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Post by indeath on Nov 9, 2023 5:23:12 GMT -6
Grim coughed into his half drunk cappuccino. He’d been afraid of this, anyone else would have picked up on his suggestion along with his reputation, and asked no more. Sensibly. He hoped he wouldn’t have to draw the kid diagrams or do some interpretative dancing. Yoshio would definitely have something to say about that. This would be so much easier if he could lie. Were euphemisms technically lies?
“Not that kind of partner… Well that kind and the married kind. Bit stupid mixing business and pleasure, but who am I to talk? Reef is nonbinary. We uh made whoopee and while they were asleep, I borrowed a pile of case notes and uh an important item that a client of theirs’ was after. I knew someone who also wanted it so… But it was a crime of opportunity I swear. Anyway… Reef couldn’t handle the guilt of losing the item, but didn’t want to ruin their big night tonight. So here we are…”
Hopefully that covered everything. Time’s awasting after all.
“Any other questions before we head out?”
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Post by hadopelagic on Nov 19, 2023 17:30:25 GMT -6
For a moment, Julean couldn't maintain his professional persona. Looking down at Business Cat, he uttered one word of judgment:
"Bruh."
With a perturbed HFF, he bit the tail end of his pen, itching for his vape. He couldn't blame the rival PI for being pissed at Grim; in fact, if there hadn't been a weapon at stake, Julean would have left Grim to clean up his own mess. Reap the consequences of drama.
"Me and Business Cat are ready to get the gun," Julean said, "but that's not going to make your rival less mad. And if they know you're responsible for the heist, they'll aaaabsolutely find a different way to blow up the city." He stood and tilted his head toward the exit.
"So find a way to make nice. Do I need to get HR involved?"
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Post by jarahamee on Nov 20, 2023 1:23:20 GMT -6
Business-cat shared Julean’s judgement gaze for a few seconds, then stared back at Malgrim, emotionless. The animal’s face conveyed its gentle disappointment and disapproval, at least before it moved on, licking its forepaw and rubbing it against its face.
“Mrow!”
He agreed, rubbing against Julean’s legs, then weaving between them. If he needed to, he could become a man again, but this seemed like an ordinary enough job with ordinary enough stakes… Just the whole city, you know…
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Post by indeath on Nov 23, 2023 5:01:15 GMT -6
Grim huffed back tapping his foot against the floor, maybe it hadn’t been such a great idea to involve ‘Business man’ in this business.
“Judgey! For demons you guys aren’t very sex positive. I thought it was alright to uh sleep around these days… Oh it’s not a gun. Look you’ve done at least one year of high school history, right? Mt. Vesuvius and the burning of Pompeii? That was the last time he got mad. I get it… Fine. I assume by HR y..y mean uh that guy you work for…”
Grim shivered visibly, his face growing a pale at the thought.
“After this is over I’ll send him an email or something, and a bottle of wine. Do you think they make greeting cards for this kinda thing?”
Grim knew it was the right thing to do, it just was just not something he was very good at. In fact people usually ended up more mad at him than before. It was the reason he was currently a Ken doll. He’d tried to make a bad situation better.
” You’re still in, right?”
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Post by hadopelagic on Dec 14, 2023 0:19:00 GMT -6
"Now you're speaking my language." Julean packed up his briefcase, stood, and then brushed nonexistent crumbs off the front of his jacket. "When the city's in danger, Business Man is here to save the day. Lead the way, homie."
He clapped a hand on Grim's shoulder.
"Listen. If there's one thing I know, it's mea culpa. You know how many times my ass has been borderline cancelled? Last week, I called Taylor Swift "mid" on X. My brother in antichrist, I have a whole playlist of apology videos on Youtube. V-R-P, Grim. Be vulnerable, regretful, and promise to do better. Just never admit fault."
He eyed Ryu, actual devil, who was the group's moral compass, as if looking for confirmation that the V-R-P method was solid.
"But since this is a sincere apology, maybe you should admit ... uh ... a little fault. Wait. No. Tell him you had no idea they were an item."
Julean opened the door for the other two; business men were polite, after all.
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Post by jarahamee on Dec 14, 2023 1:35:45 GMT -6
“R—row!”
Businesscat agreed, moving from between Julean’s legs to Grim’s.
The cat looked up into Malgrim’s eyes, his huge amber eyes piercing into his soul. The cat’s eyes said, ‘own up to your mistakes,’ the gaze solemn, pose almost picturesque as he sat down in front of the half-goblin, nearly blocking his path.
As quickly as it started, the pause was over. The cat moved as if he had never tried to telepathically communicate with a human, instead, moving out of the shop and into the street, sticking close to Julean’s legs.
As if to make peace, the animal paused, gazed up at Malgrim with a decidedly softer expression, then brushed some of his fine, silky tanned hair onto his leg with affection, his tail raised like a question-mark.
