Chapter Text
"What to do... what to... do..."
Procrastination lingered heavily in the proxies mind, forming his mood in a poignant state, undecided on how to spend his afternoon other than working. Business still refusing to boom after so much loss of momentum, the store barely racked in customers, unknowing of the cause. Feeling burnt out from watching the endless supplies of tapes the store had in it's storage, unless Wise had someone to watch them with other than Belle, the interwebs also fell short of any commissions – whatever the reasons may be, life as a whole, became a bit stale, which is a shame, it all radiated with the same feeling, dullness. The male proxy sought out for something interesting to pop out of nowhere, it could be anything! Cmon world, give this man your best shot-
"Me."
Sitting several inches away from him, was the female proxy, enticing the idea to her brother, who blabbeled on to himself for several seconds.
"..."
"..."
The staredown that could last a millennium. Remember a few seconds ago on how he wished for any outcome to appear? Yea, burn it, make sure there's no trace of it left.
"So we're just going to ignore what you just said right?" He asked normally, as if this were a common occurrence.
"Yep."
"Good."
Both listened to the amazing sound of nothingness when they looked around the room, Wise being the one to feel awkward, who knew whitenoise could be so appropriate at a time like this, though the audio got increasingly louder, how is that possible one may ask? Well those types of jokes can do that to any situation, and Belle laughed quietly, tapping each individual finger on the couches arm.
"Yknow I only said that to catch your attention right?" She said, breaking the silence barrier, aww it was so peaceful..
"I'm aware, that's the only reason you say those kinds of things."
"Then why do you act shocked everytime?"
"Because I'm human..?"
"That a good thing or a bad thing?"
"..... Touché."
Belle giggled at her brothers response.
"Alright, you caught me in your trap, what do you want?" Wise said with a sarcastic smile, raising both of his hands up for a quick second.
"What do I want? Have you forgotten, doofus?"
"Huh? Forgotten what?"
"Uh, your appointment with the Victoria Housekeeping members! Remember when Lycaon said the whole staff would personally serve you over dinner?"
"...! Oh damn! You're right! How did I -?"
Memories that previously escaped him, all came flooding back. After the ballet towers incident, Wise overexerted his physical and mental capability to control Euos during the mission, obviously his deeds were not overshadowed one bit, each of the members gave their gratitude – intending a personal service of a new celebratory extension, just for the proxy. The collaboration from both parties were a hit! Comparable to the guy who invented the sandwich, they worked that well together, why wouldn't they need each others essentials? The maids and butlers received a master proxy, and the siblings got good amounts of dennies, plus new friends to chat with! Any commission at this point is a cake walk.
"W-when does that start again?" The gray haired man asked his sister in a slight rush of adrenaline.
"Later today! At 7! C'mon bro you've been out of your A game recently."
"Y-yea... I have, maybe the decline in activities lately have left me a bit slow..." He sighed, picking himself off of his spot on the sofa, taking his phone out from his pocket.
"What should we wear? Been a while since I dressed up properly."
"That's easy, you should just go with your normal fit, it's not like they gave you a book guide on how to act in front of them." Belle considered, laying down on the couch with her arms crossed behind her head, a chill demeanor indeed.
"Hmm? You're not coming with?" He said, noticing the word play she chose when responding to him.
"Nah, you were the one controlling Eous, I saw your body increasingly slouch out of fatigue that day, you earned it bro! Plus, I don't want your gloomy aura all up in my space~!"
"I-im not gloomy!"
"Uh oh, the radius is getting bigger!" Belle shouted out faintly, moving her hands around her body like a mime would if it were trapped in a box
"Q-quit it with your negative comments!.... but, are you sure you don't want to tag along Belle?"
"Trust me, this is something you need right now, and don't worry, your cute little sister won't suddenly disappear after you attend their gathering!"
"The fact you think I would worry about something like that concerns me." He mostly joked, his tone. Ot catchingit though.
"Ok you can leave now!" Belle sat up, pointing at the exit with a pout.
