[Alright, that explanation makes sense. Of course, Accelerator's train of thought follows Azul's, and he glances down at his crutch, too. It's something he needs to look into, he supposes, since he doubts he has access to his bank account in this universe, but he isn't exactly a good candidate to work in a lounge. Not only does the crutch make doing things like bussing and serving difficult, but his personality is awful and he doesn't know how to cook.
Ugh, he's going to need a source of money, so he's going to have to give this some thought. This still sounds sketchy (what the hell kind of lounge has clients?) but he isn't seeing many options here.
He sighs a little.]
... No, nothing I can think of right now. I'm sure I'll have more questions tomorrow.
Very well. Then rest up as much as you can; tomorrow's going to be quite the day. And again, welcome to Night Raven College.
[He dips into a small bow, still smiling away, before turning and leading the peanut gallery away. Floyd's walking backwards though, watching Accelerator as if he's thinking on something, before--
"Seeya, Blenny-chan! Be good, or you'll get a squeezin'!"
And then they're gone. At least until 8am the next morning, when Jade knocks politely on Accelerator's door to collect him for that meeting. If the knocking isn't a reminder of who it is, the raspy giggling of Floyd at his side probably does.
"Accelerator, it is time for the meeting. Azul is waiting for you, if you'll let us show you to his office."]
[Accelerator has to resist the urge to flip all three of them off again. And 'Blenny-chan'?? Seriously, what is that even supposed to be????
(He's going to be very annoyed when he inevitably hits up the library to research what a blenny is.)
For now, anyways, he tries to put that out of his mind and go collapse into bed. He thankfully does consider what he could do for some student lounge to make a bit of extra money, but otherwise he's passing out for the night.
The knock at the door drags him out of his sleep, and it takes him a few moments to remember what the hell is going on. It's an oh, goddamnit kind of moment where he seriously debates just burrowing under the covers and staying there, but he knows he can't. Schools run on a schedule, and unless he wants to get kicked out into a completely unfamiliar world he needs to play along.
He yells at Jade to give him a few minutes, then hauls himself out of bed and gets dressed. It doesn't bother him that he's going to be late for this meeting with Azul, his sleep schedule was a complete mess before showing up here so this is the best he can do. Throwing his uniform on, he at least spends a few extra minutes making sure he looks presentable (blazer buttoned, tie tied properly, he actually looks like a student who gives a shit) before opening the door.
The twins get half-asleep scowls, but otherwise he'll follow them to the lounge without complaint.]
[Thankfully, Accelerator doesn't have to deal with too much nagging or sniping from his escorts; they're quite content to play the silent guards (barring occasional murmuring or giggling to each other over their guest's head). And the trip to the Lounge's office isn't long enough to get much playing in besides; another polite knock on the door, before Azul cuts through Jade's announcement.]
Come on in, you've already brought him here late. I'll take that from your wages.
["Aw, c'mooooon! It was only five minuuuuutes~"
Azul shoots Floyd a withering glare for that one, as if it has any effect on him whatsoever, before motioning for Accelerator to sit.] Apologies for the early hour, but I thought it'd be best for us all to get this sorted right away. Now. Did you have any suggestions on what position you'd like within the Lounge? I'm willing to work with you to make it tenable long-term, within reason. Otherwise, I might simply suggest that you can assist Jade and I with matters off the floor.
[Accelerator sighs heavily, dragging a hand through his hair, still groggy.]
That was on me, not them. I'm not used to a normal class schedule.
[He isn't doing this out of kindness, but rather a preference in admitting his own faults. Either way he moves to sit down, retracting the cane portion of his crutch into the arm cuff.]
Yeah, I thought about it. If you give me the Lounge's financials I can probably do some accounting. I've never done it before but I doubt it's hard to figure out.
[Azul raises his brows a little at Accelerator going to bat for the brothers, even if it's not particularly impassioned by camaraderie or anything. ...And then his brows raise even higher at the offer to take on the accounting.]
Get out.
[Said sharply, though his gaze flits over Accelerator's head and to Jade and Floyd instead; while the latter lets out a groan at being shooed out so abruptly, the former bows and shuts the door behind them both all the same. Once they're gone, Azul's attention returns to his precious frosh, to the gently steaming teapot on the coffee table between them.]
Do you want some tea, first? To warm you up a little, perhaps wake you up a touch more. [A little flick of his housewarden cane, and the teapot pours itself steadily into both empty cups. Why ask at all if you're going to pour the tea anyway, dickhead?] What, might I ask, drew you to accounting over say...More general management of staff, whilst learning from the best in the school there is? Jade would prove a fine mentor to you, if you wanted to take that path.
