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

[skincares]

[Since Carmilla (sort of?) tolerates Jun she doesn't give a snide remark. She shoots a look at him.]

... are you hankering for one?

[mesmerevenant]

Well, it was kind of a hint...!

[ just not that kind lol ]

[skincares]

[Her tone is dry.]

You're quite strange to ask a favor from me, of all people.

[mesmerevenant]

"Of all people"? You're my roommate.

[ just... going to relegate Carmilla to a totally normal role in his life, yeah ]

[skincares]

[Her eyebrow twitches a bit at that comment but. She doesn't argue that point. Progress?!]

The young are so... open, these days.

[mesmerevenant]

You're making yourself sound old.

[skincares]

And I have no need to tolerate you.

[mesmerevenant]

You seem to be anyway!

[skincares]

[JUN!!

She'll take the stuff out of his hands, actually.]

Then compensate me. You will buy us the chocolates.

[mesmerevenant]

[ It's somewhat funny how... well, tsundere Carmilla is. Jun sighs, making a show of being put upon and woefully checking his credit balance. ]

Well... I guess if we're splitting it, I could afford to.

[ Though it's not like he hasn't actually saved up quite a bit of money? Maybe Jun's just stingy. ]

[skincares]

[Tsundere is all she knows, since her family wasn't exactly emotionally well-balanced. She acts a good deal kinder than she used to be thanks to Ritsuka's influence, but at the same time it's difficult for her to accept that she does want to be around other people.

In other words: medieval Europe didn't really have family therapy. Yikes!

The mention of splitting the costs has Carmilla roll her eyes.]

Have you been doing nothing since your arrival? What could you have possibly been spending your credits on? Really...

[The tone she takes on is closer to an exasperated aunt - significantly less poisonous than usual.]

If the costs must be split, I cannot indulge you with the expensive ones.

[mesmerevenant]

Not spending. Saving. There's something I have to absolutely buy. Besides... it won't hurt to be prepared for when we leave, either.

[ Since Jun knows it's only a matter of time, and there's no guarantee that the coven will have the luxuries of modern life wherever they go next. ]

Well, that's fine. Even the less expensive ones here are still quite fancy.

[skincares]

[She hadn't thought about the logistics of their departure, truthfully. A Heroic Spirit is removed from human life and needs. It's been a long time since she's had to fret about food or drink - and when she'd been alive, her servants took care of everything. The look she gives Jun carries some surprise but...

... maybe there's some respect in it?

HA HA MUST BE A TRICK OF THE LIGHT. Carmilla quickly turns her gaze away, back to the chocolates. She needs to make a choice...]

What are you saving up for?

[mesmerevenant]

Glasses. Two pairs. Then some contacts.

[ Which might explain Jun is a little squinty. ]

[skincares]

What an inconvenient price. Was that really the only important thing to you?

[mesmerevenant]

Yes...?

[ He says, unaware that might be considered somewhat strange. Most people do have mementoes or significant objects of value after all. ]

[skincares]

[She doesn't look at him - her gaze is fixed on the chocolates as she tries to pick the cheapest but best option.]

You really should work on your act.

[Being "normal" requires good attention to little, insignificant details like this.]

[mesmerevenant]

[ Rude, calling him out like that! Jun grimaces, though thankfully since Carmilla isn't looking at him she won't be seeing that. ]

"Act"?

[skincares]

[At that, she looks at him--

--and oh god does she look smug.]

Are you truly worried about appearing "ordinary" to someone like me?

[She's fucked up too.]

[mesmerevenant]

It's got nothing to do with you?

[ Rather than continue to front about it, Jun elects to be blunt. It is the truth too. His normality is for his own satisfaction. ]

[skincares]

[That makes her laugh, the sound light and airy. It's as if Jun whispered some obscene little joke to her instead of rebuffing her attempts to nose into his business.]

Two of these. [She says to the shopkeep, pointing at her choices with a long nail.] And Jun, dear. You really must be careful not to intrigue a wolf.

[mesmerevenant]

That doesn't sound as badass as you think after you've been on the internet a while.

[ Because. Yeah. ]