Say Something Nice About the Above Character (IC)

"Ah, a barista! What a romantic job, non?" Valentine sighed dreamily while lacing his fingers together, little hearts floating around his head. "It takes so much skill alone, but you use it to make drinks suited for each person! It is like making love letters for people-- Non! It is like making love potions!! Tasty ones, like my wonderful cherries! And, mon cheri, you are so skilled at that job! You make such tasty treats and say such tasty words to the customers, I see them so happy around you. You focus on the love and the care of the customers, non? Instead of that other barista that tries to break my work!" he hissed the last line, but quickly went back to smiling at Matcha.

"Non!" Valentine spouted as he slammed his fists on the desk. "You come to me, you bring me into this-this not romantic, dull room and speak to me about the successes of my job? Of how my methods are wrong? Well I say non to you!" Another, smaller slam. "My job is to bring lovers together, monsieur! And if there is even one that is not feeling such joy then it is ALL a failure! Love and science, they are two very polar opposites, non? You look for the facts when love looks at the heart! You are too stuck in this way to let them coexist in you. It brings me pain, it brings me SHAME!" He pressed the back of his hand against his forehead to give a dramatic groan. He opened one eye at the proposal for something to drink. He would rather have not, if he were to be honest, but this had potential. He could learn more about this scientist, get into his mind, make him see that there were people out there to share his brain with! Yes... Yes! Yes, this could work!
"Oui, I accept your offer," Valentine nodded. "To all three! We will find the drinks you find most romantic!"

M. Pourife folded his hands together as he struggled to find... Something to say, really. The last time they met, the redhead had raided his lab and ruined- "Decorated" it with all sorts of reddish and pink decorations to the man, who was really only trained in the neoclassical and baroque aesthetics and thus found such a "renovation" quite gaudy. It cost him almost all of his dignity and perhaps some of his money to get that place back to normal, and the costs still burdened down on his shoulders even as he glanced over at the other party.

"You... Sure have the energy, at least," the scientist stated with a tense chuckle, "Like..." He lifted a hand out and gave its palm a quick shake. "When you think of something that you want to do, you will not stop until it is completed, a spirit that I always find admirable-" He paused.

Wait... Is he aware that I got my lab back to normal?

Poor M. Pourife, who didn't know what would happen if a plan was foiled, started to shift even more uncomfortably in his seat. He was supposed to be the one interviewing, the one initiating the conversation! Why was he feeling this way? The scientist felt like a fool, really, and it was just the slightest bit disgusting. Sweat drops started to form on his forehead, though they were briskly wiped off before they could get too... Obvious. The man furrowed his brows once more. Obvious...

With a sigh, the man finally added, "- As long as it is directed productively, which... In the context of your job, is often successful. There have been a few failures, a few mishaps, but..." The man started to laughed - and raucously too. "I am sure you are doing well in that regard! Like me! I am doing fine in my job, with my equipment and everything!" His eyes didn't exactly crinkle, yet he still had to wait until his laughter diminished into chuckling for the sparkle in his eyes to become visible.

"I think... In a way, we could get on better terms in time, hm? Just... Not with the way you did it. Which is unfortunate, but you have to understand why I found the initial gesture a bit garish. How about we go for a cup of coffee, or tea? Or... If you are feeling up to it, maybe some alcohol?" Oh. Oh goodness.

the man is still a little bit dumb as a treat, and I'm so sorry about that- nonetheless, they do have an interesting dynamic going on, and I like how.... oddly wholesome it is..... :"))))

*claps hands* time for. a follow-up.

It was by mistake Aeron came across M. Pourife again. He just happened to be at the same party as someone else Aeron needed to collect, there was nothing really more to it, just coincidence. Yes, surely, it wasn't because they were interested... That would be silly. There was just something there they needed to do. 

As they had revealed themself to the man already, it wasn't something they could take back, so he was able to see them still. It was really no surprise then when the man had found his way to them (or perhaps they made their way to him), and the two of them began to speak. Something warm settled in their chest again as they heard him talk. Perhaps they could admit they were a little..charmed in a way. To be spoken to like they were just another person was intoxicating, something they didn't get the pleasure of indulging in often. They briefly wondered if M. Pourife knew just what they were, but decided they didn't want to know or bring it up. If he did, well, they didn't want to dwell on it. They were content as of now.

