Note: I am now going to try to only write one chapter for each dorm so I can write more about other settings :)
My legs felt like Jello, the weight of my own body beginning to be too heavy to carry. I stood in the middle of Azul's room, two figures lurking to both sides of me, a negotiator who never leaves much of a choice to his customer in front of me, smirking as if he had finally captured his prey. I gulped, the nerves in my body shaking like crazy, my stomach becoming more acidic by the minute.
"Y/N, I have a proposition for you, one I think you would be quite interested in," his cunning smile shined under the artificial lighting. "In other words... I have a deal for you," he snickered. The figures by my sides followed and began to laugh as well.
I'm stuck in a room with crazy people.
I rose my gaze from the panels on the floor to the lavender-colored hair boy. "I don't want to make a deal with you," I said, irritation growing in my voice. The boys beside me just snickered, sharp teeth glowing from the lamp on Azul's desk.
"You don't have much of a choice here," one of them laughed, mocking my statement.
"He's right. We are at the advantage," the other said.
I felt sick. I tried to breathe deeply, preventing nausea that swarmed my senses from getting too intense. I didn't know what was happening. A minute ago I was being welcomed so kindly, now I was locked in a room to create a deal with someone whom I just met. Their comments did not help my anxiety, they only helped fuel the fire.
I felt like a helpless rabbit. One of which was exploring a new environment it had never seen before. The hunters waited their turn, letting time pass until the moment was perfect. For the right moment to attack. Now the little rabbit was stuck in a cage, desperate for a way out.
"Don't worry, it won't affect you negatively," Azul reassured as he waved his hand. Immediately, the figures beside me grabbed my arms rather firmly and walked me to a chair that sat in front of the littered desk. I was plopped onto the wooden chair, the deep purple cushion making a comfortable impact.
"Crowley recommended this idea," he said as he pushed up his glasses, glancing over at me before rummaging through one of the many filing cabinets that filled the room.
I looked at him for the first time with interest. If Crowley suggested it, it must be good, right?
"Ah, found it." Azul placed a folder that held two sheets of paper. He opened it and removed its contents. I leaned closer to see what the pages were. One was completely blank, the edges slightly torn, and the other one had printed sentences, words filling only about half of the paper. I read the text that sat at the top of the paper: Y/N's Information.
A shiver ran down my back knowing that someone already had information about me. Although, I calmed down when I remembered that there was only about half a page of information.
Azul picked the blank sheet up, grabbed a calligraphy pen, and dipped it in black ink. He pressed the pen to the paper and began writing. Once the ink met the paper, it began to change into a golden hue, much like honey in a glass jar. The paper began to glow, producing new light in the dark room.
"Y/N, I will read you the terms and conditions of our deal. Remember, I'm not the one who thought of this idea, so if you have any complaints, don't bring them to me," Azul said as he met my gaze once again. I nodded, reassuring him that I was listening to him.
Azul adjusted his glasses, cleared his throat, and began reading the paper, "Ahem, 'Y/N will be working for the Mostro Lounge for 2-3 days each week she attends Night Raven College (NRC). She will be excused from her lessons so she can create a profit during her stay at NRC. Her employer, Azul Ashengrotto, will pay accordingly based on the number of hours and effort Y/N puts in. The employer may position her to whatever they see fit, for example, a cook, dishwasher, server, cashier, etc.' So, do you have any issues with this deal?"
I shook my head, "No, this all sounds reasonable."
"Okay," Azul clapped his hands and smiled, "So, do we have a deal?"
I nodded my head hesitantly. Maybe there was a catch to all of this.
I was reeled back from my thoughts when I heard footsteps. I turned in my chair to see that the two figures began approaching me again. I hadn't even noticed that they weren't by my side anymore.
They approached with long strides, both standing beside me like before. Azul held out a pen which I took. I looked at him skeptically, thinking there was something that he had written that would affect me negatively.
"I see we aren't quite trusted yet, hm? Well, I am an honorable man. I wouldn't lie to a customer. Go ahead and check the contract, you'll see all the fine print," he crossed his hands behind his head as he leaned back in his chair.
I quickly took the paper and began scanning the details, and he was right. There wasn't anything added to what he had stated. I placed the paper back on the desk, pen in hand. I brought it to the paper and I could feel eyes staring at me intently, waiting for me to make a move, like a hunter about to trap its prey.
I wrote my signature against the paper, trying not to think about the burning stares I was receiving. Out of my peripheral vision, I could see the figures that stood beside me lean over and grin, a look of a successful hunt spreading across their faces.
"Very well, you will begin to work immediately. Floyd and Jade will find you your uniform and will teach you the proper etiquette a server should have while serving customers."
Who I assumed was to be Floyd and Jade, the two boys began leading me out the door. While I was about to step foot out of the room, Azul said, "Oh, and Y/N, thank you." A cunning grin spread across his face as he adjusted in his chair.
