Roleplaying Page for Pg. 176!

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Roleplaying Page for Pg. 176!
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Mz.Hyde
Mz.Hyde 
@disqus_NnFUI30kih 7 months ago
SOMEBODY HUG HENRY PLEASE!
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Pyrogue • 6 months ago
((Hi again everyone :3
I’m back after a few weeks of inactivity. Sorry about that.
The school year started recently here so I haven’t had heaps of time to spare.))
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Tairais  Pyrogue • 6 months ago
(( No worries! A bunch of us are in school, so you'll see a lot of people hopping on and off for hiatuses-never feel like you've gotta apologize for that! Welcome back ^^ ))
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Wizardblizzard • 6 months ago • edited
Reposted for MillieGriffin
Wizardblizzard MillieGriffin • 16 days ago
"Charricthran. That makes sense - you'd expect unearthly beings if it was to do with Charricthran. I wonder who they are? Or possibly were?" She sighed. "Come in here? I feel a bit awkward discussing it out in the corridor like this." She led the way into the nearest empty room.
"I'll tell you all I know about it - for a few weeks now, I've been having peculiar dreams. About snow, and monsters, and coded messages from a sad being who was somehow also a star? And I had to help someone draw a portrait of them, because they kept getting frightened and not knowing whether they were drawing it right, but - no, I must've got muddled - I think the someone who was drawing was also me?" 
She frowned uncomfortably. "Dreams do this on you, they never make any sense. And the star said it was dying. Thousands, millions of years old. And it had once been somebody else, before it was a star, and there was somebody or somebodies that it wanted to say goodbye to and somehow it needed the portrait "so it would have hands"? I remember that part.
Anyway, I've been thinking they were just dreams, but then today I found this letter."
Dipping into her pocket, she half expected the letter to have vanished, like fairy gold, but it was still there. Hesitating a moment as she saw the contents again, her hand went halfway back towards her pocket, then she made up her mind and showed it to Millie. "And that's really all I know about it."
to the one who gave us this body in partnership with her other half:
thank you. perhaps we will each be lucky and find you before we fade. if not, it was a pleasure knowing your work. put your cleverness onto new sights, o’ wizard of the highest order, and may they be as glorious as your efforts
nomag wer suaco lleisgar vhir dout altiuiri 
vur nomag wer siksta qe malrak sva dout spical
tairais vur keldra
MillieGriffin Wizardblizzard • 12 days ago
Millie listened to Isabella, when she showed Millie the letter she read it carefully. She squinted at the writing at the bottom.
Wizardblizzard MillieGriffin • 12 days ago
Isabella smiled embarrassedly. "I don't know what that bit at the end is," she said. "It's not even any alphabet I'm familiar with. I have an idea it might have come into the dreams, unless I was imagining that, but I remember I didn't know what it meant then either... so, well, that's as much use as a wet sock."
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MillieGriffin  Wizardblizzard • 6 months ago
Millie handed the letter back to Isabella.
"Maybe Char would know... They did have his smile after all..."
She let out a sigh. "Sorry if I'm not being much help I just... Um... You know..."
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The Fox • 7 months ago
( Tairais The End of Bird Buddies Ahoy! )
Tai:
"Now there's right charmin' o' ya--I've never much been good at the memory stuff. Too many things ta poke at."
He glanced at the reporter with the look of a scientist over a microscope, the temptation to dissect clearly evident before it was replaced by the ever-present cheerful mischief that he usually wore.
"So's this where we should say our farewells an' part ways til later, or is there somethin' I'm clean forgettin'?"
Fox: 
" Yes it is. I've got some work ahead of myself and I hate to bore you with it. "
The feathered beast offered his third foot for one last handshake.
" Bird to bird, i'd say that this made for a good first day! Wouldn't you agree? "
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Tairais  The Fox • 7 months ago
Charricthran returned the gesture with a bright grin.
"Sure did! Havenae had much reason ta get out for anythin'--I'm much glad ta have whim turn ta good fortune."
He gave a feathered salute that really shouldn't have been possible to make and chuckled.
"'Twere a pleasure o' meetin' ya. Until such a time's we meet again, may the wind be 'neath your wings an' the sun at your back."
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The Fox  Tairais • 7 months ago
" Same to you Boss. "
The whip of wing beats signaled the departure of the curious creature. It wasn't the end of his theatrics though, with a mid-air twirl and giddy rattle. His elation dusted the air like pollen on a breeze and in his head, the end game played on repeat.
He would kick Orin down a peg. He would win this game.
And Orin? He would have nobody to blame but himself.
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Tairais  The Fox • 7 months ago
Charricthran, for his part, simply melted into shadow.
The last thing to disappear was his lazy smile, sharp, shark-toothed, and full of amusement.
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The Fox  Tairais • 6 months ago
( Woof! So this be the end of Boid Buddies!
I like don't know how to end this any better so imma just cap it off here! XDDD
I think Char and Errack make a cute bird pair! I like the image of two sassy gossipers sharing secrets and tips like a pair of highschool girls at a sleepover.
" Gurrrl, you won't believe what he did today. Orin looked at me and just SCOWLED! Like who does that? I'll tell you who. JERKS.
Oh! And he was walking his boy toy Callum round like it wasn't a big deal. 'WHATEVER' am I right? 'Who cares your just showing off!' F*ck him. ")
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Tairais  The Fox • 6 months ago
(( Lmao no sweat! Also SAME it's just,,, beautiful. What a stellar, snarky friendship!! Or if not friends just yet, what snarky coworkers!
"Tch. Clearly ya've gotta jus' ignore him. Fella's a magnet for attention. Show him he's not worth crap, an' he'll be fallin' at your feet because he misses your rivalry. Clearly, you're above him an' whatnot."
:') Is so beautiful. Beautiful boid buds!!! ))
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Irina Leví • 7 months ago
((Continuation for Good Girls at the Cabaret (GGatC) ))
Tairais Irina Leví
2 days ago
Richard took in the storm of color and sound before him with a broad grin, following Irina's gaze wherever it landed. He, too, was eager to see everything this plaza had to offer--it wasn't a place he'd ever been to before.
"Truly?" He asked with an almost child-like fascination, "I do not believe I have ever been to that part of the world before. If it pleases you, could you tell me more as we walk?"
He could hear a certain amount of nostalgia in her voice and supposed that she would know more of how to navigate this half-familiar sort of place than he. His only frame of reference were the shops of Italy, and even they didn't have the same sort of feel that this did.
IRINA:
"Well, where to start?", Irina responded with pleasure to make him know about her country.
"We may be small with 63 years of independence and we have already gone through more than 2 relevant moments, we love our culture and we proudly carry it." She proclaimed with a powerful tone, having a behavior that confirmed her patrician and ethnic pride. "It's beautiful, with a lot of color and a lot to celebrate: births, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, some Holy day, beginning or end of a cycle, or simply for something good that happened, like a fruitful harvest ...", explained the lady with enthusiasm about life there and said things about how was the Independence, the Battle of the Castle for the American intervention, the French intervention that was a War for some Cakes, and civil war for the laws of reform, and she detailed as if she had been there, despite having lived only 2 decades. "We do not even forget our pre-Hispanic roots, and we celebrate even death, but do not worry, sir! it's because we know they're in a better place, and we'll never forget them," she said, gradually silencing her deep voice. She missed Mexico, she had no idea how much time she was there or what had happened to her family.
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Tairais  Irina Leví • 7 months ago
Richard listened intently, noting many similarities between the story of Irinia's country and his own motherland, though their tales had ended much differently. He smiled and nodded where appropriate, trailing off into a similar somber silence when she mentioned never forgetting the dead.
Now, however, was not the time to discuss faith and belief.
"Your homeland is not so different from mine, but it is quite remarkable. It seems a place full of joy and light, which, with indifference and apathy as humanity's greatest sins, is a beautiful thing to behold. I am glad to see you are proud of it."
He turned the conversation to slightly lighter matters with that same almost mischievous gleam in his eye.
"Tell me, how do you call your culinary endeavors? I confess to being something approaching a connoisseur when it comes to trying dishes from other cultures."
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Irina Leví  Tairais • 7 months ago
"I guess is beautiful... It's been a long time since I left my town, and now, I'm gone from my country, but I will ever remember it"
She looked at her hands, which were feeling a little bit of aching and cold, but she blocked that thought.
"What's about the dishes", she replied, "we are basicly the mines of corn, beans, chili, and chocolate, hehe... And we have tacos, gorditas, enchiladas, chilaquiles, tamales, sopes, but they are actually just the same ingredients but in different forms. We have also a variety of sweet breads like shells, blocks, ribbons, horns, yoyos..."
Irina talked, in her point of view, for a Good whike, feeling quite embarassed for that.
"Uhm, my apologies, I've been noisy all this time, I just never been with someone and feeling... I haven't asked you, which sciences do you study, sir?"
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Tairais  Irina Leví • 7 months ago
"There is no need to apologize," he said with a gentle smile, "Had I not wished to hear you speak, I would not have asked you about that which you are clearly passionate for."
"To answer your question, my main studies are those of geology, metallurgy, and engineering both theoretical and mechanical. I suppose you could say I study codes and ciphers to an extent as well, though I would call it a hobby, rather than a field of research."
He nodded toward a stand that looked to be selling hot drinks of some kind and chuckled.
"I know not what that particular stall sells, but if your hands are as chilled as mine, I feel it only proper as a host to ensure you find some warmth. Shall we?"
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Irina Leví  Tairais • 6 months ago
"I gladly accept your offer" Irina replied with a smile. She felt how her hands were sometimes unable to respond thanks to the cold they felt, and desperately demanded something warm. It was one of her disadvantages, despite being one of the few people in her town capable of withstanding icy climates, but how cold was the afternoon, or was it that Irina's hands did not want to stop making music?
In any case, that establishment looked nice, even though some tension was beginning to be felt.
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Tairais  Irina Leví • 6 months ago
Richard led the two of them to the stall and paid for the drinks, handing one off to Irina with another cheerful smile and a small chuckle.
"I told the kind woman to surprise us with her beverage of choice. If it is pleasing to you, I know of a bench where we might sit and drink?"
(( I didn't know what kind of drinks would fit the theme of the jubilee, so you're welcome to choose them! ))
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Irina Leví  Tairais • 6 months ago
((Ok! I'll try to make a special one!))
The lady nodded her head, handing the drink, which made her get warm. Irina didn't realized that her curly and quite messy hair, was even more bristly, trying to protect her from a slightly cold wind. The drink had a sweet smell of vanilla, cinnamon and caramel, and some taste of joy.
The fresh breeze wasn't bad, because music was being played by a group of street performers near there.
"So, sir", she said after sipping her drink, "how long have you been in the Society?"
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Tairais  Irina Leví • 6 months ago
Richard took a sip of his drink as he considered, his memories something disjointed, books improperly ordered on a bookshelf. The fact no longer bothered him as much as it had once done so, but it still made things rather difficult when it came to telling stories.
"Two or three years, I believe. I am none too good with keeping up with the days, as I often find myself lost in work, but I am reasonably certain it is no longer than that. There are plenty of those who have called themselves Lodgers longer than I."
He looked down at the contents of his cup, belatedly aware of the pleasant taste against the warmth he was sure was there. Between that and the music, he felt an odd sort of quiet contentment.
Simplicity after such a complicated life would never not feel... strange.
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Irina Leví  Tairais • 6 months ago
Irina gave a small start. She once again took a look around and down to her cup
"After all, sir", she said softly, " you can remember the time. You see, I'm not even sure if I was in the same year or month of June when we were sailing through America and the storm happened. I remember very vaguely my childhood before I was separated from my family by that New Holy Inquisition." She recounted this with a tranquility that could be said inhuman. "Tell me, is it 1885? Judging by the wind, I would say that autumn starts."
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Tairais  Irina Leví • 6 months ago
"I... believe it is closer to 1886? I may be incorrect. As for the weather, I believe you are correct."
Richard took the news of a holy inquisition quite well for a refined gentleman, the only reaction he had to give being a somewhat distant look in his eye that mirrored the tranquility Irina herself was expressing.
"It has been a number of chaotic years," he added softly.
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Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago
((The Fox Continuation of the Callum/Boys' Night Out roleplay))
The Fox Jekyll1886 • 3 hours ago
Callum himself was late to arrive. He came in at around seven, terribly tense and flustered, his sweat running down his brow no matter what he did.