"Yep yep, on it." The male proxy quickly responded, heading for the metal door, giving a two-finger salute before he got the negative side effect of 'shrewish sister' above his head.
|
"Hmmm..... should I...."
Unsure of how to attend, Wise thought about whether he should arrive bearing gifts of some sort, or if he should just come in empty handed. When comparing these options side by side, is there really any need to thought process this at all? The proxy had only one solution... man fuck these ho- show some hospitality for the people who cared about his welfare, one item or several per person seemed fair, so a quick run through some shops were in order!
Tires slowly waned as the male sibling reached his destination, the sun was just about ready to set, the orange in the sky highlighted the complex details of a restaurant building infront of him, for a place as welcoming and thronged upon, there were a very few count in numbers when it came to the cars in the parking lot.
"Woah... 'One's delight' huh? Fancy..."
Exiting the vehicle, he gradually approached the structure, sucking in the scenery, the excessive flowers on the walls ranged from teal, imperial red, sage, and any other color in slight various change in tone which could be hard to point out unless one was lettered on the subject, the bushes appeared to be wine glasses, that or it was a poorly cut out version of a cylinder, either one was acceptable, who was Wise to judge on a Topiary enthusiast on their expertise? Certainly not him – the proxy lives a fairly plain life other than the obvious - which was proxy work, so he tipped his imaginary hat off to anyone who had the determination for their hobbies that effect them positively and or the people around them cause he definitely doesnt have the energy to dedicate his life on a hobby, its all about the work industry.... Making his way to the entrance, there were two miniature fountains creating pleasant noises on either side of him; the design looked so darn adorable that Wise pictured baby ducks playing on the main level of the layered fountain in his mind.
The male proxy started to imagine how the Victoria Housekeeping crew were commissioned to keep the customers sated for the time being until he arrived, as if they were a backup staff to give the former employees an intermission, hence the time he needed to be at the restaurant. With a bag in hand accommodating his presents for the members – it's his way of giving back to the people who have no contract stating the need to provide any service for him for free, so he'll just say its a poureboire for now. He stepped inside the serene lobby, meeting a wall that ended to his left and right, what could be in the left corner? What could lead to the right??? Probably the same place....
"Good evening Mr. Wise."
Oh, he was so immersed in his own childish notions that he forgot the most important part of any restaurant diners entrance hall, the receptionist!
"Hmm? O-oh, hi."
He snapped back to reality in an instant, eyes locking on to the attendant who bowed slightly behind the counter. Now realizing the woman knew his identification despite being here for the first time.
"Uh, so how do you know my name?"
He asked with a tender expression, totally not a little disturbed by the psychic infront of him.
"Victoria Housekeeping rented the establishment for a very important individual." The lady followed up with a chuckle, "It must be quite the achievement to have a very well respected house eagerly serve one specific person."
"T-that so?"
"Mhm, by the looks of it, they all had their own delighted expression plastered on their features." Commented the woman, blasting a ray of positive outlook on the proxy.
Who knew the factions members carried deep fondness exclusive to the proxy, the whole ordeal made him blush slightly.
"T-that means alot, thanks for sharing that information with me..."
"Of course, though If I have the approval to request something small, I'd be most grateful if you prevented from leaking out the last comment I shared, the members have a fairly concrete record of not televising compassion towards any of their guests."
"Well, they kind of threw that out of the window by creating this whole event, hehe."
The woman tittered, taking action by leaving her station at the desk, standing firmly before the important guest.
"Te-he, all of this banter is showing me why they fancy you~" She said with a contented gaze, presenting her hand.
"May I have the honors of guiding you to your destination?"
Wise could only blush, her formal attitude mixed with her fully revealed attire consisting of a long sleeve blazer with a pencil skirt made his face heat up ever so faintly.
"I-id appreciate it."
He said, scratching the back of his head with the bag in his palm before taking her hand with his avaliable one.
"Right this way, Mr. Wise."