The door shut, a click confirming the wooden door had been closed. I began to ease due to the change in the environment.
I looked at the brothers, now seeing their appearances. They had teal hair, a single black stripe framing their faces, each stripe parting the opposite of their brother's. Their complexion was fair, not a single pore in sight. Their skin radiated like the stars that filled the night sky. An unusual trait they had was that their eyes were different colors, heterochromia painting their iris'. Their smiles looked like sickening grins, sharp teeth filling their toothy smiles.
I cleared my throat, "So, Azul said that you will find me a uniform?"
One stepped forward, "Yes, I will give you a uniform so you will have the proper attire while working for this establishment." He then proceeded to walk down a hallway until he was out of my sight.
I turned and was immediately met with a face. I let out a yelp and backed up from him.
"Awe, why'd you back up? You must be a startled one, Shrimpy," he said with a smile, eyes softening while he stared at me. He bent down to meet my gaze. Wow, he is so tall.
"You're just so cute! How does someone not want to just squish you?" He grabbed my cheeks and began tugging them like a grandma.
My face flushed at his bluntness at his statement of how he found me cute.
I asked, allowing him to continue grabbing my face, "Shrimpy?"
He nodded his head, a smile spreading ear to ear. "Yeah! I just came up with it. Ya like it?"
"I don't hate it," I admitted. He brought his hands away from my face and dropped them to his sides. He shifted his weight onto one leg, his eyes staring at me.
I noticed his behavior change, "Is something wrong?"
"No, not at all, it's just you seem different..."
"What do you mean by different-?" I asked before he swept down and picked me up. He spun me around in the air, laughing as he let out a toothy grin. Meanwhile, I was trying to push away from him, but to no avail.
I could feel the heat radiating off of his body. He's so warm.
"Floyd, what are you doing with our new employee?" Who I assumed was Jade entered the area once again and held out a neatly folded pile of clothes. He placed the pile on a nearby table and walked to the two of us, eyes closed in disapproval.
"Floyd, we can not act this way to someone we have just met," he placed a hand on his brother's shoulder, causing Floyd to stop spinning in circles.
"But-"
"No 'but's, Floyd. Put her down."
I could feel the grip around my waist tightening, squeezing more air out of my lungs. I glanced up at Floyd. His joyful expression turned into one of pout, his bottom lip pushed out farther than usual. His eyes were squinted at his brother, glaring at him with an intense gaze.
His brother returned his stare, though his expression was different than the one I expected to see. He just smiled, the end of his eyebrows pointing downward.
Floyd squinted his eyes more, his face now looking like a toddler who was just told that they can't drink the bleach under the sink. He loosened his arms around me, letting me slide until my feet could touch the floor again.
"Thank you, Jade," I murmured as I took a step or two away from the boy.
"No need for thanks. I have gathered your clothes and placed them on that table." He pointed at the neatly folded stack. "The bathroom is down that hallway, the first door on the right," Jade smiled gently. I nodded and grabbed my clothes, walking down the decorated hallway.
———————
I saw the twins standing where I left them. I found that they were talking to themselves, the sounds of bickering filling the air. A typical sibling relationship.
When I walked into their view, Floyd's mouth dropped, scanning my figure to see the new attire. Unlike his brother, Jade just carried a small smile on his lips, though there was a shine in his eyes.
"Wow, you make these stupid uniforms look good!" Floyd held his arms open to hug me, approaching me with long strides. His arms wrap around me, and I find myself awkwardly patting him on his back, a smile spreading across my face.
"I have to agree with Floyd," Jade said as he approached the two of us, "You look rather lovely, Y/N." He brought a hand up to his chin, his gloved hand holding onto his face.
"Thanks," I said as I beamed. I didn't think I looked good in this uniform, though it did remind me of the one I had back home. A feeling of homesickness fell over me, my face turning sour.
"Shrimpy, you okay? Is there something wrong?" The mischievous look he held before faded as he pulled away from me, though his arms were still wrapped around me.
I flickered my eyes up at him, my frown turning into a smile, one that didn't look convincing.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I'm just a bit homesick," I admit.
"I see, well, we will help to the best of our ability," Jade chirped, a look of concern flashing on his face for a moment before returning to his calm demeanor. Just for a moment.
"Thank you, that's very kind of you, Jade." A smile twisted on his face, one that made the hairs on my neck stand.
"We will now teach you the expectations a server must have while working at the Mostro Lounge," Jade said, changing the subject. "Oh, and Floyd?" His brother's head spun around as he hummed. "Let them go." Jade walked off to the center of the tables.
Floyd frowned and looked down at me, "Maybe we can continue this later?" I nodded, not knowing how to respond.
———————
They both showed me the different ways they approach customers and what the policies were. I caught on quickly due to having experience with customer service and being a server at a restaurant back home.