When there was a pause from the man, they took the moment to speak up and get out what they wanted to say. "Before you go on, I want to tell you, I appreciate you taking the time to speak to me. Most do not. I'll admit most of the things you say do not make much sense to me, I am not well versed in your studies, but.. I like hearing how passionate you are. It's a refreshing change from my duties. Also, you... Forgive me if this seems strange, but you remind me of one of my siblings. Only the good things, I assure you. He loves books and reading and learning new things, and I think you two would get along well."

They briefly hesitated for a moment, wondering if that hadn't been the proper thing to say. They hadn't really integrated into the customs of mortals since the death of their wife. They shook their head a little, beads clinking together as they said, "I'm sorry. You can continue if you'd like, I'd like to hear more and my...job can be put on hold for a bit longer. Perhaps..use some simpler words for me, though?"

Aeron didn't seem to have eyes, but the weight of their gaze rested on Taffy. They could sense she was something else, unknown to them. Alien, hiding in a body that was already reaped. Perhaps that's why she could even see them in the first place. So they tilted their head at her, curious if she would address them or ignore them. Their silent question was answered when she spoke to them.

They listened attentively as she talked. They weren't offended that she wasn't spiritual, those things weren't important in death. It didn't necessarily matter if she thought their title was respectable either, but.. it was nice to hear. Everything she was saying was nice to hear, actually. Many found them cruel or unjust, they had it spit at them many times, although it didn't tend to phase them. Hearing someone say otherwise did though, making them feel happy in a way they usually weren't. 

"Thank you," they replied quietly. "I can't promise it will be me who collects you, as you're not of this world, but..if not, I'll see if I can pull some strings." They were too soft to completely deny her that. 

Taffy nervously tapped her claws together, unable to tear her eyes away from Aeron. They seemed... imposing, to say the least of it, but the gnawing fear that usually cames with social interaction wasn't present where it'd usually keep her from speaking up. It was relieving to not feel like a scared animal, but the feeling was familiar, and, perhaps subconsciously, she missed it. Not that she'd ever acknowledge it. She cleared her throat, trying to muster the words that had seemingly fled in the moment.

"So! You're- You're a god of death, yes? I've never been particularly spiritual-" It wasn't an entire lie. The concept of beings outside comprehension was still something she'd yet to grasp- "But, in any case, that's a title I can respect! Everything dies, and all... It's kind of comforting to know that there's someone looking over it all! Everyone... Everyone likes to think of death as something cruel and unforgiving, but... I can tell that's not what's going on with you! I just... know it! You don't seem particularly violent, at least... Really, I just hope that when my time comes, whoever's overseeing it has it within them to let me process it first. If it's you, then, uh, I guess I could consider myself lucky!"

The young dragon looked at Taffy with wide eyes, looking at her odd features with awe. They looked... almost draconic, almost familiar, almost something he could grasp. He'd never seen a kind of dragon like her, and that excited him! It excited Blitzen, it intrigued him, and boy, did this new type of dragon look cool! "What kinda dragon are you?" he asked, his voice cheery and squeaky. "I don't know a lot of dragons... but you look awesome! Really cool!"

"And- and you run your own shop!? That's so cool! All the shopkeepers in my town are really, really nice, so you're nice too, right?" He cocked his head, looking at Taffy expectantly. "I betcha people like you a lot if you run your own shop... Especially a butcher shop! I love meat... I'm hungry."

Aiden glanced over at the humanoid dragon as it approached him. He blinked slowly, tilting his head as he turned his body towards him. The corner of his lips slightly twitched as he tilted his head up.

"Ooh, th-that is a-a-a n-nice hair c-color. T-that's really bright; I-I think that fits you." He stated, shifting in his spot briefly. He then shuddered, noticing that the room was slightly chilly. He then nodded and blinked slowly, awkwardly turning away from the dragon.

Guess who happened to learn about the jackal incident through a certain "friend" of hers?

