murder he had convicted, meaning he had been convicted for years and probably still mad at the world for it. His words actually made her feel better, they were a reality check to the bigger picture. She simpered genuinely and walked slowly over to her new boss. "You've saved me a few years of school," she was going to begin giving him the thank you he wholeheartedly deserved, "since you know a lot I assume you know how I've been studying psychology in hopes to one day become a psychologist, well basically you've given me the chance to be one in a way." Laughing at the thought of all the studying she had done to let finally have the chance handed to her by a stranger felt extremely good, "So thank you, and I appreciate my gift, I hope having it will help me open up my true emotions to myself as it helps me do so with others." She had never doubted in complete about this, but it turned out better than she thought. She was in a way pleased by this all.

Just like Nicky she hasn't gotten to introduce herself, she was already known which still didn't count as really introducing in her book, and she felt like the Benefactor should get one for helping her. Holding her hand out to him she cocked her head to the right slightly and smiled, "I'm Grey, and I think it's going to be an honor working for you." Letting her hand slowly fall back to her side she decided she might continue talking to the man, she felt like she owed him something in return and at the moment she had nothing to give. "Before I was brought here," saying so she shot a glance at Nicky before returning her eyes back to the blonde man, "I owned my own coffee shop... which I think you already know as well." What do you say to a man that you think knows your whole life story? Grey didn't know this answer, and neither did she notice the soft warmth her eyes were taking on as she steadily grew more fond and comfortable of the place. "I guess that's a long winded way of saying I know how to brew great coffee and have never really had a boss. Well, at the library I worked at I technically had one, but we never spoke. I'd just go in and place books where they belonged..." squinting and a playful point of a finger at him she laughed some, "but I'm sure you knew that too, Mr. Benefactor." She didn't think she had to add the mister, but she wanted to. She liked the thought of having someone in charge over her so she didn't have to make any decisions for her own.

"Oh!" She said with the thought of decisions, "My closet, I think it's broken." With the ending she made a funny face of how that sounded, Oh yes my good sir, you see my closet has decided not to give me clothing like a good closet should. She shuck her head, "I mean it only had one outfit in it, this," saying so as she gestured to what she was dressed in, "will I only be receiving an outfit a day or will I get more clothing. And also, if I only do get one outfit who picks it out?" The topic was more for conversation the question. She didn't care if she got one outfit a day or was stuck in one outfit the rest of her life. Grey wouldn't mind if she just received one outfit, all that meant was she wouldn't have to stress to find a appropriate outfit for each day, it'd just be there waiting for her in the closet. Also, she couldn't complain about her closets sense of style. What she had on was nice and looked good on her, she probably wouldn't have been able to pick something so simple out herself in a million years. A more important question, at least to her, rose to mind. "I chugged a whole bottle of something in my fridge, why am I not drunk?" It had to have been at least an hour and she figured the alcohol would have worked its way into her system, all she felt was warm and almost happy inside, like she never had before. "What was it, happy juice?" Asking as soon as she had thought of it she raised a brow. Maybe it had been, the lack of her drunkenness and the raise of her mood would lead to such hypothesis. It could have been some drug... The bottle had had words on it, but she didn't read it though, she didn't find it important at the time, but now she was second guessing herself for drinking it.

"I need a stress reliever." At her words she cocked her head to the left as she stood to his left. In their past she remembered he'd either smoke or do some type of drug. It's not like she had any on her to offer him some help, "What would help you?" She knew she had nothing to give, but she was just trying to be helpful. "If there's anything I could do I'd love to help." Rosalina wasn't the most helpful person in the world, but she tried when she could and she would attempt to kill Noah with kindness. She did still love and care for him, but she decided she wanted revenge. Rosa was vengeful to a certain extent when it came to getting people back, but no one had broke her heart before like he did, so all she could think of doing was make him feel guilty or at least she would try. When he left she thought he couldn't feel guilt or remorse for anyone expect himself; when she had cried he had patted her back to try to comfort her changing her mind to think he possibly still did care.

