Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN SLAYERS. You'd think by now you get the idea, ne? ^_^
- JUST ANOTHER AU FIC -
Chapter 8: Dance? See The Master In Action! When I Have A Fruitcake For A Boss...
"Say that again."
"I went out on a date with Xellos."
"Oh yeah!" Lina yelled in delight. Filia sweatdropped as her friend started doing various Amelia-like poses all around the teahouse kitchen where, hearing about the blonde's exploits yesterday, Lina had decided to drop by -- and have an early lunch. "I knew it!" She went on. "You got the hots for each other!"
"Lina!" Filia blushed, exasperated and embarrased. The sound of her friend's voice was starting to grate her ears... It didn't help the major headache she was having. Nope... Not one bit.
"Oh, come on, admit it," the redhead went on without missing a beat as she settled down enough to chew/swallow down a humongous slice of chocolate cake.
"It isn't like that," Filia protested wearily. "As I told you before, he just won't quit annoying me until I agreed to go out with him. So I had to--"
"Details, details," Lina cut in, tapping the table dismissively as she gulped down her glass of ice-cold lemon tea. "So? How *did* it go? Did you get to talk to him about old times? Make out afterwards? Share a good night kiss?"
"Kiss? No way! I--"
"Sis?" Jillas interrupted, appearing from the adjacent room holding a heart-shaped box of chocolates... and flowers?
The fox man smiled sheepishly at his boss. "This just came," he explained, and handed the parcel and bouquet to the blonde. Then left, shutting the door behind him. Quickly.
Filia stared dubiously at the present. As could be expected, a note fell out from where it was loosely arranged with the fresh cherry blossoms.
Had the time of my life last night.
Must be the company.
Will be keeping in touch.
Your favorite Mazoku.
Filia felt her cheeks burn. Lina looked over her friend's shoulder, a sneaky sort of smile creeping up her face as she read the note.
"So you *really* don't have a thing going, do you?" Lina asked skeptically, looking smug.
"Look, I don't know what this means... I..." The blond woman sputtered, setting the gifts on the table and smoothing out her dress self-consciously.
"Suuuure you don't," Lina went on, smiling knowingly. The redhead glanced at her watch, noticing that --ah-- she would be ten minutes late for an important legal appointment -- enough to make that upstart district attorney and his corporate cohorts squirm. They *knew* they couldn't do a thing without her. Hah.
"Well, looks like I gotta go now," she said, standing up and giving her blond friend a final wave. "Looks like you'll be seeing more of our friend Xellos in the next few days. Do tell me when he proposes to you, will you?" she asked teasingly.
"I told you I don't--" Filia muttered again, trying to force herself to stop blushing.
"Yeah, sure, whatever," Lina cut off yet again, grabbing the door handle. "Ja mata, Filia!" With that, the lawyer left, closing the door.
Filia sighed, and slumped back in her seat. "What have I gotten myself into..."
~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~
((FLASHBACK: Back at the L'Chanteau Restaurant, Xellos and Filia are sitting across from each other, Xellos grinning happily and Filia trying to look as bored and passive as possible))
Xellos: ... So the mechanic said, "I couldn't repair your brakes, so I made your horn louder." And then there was this circus performer... (prattles cheerily on, seemingly oblivous to the bored glares Filia is giving him) (to himself) So, my little dragon intends to clam up the entire night, does she? Well, we'll see about that... But still, you'd think she'd stop acting so high-and-mighty! You'd think her strings were wound up too tight... Well, considering her prudish upbringing, they probably were, but still... (continues to ramble on in his mind)
Filia: ................. (to herself) He is *so* obnoxious. And he talks too much. Like he... like he owns half the world or something. Which he probably does, but still... Oh, I mustn't let him get to me! That's it! I'll pretend he isn't here...
Later...
Xellos: Ne, Filia, but do you intend to ignore me the entire evening?
Filia: (smiling sweetly, almost too sweetly, in fact, through gritted teeth) After you charmed me with you rapier wit? Why... yes, I believe I do.
