IC Inbox

[noblerise]

If contacting his personal number or via Libra:

"You have reached Jusis Albarea. I'm busy. Leave a message."

If contacting his work number:

"You have reached the office of Jusis Albarea, Esquire. I'm not available at this time, so please leave your name, number, and a brief message and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. Thank you."

Black Order Inbox and Class VII Group Chat for reference.

Comments

[medicgunner]

youre the one with the packed schedule boss. pick a day and i'll make the time. as long as its your treat :)

[noblerise]

[Jusis nods at him.]

That's more than fair.

[With that heavy topic at least spoken about, he'll change the subject.]

I don't plan on moving until school has ended, but if you'd like to help us pack or move boxes to the new house, I won't say no. If you'd rather take Patrizio to hang out instead on the moving day, that's also completely fine. You've both more than earned a summer break.

[switchaxe]

Nah, I can help, unless Pat wants to head out an' do somethin' else. If someone else rents it, I can drive the truck or whatever.

[noblerise]

I do plan on renting a moving truck. I'll take you up on the offer of driving it, thank you.

[switchaxe]

Not a problem. Lemme know if you need anything else.

[noblerise]

[He refuses to dignify that pun with his acknowledgement of it.]

This afternoon works well for me, but tomorrow is also acceptable. Is there a particular kind of tea you'd like?

[medicgunner]

[booo]

i can do this afternoon. any kinda herbal tea's usually my go to.

[noblerise]

There's a chamomile tea I've been meaning to try. I'll have some tea snacks prepared as well. You can come by at around 1 or 2.

text -> action

[medicgunner]

awesome see you then!

[Sure enough, a bit after 1 there is a Eunie knocking at Jusis' door. This time under MUCH better circumstances than the last time.]

Knock-knock, Boss. It's Eunie!

[noblerise]

[Jusis opens the door and steps aside to let Eunie in.]

Hello, Eunie. Mind the boxes, we haven't gotten around to organizing them just yet.

[Most of their packed boxes are against the wall and out of the way, neatly labeled. However, there are still a few that are half-packed out in the middle of the floor. Once she's in, he'll close the door behind her and lead Eunie over to the very small balcony they have. A table is set up with a couple of chairs, and a nice tea set is laid out. There are plates of finger sandwiches and small, chocolate or apple tarts to accompany their tea.]

You're almost on summer break for university, aren't you?

[noblerise]

[Neither of them are easy to get along with, which is why there's something of an understanding between each other.]

I'm certain of that, unfortunately.

[Jusis is being forced to confront the fact that the team really does rely on him, not to mention genuinely cares in their own ways. If nothing else, he's going to be more cognizant of it as much as he can.

He gives Zhongli a funny look, though.]

As far as I'm aware, this is a friend asking for help. There's no debt incurred, and I would never ask for anything in return from a friend with so important and personal a matter.

[Perhaps that might come off as cold or challenging, but that's not Jusis' intention. Still... what he adds is spoken a little more softly.]

Even if you weren't a friend, I wouldn't ask for anything in return. I understand that words don't necessarily mean anything, but idea of using your son's safety as leverage over you is abhorrent to me.

[lapislazily]

[Zhongli has the nerve to look surprised when Jusis says that he hasn't incurred any kind of debt. He knows how monumental that is, and what it means. It reminds him of an arrangement he'd made long ago, in another life. No formal contract, just... friends. He's... visibly relieved.]

You have my gratitude.

[He would never confuse that kindness for coldness on Jusis's part. He knows the heart that burns bright within.]

... If only the Order were made of more people like you.

[Instead he has to deal with people trying to kill him every so often.]

[noblerise]

[Jusis sighs at that.]

If only. Still, while I'm here, I'll do everything in my power to help each of you.

[Unless someone sticks their foot in it. That situation makes his help more up in the air, but for anything important like this... He'll do what he can.]

Let me know if there's anything else I can do to help you, Zhongli. I understand your position is... Difficult, if not delicate, but I'll do what I can for you.

[Considering Zhongli went through his psychological prison, and told him exactly what he needed to hear on order to start breaking the cycle he'd been trapped in... He's more than earned Jusis's respect and friendship.]

[lapislazily]

[He can see the future of the Black Order, and it threatens to be an unpleasant one unless something is done about it. Jusis is one of those people who sees a problem and finds a way to correct it rather than kicking it down the line. It reminds him of a girl in his old memories, a girl who boldly declared that humanity was fine without gods.

She was right, in that case. And Jusis was, too.]

It's that commitment—that heart—that draws people to your leadership. It may be inconvenient for you at times, but it's a rare quality.

[In a beat or two of silence that follows Jusis's offer, there is a glimpse of serenity and normal life. Some of the parkgoers walk by them on the path, a little boy shouts about birds excitedly, and a pair of dogs bark and chase each other in the grassy field nearby. Zhongli smiles faintly, but it doesn't reach his eyes. There's a profound sadness to it—a nearly-tangible tiredness. Yet he never complains.]