He had little to no money to spend at a bar and so, he had to do a little work robbing whoever happened to cross his path. Poor woman had given it freely, but it still wasn't as much as he'd hoped. He ended up having to slink into a mortuary and pick pockets.
What he ended up with was only a few pence more and nearly ruining this whole night and killing the man.
This left him keyed up and aggravated and trying hard to put back the teeth and claws ready to cut loose.
Still, he intended to greet Ned with a smile and shake, even take him into a tight, friendly hug if he was willing. He had enough to at least buy a drink or two, and should his company be willing, help buy a couple more, which should dampen the feeling and put it to sleep for awhile.
He tried to dry himself with his shirt to no avail and stood to the side, breathing deep to calm himself.
Jekyll1886 The Fox • 2 hours ago
The dark-haired man seated at the bar finished his drink and rose, likely to go find the loo.
"Oh--Callum, right?" he shout-spoke with a lopsided smile when he caught sight of the Host. Ned was clearly a bit sauced already.
"C'mere!" he motioned Callum over with a casual wave. "Have a drink with me."
Indeed, there was an empty seat at the bar, as if Ned had been saving it for him.
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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago
" Ah! Ned! "
Callum looked up and broke into a beam. With much needed laughter, he came over and swooped the man into a back breaking hug, holding him in it for a solid minute before letting him go. Even then, he took hold of his shoulders, his good nature bordering on desperate.
" Goddamn, am I glad to see a friendly face round here! "
He laughed, plopping down into his seat.
" I'm glad to see you, Ned. I really am.
Your kin had mentioned you and it took me two years to f*cking get my act together and ask him about it again. "
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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 7 months ago
Ned returned the jolly hug, adding a pat that seemed to say, "Hail, fellow! Well met!" as if he'd found a fresh brother in arms.
"Some o' the lasses can be friendly enough, if you play it right," he quipped as he settled back into his seat.
"Two years ago, was it? Damn, you must've been busy a busy blighter!" he laughed, clapping Callum on the back.
"Hey, barman--two more o' the same," Ned ordered.
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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
" Busy ain't even the word for it. "
He leaned back and took off his cap. He chuckled as Ned ordered.
" Imma need double if I'm going to catch up to you! If your kin told you anything, then you'd know I have to drink for two. "
Callum arched his eyebrows, playfulness coloring his face. He raised his hand to catch their attention.
" Throw a bottle on that would you? "
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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 6 months ago
The barkeep nodded.
"Heh. A man after my own mold," said Ned as he gave Callum a hearty clap on the back.
Their drinks were put before them.
"To new friends!" said Balfour with a skewed and merry smile as he raised his.
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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
" To new friends! "
Callum let out a whoop before going at it. He went in for a long swig, taking half the bottle before coughing up a burp.
The feeling of the heavy drink helped ease his tension, knowing that it would kick in soon and brush away his nascent, burning energy. With the boost of confidence came more laughter and the points of his teeth poking out.
Noticing, he quickly shut his mouth, coughing to hide them.
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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 6 months ago
Ned didn't seem to notice anything amiss as he drained his own glass.
"Another!" he called out to the bartender when he'd finished.
A belch followed. The barman and patrons paid it no mind.
"Best bar in the East End, the Ten Bells," Balfour asserted. Neither the most nor the least expensive, its clientele ran the gamut of the lower classes. Abattoir workers sat shoulder-to-shoulder with matchbox sellers, day laborers, the poorest sort of domestic servants, criminals, demimondaines, and the hopelessly unemployed. "Love it here."
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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
" I'm never round these parts so I can't say I'm to familiar here. "
Callum took a gulp then smacked his lips.
" I prefer sticking close to home, hanging round whatever's near. "
He shrugged, scratching the bottom of his neck.
" Can't ask for much when you're constantly on call. "
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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 6 months ago • edited
"Fair," said Ned with a shrug. "Where's home, if not round here?"
Another beer arrived for him; he took an eager swig.
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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago • edited
" It's where it needs to be. "
The host finished his bottle with a few easy swigs. He caught Balfour's gaze for a brief moment, sucking on his cheek before looking away.
" That said, I don't mind having someone over. If you're willing, I can show you where it is once we're done here. It's mighty cold though, so I wouldn't rush to it just yet. "
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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 6 months ago • edited
"Sure, if you like. I don't have a permanent place, myself," Ned said.
He washed down the statement with a sizable gulp of his drink.
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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
" Well, I offer it cause I was gonna show Lewis. Thought it'd help to know where I lived to maybe make this whole get together business easier.
Another bottle if you will! "
Callum smiled at the barman before continuing.
" And since y'know, he tolerates me. I figured he'd want to see where the stray dog sleeps. Maybe ease his concerns a bit. "
His cheeks began to blush, the warmth of alcohol taking root. It wasn't drunkness, not really, but it still felt nice. Finally, some of his instincts were being put to bed, as much as they would listen, and with them the threat of undoing his night.
Perking up, he gave Bal's shoulder a heavy whack.
" Anyway, I best stop getting distracted and put you under the table! If anything, it'll give you a reason to see me again. "
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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 6 months ago
"It probably would. He can be a bit of a worry-wart, that one," Ned confided with a shake of his head. By his demeanor, it was obvious he bore Lewis nothing but fondness, even if Balfour might, one could be forgiven for supposing, give Weir a good ribbing every now and then.
"For what it's worth, he seems alright with you--just doesn't know what to make of you sometimes, I think."
Callum whacked his shoulder and spoke.
Ned found both the sensation and the prospect of a friendly challenge refreshingly bracing.
"Heh. Want to see if this 'lone wolf' can out-drink a 'stray dog', do you? Challenge accepted--gladly."
He motioned the bartender over.
"Get us a bottle o' whiskey, here."
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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago • edited
Ned's quip had Callum cackling.
" You, a wolf? If that's so, that makes me one horse of a dog! "
With a snort, he turned and face Balfour, one hand on his knee while he leaned on the other. He bared his teeth, showing off their points alongside a playful snarl. With this, his nails grew sharp and the hair on his arms thickened and bristled.
" Hope you like walking sideways cause that'll be all you'll be doing after this! "
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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 6 months ago
"You'd be surprised," said Ned with a smirk of a grin and the brief raise of his left eyebrow. I've not met the man yet who can drink me under the table.
The barman set the bottle and two glasses before them.
Some of the people around began to take bets on who'd win the impromptu contest. They skewed slightly toward Callum, given the shorter man was the stockier of the two.
Balfour poured himself a glass and downed it. A sacrilege, given it was halfway decent whisky, but a drinking contest was a drinking contest. At least the burning was a pleasantly familiar sensation.
He set his glass down and smiled at Callum.
"Your turn."
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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
" My pleasure. "
Smiling back, the host poured his glass, and like a drain, sucked it down no sweat. He slammed his glass back down with a loud, bold laugh. His fighting spirit sparked and burned like the drink itself as he held his gaze to Balfour's.
" Next. "
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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 6 months ago • edited
"With pleasure." Ned went on and filled both glasses to save them time, the liquid in each exactly even.
He downed his as others, in another, future time, might down a shot of tequila--instantly gone. He set the glass on the counter as his tongue traced over the right portion of his upper lip, not a drop wasted.
He couldn't help but be excited in a detached yet giddy sort of way. Whether he won or lost, he knew, tonight was going to be grand.
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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
Callum drained his just the same. In an audacious move, he goaded Ned on.
" You're gonna be bent out your ass after this is done! Just you watch! "
-------------------------
They went lick for lick and shot for shot, racing to see who would fall back, knowing neither would. So rapid a pace, so consuming a process, that the two forces worked past their first bottle and onto a second, threatening a third as they finally came to a head.
Balfour whipped back his with an eclipsing energy. The end was starting to dawn over their little match and Callum was looking to be the victor. The werewolf took his with a teasing snicker and slurped it down. He was showing off and he knew it. Part of the vast sea of whiskey was already at work in his system and it was tickling him into the familiar chummy drunk that loved everyone and wouldn't swat a fly, even if he could. His theatrics were to the benefit of everyone as he cut a jubilant figure with nothing but heart and made the game all the more captivating with his antics and mirthful noise.
As he licked clean his next glass, he felt a great rumbling. His smile faded and he shifted to investigate. When he did though, it came out in a great resounding sound that one would think more a roar than a belch.
So hard it was, it pulled at the back of his throat and almost made him gag.
Coughing, he held down the rush of fluid that roiled in his gut, holding them in suspense for a solid two minutes.
When he recovered, their glasses were filled again and he went into it with gusto. He only made through half of it till he stopped, licked his lips, and put it down. Callum's foot drummed on his chair, and he chewed on his gum, stomach protesting with an audible cramp.
A beat passed before he broke back into a smile and sat up clapping his hands. Game over.
" Goddamn! F*ck if I wasn't this close to beating you--! "
He broke into howling laughter and shook him hard by the shoulder. He raised his voice to their audience with a raised hand.
" Call up a priest cause we have a right miracle right here! Let's here it for Ned!
For whipping me by the hair of his chin! "
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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 6 months ago • edited
Balfour had just finished his drink--the last of the second bottle--when Callum set the half-empty glass down.
Ned watched the Host, waiting to see if the match would continue.
Balfour felt fantastic, just the right level of incredibly drunk, though there was such a fine line between that and sudden illness that it would've been easy to overdo it and take a bad turn. He'd have to drink plenty of water and sleep in if he didn't want to feel like death on burnt toast come tomorrow.
That, however, was future-him's problem.
Present-him witnessed Callum concede graciously.
A cheer went up--the last thing Ned had ever expected anyone to do for him--mixed though it was with the groans of some of the people who'd lost their bets.
When it died down, he stood with a wobble, ready to make an announcement of his own.
"And let's hear it for Callum--my new mate!" he called out, honest as anything, as he clapped the latter hard on the back. The Host had given Balfour the best run for his money he'd ever had, a fact Ned both appreciated and respected.
Another cheer, after which the owner, who'd made a more-than-decent profit on the betting, gave them each a bottle of whiskey to take home. He encouraged them to return to the Ten Bells if they ever wanted to have a rematch.
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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago • edited
Callum cheered with them with a great howl and took Ned another embrace. He did the same to the barman when he brought them their prizes, leaning over the counter and teetering precariously on the edge. Of all the times he'd spent nights out and about, never had he felt so giddy, so in the moment.
He was so used to sickening hours dragging by, locking down all of his senses. People were risks; their interactions potential fodder for destruction. So many times he'd reveled in it yet just as many that he didn't. It was wired to think that a Host, a Werewolf even, could have his friends here and now, when any other time it was all but that.
Leaning back, he took the whiskey bottle and stared.
This was a gift. A gift to him. A gift for being there, for being himself.
His hands shook.
He didn't deserve this, yet here it was.
Callum wiped away a tear and coughed out a chuckle.
" Thank you man, Thank you... "
He looked at Ned with a sparkling silence. For a few beats, he said nothing. Everything he wanted to say was in his face.
A mischievous light lit his eyes and he threw his cap back on.
" So Ned! How's about we net some fine ladies now?
I think I could so with some 'company' just about now! "
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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 6 months ago
"Huhha! Great minds think alike!" enthused Callum's new drinking buddy with a chummy punch to the shoulder.
He spotted a gaggle of ladies--some working, some down on their luck, some just out for a drink--on the opposite side of the room.
"There's a fine set o' hens for us," he remarked with a wolfish look. "Let's raid the coop."
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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
" You go first champ! Girls love a winner. "
He pushed Balfour forward, laughing.
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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 6 months ago
From across the room, Callum could see Ned chatting the ladies up. Smiles and wordplay gave way to titters and guffaws as the conversation progressed. Balfour soon had his arms around first one woman, then two.
Eventually, Ned nodded to some of the other ladies, then gestured with his chin to indicate the Host.
Intrigued, they turned to look in Callum's direction. One raised her eyebrow and smiled suggestively, while another heartily motioned him over.
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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
Callum nodded back them with a play growl and snap, showing off a little fang before swaggered over and took a seat. He leaned in, his body warm, and kissed the one who'd motioned him forward.
" Ladies~ Pleasure to meet you. "
A pleased, eager rumble laced his words like a lion's purr.