Xellos: Is that so? Quite a charming way to treat your *date*, ne?
Filia: (fumes, faces him squarely) We are NOT on a date. For your information, I would never have--
Xellos: Ah, such lovely anger! So I suppose you'll not ignore me anymore, then? You *are* talking to me right now, you know...
Filia: (fumes and turns away) ... Why y-- Just drink your wine, namagomi.
Xellos: Fine. (to himself) Prude.
Filia: Fine. (to herself) Jerk.
Xellos and Filia: (both to themselves) Suit yourself.
Later still...
Xellos: ^_^
Filia: . . . . ...... (takes a sip of wine).... (glares at Xellos) ....
Xellos: ^_^
Filia: . . . . . . ....
Xellos: ^_^
Filia: (sets down her wine glass, an exasperated look on her face) Well?
Xellos: Hm? ^_^
Filia: . . . .... Never mind.
(cue romantic violin and piano music, with a classical band performing in the middle of the crystalline dining hall. Most of the other diners have stood up, stepping on the marble dance floor in pairs)
Filia: ...........
Xellos: .............
(both shrug rather uncomfortably as couples danced around them, leaving them practically the only ones not enjoying themselves at the dance floor)
Filia: ...... (to herself) Pretty good music. (glances at Xellos at the corner of her eyes)
Xellos: ........ (glances at Filia at the corner of his seemingly-closed eyes at the same time the blonde happened to peer at him) (annoyingly happy smile) Eh? Anything on your mind, Fi-chan? ^_^
Filia: (blushes, glares, turns away) N-nothing... (to herself) Why would I even consider such a thing...? But then... It's not like if I dance with him it'd mean I like him or anything..... And I really should be enjoying myself.......... Wait... WHY am I even considering this?! I should know better than to--! (continues to debate within herself)
Xellos: Fine music. (stands up, turns to Filia, extending his arm courteously) Say, would you like to dance?
Filia: Huh-- What?
(still rather not out of it, Xellos leads her into the dance floor)
Xellos: (cheery grin, places one arm around Filia's waist, the other on her hand, as he guides her to the lilting steps of a waltz) You follow a lead well, Filia-chan. ^_^
Filia: (snaps out of it) What...! (glare) Namagomi! What do you think you're doing?! (tries to pull away from Xel's half-embrace, but finds the Mazoku's hold on her too tight)
Xellos: (amused grin) Dancing with you. I don't suppose you would rather sit through the entire dance, would you?
Filia: (turning a furious pink) I... (fuming to herself) I suppose he has a point. But does he really need to hold me this close?! (out loud) Let's... just dance, OK?
Xellos: Of course, Fi-chan. ^_^ (congratulating himself) Good. I've got her where I want her.
Quite a while later, at Filia's house, by the porch steps... The two are walking to the front door.
Filia: ..........
Xellos: ...... ^_^
Filia: (turns to Xel) Xellos...
Xellos: Hm? ^_^
Filia: (uncertain smile) I guess I should thank you.
Xellos: Eh? For what, Filia-chan?
Filia: I... had a wonderful time tonight.
Xellos: Think nothing of it.
Filia: . . . . ...
Xellos: ..........
(uncomfortable silence)
Xellos: Well, I take it this is where we say goodbye for the evening?
Filia: .... Yes.
Xellos: (grinning expectantly) Well?
Filia: Well what?
Xellos: (leer grin) Aren't you going to ki-- YEOOW!!! (rubs his newly-acquired bump on the head from where the blonde had bonked him not-too-gently)
Filia: (crosses arms) Hentai! (grabs the door handle, enters, and shuts the door in his face without a second glance)
Xellos: (grin returns in place) (to himself) Now that's the lady I love... (out loud) Well... Good night, Filia. ^_^
(Xellos returns to his limo, drives off a few moments later. The door of Filia's house opens just a crack as it does)
Filia: (smiles faintly, closing the door gently) ....... Good night, Xellos.