Accounting, however, would leave you in my hands. And I would not tolerate any nonsense; anyone who tries to treat my money like their own pays in other ways.
[For a few seconds, Accelerator thinks he's somehow screwed up. Accounting (really, any data analysis) seemed like the natural choice for him, so he didn't think much of it when he decided on it. This reaction from Azul is unexpected and he blinks in confusion, turning a little to watch the twins duck out of the office.
Er... should he be worried? His gaze settles back on Azul and he inwardly wonders if he should switch modes on his choker.]
It's just math. [Not a big deal, he can do it in his sleep.] Math is a fucking cakewalk compared to managing people. Accounting is just a branch of economics, right? Economic theories were some of the shit I learned before I dropped out of school, so it wouldn't be a problem to learn more of that.
[He eyes the tea. Not his first choice, but he'll drink it if there's nothing else.]
[For a good few seconds, Azul just keeps on smiling serenely at Accelerator. The teacups are filled, and then one is dismissed duly to go hover its way over to the desk instead. He'll deal with it all later. Got bigger fish to fry right now.]
...You really want to learn more about the theory behind it? And you'd prefer not to work with people?
[Another few seconds of staring, before he gets to his feet and stretches out a hand.] Very well. I trust that you at least mean that much, and perhaps that you don't realise what a grand opportunity I'm giving you right now, which is why you'd dare shoot for it in the first place. You and I are going to work together from now on; I'm going to ask for your help brainstorming promotions as well, by the way, but you won't have to actually interact with staff outside of myself and the Leech brothers. Come here after lessons are done, and we'll get you set up.
[Promotions? That's something he has even less experience with, but he supposes it's just a matter of inputting data and analyzing various metrics about the lounge to see what's appealing to the customer base. It'd just be substituting his brain for a computer, so it seems doable.
Despite that he feels somewhat uncertain. He's never held anything close to a real job before, he's rarely worked with a peer. Hell, he's still feeling off-balance at the idea of attending classes like a normal goddamn student. This is the best option he can see to provide himself with some extra cash, but it's still difficult.
Ugh, he really wants a cup of coffee.]
Yeah, fine.
[He reaches up, grabbing hold of Azul's hand to shake, his own expression tight.]
Pleasure doing business with you. I'll draw up a contract before we meet up again, and we can discuss further terms.
...You also have an employee discount at Mostro Lounge, now. If you still want that coffee, find Floyd-- you know which one's Floyd by now, surely-- and ask him to make you one. If he's in the mood, it'll be the best thing you've ever had. Might even carry you through to tomorrow, if he's really happy.
[At last, he lets Accelerator's hand go, instead using that hand to adjust his glasses as he turns to the side. Any questions get effectively cut off, at least for now.]
Ah-- a word to the wise, too. I'd ingratiate myself with fellow Octavinelle students, as well as...Pomefiore students, perhaps, if I were you. Maybe Heartslabyul, if you can handle a little roughness around the edges. Purple magestones, or red. They'll be good influences. The other houses are a little...Interesting. Do what you will with them.
[On both the contract and the coffee. Actually, he perks up a little at the mention of coffee. He could really use one right about now, even if it tastes terrible.
Especially if it tastes terrible. The strength of his caffeine habit does not extend to quality.
He drops his hand, moving to get up, pausing at Azul's suggestion. Oh, socialization, he hates it so much, and he answers gruffly.]
I'd rather keep to myself. It's better for everyone if I do.
...Very well, as you wish. Then Jade, Floyd, and I...We'll be your companions. He'll be at the bar, if you're lucky.
[Really, Floyd could be anywhere he so pleased, but Azul's hoping he's at the bar cleaning glasses in preparation for the afterschool rush. ...And at least once he's done showing Accelerator through the door of his office, Floyd's there. Though he's more...
Slumped on the bar, glass cloth in hand and posture definitely not saying 'hey, I'd love to make you a coffee, frosh!' Azul grimaces in the doorway when he sees it, and rummages in his pockets for a few madol.]
--Actually, just find one of the vending machines or something. Have a good day.
[Sorry Accelerator. No bombass coffee just yet, only the canned stuff for now. Or something from the cafeteria if it's still open?]
[Companions? Oh, God, he doesn't need that. Accelerator tenses, swallowing thickly, and follows Azul quietly. Having a boss and coworkers is bad enough, he isn't sure how he's supposed to deal with... companions. Whatever that even means. Senpai? He hasn't had those before.
His spiralling thoughts are momentarily distracted by the sight of Floyd, the prospect of missing out on coffee. This is quickly becoming the worst day ever
And then Azul is pulling some change out and Accelerator, absolutely baffled, can only stare at him like a deer in headlights as it's offered to him.]