The brown haired woman said, matching his height due to her heels.
|
Allowing someone else to commence his direction around the intricate and jawdropping scenery never felt better, however something lingered around the ever so active wits of the proxy, how did this lady get the right person to greet? Did she just guess and turn down any other stationary passerby who had no knowledge of a private event taking place in the property for just one vip? Perhaps one of the members gave her a discrete description on his appearance, the clothes he wore and what not, if that were the reason – the sharp prediction on his attire rather shocked Wise, who'd have the capability to smack dab his predictability?... well he just shot himself in the foot with that one, as it's told not shown above his head, his characteristic isn't very quirky like his counterpart, damn you Belle, how dare you be on the money about this specific scenario!... but it was a good call on not permitting something more proper to wear, if that were the case, can't have her claiming all the credit so easily...
Taking in the temporary concealed space, the gray haired man saw no use in closing down the entire place, seen as he was being lead to a more secluded area of the fashionable eatery, sauntering towards an eye catching black double doors, are those sliding door handles made of gold? Is bro dreaming? Is this where they hold private party's for thousandaires?
Shaking his head with such intensity for a quick second, he decided to smell the coffee and accept this was in fact just for him.
Creak
As the receptionist opened the door accompanied by Wise hand in hand, it slowly revealed the occupants awaiting inside.
"Master Proxy."
"M-master Proxy...!"
Everyone said in unison as if they waited 5 hours to do so, the green haired maid being the one to stutter after witnessing someone commit hand holding with the proxy. Nobody paid any mind, it's Corin after all, she acts skittish when interacting with babies.
"I'll take my leave." Said the receptionist before kindly exiting as she stated.
.
.
.
"Glad you could make it, thought you'd bail on us." The shark thiren said, shoulder bumping him, gnawing at a lolipop.
"C-cmon I'd never do that, especially since this is an important circumstance." He replied, hiding his self-accusation demeanor, twas Belle that saved his ass for reminding him.
"Mhm, I'll remember that next time I suggest a place to hang." Ellen responded, not taking kindly to his constant change in plans because of work.
"I am most thankful for your attendance Master Proxy." The Wolf thiren spoke out next, bowing with a hand to his chest.
"Don't mention it."
"I am sincere, if you had not been present on time – then our funds would have decreased with no prior way to restore it." Lycaon admitted.
"N-no kidding." Replied the proxy, unaware that they would have been forced to cancel the entire reservation if he were missing.
"Indeed I'm not, so I'll state it once again, thank you for joining us." Kindly gestured the wolf, escorting the proxy to the narrow table accompanied by many different chairs.
While making his way to the small steps that lead to the family sized table, out of the corner of his eye, something manifested before him, almost causing a reaction of surprise.
"O dear guide, allow me to store your belongings somewhere safe." Declared the Ghost maid flying beside him, a sweet smile shown as she reached out for the bag in his hand.
"Hold on, you don't need to do that."
"Why? Is something wrong?" Rina asked with a bit of concern.
"I-I have a gift for each of you... I didn't want to just come here without saying a thanks of my own."
"O-oh...! Pray tell what you brought for us!"
"Tell us!"
"Hurry up!" Pestered the two floating bangboos.
Feeling embarrassed for being the center of attention as if he wasn't already, Wise searched for the offering he got for Rina.
"H-here you go."
Unsure if it was the right call, Wise brought a gift with lasting affection... A very familiar looking piece of headwear Rina instantly recognized.
"This is..."
"A cloche hat... It reminded me of you when I first saw it..."
Wise conveyed in a heartfelt manner, bringing it up to the maid for her to grab. The same looking hat that granny Leisha wore, only this one had the colors relating to Rina, the main head being porcelain while the string band appeared red.
Alexandrina Sebastiane took the gift in hand, examining it, feeling the texture of the cloth, with no further words, she took the honor of wearing it above her head, replacing the headdress, blushing faintly in the process. The two usually rowdy bangboos also floated in silence, giving Wise a gentle nod of approval.
