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Post by Avaline Ophilia on Aug 29, 2016 23:23:55 GMT -7
Avaline had parted with her new boyfriend with a nod and a final smile. She’d turned and began pacing down the hall, taking slow and even steps, until she heard the classroom door close behind her. Her skirt found itself once again in the tight grasps of her fists. Her face felt hot like she was running a fever. She needed to call her driver, she reminded herself, making the first concise thought since she’d said her farewells. He’d be nearby, but he always needed a couple minutes’ warning to pull up in front of the school. She drew her iphone from her previously empty pocket. While she passed on her request to the driver, she did not notice her pace quicken or her footfalls grow heavier. Her mary janes clicked off the linoleum and echoed in the near empty hallways. The man at the front desk raised his head as she came speed-walking-stomping into the front lobby of the school, even sending an “is everything alright?” her way. She paid him no mind. She’d give her explanation to her sudden departure from the school grounds later, when her mind was functioning as it should be again. She pushed open and stepped through the front doors. Her iphone went back into her pocket and vanished, to be replaced with a cheap plastic flip phone. She had a second call she needed to make. Avaline dialed his number while she paced down the walkway leading to the parking lot. She brought the phone to her ear, listening for the moment he picked up. She did not wait for a greeting; he would already know it was her calling and other matters were much more pressing than pleasantries. The instant the line came through, she spoke hurriedly and quietly into it. Not that there was anyone around in the empty front of the school grounds to overhear. “Toko. I have entered a romantic relationship and am unsure of what to do.” Nor was she sure of what to ask, even though she had called for his help. She had many questions; many, many questions, and no clear idea of where to begin. She knew she wanted help, but with what exactly, that was a question in its own right. Toko |
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The Keepers
Posts 47
Power Level 21
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Post by Toko on Aug 30, 2016 1:02:40 GMT -7
Toko had been inside one of his favored workshops, his suit's outer layer laid on a nearby chair while a pair of glasses rested on his face. He didn't need them for prescription reasons, a few enchantments in the lenses allowed him to see the flow of his power a bit better and make sure none of his items were ever overloaded. In the corner a gramophone rested filling the room with Etude Opus. And at the moment his current item of interest was a robber's heart that he had been slowly stitching back together, to see how much energy he could flood it's system without repercussions. Of course he had to put the procedure on the hold the moment he heard a vibrating noise from the nearby table, which of course could only be one client. With a quick snip and tug, the heart was left in a stable state so that he could return after his call and quickly cleaned his hands of some minor bloodstains along with a snap of his fingers to cause the musical device's needle to slowly rise, before retrieving the cheap plastic and answering. He gave her a moment, she was the client and allowed to decide the pace as well give him the purpose for this call. It took some effort not to let out a chuckle when she gave her reason but settled for what could be considered his warmest smile as he sat down and gave his reply.
"Well my Alchemista, that depends on a great many things. What are your feelings for the individual in question? Would you like to pursue this relationship further or stop it? Is this for pleasure or business? Do you understand the risks of if they found out your hidden life style? Do you believe they would accept them?"
He knew she would be slightly overwhelmed, she was young and used to dealing with people such as himself. Business business and more business. She was not obviously not used to people around her age, and the social situations that came with them. He needed to lay these questions out for her. This was chaos for her, and she needed some semblance of order, hopefully focusing and answering a few of these questions would help her.
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Post by Avaline Ophilia on Aug 30, 2016 17:15:40 GMT -7
Avaline walked until she came to stand at the edge of the pavement. She watched the roads while she carefully logged away each of Toko’s questions. She did not expect this to be simple, but the sheer number he was only beginning with was bewildering. At least they were something solid to focus on.
“I like him. I would not have agreed if I did not. I do not wish to stop the relationship - it has only been in existence for,” she paused to check the time on the phone, “approximately six minutes. I do not know what pursuing the relationship further entails. I do not fully know what being in a relationship means, let alone how one might chase one. Pleasure?” She said the word weakly, like she was unsure what it meant but was opting for it to be her answer anyway. She nodded to herself. “This is a terrible business decision so therefore it must be that.”