~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~
Filia sighed yet again, her hand hovering close to her heart. Exactly *what* had happened last night? She felt... strange. It all seemed so magical, so unreal, so... Her gaze returned to the gifts that just arrived that morning. She reread the note she still held clasped in her hands. She allowed herself to blush yet again as her eyes ran over the lines.
. . . . . . . . . . .....?
Xellos grinned happily to himself for what would be the umpteenth time since yesterday evening. OK, given that it *is* this particular Mazoku we are talking about, he normally does grin a lot, but something about that jovial smirk seemed all the more cheery that day.
And with good reason, he reminded himself as he breezed through financial and sales reports and all those matters that corporate presidents like himself are supposed to do on a frequent basis. He normally didn't care about reviewing the corporation's paperwork (what were the finance executives for, anyway?) but today he was in a particularly good mood.
Xellos finished reading the last of the folder stacks heaped on his usually immaculate marble-finish desk and sat back on his high-backed leather chair. He cocked an eyebrow slightly at the dull black color, making a mental note to himself to ask his secretary to have the cover changed to a nice fuzzy pink.
The evening had turned out better than he had imagined. Sure, for most of their little date she had been the harpy that she usually was around him, but things were definitely improving with the blonde. He'd gotten her to dance with him, for one thing. That was an achievement in itself, considering that he didn't even have to get her drunk or drugged to agree to do so (alright, when he observed her downing the wine he entertained the idea, but thankfully the blessed music cranked up before he had to resort to such a crude method of blind seduction ^_^).
And yes, he'd even escorted her home, in an extensively more peaceful, genial manner. Given a few more days, and the frequent shower of presents and attention, he just knew he'd accomplish this little mission in a relatively short matter of time.
There was a knock on the door. The glass panels slid smoothly apart, allowing the stereotypical butler of spy and Batman movies we so know and love inside. The well-dressed servant bowed respectfully before looking up... then tried not to sweatdrop.
"Yes, Butler-san?" Xellos greeted the man from where he was making paper aeroplanes from the sheets of the sales reports.
It took the valet a moment to recover. He succeeded well enough, then answered, quite primly, "Everything has been arranged as ordered, sir. All deliveries for Miss Filia Ul Copt made and accounted for. Just wanted to... I mean, sir, to know if you needed anything else?"
The purple-haired company president beamed happily back, disappeared, then reappeared and patted the butler on his back... ? The valet blinked. He could have sworn his boss had just teleported, or something to that supernatural nature. But, being a very logical person, he dismissed the memory-- thought -- *hallucination*. He really needed to take it easy on martinis from now on... It was starting to affect his (mental) health...
Xellos meanwhile prattled happily on at the question. "Oya, great timing, Butler-san! As a matter of fact, I do have a few things that I'd like to have you attend to. My chair, for one thing. It would look quite a bit better if it was a lovely pink color, wouldn't you think? And I want you to send my compliments to the sales report staff. These printouts make actually good paper folds..." The besuited man released one paper aeroplane to demonstrate, letting the folded contraption glide clear off the ground and over the butler's gray-haired head.
"So I observe, sir," Butler-san agreed carefully.
"Well," Xellos declared in a more business-like but still good-natured tone, "Is that all you came to confer with me? Have my new requests carried out, my good man, that's a sport. And have a nice day!"
By the last line the poor, freaked out butler person was out and into the elevator chamber, giving the customary bow to the cheery... individual that was his employer. Ah, rich, successful, and relatively well-known people. One never could understand them, or their behavior, for that matter. On second thought, he mused to himself as he proceeded down to the lower floors to relay his newest orders to the staff people, perhaps he needed that martini after all...
"Perhaps we really *should* change into a gift shop," Gravos commented bemusedly as he helped Jiras carry yet another arrival of annoyingly cute beribboned stuffed toys and "Lovelots" balloons into the second floor of the teashop building.
