Black Lagoon AU. Upon meeting Balalika she tests Jaune on if he really is half as strong as he claims, only for him to ask her right hand man Boris to try hitting him as hard as he can and when he throws a punch with all his force at Jaune's face he doesnt even budge and the ripple of his Aura glows out. Stunning even her with something so utterly preposterous
Balalaika looked shaken to her core. She didn't believe it, who in their right mind would, but now that she had seen it herself, there was no denying it any further.
However, her face returned to its usual blank and emotionless expression.
"Thank you, Sergeant," She told Boris.
Boris stepped back and stood next to his boss once more, putting both of his hands behind his back.
Jaune looked toward the russian woman, his expression showed no fear, just earnest. "So, do you believe me now?" he asked her.
"Yes, I do," Balalaika told him. "However, it is still very hard to accept, after all, our world doesn't function on magic and heroes."
"So I've been told," Jaune told her. "I just want to make it clear that I'm not here to fight, I'm just trying to... Survive for now."
"Aren't we all?" Balalaika asked with a smirk. "Tell me, who else knows about your little magic trick?"
"Just the Lagoon Company, Ma'am," Jaune told her.
"Good, we don't want the word getting out that we have a very special associate working for us now, do we?" Balalaika said, still smirking.
"I guess not, but if you're trying to recruit me, I'm afraid I'll have to decline," Jaune told her.
Balalaika still smirked, but now her brow rose. "Oh, and why's that?" She asked. "I'm sure you'll make a lot of money working with us."
"I don't doubt that, but I also know you'll just use me as a weapon," Jaune said. "Rock told me how Roanapur works. You don't see people as people, but as pawns and tools that can be used to further your own agendas within this city or gain more power."
"Hm, smart boy," Balalaika said.
"You need a job done, hire me like you do the Lagoon Company, but I refuse to be a part of a chess game and used like a pawn," Jaune said. "I've had enough of that..."
Balalaika examined the boy and saw that he seemed unwavering in his refusal to work directly for them and seemed okay with remaining a freelancer. She would love to have him as an official soldier of Hotel Moscow, but she also knew to try not to force his hand; after all, he was practically invincible, and from what she was told, he could easily kill them all.
Besides, he was still willing to work with them if they hired him. So for now, that would have to do.
"Very well, Mr. Arc, but we'll be in touch," Balalaika told him. "I'm sure Hotel Moscow will find you some work soon enough,"
Jaune nodded slowly before walking out of the room, and as he left, Balalaika lit a cigar and watched him go.
"Ma'am, what should we do about him?" Boris asked.
"Nothing for now, Sergeant," Balalaika replied. "For now, we sit and wait until the perfect opportunity to make him one of us presents itself."
Boris replied with a single nod. "Understood," he said.
Balalaika then glanced his way and smirked. "How's your hand, Boris?" she asked.
"I think it's broken, Ma'am," Boris replied.
Balalaika chuckled softly. "Best go have it looked at then," She said.