"You are learning very quickly, Y/N. By chance, have you had previous experience in this field?" Jade approached me as I was "interviewing" Floyd.
"I have actually. Back home I had a job like this," I mention as I close the notepad in my hand. Floyd shifted in the booth, his eyes and smile wide as he looked up at me.
"I knew it! I knew Shrimpy was going to do amazing," Floyd said as he shot out of the booth, wrapping his arms over my shoulders and resting his chin on the top of my head. I couldn't help but flush at the compliment. I was never complimented at my old job, even when I did extraordinarily better than my fellow employees. It felt good to be finally recognized for my hard work.
"The lounge opens in about thirty minutes and I think you have enough experience to be on the floor tonight," Jade said with a pleasant tone, his face copying the sound of his face.
"Yay! I get to work with you tonight," Floyd cooed as he began poking my face. I tried my best to swat his gestures away but to no avail.
"Although," Jade interrupted, "I believe it would be best, to begin with wiping and cleaning up tables. You can begin seeing the process which we uphold during work hours. I bet you could be working as a server next week."
"That makes sense," I said, ignoring Floyd's distracting behavior. "I can help with cleaning. If you need help with anything else, please let me know."
The brothers smile fondly at my response. Even though I haven't been around them for long and we just met, I felt like we were bonding very quickly. They seemed to enjoy my presence, at least enough to bicker in front of me and be physically affectionate with me. Strangely, I feel oddly comfortable around them too. It feels like we have been friends for years, childhood friends, if you will.
As promised, the Mostro Lounge opened thirty minutes later. I began hanging around the back wall, watching the twins in action. After a bit of waiting, students began leaving their tables, meaning that it was finally my turn to do my job.
I walked over to the black surface of the table, collecting the cups and dishes left by the customers. I grabbed them and walked to the kitchen, placing them in the industrial sink. There was already an Octavinelle student working as the dishwater, so I didn't have to worry about washing all the dishes I brought back.
I walked back to the table I cleared and grabbed the cleaner and the rag that was tucked in my belt. I squirt cleaner on the smooth surface, wiping the crumbs off the table. I scrubbed the surface until it was shining, seeing my reflection on the table.
I turned around, putting the rag and bottle back in my belt as I scanned the room. I saw many tables filled with customers, some waiting to be served by the brothers. Though they were the only two serving, they were working with great efficiency. I couldn't help but awe at their productive ethic.
As I glanced around the room, a spot of blue and red caught the corner of my eye. I looked closer at the distinct blurs and noticed it was none other than the Heartslaybul duo! The two were looking over their menus, bickering back and forth at each other. Deuce's nose was scrunched as Ace pointed a finger at him.
I glanced over to Jade and Floyd and saw they were nowhere to be seen, so I could probably serve them, right? I mean, they are customers, after all.
I paced over to their table, grabbing the notepad and pen from my pocket in one motion.
"Hello, I will be your server today. What can I get started for you?"
The two boys looked up at me and in unison, their jaws dropped. They both tried to sputter out something, but they couldn't. Was Ace choking on his spit?
"Wait," Deuce said after getting over the shock, "You work here?"
"Yeah," I calmly replied.
"Since when!?" Now it was the redhead's turn to speak.
"This afternoon is my first shift. And you are my first customers," I said as I nudged their shoulders.
"Why are you working here?" The green-eyed boy chirped as he folded his menu on the table.
I began to explain to them about the deal I had made with Azul. They began to look worried, almost concerned. I then added how Crowley had suggested it, so it wasn't Azul's doing. That seemed to ease their nerves a bit.
I took their orders and walked to the kitchen, ripping the order off my notepad to hand to one of the chefs. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw specks of teal.
I glanced over and saw the Leech brothers standing on the opposite side of the room, expressions unreadable. They glanced from me to the two boys, then back to me.
I knew I wasn't supposed to take their order, but I was excited to see my friends there. When I glanced back at them after handing the order over, they were smiling. They almost seemed proud that I disobeyed my position and took on their role.
I smiled as I walked confidently back to a dirty table, a little pep in my step. Even though I went back to cleaning tables, I couldn't help but hold my head high in pride.
———————
I sat near the back of the restaurant today. I watched as she cleaned the tables, scrubbing away all the grime and filth others left behind. That is a trait one must possess to make it in this world.
Oh, darling, it's amazing to watch you work, the face you make while you concentrate on a smudge. Then, you prove your independence by disobeying the Leech Brother's commands.
You decided to serve the ones you love dearest, the ones you hold close. I wish one day you would see me like that, someone you want to take care of and hold close to.
I believe I will be finding myself sitting here more often, especially after hearing about your little deal with Azul. My, I can't wait to see you on your next shift.
———————
I began scrubbing and wiping the final tables for the night, exhausted from the constant work. I wiped my brow as beads of sweat formed. It was a long night, but the first night was always the worst, right?
