it's beginning to look a lot like christmas. . .

[skincares]

Who: Carmilla and you!
Where: All around Shehui.
When: Days 161 - 167
Open/Closed: Open! Very open! HMU at goatsong if you want a prompt that's not here! You can never be late ;^)

Warning for potential NSFW.

(A) - COINS!

(1)
[In the end, Carmilla acquiesces to doing menial work. She's unhappy about it -- what noblewoman wouldn't be aghast at the situation? -- but she understands what she has to do. Money is power and money is what will keep her here. Even if she must submit to tasks she openly and spitefully disdains, she'll lose less face than if she were kicked out. Throughout the week she can be seen working some less labor-intensive jobs, though it's clear her heart isn't into it. She doesn't seem keen on paying close attention to detail. If anything, she seems to be taking a lot of breaks?! Hopefully you aren't her coworker.]


(2)
[--and, if you're lucky, you may catch her at Coins!

The casino isn't where you'd expect to find such a cranky woman, but she must find some other way to amuse herself, now that fighting and killing are options beyond her. She makes sure to dress up whenever she goes out. Carmilla doesn't have much choice in attire so she keeps it simple: a coat (most likely furred) with some manner of high heels that click loudly as she walks. Her favorite seems to be the poker. Classic. If you happen to be about and you pass by her table, you may catch her watching you. Meet her gaze and she'll only give a small smile before glancing at the seat beside her.

The invitation is clear.

Will you play?]

(B) - ANMUNG TOWER

[... someone is doing a little late Christmas shopping. Carmilla can be seen comparing gifts, though what she picks out looks more suited for an entourage of dancers than actual clothes...? There's no way someone would wear something so gaudy in real life! One of the stands is selling a polka-dotted clown costume. Carmilla pinches its sleeve, lifting it ever so slightly with a wrinkle of her nose.]

My. This is hideous. Yes, I think this will suit them just fine.

[... who exactly is she shopping for...? Shouldn't you put more care into gifts?!]

(C) - CAT CAFE? CAT CAFE.

[If you're visiting your local cat cafe, you'll notice that some weird, white-haired woman has been lingering outside like some pale ghost. She doesn't stand there. Of course not. That'd be too obvious. But she's definitely passed the premises at least three times in the past half hour. She fakes being interested in a pamphlet or in the scenery, but as she passes by she will always sneak a glance into the cafe.

... could it be that she wants to come in...?

Oh! It seems as though she's finally stopped in front of the cafe's menu. But judging by the look on her face, she's awfully conflicted. Why?]

(D) - SANTA, BABY - POSSIBLE NSFW OPTION

[Escorts were an overlooked population. Nobody liked to talk openly about sex work -- not unless you were crass or shameless or both. There's no law against it but Carmilla knows the shame frequently assigned to the communities. Those who recognize her may start to see her heading towards the red district-esque areas of Shehui. It's never for the company offered. If anything, she seems to take more interest in the shops. Particularly those selling BDSM gear. After some time, she's struck up some form of acquaintanceship with one of the shop owners. If you're in the area (for whatever reason), you'll spot her chatting freely with said owner, looking absolutely comfortable as they discuss this and--]

These decorations are heinous.

[So saying, she puts a hand on the large cutout Santa in front of the shop and gives it a push, just to show her disdain.

Better watch out for kinky Santa! Don't let him hit you!

ooc: if you want the nsfw option mention it in the comments and i'll pp you to work out the details!]

Comments

c, Jumin→Hibiki→Carmilla

[yancat]

[Even the nerdiest of nerds know how to relax. It's no secret that Jumin and Hibiki go to the cat cafe every once in a while to spend time and recharge with their favorite sort of company. Jumin wears one of his rare, gentle smiles as he strokes the cat resting on his lap.]

Black velvet coat with speckles like stars—Midnight is a beautiful name for a cat like... [Okay, no. He was trying to have a good time here, but something is off and he can't ignore it anymore. He glances at the door before turning his attention to his companion.]

Hibiki. Do you know the woman who's been lurking around the entrance for the past five minutes? [He does, of course. But does Hibiki?]

[secrowtary]

[ Hibiki's been watching the cat that decided to climb up his legs only to jump off once he reaches Hibiki's lap and does it over and over again. It's so cute that he doesn't even question it.

It's difficult to miss the woman wandering outside, especially after seeing her for the third time in the past half hour. ]

Not really. Is she your acquaintance? Why won't she just come in?

[ Intrigued, he's going to watch whatever Carmilla's next move will be. ]

[skincares]

[... wait. Is that someone she recognizes?

Yes! It's Jumin. And there's someone else with him. Carmilla knows that, logically, there's no reason to be embarrassed over this. But somehow, being caught in the act of looking foolish makes it worse. In an attempt to salvage the situation, she focuses her gaze very intently on the menu.

SHE'S JUST CHECKING OUT THE PLACE, NO PROBLEM, OKAY!

Only, she's been at that sign for what. Five minutes? This isn't normal. . .]

[yancat]

[ Unfortunately, Jumin reads her in a second. ]

Carmilla's embarrassed. She thinks too highly of herself to enter. Societal norms also dictate that no one should eat at an establishment alone, especially at a place so niche... I don't care for them, though.

[ He sighs. A classic example of social awkwardness. He watches putz around for a second or two... Does she really need to read the menu over thrice? ]

Ah, she looks like a fool. You don't mind if I invite her, do you? [ Carmilla's weird, but she's not bad company. Jumin is a nice person. He says so himself. ]

[secrowtary]

She might be waiting for you to do that, as far as I can see...