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Post by indeath on Jan 3, 2024 23:24:29 GMT -6
Grim could feel his hackles rising up, he hated being told what he should do, even if it was technically the right thing to do. Still this felt important and he would try to, just as soon as they finished the job. He nodded at Julean, it was sound advice for a superficial sort of apology which sounded a lot easier than a real one. He definitely needed a swift exit.
“Right… Maybe I could offer to sleep with him? Even the score… Kidding. Anyway uh… let’s focus on the job.”
He acknowledged the large cat’s gaze. He half-smiled as it pushed against him, Ryu wasn’t so bad as his boss. Why did he have to be punished so regularly though? He was already being punished right now, how much more did he have to suffer until the universe was satisfied?
He led Julean and his cat through a few shortcuts and alleyways until they came to an impressive old building with fancier lettering on the side advertising the various businesses. There were three options, through the front door or a slightly rusty fire escape around the side. Then there was the out of use laundry shoot accessible around the back.
“So uh how do we wanna go?”
Grim favored the fire escape but he worried that it could be noisy.
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Post by hadopelagic on Feb 19, 2024 2:47:03 GMT -6
Julean had always been a risk taker who climbed trees, fences, buildings, and bridges for clout. Back in the What House days, he'd leap into the pool from the mansion roof, was known for the stunt. And that was before he sold his soul. Before he became invincible. Julean could jump off the top of Mount Everest and survive. Given the choice, he'd always choose a fire escape over a conventional entrance.
"Let's climb, boys." Julean removed his jacket and tied its sleeves around his neck, making the garment hang like a superhero's cape. "Tonight, we save the city."
They'd save Wathais, and nobody would know about their heroism.
Julean wasn't sure how he felt about that anonymity. His most impressive accomplishments were also his most private. Didn't seem fair. Especially since he got cancelled twice a year.
On the other hand, privacy was so rare, it was almost ... a relief? The world could know Julean's clownshow internet persona, but they'd never know his heart. Yes! Business Man was a genuine part of Julean that couldn't be corrupted by the public's scummy gaze.
"Let's go!" Julean FLUNG his briefcase into the air and did a side flip. Although he stuck the landing, he wasn't quick enough to catch the briefcase before it hit the ground. Clatter. Miraculously, his glasses stayed put.
"I'll work on that move." He grabbed his stuff. "Fire escape. Let's go."
After running to the fire escape, he paused turned toward Grim, and extended a hand. "You need a boost or anything?" The PI was probably good at climbing, considering his career, but it never hurt to ask.
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Post by jarahamee on Feb 19, 2024 14:21:16 GMT -6
The cat bounded alongside them, as naturally as if they were in the opening of a sitcom, pausing only to spring away from Julean’s feet as he did his side-flip. He was always surprised when Julean didn’t manage to hurt himself, though today’s outcome was likely a mixture of skill, athletic ability, and his natural bad luck combined.
He looked up at the fire-escape, winding up his long, muscular body, then pounced upwards, sharp claws gripping the metal lattice above him as he scrambled briefly to heft himself over the edge, as if he meant to do exactly that.
Business-cat then glanced back down at the others with knowing eyes, waiting for them to proceed and follow him. He also wondered if Malgrim could make it; Julean, he knew had the tenacity to never give up, and the drive to keep moving forward.
The animal flicked his tail, and then jumped down off the railing.
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Post by indeath on Feb 21, 2024 1:26:33 GMT -6
Grim couldn’t help but appreciate the energy Julean brought to the affair. At least he didn’t lack for enthusiasm at all. Grim looked slightly affronted at the suggestion of a boost and bit back a dirty comment that came to mind. The devil had said no touch and Grim really didn’t want to test his patience just yet.
Grim leapt up grabbing ahold of the railing and hoisting himself up. He’d done this more than once. There wasn’t even a clang of metal. He wiped the orange rust onto his pants with a grin at his new protégé. Hopefully his luck would continue to hold as the night went on.
“Need any pointers?”
He waited a moment before continuing the climb to the fourth floor. He kept an eye out for any cameras using his little power to obscure their view. Grim seemed more confident, he was in his element.
Almost nothing beat the rush of a job like this. He waited for Julean to catch up, watching for movement within the building.
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Post by hadopelagic on Mar 11, 2024 0:06:40 GMT -6
When Julean planned his superhero costume, he accounted for almost everything. There were infrared LEDs in his glasses to baffle security cameras, the suit was made of resilient black nylon to resist wear and tear, his shoes had excellent treads, and his briefcase was full of heroic supplies.
Unfortunately, he hadn't accounted for the bullshit *design* of briefcases. They didn't have convenient straps like purses or backpacks. Nooooope. Julean had to clutch a handle. Easier said than done, especially when climbing the side of a building.