"Eh?" The one-eyed fox man replied. He grunted slightly as they managed to carry the presents past the stairs and into one corner of the floor. He looked around cautiously for any sign they were being overheard, Oneesan's rather sharp ears a matter of concern for them of late. And they already got their hands full without any additional shop repairs...
"Really strange, funny business, this is," The large beastman went on, setting down his side of the burden.
"Funny? The teashop?" Jiras scratched his head in confusion.
Gravos facefaulted. "Not the teashop! I meant this Xellos guy wooing the boss! Geez!"
The foxman blinked one eye. "Well, I don't find anything wrong with it. I think it's rather, sweet, actually, big sis seeing someone and all..."
"Oh, you would, 'cause you're seeing somebody yourself," his taller buddy shook his head. "But mark my words, Jiras, there's more than meets the eye in this affair, an' I'm not making a pun out of this..."
True to conventional amateur literary style, the two's conversation was conveniently interrupted by the arrival of Zelgadis, briefcase in hand, drab gray lawyer's attire with polished but still a bit tarnished cufflinks, spit-polished leather shoes, carefully combed but still wiry hair -- you get the idea.
"G'morning, sir," Jiras greeted the same time Gravos murmured his welcome.
The Chimera nodded quietly, and proceeded upstairs. Something about his expression told the two he wasn't in a particularly happy disposition at the moment. But then, this was Mr. Greywers they were thinking about. The always depressed lawyer guy, right?
Jiras and Gravos went back to work. For the mean time, they had more pressing matters to attend to, like entertaining what customers had come to the shop downstairs, at the same time carting off their boss' presents.
*~*
Author's Rants: Hi again! Thanks for the reviews! Nah, I'm not using the age-old "drunken lust" plot device thing... well, just yet. But there *will* be a drunk Filia in one chapter to come (grins and cackles and rambles incoherently over the idea). And no... it's not what you think. ^_~
PREPARE FOR A MAJOR ATTACK OF MUSH, MUSINGS AND OTHER MELODRAMATIC MALEDICTIONS...
- JUST ANOTHER AU FIC -
Chapter 8: Dance? See The Master In Action! When I Have A Fruitcake For A Boss...
"Say that again."
"I went out on a date with Xellos."
"Oh yeah!" Lina yelled in delight. Filia sweatdropped as her friend started doing various Amelia-like poses all around the teahouse kitchen where, hearing about the blonde's exploits yesterday, Lina had decided to drop by -- and have an early lunch. "I knew it!" She went on. "You got the hots for each other!"
"Lina!" Filia blushed, exasperated and embarrased. The sound of her friend's voice was starting to grate her ears... It didn't help the major headache she was having. Nope... Not one bit.
"Oh, come on, admit it," the redhead went on without missing a beat as she settled down enough to chew/swallow down a humongous slice of chocolate cake.
"It isn't like that," Filia protested wearily. "As I told you before, he just won't quit annoying me until I agreed to go out with him. So I had to--"
"Details, details," Lina cut in, tapping the table dismissively as she gulped down her glass of ice-cold lemon tea. "So? How *did* it go? Did you get to talk to him about old times? Make out afterwards? Share a good night kiss?"
"Kiss? No way! I--"
"Sis?" Jillas interrupted, appearing from the adjacent room holding a heart-shaped box of chocolates... and flowers?
The fox man smiled sheepishly at his boss. "This just came," he explained, and handed the parcel and bouquet to the blonde. Then left, shutting the door behind him. Quickly.
Filia stared dubiously at the present. As could be expected, a note fell out from where it was loosely arranged with the fresh cherry blossoms.
Had the time of my life last night.
Must be the company.
Will be keeping in touch.
Your favorite Mazoku.
Filia felt her cheeks burn. Lina looked over her friend's shoulder, a sneaky sort of smile creeping up her face as she read the note.
"So you *really* don't have a thing going, do you?" Lina asked skeptically, looking smug.
