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I'm here as your physician, naturally. I've come to make sure your humors are quite balanced, that's all.
[ Haha... an old-timey medical pun. In spite of whatever anxiety throwing himself to the lion's—er, goat's—den might be giving him, it's just not within Julian's reckless spirit not to make a joke out of it. Or, better yet, to not flirt anyway. After who knows how long resisting all Lucio's many, many passes, he figures he's lost the right to pretend he has any decency or self-respect left in his system whatsoever now that he's submitted to it, but he hasn't quite given up the ghost of shame yet.
Which of course is like blood in the water to the Count. Alas. Julian sighs like even he knows his attempt at a joke is useless and knocks back his drink, overdramatic even in how he tilts the tumbler to his lips. ]
You know, I still say we're much too sober for this conversation. Keep drinking; it's good for you. Doctor's orders.
[ Haha... an old-timey medical pun. In spite of whatever anxiety throwing himself to the lion's—er, goat's—den might be giving him, it's just not within Julian's reckless spirit not to make a joke out of it. Or, better yet, to not flirt anyway. After who knows how long resisting all Lucio's many, many passes, he figures he's lost the right to pretend he has any decency or self-respect left in his system whatsoever now that he's submitted to it, but he hasn't quite given up the ghost of shame yet.
Which of course is like blood in the water to the Count. Alas. Julian sighs like even he knows his attempt at a joke is useless and knocks back his drink, overdramatic even in how he tilts the tumbler to his lips. ]
You know, I still say we're much too sober for this conversation. Keep drinking; it's good for you. Doctor's orders.
[Lucio's only response is flash another grin that's nothing short of smug and just bordering on dangerous. He's only too happy to comply with the order to drink, taking a considerably bigger swig this time along with a noise of approval at the burn. As much as he's come to enjoy high-end spirits there's always something to be said for the harsher stuff; it reminds him of home, of pillaging and conquering and then celebrating until blacking out.
After the drink he drapes his prosthetic arm across the back of the couch behind Julian, leaning in closer.]
This is why you're my favorite doctor, you know? Not nearly as stuffy and high-strung like most of those simpering idiots that come around here. They're all so damn boring.
After the drink he drapes his prosthetic arm across the back of the couch behind Julian, leaning in closer.]
This is why you're my favorite doctor, you know? Not nearly as stuffy and high-strung like most of those simpering idiots that come around here. They're all so damn boring.
[ If he were a man of any class, Julian would make a face at the reek of alcohol on Lucio's breath when he leans in, but he is categorically not and... honestly finds it comforting at best, intoxicatingly (heh) attractive at worst. Torn between looking away stubbornly and just going all in, he lets the alcohol decide for him and tosses back the last of what's in his glass. After he swallows, he grins. Oh, good. He hasn't decided to be a baby about it after all.
Not that he won't get flustered again in five seconds anyway. ]
If I had it my way, I'd be your only doctor. I know what's best for you, after all. And sometimes you even actually listen to me! That's the real medical miracle. No other quack can claim such a feat.
Not that he won't get flustered again in five seconds anyway. ]
If I had it my way, I'd be your only doctor. I know what's best for you, after all. And sometimes you even actually listen to me! That's the real medical miracle. No other quack can claim such a feat.
[While the blonde would hardly have been swayed regardless of Julian's reaction he's only encouraged by the other man apparently keen on playing along. It's so rarely that anyone- at least anyone that knows better- indulges Lucio in his bad behavior and flirtations, so when someone actually does he leaps in with reckless abandon. As he does with most things.]
Do you now? Just like you swore that cutting off my arm was best?
[For emphasis he drops the metal limb around Julian's shoulder, gold fingers curling trailing against the top of his arm.]
So what's "best" for me now, hm?
Do you now? Just like you swore that cutting off my arm was best?
[For emphasis he drops the metal limb around Julian's shoulder, gold fingers curling trailing against the top of his arm.]
So what's "best" for me now, hm?
For the last time, it was for the best. It's doing a whole lot better now, isn't it?
[ That depends on how you define better, but whatever. You know what the trouble with that arm is, now that it's curling around him and essentially capturing him in place? That it feels a whole lot like being cornered by a predator, and he was stupid enough to let it get its claws in him. Or on him, rather. There's no escape in that direction, and the other direction means leaning toward Lucio.
That just gives him one last out, which he takes, in spite of his decision not to fight this: to lean forward and reach out for the bottle of brandy and raise it, as a distraction, to Lucio's lips. No glass. Straight from the tap. ]
More, uh... more booze, that's what. Now be a good patient and take your medicine!
[ That depends on how you define better, but whatever. You know what the trouble with that arm is, now that it's curling around him and essentially capturing him in place? That it feels a whole lot like being cornered by a predator, and he was stupid enough to let it get its claws in him. Or on him, rather. There's no escape in that direction, and the other direction means leaning toward Lucio.
