Inbox for duplicity

[chopoffyourhead]

Username: rosehearts

Comments

[perfectly_average]

[He lets out a slow breath and pulls out his device. After some scrolling, he pulls up this post.]

This person explains it better than I could. Here.

[Jamil moves to sit next to Riddle, holding his device for him to see it. And... maybe lets their arms touch as a subtle attempt at comforting.]

[chopoffyourhead]

[Riddle reaches out for the device, hand lightly brushing but only taking it if Jamil indicates he'll let him. His brow draws together as he reads it, muscles wound tight.

When he gets to the end of it, he sits back heavily in his chair, staring at the table, letting out small, quick breaths.

He swallows, and, quietly:]

What the hell is this mad land?

[perfectly_average]

[Ah...

Jamil considers for a moment, and then he reaches out to very lightly rest a hand on Riddle's head.]

Breathe with me?

[He very pointedly takes slow, deep breaths.]

[chopoffyourhead]

[There's a blink when his head is touched, and he looks up to Jamil.

Breathing.. Right. He hadn't even noticed.

He gives a slightly jerky nod and forces himself to slow his breathing, closing his eyes.

After several rounds, he opens his eyes, gratitude in them as he looks at Jamil.]

Thank you. And... sorry about that.

[perfectly_average]

[Jamil just shakes his head.]

No apology needed. I understand completely. But... all we can do is prepare ourselves mentally. I intend to try keeping myself locked inside my room, but I'm not sure how well that will work.

For now, all I can promise is that I'll do my best to help look out for you, as long as I'm in a position to.

1/2

[chopoffyourhead]

[He draws his brow together, giving a solemn nod to Jamil's advice and words.

The words that follow have him relaxing a great deal, and he smiles at Jamil.]

Thank you. The same goes for you, as well.

[He doesn't want to keep this muffin waiting too long, so he'll take a bite of it...]

2/2

[chopoffyourhead]

[... oh. A sound very nearly slips out of his throat.

Damn.]

[perfectly_average]

[Jamil starts to eat while Riddle does, though there's a blink at that... reaction. He looks over, blinking a couple more times.]

Is... something wrong?

[chopoffyourhead]

[hold on give him a moment to savor this bite...

He takes a handkerchief out to clean his mouth really quick, then looks at Jamil.]

Just the opposite. I had no idea you were so skilled at baking.

[perfectly_average]

[Oh... His cheeks feel a touch warmer but he shrugs.]

I've had lots of practice.

[He's attempting to brush that off, but it's obvious he's glad Riddle likes it so much.]

The place I was before here—I worked in the kitchen. Then, even before that, I functioned as Kalim's personal chef.

[chopoffyourhead]

It shows.

[The practicing, of course. He nods in response.]

I see. Is cooking a passion of yours?

[Omnom while Jamil responds to that.]

[perfectly_average]

I didn't find it very exciting, back home, but... there's this older woman I worked with, back on the Barge. She was always so excited to learn new recipes from me, and before I knew it, I was looking forward to teaching her.

She taught me a lot as well.

[Jamil's voice has never sounded so... soft, before now.]

Her name's Trixie.

[chopoffyourhead]

[He listens, gaze softening as it does. He pulls out a handkerchief to dab at his mouth, then lowers his hand.]

She sounds like an amazing person.

[Their lives really were uncertain now, weren't they? There was really no guarantee that they'd ever see the others again, and it makes his stomach clench.]

Do you have... plans, here? Longer-term plans?

[Even if there's no guarantee they'll stay, there's no guarantee they'll go either. Regardless of what they want, this is their reality now... their new home.]

[perfectly_average]

[He smiles softly and nods. Then, to the questions, he tilts his head, considering.]

I intend to open my own business, and I'd like to see if the twins will help with it - given the nature of the business.

[Because there's no ocean... he'd like to make a place that can function as the next best thing.]

First, I'll be buying either a house or a duplex. Once we've settled into there, I'll be looking into setting up the business. After that, I'll be focused entirely on keeping the business running. No more juggling two jobs.

[chopoffyourhead]

[There's a nod as he listens, eyes focused on Jamil.]

What kind of business?

[And then, there's a small noise of awe.]

You're buying a house, and then starting up a business? That's a lot of expenditure— and on top of already helping to care for two Submissives...

What's your other job?

[perfectly_average]

A lounge for merfolk and those wishing to explore that lifestyle. There will be transformation potions, with the cost determined by the length of time desired. There will be food, drinks, and a place provided for overnight stays.

[For sex, though he won't say that out loud—to spare Riddle somewhat.]

The housing will be done in advance, and the business part may come with some help. There have been some offers made to assist me with it, and then there's the fact that Floyd and Jade are both working, as well.

[As for his other job...]

I work day shifts at an apothecary. To be honest, I've enjoyed it a lot more than I expected... but perhaps that had to do with how much I was missing classes.

[chopoffyourhead]

[Riddle gives a little intrigued style.]

Fascinating. Do you have any idea on pricing yet?

[Just for no particular reason!

To the next parts, he nods and makes some hums of acknowledgment.]

You certainly have a full schedule. An apothecary, hm? Maybe I'll stop by, sometime.

[perfectly_average]

[Jamil shakes his head.]

But it'll be as reasonable as I can manage, while leaving room for discount opportunities. For instance, I'm considering implementing a rewards program.

[He smiles at the last part, nodding.]

I'll be happy to show you around, if you find the time. We offer quite the variety.

[chopoffyourhead]

I see.

[He has no doubt Jamil will keep the difficulties of Subordinates in mind as he figures out pricing.]

Do you? [He gives a thoughtful pause.] I admit, for all my knowledge in medicine, it's not something I've been exposed to firsthand, much.

[Naturally, eating healthy and maintaining a strict exercise regimen was considered the priority. Thankfully, that's led to a fairly robust immune system and overall good health.]

[perfectly_average]

[Jamil chuckles.]

I'll admit, I wasn't sure I'd fit in there, despite my experience with alchemy and magic. But, thanks to those I work with, I was able to quickly catch on.

[He doesn't want to go into how and why he already had loads of experience with medicine...]

[chopoffyourhead]

[A smile.]

That's good. It sounds like you've found great people to work with.

[There's a brief pause from Riddle as he finishes his muffin. After cleaning his mouth, he takes a deep breath, closing his eyes.]

... I didn't fully understand the shock of being displaced until arriving here. It's an especially harsh experience.

[He looks to Jamil for a few moments.]

I know we still don't know each other very well. Still... I would like you to know if you ever need me to lend an ear or a shoulder for anything at all, I'd be happy to do so.