" Looks like we;re all having a fine time tonight. "
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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 6 months ago
"'Tis finer still, now you're here," the one whose hand he'd kissed averred.
"Callum, this is Mary," Ned introduced them.
"And I'm Nell!" said the other with a broad grin, being so bold as to sit on Callum's lap and hook the crook of her arm around the back of his neck.
"Nell! Save some for me!" hissed Mary in the world's loudest stage whisper as he gave her companion a light smack on the arm.
Ned chuckled.
"'Glad you three know how to share," he purred to his female companions.
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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
He blinked delightfully surprised by Nell's move and spread his legs to accommodate her. A kiss planted itself on her cheek to, as Callum was not one to pick favorites.
" Well! Nell, Mary~ It'll be nice to get to know you. I promise you'll both be buzzing like bees once we get working."
He winked to the both of them and, tucking Nell close, pat his lap for Mary.
" In the meantime, tell me bout yourselves. What are a pair of treats like you doing here? "
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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 6 months ago
"Havin' a right fine time!" enthused Mary as she joined her compatriot on Callum's lap.
"Teachin' our men a lesson!" blurted out Nell before she thought better of it.
Mary shot her a look. "Hush!"
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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
" OOoh, that's a fine cause. Hubbies need a whipping into shape sometimes. "
He bounced them a bit before burying his face into their chests with a rolling, throaty hum. Looking between them, he gave each a little stirring nip, then settled his head in the crook of Mary's neck.
" Just give the word and I'll show them what for in a heartbeat. "
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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 6 months ago
Mary smiled at Callum's words, relieved she'd not lost her catch.
Nell giggled at the nip. "Cheeky!" she teased.
Ned, meanwhile, had spoken with the three women around him and proposed a place to move the party.
There was still a sixth woman, though, who stood at the edge of both groups, as yet uncommitted. She wore threadbare clothing that might once have been nice. Her features showed good bone structure, though her cheeks were sunken. Desperation warred with fear within her as she considered what to do.
"A-any chance you need more company?" she at last got out with a smile she put on despite her anxiety.
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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
" Oh, Hm...! "
Callum caught her call with and cast her a sidelong look.
He had noticed her when he came to sit down but he hadn't paid her much mind. Can't put the moves on someone if they don't engage, and he wasn't one approach if it meant extra involvement on his part.
It was curious that she had waited to try her hand at the situation but he was more than happy to oblige.
Waving her over, he looked her over. She was a waif, that was for sure. Some distant part of him wondered just how she had ended like she was now. Just what had made the woman take this on?
The question sat at the edge of his pleasant mood and pulled at a more sympathetic look, if only for the moment.
He grinned, asking her name.
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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 6 months ago
"Emma," she said with a nervous smile, though Callum's grin lessened her anxiety.
"Your man treat you poorly, too?" asked Nell sympathetically.
Emma shook her head.
"I've no man of my own," she admitted, accidentally letting her accent slip toward middle-class.
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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
" You live by yourself then? Or are you caught up in something? "
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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 6 months ago • edited
"I-I don't live anywhere--I just need a bed for the night," she confessed. "I'm willing to p...pay my way, so to speak," she admitted with a hint of embarrassment she managed to smile through.
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Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago
((Mz.Hyde Continuation of the Underworld/UnderLondon RP!))
Jekyll1886 Mz. Hyde
14 days ago
"Well, there's no danger of that with me," remarked Lewis, partially to himself. "We've already been to a French restaurant, Hyde Park, a music Hall, a comedy, and now the Underworld--all in a little under two months," he summed up with a smile.
Mz.Hyde Jekyll1886
13 days ago
"All that?! Wow! Hydey I think you got a keeper here!" 
*Mz. Hyde blushes.*
Jekyll1886 • 5 days ago
I should hope so, thought Lewis.
"Ah, Velma," he recalled, "I understand you helped Val here acquire opium for a patient of mine. Thank you for your assistance."
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Mz.Hyde Mod  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
"Um, yeah! I own a store similar to what you humans call a Chemist's shop. It's easy to get opium and other substances like that down here, so if you need anything, just call me!"
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Jekyll1886  Mz.Hyde • 6 months ago
"Thank you--I'll bear that in mind," remarked Lewis with a smile of gratitude.
"How long have the two of you known each other, by the by?" he wondered, looking from Velma to Val.
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Mz.Hyde Mod  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
I met Velma about a year before I showed up at the society. 
"She fell through a sinkhole and landed on me."
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Jekyll1886  Mz.Hyde • 6 months ago • edited
"Oho my word!" exclaimed Lewis, unable to stifle a small chortle even as he put a hand to his mouth in shock.
"I hope you were both alright."
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Mz.Hyde Mod  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
"Yeah, we were fine."
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Jekyll1886  Mz.Hyde • 6 months ago • edited
"Oh, good," said Weir, visibly relieved.
"Well, I suppose we shouldn't keep you..." he remarked, aware Velma might wish to get on with her day.
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Mz.Hyde Mod  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
"Yeah, I got to get this book back to Infernal Library or they'll have my head...literally! It was a great pleasure to meet you, Lewis!"
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Jekyll1886  Mz.Hyde • 6 months ago • edited
"Oh, my!" exclaimed Lewis, as to the library's penalty.
"Likewise, Velma!" he returned with a wave as she left.
"My, that was an unexpected--and pleasant--surprise," he opined to Mz. Hyde. "I'm glad to know she's your friend--it seems she really has your back."
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Mz.Hyde Mod  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
*Mz. Hyde and Velma hug each other wave goodbye.* 
Yeah, I met a lot of cool people when I lived down here.
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Jekyll1886  Mz.Hyde • 6 months ago
"So it seems," agreed Lewis. "'Tis a remarkable place."
A thought occurred to him.
"Why...did you eventually leave it, if you don't mind my asking? Trouble with the Guard?"
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Mz.Hyde Mod  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
No, I just found my way back up and fell in love with London at first sight.
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Jekyll1886  Mz.Hyde • 6 months ago
"You didn't fall from London to UnderLondon?" He cocked his head quizzically.
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Mz.Hyde Mod  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
Nope. UnderLondon is bigger than London. Whereas the metropolitan area goes as far as 45 miles from the center, UnderLondon's metro area extends 100 miles from the city center.
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Jekyll1886  Mz.Hyde • 6 months ago
Weir blinked in surprise.
"I...did not realize that."
He took a fresh look at their surroundings; truth be told, he couldn't see an end to the buildings from where he and Val stood.
"Huh."
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Mz.Hyde Mod  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
Yep. It's pretty big!
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Jekyll1886  Mz.Hyde • 6 months ago
"Would you like to go anywhere else here, for now?" he asked, genuinely curious as to her preference.
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Mz.Hyde Mod  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
Hmmm...not in particular. Do you see anything that tickles your fancy?
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Jekyll1886  Mz.Hyde • 6 months ago
His hand went to and rubbed the back of his neck.
"I'm...fairly well still taking it all in, to be honest," he confessed.
His arm returned to his side.
"Not that it hasn't been...well, positively amazing, frankly," he was quick to add with a grin. "Such sights as I've never witnessed before! It..." He blushed. "It means a great deal that you'd share them with me," he said, drawing closer to put an arm around her as they stood face-to-face. He held her gaze. "Truly."
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Mz.Hyde Mod  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
*She smiles back at him.* 
I'm glad you enjoyed them! You've been so amazing with...well with EVERYthing! The dates...the evil monster fights...the trauma...the occasional pop-up anatomy problems...I just figured that it was time to show you a little bit of my life.
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Jekyll1886  Mz.Hyde • 6 months ago • edited
((Warning for those who don't like/may be triggered by character romance/affection: Stop reading now.))
He well recalled such incidents. A group of monsters had taken to attacking Mz. Hyde on a biweekly basis; she'd always managed to talk them down and/or hand them their hind ends.
Another time, Val'd had her hand in the toilet bowl, trying to retrieve an item she'd accidentally dropped in, when one of her cats had played with the pull-handle and accidentally made the contraption flush. Mz. Hyde had wound up with her arm stuck, and Weir'd worked to free it.
"I'm glad you did," he returned with a smile as he gazed into her eyes.
Her lips, meanwhile, seemed eminently kissable to him right now.
With a brief look that let her know his intentions and sought approval, he leaned in and did just that.
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Mz.Hyde Mod  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago • edited
*Mz. Hyde smiled into the kiss. Sure, she liked going out with Lewis to all the different places he took her, but it was the small things that mattered to her the most. A kiss, a hug, curling up together under a blanket on a cold day, little notes in places from each other, things like that. THAT was what really matters. Now she just had to figure out what to do for Valentine's day...oh! Maybe a- *
"HEY! YOU TWO SLUTS GET A ROOM!"
*Mz. Hyde put one finger up to Lewis in a "wait one second" manner as she broke away from the kiss.*
OH FUCK OFF YOU IDIOTIC SHIT KNOB!
"WHAT YOU SAY TO ME YOU STUPID TAINT BITCH?!"
OH WOWWWW! WHY NOT CALL ME SOMETHING MORE ORIGINAL, YOU DICKNOSE CROTCH HOUND!
"SUCK MY DICK! YOU ELITIST BITCH WAFFLE!"
SORRY, BUT I DONT WANT AIDS, YOU STUPID FUCK CANOE!
"WHY YOU...YOU...AW, FUCK OFF!" 
* The monster walks away, annoyed.*
Now, where were we? Oh yes!~ 
*She goes back to kissing Lewis.*
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Jekyll1886  Mz.Hyde • 6 months ago • edited
Lewis had been about to have words (and, possibly, a physical altercation) with the interloper himself when Mz. Hyde indicated Weir should wait.
As this was the Underworld, a place she was far more familiar with than he, he deferred to her judgment and held his peace.
He chuckled at the conclusion of the dispute, glad a bit yelling was all it took to end the it.
Passion renewed, he leaned down, held her close, and kissed her in the French manner.
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Mz.Hyde Mod  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
*Mz. Hyde was a little surprised by Lewis' deep passion. She never kissed someone like this before, so she just let him lead the way.*
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Jekyll1886  Mz.Hyde • 6 months ago
As it grew to fever pitch, one could have been forgiven for thinking he was trying to devour her--he only came up for air after a great, long while, nearly breathless. Pupils dilated in pleasure, he gazed into her eyes as if seeking permission for something more--it was obvious he was only just holding himself back.
"Heh," he panted with a wry smile. "Speaking of...'pop-up' anatomical problems..."
Indeed, the nearness of their bodies clued Val in to exactly what he was talking about. A...sizable problem, to say the least.
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Mz.Hyde Mod  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
*When he broke away, Mz. Hyde had to take a moment to catch her breath. That was...interesting!* 
Huh? Did something fall off of OH MY GOD! 
*She hops away a little bit, her hand over her mouth in shock. She removes it.* 
Did...did I do THAT?!!
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Jekyll1886  Mz.Hyde • 6 months ago • edited
Weir's trousers had grown so tight their very stitches showed, the rise more horizontal than vertical as of yet.
Val had had to put over a foot of distance between Lewis and herself to get clear of it.
"We...both did, 'tis fair to say," he managed with a brief glance downward. Belatedly, he wondered if it were possible to get a room--as the heckling monster from earlier had suggested--or if Mz. Hyde was even of a mind to. He never knew exactly how far would be too far with her, which, while it was exciting in its own right, also left him with this occasional problem.
I need to see to this afore I pop m' buttons again...
"Bein' as it's you, an' me," he went on with a loving look, "an' this has...happened," he took a gamble, "might you...want to...take advantage?" So full of passion was he, he could barely think straight enough to get the words out; his hands trembled as he stared longingly into her eyes, his own aflame with desire.
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Mz.Hyde Mod  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
You- you mean you want to have sex with me?
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Jekyll1886  Mz.Hyde • 6 months ago
"A-aye, very much so," he got out, as evidenced. "But I won't unless you want me to, o' course. Just, ah...do let me know, would you?" his pitch rose. "I'm in a bit of bind here--literally, ahahah," he said with a laugh of duress.
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Mz.Hyde Mod  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
*She looks down, as if the ground had suddenly become very interesting.* 
I'm sorry Lewis...I can't do it.
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Jekyll1886  Mz.Hyde • 6 months ago • edited
Inwardly, a part of his mind let out a royal blue streak of such curses as would make the heartiest sailor blush. He looked downward and ground his teeth, only just suppressing a growl, fists clenched in frustration.
