Delilah Berget sighed, watching her friend, Ceony Twill, walk out the classroom. She looked positively exhausted and Delilah already knew why. Taking care of her family was one thing, but having to go off and focus on her major as well. She had to juggle rent too, which that in itself was hard as it was. Ceony gave Delilah a weak smile, carrying her books in her slim fingers.

"You said you wanted to talk after class?" Ceony asked, taking a moment to yawn. Delilah led her friend through the halls.

"Yeah. I'm taking you out to lunch." Delilah said, "I have something really important to tell you!'

"Oh, Delilah, I don't really have the funds." Ceony said sheepishly, looking down to the pavement sheepishly, peering down to her Doc Martens, one of her most valued pair of shoes. She took care of them well, ever since saving up for them two years ago. Delilah tugged on Ceony's sweater sleeve, leading her out to a nearby cafe on campus.

"I have a job proposition for you." Delilah said as she opened the door, smiling as the baristas greeted her. Ceony peered at the blonde young woman as she gave her order to the barista and paid for their purchase before Ceony could oppose. Delilah knew how much Ceony refused to be a burden upon anyone, especially if she was only gaining and not losing. Delilah forced Ceony to sit, grinning.

"A job proposition?" Delilah's grin only widened, making Ceony concerned. Usually Delilah's propositions were either ridiculous or downright wrong. "Please, don't tell me it's another one of your ridiculous schemes for me to get money for my family. I've already told you, what I have is fine.

"Ceony, you know it's not." Delilah said, "You're juggling two jobs, your family, rent, and studying! I know you're positively losing it." Before Ceony could open her mouth, Delilah put a hand up. "I know you're going to deny it, but everyone knows how much stress is being put on you, even Ms. Aviosky. She called me while you were in class to tell me about a possible job opening for you."

"Me?" Ceony asked curiously as their food and drinks came. "Shouldn't it be for you?"

"Nah. Ms. Aviosky already had me covered for that. You, on the other hand, need one. She told me it would be an AU pair."

"An AU pair? One of those caretakers for the home and usually the children as well?" A nod from Delilah. "Delilah! Please, tell me you didn't accept for me.

"I would never. I just told Ms. Aviosky that you really did need it and gave me a number for you to call and set up a meeting with the guy."

"Guy?"

"Yeah, he and his son. Some backstory, I dunno." Delilah shrugged as she dug into her sandwich. Ceony did as well, being positively starving during that entire lecture. She had a good portion of her money to her family, leaving just enough for rent and ramen packets. Delilah was the only person that made sure Ceony was eating and sleeping right, as sometimes Ceony would go on working or studying without realizing just how much damage she was doing to herself. "Please tell me you'll take it. He doesn't live too far from campus and it'll help your rent situation. She said he was pretty decently well off with life so you can send more money to your family." Delilah knew that she had Ceony's attention with the mention of the possible benefits for her family, so she continued on, "It'll be much easier for you, Ceony, I promise. Please, at least consider it."

"Give me the number and I'll think about it." Ceony said begrudgingly. Delilah's eyes lit up as she took out the paper out with the number.

"She forgot to give it to me and I had to call her back for it. She said his name was Emery. Like paper." Ceony took the paper and looked at it, then pocketed the dear number. It really would benefit her and her family if she did take the job, especially if it paid more than her two part-time ones combined. It would save her time and energy if it was the case, and she'd even have more time to study.

"We'll see." Ceony muttered, sipping on her ice coffee.

It took Ceony about an hour after her lunch with Delilah to get the courage to call the mysterious number. Emery Thane, the paper said. Curious, she looked him up first. He was a journalist for the Daily Mail, writing mainly op-ed pieces with the occasional topical articles. Most of them involved the arts, something she could appreciate him for. She was surprised she hardly heard of him, as his articles seemed to have a lot of traction if he was churning out over fifty or so in the span of a month.

She dialed the number and waited patiently for the man to answer. Two rings and he did.

"Emery Thane." He said, his voice ever so deep and sultry. The man cleared his throat, "Apologies. Just got over a cough."

"Hi, Mr. Thane. I'm calling in regards to the AU pair you were looking for?" Ceony asked, the best voice she could muster that showed professionalism. Ceony could hear him pace back and forth before responding to Ceony.

"Right, yeah." He said, "I'm sorry about it all, Patrice dragged me into all of this and I don't mean to intrude." She guessed that Patrice was Ms. Aviosky. "Do you want to meet anywhere? Whenever and wherever is fine with me."

"The cafe near Tagis Praff? In twenty minutes?" Ceony suggested.

"Fine with me." Emery said, "I'll get Charlie ready. I'll be seeing you."

"Likewise." She hung up and felt her heart beat out of her chest. Ceony was never one for calling, let alone calls that were about important things. Emery seemed like a decent guy on the phone. Hopefully he's the same in person, Ceony thought.