"Look, I don't know what this means... I..." The blond woman sputtered, setting the gifts on the table and smoothing out her dress self-consciously.
"Suuuure you don't," Lina went on, smiling knowingly. The redhead glanced at her watch, noticing that --ah-- she would be ten minutes late for an important legal appointment -- enough to make that upstart district attorney and his corporate cohorts squirm. They *knew* they couldn't do a thing without her. Hah.
"Well, looks like I gotta go now," she said, standing up and giving her blond friend a final wave. "Looks like you'll be seeing more of our friend Xellos in the next few days. Do tell me when he proposes to you, will you?" she asked teasingly.
"I told you I don't--" Filia muttered again, trying to force herself to stop blushing.
"Yeah, sure, whatever," Lina cut off yet again, grabbing the door handle. "Ja mata, Filia!" With that, the lawyer left, closing the door.
Filia sighed, and slumped back in her seat. "What have I gotten myself into..."
~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~
((FLASHBACK: Back at the L'Chanteau Restaurant, Xellos and Filia are sitting across from each other, Xellos grinning happily and Filia trying to look as bored and passive as possible))
Xellos: ... So the mechanic said, "I couldn't repair your brakes, so I made your horn louder." And then there was this circus performer... (prattles cheerily on, seemingly oblivous to the bored glares Filia is giving him) (to himself) So, my little dragon intends to clam up the entire night, does she? Well, we'll see about that... But still, you'd think she'd stop acting so high-and-mighty! You'd think her strings were wound up too tight... Well, considering her prudish upbringing, they probably were, but still... (continues to ramble on in his mind)
Filia: ................. (to herself) He is *so* obnoxious. And he talks too much. Like he... like he owns half the world or something. Which he probably does, but still... Oh, I mustn't let him get to me! That's it! I'll pretend he isn't here...
Later...
Xellos: Ne, Filia, but do you intend to ignore me the entire evening?
Filia: (smiling sweetly, almost too sweetly, in fact, through gritted teeth) After you charmed me with you rapier wit? Why... yes, I believe I do.
Xellos: Is that so? Quite a charming way to treat your *date*, ne?
Filia: (fumes, faces him squarely) We are NOT on a date. For your information, I would never have--
Xellos: Ah, such lovely anger! So I suppose you'll not ignore me anymore, then? You *are* talking to me right now, you know...
Filia: (fumes and turns away) ... Why y-- Just drink your wine, namagomi.
Xellos: Fine. (to himself) Prude.
Filia: Fine. (to herself) Jerk.
Xellos and Filia: (both to themselves) Suit yourself.
Later still...
Xellos: ^_^
Filia: . . . . ...... (takes a sip of wine).... (glares at Xellos) ....
Xellos: ^_^
Filia: . . . . . . ....
Xellos: ^_^
Filia: (sets down her wine glass, an exasperated look on her face) Well?
Xellos: Hm? ^_^
Filia: . . . .... Never mind.
(cue romantic violin and piano music, with a classical band performing in the middle of the crystalline dining hall. Most of the other diners have stood up, stepping on the marble dance floor in pairs)
Filia: ...........
Xellos: .............
(both shrug rather uncomfortably as couples danced around them, leaving them practically the only ones not enjoying themselves at the dance floor)
Filia: ...... (to herself) Pretty good music. (glances at Xellos at the corner of her eyes)
Xellos: ........ (glances at Filia at the corner of his seemingly-closed eyes at the same time the blonde happened to peer at him) (annoyingly happy smile) Eh? Anything on your mind, Fi-chan? ^_^
Filia: (blushes, glares, turns away) N-nothing... (to herself) Why would I even consider such a thing...? But then... It's not like if I dance with him it'd mean I like him or anything..... And I really should be enjoying myself.......... Wait... WHY am I even considering this?! I should know better than to--! (continues to debate within herself)
Xellos: Fine music. (stands up, turns to Filia, extending his arm courteously) Say, would you like to dance?
Filia: Huh-- What?