They relaxed into a tremble a moment later as he looked up. With relief, he saw Val's gaze was still to the ground.
He took an unsteady breath that was more gasping pant than anything.
"A-ah. Right, then," he got out. "Have no worry," he attempted to reassure her, though his voice was no more level.
"Pardon me a moment, would you? 'Be right back."
He dashed off down an alleyway.
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Mz.Hyde Mod  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
Right, um you take care of things. I'll be here. 
*And then Lewis dashed off. Despite her rational mind reminding her that it was fine to refuse Lewis' offer, there was still something poking her at the back of her mind saying that she should have taken up his offer despite how afraid she is about that particular part. *
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Jekyll1886  Mz.Hyde • 6 months ago
Weir'd run down the alleyway, across a larger road, turned down a bystreet, and then found a blind alley in which to secret himself.
He unbuttoned his trousers, freed himself, and set to tending to his problem.
Unfortunately, he was just in the midst of this last when he heard a gruff voice behind him.
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Mz.Hyde Mod  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
"WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING?!"
*Lewis looked behind him and saw a 8 foot tall lizard man with big, bulging muscles. And he looked PISSED.* 
"ARE YOU ABOUT TO ROCK A PISS ON MY PETUNIAS?!"
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Jekyll1886  Mz.Hyde • 6 months ago • edited
Lewis experienced a momentary thrill of mental alarm as he took in the sight of the monster...then the flowers at his own feet, the little plants so small they must've only recently started growing.
For a moment, he simply stood there, unsure what to do.
Then, wisely or unwisely, his fear faded.
Sod it.
"Nay," he said as he turned to face the creature fully, putting all of himself into view. A playfully wicked smile split his face. "I'm 'bout to add more seed."
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Mz.Hyde Mod  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
"WHY YOU LITTLE SHIT! I'M GOING TO MAKE YOU SUFFER!" 
*The giant lizard swings a punch at Lewis.*
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Jekyll1886  Mz.Hyde • 6 months ago • edited
Lewis dodged out of the way, laughing giddily.
He slid round behind the lizard-man, gripped its tail between the spikes, and gave it the hardest yank imaginable. In a detached corner of his mind, he wondered if it would pop off.
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Mz.Hyde Mod  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
"WHAT THE HELL?!" 
*The lizard whips his tail as Lewis held it, sending him flying into a brick wall.*
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Jekyll1886  Mz.Hyde • 6 months ago • edited
Guess no'.
Weir did, at least, manage to put the tail between himself and the wall; his impact against the lizard-man's flesh sent the spikes right into the brick.
Now there's an idea! he realized as he noticed their efficacy at piercing.
He used the fact the spikes were stuck momentarily to his advantage and pried one free of its owner by pulling the tail to him at an angle--the brick held, and the spike popped off. Lewis quickly pulled the modified scale at the proper angle to free it, only dodging the next blow by a hair's breadth.
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Mz.Hyde Mod  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
*The lizard growls when his tail hits the brick. He lashes out at Lewis.* 
"STAY STILL!"
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Jekyll1886  Mz.Hyde • 6 months ago • edited
"Not if I can help it!" exclaimed Weir as he narrowly avoided getting punched in the face; the force of the swing alone made a low, whistling sound as he felt the air rush past his nose.
That was a little too close for comfort.
Gently pushing his own equipment out of the way with his left hand so he had a clear shot with his right--which held the spike--Lewis took a stab at the monster's nethers, hoping against hope the lizard-man had that particular anatomical vulnerability.
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Mz.Hyde Mod  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
*But the lizard uses his leg to kick Lewis away before swiping at him with his claws.*
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Jekyll1886  Mz.Hyde • 6 months ago • edited
Weir counted himself lucky he'd pushed his own tender bits out of the way and the kick thus hit him merely in the chest.
"Oof!"
He staggered, but regained himself in time to just duck under the claws. With a snarl, he sprang up with an uppercut and caught the monster under the chin, knocking the creature backward. Its head impacted the ground as it landed, and it fell unconscious.
Not wasting a moment, Lewis sprang forward to plunge the spike into the lizard-man's chest...and caught himself just in the nick of time. The spike had put a hole through the monster's leather vest, but nothing more.
Weir was breathing heavily, his panting tinged with a low growl as he strove to take a moment, to rein himself in.
I don't know if murder's legal here.
I don't know if anyone's watching.
I don't know if this bloke has a partner, or a biker gang who'll want to avenge him, or, Hell, even wee little lizard children.
I'm the stranger here.
He took a deep breath in...and out. In...and out.
He didn't actually need to kill this creature, he reasoned, no matter how loudly instinct might howl at him to end the fight permanently.
As the adrenaline began to fade, though, Lewis realized he still had a problem to take care of.
With a smirk, he decided to split the difference and baptize the monster's face rather than its flowers.
* * *
He returned to Mz. Hyde with a lighter step and an easy grace, looking positively chipper.
"Sorry that took a bit," he apologized. "'Took longer than expected to get some privacy. I do hope I've not put you off."
see more
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Mz.Hyde Mod  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
Oh, you're fine! I mean, I don't really know how...IT works. 
*She squints her eyes for a moment, inspecting something on Lewis' face.*
There's a scratch on your cheek!
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Jekyll1886  Mz.Hyde • 6 months ago
"Well, essentially, the more blood goes down there," he gestured vaguely at his nethers, "the less goes up here," he tapped his head. "There comes a point where I have to take care o'...developments downstairs to regain my equilibrium.
"I usually have better control o' myself than you just witnessed," he said with a shake of his head, "but, well...I s'pose it's obvious I fancy you very much," he said, bringing a hand to the back of his neck as he blushed.
Val pointed out the scratch--likely from his near miss with the lizard-man's claws.
"Oh, is there?" he asked, touching his fingers to his face to feel it.
"Huh. So there is." He lowered his hand.
"Well, I did mention I had a time getting any privacy," he said with a smile and a hapless shrug.
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Mz.Hyde Mod  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
You mean you got into a fight with someone?! How were you able to fight with...THAT going on? Doesn't it hurt to walk around?
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Jekyll1886  Mz.Hyde • 6 months ago • edited
"Oh, no, I'd freed it by the time he--er, that is to say," he caught himself, "had I yet been, ah...'confined' when the altercation broke out, then, yes, it would've been nearly impossible to fight back. It was certainly hard--" poor choice of words, "er, difficult enough as it was," he corrected himself.
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Mz.Hyde Mod  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
I see...hey, I'm sorry that I made you react like that.
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Jekyll1886  Mz.Hyde • 6 months ago
"What? No, you--Val," he said, breaking into a smile even as he shook his head. "There's nothing wrong with you, with my reaction, with any of this--far from it! It's perfectly natural, and, to my mind, it's a good sign--if I didn't fancy you, I'd not have, er...risen to the occasion," he assured her. "Hell, I'm happy you didn't mind that I had that reaction.
"You...didn't mind...did you?" he finished with an incipient look of concern as he second-guessed himself.
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Mz.Hyde Mod  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
No no! That's not it! I'm just...worried about my side of it, you know? Like, I feel like I should be helping the situation and we should be...well, you get picture. No wait! DO NOT imagine that! UGH! What I'm trying to say is that I dont want to tease you and rile you up and then you getting nothing out of it...but there's just this big...BLOCK there! Does that make sense?! Does any of that make sense?! I'm not sure, please tell me!
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Jekyll1886  Mz.Hyde • 6 months ago • edited
"Oho, Val," he chortled, "don't 'should' all over yourself. When you want to take things further, you will. In the meantime, I can simply--"
He stopped short as he remembered a potentially pertinent fact.
"Wait.
"When I was, er...inside your mind," he realized how incredibly odd it sounded as he said it, "there was a portion I couldn't get to--I believe I've told you how your counterpart intercepted me. Do you think that...might be the metaphorical 'block' you mentioned?"
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Mz.Hyde Mod  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
No...this is more about the things that I WISH I could forget. 
*She crosses her arms and looks down.*
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Jekyll1886  Mz.Hyde • 6 months ago
"Ah."
He came and put his arm around her gently, a gesture of comfort he hoped would help ground her.
"If you...want to talk about it..." he offered.
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Mz.Hyde Mod  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
Lewis, how much do you know about me?
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Jekyll1886  Mz.Hyde • 6 months ago
"Well...I did see quite a bit in your mind," he admitted. "I'm aware there are certain...things you experienced that..." He shook his head. "That you should never have had to go through," he finished a shade above a whisper.
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Mz.Hyde Mod  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
I wish I could believe that...
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Jekyll1886  Mz.Hyde • 6 months ago
"Why don't you?" he asked quietly.
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Mz.Hyde Mod  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
Because....because...
*She starts crying at this moment.* 
Because I always get people I care about killed!
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Jekyll1886  Mz.Hyde • 6 months ago
He drew close and embraced her, rubbing her back lightly in an effort to soothe her.
"Shh, shh... No, you don't... You don't."
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Mz.Hyde Mod  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
Yes I do! I run and somehow she finds me! SHE ALWAYS FINDS ME! I DONT KNOW HOW BUT SHE FINDS ME!
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Jekyll1886  Mz.Hyde • 6 months ago
"She finds you because she's aware of everything you perceive. But that doesn't make it your doing--it makes it hers.
"Val, hear me, and hear me clearly: It is not your fault. It has never been your fault. It's entirely Bernie's. She's the one who chooses to focus on you. Personally, I think it's rather pathetic on her part. I mean, really--doesn't she have anything better to do? I'd pity her if she weren't such a royal c*nt--pardon my French.
"But the point is, it's nothing to do with you and everything to do with her. If she tells you it's your doing, that's manipulation, a baldfaced lie--nothing more."
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Mz.Hyde Mod  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
They're still dead though...
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Jekyll1886  Mz.Hyde • 6 months ago
"Thanks to her. Not you."
He took her chin in his hand to tip her gaze up to meet his.
"Listen to me," he said as he leaned in so close she could see the little flecks that made up the gradations of color in his irises. His eyes shone with an intense inner adamance that burned white-hot.
"You. Are not. To blame.
"Understand."
He let go of her chin and straightened, his other arm still around her.
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Mz.Hyde Mod  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
I understand what you're saying...it's just hard when shit like that has been ingrained into your head for so many years.
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Jekyll1886  Mz.Hyde • 6 months ago • edited
"I understand," he returned. "I know it isn't easy," he said with a sympathetic look.
"Just...try to make a conscious effort to remember. That alone will help you begin to mitigate those ingrained patterns of thought. I'll remind you, too, if you like," he vowed.
And "Bernadette" can sod right off.
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Mz.Hyde Mod  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
Thank you Lewis. 
*She smiles at him. Even though it still hurts, it's nice to finally have somebody who understands how she felt.* 
I still wonder what you could possibly see in me that's right, when all I see are things that are wrong.
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Jekyll1886  Mz.Hyde • 6 months ago • edited
"Plenty of things," asserted Lewis. "I hope, in time, you'll come to see yourself more realistically--to appreciate your kindness and verve, your refreshing sense of humor, your open-mindedness, the way I do. A good heart is far too rare, and all the more precious for it."
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Mz.Hyde Mod  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
Sometimes I wonder if I care about people too much...
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Jekyll1886  Mz.Hyde • 6 months ago
"There are worse sins," said Lewis with a smile at once fond and playful.
"So long as you don't run yourself ragged, I don't see the harm," he continued. "Just take a bit of time for yourself every now and again."
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Mz.Hyde Mod  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
I will, and I want YOU to take your own advice too, ok?
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Jekyll1886  Mz.Hyde • 6 months ago
He burst into a chuckle.
"Alright, all right..." he conceded. "Point well taken.
"I will if you will, eh?" he proposed with a smile.
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Mz.Hyde Mod  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
Of course! 
*She smiles in agreement.* 
So, do you want to start heading back up?
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Jekyll1886  Mz.Hyde • 6 months ago
"Ah, we probably should," he agreed. "I wouldn't want to wear out my welcome here my very first visit, now would I?" he half-joked with a grin.
'Better to leave before that lizard-lout wakes up, too...
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Mz.Hyde Mod  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
Right. So, we have two ways to get back up to the surface: we can take the easy way, which is to just head back to Doris' house, or the hard way.