Brown had unfortunately invited the teenager into her home, yet she treated him like an adult as she had a lit cigarette in his presence and didn't seem all that fazed of the tobacco-laden smoke being wafted in his direction. If anything, she encouraged it, as she giggled and leaned back against her couch with a mischievous, though still coy, grin. There were two reasons behind this:

The first reason was that she didn't give a shit about minors, so she just wasn't all that inclined to treating them "differently" because of their age. The second was that she genuinely regarded him as an adult, in spite of the fact that he displayed the traits the middle-aged aristocrat would typically consider childish. He was shy, easily malleable, and just a little bit too wavering in his words for her liking. Yet here Brown was, not at all inclined to kick his ass. Nice.

"I understand if this may sound unusual for someone as young as yourself," opined the woman with a drawn-out sigh, "but I do find you rather... Intriguing." Considering that she was talking to a fifteen-year-old boy, she probably did mean it to at least some degree. The cigarette remained clenched between her teeth as she grunted and shifted her position in her seat. "... You seem to show remarkable maturity for your age, being quite calm and even a little stubborn. I know for a fact that far too many fuckers out there will bend to someone else's will, just so they can get away without a scratch." With a harsh laugh, the woman clicked her tongue against her palate and took the cigarette out.

After quickly extinguishing it on the ashtray, Brown hummed further, "I mean... That trait must even extend to you to some degree, which is..." She paused, if only so she could extend her grin into a larger, more ominous, more toothy one. "... Quite a shame. But it could be useful. You're an adaptable fellow, then. Sometimes you're stubborn, sometimes you're not. That's okay by me. You know how it is to be too much of one or the other." I have personal experience in that regard as well. Wait, is Brown acting like a brooding hen?

Oh no.

"I think you would agree that it is best to act grounded. Rational, as my friend would say, but he doesn't fucking matter here. What does matter is that you know how to keep your head clear and adapt. The world is a cruel, stressful place. And I know for a fact that you would likely succeed, if only because you have such pervasive wiles..."

Brown: you, like me???? bitch.......

actual follow-up is within the spoiler box as always. Brown is..... still mean... props to En for dealing with her lmao.

"You know, Brown-- if I may call you that, I like you," En said with a small smile as he handed her a glass of whatever drink she had requested. "Our talk last time, it was interesting. I thought it over quite a bit. "Pettiness is sometimes the best motivator." There's truth to that." He looked down at his own drink, swirling the ice around in it. "When I think back about my adventures in my youth, I believe there was a lot of spite involved. Despite the negativity, whenever I think back to it I can't help but feel anger. At being in that situation in the first place, and how so few were willing to as much as look at me. I'm sure there was some anger that drove me to keep moving forward. Not very kingly, though, is it? To want to save your country just to rub it in everyone's face instead of authentically for their safety," he laughed. "But, if anything, I do like talking to you. It's nice to know someone who understands this kind of situation. I feel like I can let out all my frustrations and anger around you without too much judgement. And I hope you feel the same."

"My husband has always been a quiet man. For a soldier of such high esteem, he's actually a bit shy." And here Lacie was, on the verge of regaling poor En with every embarrassing story she had of her loner husband... Okay, so, she wouldn't do that, but it was tempting, and she regarded the thought with a smile to herself. "But, ever since you've began visiting, he's warmed up to talking... I find it a good thing that he's taken to trying to befriend you-- or, maybe it's the other way around."

She stepped out of the kitchens at long last, the smell of freshly baked goods wafting into the side room. If only they had imported bananas, and the ones they already had didn't go bad, she would have made banana bread for him. But, he would have to settle for raspberry instead.

She closed the box of raspberry bread before she placed it onto the table before him. "In all honesty, you're better company than those he usually hosts. Not even just for his own well-being." She let out a small, pitiful laugh, sounding a bit defeated. "I assume the nobility of your homeland is different, but... Well, those here aren't so kind to me, as I've already learned through twenty-something years. I can appreciate that, you know? Finally, a nobleman who isn't a swine, who won't fill the general with the need to brush me off..."

