jigokulogs | Open: August Catch All

Entry tags:

mahoutsukai no yakusoku: nero turner

Open: August Catch All

Who ⬤ Nero and various
What ⬤ Open starters
When ⬤ August
Where ⬤ Various
Content Warnings ⬤ Currently none

I. Restaurant hunting | Edges of Tamamo territory

[Or maybe more accurately, he's looking at several of the buildings in the area. He's not quite ready to buy or rent property and start a shop, but it's good to know what's around the Tamamo area. He's avoiding places that are extremely expensive and spending more time around the corners of the district, bordering between the other faction areas.

He has a notebook out and writing up notes about the areas, even if it's not about specific buildings.]

II. Mr. Libido | Tamamo

[Sometimes you end up with leadership positions you weren't really looking for! Here he is with his one star and one star responsibilities and he's staring down this man dancing in front of a restaurant.]

If you ain't gonna leave, I'll make you.

[Which is a weird threat from somebody who's wielding a butter knife, a fork and a spoon. The threat remains.]

III. Who says no to free food?

A | Your apartment

[Has Nero said he was going to cook for you?

If he said he was going to cook for you, he's shown up at your door with a grocery bag of ingredients and the intent to cook. You wouldn't turn him away would you? ]

You're not busy, right?

B | Tamamo Apartments
[If he hasn't specifically told you he was going to cook for you, he's still living in the starter Tamamo apartments for now. Figuring he has to do something for his fellow Tamamos, he's left his door open and is inviting people in to grab a meal in the morning. There's a full spread of warm scrambled eggs, freshly baked bread, sausage and bacon and several pitchers of juices. There are also some bowls of fresh fruit, if you'd rather have that.

No milk, no matter where you look.]

You should eat somethin' in the morning.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Nero arrives at the "cafe" Aster mentioned at the moment he was told to, not a moment too late. Noon is a reasonable time for anybody, though it does mean the streets are busy with everybody who's trying to get a bite to eat before work once again claims them.

He always thought the afterlife would be less busy. Turns out that's not how it goes.

Nero didn't give a single description of himself on that thread, but when he spots Aster, he raises a hand in greeting.]

Hey.

[Honestly, Aster figured that it was probably best to head out as soon as he woke up and got himself looking presentable. ...Mostly because, after working at the club and then doing a little 'dating' after, there's not actually all that much time left for sleep. Does he need it? No. Is he still going to insist on beauty sleep and whatever skincare they might offer at Donki?

Yes!

Anyway, that just means that he's been sitting at the cafe, a nondescript place that almost seems too normal to be here, sipping at a mineral water until his date shows up. And they'll make themselves known, he assumes, since he already made who he was very clear. So he turns in his chair every time he hears someone call out, and this time, it's right on the money!

And a cutie, too...Lucky day, lucky day...] Hi~ Anonymous, I knew you'd be cute face-to-face ♡ Kind people always are, huhu~

[Then he gestures at the empty seat opposite, face crinkling up with the force of his smile.] If you want to sit first and talk some more, we can! Ooooooor...We can get to business, or go get your sugary reward. There are options~

[Eh, he doesn't know about all kind people being cute, but he doesn't make any move to correct him. It's fine, you know? It doesn't bother him at all.]

Either one's good for me. You need to eat, yeah? As long as you're not starvin' we can chat some.

[He takes the seat across from him, since he doesn't feel like he's in any rush.]

I'm Nero. We're both in Tamamo so I figured I should help you out, y'know? [Not just anybody can take his blood, but since he got a promotion, it only seems reasonable to help his fellow factionmates.]

And he's easygoing, too~ What a man!

[Once Nero's seated, Aster props his chin up on both hands, elbows on the table, and leans in a little bit as though he's looking at the most fascinating man in the world. Might as well be, really.] Nero ☆ I'm Aster, and I'm really happy that all the higher ranks seem to be so nice...I just hope that I get to return the favour once I have something worth returning it with~

Oh-- hang on! This is for you. Supplies, for once we're done. Just so that if I forget or you have to rush off, then you still have something to tide you over~

[He bends down, one hand up in the air as if halting the conversation is physically possible, and brings a plastic bag up to thunk on the tabletop.] Green and blue drinks, just as promised, and a rollcake from the store just in case the nice bakery is closed.

[Only got a higher rank recently, but word sure gets out fast. He supposes he should've expected this to happen. People talk and it's not like it's much of a secret. Though he does prefer having his own secrets.

Nero nods slightly, casually sitting back and observing Aster. He's cute and hospitable, he can see why people would request him.]

Thanks for thinkin' of me. They should be open today, they take Sundays off. I should be able to pay for anythin' extra if you want a pastry too.

[Oh good! That reaction means it's indeed the right Nero; look, it could be a common name around here, Aster doesn't fucking know! But if he can make a good impression on every higher-ranked Tamamo he can manage, well. Never a bad thing.

However.

