noblerise | IC Inbox

[He follows behind Zhongli to the bathroom and sees the water damage has warped the room slightly. Jusis gives a nod of agreement to his companion's assessment of the damage.]

Likely, that's why the tenants left. Repair of this scale only happens with the landlord's permission. I'll file a complaint when we're done.

[It's entirely possible that Jusis can put some pressure on them by virtue of being a lawyer. He might as well use his position to do some good, especially for the next tenant.]

These were the only two areas I saw with that kind of damage from photos, but it should be enough to prompt more substantial action. My thanks for your expertise in confirming all of this. That said, we can look more thoroughly or move on to the last apartment.

[Zhongli gets up again, and looks at Jusis. Then he gives an approving nod. The lawyer and the once-god of contracts working to protect people? He can get behind this.]

They'll have no choice but to hire an independent inspector with that kind of pressure. We'll leave it in their hands for now, and come back to that if necessary.

[For now... he still needs a place to live, unfortunately.]

I hope the next one is in better shape. Let's see it.

[That's a sound plan to him.]

I'll be sure to keep you updated, then.

[He leads Zhongli out and locks it up, but takes a moment to note the number. Then, the blond takes him over to the last studio apartment on their tour.]

This one looked well taken care of. The previous owner had a small child, so there may be some interesting artistic choices made on the walls.

[Zhongli may detect a hint of fondness in Jusis's voice when he says that. He unlocks the door and holds it open for the older man's inspection.]

[Zhongli's eyebrows rise at that description. The fondness doesn't escape him, nor can he ignore the strange feeling he gets when he also hears those words...]

Nothing that cannot be painted over, I imagine.

[He walks slowly through the place. The fireplace in the living room is nice, though the room itself is a strange shape. It isn't unattractive, and could be softened as tradition dictates with round fixtures and lighting. The kitchen is more open... and the bedroom is actually bigger than the master in the two-bedroom apartment, a fact he doesn't miss.

On his way to check out the back patio, he finds a little shadow of some previous artwork donated by the child in question. He brushes his fingers over it yet he doesn't look displeased, exactly.

It's a little red dragon scrawled on the inside of the closet door.]

Ah, a timeless mural left behind by small hands. The canvas and the subjects may change, but the expression does not.

[Jusis is liking the place so far himself. Honestly, if it wasn't for the fact he lives with two teenagers, he might be very comfortable living here himself. When Zhongli goes to the closet and makes a comment about the 'mural,' the blond walks over to take a look. His eyes definitely soften somewhat.]

Mm, a 'hidden treasure' is what my mother calls them. As she tells it, I left many in my childhood. My uncle swears he's still finding them in strange places.

[Those are some happy memories. He just wishes he had more of them, and that others weren't lost to time as he grew older.]

[That's such an adorable detail... It doesn't escape Zhongli's notice that he's been told very little of Jusis's personal life, though a lot of it is apparently already on the network. It doesn't concern him too much. He'd rather hear it from the man himself.]

Hidden treasure indeed.

[...]

Now that some people are gone, I find myself wishing for more of them.

[He gently closes the door and takes a slow walk through the apartment one more time. When he's finished, he stands in the middle of the living room and looks around, amber eyes lifting to the ceiling, as he stands there with his arms folded behind his back.]

... I do believe this one suits me the most.

[Discovering that little red trogdor really felt auspicious.]

[Jusis's nightmare is out on the network for all to see, but none of the softness of his life is. He keeps that close, little bits of light-filled sanctuary to fleetingly remind him that he's worthy of love. Even if he doesn't feel okay with wanting more of that to fill the gaping wound his loneliness has left him.

The blond is quiet at the implication that Zhongli has had children. One side of him certainly has the kneejerk response of, "Oh, Lord, this man procreated." However, the majority of him kind of... empathizes with that. Standing here, Jusis can't help being reminded of two children he used to play with and dote on, even as a teenager, in his past life.

He waits for the older man to finish his inspection, and there's a rare, soft smile on his face. It's small, but there.]

I think I must agree. Let's negotiate your lease, and I hope you feel at home here.

[More like "furiously adopted." Still...

It seems that through this small act of cooperation, they've reached some kind of understanding. It puts Zhongli at ease, too. Of course a harmonious workplace is important, but more than that, he sees a lot of the younger adepti in how hard Jusis works. He's part of a new generation—a generation that refuses to be held under the thumb of their forefathers, and wants to be judged on their own merits. If that much is true, then Zhongli can only judge that Jusis has done well.]

Your assistance and insight has been invaluable. You have my gratitude.

[He adjusts his gloves out of habit.]

Once I've settled, don't hesitate to call on me if you need anything. If I'm not here and it's outside of school hours, I'm likely on a walk and will return before long.

[Jusis gives him a nod. Honestly, he's going to text Zhongli if he doesn't know where the hell the man is, but it's fine.]

Of course. It was my pleasure to assist you. I believe you know where to find me if you need me, too.

[He'll exit the apartment with Zhongli, and lock the door behind him. Then, he takes the brunet over to the main office to start preparing to sign that lease.]

