jigokulogs | [CLOSED] AUGUST CATCH ALL

Oh! It's called Hemlock. Mister Shylock is the owner. He's an amazing bartender in his own right, and I wish I could be as confident and as cool as him!

[ robin really does look up to shylock. something about him has always... captivated him? how suave and handsome he is, and how he's so good with every person that walks into the bar is kind of amazing. perhaps it's also the fact he's incredibly powerful in more than one way, and being able to understand and use those strengths appropriately make shylock one of robin's personal heroes. ]

And no! Not at all. You see, I like to visit every place once in a while. Mostly for Lady Tenkohime. She trusts me to help out wherever it's needed, though... I guess I don't like every bar or club equally.

[ which is why he stays away from the ones where he knows he won't be able to keep himself safe. ]

There's another bar, called the Foxglove, which is where I first started. I think they're still doing okay, if you'd like to come with me?

Shylock... Shylock... Why does that name sound so familiar...?

[It takes her a moment to realize that they've meet through EMBER at some point, and the man certainly did give her a checkmark, didn't he? Information that she. Decides not to divulge Robin in, considering he looked quite young. Although, she can't help but laugh a bit once it clicks. Certainly not minding the man at all, since he seemed quite kind, and charismatic in his own right.]

Oh! We've met before, through one of the apps. He's that good looking, but super, super, suppperrrr old man, isn't he? I guess that describes a lot of the men here, though...

[She trails off into a soft laugh, before straightening herself out again. It seems like she's into one of Tenkohime's people, which she didn't mind. He seemed kind enough, and there was nothing about him that screamed that he was trouble. In fact, it seemed quite the opposite. That he needed to learn how to defend himself. Something that she'll definitely bring up once they start walking to their next destination.]

Yeah, I'll go with you. Might help to have a little extra protection too, you know?

[She's not about to grab her scythe and swing it around to send a message to those who would want to hurt them, but she figures that having it with her would send the message.]

Speaking of protection, is it really safe for you to be doing these inspections? There are a lot of unruly types around these sort of places. Wouldn't want you getting hurt and all.

Oh, Mister Shylock is super popular! I know you must've seen or heard of him from somewhere. It's almost impossible to not know him.

[ it's true. shylock has established himself as one of the premier tamamo clan members. lady tenkohime favors him. he has an amazing bar. there's a lot to shylock that robin loves and very little that robin finds a little off putting. perhaps his attraction to that weird purple haired man that sits on a couch all day is what makes robin a little... curious, but not so much to ask about him. ]

Super old?! [ robin gasps and covers his mouth. ] Don't let him hear you say that! [ and then he giggles. ] Actually, I don't think he minds... something about his spirit is a lot younger than most would expect.

[ her words do make him pause. that weapon looks pretty dangerous, and robin doesn't rely on his own very often. in fact, he's happy to leave it home or even in the bar itself, but... ]

Protection? [ he looks away for a second, and then nods. ] Sure, probably doesn't hurt! The local crowd usually gets unruly after drinking and not before, but...

[ well. how could he refuse? ]

Would you want payment? I think I have some money on me. Most of it gets put right into making my apartment pretty...

He is super old! But I don't think I should poke fun... I'll eventually be that old someday. Immortality is a weird thing.

[It's honestly something that she never really thought about, until meeting people who were much older than they look, but she doesn't mind. Like Robin said, they were still young at heart, and that's what's important. Although, Robin's reaction does get a chuckle out of her, finding it rather cute and amusing to see such a reaction.

The smile on her face only grows larger he agrees to have a body guard. Both her hands clasping in delight. Her face practically beaming, with a smile forming from ear to ear. The prospects of protecting this cutie pie genuinely making her feel delight.]

Nah, don't worry about monetary payment. If you're pressed, though, we can come up with another way for payment, but I'm fine just doing it for free. My job back home is to protect kids, and well. Other stuff, but really. I'd prefer if you used your money on yourself, and not little ol' me.