Pursing her lips together she tapped them as she narrowed her eyes onto him. Looking him over it appeared to her that he looked tense by the way he was standing. "You look tense," saying so she slowly placed a gentle hand on one of his shoulders, "May I..." With a trailing voice her mood trailed with it to nervousness. Should I even be talking to him? Does he even want me around? A feeling of unsureness hit, it was just one of her random mood swings that she was use to. Without an answer she put her other hand on his other shoulder and began to massage the taller man. As she did so she let her eyes graze the view of the carpet along with her face blossoming to a rosy red without warning. Her body was reacting funny like usually doing strange this and turning off colors. "If you turn around I can get your shoulders better." Her voice was barely louder than a whisper as she moved her head to look up at him, something she didn't want to do. Rosalina didn't want him to think he was the cause for her blushing because he wasn't even though it appeared that way. Applying pressure to her right hand gradually she had him spin in the direction she pushed without removing her hands from him. "I did most of the talking out there... so how has-" thinking of how everyone had a job change she decided it'd be best to use more appropriate, how was the band life? You didn't explain."

Waiting for his answer she kept doing the awkward massage to help him unwind. She wasn't sure if it was even working, but she was trying her best at least. "If you ever need someone to talk to my doors always open to you." Rosalina was going to make sure it got through his head they were going to be friends again. With him being near her made her become a clingy mess again, she didn't mind it for now through, but she might later she wasn't sure. "After we're dismissed do you think I could see your room?" With he voice still at it's quietness she dropped one of her hands and walked in front of him to see his face as she barely had a smile on hers. "I just wonder what your room looks like and later on you can see mine then we can compares who's better." Shrugging her shoulders she let the hand she had kept on his shoulder wonder to his hair. It was soft like she remembered it had always been and messy too. "I hope I helped you some. If I could help you release any of your stress in any way possible just tell me." With her suddenly regaining her uplifting sense she strengthened her beamingness and with that her voice took back its pleasurable tones. "If you accept my invite when we go to my room we can have some drinks together, how does that sound?

Sly pulling her hand from his hair she used both hands to start fiddling with his shirt, "If your closet is like anything like mine I'll be finding you something better to wear." Giggling some she continued to speak, "After all with me studying to be a fashion designer it would be nice to have someone I could stylize." That could be a little offense. Looking into his eyes she winked, "Not that you don't look sexy already Mr. Badboy, it's just that change never killed anyone. You'd look pretty good in a suit if you asked me." Taking a step back she let her hands remain touching his shirt as she mentally estimated his measurements and what fabrics and colors would be best on him. With her eyes locking back to his she smirked, "You and I will certainly have lots of fun, because now I'm no longer giving you the chance to say no! In my mind I have a perfect vision of what I could dress you in, therefore you can no longer back out! I mean, you see what I'm wearing? It's my own design." Rosalina was simply bragging about her own design. She was very proud of herself and even more proud that her closet had put her design together for her and if Noah liked it proud would no longer be the word, it would be something much bigger that her small brain couldn't even think of. "You look good in dark colors like blacks, reds, blues..." Her voice cut off feather like while she walked circles around him checking out his body. After three circles she stopped fact to face with him. "You hair wouldn't look bad slicked back either..." Her commentary was more to her than him as she tapped a finger to her bottom lip.

“...Obviously, simple bitch...” Was all she caught as a response to Grey's question. "The fuck." Snapping her head to the carry of the voice made her feel sick. Her and Grey weren't really friends, but she didn't want anyone saying anything rude to her. Before she caught the chance to say anything to Jasper he had left the room followed behind Scarlet. Ok then... Transitioning to Noah she smirked, "Some people are so rude. If someone called me a bitch I'd claw their eyes out!" Holding up her hand up like a claw she hissed like a cat. Of course she wouldn't do that, well maybe not, it all depended on what mood she was leaning to. "What would you do if you heard someone call me a bitch?" The questions slipped out, but once it was said she shrugged her shoulders waiting for the answer. Getting called a bitch was something she heard a lot when she went out, so it didn't sting like it once had. When she first got called it a century ago it made her go into flames, Wasn't it Noah that called me that... or one of his friends? She wasn't sure who it was through all the drinking and drugs that had passed since then, but she knew it happened after she had met Noah.