"I'm glad you like it."
Tenderly pushing on through, Wise turned to the wolf himself.
"I don't know if this will be as impactful as Rina's gift, but I hope you'll like what I got you."
The proxy said, digging in his mystery bag, pulling out a Random play logo'd ball textured like a tennis ball, holding it out for Lycaon to examine.
"Oh, uh..."
The butler cleared his throat before gently taking it off his hand, eyeing somewhere else but the proxies direction, his tail wagging softly from side to side.
"My thanks."
Wise nodded, thankfully his bright idea to sell Random Play themed balls came into play – now he moved on to the green haired maid.
"Corin! I got you something that could help your saw stay intact!" He said happily rummaging through the bag, if her introduction wasn't so rudely interrupted by her saw detaching itself, Victoria Housekeeping would have looked very menacing when first meeting, but not everything goes as planned, and this little maid looked more cute than anything.
"O-oh really...!?"
"Mhm!"
Now taking out the most heaviest thing from the bag, the proxy presented a small supply kit for Corin's desperate needs! Bolts that could withstand lightning fast speeds received by any saw, followed by a drill that could easily attach the screws to her weapon, to add it all up, there's a small bottle that contains moisturized liquids which could help jump start her saw without delay or malfunctions.
"W-wow... t-thank you Master Proxy...!"
Squeeked the short maid, who nervously but ardently took the kind offering, blushing as she hugged it, her back shown to him so he couldn't witness the affectionate gratitude.
Last and very definitely least, he walked up to Ellen who had an eyebrow raised as he took out her gift.
"How invigorating." She said looking up at him, insinuating a grateful tone?
"I thought it suited you, since it looked like your profile picture."
Wise chuckled, handing the phone case to his shark friend, the crying shark picture laid behind the case, not only this but he also got a pop socket with the same image, perfect! If she ever messes up the support, she still has the case. But wait! There's more! Not quite at the end of the special event – he gave her the final ingredient, a sticker, with you guessed it, the same image. So if she breaks the back support, or loses the case somewhere, she's still got the sticker glued behind her phone, and if thats somehow gone.... g-uh-uhm.... n-not his fault!
|
Proceeding with this lively evening, Wise respectfully took a seat at the center while everyone set aside their unpredicted gifts of gratitude. The whole environment felt like one big party surrounded by family, something the male sibling didn't have the luxury of experiencing all too much, it's not that he didn't want it, he couldn't... How would it be possible with just his sister...? Grief filled the mind, why did it everything end up like this... why did hollows have to exist...
tap tap tap
"Belle, where are you?"
.
.
"I'm still home, why what's wrong?"
"...Nothing, just making sure you're keeping the store clean."
"Of course I am, I already ordered bangboo 6 to do so~"
He rolled his eyes.
"Typical, lol."
"Heehee~!"
Closing his phone, he sighed In relief, maybe this lost proxy chose to be oblivious to other perspectives, though it doesn't change the fact that it's impossible to know every intention behind closed mouths, unseen thoughts, whatever you could refer to it as. But what he can see, is the selfless acts of others today – watching their playful interactions.
"Uhn-na-nhe. (Enjoy some refreshments!)"
"Hmm? Oh, thanks!"
Completely missing out on the butler boo adorably struggling his way to climb the table, he presents a small cup of coffee to the proxy, offering sugar cubes and cream.
"Just a little is fine, thanks little guy."
"Nu-nha! (Notify me anytime for more!)"
A few circulate swirls was the key for a perfect brew, a single sip calmed the soul, well the first and last due to the size of the cup.
"I-i'm glad you decided to wear the same outfit Master Proxy!"
Corin noted beside the gray haired man, directing a nervous smile his way.
The comment caught his attention, slightly taken aback by the crucial clairvoyance.
***
"As per agreement to our private discussion, we've decided to join you on the table after you've been sated with our services."
Lycaon announced, each of the Victoria Housekeeping member bowed after the introduction, a small maid ready to speak out.