[Her fingers absently play with the fabric of her harness that her scythe is attached to. Happily keeping it close to her, as she takes a step forward to offer her free hand toward him. Her usual friendly, and cheerful smile appearing on her lips as she does so.]

I'm Marie, by the way. And you...?

Same!

[ it's true. immortality will make robin forever eighteen but at least he'll get to live longer than that? there are no drawbacks, especially when he doesn't really have any vices. no drinking, no smoking, nothing of that sort. he's cotton candy: very transparent and easy to see through, light and sweet. ]

Huh? You protect kids... so you're like some kind of permanent chaperone or something?

[ he's never heard of a job quite like that. maybe some kind of protection agent/policeperson, but robin's not here to judge. he'd rather have someone keep him safe more than anything else, especially nowadays. ]

Robin Laffite. [ he bows! ] Okay. It's actually right around the corner, so... miss Marie, where are you from?

[You know, while it's normal to be immortal in her own world, she's glad that there's someone that's similar in that regard. That, and the fact that Robin was just so cute -- it would certainly be disappointing if he wasn't immortal. There was something lighthearted and cheerful about his personality, and she liked that.]

Oh, uh. I'm actually a headmistress of a magical academy! It's my job to protect all of my students from harm, but, ah... Sometimes the students fall into a life of crime, and it's my job to retrieve them. After I retrieve them, I... Let's just say, I "terminate" whoever the core problem is.

[A pause.]

It's not their fault they fall into that life though.

[A solemn sigh does leave her, but she perks up in Robin's company. Especially once she's introduced to the cutie.]

It's so nice to meet you, Robin! I feel pretty lucky... Being able to protect a cutie pie like you. You're in good hands, I assure you.

[With that, and finally reaches out and lets her fingers ruffle his strands affectionately. Like what a mother would do to their child, if anything. If only for a short moment, before they continue to walk what little distance is left between them, and the bar.]

Oh! I'm from a world called "Arygian". Nothing too special... Just a place filled with a lot of magic, and corruption.

[She shrugs.]

What about you, kiddo? What kind of world do you come from?

Wow! So you're like a principal?

[ that's the closest thing that he can think a headmistress could be compared to. however, it's the second part of that bit that makes robin blink a few times and then chuckle nervously, as he rubs the back of his neck. ]

Oh that sounds... rough. For both you and your student. I'm sorry that you have to deal with that.

[ he can't really relate. he's still really young in comparison, though he will have plenty of time to learn about things as he grows 'older'. not necessarily looking the part, but.

robin giggles at the feeling of her fingers through his hair. he doesn't brush her off or offer anything more than what could be a sympathetic physical exchange. it's obvious to him that she really does care... ]

My world is normal! Well, there's no obvious magic. Or youkai. It's pretty ordinary!~

Something like that! I used to be all sorts of things before becoming the headmistress, though.

[When she thinks about it, her life is and was particularly interesting. It prompts the same nervous chuckle that Robin gives, and in turn, she rubs the back of her neck rather sheepishly. Quickly realizing that she's unloaded on someone who was quite young, which prompts an apologetic look to quickly appear on her expression.]

It sure is, but it's alright. I just hope that you won't ever have to experience something like that.

[There's just a few more headpats before she pulls her hand away completely to rest at her side.]

Sometimes ordinary isn't a bad thing. But I have to say, I'm surprised! We mentioned immortality, so I'd expect that there would be magic flying around but I guess not! I'm glad things are just... ordinary for you, and nothing more sinister than that.

[Although, now he's here, and that's not ordinary.]

But, since this place isn't ordinary and crawling with danger, I'll be there to protect you.

[Another smile appears on her face, and she stops in place.]

So, what's this first bar like?

[ and his life has just begun, so it's hard for him to really understand a lot of things? somewhat sheltered life in a church, mostly stuck to performing on stages... robin laffite is fortunate to have had the internet during his life, that's for sure! for better or for worse! ]

I don't think so. [ he hums at the headpats. wow, she's really treating him like a kid. he doesn't blame her for it. ] But no, no magic... um. I guess.