What was the point of briefcases, anyway? They were complete garbage. If Julean hadn't put 4000 dollars worth of tech in the shitty thing, he would've chucked it to the concrete ground and continued the mission. Instead, he struggled up the fire escape using just one hand (the right one, his dominant). When he needed extra support, he pinched the metal bar under his left armpit.
Unfortunately, the extra challenge caused him to lag a minute behind Grim, who was honestly showing off.
"Thaaaanks, brooo, but I'm good," he told Grim with gritted teeth. Julean heaved the briefcase up, intending to throw it onto the landing before he flipped over the final railing. Unfortunately, the shift in Julean's weight distribution caused his feet to slip. With an undignified squeak, he dangled off the railing by a single hand.
One arm pull-up. Easy. You can do this, hero.
He fleeeexed his right arm, managing to rise a couple inches. Not nearly enough. With a hiss of frustration, Julean kicked, but he couldn't find his foothold, and his grip was beginning to slip ...
"My curse is trying to kill-not-kill me," he pouted. "C'mon, help a business man out."
Julean looked up at Grim, wondering if the man was strong enough to heave him over the bar. Had to be. Ryu Cat couldn't do it.
Worst case scenario, Julean tumbled and then had to make a second climb (of shame). He'd experienced worse forms of harm, thanks to his deal with Yoshio. However, that didn't mean it wouldn't hurt like hell to break half the bones in his body.
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Post by jarahamee on Mar 11, 2024 0:14:50 GMT -6
Business-cat looked concerned, and reached over to try to help Julean. But he had paws now! He made an uncomfortable mewing sound, and focused his little kitten mind, tail puffed held straight up, trembling.
Levitate, levitate Julean!
He felt like it was working, but how well, he didn't know. He put his little paws on top of Julean's hand and made an encouraging sound, nudging him with his little nose.
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Post by indeath on Mar 16, 2024 3:13:56 GMT -6
Grim gave the cat a meaningful look. Yoshio had said no touching but this was different. He lunged forward to grab the other man by the arm, hooking his foot on the rail so he didn’t fall himself. Julean’s weight pulled at him and he could feel his grasp failing. He definitely lacked the strength to pull the guy up so instead he swung Julean into the level bellow with a bang but bruises were better than being splattered. There was a ping that went with the bang and grim looked down at his long grey fingers that ended in his claw like nails.
“Fuuuuckkkk!!!”
He watched in despair as his ring ping ponged its way to the ground. It could have landed anywhere. Anywhere. They didn’t have time for this. His orange eyes flashed with emotion. He looked down at Business man on the level below.
“Let’s uh table that. Worst comes to worst I can get a new ring. Let’s finish this mission. Throw up the briefcase!”
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Post by hadopelagic on Mar 30, 2024 3:20:12 GMT -6
When Julean found himself suspended by a hand--Grim's hand!--he wasn't sure whether to internally scream or laugh, especially as his grip started slipping. It felt like hanging from a trapeeze, but there was no net to cushion him. Catching on to Grim's plan, Julean kicked his legs with the swing, and then he was airborne. He landed on his ass, which was the best place to land, despite the the sharp pain in his tailbone.
"Maybe I missed my calling," he said, rubbing his backside as he hobbled over to pass up his briefcase. "I would've made bank in the circus." Malgrim had changed, going gray and gobliny. So much for the human disguise. "What'll happen if a--" What was the PC way to say homeless guy? "--houseless legend finds your ring?"
Once his hands were free, Julean easily parkour'd onto the upper fire escape. He gave Ryu a gentle scratch on the head and then readjusted his glasses, sliding them up his nose with one finger.
"One more thing. For security." Julean pulled a plain white face mask from his pocket and put it on. "Let's go, boys."
He leaned toward the nearest window, trying to see into the office beyond. "You sense any magic, Business Cat?"
As much as Julean wanted to kick-in the window and tear apart the PI's office, he knew that discretion would be necessary. They needed time, couldn't get detected until they'd secured the weapon. Chances were, the rival PI wouldn't leave a rare, dangerous item unguarded. It may even be in a safe.
And what then?
He'd brought fireworks, that might help.
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Post by jarahamee on Mar 30, 2024 15:54:01 GMT -6
Businesscat stared down into the space where the ring had fallen, as if he could somehow discern its fate. His eyes sparkled, but he made no sound or other indication that he had seen anything unusual. He looked up and over at Malgrim, eyes wide, as if asking him if he really wanted to move on, and then made his way to the window.
The animal stared intently through the window, looking for any sign of magic, movement, or anything that struck his interest.
He then moved to the next window, doing much the same, brushing up against the glass as if he was an ordinary cat who wanted to be let in. He considered meowing, but thought better of it. It was best not to be noisy.
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