The black car with tinted windows turned into the school’s parking lot. Avaline paused to let it pull up, popped open one of the side doors, and slid into the back seat. She had only tell the driver the name of the cafe she wished to visit and they were off.
One she was settled, she picked up again in the same serious tone. “He is also a super. I would not date an unpowered. I have trusted him with both of my names, so he is fully aware of who I am and my ‘hidden lifestyle’.”
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The Keepers
Posts 47
Power Level 21
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Post by Toko on Aug 30, 2016 19:07:19 GMT -7
Toko was ninety percent certain his favored client could see him nodding in response to each of her questions before he rose from his seat and went to one end of the room that resembled a kitchen more than a laboratory, which he was going to use to make something to drink as it appeared this conversation may take a while. Filling a kettle with a bit of water gave Toko a bit of time to file away each, most of them he could've assumed or guessed but he could tell she was at least calming down slightly from the list. It gave her a situation where she knew most of the things instead of nothing at all, that was one of her reasonable fears. Placing the kettle on a lit flame, he returned to his seat before replying.
"Well my dear, it appears that this at least isn't like typical teenage romances, which I did not expect from someone such as yourselves but worried about nonetheless, but instead appears to be at least somewhat good for you. To answer one of your inquiries, pursuing this would mean giving this young man a bit more of your trust and info about yourself, in exchange you will receive equal or perhaps greater amounts, this is impossible for me to a 100% predict considering I do not know the individual we speak of. Anyways if you would like to know how to 'chase' this opportunity, merely be yourself but be at least a little open to suggestions. Don't completely lose or change yourself but also do not completely shut him out, otherwise the relationship will very easily come to stand still and soon fall apart."
He gave her a few moments to process what his speech entailed before heading around his room to check various items, the heart was beating slightly with very little blood loss, the animals were quiet and still smelled at least somewhat alive, and currently three beakers filled with unknown mixtures were fermenting. Everything was in order for him while he went to his water a moment before it whistled and began to pour himself a teacup of hot green tea.
"Are there perhaps any other uncertainties you feel about this Alchemista? If there are, do not fear them as not knowing is part of the experience of a true relationship."
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Post by Avaline Ophilia on Aug 31, 2016 0:23:07 GMT -7
Avaline nodded. That seemed simple enough, giving Geata more information about herself and her trust. She’d done a fair bit of that already; if that was all it took to ‘pursue a relationship’, it seemed strange that a lot of people seemed to have such difficulty with them. Perhaps she wouldn’t be as bad at this as she initially thought.
“I am speaking of Geata. Do you know him?” Avaline asked. There didn’t seem to be much point in hiding who she was dating from him. “So I should be myself but also not be myself on occasion?” She was not planning on becoming a different person for this, at least, so that first part was easy. “How do I know when is the appropriate time to make changes? Additionally, what sorts of changes should I expect? Along the lines of what I changed when I learned proper etiquette?” She wondered if there was a dating etiquette she was supposed to know. That would certainly make things easier, having a set of rules that would make interactions go smoothly should she follow them.
“I have a few fears, yes. I have made a number of enemies in this city and I fear to what lengths they might go to to cause me harm. I believe some of them think it is ‘entertaining’. I have some fear for myself, but mostly I’m afraid I may have made Geata more of a target for them. It’s not that I don’t trust in his strength, but I have been beaten before. Defeat is never impossible. I do not want him to be hurt on my account, and I…” She sighed and switched the phone to her other ear. “Yes. I do not want him to be hurt on my account.”
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The Keepers
Posts 47
Power Level 21
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Post by Toko on Aug 31, 2016 0:53:09 GMT -7
Toko was once again at his seat, but this time with a teacup upon a saucer, a bit of sugar added to sweeten the bitter mix. Blast Kaz and his preference to his country. With a shake of his head, he continued to listen and took a sip of the hot tea, it wasn't deadly like his usual blends at least. Ah Geata, least it wasn't bulwark then he would've for her sanity, but he was sort of known. Toko reached for a pile of books lying on the table and picked a small black book, with a small spark the pages went from blank to full of info about various characters. Flipping through it gave him a bit of insight about his client's current romantic pursuit, he wasn't awful and at the very least appeared to be neutral so that meant he would most likely not worry too much about Azoth's agendas. A meeting may need to be arranged to confirm this. These were all basic issues of relationships, it was nice to know the girl had not completely shut off her emotions, but then the true issue came about. It was most unfortunate that she would have to deal with this, but he could help at the very least. With another sip and light sigh, he answered her.