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Jekyll1886  Mz.Hyde • 6 months ago
"Not that I'm opting for it, but, out of curiosity...what's the hard way?"
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Mz.Hyde Mod  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
We hike up through the sewer system, which will take us about an hour.
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Jekyll1886  Mz.Hyde • 6 months ago • edited
"Egad!" he exclaimed with a look of surprise and disgust. "Er, no, thank you," he corrected himself. "The easy way sounds all the more delightful now," he opined with a laugh.
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Mz.Hyde Mod  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
I thought so! *She laughs with him.* 
Let's go home then!
*She grabs his hand.*
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Jekyll1886  Mz.Hyde • 6 months ago
"Do let's!"
They returned to Mz. Hyde's room the same way they'd left it.
"Thanks, Val," said Lewis as they prepared to part ways. He kissed her lightly on the lips. "I really enjoyed that."
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Mz.Hyde Mod  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
*She giggles a little bit when Lewis kisses her.* 
I'm glad! I had fun spending the day with you! I love you!
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Jekyll1886  Mz.Hyde • 6 months ago • edited
"Always a pleasure, love," he returned, voice conveying fondness and desire in equal measure as it dipped toward a purr.
Remembering himself and what had happened earlier, he cleared his throat and straightened...but couldn't help thinking ahead to when he'd see her next.
"Let's do something for Valentine's, shall we?" he suggested. "I hear the Society may even throw a party again this year."
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Mz.Hyde Mod  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
Ooo! Yes!~ 
*She smiles and claps her hands together in excitement.*
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Jekyll1886  Mz.Hyde • 6 months ago
He clasped a hand around hers and gave it a squeeze.
"It's a date, then," he affirmed with a grin.
He let go only slowly as he made his way out of her room.
"Until Valentine's," he bade her adieu with a smile and a dip of his head.
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Mz.Hyde Mod  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
Until then! 
*She blows him a kiss and waves goodbye as he leaves.*
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Jekyll1886  Mz.Hyde • 6 months ago
He acted as if he'd caught the kiss on his cheek with a look that said nothing so much as "Oh my~!"
With that, he was gone.
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Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago
((Mz.Hyde Continuation of the George/Gossip/Kitchen roleplay.))
Mz. Hyde:
Glad to hear that! 
*She puts the batter in the oven.*
Helen Jekyll:
Helen finished up preparing the tea and carried it to the table.
"If anyone would like a cup, the tea is ready," She said, setting down the pot. "The biscuits may be a bit."
Jekyll1886:
"Ah, thank you. I'd like one," put in Lewis as he placed the supplies back in their cupboards. "Just as soon as I'm done with this."
Passerby:
"I-If you don't mind, I would care for some as well," George added just after Weir, raising a hand with a timid smile.
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Mz.Hyde Mod  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
Alright! Here you go! 
*Gives George some tea.*
Helen Jekyll
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Helen Jekyll  Mz.Hyde • 6 months ago
"Would either of you care for cream or sugar?" asked Helen as she poured Weir a cup and set it before an empty seat before making up a cup for herself.
((Jekyll1886))
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago
"Thank you," said Lewis.
He finished putting away the supplies and took his seat.
((A Passerby ))
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A Passerby  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
George did what he could to stifle a flinch as Mz. Hyde set the tea before him, breaking into an uneasy smile.
"A-Ah, thank you," He said, picking up the cup.
((Mz.Hyde))
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Mz.Hyde Mod  A Passerby • 6 months ago
You're welcome! How are the cookies coming along?
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Helen Jekyll  Mz.Hyde • 6 months ago
“I shall check,” Helen said, abandoning her cup of tea temporarily to peer into the oven.
“They look quite good, so far—shouldn’t be more than a handful of minutes longer.”
((Jekyll1886))
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago
Not standing on ceremony, Lewis went ahead and took a sip of his tea, thinking it might put George more at ease.
"Excellent," Weir remarked regarding the biscuits.
((A Passerby ))
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A Passerby  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
Hesitantly, George followed Weir's lead, raising the cup to his lips and taking a sip, though he didn't swallow yet.
Instead, he focused on the flavor of the drink, trying to discern if there was anything off about it.
It doesn't taste poisoned...
A beat, then he finally allowed the tea to slip down his throat with more than a little anxiety.
((Mz.Hyde))
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Jekyll1886  Mz.Hyde • 6 months ago
((Helen Jekyll ))
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Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago
((MillieGriffin Continuation of the Red Death Redemption roleplay. We're in the homestretch now! :D)))
Helen Jekyll MillieGriffin • a day ago
"One can voice their thoughts and emotions honestly without raising their voice," Helen replied, her volume and pace of speech remaining steady and calm as she held Millie's gaze, "And I would be very grateful if you made an effort to do so."
"This is meant to be a civil conversation, after all," She continued with a nod to Millie. "There's no need to exacerbate matters further."
Jekyll1886 Helen Jekyll • a day ago
"I do appreciate your candor, Millie," replied Lewis. "'Tis good to get these matters out in the open, that we might remedy them.
"What I'm hearing is that both the way Hela spoke to you and the withholding of information were not things you cared for. Just as, for my part, I didn't care for either you or Hela to address each other in such an unkind manner--even as I bear well in mind that it was a most extenuating situation. Please understand this is no criticism, merely an objective assessment of how such actions affected me internally. Now that we know of these things, we can seek to avoid repeating them in future. One thing Helen would appreciate your avoiding in future is a raised voice. So, now we know that as well.
"Please know I care immensely for each of you," he emphasized in earnest. "It wounds me deeply to know I've hurt either of you, or to know you've hurt each other. That's why I'm glad we're all addressing these issues now."
"So..." he went on, "that makes three things we should all of us endeavor to remember." He ticked them off on his fingers as he spoke. "Not to withhold medically necessary information, not to speak to each other with disrespect, and not to raise our voices. I understand there is something Helen did as well that you didn't care for, Millie, so that will likely make a fourth thing.
"I, for one, will seek to bear these matters well in mind and alter my behavior accordingly, out of care for you both as well as the continued well-being of the Society.
"Please, Millie, Helen...and Hela...will you do likewise?" he asked, looking like nothing so much as a pleading puppy with love in its heart.
Please...for me, if nothing else...
see more
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MillieGriffin  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago
As Helen spoke, the expression on Millie's face made it obvious that her words were only fanning the little flames of disdain and anger that were glowing in the child.
She was so tempted to say or do something she knew she would get her in trouble for before Weir spoke. She patiently listened occasionally nodding as at certain points.
"I'm trying." She said to Weir, "I don't want— I am trying..."
(Helen Jekyll)
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Helen Jekyll  MillieGriffin • 6 months ago
Helen blinked in sudden realization, softening a heartbeat later at the other's words as sympathy and understanding broke across her face.
"You are," She said softly, overcome as gratitude and genuine warmth welled within her, "And I... I want you to know I...really appreciate that, Millie."
"I'm glad we can talk together like this, and I appreciate your honesty with me," She continued, voicing her thoughts as they came, "I hope you're okay with mine, too."
Her mood seemed to dampen somewhat with patent sorrow and guilt in regards to how things progressed.
"It's unfortunate we got off on the wrong foot. I genuinely want to work well with you, with us, together."
A hopeful light shone in her eyes as she sought to hold Millie's gaze, reflecting her desire to solve this conflict between them and, perhaps, someday move past it well enough to become friends.
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago
Weir's relief at this development was patent--he smiled, gladdened to see they were at last past the impasse.
Feeling it improper to intervene at this juncture, he opted to let things take their natural course in the hopes Millie, too, would respond in kind.
A little understanding goes a long way, he reflected.
It was up to her and Helen to forge their own relationship, now. He held sincere--and, he felt, realistic--hope they could make a new start of it.
He nodded his encouragement to Millie with a smile both warm and open, practically glowing with happiness.
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MillieGriffin  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago • edited
Millie didn't meet Helen's gaze, she pored herself some more tea instead. The touching display was almost enough to make her feel guilty for being angry at Helen/Hela and for what she said, almost. She gave herself a little reminder the other reason she was angry and that they asked her to tell them, for a moment she just sipped her tea.
"I'm still angry at you..." She finally said as she set her cup down, still not looking at Helen, "but I was, am, already willing to work, with you, despite that... I just don't want..." She started to fidget as she slumped back in the loveseat, still not looking at either of them, "I... I just don't want a repeat of last Hal—... my mistakes..."
(Helen Jekyll)
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Helen Jekyll  MillieGriffin • 6 months ago • edited
“I understand, and it’s okay if you’re mad at me," Helen assured, "I just want to help you feel better, if I can."
"I... must admit, I'm rather glad we're able to speak together again," she went on with a relieved smile, sheepishly touching a hand to the back of her neck. Then, nodding to herself, she seemed to come to a decision.
"I will endeavor to bear in mind all you've shared today from now on, and adjust as necessary--I would like nothing more than to make amends."
"I know this hasn't been a pleasant experience, and I... really want to make it up to you," she sympathized, speaking gently, "Just... if you'd like, let me know what that last concern was regarding my behavior a few days past, and I can account for that as well."
((Jekyll1886))
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago
Lewis gave a slow dip of his head to them both.
"Go ahead," he encouraged Millie.
((MillieGriffin ))
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MillieGriffin  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
Millie let out another sigh and sat up then looked at Helen from the sidea of her eyes.
"I'm not sure if you can do that much to make up for it. You see this particular issue in question was sort of already resolved... by the Co-founders..." She hinted at as she drummed her fingers on the armrest of the loveseat.
(Helen Jekyll)
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Helen Jekyll  MillieGriffin • 6 months ago
Helen blinked, her head tipping to one side.
"Oh, have they?"
She considered that a moment, then looked to her in a quizzical manner.
"Does it have to do with Mr. Hollis?"
((Jekyll1886))
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago
"Ah," said Lewis as he began to spy the issue. "Is this about his earlier dismissal?" he asked Millie.
((MillieGriffin ))
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MillieGriffin  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago • edited
"Mostly..." She said looking up at Weir and doing a so-so gesture with her hand.
"Thing is they weren't the only ones who thought of it," She paused and took another sip of tea, then looked at Helen as she continued, " I said that day in your little report that I thought someone like Mr. Hollis would be too dangerous to others and himself to be left un-closely-watched and of course you didn't listen to me then either. So it took no less than the co-founders initially saying the same thing I said the day before yesterday to get any actual cooperation, huh? 
Well that's nice... Nice to know..."
From here she descended into mostly sarcasm, "I mean I'm sure you probably had good intentions of the time— probably... And what would I know about such things anyway, I'm still merely a child, and Hollis is way too dangerous to be around scientists with the equipment and resources to prevent another outbreak from spreading due to his incompetence, the obvious and not to mention easiest way to deal with the problem is to kick him out into the unsuspecting public. Would he consider himself too much of a failure to live and just kill himself? Would he bugger off to some far off third-world country and find another extremely deadly disease to play with where we can't reach him in time to prevent another plague from breaking out? Would he grow bitter and petty and try to get some form of revenge on the society later on? Who knows, who cares? If he's not under this roof he's not our problem anymore, he's the world's. I'm sure the same people out there who put alum and chalk in their bread flour to make their bread pretty and whiter, and who gives their children lead painted toys to teeth on, and who puts boracic acid in their rotten, bovine TB ridden milk to make it taste fresh again would be just fine if another plague breaks out.”
She then reverted back to dead seriousness, “I repeat what I said; yesterday we're lucky that Mr. Hollis is actually a decent enough person to go through the his promise to try to make it up to the society instead of doing the aforementioned scenarios X, Y, and Z!— ...*ahem*... Even if that wasn't your mindset of that time it is was reflected on you by that decision. That day It was so tempting for me to just go straight to your office and yell at you until I lost my voice… but I didn't... Mostly because I'm sure it would have ended well for either of us, and I didn't see the point in wasting anymore words on you. Why would I, one half of you fought against what I said any chance she could and the other half, as soon as my main usefulness is done for the time being, she disregarded my words for what was easier… but at least I know now... at least it's been straightened out by now..."