That just gives him one last out, which he takes, in spite of his decision not to fight this: to lean forward and reach out for the bottle of brandy and raise it, as a distraction, to Lucio's lips. No glass. Straight from the tap. ]
More, uh... more booze, that's what. Now be a good patient and take your medicine!
I mean I suppose it looks better now, but it's still not the same!
[Lucio sighs dramatically, slumping back for just a moment like some stereotypical swooning damsel in distress. But the act only lasts a split second, that gold limb still very much trapping Julian in place. It very much looks like he's plotting his next method of attack and makes a move to lean in closer just as the other man abruptly holds the bottle up to effectively bar the way.
For a moment his expression twists into one of mixed irritation and disappointment before finally settling into a pout.]
Hmph! You're lucky that this is the fun kind of medicine...
[He grumbles, swiping the bottle to take a swig.]
[Lucio sighs dramatically, slumping back for just a moment like some stereotypical swooning damsel in distress. But the act only lasts a split second, that gold limb still very much trapping Julian in place. It very much looks like he's plotting his next method of attack and makes a move to lean in closer just as the other man abruptly holds the bottle up to effectively bar the way.
For a moment his expression twists into one of mixed irritation and disappointment before finally settling into a pout.]
Hmph! You're lucky that this is the fun kind of medicine...
[He grumbles, swiping the bottle to take a swig.]
[ It was a pretty smooth save, you've gotta give him that. Julian's grin widens at Lucio's obvious consternation, and even more when he submits to his "prescription." A not so small part of that is relief. ]
Don't I know it. It could be leeches. Nobody wants those when they're trying to have a nice time.
[ After Lucio's had a nice generous dosage of his medicine, Julian takes the bottle from him to do the very same. Honestly probably an even more generous dosage, because he... needs it. He hasn't been pregaming like some people and getting tanked is the only way he's going to be able to excuse his bad decision-making tonight. Short of downing the whole bottle, though, eventually he's gotta lower it from his mouth, and he looks nervous when he does. Like he's run out of escape ideas. But wait, he's got one more. ]
So—about that present... maybe you'd like to see what it is now? I know I said I'd wait, but I can't help it. I'm terrible with surprises.
Don't I know it. It could be leeches. Nobody wants those when they're trying to have a nice time.
[ After Lucio's had a nice generous dosage of his medicine, Julian takes the bottle from him to do the very same. Honestly probably an even more generous dosage, because he... needs it. He hasn't been pregaming like some people and getting tanked is the only way he's going to be able to excuse his bad decision-making tonight. Short of downing the whole bottle, though, eventually he's gotta lower it from his mouth, and he looks nervous when he does. Like he's run out of escape ideas. But wait, he's got one more. ]
So—about that present... maybe you'd like to see what it is now? I know I said I'd wait, but I can't help it. I'm terrible with surprises.
Gil? Oh, that coin people use here. Well, I wasn't planning on giving it to the local sea life. Or feeding them, for that matter.
It... sounds like there's a story there.
It... sounds like there's a story there.
Yeah, yeah. Laugh it up. I'll be over as soon as I'm done being a pathetic, sniveling loser that isn't even worthy of a text back from a 6/10.
[ ... ]
In an hour. Since the first thing I said would mean never.
[ ... ]
In an hour. Since the first thing I said would mean never.
Don't go in the water, then. They're craftier than they look, and they'll try to lure you in by acting all cute and... dolphin-y. Doing tricks, things like that. I fell for it one too many times when I was growing up down there.
I'll be there in about an hour, but... your host - what's she like? I might know just where you are.
I'll be there in about an hour, but... your host - what's she like? I might know just where you are.
You grew up here? What a coincidence!
She's middle-aged, I'd say. Not quite elderly. An absolute darling, name of Ethel. She makes the most fascinating eel stew. I'd never tried eel with garlic and peppers before. And she's got an old scruffy cat with an ear missing. Do you know her?
She's middle-aged, I'd say. Not quite elderly. An absolute darling, name of Ethel. She makes the most fascinating eel stew. I'd never tried eel with garlic and peppers before. And she's got an old scruffy cat with an ear missing. Do you know her?
[Eel stew...? No, it couldn't be, could it?]
I might've known her... husband? There was a man down there who took me in for a week when I came down with a cold as a kid and had me eat nothing but that for three days. Ask her if she was married to a man named "Fred" when you get the chance, and if she still makes those banora tarts that everyone talked about up top. This would've been about... God, about twenty years ago? Give or take. I was only about knee high when that happened, but you don't forget meals like that no matter how long it's been.
I might've known her... husband? There was a man down there who took me in for a week when I came down with a cold as a kid and had me eat nothing but that for three days. Ask her if she was married to a man named "Fred" when you get the chance, and if she still makes those banora tarts that everyone talked about up top. This would've been about... God, about twenty years ago? Give or take. I was only about knee high when that happened, but you don't forget meals like that no matter how long it's been.
I'll ask her. She just got back from market a little while ago.
[ And then like half an hour later: ]
Fred, yes. That was his name. She said he died in the war. It was... a really sweet story she told. She wasn't sure she recognized your name, but she still makes the tarts.
