Gilbert Nightray (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
belovedscars) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
liminalteashop2025-02-16 08:59 pm
belovedscars) wrote in liminalteashop2025-02-16 08:59 pm
bodyguard & red string au psl
[Gil had been in desperate need of a job for a while, but things seemed to finally be looking up. He'd had his misgivings about the suggestion his old mentor Break had given him. It sounded too good to be true. Be the personal bodyguard for one person and get paid very generously. There had to be a catch. There always was.
...Then Vincent had assured him that it was fine, he shouldn't be relying on someone like Xerxes Break anyway. He could find Gil a job where he worked and Gil decided the catch didn't matter.
He stands in front of the closed door, nervous and sleep deprived. He made an effort to clean himself up and look more professional, but there's no hiding the exhaustion in his eyes. He has no idea what kind of person his employer is, only his name. He supposes it makes no difference. He takes a deep breath, knocks to warn his employer, and steps inside.]
Mr. Vessalius...? I'm Gilbert Nightray. It's nice-- to...meet you?
...Then Vincent had assured him that it was fine, he shouldn't be relying on someone like Xerxes Break anyway. He could find Gil a job where he worked and Gil decided the catch didn't matter.
He stands in front of the closed door, nervous and sleep deprived. He made an effort to clean himself up and look more professional, but there's no hiding the exhaustion in his eyes. He has no idea what kind of person his employer is, only his name. He supposes it makes no difference. He takes a deep breath, knocks to warn his employer, and steps inside.]
Mr. Vessalius...? I'm Gilbert Nightray. It's nice-- to...meet you?
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[Gil blinks and stands there awkwardly. When any questions are asked of him he shakes his head, not wanting more attention on him longer than necessary.]
I’m fine. Thank you.
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[Read as: Oz often probably sneaks in and grabs snacks. Whether the staff notice or chastise him for it. Still, he does his best to wait patiently. Not that it takes too long before the drink is ready, and Oz offers to show Gil to one of the rooms where he could sit and relax with the drink for a bit before Oz continues to show him around.]
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...Thank you. You didn't have to.
[But he still did. It's kind of him.]
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[Oz says, sitting at the table and keeping out of the way as the staff continue working, preparing for the next meal, preparing snacks for everyone. He is used enough to the busy nature of the place. He's grown up among it. He's the heir, so has plenty of expectations on him but he's just barely coming of age so he's still not actually shouldering that much responsibility yet. Still has his bratty, childish side.]
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[He stares at the coffee like it's precious gems. Oz might be bratty, but he's still being kinder to him than any other employer.]
You sure you didn't want anything while we're here?
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[Oz says, not thinking much of the other asking him, as he observes the staff bustling around. He might well be tempted to try nick one of the samples for dessert, but restrains himself and behaves under the eyes of the knowing cook well aware of his antics.]
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[Oh no. Now he stands out even more. He grips the coffee mug to his chest and looks around, but there are people everywhere.]
Uh. I guess we could go?
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[Oz figures to go with what Gil but need. Might want to know or see. If there's anything he hasn't already covered. This is new for Oz as well, or at least, in having his own bodyguard and not just general staff around the place to help out and all. To keep an eye on him specifically.]
Hm. I gotta say, I wasn't really expecting to get my own bodyguard. I mean. I know I'm the heir and all, for the Vessalius family, but.
[Well. His father barely acknowledges him.]
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Wherever you think is important for me to see. Is it that strange to have a bodyguard? You’re in a position where you could be targeted and you shouldn’t have to worry about that.
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[Oz seems.....far too casual about that. More resigned that his father doesn't care about him at all. But he is quick to switch gears, to smiling again when the other says Oz shouldn't have to worry about being targeted. He shifts, taking Gil's hand and leading him back outside to show him the grounds.]
I won't need to worry. Not now that you're here!
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He doesn’t pull his hand away.]
Regardless of his reasons, it’s my job to protect you. I will not let you down.
[It surprises him when he says that, but he felt drawn to do so.]
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[His smile shifts, softening slightly at Gil's reassurance. At least the other didn't just automatically try to reassure him about his father. He's used to that sort of thing from the staff. Oz has come to be a little more resigned as to whether he would ever actually figure out why his father has such an issue with him. Let alone that he could ever change that. That he would ever get his father to really pay attention to him, care for him, after all these years.]
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[Gil doesn’t think he’s done anything worth thanking, but he likes that Oz’s smile looks less practiced and forced.]
Have staff more or less remained the same here, or do you hire new people often?
[He would have to be wary of new faces.]
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[Oz exclaims, so yes, it probably will be good to keep an eye out for new faces, unless Gil is told in advance to expect someone, guests or the like. Oz isn't usually necessarily involved in the day to day running of the mansion, of the family duties, given he is still just of age.]
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Where to next?
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[Oz says with a shrug. He doesn't mind playing outside for a bit. Though, actually, he supposes he should show Gil his room. Not that he spends a lot of time in there, but it is likely where he would be if the other needed to check on him during the evenings.]
I guess I could show you where my bedroom is.
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[Oz takes Gil's hand, leading the way back inside and up the stairs. He's not running exactly, but he isn't walking too slowly either. He makes his way to his bedroom before gesturing inside to let Gil in and have a look. Oz doesn't necessarily have many material items there, but what is there is nice and quality furniture and books. He mostly spends time reading or sleeping in here; the rest of his time is usually spent running around outside playing with Ada.]
Here it is! I'm usually just in here reading or when I sleep.
sorry for the wait work has kicked my ass
It's a very nice room. But it's very...impersonal to Gil. It doesn't remind him much of Oz.]
I was expecting something more chaotic and disorganized.
It's okay rl happens.
[Oz says with a chuckle, shrugging and gesturing with his free hand. He's mostly usually in here to sleep or to prepare in changing for certain particular events he is expected to attend, as the heir. But most of the time, he gets away with just spending time in the library with the books, with his tutors, when he isn't playing with Ada. The main 'personal' thing here might be the books on the shelves, and an instrument that he plays giving some sort of insight to his interests.]
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[His eyes scan over the books and instrument. It's not a surprise Oz plays some kind of musical instrument and he wouldn't be shocked if Oz's father or some other relative insisted he learn.]
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[Oz says, gesturing to a series of books on his shelf. He's not sure if the other might have read them. But at least this way the other can have some idea, since he is asking and curious about Oz. It's sort of nice. To have that. He has Ada, but it isn't like he is particularly close with the staff, even if he knows them from over the years and all. That's different from having someone around specifically for him, the way Gil was. The way Gil was asking questions, seems to want to get to know him some.]
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[He doesn't know why he asks. He doesn't read that much. Occasionally, yes, but if anyone were to ask Gil what his favorite book or series was he isn't sure he'd have an answer. Maybe because he thinks someone should ask. Or...no, he supposes it's because he wants to know what Oz likes and dislikes.]
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[Oz seems happy enough to share that much. That much Gil could have found out by talking to the other staff and asking them about the teen. But he doesn't necessarily read anything into it that the other asks. Gil probably just is making conversation. Probably just pities him.]
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[He looks surprised. Tea parties, like he’s seen in fiction? He has that kind of leisurely time?]
I guess tea’s not so bad. [But he prefers coffee]
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