(Helen Jekyll)
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Helen Jekyll  MillieGriffin • 6 months ago • edited
"I can assure you, I pitched every idea offered to the co-founders. Ultimately, they held the final decision in the matter, not I--they are the highest authority here, after all--and they simply chose to let Mr. Hollis go at the time, as he'd not shown any initiative in tending to his own mistakes at that point. It wasn't until after he proved his desire to make amends that the co-founders decided to alter their decision, based on the new facts presented at a later date."
"You may not be aware of this, but Dr. Lanyon is not very tolerant when it comes to the Society and the safety of those within. He cares too much to permit those here to remain endangered."
((Jekyll1886))
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago • edited
"That's the understatement of the year," put in Lewis with a sympathetic chortle borne of bitter experience. "I had to move Heaven and Earth just to convince him to let me treat a lodger he thought posed a threat.
"Don't, er, spread this around," he said with a conspiratorial look to Millie and Helen both, his voice dropping to a whisper, "but he actually wanted to have them killed rather than merely give them the boot. It took a Herculean effort and numerous conversations before I was able to make any headway with him. Even then, I was only allowed to treat them on a provisional basis. Had I failed, he'd have fallen back on 'Plan A', in all its lethality."
He shook his head, gaze briefly cast to the ceiling, before concluding, "I really don't understand that man sometimes, much as I value him as a colleague."
((MillieGriffin ))
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MillieGriffin  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago • edited
"I don't know who you were trying to treat that call for such an extreme reaction." Millie said to Weir.
As she did so she pondered something.
(Helen Jekyll)
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Helen Jekyll  MillieGriffin • 6 months ago • edited
"Not to worry, I won't tell another soul," said Helen in regards to the information shared, dipping her chin.
"I must say, if that's the case, I am rather grateful Dr. Lanyon didn't decide to have Mr. Hollis thrown in prison, or worse," She added with a rather worried look, "It would have been very difficult to undo something like that, rather than simply invite him back again after leaving."
((Jekyll1886))
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago
"It was before your arrival," Lewis replied to Millie. "'Tis water under the bridge now, thankfully."
Helen spoke.
"Precisely," concurred Weir. "I'd not be surprised if it was Dr. Jekyll's influence--combined with Ezekiel's initiative--that finally convinced Dr. Lanyon to let Mr. Hollis back into the Society.
"Speaking of Mr. Hollis," he brightened as he turned again to Millie and voiced the thought as it occurred, "I imagine you'll wish to tell him the good news, if we've addressed everything here."
((MillieGriffin ))
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MillieGriffin  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago • edited
"Well to be honest... Who's ever idea it was to just let him go, in my opinion, was pretty stupid. If there's someone or something that I find dangerous, I'd want to know where they are at all times. Like having venomous snakes in the grass; it's fine so long as you know where they are but as soon as you lose sight of them, that's when there even more dangerous."
Millie let out a deep breath, "And I do speak from experience on this. That's why I paid for Hollis's room in the closest hotel in walking distance and said what I could to keep him in London, so even despite the orders, I could still keep a daily watch over him... I don't like not knowing where possible threats are because it can only give them room to grow."
(Helen Jekyll)
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Helen Jekyll  MillieGriffin • 6 months ago • edited
"Oh! Thank you, Lewis, for reminding me," Helen said with a smile, rising from her chair.
"I'd nearly forgotten--I need to see to the preparations for Mr. Hollis' return. I'm sure he'd appreciate being able to get settled again at once."
((Jekyll1886))
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago • edited
"You'll get no argument here," Lewis replied to Millie, "though I'd probably use the word 'shortsighted' over 'stupid'. The co-founders have their own priorities, even if we don't always agree with them--bear in mind, the same people whose intelligence you question recently promoted you."
It doesn't do to bite the hand that feeds.
Helen spoke.
"Ah. I fancy he would. 'See you later, Helen."
He rose and picked up his teacup to take into the kitchen.
"May I get you anything else, Millie, while I'm up?" he asked.
((MillieGriffin))
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MillieGriffin  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago • edited
Despite what Weir said she stubbornly stuck to her original wording.
just because I got promoted doesn't mean I'm going to just start blindly kiss arse just because they're the athoraty here, especially if they do something stupid...
"I think not... I have to readjust the scale on some furniture and equipment in my work place if Hollis is going to work with me anyway."
She then looked up at Helen again, "When we're done with the preparation I want you to accompany me to the hotel to get Hollis, the invite back will be more official coming from you."
(Helen Jekyll)
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Helen Jekyll  MillieGriffin • 6 months ago
She blinked at that, a touch surprised, but smiled again a heartbeat after.
"I would love to, but I'm afraid I cannot shirk my duties here," she said, her smile turning apologetic, "I've quite a bit of paperwork to tend to, in the aftermath of all this, so I shall have to give him his official welcome another time."
"In fact," continued Helen in sudden recollection, reaching inside her jacket, "Since you're closer to him than I, perhaps you could deliver his letter of re-acceptance to him? I would greatly appreciate the help."
((Jekyll1886))
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago
"Ah, very well, then," said Lewis with a quick nod. "'Talk to you later, Millie." He did his best to be warm, but his smile did not quite reach his eyes, a subtle undercurrent of sadness coupled with disappointment just slipping through as he turned and vanished into the kitchen, cup and saucer in hand.
((MillieGriffin
And I'm out! It's been a blast! ^_^))
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MillieGriffin  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
"Fine..." She said to Helen with a sigh as she slouched back again.
Then Weir spoke, "Alright, talk to you later." She said to him in a more pleasant tone.
(Helen Jekyll)
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Helen Jekyll  MillieGriffin • 6 months ago
"Thank you very much," Helen said, handing Millie a sealed envelope containing the letter. "I will be seeing you and Mr. Hollis again another time."
With that, she left the greenhouse, headed elsewhere in the Society to tend to her work as needed.
((Looks like Helen's done as well--thanks for the fun rp! :D))
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MillieGriffin  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago
* * *
Later close to noon...
Millie went back to the Bedford hotel carrying the letter in her hand. When she reached Mr Hollis's room she tapped on the door.
(Pyrogue)
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Pyrogue  MillieGriffin • 6 months ago
Assuming it was room service or the like, Ez rose from one of the chairs and went to open the door.
"Uh, I-- Oh. Millie, nice to see you again. What... what brings you here?" he asked.
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Jekyll1886  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
((MillieGriffin ))
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Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago • edited
((Helen Jekyll Continuation of the Other Dimension roleplay.))
Helen Jekyll Jekyll1886 • 2 hours ago
Helen laughed lightly at that.
"I will see what I can find."
She stepped into the other room, returning a few minutes later with a silver tray and the smell of freshly buttered bread.
"Here you are," she said, setting it down beside him. There were four slices of toast resting on a plate, one noticeably darker than the others, along with a glass and pitcher of water. "I wasn't sure which spirits you'd prefer--" nor which ones have been claimed already by Hela "--so I figured it might be best to save those for when you can select a drink yourself."
Jekyll1886
"Ah, have no worries--I was half-joking about the booze," Lewis returned. "This looks lovely. Thank you."
He picked up a piece of toast and nibbled on it.
About half a minute later, he felt famished as a wave of hunger hit him; the other three pieces quickly disappeared, along with most of the water.
"You weren't kiddin' about bein' hungry," he said when he'd finished. "'Mind if I get myself somethin' more?" he suggested with an eager eye to the kitchen.
Sausage. Eggs. Scones. Bacon. Cake, came the insistent urge.
It was all he could do to remain seated till she answered.
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago
"So long as you're careful and mindful of your health, you may go right ahead," She said with a fond look, a wistful sort of mist in her gaze, "Simply let me know if I may help in any way."
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 7 months ago
"Thanks," he said. "Would you steady me as I stand? I think that's all I'll need."
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago • edited
“Of course.”
Helen bent down and offered her arm, smiling encouragingly.
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago
"There we are," he said once he was vertical.
He took a step and, though he wobbled slightly, concluded he was well enough he wouldn't fall down.
"Thank you, Helen," he said with a look both fond and grateful before going into the kitchen.
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
Helen hovered near a moment, ready to support him again should he need it, but gave him his space once more when he seemed steady enough.
“You’re always welcome,” She returned with a dip of her head before retrieving the tray from the ground and joining him in the other room.
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago
Lewis ate his fill, then took the liberty of setting some food aside for Hela for later.
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago • edited
Helen set to washing the dishes and had just put the last of them away when Weir finished his own tasks.
"Do you still feel weakened at all?" She asked, intently concerned despite her cheery air and smile.
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago
"Not a whit," he said with a shake of his head. "I feel right as rain."
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
A relieved exhale.
"Well, that is quite good to hear."
Helen paused, seeming to debate something for a moment.
"I... have never had to give someone so much on their first treatment," She admitted, ducking her gaze, "I wasn't entirely certain what would happen, but..." More to herself. "...if you had remained at the too small dose, you surely would have died..."
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago
"'Glad we made as much as we did, then," said Lewis with a chortle. "I rather like livin', these days.
"Still," he continued on a more serious note, "thank you for letting me know. Is what you gave me first a more typical dose for someone my weight?"
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
"Oh, yes. In most cases, a drop over that would've done more harm than good."
"It is... a very fine balancing act, this concoction of mine." A smile at once rueful and weary. "It's best not to be taken lightly."
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago
"Indeed so," agreed Lewis. "That, I well understand."
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
Helen smiled a touch wider, then sighed, looking aside.
“If you don’t mind, I think it may be time for me to have my own treatment,” she said after a beat.
“Is there...anything you’d like before then? I’m afraid I won’t be much help for awhile after taking it.”
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago • edited
"Ah," said Lewis.
"Merely to say goodbye," he answered with a bittersweet smile. "It has truly been a pleasure to share your company.
"And, please...do let me know how I might be of assistance during your treatment."
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
“Oh, it should be nothing. I’ve done this...” She paused, brow furrowing slightly, before she broke into a tinkling laugh. “Far more times than I can count, evidently.”
“I do appreciate the offer regardless,” added Helen as she made her way to the stairs.
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago
"If you're certain," said Lewis.
He watched her go to the stairs.
"Goodbye, Helen."
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago • edited
Helen paused on the first step, turning to him with a smile fond and somber.
“There’s no need for farewells just yet, doctor. You’ll have to tolerate my presence long enough for the medicine to wear off—it’s too dangerous for my counterpart to surface before an already taxing procedure.”
A swift glance up the stairs, then back to Weir.
“I should only be a moment.”
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago
"Ah, I hadn't realized," put in Lewis.
"In that case, 'see you shortly," he said with a smile.
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
She nodded and disappeared upstairs for a time, returning minutes later with a doctors bag.
After placing it on the table near the remaining dose of medicine, Helen set about preparing some sort of injection for herself, moving with the confidence brought from decades of practice.
Once the syringe was ready, she set to disinfecting the crook of her elbow, catching Weir’s curious gaze a moment later.
“Not to worry, it’s nothing harmful,” she assured him good-naturedly, chuckling softly as she set the wipe aside.
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago
"Oh, I hadn't--that's good," Lewis interrupted himself.
He debated a moment.
"If you don't mind my asking..." he ventured, "is it to do with your...particular physiology?"
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
Helen pondered the question as she reached for the vial of thick and bitter medicine that remained.
“In a way, I suppose it could be considered related.”
Another beat as she held the glass in both hands.
“It’s... a fast acting sedative, since resisting the urge to panic while nearly incapable of motion is.... a skill I have yet to master,” she admitted with more than a little embarrassment, “It should prevent any long term damage by allowing myself to remain relaxed and still during the recovery process.”
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago
"Ah, that's quite wise," returned Lewis with an approving nod.
"I know you've done this before, but would it be any easier if I either administered that or helped you with the glass?" he offered.
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago • edited
Helen blinked, surprised by the suggestion even after his earlier offer.
“That... would probably be the safest route, yes,” she answered, unable to help but smile, “If you could see to the sedative while I enjoyed this lovely beverage,” A tiny shake of the glass. “Then it would eliminate much of the risk.”
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago
"Will do," Weir readily agreed.
It wasn't long before both steps were completed.
After Lewis had bandaged the injection site, he took the empty glass from Helen and helped ease her down, just as she'd so kindly done for him.
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago • edited
“Thank you.” She said, immensely grateful for his assistance as she settled herself on the pile of cushions.
Already her words were fumbling with drowsiness and she found it was becoming increasingly difficult to keep her eyes open despite her best efforts.