She felt comfortable enough to bitch to him, so that was a huge bonus. She was just. So. Damn. Tired.

"Though, perhaps I shouldn't be calling you a nobleman. You are a king, after all. The Loser King, although I can't find any part of you that would justify you being labelled that way." Lacie continued on. "There aren't enough people like yourself in the world. People should..." She paused, staring at the box absently for a few moments. Then, she shrugged, and let out a sigh.

"People should be kinder to those beneath them is all." she told him, "And, while I can tell there is more to you-- a bit of wistfulness, I think-- that doesn't stop you from being... Perhaps the perfect storybook king, right? Really, sir, really... It's silly to say, but it's the most extraordinary thing about you, I think."

follow-up time.....

Salvador, yet again, found himself inside a rich and expensive mansion. Rich folk seemed to do that. Bringing him inside, voluntarily. Like he was a lost puppy that needed shelter from the rain. Their loss, really. Bringing a thief inside, for whatever noble reason, always end up the same. Things will disappear at some point. Right now however, Salvador kept his thieving hands behind his back. His head laid in his neck to stare at the different mounted animal heads. He didn't know any of them. But in Salvador's defence, he hardly knew animals in general. Goats, yes he knew those. Camel, horses, donkeys, cats and dogs. Salvador was familiar with those. Oh and rats and birds! Of course. But this thing on Lacie's wall...the one with the antlers, brown fur, black nose and long (horse-like? Kinda... But it was thinner..horse on a diet, Salvador concluded) face.. No clue. Lacie had spoke to him  about his misfortune, his power and how easily this Curse of him could be used for harm and exploit. In all honestly, Salvador only listened with half a ear. He knew these. He was fully aware of his, damned, situation. Salvador blinked a few times when the lady mentioned that he could make himself useful, by scrubbing the halls..or reading a book. Had she seen him? Dirty streetrat that could barely read. Salvador shrugged. "I don't like talking with maids, " he bluntly answered her suggestion. "Can you tell me something about that?" He asked, pointing at the deer head. "You're smart." Salvador said with a quick smile. Actually kind of proud of the compliment he just gave her. Lacie was smart, as far as Salvador could tell. Kind too. Maybe a bit out of touch but she sheltered him from her husband- that's nice too. "It looks like it skipped dinner too many times." 

--

(Dw its we're I secretly belong ahhsgr big plus I live for their interactions 👏🏻😭)

Salvador beamed with pride. His smile was so big and so bright it made even his cheeks flash red. Salvador held the piece of paper in his hand but directly pocketed the coin. "It, the honor, it was all mine sir," Salvador told him. Going as far as tipping his newspaper boy cap. He stared at Wyatt with that same toothy grin for a few seconds without saying anything. A bit always but adorable somehow. Oh Void, Salvador could only imagine what kind of 'radical' life the coyote lived. The playback attitude, that lazy smile, those fangs! Man! Salvador wished he was at least 10% as radical as Wyatt was. 

(golden opportunity! sorry i'm dragging you back into furry hell hA)

"My friend!" Wyatt waves Salvador down from across the empty port-adjacent alley. What luck, to run into him again! "Why it is so good to see a companionable face in this neck of the world. How, by chance, are you doing?"

He  listens and nods, appropriately. Usually with canids, especially when dealing with those of a more criminal variety, they stop listening at some point, and the dead-ringer for that was when their ears start twitching and swiveling elsewhere. Wyatt seems to be honestly paying attention though; either he genuinely cares for what's being said, or he has one hell of a poker face. Probably both.

"Eeyup. Well, Ah just wanted to tell you what a fan-tastic job you did with that delivery Ah asked of ya. Not only did ya get it there with a time to make an express rider envious, Ah got word that my clientele much appreciated how you didn't mince words once you got the watch in their hands. Apparently they're all too used to men flappin' their gums off, so your kind words-- or, lack of 'em, really -- was quite the appreciated breath of fresh air. You really saved my rawhide!" Wyatt smiles. He really does appreciate this fantastic job; he thoroughly expected something half-assed and barebones, just enough to get by. But he received only praise for it, and he's more than happy to pass it along, and then some.