"M-master proxy-"
"Hey, Wise, er- Master, now's the time to make use of us." Ellen pointed out, crossing her arms, waiting for instructions.
"R-right, uh... what can I request?"
"Anything you see fit, dear guide." Said Rina.
"Ooh, you should order Anastella to do something." Drusilla chimed in.
"No way, command Drusilla!" Anastella retorted.
"I suggested you first!"
"Nuh-uh!"
The two puppet bangboo's flew around each, eventually clashing into one another with murder on their minds.
"Oh, oh, hit em with a right hook, wait your arms are too stubby for that haha!" Wise chanted.
"My dear guide I'd greatly appreciate it if you didn't encourage their behavior. I already have enough on my plate dealing with these two rascals, it would lead to more trouble if they knew what they were doing is entertaining others!" Rina said with a smile, indicating anything other than a positive outlook.
"Wait, do you think we can make money out of this?" Drusilla thought out.
"Maybe maybe!"
Drusilla and Anastella back and forthed for a few moments, opening up the curtains to a new form of income, though the idea came up empty as Rina grabbed the both of them, activating their silent mode, guess that's a no for underground bangboo brawls, perhaps the scheme currently exists somewhere in New eridu.
|
"M-master Proxy-!"
"Wut-tai-nah! (Heads up!)"
"Huh?"
PLOP
All could be heard was a bangboo followed by a loud thump, Wise quickly turned to the source of the noise, mouth agape, witnessing a small bite-sized pancake travel at Mach speed towards him, attaining its purpose within a blink of an eye.
"Hmmph!!"
With less than a second of time to process anything, the butlerboo scored an impressive goal, flinging the simple treat with his pan into the mouth of the proxy – twisting it's mustache in pure satisfaction, giving necessary kudos to himself for the sheer amount of accuracy needed to obtain the feat.
Closing the entrance to his tastebuds was all Wise could do, and, he felt nothing but bliss, the fluffiness, sweetness, buttery goodness, all performed a small waltz in his mouth – ready to enhance the flavor up a notch, he picked up a small cup of milk and downed it with no further delay, recieving his daily dairy intake in the meantime.
"Oh my, need me to further your experience with my home-baked cookies dear guide?"
The male proxy nearly choked at Rina's kind gesture.
"N-no thank you, I think I've had my share of sweets today...!"
Nailed it.
|
"U-uhm, M-master Proxy-!"
"Hear ya go master, a one in a lifetime opportunity...!"
Ellen said very, very enthusiastically (very, I might add), slowly showing her backside to the vip, presenting her large, smooth, shark tail to him.
"You may....... touch it as much as you like."
She said with hesitation. Wise being unsure if it were out of embarrassment or pure loathing. Either way, if Ellen's offering this 'one time thing', who is he to refuse?
Don't mind if I do! He cowardly said in his head.
"Mmgh..!"
Ellen jolted slightly from his digits slowly caressing her thiren genes, receiving a slight difference in what she was expecting.
"Tihi...! Stop...!"
Chuckling, Wise furthered his action, slowly sliding his fingers against her tail, hearing sounds of soft giggling from the shark maid, he knew all about this technique of tickling, being a victim far too many times to Belle with this pattern of touch, for New Eridus sake! That woman's even his sensei at this moment!
"Ok...! I said no more!"
Repeated the shark, slapping his hand away with the force of that huge tail of hers.
"Hmph."
|
"..... M...... Master pro-"
"Master Proxy, as told, I have returned from the storage unit with the spork you have requested."
"Nice! Thank you Lycaon."
"May I ask why you only require this specific item?"
"So I can enjoy both solid and liquid foods."
"Ah..."
Contemplating, Lycaon closes his eyes, smiling to himself, perhaps the proxy doesn't have a needy side after all, a tiny demand endowed upon the maids and butlers are scarce, it should be since Victoria housekeepings ministrations aren't cheap, making the best use out of these individuals are a must.