The Benefactor didn’t have to wait long for others to respond to the mysterious happening of the office and himself. Grey had asked, "Why was I chosen?" and the Benefactor would have thought it was obvious at this point yet he opened his mouth to respond. Before he could, the Benefactor stopped as he heard laughter coming from another Harper who had only one question to ask, “Why does the elevator not work?” The Benefactor took a moment to smirk at the question, anticipating that it would come out sooner or later but not with the enthusiasm Harper had. Still he did have to explain and he would’ve if Jasper wasn’t so quick to answer Grey. “Apparently, you weren’t paying attention when this guy was giving an overview of everyone’s life story,” as he gestured to the Benefactor on cue. Obviously, simple bitch, you’re just as fucked up as the rest of the broken toys here.” Afterwards he turned to the Benefactor. “I have a real question, Mr. B,” sounding irritated. The Benefactor held back his smile to the nickname, hiding the fact that he kind of liked it because he knew now was not the time. “Can I just get the hell out of here?” Jasper asked before shaking his head ,waving his hand, and walking towards the door. ”You know, what? You don’t even have to answer that. I’m going to just go.” And with that Jasper walked out of the office, the first one to leave after the empowering. The Benefactor didn’t need to signal Scarlet as she walked out of the office after Jasper. After a while, she came back in without him, unsuccessful perhaps.

In a few moments, Daniel spoke up agreeing with Harper the “former hooker.” “I don’t know, it just seems like a lot of walking,” while Rosalina and Noah had a conversation amongst themselves. Makoto seemed to be the only one who enjoyed this at this point. The Benefactor wasn’t surprised when another one, Alton, also announced that he would get out of here. “Listen, I’m just going to go back to my flat, the atmosphere in there right now is pitiful and I don’t want to deal with it. So if you don’t mind, I’m going to try to come to terms with the fact that pain isn’t available to me anymore.” The Benefactor watched Alton leave and thought, ”My, I wonder if I should’ve really done that, or rather if he should’ve given him that ability considering his…special kinship towards it. But what’s done is done and he cannot take it back.”

If the Benefactor had thought that Makoto was the one who enjoyed this he couldn’t have been more wrong when Grey had started a whole conversation to him about thanking him for saving her schooling for psychology, offering her coffee skills, introducing herself, a “broken” closet, and a bottle of wine that didn’t make her drunk. The Benefactor had taken her hand and shook it gently giving her a warm reassuring smile while she spoke, but couldn’t help raise his eyebrow and give a concerned look when she mentioned the bottle of wine.

“Grey, it is a pleasure for you to offer coffee. I’d like to take up the offer sometime if it’s no trouble, and perhaps the others would like some too. I will ask the maids to gather a list from each of you about your clothing preferences. Though, about the wine…I’m sorry to say that I didn’t put that there…” The Benefactor grew jealous for the moment. ”Of all the things I don’t give them, why did it have to be wine!” he thought. The Benefactor could feel his taste buds craving for the drink that Grey had taken up and he couldn’t help but tighten his grip, forgetting that Grey was holding onto his hands. “Ahh sorry about that miss. But I can’t inform you much on the wine.”

He was about to suggest that Novia would help the maids gather deals on the clothing but then she excused herself, in a much intelligent and sarcastic tone, “Well, as much as I'd love to stay and join you all in being harassed and degraded by Nero of the 21st Century, I think I can manage to find something more stimulating to help me grasp onto what's going on. Thanks for the stuff, by the way. Love the kitchen design. But I really want my Audi back.”

More people walked out of the office after Novia, leaving Grey, Harper, Rosalina, Noah, Daniel, Makoto, and Jang to be in the room. Aradia and Zeus left the area without a word. Fiona said a goodbye to Harper saying, “As much as it is seeing people explode and hearing all this cursing, I think I'm going to go look around this place. But, it was very nice speaking to you, Harper. I hope to see you around.” With the leave of her best friend Aradia, Hailey excused herself, "I...I...Never mind. Excuse me, I need to... I gotta... I need to collect.. collect.. collect my thoughts."
The Benefactor observed all of this, and took note of who left and who still remained. It didn’t surprise him much that some people stayed behind while others had left. This happened many times over and after experience he knew that plans don’t always go as smoothly, so he had to think of an alternative. He smiled towards Grey who was still nearby him and then addressed the crowd of young adults.

“Now, I see that we won’t be able to go have a tour around the town, which is still fine. You’re free to go and look around this weekend as your jobs don’t start until Monday. However, I see that we need to get together as a group, so I’m going to plan a little something for us to do this evening. For now, I want you to get closer to each other, especially trying to find those who have just ran off. There are no more secrets in this place anymore since we have to get close to each other. It is important that a business runs as a unit that so happens to have many components.” The Benefactor smiled, remembering that logic from his father who he had looked up to all those years ago as a child. Now it was his turn to shine, his moment of leadership. “In fact, this may also be an excellent opportunity to try out your powers if you wish, as long as the other person is willing of course. Again Daniel, I warn you on not making anyone…endowed with another person inside of them…unless they wish it upon themselves.”