This includes Not Allowing Nero To Buy His Chocolate Croissant. In fact, Aster looks horrified for a moment at the suggestion, before suddenly standing up and leaning over even more, brows furrowed and stare intense.]

You're not going to buy any sweets today, senpai~ [Blame Moosh for teaching him that fucking word.] I promised I'd spoil you, and that includes taking care of myself! You'll be working hard enough with what you're giving me.

...If I didn't just scare you off, huh~ [The switch clicks off, and he sits back down with a sheepish giggle.] But I couldn't stomach it if you went and did that for me, when you're helping me out so much...What good would I be if I couldn't help you out in return?

[What is happening today. He's never been scolded for getting his own food before, what.]

... Senpai? [Sure, that's something to hold onto before he addresses everything else that's going on.]

If you insist, I guess. [And Aster seems extremely insistent. He can tell when he's not about to win.]

Edited 2022-08-06 21:36 (UTC)

Didn't I use it right? I was taught it's a good word for a junior to use for his senior ♡ And it's kind of cute, so I like it...

Anyway, anyway~ Thank you for humouring me, Nero! ...I don't know why I sat back down, though. We should probably get going to get you those choco croissants, before the waitresses here realise I haven't had anything other than iced water.

[...Back up. This time, however, he neatly slides his chair in and holds a hand out to Nero, eyes shining and one boot heel tapping impatiently. Look, he can sniff a wisp of magical potential on this one; that's always exciting, even if the potential's just bubbling away without an outlet. Just like Master, that way (and sadly, there is no escaping the magic sensors of a Familiar when it comes to food)! But the hoops of nicety must be leapt through all the same.]

I have no idea. It's not a word we have back home. Sounds... right? How long've you been here?

[He chuckles to himself and takes Aster's hand, getting up and ready to go. While Nero won't offer the way he's magical to Aster, if he knows, it's easy enough to tell. It's not like he has any way to hide his scent. The most he could do is lie poorly.]

Let's get goin'.

Well, now I've just taught you something I learned from here, too! Miss Musashi taught it to me, though, so maybe check with her if you're worried about using it wrong. But I haven't learned much else...It's been maybe--

[He frowns vaguely for a moment, even as Nero takes his hand, but the frown wicks away when his gaze falls to their hands. Sorry buddy, fingers entwined. None of that pussy shit.]

Maybe a month! So it's not the longest I've gone without the freshest blood, but I'm still kind of useless on my own...

How about you? You must've been here for a little longer if you're already making moves in the clan ☆ [They can talk and walk, especially when it's not that far. And Aster's Not Fucking Dawdling, either; sweets are always a great reason to hustle, as far as he's concerned.]

[ He doesn't mind holding hands like this. It's not his usual, but some people are much more affectionate than others. Considering what they're walking off to go, this is fairly reasonable. ]

I've only been around for a month too. I dunno, I guess I was... Doing a lot this last month. Appreciated I went to the training.

[Sometimes you're both newbies.]

[record scratch. what the fuck. he's been grinding his ass off and he got beat to the punch? Sorry you're played by a slow bitch, little man.]

[It's just the barest flicker of dark, seething, venomous jealousy, and then the saccharine smile slips back in place. He knows it's probably more than enough to be noticed, however, so Aster frees one hand and flaps it in front of his face, suddenly feigning embarrassment.]

You were a busy bee, huh? I'm jealous, I'm jealous! Maybe I've been focusing on the wrong things, that's all...I'll do my best to catch up to you, okay? Because I want to be able to help people too, like you're helping me ♡

[Nero watches this with the calm of a guy who's used to some extremely volatile people existing around his life for years... maybe that's somewhat worrying. There's really nothing he can actually do about it now.]

You really wanna get all those extra responsibilities? You'll get there.

Mm...More like I'm used to having them, and the benefits that come with them. Not having that weight makes me feel like I'm about to float away, and not in the fun, freeing fashion~

[The sheepishness dips more genuine, and he squeezes Nero's hand a little tighter in apology.

Thankfully, the nails don't bite harder than they should, and in this state, Aster's aware of how he's really no threat to anyone right now anyway.] Sorry! It's been ages and ages since I wasn't able to run a whole kingdom with a few words to the right person. That was kind of ugly all the same, wasn't it? I hope you don't think worse of me for being so jealous ☆ At least I know that, if I work just as hard as you have, I'll do it. Right?

[Nero has been a second in command once, and it was the most stressful part of his life. He liked his life much better when he was living a quiet one as a chef in a town, easily over looked.]

It's alright. [It doesn't really bother him any worse than the entire situation he's been put in.]

You'll get there, I feel like they're keepin' pretty careful tabs on what we're up to.

Thank you for your understanding, senpai~ And-- listen, if you really do want any help with responsibilities or paperwork, any of that boring shit...You can call on me, okay? It's my forte, navigating that sort of thing, and as fun as work is...

I don't know. I miss grinding my teeth into dust over endless forms, or people demanding this or that. The power bit'll come in time, but taking away all the busywork just like that's been a culture shock for me!