And now, ladies and gentlemen, it's time for the best, most exciting occasion of all time! Give it up for............. E-ellen?
"zzz..."
Halfway through the assembly, a tired school girl dozed off in a corner, slouching on the couch, with a soft grumble, Lycaon shook her, bringing up a small candy with an intense aroma up to her nose, solving the issue quickly as she woke up – lazily snatching the saccharine treat from his hand.
"I'm up, I'm up. Is my overtime still good?"
"Stay focused, remember, there are no profits to gain from this." Lycoan reminded.
"Right, kinda forgot about that."
|
The night flew by, almost every attendant brought forth a lending hand, issuing a successful and happy proxy, which in hindsight, didn't need a tutorial on how to achieve, they could just stand in one place and he would feel giddy inside. Though a missing piece still lingered... ah! The food! Having a backup private meeting without Rina, the trio unified a treaty to NOT let her cook for the safety of anyone who wasn't Ellen.
Everyone sat at the table after bringing out the delightful meals, ranging from salty, spicy... hard, soft, liquid, and anything you could think of. Of course, Wise had first pick, many appetizing dishes presented, calling his name, knowing their fragrances have him wrapped around their utensils – fork, knife, and sink-er......? Though when push comes to shove from a non-existent hand, the proxy selected one of each item as to not hold any of the others time.
Moments pass, chatter arises, and stomachs fill up. The stately behavior in each individual triggered his dopamine, failing to notice any stagnant lifeforms that may be restricted to the microcosm service room. To his eyes, nobody felt left out, dining was an absolute to anyone who participated in the event, Wise would've had his share of alcohol; though driving back home with booze in his system is sure to not end pleasantly, in situations like this, his saving grace, juice would so happily substitute the thirst! Which leaves all the more mature beverages to Lycaon and Rinas disposal, who politely declined Ellen's small plea to have a tiny sip.
Throughout the night, Wise felt the subtle hints of stares while focusing on his last few bites, feeling a tad bit nervous on who could be somberly prying him, he glanced up- oh... Everyone was looking his way.... smiles across the board, all sharing a common achievement of satisfaction watching the proxy give off a soothing aura of content around him which lasted the entire session.
|
"Once again, you have earned our deepest appreciations for attending our small get together Master Proxy."
"A-anytime Lycaon, thank you for holding this gathering for my sake... I... really appreciate it..."
Wise responded, holding a hand to his chest. Recieving a fuzzy feeling of happiness, not everyone can say they have friends who are willing to do so much for them... Especially for the purpose of making someone joyful with no prior intentions... but on a side note, there's this unusual contempt simmering slowly, subconsciously acknowledging the few attempts at compensation being interlude by others actions without even realizing it.
However, wanting to dissect it was irrelevant at the moment, seeing that everyone said their goodbyes already, Wise stood next to his unlocked car, looking back at the restaurant, marking this encounter in a permanent place in his heart... Luckily he took a picture too! Watching his phone carefully, he saw everyone's array of affection. Rina's kind, welcoming smile,
Ellen's lazy, torpid face,
Lycaons tender, humane expression,
Corin's nervous simper,
Even the butlerboo's solemn posture of twisting his mustache again. The frame that captured a moment in time pushed a faint mellow chuckle out of the proxy. Until something caught his eye in the picture.
Whoops...
Neglecting an important property belonging to him, he forgot about the bag that once contained gifts for the faction. Thank goodness for his unnecessary overanalyzing, or else the complimentary Random Play tote bag would've been gone without a trace for sure! Only one copy exists as of now but if they went on sell (which is very soon), it would go for 3 ez paimentzz of 92.35, what a steal!
As he steadily made his way back to 'One's delight', he encountered the receptionist again.
"Hey, I just came by to get my things. Kinda forgot about them." He chuckled.
"That is no problem Mr. Wise, I hope to see all of you once again."
"Same here!"