[ And then like half an hour later: ]
Fred, yes. That was his name. She said he died in the war. It was... a really sweet story she told. She wasn't sure she recognized your name, but she still makes the tarts.
That's a shame. About him and the war, I mean. Not recognizing my name is completely understandable seeing as how I didn't start going by Roche until I weaseled my way into a gang. I wasn't smart enough to come up with fake names back then, so I just let people call me whatever they wanted.
It's good to hear that she's still taking strays in and feeding them, though. Better a sweet woman like her than say, the Coeurls. Five-hundred gil says they'd have either eaten you alive or robbed you blind.
It's good to hear that she's still taking strays in and feeding them, though. Better a sweet woman like her than say, the Coeurls. Five-hundred gil says they'd have either eaten you alive or robbed you blind.
Ah, that explains it. Perhaps she'll recognize you when you come by? That would be quite the reunion. She speaks very fondly of the children she takes care of. By the sound of it, it's this... city above that has an orphan crisis. Sometimes they come down the elevator trying to leave town.
I wouldn't underestimate me on that one, though. I know my way around bands of thugs, let me tell you. More than likely I would have had them lining up to eat out of my hand, uh, some way or another.
I wouldn't underestimate me on that one, though. I know my way around bands of thugs, let me tell you. More than likely I would have had them lining up to eat out of my hand, uh, some way or another.
Ah, she wouldn't want to see a dirty old mutt like me. I guarantee you the only thing I kept from my childhood was the pout and the ability to pull off the kicked puppy look. She'd... Ah, nevermind all that. I'm more curious about how you'd get a gang of miscreants like them to eat out of your hand. I'm sure you could pull it off with my old one, but I want to know anyway.
I'd love to be able to answer that, but the truth is I really don't know. Trouble has a way of becoming my friend through a series of strange and oddly specific circumstances. I never can predict whether I'll survive half the situations I find myself in, and yet somehow...
Well, for example, I once traveled aboard a spice ship that was overtaken by pirates. I wound up being spared and actually joined their crew once they found out I was a physician, on account of a few of them needing medical attention. Journeyed with them for quite awhile after that, in fact. One of my better adventure stories. But not the most unlikely to have happened.
Well, for example, I once traveled aboard a spice ship that was overtaken by pirates. I wound up being spared and actually joined their crew once they found out I was a physician, on account of a few of them needing medical attention. Journeyed with them for quite awhile after that, in fact. One of my better adventure stories. But not the most unlikely to have happened.
That settles it: as the ex-leader of the Gnoles, I'm calling dibs. If I wasn't already on my way, I'd be packing my bags to do so now. Can I keep you? I'm keeping you until you need to head back to wherever you came from.
Especially considering your line of work. I can think of at least three gangs who'd fight to the death for their own personal doctor, and I think you're a little too pretty to be taken in by them 😉
Especially considering your line of work. I can think of at least three gangs who'd fight to the death for their own personal doctor, and I think you're a little too pretty to be taken in by them 😉
Keep me? Haha, if that's what you want to call giving me a place to stay and a warm meal, then sure, you can keep me. But there, you see? It happens exactly like this. Not that I'd call you "trouble."
Do you happen to need your own, personal doctor? Maybe I can give you a checkup. To earn my keep, of course.
Do you happen to need your own, personal doctor? Maybe I can give you a checkup. To earn my keep, of course.
Hmmm. Do leech teeth count as "thin, sharp instruments"?
I'm kidding! You're out of luck, anyway; I haven't any with me. I'll be needing to visit an apothecary if I want to be of any real use to anyone here, but we can keep our examination strictly bloodless for now. I'll just test your reflexes, instead.
I'm kidding! You're out of luck, anyway; I haven't any with me. I'll be needing to visit an apothecary if I want to be of any real use to anyone here, but we can keep our examination strictly bloodless for now. I'll just test your reflexes, instead.
In jars, of course! Haven't you ever been treated with them before?
[ modern medicine is about to blow his FUCKING mind ]
At any rate, if they're sold where we're already going, that works out perfectly.
[ modern medicine is about to blow his FUCKING mind ]
At any rate, if they're sold where we're already going, that works out perfectly.
I can't say I have. I've almost had one latch onto my face when I first joined the military, though.
[They're so much cuter than their tinier, pond-dwelling cousins, yet so much scarier. He hates it :(]
Considering the sort of shit people are into down there, it wouldn't surprise me if they had them to be completely honest... Speaking of which, you're going to want to get on that elevator and come topside in about ten.
[They're so much cuter than their tinier, pond-dwelling cousins, yet so much scarier. He hates it :(]
Considering the sort of shit people are into down there, it wouldn't surprise me if they had them to be completely honest... Speaking of which, you're going to want to get on that elevator and come topside in about ten.
How did it get
Oh
Up we go, eh? Alright, I'll... be up there shortly. I don't much like elevators.
Oh
Up we go, eh? Alright, I'll... be up there shortly. I don't much like elevators.
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