[ what would he call his own magic? the vampire's magic? is it actually that or something else? whatever. it's not a big deal; before finding out about the scarlet moon and the visual prison, robin knew nothing about magic so. ]

Oh, the first bar? It's kind of a... what do they call it, a dive? It's pretty small and not a lot of people go to it, yet...

[ robin frowns. ]

... I still need to see what kind of drinks they're serving.

You guess? Well, that's alright! I'm only curious.

[There's a small chuckle at that, but she figures that he really may not have magic in his world. Which was fine, she didn't need to know the details; she was merely curious is all. If he wasn't sure how to describe it, then she wasn't going to fuss.]

Oh! Dive bars are usually fun... And they're usually cheap, too.

[She's about to silently note down this bar, until she notices that frown on his face. Her lips curving into a slight frown as well, peering over at him with a look of concern.]

What's wrong?

Well...

[ the smile does return to his face, but only slightly. it doesn't come from a place of pleasure, that's for sure. it's more thoughtful. contemplative. very much something that robin rarely wore in front of customers. ]

... I heard they're making really similar drinks. Ones that I've created, too! And I guess I just don't like the idea of them stealing a recipe, because then... what if they do something with it that's kind of gross?

[ like lace it with aphrodisiacs or add in booze or something. not that there's anything wrong with those two things, but if they advertised it as something robin made himself, that'd be pretty unsavory. ]

I know it might sound petty, but...

[ well. he worries about his own, shylock's name, and anyone who might get falsely advertised to. ]

[Oh, that smile looks a bit forced on her end, and she can't help but find herself frowning just a bit deeper. Staying quiet for a moment, and letting his words sink in a bit as she begins to contemplate her options here. Quickly beginning to wonder if the Daitengu would be upset if she... Well. Not start a fight, per say, but certainly, she would start something. She certainly didn't find it cool that they were stealing. It didn't sit right with her.]

It's not petty! Let's go take a look see, and we'll deal with it when if they are stealing your recipes.

[She's not itching for a fight, but she did promise that she'd defend Robin from harm, so that's exactly what she was going to do for him.]

Whatever the case, I won't let them hurt you if they try and start something with you. I'm sure the Daitengu won't mind if I give someone an ass beating over something like this. If it comes to that, anyway! We might just need to sternly chat with them, if we're that lucky!

[With that said, she takes a step forward, and reaches her hand out toward Robin's shoulder. Comfortably squeezing it with a smile, to ease up any nerves that he may be feeling, if any.]

Ready to go?

[ well, that certainly makes his shoulders relax. not because she's like, forcing him to chill, but because it's been a long time since he's had someone even close to parental in his life? and whatever she's doing--- consciously or otherwise--- is helping with those little anxieties and nerves that spring up when facing what could be a pretty hostile environment... ]

An ass beating?! [ robin suddenly tenses up again. ] No, no, no. No violence. I just... if they are, then I can just tell them Lady Tenkohime and Mister Shylock would be upset if they continued.

[ surely that'd be enough of a deterrent. right? ]

I don't want you to get into trouble. After all, I should able to do some things myself!

[ let him be the brave bird that he needs to be??? maybe... ]

[Oh dear. Why does that sound so funny coming out of Robin? She has to stifle a laugh, but she does look apologetic at the motion of her. Well. Kicking someone's ass. It was rather tempting, honestly, but when he speaks, she can't help but change her tone a bit. Quickly understanding that Robin wants to resolve this as cleanly as possible, which was understandable!]

Alright, let's do it your way then. However, if they start something...

[She holds back the urge to crack her knuckles. Instead, giving an all too unnerving smile that's clearly threatening. However, it does drop into something much more gentle. Her hand squeezing his shoulder again.]

I got your back, kiddo.