She had hardly gotten comfortable when a heaviness sank gradually into her limbs and she fell asleep with a brief flare of pain as her counterpart stirred with the beginnings of panic.
Despite Helen’s state of unconsciousness, the Hyde seemed to clinge to awareness for a full minute longer, silently raging against the loss of control until she, too, went quiet.
For some time, the doctor lay resting peacefully.
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago
Lewis waited and watched, tuned in to her energies.
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago • edited
Ever so slowly, Helen drifted closer to wakefulness again, though she’d yet to regain most of her strength.
As her eyelids fluttered open, disorientation mingled with the simple desire to allow herself to drift away once more, but each of these were swiftly overcome by sudden alarm which threatened to stall her breathing.
With frantic, clumsy motions, she struggled into a sitting position, gasping in pain and for air, nausea building in the back of her throat.
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago • edited
"Whoa, whoa--easy now," said Lewis gently as he put an arm behind her back to support her.
"You're all right--just breathe. I'll help you lie down here." He eased her onto the cushions.
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
It took an immense effort of will to go still and remain that way as he lowered her back down, a quiet, strangled sound of distress escaping her.
She fought to calm herself, and her breathing, though it still shuddered with the sharp pangs flickering throughout her form, settled somewhat.
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago
"There you are. There, there." He gave her hand a gentle squeeze to help her stay grounded.
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
Helen tried to speak, her gaze agitated, but the noise simply gurgled in her throat.
Grimacing, she clenched her eyes shut, and tried again.
"Go," she urged, the single syllable strained.
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago
Lewis gave a quick nod and retreated up the stairs.
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
The relief that came with his departure was quickly swept aside as agony wracked her form and consciousness faded once more.
Soon after, Hela could be heard growling in frustration and displeasure, her attempts to stand met with no small amount of difficulty. It took several more painfully long minutes for her to finally manage to rise with the table for support.
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago
Lewis, meanwhile, warned the children Hela was back, and told them to stay upstairs.
He came back down in time to see Hela stand.
"May I get you anything?" he asked.
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago • edited
Hela tensed at his presence, just barely keeping the urge to bare her teeth in check.
"Whatsit gonna cost?" she asked in return, watching him warily.
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago
"Nothing," said Lewis with a small shake of his head, still a bit confused at her reaction. "I thought you might like some water, and I took the liberty of preparing some food for you earlier. I know I was famished, when I felt well enough to rise."
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
"Not hungry yet."
Though she was no less defensive, Hela did seem to be at least considering his offer.
If he really wanted to poison me, he could've done so a number of times already...
"What'd you make?"
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago
"A variation on shepherd's pie," he answered. "I simply added egg. I got it hot enough that it should still be warm. If not, I can put it in the oven a wee bit longer."
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
A variety of emotions--hunger, suspicion, weariness--flickered across her expression before she spoke again, slower this time.
"I'm usually not one to reject such humble hospitality, but...Why are you offering?"
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago
"The same reason I cooked for your counterpart--you'll need your strength and your wits if we're to be successful. An empty stomach makes for a clouded mind."
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
"And you thought the best way to go about things was to.... make me a meal as well."
It was more of a statement than a question, her voice turning up with a curious lilt at the end. His actions seemed to have simultaneously baffled and amused her.
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago
"Yes; I don't see why not," put in Lewis. It was perfectly logical to him.
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
The corner of her lips twitched, threatening an unpleasant smile.
How cute.
"In that case," she said, shifting her weight fully to her own two feet with a grimace, "I don't see any point in wasting whatever you set out."
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago
"Right. I'll get a plate, then," said Lewis, all efficiency as he bustled into the kitchen.
By the time Hela entered, her food was on the table, complete with silverware. Lewis turned off the stove and set to rinsing the pan.
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
Hela stopped in the doorway, looking from him to the plate and back again as she leaned against the frame. Something about the whole situation felt....off.
Then, her stomach gave a thunderous rumble and any concerns she had about the strangeness that was Lewis were pushed to the back of her mind as she took her seat at the table, suddenly ravenous as she set to devouring the food.
It was only after she'd cleaned her plate that she relaxed and sat back in the chair, sated for the moment.
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago
Lewis dried the pan and put it in its place.
He checked on the cakes, hoping they'd held up after the time he, Hela, and Helen had taken to prepare the second dose of death-resistance potion.
He breathed a metaphorical sigh of relief.
Still edible.
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
Hela reached her arms above her head in a stretch, noticing Weir examining the cakes as she did so.
"Everything in order?" she asked, much more at ease now that she'd eaten.
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago
"Thankfully, yes," he concluded he straightened to look at her, "though I'd wager they'll be good only a day or two more."
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
"We best find the vampire b*stard soon, then."
A beat.
"Do you have a plan yet?"
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago
"A rough one, yes, but I need more detail on his capabilities. Is he able to read minds, for example? How fast is he? How strong? Does he have any other abilities we need to be aware of?"
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
"Definitely a mind-reader, though I've never heard of him listening in on more than one person at a time, 'bout as fast as the twins, if not faster, he could probably lift a horse without breaking a sweat, and.... claims to be able to fly, but," She shrugged. "I've never seen that myself."
"Oh." Her tone went rather deadpan as she recalled another thing. "And then, of course, there's his habit of turning people into his slaves."
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago
"What." This last came as a rude surprise to Weir as his voice, too, fell flat.
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
"It's nothing serious," Hela said with the bitterest humor, "Just losing all freewill to the vampire, if he happens to drink your blood and the mood strikes him."
"Luckily for me--and now you--he doesn't care for the taste of the doctor's medicine, so that should keep us safe," she added, scratching her neck lightly, "He's very picky about what he drinks, which has saved me from becoming enthralled before."
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago • edited
Lewis recalled Elder, and the lack of sanctity of his own thoughts in the creature's presence.
The fact Ayato could do not only this, but also take away free will itself, sat especially ill with Weir.
Whereas his previous desire to kill the vampire had been out of amusement and wanting to challenge himself, Lewis now had a burning desire to make the monster suffer. Given that such was impractical, however, he supposed he'd have to settle for lopping off the its head and spitting on its ashes.
He was particularly glad Ayato had no taste for Helen's medicine, and nodded his approval to Hela.
"Can he read surface thoughts only, or does he delve deeper?"
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
Hela tipped her head to one side, considering the question.
"I think...he's either unable or too lazy to do more than just skimming the top. There have been a number of times the doctor has been able to hide her displeasure with him by focusing on cleaning up his mess and tending to injuries. I've had to turn my thoughts away myself, when fighting an immortal vampire didn't seem all too appealing."
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago
"Mm. That should work, then," he said, more to himself.
"I'm practiced at taking on roles--I can stay 'in character' as a seller of baked goods well enough my surface thoughts shouldn't give me away," he informed Hela.
"Given the cake is chock-full of cyanide, all we need is for him to take a small sample, and it ought to slow him down enough for us to have a chance. I may not be able to match his speed under normal circumstances, but I might just catch him if he's slowed with poison, particularly if I shift to this." He briefly took on the appearance of "Edward" before settling back into that of "Lewis".
"As we'll need to behead him, I do hope you have an ax handy, or know where we can get one.
"If you think it would be helpful, we could also make some Molotov cocktails--er, alcohol-based firebombs," he corrected himself. "Or even rig up a makeshift flamethrower.
"The point being, I'm perfectly happy to be the 'bait', now we've both taken our medicine."
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
"Will a hatchet do, or do I need to convince a lumberjack to hand over his tools?" Hela asked with a rumbling chuckle--hearing they were so near to finally ending the b*stard did wonders for her mood.
She rose from her chair, grinning as she approached him.
"He may be too fast for any fancy flame work, but I wouldn't say no to a bit of fire."
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago
"A hatchet should work just fine," he replied with a pleased and predatory smile.
"Very good, then. Let's make some firebombs, and we'll be good to go."
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
As Weir prepared the fiery projectiles, Hela grabbed the hatchet from under her mattress upstairs, along with a few other blades she kept handy.
Before long, the pair of them were out walking the streets in search of their target, armed with the Molotovs, weapons, and poisoned cake.
"When will I know to swoop in and join the fight?" the Hyde asked, a hint of a smirk on her lips.
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago
"When he looks out of sorts, if even momentarily," answered Weir. "He might not give us another opportunity, even in a weakened state."
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
Hela nodded in understanding. "I'll do my best to be quick about it, then...though you'll have to hold up on your own long enough for me to get there. I can't be too close during your little act or I'll give us away."
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago
Lewis nodded.
"Of course.
"I could always go for his eyes--even should I be unsuccessful and he decide to throttle me, it would provide a timely distraction."
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
Her expression seemed to reflect an odd sort of curiosity, as if she were put off by his seemingly mad behavior, yet intrigued nonetheless.
"Right. I'll keep an eye out for any throttling, then."
She glanced at the buildings surrounding them.
"Probably should get up someplace high."
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago
Weir chuckled.
"Best to get the 'drop' on him, yes," he agreed with a smirk.
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago • edited
A snort escaped the Hyde as she held back a snicker, nearly rolling her eyes.
"Go and sell your damned cake, Weir, and save the mirth for after we've killed the vampire."
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago
"Heh, heh," he snickered, unable to suppress a smile.
"Very well."
He schooled his expression into something more serious, even obsequious, with just the right amount of greed and desperation thrown in beneath a surface of false charm.
He entered a nearly-deserted square, held out the tray, and called out in an accent bordering on Cockney, "Cake for sale! Marzipan ca-ake! Best cake you'll ever eat! Step right up an' get your cake here! Cake for sale! Buy some ca~ake!"
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago • edited
Hela allowed herself to linger there a moment longer, drinking in his act with no little amusement before turning away.
It took hardly a minute to find a tucked away spot to scale a building and soon she was perched on a nearby roof, watching Weir anew from the shadows of a chimney.
Lewis' wanderings throughout the streets eventually led him to Ayato Sakamaki as Hela remained just behind, up and out of sight.
The vampire looked to be about seventeen, his hair a reddish-brown falling just above narrow green eyes that surveyed the people around him with a predatory sort of arrogance. However, when he caught sight of Weir and the cake he held, they lit up with glee, a smirk revealing the razor sharp fangs he possessed.
Without hesitation, Ayato began making his way over to the potential treat.
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago
Somewhat surprisingly, Weir had a few takers. He carefully sold them the slices that weren't saturated with cyanide, collected their money, and continued his cake-hawking.
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
"Yours Truly will have a slice of cake," came a sudden haughty voice behind him, Ayato's words practically dripping with self-importance, "Or, maybe more than that..."
On a nearby roof, Hela stiffened, but didn't move to help just yet, recalling what Weir had said about waiting until the vampire was weakened.
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago • edited
"Certainly, sir," said Lewis as he kept up the act, seemingly concentrating on making a sale.
Does he want the regular cake, or the deluxe cake with extra marzipan? I do hope he wants the deluxe one--it's so good, he's bound to give us plenty of free advertising--word-of-mouth's the best thing, so it is. Weir's surface thoughts flitted about like eager bees.
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago • edited
"Come," Ayato said with a devilish smile, stepping around to Weir's side and walking forward, "And you can tell Yours Truly about what all you have."
As he did this, he casually pulled out a wallet stuffed to the brim with cash.
Curious and cold, the vampire's presence dipped briefly within the man's thoughts as he glanced at him, intending to see if his careless show of wealthiness would snag his prey.
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago • edited
Holy mother o' God, the bloke's loaded! He'll definitely want the deluxe cake with the extra marzipan, then--refined tastes, this one, if he has that much on 'im. Hell, maybe he'll like it so much, he'll come by the bakery and buy several for his next party!
"With pleasure, sir," said Lewis, brightening.
"This here's our standard marzipan cake," he explained, indicating a yellow-colored piece. "We use the best almonds to make our marzipan fresh, and fold it right into the batter. A right good cake, if I do say so m'self.
"Now this here," he pointed to a blue-colored piece, "is our deluxe, True Blue Marzipan Lover's Cake. We put in three times as much marzipan as any other cake you'll find, and color it blue so's people will know it's really somethin' special--True Blue Bakery's our shop, sir. One taste, and you'll think you've died and gone to Heaven!"
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
"And... how much would Yours Truly have to pay for a piece of Heaven?"