(still rather not out of it, Xellos leads her into the dance floor)
Xellos: (cheery grin, places one arm around Filia's waist, the other on her hand, as he guides her to the lilting steps of a waltz) You follow a lead well, Filia-chan. ^_^
Filia: (snaps out of it) What...! (glare) Namagomi! What do you think you're doing?! (tries to pull away from Xel's half-embrace, but finds the Mazoku's hold on her too tight)
Xellos: (amused grin) Dancing with you. I don't suppose you would rather sit through the entire dance, would you?
Filia: (turning a furious pink) I... (fuming to herself) I suppose he has a point. But does he really need to hold me this close?! (out loud) Let's... just dance, OK?
Xellos: Of course, Fi-chan. ^_^ (congratulating himself) Good. I've got her where I want her.
Quite a while later, at Filia's house, by the porch steps... The two are walking to the front door.
Filia: ..........
Xellos: ...... ^_^
Filia: (turns to Xel) Xellos...
Xellos: Hm? ^_^
Filia: (uncertain smile) I guess I should thank you.
Xellos: Eh? For what, Filia-chan?
Filia: I... had a wonderful time tonight.
Xellos: Think nothing of it.
Filia: . . . . ...
Xellos: ..........
(uncomfortable silence)
Xellos: Well, I take it this is where we say goodbye for the evening?
Filia: .... Yes.
Xellos: (grinning expectantly) Well?
Filia: Well what?
Xellos: (leer grin) Aren't you going to ki-- YEOOW!!! (rubs his newly-acquired bump on the head from where the blonde had bonked him not-too-gently)
Filia: (crosses arms) Hentai! (grabs the door handle, enters, and shuts the door in his face without a second glance)
Xellos: (grin returns in place) (to himself) Now that's the lady I love... (out loud) Well... Good night, Filia. ^_^
(Xellos returns to his limo, drives off a few moments later. The door of Filia's house opens just a crack as it does)
Filia: (smiles faintly, closing the door gently) ....... Good night, Xellos.
~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~
Filia sighed yet again, her hand hovering close to her heart. Exactly *what* had happened last night? She felt... strange. It all seemed so magical, so unreal, so... Her gaze returned to the gifts that just arrived that morning. She reread the note she still held clasped in her hands. She allowed herself to blush yet again as her eyes ran over the lines.
. . . . . . . . . . .....?
Xellos grinned happily to himself for what would be the umpteenth time since yesterday evening. OK, given that it *is* this particular Mazoku we are talking about, he normally does grin a lot, but something about that jovial smirk seemed all the more cheery that day.
And with good reason, he reminded himself as he breezed through financial and sales reports and all those matters that corporate presidents like himself are supposed to do on a frequent basis. He normally didn't care about reviewing the corporation's paperwork (what were the finance executives for, anyway?) but today he was in a particularly good mood.
Xellos finished reading the last of the folder stacks heaped on his usually immaculate marble-finish desk and sat back on his high-backed leather chair. He cocked an eyebrow slightly at the dull black color, making a mental note to himself to ask his secretary to have the cover changed to a nice fuzzy pink.
The evening had turned out better than he had imagined. Sure, for most of their little date she had been the harpy that she usually was around him, but things were definitely improving with the blonde. He'd gotten her to dance with him, for one thing. That was an achievement in itself, considering that he didn't even have to get her drunk or drugged to agree to do so (alright, when he observed her downing the wine he entertained the idea, but thankfully the blessed music cranked up before he had to resort to such a crude method of blind seduction ^_^).
And yes, he'd even escorted her home, in an extensively more peaceful, genial manner. Given a few more days, and the frequent shower of presents and attention, he just knew he'd accomplish this little mission in a relatively short matter of time.
There was a knock on the door. The glass panels slid smoothly apart, allowing the stereotypical butler of spy and Batman movies we so know and love inside. The well-dressed servant bowed respectfully before looking up... then tried not to sweatdrop.
