Networking

Sofie approached the Ministry's training site, where new interns were being trained to deal with hippogriffs. Sofie had inquired after Jake Collins after hearing his name come up a few times when she had been looking for someone to talk to in the Department of Magical Creatures. She needed to ask some questions about their head, and the Minister himself. Jake had been there awhile, and Sofie hoped he would have time to speak.

She found a worker on break and asked for him. "Oh, yeah, he just took his lunch break," they responded, leading her over to him at one of the picnic tables that had been conjured for the employees- luckily, he was alone. "Mr Collins? My name is Sofie and I had some questions about your department."

Everyday he just seemed to be getting more and more busy. With all the paperwork, new creatures that came in and out, and with the training of the interns. There were times when he rarely had tine to even take a lunch break. The good thing was that today wasn't one of those days and he was actually able to relax a bit and take a break. He wasn't one to usually eat anyways so he only had a soda with him. He found that soda helped keep him awake longer than coffee did, probably all the sugar but it worked.

A woman almost suddenly came up to him and started talking to him. He blinked a couple of times before clearing his throat and nodding at her. He hadn't seen her around there before, and he wasn't sure if it was a good idea to talk to her but he couldn't just send her away - that was just rude. "Yes? What would you like to know?" he asked, looking her over carefully.

Sofie had decided on speaking less and trying to let her natural charm bring the frank answers she desired. Sofie was different- she had a sweet, open face, and there was nothing malicious or threatening in her demeanor. She said, "Thank you so much" and sat down across from him, reaching up to sweep her bangs from her face and from under her beret, tucking the strands behind her ear. She reached down and brushed the skirt of dress, smiling up at the man with a shining, if almost shy, polite smile.

"I've just found myself curious about the Ministry- I worked in the Bulgarian Ministry, but had some bad experiences. I'm considering working here too, but I really want to know how the place is run. I would like your honest opinions on your Head of Department and the Minister."

Keeping the soda in his hand, Jake looked off in a different direction from the woman but he made sure to show her that he was listening to what she saying. Anyone else who knew him, knew that always did that in a conversation. He always found something else of interest and while he stared off in that direction he was always still listening to whoever was talking to him.

When she asked about the Head of the Department and the Minister, he looked at her. At least she'd really gotten his attention. He put the soda can on the table and turned to face her slightly. Jake thought about what he was going to answer for a moment before he cleared his throat and started talking. "Well, they both seem nice enough." he said. "I haven't really interacted much with the Minister but he's a respectable man, in my opinion." he added. "My Head of Department, well, she does her job well and I respect her. I really can't complain about anything." he said simply.

Sofie paused. "I have heard that your Head, Ms. Dyllan, I think- is intimately involved with the other Head, Mr. Omara. I've heard they have snuck off from events, he is often in her department, and other conjecture has reached my ears as well." She paused, before she smiled, deciding to pull out the feminine charm a little. "Please, I'm not here to sell a story or anything. I'd much rather you be honest with me than risk working here and finding these out the hard way." She blinked heavily, her blue eyes sparkling with curiosity and earnestness. "I don't mean to pry, but I'd really, really appreciate as honest an answer as possible."

OOC: Nemo was put in charge of Jack's department as a punishment for a month, so it would appear as though he was super involved. I'm sure the fact that they live together has caused rumors too, so please don't hesitate about besmirching her name! >=D

Jake looked at Sofie and hesitated for a moment. He'd noticed that Nemo had been around the department a lot more than he should've been really, but Jake never paid much attention to it. He just tried to do his job, although now that Sofie mentioned it, it did seem like he and Jack were somewhat intimately involved. He was pretty oblivious at times, so he didn't get very involved in anything like that most of the time. "Well ... it could be true. I don't really like to get involved in anything like that, but since they are living together, I guess it could be possible." he said. "Maybe they are." he shrugged.

Perhaps, her tactics really needed to be changed. This man was witnessing it all, but making no conjecture. That could be good, for he could not see the potential danger in the information he was privy to every day. Sofie felt a quick decision settle and she reached forward, putting a hand lightly on his.

"Thank you, Mr Collins. I am sure if there was anything really going on, I wouldn't have to question you about it extensively. You have an honest spirit around you, a very reassuring firmness of character. I do appreciate it." She smiled lightly and then withdrew, almost sadly. "I suppose I'd better stop intruding upon you. I'll find somewhere else to go- maybe begin looking for better residence. When you're alone in a new country, you typically don't end up in very nice places." She smiled weakly.

Her question about anything going on between Nemo and Jack made him start to get a bit curious about it, but he knew he shouldn't pry on it. That was none of his business but it was hard to not be curious as to what went on between them. Jake looked at Sofie when she said something about being alone in a new country and he couldn't help but feel bad for her.

"That isn't right. A lady like you shouldn't have to be alone." he heard himself say suddenly. "Is there any way I can help you? With anything?" he asked her. He was only trying to help, there was nothing wrong with that, yet he felt a bit insecure about offering her help. Still he did it because it was just in his character to try and help someone who he thought needed it.

[OOC: Sorry, had a bit of a muse fail.]

She caught the fact that he said lady which, though it was a term used casually and politely most often, she knew that meant that he had subconsciously noticed (and probably appreciated) the fact that she was a pretty female. Men who had no interest did not stress using terms with a gender preference. And 'like you' insinuating a pretty, young, small, and innocent female. Which meant he believed her, and thought her attractive.

She could work with this.

Now began the lies. "I'm still a bit lost. You wouldn't happen to know anywhere nearby to eat would you? Or to even, well, buy groceries? It's about time I get lunch, and afterward I need to pick some food up for my motel room."

"Actually there's a restaurant pretty close by." he told her. Jake checked his watch and then glanced at her. "I still have some time left for my break and I really haven't eaten anything, so I could take you there if you like." he offered with a smile. "After you get lunch, I can even show you where you can buy whatever you need." he added.

He stood up from where he sat, and checked his watch again. "We'd better get going though." he said. He didn't think it would be too bad if he came back a little bit late, and he wasn't very busy anyways. If he was even the slightest bit busy he wouldn't have been on break right now.