He said delighted, hearing the sounds of a car trunk closing as he proceeded to the vip room. Visiting once again felt eerily different, no echoes of laughter, nor occupants to fill the empty space felt depressing, he wasn't surprised how tidy and shiny the interior appeared even after all the chaos it endured, they weren't Victoria Housekeeping for nothing... Making like a tree, he quickly got out of there with said bag in his possession, before departing out of the resteraunt, the receptionist had one more thing to say.
"Make sure you don't keep your company waiting!"
He looked back, examining her pupils glance down, behind him towards the parking lot, though he assumed she was mentioning his bag.
"Oh, sure no problem!"
Whether it was an espers ability or a plain lucky guess, the woman apparently knew about his plans to sell copies of the bag in the future! Man what is up with all of these prophets today? Nevertheless, he did make it obvious by having the stores logo plastered on it, so it wasn't entirely a luck of the draw, but its strange how she just noticed the product...
Rapidly evanescing the thought, the proxy made his way to his car, opening the door, letting out a weary sigh as he took a seat. Today was fun, that's the least he could say, wanting to ween in more on the matter but his brain suffered from exhaustion. He turned the keys and started up the vehicle, requiring smooth or rather fast beats to keep him awake through the trip.
"Let's see... how do I..... get back home."
He said with a hoarse voice, rearranging his front mirror, decreasing the chance of a slanted reflector, can't have himself crashing after a wonderful day, so hopefully he could end it off with a restful conclusion. The proxy readied up his gps, and music to commemorate, playing the "songs I don't listen to around people" Playlist. Judging by the title, you'd be able to guess why it's named the way it is, Wise got the feeling that he'd be the only one to enjoy these types of genres in his friend group, though he wasn't against the popular trends, but a little bit of guilty pleasure to the ears never hurt anyone, especially people who wouldnt be able to witness this interesting flip flop of a collection................
Tires slowed down, rolling over the cobblestone below. Too tired to even think right now, Wise didn't even bother parking correctly in their own private lot, he turned off the vehicle and stumbled out of the moving machine.
"Home... sweet home... hopefully Belle left the back door unlocked..."
His voice pitched barley above a whisper, approaching closer to his supplication, an answer being essential.
Creak
"Hmhm..."
A wee smile appeared on his face, appreciating the subtle things which made his day just a little easier – realizing he really did hit the jackpot, a loving sister who's always supportive, and friends whom he could trust with his life... Not everyone is given the opulence of friendship, so he made sure to keep it, hold it tight, and never burn any bridges to the wonderful individuals around him, if he somehow messed up, to the point of risking a lasting relationship, he'd do anything.... himself he might add, didn't matter how hard or annoying, the people around him are worth it.
The gray haired man closed the door, not even bothering to lock it, a hassle of turning the key in the key hole at the moment seemed like hell, even so, gates protected the back of the building and what desperate human or thiren would ought to rob a movie store, that'd be one heck of a movie night if that were the case, might aswell steal from a convenience store for the appropriate amount of snack and drink.
Swaying, he slowly climbed up the stairs, if soreness also played a factor while he clambered, he'd call it a day, sleeping on the staircase didn't seem like a horrible idea, gotta stockpile all the energy you can get for the next day as they say, nobody says that.
Before collapsing on his own bed, he took a quick second of intervention to open Belle's room...
.........snore.......
Good, now that everything checked out. It was his time to clock out for the day, he's gotta give it to his sister, the male proxy really did need a break for once. She's had way too many moments of seeing through him, noticing the tenuous differences in his behavior – which bemused the proxy, the way he acts never changes, or atleast it feels that way to him; clueless by the iota of his own deportment, all he could do is shrug it off. People knew him better than himself he supposed.
flop
Grunting, the male proxy dropped down like roadkill, laying closer to the wall for the maximum amount of comfortableness, though the risk of some kind of monster appearing to endanger his safety rose to a unwanted degree – double downing just for the occasion was rapidly decided, seeing as he knocked out, a K.O from his pillow, maybe copying this method a few more times could satiate his sleep schedule.
