Mι∂ηιgнт ιη Ƥαяιѕ

[formidable]

Private AU/PSL RP, set anywhere from 1879 alternate history France to 21st century North America. A tale of two brothers and the witch and her golem who gets entangled in their lives. Urban fantasy, steampunk, magic, guns, and coffee collide. ➤ PART I ➢ "La Caravane".

Comments

[healbuff]

I-... Excuse me, but what-...??

[There's a few kids and young adults, some who have seen Gus before and even wave to him, one asking, "Are you gonna be our waiter again?"

Hei, on the other hand is completely and 100% baffled by this tall customer who comes barging in loudly without any regard for the peace!! And what are ALL of these things he's carrying? For Iona?? Oren didn't mention this!!! Oren doesn't tell him anything unless he feels like it

The warlock has the unfortunate trait of being mild-mannered so he coughs into his hand and tries to get Gus's attention.]

Ah, sir?? I can take those for you if you'd like. Iona won't be back for at least another hour.

1/2

[effet]

[ Ah, the cute kids again! He beams over the heavy folds of the dress he's carrying, tries to shift his load so he can wave at them and shoot back with a bright: ]

I could be persuaded to wear an apron again—

[effet]

[ ...and then realizes the gravity of the words he's just been told.

He whirls on this stranger, narrows his eyes in scrutiny... ]

You're not Iona.

[healbuff]

[And then he feels guilty... Wait, why does he feel guilty, that's silly. Hei seems dumbfounded for a second before replying.]

No. No I'm not.

[effet]

And you're not Oren, either... unless Oren put on a few pounds.

[ Gus?? So rude to other guys, truly... ]

[healbuff]

[Hei reaches up to rub his forehead. Is this... Is this a headache...?? It's been a while. He gets those a lot around a few certain people (like his superiors and a certain psychometer to name a few.)

He manages to remain civil enough though.]

I... I hope I don't look heavy. Then I'd have something else to worry about.

You can call me Hei. I'm just helping out temporarily in place of Miss Oakes. And you are...??

[effet]

...Gustave. Call me Gus.

[ A vague sense of wariness and a moment of silent consideration on his part later, Gus finally settles down, puts all his things down on the nearest open table in a 'neat' pile. ]

I'm a...friend, I guess? Not the magical kind, unless you count my charm.

[ u tried gus ]

1/2

[healbuff]

[wait not magickind what; Hei stares at Gus again, dumbfounded.

There are like millions of rebuttals and finger waggings and reactions Hei could have dished out because Iona Oakes has clearly and blatantly violated some of the most key laws of magickind's existence. Mainly, the secrecy part.

Although, then again. It's in the Midnight Grind.]

[healbuff]

[And thus he gives Gus a genial smile, resting his chin on his hands while leaning forward with some interest.]

A pleasure to meet you then, Gustave. Had it been anywhere else, but here, I'm afraid I would have had to take some action. Miss Iona wouldn't be very happy with me though, so count yourself as fortunate.

[effet]

[ His interest isn't exactly the most welcome thing in the world— despite everything, Gus still hates being evaluated— but Gus doesn't bristle as much as keep his vague veneer of wariness.

After all, it's not so great, being told that you're only being 'tolerated'. ]

"Take some action", huh. Like what, kicked me out? Used a spell to make me forget about this? Turned me into a frog?

[healbuff]

Ah, that last one would be too inhumane. Making you forget, well, that would be the norm.

[AW YEAH, HE GETS TO BE THE BIG BOSS; most people who know Hei tend to overlook him or underestimate how in control he could be. He continues to be pleasant to Gus.]

As I said, Miss Iona would be displeased, especially if I was untoward to a repeat customer. I'm assuming the "repeat" is correct?

[The warlock glances at the small hill of gifts. That is a nice dress...]

1/2

[effet]

[ First impression of Hei on Gus's part: 'I really don't like this guy'. He should be used to that kind of attitude by now— look at Claude, for example— but something about being talked down to about utility is, well.

Okay, he gets it. He's not magic, he shouldn't be here. Yeah.

Hmph. ]

[effet]

[ Instead of saying anything, he pelts a macaron at Hei.

Mature. ]

[healbuff]

[WHAT THE FUCK HE ALMOST GETS HIT, but he moves his head in time for it to hit the wall instead.]

S-Sir?! What on earth was that for?!

[well, his calm disappeared quickly]

[effet]

Boooo. Bring back Ionaaaaa.

[ Cupping his mouth as he's saying this, beckoning to a few kids sitting near him to join him in this chorus.

Again: mature. ]

[healbuff]

[THIS JOB ISN'T SUPPOSED TO BE STRESSFUL, HE'S OLD ENOUGH AS IT IS. Hei sighs, shaking his head.]

She's busy with other obligations, mainly the educational and artistic kind. It's not within my power to call her back.

[effet]

Boooooo....

[ Gus trails off, mostly because no one is joining him in this crusade?! Traitors.

A hmph, and he sprawls himself in his chair. ]

Yeah, yeah. I can wait, you don't need to be a magic person to wait.

[ warlock...the word you're looking for is warlock, Gus. ]

[healbuff]

Ah. Good. Good then.

[The other customers are laughing at with him at least?! Hei decides not to correct him, since it seems Iona didn't tell him all that much.

There are more important questions at hand here.]

So... All of those gifts are for her?

[effet]

[ Boo hisssssss. Gus curls his arms around his stash when it's pointed out, and retroactively regrets throwing that cute macaron at the guy. One less for Iona... ]

It's not for you, that's for sure.

[ BUT WAIT. THIS IS A GOOD OPPORTUNITY. He holds up the dress that he's brought, furrows his brows. ]

But while you're here, tell me what color Iona likes! Does she like red...

1/2

[healbuff]

Uh. Generally, I find that she likes vivid colors, but nothing gaudy...

[Wait, why does he have to tell you such valuable information?!]

Actually. I have to ask, are you her new boy--...

[oren]

Gus.

[The looming presence of Oren emerges from the kitchen with a tray of drinks to be served to an awaiting table. The golem had already heard the loud Frenchman from the back, but regardless, greets him, drywall-like as usual.]

You're back. Met Hei.

[Hei shifts a little when Oren comes out. The both of them are civil with each other, but...]

[effet]

[ Mercifully (???) for Gus, Oren's appearance doesn't faze him too much anymore— not after the cockblocking that went on earlier. In fact, he looks a little happy to be seeing a familiar face at the Grind, even if that face happens to be very...stoic. Better than nothing.

Perking up, he gives the golem a wave. ]

Afternoon, Oren! Looking as chipper as ever.

[oren]

I see. Rested well.

[Oren is... Well, who knows how he feels about seeing Gus again because he knows he's not the reason for the visit. Hei is still looking at the gifts wearily and Oren casts a glance at them.]

For her? Relentless.

[oren, was that a compliment or...? Even Hei looks confused by his choice of words.]

[effet]

[ He'll take it as a compliment... ruthlessness is charming, in his line of 'work'.

Brushing that jab aside for now, he holds up the dress in Oren's general direction this time around, looking incredibly pleased with himself. ]

For her, who else? I made her something too, so you're going to have to put up with me until she comes back.

[healbuff]

He threw a macaron at me.

[not helping Hei]