Before the new recruits headed out the Benefactor quickly said, “And the reason why the elevator doesn’t work is because my father was unfortunate enough to receive this building without one and as it expended the workers couldn’t install one. I apologize for this, but in a sense it is a good way to be healthy and exercise. You never know when emergency could strike and that extra training would help.” After the new recruits filed out, The Benefactor motioned to Nick and Scar to have a meeting to themselves.

“Nicholas, Scarlet, watch over these interactions. We need to make sure they do not get unnecessarily injured in any way,” the Benefactor whispered with a serious tone. Slowly his serious expression turned into a smile and he cheerfully smiled and he continued, “Especially since they’re supposed to have a good time!”

Nick nodded and politely said, “Yes, sir,” then grabbed Scarlet’s hand and escorted her out. Making sure that nobody was around, Nick asked, “So, Scar, how do you think of the new recruits? I’m definitely enjoying the chicks around here, though the guys ain’t so bad. They’re such lucky bastards though. The Benefactor’s throwing them a party again even though they act like such brats!” He gazed at Scarlet as she spoke, observing her beautifully defined body and the flaring sea of vermillion that flowed down with it. Her luscious lips seemed to move with the words she spoke and he didn’t care what she was saying so long as he could look intensely at his partner. Ignoring anything she was saying he then asked, “Hey, why don’t you tell me your power?” He eyed Scarlet suspiciously, circling around her as he spoke. “I mean, it’s been a long time since I joined and you’ve always just kept to yourself about it. We’re partners so shouldn’t we be looking out for each other?” Nick then put his arms around Scarlet and looked at her earnestly, this time showing genuine interest and concern for her. “C’mon, Scar. You know I worry about you sometimes. Why don’t you promise you’ll show me your power? It doesn’t have to be now since I know sometimes there has to be those opportune moments. But can you promise me you’ll show it to me?” Nick held on to Scarlet and stared into her eyes, awaiting an answer.

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After his exit, Jasper took it upon himself to finish the last of his cigarette before throwing it on the floor and stomping it out. Stuffing his hands into the pocket of his jeans, Jasper took this time to get a little more familiar with his 'new home'. He idly walked around the place, eyes judging it all. He then made his melancholy way back to his apartment. His hand reached into his pocket to retrieve the key to his new place. He wasn't surprised the corporation was mundane and drab. He only prayed that his job would be enough to keep him entertained. He was going to be a detective. "The irony," he muttered to himself, musing over the fact that people wanted to actually attempt to help him. How did they even plan on doing that? It wasn't like making him solve cases was going to suddenly make him want to be a nicer human being. This was like some sick game; force them all to face their tragedies every single day until they finally cracked. Jasper thought this through as he opened the door to apartment 277.

Daniel meandered down the hallway in an abnormally good mood. The hallways were nearly deserted save for the melancholy fellow Daniel had flirted with earlier But the younger man was the least of his concern. Things were finally starting to look up for him. He couldn’t be happier. With his eyes half-lidded and a pep in his step, Daniel sung his way down the hallway. He got out his keys once he got in close proximity, well into the chorus by then. “Heaven isn’t too far away!” Daniel paused at his door, still singing. The lack of movement beside him despite there being the silhouette of a person brought him out of his reverie. Daniel did a double take as he sent a weak glance towards the man to his left, recognizing him almost immediately. A wide smile spread across his face as he pointed at him, “Hey, I know you! I sang to you.”The younger man gave him an odd look so Daniel tried to refresh his memory, “Remember?” He mimed out his previous air guitar, grinning again before sticking his hand out, “Hi. Name’s Daniel, Daniel Isaac Brennan. And you are?”

Jasper frowned at the obnoxious man beside him, finding his peppy attitude absolutely irritating. When the stranger attempted to engage him in conversation, he almost snorted at the thought, but instead he kept his expression empty of any emotion, looking at the man with blank eyes. He said nothing when the guy introduced himself, simply looking at his hand then back at his face with a disgusted sneer. He could already tell that this guy was going to be a real pain in his ass.

Daniel’s smile faltered a bit as he let his hand fall to his side. “Not a handshake kind of guy, right.” Jasper rolled his eyes, shaking his head solemnly before ignoring the idiot completely and slamming his door in the stranger’s face. Daniel smirked, “Alright. Challenge Accepted.” He then retired to his own apartment, turning up the stereo high as AC/DC blared through the speakers.