[Without any prompting or context, Jusis gets a message that just showed an ARCUS II sitting on a table. Also a black, fluffy thing? A tail? It's partially cut off.]

Hey, you've got one of these things right?

[...Uh—]

Yes... did you get that from the Goodwill?

[He actually has to pause for a momentary look of, 'Wow, I really just said that, huh.' Jusis rubs his face with one hand.]

It's an ARCUS II by the look of it. Would you like for me to go over its functions and maintenance?

Yep. Thought I could find something for this guy-- [Cue camera panning to a sleeping black cat with a nice red collar.] -- but couldn't find shit and left. Some muppet must have shoved it in my bag.

ARCUS II, huh? Yeah, how's it work? It looks like one of those old flip phones.

I see. It was probably the... volunteer or whoever works there.

[Jusis has only gone once and he's never going back. The people working there give him the creeps.]

Well, it does have a communication function. You can call people with ARCUS units for only voice or for voice and video. If you open it up, you'll see different slots. The one in the middle is where you insert a Master Quartz. That's what powers the device, and gives you a boost to your abilities. It should also give you spells to cast through it, but we can practice with that later.

Since you're just getting used to it, ignore the other slots for now. We can revisit those when it's relevant, or when you feel more comfortable with it.

They oughta keep their hands to themselves next time. But hey if it worked out this time I'll let it slide.

[She can be seen opening the ARCUS while Jusis gave the instruction. Meanwhile the cat was just sleeping away. As a cat do.]

Sounds good to me. Best practice for your new tricks is on the field, innit? [The camera turned around to Eunie holding an Oberon quartz in her free hand.]

Master Quartz? Is that what this shiny bauble is?

Agreed. It's why I haven't stepped foot in there again. They shoved a scroll into my pocket saying it would give me healing magic.

[It did do that, definitely, but that doesn't mean Jusis wants to go back!]

Yes, that's it exactly. [He squints a little at it as a memory comes back to him.] An... Oberon, I believe. One that excels in support and Wind magic.

Not to change the subject so abruptly, but I wasn't aware you had a cat.

That right? Fuck yeah, support's right up my alley! I'll have this thing mastered in no time flat. Pun not intended.

[Wish the name was different though but it's fine the Fae are gone they can't hurt us anymore. Maybe.]

I didn't 'till yesterday. He just showed up in my place outta nowhere and I wasn't gonna throw him out.

[It does get a rare, small smile out of Jusis.]

I believe it'll suit you perfectly, Eunie.

[For a brief second, calling her little kitty cute sounds like it might make Rean and Elliot a little mad. Then, Jusis wonders why the fuck he thought that in the first place. They're not actual cats, they probably don't care. ...It is cats that get jealous and not dogs, right???]

He's cute. Did you pick out a name for him already? If he's yours, now, and not someone else's runaway.

Too right it will.

[She's nothing if not confident in her skills. Here's hoping it'll matter in the end, but the next few days would probably show whether it is or not.]

Kinda weird hearing you call something cute, not gonna lie. [Said as a tease with a playful smirk that formed into something softer.]

Yeah... I'm calling him Noah. [Off screen she reached over to scratch the cat's head with a fond if far away look.] Went and looked up what to do with a cat when I saw him. First thing was taking him to a vet but he didn't have a tag or chip or anything.

Hmph, occasionally, even I can be moved to call something cute.

[Jusis nods at that.]

Noah... a fine name. I have a feeling he's going to be a happy addition to your home.

Heh.

[Eunie just snorted at his comment. It's weird, Jusis!]

Yeah. Knew someone in the past with that name who had long black hair. Only remember his name and hair though, never his face. [Something that pretty clearly discouraged her, but she could only let it last so long in the presence of a kitty.]

It'll be nice having a little buddy 'round after a long day or mission.

[Jusis' expression shifts to something a little more empathetic. He definitely understands how discouraging it can be. Not a lot of his memories are of the people who became his found family. For some of them, he only remembers maybe a name or a specific trait.]

I've never had a pet, only fed a stray or two, but I can certainly see that they can be a joy.

[The blond thinks for a moment.]

I don't know if it will help. However, if you'd like to try, we could reminisce over tea.

[If nothing else, maybe it'll help Eunie feel not quite so alone.]

Neither've I. Gotten a few tips and tricks at least. Hopefully I'll make a good home for this little guy.

[She'll do her damn best, that's for sure. Her brows rose a bit at the offer, but it was followed quickly by a warmer smile.]

You know what, I might just take you up on that.

I think you will. I can't see you doing any less than your best for Noah.

[Jusis smiles a little in return.]

Something to look forward to, then. Perhaps we can make an afternoon of it.

Sounds like a plan to me. Good to have a quiet time once everything's been settled.

[Oh right.]

By the way, Fugo and I are planning to get Ei out and about then we're having a party at Eunie's. You're invited and I'm not taking no for an answer! [No Zhongli's allowed.]

Exactly, and I think we'll need it.

[💧

Jusis pulls up his calendar.]

Well, I should see if I have anything planned with Elliot, Rean, and Ash first. When do you plan on having this party?

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