While they spoke, Ayato led Weir down a street that grew steadily more devoid of people, flicking through the money he held in a rather absentminded manner.
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago • edited
"Well, a slice is a shilling, sir, but it's well worth it, rest assured. A whole cake runs eight shillings, but you get about ten slices out of it," he said, walking with Ayato.
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
A whistle, part surprise and part disappointment, escaped the vampire.
"You're either a thief or a saint, charging prices like that," he said with a sullen look before asking rhetorically, "Who knew Heaven had such a high toll?"
Seeming to lose some of his interest, Ayato nodded to a yellow slice of cake. "How much are those?"
The chill of another's mind pressing against Weir's came again with his questions.
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago • edited
Oh bugger, I've stepped in it, haven't I? I know the boss said to make seven quid by day's end or I'm out of a job, but I got too damn greedy! he cursed himself.
Right, right, no, I can still fix this, I can fix it--I'll still have work, an' the kids'll be fine. Thinkthinkthink!
"Oh, bless me, I clean forgot," he said, tapping his head as if he were a dunce. "Today's a special goin'--three pence for the standard, and six for the deluxe. Very sorry, sir. Quite stupid of me."
Lord, please let him buy the cake--any cake! I've spent enough time on him as it is, I need to get back to m' route as soon as I can if he doesn't.
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
Ayato appeared undoubtedly pleased by this, making no effort to hide his smirk.
"In that case..." He paused, seeming to be calculating something in his mind. "How much would it cost for all of it?"
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago
"Oh, ah..." he did a quick mental calculation, given he had two pieces left of the yellow and eight of the blue, "four shillings, six pence for the lot, sir."
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Tairais • 7 months ago
(( The Fox and Jekyll1886 -- Continuation of Teatime with the Terrific Trio!...? [Name in progress]
~*~
The Fox: " To friends. "
Malemi held his cup out to cling them with the others.
Jekyll1886: Lewis prepared his cup in time to join them in the toast.
"To our present and future together, whatever life may bring." He clinked his teacup with theirs, took a sip, and seated himself with a smile.
The taste of this sensual brew brought back pleasant memories of sunny afternoons and the cool of night in India, another lifetime ago.
He sighed contentedly. ))
Charricthran tapped his cup against the other two's with a faint smile and a quiet "Cheers!", finding nothing more he could think to add.
His movements were almost comically cautious as he hesitated, brought the cup to his lips, and took a small sip of the tea. All the while, he kept a careful watch for any sign that the mechanisms he'd built were about to fail. If he were going to get a headache, he'd rather get a headache without also giving Malemi and Lewis a headache as well.
The expression on his face when he could actually taste the tea was without compare: his smile grew all but luminous in quality, though he was careful to keep it from splitting the sides of his face, and his eyes glittered with both a faint surprise and a few tears--not from the tea, as one might assume, but from some emotion he couldn't quite name, swelling in his chest like a bright balloon.
Creol'tairais si shilta jinthil svabol yth jahen. Clax coi lae vi regipre.
He closed his eyes for a second and gave his own sigh, the corners of his grin twitching as he further fought to keep it under control.
Vinxa, kid. Thanks.
(( Fox is up o/ ))
see more
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The Fox  Tairais • 7 months ago
Malemi hide a smile as he watched Charricthran, stifling a laugh as he lapped his cup, sniffing its bottom and refilling it when it was empty. Halfway into his second cup, he paused to lick his lips and clean his whiskers. He went to voice a question, but let it drop.
In its place, he took a cracker and munched on it, licking up its crumbs as he went
( Jekyll1886 )
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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 7 months ago
"You alright there?" Lewis asked Charricthran after a bit. The latter seemed profoundly moved, though Weir didn't know why.
((Tairais ))
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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago
"I can taste it."
And oh, how strange a thing to fall from any other lips. A stranger thing still, to taste without imagination and to experience something so similar to a drink from his childhood.
It took every ounce of control he had to savor the next sip, rather than try and down the whole thing at once for fear of losing it.
He gave the cup a perplexed smile and echoed his earlier statement, tapping a single fingernail against the rim.
"I can taste it."
It was barely a whisper, breathed past disbelieving lips and a twitchy smile.
(( The Fox ))
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The Fox  Tairais • 6 months ago • edited
Malemi listened closely, shaking off a slight shiver.
It had never occurred to him that the other being might not experience things like he did. Being an Ancient, or at the very least equivalent to, he had made the assumption that he actually could turn off his senses if he wanted to. He knew Resham felt things more like impressions, something that conjured an image of cotton and light through glass.
Seeing it now though made him feel excited yet still content. Had any other creature been so vulnerable, he might've scoffed or made his way out of the room. Had an Ancient done so, he certainly would've been more than terrified. But he wasn't. And he was glad for it.
In a thoughtful gesture, he offered Char a cracker.
" Can you taste this too? "
( Jekyll1886 )
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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 6 months ago • edited
"I'm so glad," said Lewis, soft smile complimenting the hint of incipient wonder in his voice.
Malemi offered the cracker.
"Ah, try this, too, if you like," Weir added with an undercurrent of excitement as he placed a slice of cheese atop it.
((Tairais ))
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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
Charricthran kept one hand on his teacup and took the cracker with a little more confidence than before, hesitating for only half a second before he took a bite from it, chewed, and swallowed.
In short order, his eyebrows shot up, his smile brightened to an almost manic grin, and he giggled.
Actually giggled, the sound like the low burble of tar as it broke from his throat without his entirely meaning to, causing him to startle.
In short order after that, he flushed across his cheeks and the tops of his ears, covered his mouth with his hand, and proceeded to keep giggling with a furious sort of small joy that was entirely disproportionate to the strong, slightly sweet taste of cheese in his mouth.
(( The Fox -- Congrats, you and 86 caused a doodle :P )) 
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The Fox  Tairais • 6 months ago
( :DDDD! He looks so cute giggling! Ahh! Look at that boi!! MWUAH! *pats!* AHHhhHHH )
Malemi smiled wide, Char's joy catching on and tickling him too. He too found himself giggling, and when he tried to lap at his tea, his whiskers brushed up against the china and spooked him.
Surprised, he sat up with a sudden sneeze and shake.
( Jekyll1886 )
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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 6 months ago
Lewis couldn't help but laugh himself.
"That good, eh?" he quipped with a broad smile and a faint blush.
When Malemi sneezed, Weir guffawed so hard he shut his eyes, giving rise to crow's feet at their outer corners.
((Tairais ))
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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago • edited
(( Char appreciates the pats and denies that he is cute XD ))
His giggling quickly fell into a half-gasping, almost hiccuping thing, such was the force of both his mirth and the utter absurdity of the situation he'd found himself in.
Had anyone told him that he'd find himself tasting new food amongst the company of new friends after losing what had been the most important people in his life at any point in the fifty thousand and more years after his Fall, he would've laughed in their face. After punching it, naturally--never in his wildest dreams had he ever hope of something this simple, yet so utterly...
Cherished. It was the best word he could think of for it.
Despite the fact his whole body was shaking with laughter and his eyes were simply crinkled lines against the amusement, he managed to ask, "All right, now?" after giving an enthusiastic nod in Lewis' direction.
(( The Fox ))
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The Fox  Tairais • 6 months ago • edited
" Now we find something else to try! "
With a kittenish trill, Malemi darted off to the cupboards and threw them open. Diving in, he pooled into them and sniffed about, leaving only his tail to curl and twitch busily. He popped back out with a bright Mrr!
He came back with the treat in mind, licking his whiskers as he looked at it.
Sausage!
( Jekyll1886)
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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 6 months ago • edited
Anniceris, who'd been lying down in the hopes of getting cheese, now sat on the floor before Malemi and intently looked up at the sausage.
"Ah, grand! That'd go well with the cheese, too," enthused Lewis. "Hell, I could even make an egg-in-a-basket or three, if we wanted to have breakfast for dinner here," he offered.
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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
It took Charricthran a great deal of effort to not start laughing at Anniceris's hopeful look, and there was no controlling the grin still half-hidden behind his hand.
"I'd no' wanna eat the two o' ya outta house and home on a lark now. Tha' said, I'd be lyin' if I wasn't interested--dunno what any o' this tastes like."
A pause.
"Come ta think, I don' believe my lot ever ate eggs for one reason or another."
For all his joviality, Charricthran could feel fear chasing and skating at the edge of his mind. There was no telling how long this state or semi-wholeness would last, and it would be just as painful to lose it in the next five minutes as it would after five weeks, months, or even years.
For different reasons, mind, but for all that he wanted to chase after this gift that Wer'Vemud had given him, he was still... tired. Had still lost recently, and could still feel the hollow ache of it in his bones.
...
Screw it, came the thought of moment later, I'm tired of being weary. I'll deal with the loss if an' when it happens, an' I'll bloody well enjoy it in the meantime!
What light had dimmed in his eyes glittered bright sparks as he chuckled again, less harsh than he usually cawed.
"Guess what I'm trying to say is, if you're offerin', sure! Why not?"
(( The Fox ))
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The Fox  Tairais • 6 months ago
( So I got so caught up with Callum and Co that I completely forgot to reply to this one! XDDDDX For shame Fox! You know that sausage can't sit out for too long! )
With his claw, he cut a rough bit of sausage from the link and dangled it over Anniceris's head. He twirled it round to get the dog to circle for him.
When Lewis offered to make eggs, Malemi chirped enthusiastically, the snack dropped in his sudden hunger.
" Yes! Let's~!
Eggs for dinner! "
Malemi slide off the table and fetched the eggs, taking from their carton with points of his claws. Holding them close, he brought them to the counter put them on an extra dish he'd put out.
His hackles wiggled with anticipation, tail curling from side to side.
( Jekyll1886 heads up! Also thank you Tai for popping into my notifications and reminding me to respond! XDD )
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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 6 months ago
Anniceris snapped up the dropped hunk of sausage, then, when he'd finished, looked first to Malemi, then to Lewis, for more.
Weir'd watched the dimming and rekindling of the light in Charricthran's eyes with a touch of concern followed by gladness.
"Will do," Lewis said with a nod and a smile.
As he got up, he noticed Anniceris.
"Oh, fine, here you are," Weir relented with a chortle as he tore off another chunk of sausage and gave it to the corgi.
This done, he continued to the counter and the stove and set about making breakfast for dinner.
When he'd finished, he set their plates and silverware before them and gave Anni the rest of the torn sausage.
"Bon appétit."
((Tairais ))
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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
(( Let it be known that I, as Tai, would kill for Malemi. Charricthran would also kill for Malemi. Charricthran and Tai would also kill for Lewis. Nerds, both of em! Love em! Also Fox, I have no idea what I did to pop up in your inbox, but you're welcome! XD ))
Charricthran watched Lewis cook with softly fascinated smile as he propped his cheek on his hand. Much like with Richard, he found it amazing anyone could cook without setting everything on fire, like he seemed to do with everything except baked ziti and snickerdoodle cookies.
He managed to shake himself from his reverie moments before Lewis put the dishes before him, fascination upturning into gratitude.
"Vinxa, Weirmrith. Looks delicious!"
As one might've expected, he paused with a forkful of food just shy of his mouth and held it there for some odd interval. This time, however, it was to savor the scent of the food as much as it was that still-lingering tension not unlike bracing for a slap to the face.
He took the bite and stifled a very satisfied sound as best he could, each new flavor one he'd no memory to bring to surface. It was such an odd thing, texture over teeth that wasn't simply just remembering how things should feel- how would he have possibly known what any of this felt like after so, so many years?
He took quite a bit of time to eat, a disbelieving and awestruck smile on his face the entire time.
(( The Fox ))
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Jekyll1886  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago
((Tairais ))
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Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago
((#HugHenry1886!))
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Irina Leví  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago
((7th))
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Setae  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago
Sixth. He needs it.
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Pyrogue  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago
(( Fifth! :D ))
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RBDECEPTICON17  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago
(Fourth! I may be more of a Hyde fan, but that didn't stop me from wanting to hug the poor dingus that is Henry. :3)
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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago
(( Seconded! I will admit to quietly going "Oh nooooo" and resisting the urge to hug my computer screen... ))
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MillieGriffin  Tairais • 7 months ago • edited
((Third! And Jasper truly is a good boy!))
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