He reaches into his coat and with a quick motion, puts something into Salvador's hand, before shaking it. "Again, Ah really do appreciate what a top-shelf job y'did for me there, son. If y'ever got the sort of problem that only a sharp-shooting coyote can solve, don't hesitate to track me down now, y'hear?"

In Salvador's hand is a piece of paper with some information on it and a small, shiny coin. A business card, and... a tip?

---

(will try to write a follow-up!)

"Well, I heard that my wife hired you for some... Search-and-rescue operation a while back. For our son, too, but I. Believe that sort of information likely comes off as redundant to you by now," grunted the middle-aged aristocrat while conveniently leaning back on a seat situated some distance away from the other party. "I'm assuming the arrangement is still up, and in all honesty, I wouldn't see a reason to think that's not the case. She likes your company at least, even if she does find you a bit..."

He paused for a moment to pluck at a stray strand of hair before unceremoniously flicking it away with his finger, his lips curled into the slightest pout before his eyes darted around the opulent - almost to the point of becoming unattractively gaudy - room.

"... Blunt?" Smithson continued with a wave of his hand, "It's really a bit unusual. Normally she's so stoic, ready to take on whatever others say to her. But you sort of struck a nerve, and... That's not a bad thing, per se. Usually she's shier around people she likes, and I wouldn't blame her at all." He sighed and leaned forward ever so slightly, though not enough to get a good look of the canine's eyes. "People get finicky at times, myself included, you know? For me, it's more of s political tactic, but that's not really an excuse. It is what it is."

Way to call yourself out and be the slightest bit edgy at the same time - as a treat.

Smithson sighed and explained further, "So, in that regard... You have a balance. You're to the point, and you don't waste yourself with needless details and qualifiers. As long as you get the job done, you don't really care as to what you need to do. The end justifies the means, the end justifies the means." With a somewhat sharp laugh, the man slapped his knee and grinned at the other party. "I'm sure you know that saying all too well, and trust me... It's something I adhere to personally as well."

Surprisingly enough, Smithson was the one to break the tension in the room - or at least try to - by offering this contracted fellow a wry, yet still surprisingly warm and coy, smile.

"I can see why my wife trusts you to satisfy this contract, if I have to be honest with you. I'm not going to bribe you more like she did, but... I can offer you words of commendation as a secondary payment, if that works for you..." The man paused to pick at his chin. "... After all, I was taught that investing in productive results is the best type of strategy, and... In your case, it seems that you've satisfied that. And I have to praise you in that regard, really. At least our money is going somewhere smart, and not to needless bureaucratic spirals focused more on paperwork than getting things done." Oh?

Matcha is.... so sweet..... here's a follow-up for him....

"The usual, sir?" Matcha smiled, tapping his fingers against the counter rhythmically. His ear twitched as his smile widened.

"Ah! Ah, okay. That'll be, mmm, $2.50." Matcha blinked rapidly as he tapped on the cash register. He then raised his head and let out an exhale.

"Ooh, I gotta say, you have a lovely outfit. The purple and the yellow look good together. You know, I rarely see that color combo," he chuffed, crossing his arms over the counter.

"Where'd you buy it? Mmh, such a great taste in clothes."

"You know, I've gotta say, the first time I met you, I was worried. I mean, sure I'm not used to, uh, not-humans walking around, but I was worried your fur would get into the drinks, or that your paws would be a problem. But honestly? You make some of the best drinks I've ever had," Terry praised between sips of coffee. "Seriously, I don't think I've ever even heard of flavors like these, let alone combining them. It's like you know the perfect drink for each person!" He took a long drink before sighing, "I don't think coffee can ever wake me up again, but drinks like these give me something to look forward to in the mornings. I'm surprised you're not on any big cooking shows or magazines."

Tired eyes stared at Salvador as he complimented the home decor. Well, he was glad someone was here to agree in his tastes instead of complaining about his junk food, or his laundry, or his unmade bed. And to think he'd converted someone into liking Seinfeld! Great!
"That's great," he mumbled. "But would you mind getting out of my house."
There was a pause.
"Leave more of that weird medicine, though."