[With that said, as they reach their destination, she reaches her hand toward the door. Tightly squeezing the handle, and opening the door, first. Eyes darting back and forth around the bar, holding back the urge to play with the latch of her scythe. Marie eying the bartender, before trailing her gaze back to Robin, to keep an eye on him while he conducts his business.]

[ ooh, she's kind of intimidating. definitely has a vibe that he rarely felt after leaving his parents. but he was always surrounded by well-intentioned managers and a small group of 'friends'. work friends, not personal friends. not like the kind he has here now.

inside the bar they go. dark, dingy, smells of some kind of herbal smoke--- not necessarily cigarettes. that smell always gave him a headache because he never had to worry about people smoking inside of the churches or the concert halls. but the more gentle aroma of something that he'd find inside of tenkohime's pipe is a lot easier to deal with.

in front of the the bartender, robin sits on a stool and rests his elbows on the bar. he points at his badge and smiles sweetly before having a very quiet conversation--- his lips are barely moving as he whispers what he needs to say.

the man behind the bar? his expression changes rapidly: surprise, shock, anger, fear, and then back to anger.

this is when his voice rises. ]

P-please, I'm just asking not to steal my drink ideas! It's not like I make a ton of them a day and youkai are starting to ask, and...

[ he's almost at the point of squeaking. ]

[While Robin opts to sit down, she stands ever ready behind him. Eyes constantly darting around the dark area, to ensure that the patrons, and other workers in the bar don't disturb Robin. Ever watchful, before her eyes dart back to what's in front of her. The bartender becoming angry, which sets off everything inside of her to protect this kid.

She's seen this look before, and it's one that she absolutely despises. However, instead of drawing her scythe, as she normally would in these circumstances, she physically reaches out for the bartender, and clenches her fist into the fabric of his clothes. The woman strong enough that she's able to physically lift up the bartender from the floor.

If he had been holding anything, it was on the floor now. Marie hovering over the bartender, to make her point very, very clear.]

He's asking you nicely. Now, out of the kindness of your heart, you're gonna listen to him, and stop stealing other people's ideas. You don't want it getting out to the higher ups that you're stealing an important person's ideas, right?

[Her tone is very, very sharp, but also very calm. It could absolutely cut through the tension in the air right now, but at least she's managed to make the bartender look frightened enough.]

[ wow, did the air just freeze up around robin or is it just him? obviously it's not--- the bartender is also incredibly still and quiet, taking a moment to gulp down some air before letting out a tense sigh. yes, the youkai behind the counter could easily just tell them both they can't do anything about it and leave, but...

instead? he relents, raising both hands up, muttering something along the lines of "I'll just make my own" and "I won't serve these any more".

especially when he's being held up off the ground. ]

... I... yeah. Just please don't, okay? I don't want anyone to get hurt.

[ whether it's from marie, tenkohime, or another party that he's not aware of.

he raises a hand to gently touch marie's wrist. ]

Okay. I think he gets it.

[Oh that silence is nice to her, and it makes her realize that her point came across just fine. Still, she hangs onto the bartender's collar for just a bit longer, before finally letting go at Robin's request. Marie giving the bartender a very harsh, cold stare. A quiet message.

If you don't change your ways and I hear about it, I'll come back and find you and deal with you personally.

But, with that, she finally pulls back. Cold stare being broken almost immediately, and changed to a much more friendly, and happy smile. It's fake, for the bartender, but it turns genuine when her gaze changes to Robin. Her hand reaching out toward his head, and patting it softly again.]

Does that conclude your business at this bar, then? I hope this is the only place that's giving you a hard time.

[ he's more than happy to hop off the stool, turn away immediately, and not give this bar or its bartender any more of his time. he really can't afford to; not just because he's busy but because he emotionally doesn't want to feel guilty for having to strongarm (and having help) someone. ]

It does! Um... yeah. I just need to return back to my bar and then I'll probably work a little before heading back home.

[ opening the door to let the two of them out, he sticks to her side. ]

If you don't mind walking a little more with me, I'd appreciate it!

[CLOSED] AUGUST CATCH ALL

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