[ Instead of watching her not so subtly like before, he'll peek from time to time to see if she's still studying the menu so earnestly. ]

Of course I don't mind. She might tell us what does she recommend from the menu, too.

[skincares]

[... is she being watched...

Ugh! She really can't take this! If Jumin has noticed her, Carmilla can't afford to stay out here looking like a fool, hesitations be damned! Calling upon her anger to grant her the fortitude to see this course through, she barrels into the cat cafe. The bells jangle in an alarmingly violent fashion, heralding her loud entrance.

She's making intense eye contact with both of you, you better invite her over.]

[yancat]

[Her glare is more piercing than it was the last time he saw her... Hmm. Well, it's a good thing he knows exactly what to do.]

Oh, she went in. [Then, a bit louder:] Carmilla, hello. Would you like to join us? Hibiki and I would be delighted to have you. After all, the more the merrier. Isn't that right?

[secrowtary]

[ It's intense, all right. Hibiki doesn't look away, however. ]

You are absolutely right. [ He nods and turns his gaze back to her. ] My name is Hibiki Kohaku and I am delighted to make your acquaintance. You shouldn't have stood outside for that long, the days are getting colder.

[ Does Hibiki know what to do. Maybe. Maybe not...but he's trying to be nice. ]

[skincares]

[Jumin catches on quick. Carmilla raises her head and strides over, as if she hasn't made an embarrassing spectacle of herself with her entrance. She doesn't bother to ask -- when she reaches them, she motions for Jumin to scoot down. Hibiki's introduction is met with a roll of her eyes.

Play it cool. Play it cool!]

I don't know what you're talking about. I've only just arrived. Jumin, what is with your friend's manners?

[yancat]

[ Friend... Yeah, they're friends at this point, aren't they? But if that's the case, then he absolutely must side with Hibiki. On the other hand, the polite thing to do is to ignore Carmilla's inadequacies entirely...

Social situations are hard.

Jumin doesn't like being told what to do, but he'll scoot over. He's calculated Hibiki's and Carmilla's arm lengths and grip strengths in his head and come to one only conclusion: letting them sit next to each other might spell total disaster. ]

Well, he's absolutely right. Winter is beginning to settle in, so it's good that you happened upon this restaurant by complete chance. I expected a woman of your caliber to make excellent decisions on such short notice. [ /bullshit ]

Please sit down. We've just begun.

sorry for the slow!

[secrowtary]

[ If that's what Carmilla is saying, he's going to play along. Most of the time. Probably. But he cannot simply sit down and stay quiet when his manners are being questioned.

It's a good thing that Jumin decided to intervene, all in all. ]

They're quite impeccable, so I understand that it might be overwhelming. [ Said with a sweet smile. ] I'll try not to make you feel uncomfortable.

[ What was that about a total disaster... ]

How did you two meet, if I may ask?

no need to apologize! im even worse ahaha

[skincares]

[Jumin should be considered a certified Carmilla expert by this point. It may be bullshit, but she likes whatever flattery she can get. His comments are accepted with a haughty nod before she starts settling in.

Hibiki, though-- this little brat seems the sassy type. Ugh.]

He was my manservant.

[Um, what?]

Temporarily.

[yancat]

[ ... ]

Yes, that did happen.

Though I've yet to receive my payment.

[secrowtary]

[ Hibiki just opens his mouth and stays that way for far too long than it's socially acceptable. They managed to shut him up and that's An Achievement. ]

That's...quite a story. I can hardly imagine you serving someone, though.

[ He wants deets ]

[skincares]

Manservants aren't paid.

[Duh? At least Hibiki has a stupid look on his face -- that lightens her mood a bit.]

That's why I didn't keep you on, Jumin.

[yancat]

I see. Then I'll pay for your food.

Hibiki, please inform Carmilla that she is in my debt once again.

[secrowtary]

Carmilla-san, you're in Jumin-san's debt once again. I've been told to inform you of that.

[ You can count on him, Jumin. Although she probably heard him just right... ]

But if we're ordering, I'd love some more hot chocolate. What would you like, Carmilla-san?

[ He's back to that irritating kind of nice and sweet, apparently. ]

[skincares]

[W-Wait! Why does she feel as though she's being double-teamed?!]

I didn't ask for your charity...!

[JUMINNNNNN SHE'LL KILL YOUUUUU AFTER HIBIKI

She turns her nose to the air, like a stereotypical snobby rich woman.]

Really, how am I supposed to relax with the two of you circling me like sharks?!

[yancat]

[Just as keikaku.]

I'd like some more coffee myself. But you're right, it is hard to relax at the moment.

[He picks up the cat on his lap and plops it down on hers. These fluffy creatures should do the trick.]

Now we've yet to order any food. Hibiki, what would you recommend?

[secrowtary]

[ 1. Apply cat to Carmilla
2. ???
3. Profit ]

I find these cat macarons to be very tasty, but they might be too sweet for some. [ A quick glance at Carmilla. Sorry, he's such a piece of shit. ] Their buns are pretty good, too. Cat sandwiches might seem small, but they're quite filling.

[skincares]

[--ah. It's one of the cats she's been wanting to see. Fat, furry, with a cute calico pattern. It purrs, used to being toted about - it doesn't mind being put on a stranger's lap! The moment its fluffy paws touch her, the sharp words on her tongue die out.

With the utmost care, she begins scratching the cat's cheeks.

... it's really soft!!!!!

Shit, how is she supposed to act noble with these two clowns? Carmilla hastily raises her head, shoulders stiff as she tries to resume a dignified demeanor.]

A bun shall do.

[At least she doesn't sound outright hostile anymore? Just quietly embarrassed.]