.......................................
[Give him a second to stop bluescreening. Reluctantly, he'll take the change.]
Uh. Thanks.
[And he quickly turns and leaves the Lounge as quickly as possibly, looking for the nearest vending machine with canned coffee. Once he finds one he's buying himself one, downing it, and sighing heavily at the feeling of relief that floods him. This may be another universe (or whatever) but canned coffee still tastes the same. Its familiarity prepares him for the day ahead.
It... doesn't go well. Classes are the easiest part; even though he's behind when it comes to magic he's still intensely focused, and he feels like he's actually learned a lot. P.E. is the one class he's exempt from thanks to his crutch, so no issues there.
No, it's the classmates. Kids his own age. People he has absolutely nothing in common with.
He can't even get through to lunch without nearly provoking a couple of students into a fight. By the end of the day he's pissed off more than a few classmates, and he's sure at this rate he's going to have a reputation similar to the one he had back home. He's exhausted, and wants nothing more than to crawl into bed. Unfortunately, he drags himself to the Lounge, remembering the deal he made that morning, and makes his way directly to Azul's office, knocking loudly.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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Ugh, he's going to need a source of money, so he's going to have to give this some thought. This still sounds sketchy (what the hell kind of lounge has clients?) but he isn't seeing many options here.
He sighs a little.]
... No, nothing I can think of right now. I'm sure I'll have more questions tomorrow.
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[He dips into a small bow, still smiling away, before turning and leading the peanut gallery away. Floyd's walking backwards though, watching Accelerator as if he's thinking on something, before--
"Seeya, Blenny-chan! Be good, or you'll get a squeezin'!"
And then they're gone. At least until 8am the next morning, when Jade knocks politely on Accelerator's door to collect him for that meeting. If the knocking isn't a reminder of who it is, the raspy giggling of Floyd at his side probably does.
"Accelerator, it is time for the meeting. Azul is waiting for you, if you'll let us show you to his office."]
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(He's going to be very annoyed when he inevitably hits up the library to research what a blenny is.)
For now, anyways, he tries to put that out of his mind and go collapse into bed. He thankfully does consider what he could do for some student lounge to make a bit of extra money, but otherwise he's passing out for the night.
The knock at the door drags him out of his sleep, and it takes him a few moments to remember what the hell is going on. It's an oh, goddamnit kind of moment where he seriously debates just burrowing under the covers and staying there, but he knows he can't. Schools run on a schedule, and unless he wants to get kicked out into a completely unfamiliar world he needs to play along.
He yells at Jade to give him a few minutes, then hauls himself out of bed and gets dressed. It doesn't bother him that he's going to be late for this meeting with Azul, his sleep schedule was a complete mess before showing up here so this is the best he can do. Throwing his uniform on, he at least spends a few extra minutes making sure he looks presentable (blazer buttoned, tie tied properly, he actually looks like a student who gives a shit) before opening the door.
The twins get half-asleep scowls, but otherwise he'll follow them to the lounge without complaint.]
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Come on in, you've already brought him here late. I'll take that from your wages.
["Aw, c'mooooon! It was only five minuuuuutes~"
Azul shoots Floyd a withering glare for that one, as if it has any effect on him whatsoever, before motioning for Accelerator to sit.] Apologies for the early hour, but I thought it'd be best for us all to get this sorted right away. Now. Did you have any suggestions on what position you'd like within the Lounge? I'm willing to work with you to make it tenable long-term, within reason. Otherwise, I might simply suggest that you can assist Jade and I with matters off the floor.
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That was on me, not them. I'm not used to a normal class schedule.
[He isn't doing this out of kindness, but rather a preference in admitting his own faults. Either way he moves to sit down, retracting the cane portion of his crutch into the arm cuff.]
Yeah, I thought about it. If you give me the Lounge's financials I can probably do some accounting. I've never done it before but I doubt it's hard to figure out.
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Get out.
[Said sharply, though his gaze flits over Accelerator's head and to Jade and Floyd instead; while the latter lets out a groan at being shooed out so abruptly, the former bows and shuts the door behind them both all the same. Once they're gone, Azul's attention returns to his precious frosh, to the gently steaming teapot on the coffee table between them.]
Do you want some tea, first? To warm you up a little, perhaps wake you up a touch more. [A little flick of his housewarden cane, and the teapot pours itself steadily into both empty cups. Why ask at all if you're going to pour the tea anyway, dickhead?] What, might I ask, drew you to accounting over say...More general management of staff, whilst learning from the best in the school there is? Jade would prove a fine mentor to you, if you wanted to take that path.
