Oracle

Part 23

"Really?" someone asked.

"For people who live here, yes," Leo said like it was an obvious thing. "While not served, Justice and I are allowed to eat lunch," he commented, pouring a drink and putting it the glass in front of Justice as well. "Here's some water," Leo said cheerfully.

"What's going on over here then?" Elison commented, appearing behind Jaspar. Warm hand's landing on Jasper's shoulders and rubbing gently. Jaspar leant back on him while he was drinking his water. While he wasn't happy with Elison at the moment, it was nice to have someone trusted at his back. It was too easy to forget that the men in the room were actually potentially incredibly dangerous people.

"Just saying Jaspar can ask us for food. He ate his first sandwich in seconds," chuckled Leo. "Would hate for him to think otherwise."

"Weren't you the one looking after Jaspar last night?" Elison said dryly, still holding Jaspar's shoulders. "You could have asked Jaspar if he was hungry," he said in a clearly teasing tone. Leo must have pulled a face because everyone blurted out laughing. "Come on Jaspar. Time to head off," Elison commented, patting his shoulders.

Jaspar's stomach grumbled softly, this time from nerves more than anything else. He nodded and used the napkin to wipe his mouth. Elison untied the apron and helped him out of it while Jaspar stood. Someone slapped his arse and made him jump. Elison snarled at the man while the rest laughed. Jaspar blushed, resisting the urge to rub his bottom.

"Come on, let's get out of here," Elison said dryly, taking his hand and leading him forward. "The doorways magic so don't be too unnerved if you feel cold for a moment," he warned.

Jaspar could hear Leo telling the men at the bar off for teasing him as they went through. As they went through the door, Jaspar for a moment felt cold and nauseous before he was warm again. The sounds of people loudly replaced with gentle and calm music which reminded Jaspar of elevator music and there was a clock ticking in the background. The smell of smoke and beer was replaced with the faint scent of air fresher.

"Good morning Mr Elison, Mr Tinman," a softly spoken man said from near them. "I'll just tell Lord Calder you are here. Please take a seat. Would you like anything to drink?" he ordered very professionally.

"No thank you," Elison said, his own tone turning considerably more polite than he had used with the bar patrons. He led Jaspar to some seats and Jaspar sat down on a leather chair. Elison stayed standing, keeping a hand on Jaspar's shoulder. "Sorry about that," Elison murmured. "Apparently they can't keep their hands to themselves even with the warning," he grumbled unhappily.

"It's fine," Jaspar shrugged, refusing to let it unnerve him too much. "I worked at bars part-time. I know how it goes," he murmured. Not that it made it any more bearable or unappreciated when he was about to have a meeting with one of the most powerful men in the city.

Elison hummed, his thumb rubbing circles on his shoulder. "Don't be too afraid to try to whack them back if they try. They won't hit back unless you hit somewhere too personally. Justice and Leo do it all the time. Leo admittedly to flirt but Justice does it to get them to stop."

"Leo likes flirting then?" Jaspar commented softly, trying to distract himself with conversation. His stomach was happily full now but he felt nervous and his palms sweating.

"If you could see his outfits you would understand. Admittedly he got lucky yesterday so he was more modestly dressed today. Still bright pink but he likes the whole pastel boy look. So do the men at the bar," Elison said with an almost fond tone.

"What colours do Justice like?" Jaspar asked curiously. Leo seemed happy and cheerful the few times he had spoken to the man, so chances were Leo was happy with his situation in life. Unlike Justice who had sounded unhappy.

"Green normally. John favours greens so Justice wears them as a uniform. Your suit is black but you have a pale green shirt. Justice didn't have anything which was lighter and Leo doesn't do formal shirts unless forced into them," Elison commented. "Which reminds me, I have some black sunglasses for you if you would like them."

"Just to add to the effect I'm blind?" Jaspar said dryly. "Sure, thank you." Elison put them on gently. Jaspar gave him a big smile. "So what do you think?"

"They suit you," Elison said simply, hands stroking through Jaspar's hair in a fond gesture. Jaspar felt himself blush for unknown reasons and he looked away. Elison chuckled and ruffled his hair lightly.

"Oi," Jaspar grumbled. "Leo just spent twenty minutes making me look presentable," he complained at the gesture.

Elison laughed. "Leo would," he said, his tone of voice clearly suggesting he was grinning, his fingers combing Jaspar's hair back into place.

"Sorry to interrupt you gentlemen, but Lord Calder is now ready for you," the softly spoken man said interrupting. Jaspar's stomach turned again anxiously and Elison thanked the man.

"Come on Jaspar," Elison said reassuringly. "Let's go get this over with shall we?" he said taking Jaspar's hand. Jaspar stood and smiled nervously. Elison kissed him on the forehead, making Jaspar shift in surprise. "Remember, no lying and be yourself. Lord Calder will like you a lot more if you are just honest with him." Elison said.

"Right, let's go then," Jaspar said hoping he sounded confident. Elison rubbed his back before leading him forward. Jaspar knew they were in the room with the man when two doors closed behind them and he was suddenly smelling incredibly expensive aftershave.

"Mr Elison, good to see you are on time," a powerful and bold voice said, everything about the way he spoke radiating with power. "And this must be our young seer." Footsteps walked over to them and Elison let go of his hands, leaving him to the mercy of the stranger. "I'm Lord Calder. It is a pleasure to meet you Mr Tinman, even under these unfortunate circumstances," the man said politely.

"And you," Jaspar said lightly hesitantly before offering his hand. Lord Calder took it in a firm handshake, his rough hands revealing that rich mob boss or not, he was used to getting his hands dirty. A wave of something hit Jaspar, leaving him as soon as it hit.

"Vision?" Lord Calder asked, having noticed the way Jaspar had sagged slightly.

"No, no I don't think so," Jaspar said, sounding very confused. Just what had that been?