[...Surprisingly genuine. For twenty years at least, his days were spent hyperfixating on noblemen demanding this or that, jockeying for power and attention through him, loans, trade expeditions, the lot. Now he has barely anything in comparison, to keep the ache of true loneliness from his bones.

But anyway that's enough deep shit they're finally at Destination #1!] --aaaaahhh, smell that~ I'm starving, I'm starving ♡♡ Come on! I'm not letting anyone get in line before we do!

[Some people are really into this whole responsibility thing. Damn, he kind of wishes he could've shoved his climbing off onto Aster, he seems to actually enjoy it. Feels a little wasted on somebody like Nero, who prefers to blend far into the background and be considered as nothing more as "Just some guy".]

Thanks for the offer. I'll keep you in mind.

[So far it's been more of the business operations of the palace and the kitchens, and those are things he knows. Nero chuckles to himself and slips straight into the store. It's not too crowded, but that's because the shop is efficient and delicious.]

[It's a blessing that the shop, for all the popularity it clearly has, is also alarmingly efficient with customer service; Nero thus gets spared from Aster holding on even tighter to him, so duly distracted by the fast-moving queue and display cases is he.

Not that there's any doubt about what he's buying today, but. For future reference.]

Until you need to call on me...I can just be your-- [A beat.] ...If I just buy pastries for you, instead of spoiling you, would that make me a pastry papa instead of a sugar daddy?

Anyway, that! For chocolate croissants ♡ --Three of them!

[The pastry cases are full at this point of the day, with a new tray of fresh baked goods getting put out as they seemed to be going low. Fruit tarts, chocolate croissants, macaroons, delicate sugar spun into intricate designs. It's a feast for the eyes and the stomach.

There's a slight quirk of his smile.] There's a name for that? [Weird. Aster also doesn't look older than him, but who knows, right?

Service with a smile, friendly and professional. They hope he'll come again soon!]

[A Pastry Papa can be centuries younger than his beignet baby, okay!!! it's totally fine!!!!!

Oh god though the fresh stuff...Aster's stomach audibly rumbles as his attention's firmly yanked away from Nero; there's no shame, though. This is all about eating today, after all, so he shells out duly and even gives the polite counter staff a little curtsey as he scoops his haul up. The line must keep moving, of course, so back out they shuffle.

...He will not poke his head into the bag like a fucking barbarian in front of Nero he will not he will not]

I'm nothing if not an innovator-- or an opportunist, anyway ♡ Which you could probably already guess to a degree, but I'm not hiding who I am, either! Huhu~

Aaaanyway, these are still warm...I should get you sequestered away so we can feast already. Or I'll die! And you'll have to carry my beautiful corpse around, weeping for the loss.

[Totally fine if that's what you're into! Nero would probably end up laughing if anybody called him a baby, but also wouldn't explain why. What a silly thing to keep secret.

He doesn't have to be a gremlin, but Nero's eying the bag like he's considering eating on their way over. They're so fresh... this is the best they're going to be... Why should they wait until they're not perfect anymore.]

I'm sure we'd throw a lovely funeral, but let's not get to that point. Lead the way.

[That's called motivation, buddy. Walk faster so the croissants are still kinda warm and gooey when they get in the room...

Aster might be the baby in numbers alone, here, but it's a game he's refined, the carrot and stick. So he just smiles wider when he notices how Nero's eying the bag, hooks their arms back together (when had they disentangled? how very rude of him), and tugs gently.

The pace he sets, however, is a brisk little trot. Imperfection will not be tolerated.]

Just make sure that you tell everyone I had perfect legs in life, and I'd be happy~ Hey, senpai...Have you ever been to a place like this before? A...Hm...

[Faux thought. His feet don't falter.] ...Love Hotel! The beds are super cushy, and the lighting's really nice and soft...It reminds me of my Master's chambers, the rooms at the one we're going to! Just like home ☆

Haven't gone before.

[He has definitely slept with somebody, but that was a stardust induced haze. At least he didn't regret that one in the morning.

This is a perfectly sober decision on his part, helping his underclassman(?) out.]

You have a place like that back home? [He does seem at ease in a place like this.]

That's fair, that's fair~ I've only been to one once so far, but it's way nicer than you'd think a place like this would be! They really take pride in their rooms...

Naturally, I wouldn't take you somewhere trashy ♡

[More like he wouldn't fuck in a trashy, scummy place, but Nero can benefit from Aster's standards all the same, right?] And there are probably places like that, but as much as I'd love to extend my business dealings to an industry that's constant like that...

I do have to keep up a reputation at home ☆ Here, however, my reputation's already far different, so I can work with different things. Don't you think? And it helps if you don't want to bring someone back to your place, because it's embarrassingly empty and all...

[Thankfully, the love hotel they're headed for (now dead ahead) is a plain-looking thing, sturdy and unassuming. For all that it matters with discretion around here, at least they've tried?]

Closed Starter | Aster

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1/2 sorry to this man

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