liminalteashop | bodyguard & red string au psl

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?

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I guess there's a lot of places to hide here.

[But other staff have other responsibilities as well. Gil literally has one job. He'll have to work harder than all of them.]

Does this mansion have any secret passages?

Maybe.

[No, Gil, Oz isn't going that easy on you. Unfortunately. Still, it is true that it might be easier for Gil to keep track of him, with that being his sole job, unlike the rest of the staff who have other duties they need to tend to. Giving him that chance to hide and try not to giggle as he hears them searching for him.]

You're giving me a headache, you know?

[Gil wishes he had a cup of coffee. He hums in thought and looks down at Oz.]

What if I agreed to keep the other staff distracted when you hide?

A lot of the staff say I do that.

[That is nothing new, Gil. Oz being playful and mischievous is nothing new either. That's just what is expected of him, given his personality. He tilts his head when Gil offers that though. It could be useful.]

You would? What would you want from me if you helped distract them?

How come? I haven't seen you give anyone else a hard time.

[Oz seems social, but other than the hiding comment, he hasn't done anything to make Gil's life harder. He can't imagine he would get in the staff's way that much.]

What are the chances of you sharing your hiding spots?

You just got here. You'll figure me out.

[Oz doesn't do anything that malicious. More that he likes to tease and have fun. But he does pause at the other's question. Would he? Oz supposes that in time the other might figure his hiding spots. Especially given it is his job to keep an eye on Oz. But that doesn't mean he has to go that easy.]

Not that great. I mean. You might figure them eventually and find me. But that doesn't mean I gotta make it that easy for you.

[He doesn’t bother to hide his exasperation. If only it were so easy.]

Then what about where to get coffee here?

The kitchen. I can show you.

[Oz doesn't think twice on the question. Belatedly realized that it is probably rude that he hadn't immediately offered the other a drink or something when he had first arrived. The teen leads the way, pointing out any rooms he hasn't already shown Gil. He pauses at the entrance and the doorway to the kitchen. The staff seem used to Oz poking around, merely telling him that they don't currently have any snacks on hand for him just right now.]

Ah, I'm not here for snacks. I'm showing Gil around! My new bodyguard.

I didn't mean now--

[But it's too late. Oz has already warned him, and as his bodyguard Gil has no choice but to follow. There's so many people in there. He stops awkwardly and tries to shrink as much as someone of his height can.

He should probably introduce himself again.]

He...llo....

I'm showing him around, giving him a tour. You said you wanted some coffee, right?

[Evidently, Oz was too focused on showing Gil around that he might have missed the other saying he actually didn't want a drink right now. The staff seem happy enough, eager to help, even if they tease Oz and seem used enough to his visits for snacks alongside Ada. The staff mostly return to what they were doing after giving Gil a polite wave, one of them coming to check on Gil if he needs anything.]

Yeah… I did.

[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.

The cooks here are great! Their drinks and food are delicious! And they almost always have snacks for us.

[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.]

[It doesn't surprise Gil that Oz would have access to the best food and drinks. It's still somewhat a shock to Gil, but no more than the rest of the grounds.]

...Thank you. You didn't have to.

[But he still did. It's kind of him.]

You said you wanted a drink. It's not that big a deal.

[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.]

...I guess.

[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?

I'm alright! I ate recently, so I'm not hungry or anything.

[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.]

Oh.

[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?

If you're ready. When you're finished your drink. What else did you want me to show you?

[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.]

[Gil chugs the rest and goes to put it with the other dirty dishes, but it’s taken from his hands and he thanks the staff quietly.]

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.

No, not that it is strange. I just....don't usually have any attention from my father. But I suppose he's doing this because it is expected. That it would seem strange if he didn't.

[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!

[But he’s your father. Gil might have said that at one point, but he’s older and seen enough to know that doesn’t always mean anything. And Oz sounds far too resigned for Gil to throw around such empty words. He doesn’t like the way he smiles after, easily, like he’s used to this. Gil feels like he has whiplash.

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.]

Thank you.

[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.]

You’re welcome.

[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.]

Hm. No, we usually keep the same staff. Unless someone needs to take time for health or family reasons or something. That's why they all know me and Ada pretty well!

[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.]

[Gil hums in acknowledgment. He really does need to learn everyone’s names and faces.]

Where to next?

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