That means more than you know.

[a pause]

Well, I think I've taken up more than enough of your time with my rambling today. I should let you get back to your work.

[noblerise]

[Jusis looks to Zhongli, silent for a moment. He's not one to speak of his past life, but....]

It may be an inconvenience and a little uncomfortable, but it's a road that's somewhat familiar to me. Once, I was Acting Duke of the Albarea House. That remembered experience has served me well in this life, and I'm willing to serve in that role again. I'd rather take it up than force someone else into it when they don't want it.

[Just a subtle way to say that he knows Zhongli has every right to take the helm as leader, but also understands that the older man doesn't want it. The reasons behind it aren't his business, and he won't ask. He gets the feeling Zhongli will simply change the topic if he did.

The sadness in Zhongli's eyes are seen by the blond. It's almost familiar. Jusis gives him a nod in acknowledgement.]

Of course, and I've monopolized enough of your time myself. Be safe on your way home.

[lapislazily]

[Nobility? That... makes so much sense in retrospect. But it's the bit about forcing someone into it who doesn't want it that earns a simple, approving nod. He'd be correct in that assumption that he doesn't want it. Knowing his past was bloody in both worlds, Zhongli has adamantly refused to take another position of true leadership after regaining some of those memories.

But in times of crisis, if Jusis should be out of commission again, he'll offer himself up. It's only right.]

And you as well. Take care, Jusis.

[He turns and starts down the path in the opposite direction. He won't be going home immediately; he wants to walk through the neighborhood first and consider his path forward with Xiao.]

[noblerise]

[That causes Jusis to pause. He looks slightly surprised, but the blond's expression soon changes to one of subtle gratitude. Jusis takes the flower with great care from Fugo.]

Thank you, Fugo. This is a thoughtful gift. I'll be sure to take good care of it.

[Even if it doesn't work, he'll still treasure it. Just like he does any gifts given to him by the kid.]

[infezione]

[He smiles a bit as Jusis takes it. He really hopes it works. Jusis should have nice things.

Of course, handing over that flower is far from the only thing he wanted to do with this conversation, but... it's a little hard to articulate the words now that he's actually having the conversation.

(Though "conversation" a strong word for it at the moment.)

Fugo's quiet for a few moments more... before he--carefully, mind--goes to hug Jusis. As he does, he's not even thinking about it as he murmurs--]

Don't scare me like that again, Dad...

[... Damn it. Excuse him, he's just going to quietly die of embarrassment on the spot.

This is something he wanted to talk about, but he was hoping to broach the subject a bit more gracefully than that...]

[noblerise]

[Jusis is again surprised by the hug, but not nearly as much as by being called Dad. He's still for a half second before he hugs Fugo back tightly.]

I'm sorry, Patrizio. I promise, I'm going to try much harder to not do that to you again.

[The nature of their work means he can't guarantee it, but damn it he's going to try. Jusis doesn't want to leave Patrizio alone and neither does he want to make his son grieve.]

[infezione]

[He relaxes a bit, once Jusis hugs him back. God, he didn't even realize he was tense.

... He's not going to be pulling back for a bit.]

That's all I can ask, really... Thank you. [...] Um. Is it okay if I keep calling you "Dad"? I can try to keep it to just when we're at home, if you'd rather.

[... Partially for the sake of at least looking professional, and partially so the higher-ups don't have that potential (further) ammo to use against both of them.]

[medicgunner]

No prob. [She can handle a little clutter, gracefully stepping around the opened boxes. She had elegance in that regard at least. She smiled seeing the nice arrangement set for them, how like Jusis. It was a step away from a play tea set she felt just more cafe-like.]

Yep, came in late but the semester's wrapping. Credits are credits though, innit? [Said taking a seat and readying herself a nice cup. Especially with her intended major she'll be in school for a while.]

Didn't know you were moving so soon, Boss. More space for the kids? [She meant this both in general and lightly teasing him about being a Dad.]

[noblerise]

[It's a wise course of action that Jusis can agree with. Still, being called 'Dad' does make him happy, even if he's still a little scared that he'll be like his own father to Patrizio. Yet, instead of having that fear hold him back, Jusis will use it as an example of what not to do.]

I'd be honored if you did. Let's keep it to those we trust for now, as well as private.

[He hesitates a little.]

Is it alright if I call you Patrizio? I realize I hadn't asked.

[infezione]

[He nods. Private, and around those they trust. That's definitely the best course of action for now.

He smiles a little at the question and nods.]

It's more than alright. I'd like it if you did.

late May | un: kissmyash

[switchaxe]

hey if things go to shit for me or even if they don't, talk to Zero

[noblerise]

Understood. How bad is it right now?