"Yes I have heard Geata, I have yet to meet him personally but he is a good choice if you don't mind me saying. What I mean by that is do not keep him locked out, open up and allow him a few chances to truly connect with you. I will not lie it may be nerve wracking but you will know, if you appreciate his company you will be able to tell when he feels he's failed and feel some small amount of guilt and want to make him smile again. In terms of changes I cannot exactly tell you what will happen, I have not had much of love life personally, but from I've heard and read the changes may be for the better you should be happier and get to experience life in a new way."
He allowed a brief chuckle at his own answer, it was ridiculous to think he would be discussing something of this nature with Azoth of all people. But he wouldn't deny that it was pleasant to have this small semblance of perhaps normality. Giving his voice a break with one more drink, he continued.
"I will admit that these fears are not unfounded Azoth, trust me from personal experience as people will be hired and perhaps many attempts will be made but I would also like you to keep a few things in mind. IF you have already accepted him like he is, then he most likely will be able to defend himself and he shall have your help as well whatever other allies he may have encountered. I cannot promise Kaz's help but I will also offer my assistance of course, though you will need to help me with restocking my supply for such endeavors. Please also remember that he may have enemies as well, so you two are not in a normal relationship, and though I don't know how strong he is, you chose him so I can assume he is at least acceptable."
Toko glanced up in thought as he spoke, Azoth's wisdom and intelligence was far beyond her years but it made sense for her to lack certain other info or knowledge. Ironically this may make the relationship easier for her, but only time would tell about that.
"To quickly summarize, be yourself but give him a chance and perhaps try new things, trust him but do not do so foolheartedly until you are a 100% about it, and be prepared for whatever life may throw both your ways. Are there any concerns or questions you might alchemista?"
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Post by Avaline Ophilia on Sept 2, 2016 0:33:24 GMT -7
Avaline nodded to Toko’s advice. Even if he didn’t have personal experience to draw upon, the inferences he made were inciteful and useful to her, and she could be sure they were made with her best interests in mind. That he thought Geata was a good choice put some of her mind to ease.
“So I should learn which of his mannerisms are exhibitions of each of his emotions?” She asked. She had become good at reading aristocrats, knowing what they were thinking by the movements of their hands and brows while they tried to keep their poker faces at their best. Geata would not be too different, she assumed.
“I appreciate your offer, Toko. I assure you if I call on your aid, I will pay your work in full. You can tell Kaz the same applies to him should you have a chance to before I can. Though,” she sighed and watched buildings pass outside the window, “it is my hope I will not need to take you up on your offer. If I do, I promise it is only because the situation is too dire for me to handle alone. Please be sure to alert me should you need restocking, regardless. I understand materials are important for your work?”
She let the rest of what he said mull in her mind without immediate comment. The convenience of the cafe, and one of the major reasons for her frequent visits to it during the school year, was its close proximity to Gardner High. The driver turned the last corner and quickly found parking along the mid-day sidewalk. She waited for him to open her door before she, too, stepped out onto the walkway. The driver left her to her destination and she began again unquieted into the phone.
“Yes. This is the first time I have felt this way about a person, but I fear it is not what one might consider ‘love’. I enjoy his company greatly and I find myself to be considerably more comfortable around him, and several of my interactions with him have led me to trust him completely. However, I am not constantly thinking about him, and I do not feel the need to be continuously around him. It will not bother me if he speaks with other females. I worry I am not feeling the standard signs of love.”
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The Keepers
Posts 47
Power Level 21
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Post by Toko on Sept 2, 2016 8:49:34 GMT -7
Toko had to withhold a chuckle at this and settled for taking a long drink before he replied to her first suggestion. Geata, you are in for an interesting time.