Accounting, however, would leave you in my hands. And I would not tolerate any nonsense; anyone who tries to treat my money like their own pays in other ways.
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Er... should he be worried? His gaze settles back on Azul and he inwardly wonders if he should switch modes on his choker.]
It's just math. [Not a big deal, he can do it in his sleep.] Math is a fucking cakewalk compared to managing people. Accounting is just a branch of economics, right? Economic theories were some of the shit I learned before I dropped out of school, so it wouldn't be a problem to learn more of that.
[He eyes the tea. Not his first choice, but he'll drink it if there's nothing else.]
You don't have any coffee, do you?
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...You really want to learn more about the theory behind it? And you'd prefer not to work with people?
[Another few seconds of staring, before he gets to his feet and stretches out a hand.] Very well. I trust that you at least mean that much, and perhaps that you don't realise what a grand opportunity I'm giving you right now, which is why you'd dare shoot for it in the first place. You and I are going to work together from now on; I'm going to ask for your help brainstorming promotions as well, by the way, but you won't have to actually interact with staff outside of myself and the Leech brothers. Come here after lessons are done, and we'll get you set up.
Do we have a deal?
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Despite that he feels somewhat uncertain. He's never held anything close to a real job before, he's rarely worked with a peer. Hell, he's still feeling off-balance at the idea of attending classes like a normal goddamn student. This is the best option he can see to provide himself with some extra cash, but it's still difficult.
Ugh, he really wants a cup of coffee.]
Yeah, fine.
[He reaches up, grabbing hold of Azul's hand to shake, his own expression tight.]
It's a deal.
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...You also have an employee discount at Mostro Lounge, now. If you still want that coffee, find Floyd-- you know which one's Floyd by now, surely-- and ask him to make you one. If he's in the mood, it'll be the best thing you've ever had. Might even carry you through to tomorrow, if he's really happy.
[At last, he lets Accelerator's hand go, instead using that hand to adjust his glasses as he turns to the side. Any questions get effectively cut off, at least for now.]
Ah-- a word to the wise, too. I'd ingratiate myself with fellow Octavinelle students, as well as...Pomefiore students, perhaps, if I were you. Maybe Heartslabyul, if you can handle a little roughness around the edges. Purple magestones, or red. They'll be good influences. The other houses are a little...Interesting. Do what you will with them.
no subject
[On both the contract and the coffee. Actually, he perks up a little at the mention of coffee. He could really use one right about now, even if it tastes terrible.
Especially if it tastes terrible. The strength of his caffeine habit does not extend to quality.
He drops his hand, moving to get up, pausing at Azul's suggestion. Oh, socialization, he hates it so much, and he answers gruffly.]
I'd rather keep to myself. It's better for everyone if I do.
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[Really, Floyd could be anywhere he so pleased, but Azul's hoping he's at the bar cleaning glasses in preparation for the afterschool rush. ...And at least once he's done showing Accelerator through the door of his office, Floyd's there. Though he's more...
Slumped on the bar, glass cloth in hand and posture definitely not saying 'hey, I'd love to make you a coffee, frosh!' Azul grimaces in the doorway when he sees it, and rummages in his pockets for a few madol.]
--Actually, just find one of the vending machines or something. Have a good day.
[Sorry Accelerator. No bombass coffee just yet, only the canned stuff for now. Or something from the cafeteria if it's still open?]
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His spiralling thoughts are momentarily distracted by the sight of Floyd, the prospect of missing out on coffee. This is quickly becoming the worst day ever
And then Azul is pulling some change out and Accelerator, absolutely baffled, can only stare at him like a deer in headlights as it's offered to him.]
.......................................
[Give him a second to stop bluescreening. Reluctantly, he'll take the change.]
Uh. Thanks.
[And he quickly turns and leaves the Lounge as quickly as possibly, looking for the nearest vending machine with canned coffee. Once he finds one he's buying himself one, downing it, and sighing heavily at the feeling of relief that floods him. This may be another universe (or whatever) but canned coffee still tastes the same. Its familiarity prepares him for the day ahead.
It... doesn't go well. Classes are the easiest part; even though he's behind when it comes to magic he's still intensely focused, and he feels like he's actually learned a lot. P.E. is the one class he's exempt from thanks to his crutch, so no issues there.
No, it's the classmates. Kids his own age. People he has absolutely nothing in common with.
He can't even get through to lunch without nearly provoking a couple of students into a fight. By the end of the day he's pissed off more than a few classmates, and he's sure at this rate he's going to have a reputation similar to the one he had back home. He's exhausted, and wants nothing more than to crawl into bed. Unfortunately, he drags himself to the Lounge, remembering the deal he made that morning, and makes his way directly to Azul's office, knocking loudly.]