Jasper locked his door, throwing his leather jacket onto his couch and plopping down, wordlessly. He wasn’t too happy at the moment, but he was pretty intrigued by his gift. Being able to see the past and future of objects sounded kickass in his opinion. Jasper reclined on his sofa, closing his eyes; ready for rest and relaxation, however, his sapphire orbs quickly fluttered open when the blaring of an electric guitar was barely muffled through the walls. He grunted in frustration. Could he not rest in peace in this godforsaken shit-hole? Was everyone hell bent on fucking up his day? He was beginning to think that these people were doing this on purpose. Jasper pushed himself to his feet, walking over the wall that was adjacent to the flat screen television and banged his fist against the plaster. “Turn that shit down, asshole!” He shouted.

Daniel grinned, hearing a yelling coming from his bedroom. He bolted through the hallway, practically leaping on top of the bed as he serenaded the wall at full volume, belting out the lyrics as he put himself up against the wall.“Back in black! I hit the sack! I been too long and I'm glad to be back! Yes I am let loose from the noose that's kept me hanging about! I keep looking at the sky cause it's gettin' me high! Forget the hearse cause I'll never die!”

Jas growled, anger festering inside of him like an infected sore. He banged his fist against it again, but was only met with the culprit's annoying voice. Huffing, the Russian kicked the wall before storming out of his apartment and going next door. He banged his fist against the entrance, eyes screaming bloody murder. Turn it off before I do it for you!”

Daniel rushed into the living room as he heard the loud bang against his door. He turned it down, but only a little, knowing it wouldn’t solve the problem. It seemed as if he couldn’t get rid of his smile, even as he sauntered to the door to dissuade the angry fire in his new neighbor. If this guy thought he got it bad, he should give the Andrews a call. He opened the door, meeting the man’s aggravated gaze, caught aback by how intensely blue they were. The thought brought a slow grin to his face. “Tell me your name.”

Jasper crossed his arms over his chest, sneering down at the bastard. His nostrils flared and his piercing icy eyes narrowed with murderous intent. He had only known the guy for less than ten minutes and he was already thinking about committing homicide. His jaw clenched, muscles flexing in pent up rage. “Fuck you,” he growled. “Keep the music down or I’ll break it, am I clear?”

"Your name is Fuck You?" Daniel asked, his face distorted in mock pity and disgust, "Wow, your parents are brutal."

Jasper rolled his eyes, “Whatever, I don’t have the patience to deal with your shit right now. Just keep it down,” with that, he turned to head back to his apartment.

Daniel's eyes widened a bit as he watched the man turn, quickly seizing him by the arm. "Wait!" Boy, if looks could kill. As soon as the other man touched his arm, Jasper gave him the ultimate death glare from hell. He clenched his fist, fighting the overwhelming urge to break the stranger’s nose. “If you want to keep your fingers,” Jasper said through clenched teeth. “You’ll let go of me.” He reached into his pocket for his father’s swiss army knife, flicking it open and allowing it to glint in the light, menacingly. Daniel's smile waned, his face one of determination as he crossed his arms over his chest, "If you don't tell me your name, I'm not turning it down."

Jasper's muscles relaxed only a bit as he turned away. He walked to his door, opening it before glancing over his shoulder at the annoying man. "Jasper," he grunted. "Next time, I'm crushing your stereo." With that said, he slammed his door shut with a grimace on his face.

Daniel watched him go, his normally cheery demeanor erased to one of apathy and faint curiosity. The door slammed shut and Daniel immediately yelled out, “My name’s Dan!” but he knew he probably wouldn’t get anything else out of his new neighbor. He sighed, letting the name of the gloomy fellow sink in. He tried it on for size, “Jasper.” He scoffed, his mouth perking up in his trademark lopsided grin, “Jasper.” He liked the way it sounded, how it made him grin for no reason. He pursed his lips, nodding as he reentered his apartment. He turned the radio down so that the noise couldn’t vacate the thick lining of his apartment walls. They may be ‘sound proof’ but Dan was proof enough that it didn’t live up to its name. Needless to say, he was looking forward to getting to know this Jasper guy a bit more.

“Prick,” Jas, scoffed as he ventured deeper into his apartment. The only thought in his mind at that moment was: I am not looking forward to getting to know this Dan guy any more than I have to.