"Yes but try not to read him too carefully, most people do not appreciate being scanned as you and I are prone to do. Let him have a chance and perhaps a few secrets, but if you would like to ruffle his feathers, as I believe the saying goes, by occasionally pointing out these traits it might be fun."
Toko had soon finished off his glass and stood up so he could poke around at his lying heart, attempting to see what would reactions he could spark out of the potential curse item.
"As usual please do not hesitate to call, it would truly be a shame for Kaz and I to lose our favorite client. Perhaps you will not need us to protect him, but if you would like retaliation, that is something I'm certain Kaz would be on board for. As always I appreciate the offer, and will inform when I need restocking, I would also like to remind you if you have curse requests or the like, let me know alright?"
This time he let out a chuckle, but it wasn't one out of silliness but comfort. Strange how easily he could get along with Azoth over some of his other, apparently more 'mature' clients. He allowed himself an eye roll before throwing a black spark into the heart that caused it's beating to double in speed. Hm nothing unusual there. When she continued though he could a heaviness lying behind her answer, this would not do she simply did not deserve such worries. He quickly returned to his seat and allowed a sigh while he processed how he'd reply.
"Azoth, though I regret to inform you that I have not experienced the kind of love you are speaking of, having only experienced the love for research and of familia. However I do know that sort of love you speak of is special and not something that happens in a week or month as the movies or books have portrayed it. You should not worry about whether you worry about him being near other females, that means you trust him and know he's reasonable enough not to cheat. You find comfort with the young man and you do not feel distracted by constant thoughts, typically I would associate constant thinking with lust more so than love. What I am attempting to say is that everyone experiences love in their own way, long as you two are truly comfortable and happy, that you should not worry about anything else. Does that make sense?"
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Post by Avaline Ophilia on Sept 8, 2016 2:52:25 GMT -7
Ruffle Geata’s feathers for fun by reading him too closely? But she was still supposed to learn his mannerisms? This was a perfect case to point to why all of this was extraordinarily confusing. She knew most people did not like being scanned - revealing to her clients that she’d been doing just that was a common means of intimidation for her - but it was not her intent to make Geata uncomfortable. Where the line was between reading too closely and not close enough was unclear, and whenever she attempted to ask people where that line lies, the answer always made things more confusing instead of less. Perhaps it would be best to do as well as she could and if she received a strange or negative reaction, she could call Toko again for explanation.
“Of course, I’ll be sure to let you know.” She said in completing his offer, though one word still stuck with her. Retaliation? For if someone harmed Geata and she needed aid in her revenge, is what she assumed he meant. The other reading was unlikely. Her retaliating against Geata would only happen should he betray her first, and he wouldn’t do that, she knew. She quickly dismissed the worry of a distrustful Geata, but that she had considered it a possibility, even for a moment, was on its own concerning. Considering what had happened in the battle with Sin Eater, and what may have happened in their encounter with Anonymous had he continued to use illusions to alter each other's’ perceptions of the other… she needed to rectify this threat. She resolved to find a way to do so tonight.
A smile formed and slowly grew on Avaline’s face as Toko continued, even as she walked into the coffee shop and took her usual table. Second floor, left corner overlooking the busy crossroads below. At first, she wasn’t quite sure what to say. A waiter arrived to fill the silence, and she left him with an order for their good tea and today’s soup.
“Thank you, Toko.” She said softly, when she began again. “I will trust you as you say. I have done no research on this subject and thus have no frames of reference save for those in popular media and novels. The medium is commonly wrong, even about simple matters, but it is often difficult to tell. You have relieved many of my worries.”
The largest indeed, but the whole of this situation made her feel strange. Off. Avaline leaned forward, elbow rested on the table and her cheek in her palm, and her expression dropped to a contemplative frown.
“I suppose that begs another question. Now that I’m here, how do I proceed further? What are my obligations to Geata now that I am in a relationship? Which of my own mannerisms should I change? It is of my understanding that a romantic relationship is a different from a friendship in both how one is supposed to act and in what is required to maintain it.” Not that she had a good grasp on maintaining friendships, but it was still more of a basis than what her knowledge of romantic ones were based off of.
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