"Yes, Butler-san?" Xellos greeted the man from where he was making paper aeroplanes from the sheets of the sales reports.
It took the valet a moment to recover. He succeeded well enough, then answered, quite primly, "Everything has been arranged as ordered, sir. All deliveries for Miss Filia Ul Copt made and accounted for. Just wanted to... I mean, sir, to know if you needed anything else?"
The purple-haired company president beamed happily back, disappeared, then reappeared and patted the butler on his back... ? The valet blinked. He could have sworn his boss had just teleported, or something to that supernatural nature. But, being a very logical person, he dismissed the memory-- thought -- *hallucination*. He really needed to take it easy on martinis from now on... It was starting to affect his (mental) health...
Xellos meanwhile prattled happily on at the question. "Oya, great timing, Butler-san! As a matter of fact, I do have a few things that I'd like to have you attend to. My chair, for one thing. It would look quite a bit better if it was a lovely pink color, wouldn't you think? And I want you to send my compliments to the sales report staff. These printouts make actually good paper folds..." The besuited man released one paper aeroplane to demonstrate, letting the folded contraption glide clear off the ground and over the butler's gray-haired head.
"So I observe, sir," Butler-san agreed carefully.
"Well," Xellos declared in a more business-like but still good-natured tone, "Is that all you came to confer with me? Have my new requests carried out, my good man, that's a sport. And have a nice day!"
By the last line the poor, freaked out butler person was out and into the elevator chamber, giving the customary bow to the cheery... individual that was his employer. Ah, rich, successful, and relatively well-known people. One never could understand them, or their behavior, for that matter. On second thought, he mused to himself as he proceeded down to the lower floors to relay his newest orders to the staff people, perhaps he needed that martini after all...
"Perhaps we really *should* change into a gift shop," Gravos commented bemusedly as he helped Jiras carry yet another arrival of annoyingly cute beribboned stuffed toys and "Lovelots" balloons into the second floor of the teashop building.
"Eh?" The one-eyed fox man replied. He grunted slightly as they managed to carry the presents past the stairs and into one corner of the floor. He looked around cautiously for any sign they were being overheard, Oneesan's rather sharp ears a matter of concern for them of late. And they already got their hands full without any additional shop repairs...
"Really strange, funny business, this is," The large beastman went on, setting down his side of the burden.
"Funny? The teashop?" Jiras scratched his head in confusion.
Gravos facefaulted. "Not the teashop! I meant this Xellos guy wooing the boss! Geez!"
The foxman blinked one eye. "Well, I don't find anything wrong with it. I think it's rather, sweet, actually, big sis seeing someone and all..."
"Oh, you would, 'cause you're seeing somebody yourself," his taller buddy shook his head. "But mark my words, Jiras, there's more than meets the eye in this affair, an' I'm not making a pun out of this..."
True to conventional amateur literary style, the two's conversation was conveniently interrupted by the arrival of Zelgadis, briefcase in hand, drab gray lawyer's attire with polished but still a bit tarnished cufflinks, spit-polished leather shoes, carefully combed but still wiry hair -- you get the idea.
"G'morning, sir," Jiras greeted the same time Gravos murmured his welcome.
The Chimera nodded quietly, and proceeded upstairs. Something about his expression told the two he wasn't in a particularly happy disposition at the moment. But then, this was Mr. Greywers they were thinking about. The always depressed lawyer guy, right?
Jiras and Gravos went back to work. For the mean time, they had more pressing matters to attend to, like entertaining what customers had come to the shop downstairs, at the same time carting off their boss' presents.
*~*
Author's Rants: Hi again! Thanks for the reviews! Nah, I'm not using the age-old "drunken lust" plot device thing... well, just yet. But there *will* be a drunk Filia in one chapter to come (grins and cackles and rambles incoherently over the idea). And no... it's not what you think. ^_~
PREPARE FOR A MAJOR ATTACK OF MUSH, MUSINGS AND OTHER MELODRAMATIC MALEDICTIONS...