***
Panting, Wise couldn't lose track of an evil beast following his every move, he looked back, not spotting a thing, knowing damn well the creature didn't allow him to get away so easily. Nightmares are a pain, the odds of obtaining one are slim, but never zero, and it so happens that the proxy secured one of his own, aware of the scenario similar to the thriller he watch with Belle a few days ago. A new day started, what better way to begin than having a horrible experience before you can even wake up.
With the ability of 'sleep running', the gray haired man had made no further distance from the leering monster.
.
.
.
.
Silence, his senses kicking up a few notches due to the overwhelming quietness.
BOOM
From above, the green alien looking creature appeared with a screech, scaring the daylights out of Wise.
"Ah...!"
"Aaah!!"
"Huh?!"
Sitting up at full speed, half of phaethon awoke, catching a glimpse, staring at a horrified green haired maid similar in appearance to a cute Frankensteins monster standing beside his bed! (So many monsters today!)
"C-corin...?!" A surprised husked filled word escaped his mouth. Quickly rubbing his eyes.
"G-good morning master proxy! I-I hope you had a good night's sleep!!"
She said with a nervous demeanor, bowing very fast and low for the gray haired proxy.
"Corin... h-how did you get in here? The store isnt even open, or atleast I think its not depending on what time it is." He Contemplated, not acknowledging why Corin would freely go up to his room rather than waiting for his approach down at the shop, if it were open.
He now noted how warm his body felt, catching a dented outline located beside him on the berth – looking up once again, the maid blushed pink, averting her eyes elsewhere but his returning gaze.
"I-i.... uhm..."
"....? Cmon Corin, you can tell me."
"....."
"I won't get mad, I-i promise, I pinky swear!"
"But... y-your going to think I'm weird..."
"Everyone's a little weird from time to time, it's just up to you on whether you want to embrace and reveal that strange side of you..."
".... sigh... o-ok..."
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"I-i... snuck into your car when you weren't looking.... I laid beneath the chairs in the back."
"When...?............!"
Thinking behind, the time he forgot to grab his bag before his leave seemed like the possible sequence for Corins bold action. A hand placed under his chin, glancing at the huge saw leaning against the cabinets behind the maid.
"H-how did you even bring that here? I would've noticed something shining at the back my car...!"
"U-uhm... I hid it in your trunk..."
Flooding memories crashed his mind for a second time, the sound of a trunk was heard when he entered the restaurant again to retrieve his own product!
No wonder she said that.... Wise thought out, going back to the moment where the receptionist mentioned his company.... not his actual company – but the girl she saw going in his vehicle! That kind of company!!
"S-so.... you heard my... p-playlist...?" He asked, feeling self-conscious of the fact that someone heard a part of his music taste.
"Y-yea..." She said, feeling reluctant to say anymore. "l-like you said... everyone has a weird side right...!?"
"Uuuugh......"
"I-im sorry if that came out as rude master proxy please forgive me!!"
"... it's ok... but, why did you wriggle into my car?"
"B-because! When we were all at the restaurant, I didn't even get to serve you once...! C-chance after chance I took, it was snatched up by the other servers...! I-i felt so left out, e-everyone seized my opportunity to thank you properly...!"
"That's it...? exhale Corin, you don't need to thank me through various acts of helpfulness, being my friend is all I could ever ask for. You, Lycaon, Ellen and Rina all decided to hold that celebration on your own free will, I never asked for it! But I appreciate the sentiment, I really do, i-it shows me that we are more than just clients and proxies...!"
"I-I know I don't have to, but its like you said, i-im doing this out of my own will... you may not know this but, the time we've spent together have always been magical, your always so kind, going out of your way to include a nobody like me...! T-thats the reason why I felt so content when realizing the opportunity I've been given to serve you... and look how that turned out..."
"..."
Wise let out a breath, sinking in the words of abandonment released from the green haired maid.
"So, I've come up with my own solution, to compensate for failing a scheduled service, I've decided to become master proxies personal maid for the time being....!"
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"Huh...?"