Page 95 of Damian & Jun: Episodes 5-8
“That boy needs his degree.”
Émeric groaned in agreement. “This is not undergrad work. I’m talking to his professors for ways to get him credit for the project.”
Collin’s insights were masterful. He had translated consulting with a pastor or a priest to mental health and conflict resolution, offering plate passing with community non-taxed support of the needy and public spaces, and the educational spaces with education that aligned with community values and beliefs around definitions of success. Additional, less obvious, uses of the space included music education, oratory practice, holiday feasting, and childcare education as once practiced between older women and younger women during church meetings and before and after socializing.
“He wants people to mingle and come often.”
“That’s how community is built.”
Damian traced his finger down the potential uses and integrations suggested. He flipped the page and found Émeric’s income flow chart.
“You think the dungeon is the first point of outside money?”
“Andy and Jackson have already expressed interest in hosting an exclusive private party in the space as soon as we can clear it for limited use safely. Pictures they post and how they talk about it after will attract attention from others. I’m tapping into Franklin’s old network, but I know at least three BDSM photographers who would love to get their cameras in there now.”
“If they sign waivers and are apprised of the risks, I’ll accept photo shoots now, BDSM or not.”
“I’ll put out the word. With a limited time offer that the location will look like it does now.”
They talked until just after eleven when Émeric closed the folder. “We need to sleep.”
Damian ran his hand over the back of his head and groaned. “I know. I know. You’re right. Let’s get out of here.”
“The master bed is big and cold,” Émeric said casually, stacking the dishes back together.
“Are you saying you would like company?” Damian kept his eyes fixed on helping stack the dishes. Émeric had never reached out like this, not without Richard there between them.
“I would very much like to not be alone,” Émeric said clearly. “And I would like to be there for you, one dom to another.”
“You’re a good dom.” Damian paused, staring at the plate in his hand. “I can only hope to be half of what you and Richard are.”
“What we have that you do not are years, Damian. As Franklin and his community were there for us, so are we for you. As you’ve been here for us, especially of late.” Émeric softly touched the site of one of his recent surgeries in his abdomen.
Jun
All five members of 5N and Mi Hi gathered in their preferred location in the kitchen, leaning on the center island. Jun set his phone in the middle and pressed the call button for Yun.
Yun picked up on the first ring. Clearly, he’d been ready and waiting.
“Gang Junseo,” he answered in Korean. “I’m ready.”
There wasn’t any reason to not hold the meeting in Korean. It was the strongest language they all shared. Yohei was the only non-native speaker, other than Jun himself, which was rather odd to think about.
Jun swallowed and squared his shoulders. “Thanks for taking my call.”
“You’re the client, please.”
Jun nodded, remembering belatedly that Yun couldn’t see him. “Sathers explained that to me. He says you’re working for me directly.”
“Yes.”
“I need to ask questions about work and income.”
“Ah, yes. That would be important. What do you want to ask?”
“Without any contracts being presented—I’m going to guess that Bak is still balking on coughing them up—what can I do, what can 5N do in terms of earning income?”
Yun made a thoughtful sound. “You can risk breaking contract, or you can wait. You could also petition a court to allow you to carry on activities under a dispensation, pending BBB3 not producing proof of contracts or a representative of SP4700Y coming forward. I’ve tried every contact on record for SP4700Y. There has been no response.”