I brought the final dishes to the sink and began scrubbing the food remnants off the ceramic plates. I placed them in the dishwasher and began to run it for the night. I sighed as I took a minute to myself, leaning against the marbled countertop.
The sound of footsteps caused me to gaze up from my tired daze. I was met by Azul walking gracefully over to me. I stood off of the counter to look more presentable.
"Good afternoon. I see you executed your first night splendidly," Azul said as he stood a few feet in front of me, adjusting his glasses.
"I would say you have earned this." He opened his jacket and began rummaging in it. After a moment, he pulled out an envelope and handed it to me.
I grabbed the envelope, "Thank you." I decided to open the letter later when I was in my room. I might seem rude if I opened it right now.
"Would you like me to walk you to your room?"
I was surprised by his words, but I didn't refuse.
We began to walk to my room in awkward silence. With my exhaustion and his seemingly socially awkward demeanor, there wasn't a single conversation between us.
When I got to the room I was staying in, Azul walked in after me. I understand he wants to be a good host, but he seems to follow me everywhere.
"Thank you for walking me to my room, that was very kind of you to offer," I said to make some conversation.
"Of course. Oh, that reminds me, Jade and Floyd wanted me to tell you about the pools we have here in the dorm. I assume they would like you to swim with them tonight."
I was once again surprised by his offer. I had no idea they had pools here.
"I would love to! That seems fun," I smiled. I thought for a moment before my face saddened, "I don't have a swimsuit, though. Maybe I can another time. Tell them I said 'thank you for the offer'."
Azul seemed a bit embarrassed by my words. "Uhm, o-of course! I think Jade and I can find something for you, that is if you want to swim. I wouldn't want you to feel pressured to go."
I laughed at his sheepish behavior, "Why would I say yes if I didn't want to go?"
If he wasn't embarrassed before, he was now. His face flushed in a pink hue, his pale complexion making the change of pigment even more noticeable. "Of course," he clears his throat. "I will go find a swimsuit," he said as he left my room.
I smiled softly as he closed my door, finding his flustered behavior amusing. I turned to my suitcase as I began to unpack the items inside.
After a couple of minutes, I had already unpacked my clothes, placing them in the tall-standing wardrobe. I grabbed my toiletries and walked to the sleek bathroom. I placed my toothbrush in the cup that was placed on the bare counter. One thing I noticed about staying at Octavinelle was how it felt more like staying at a hotel rather than a dorm room in a school.
Since I was distracted with my thoughts, I didn't hear the loud footsteps behind me. I glanced up at the mirror and saw a figure standing behind me. I quickly turned around and saw it was Floyd. I leaned back onto the counter and held onto it to try to hold back a scream.
"Awe, I was going to scare you..." he trailed off, placing a hand on his hip.
You did scare me.
"I... I didn't know you were here..." I chuckled nervously, my grip loosening from the counter. I looked at him curiously, wondering why he was there. I then noticed how close he was to me. I could feel my face begin to tingle slightly, but I ignored the feeling.
"Can I... help you with something?"
He simply shook his head and gazed down at me, leaning closer as he seemed to examine me. I leaned back further on the counter, the cold marble placing pressure on my back. He got close, our faces being mere inches away from each other. I forced myself to stay still instead of pushing him away and running away.
"You seem... different..." he placed a finger to his mouth and tilted his head.
"How so?" Does he know that I'm not from here? From this country? This land? This world? Did he know?
He hummed and tilted his head to the other side. He then proceeded to grab my hand, flipping it around to get a better look at it. I will admit, this was a bit strange. Although it was weird, I allowed him to mess with my hand.
He slid his hand over mine, his cold palm contrasting with the warmth of mine. I averted my gaze from him. This seemed so cliche, something out of those teen rom-coms. My heart fluttered by this, but I knew I couldn't think anything of it because this is just how he acts.
"You're hand is so small, Shrimpy!" He pointed at his hand and laughed. His fingers began to intertwine with mine, and I didn't stop them.
At that moment, Azul and Jade walked into the room with a swimsuit, looking at Floyd and me questionably.
"You guys are back!" And just like that, the moment was over. I cleared my throat as I tried to calm myself down. I walked out of the bathroom and shut the door behind me, leaving the moment behind. I stood beside Floyd as I listened to their conversation.
"I was surprised I had this, but luckily I did. It seems to be the correct size as well," Jade said as he flickered his gaze onto me.
"Thank you. I'm glad you found that, truly," I said as he handed the outfit to me.
Floyd looked at me, then his brother, then back to me. His eyes lit up and a huge smile formed on his face as he seemed to put the pieces together.
"Are you swimming with us? Is that why you had a swimsuit in your arms, Jade? Is Shrimpy going to join us tonight?" He seemed like a puppy finding out he was going to the dog park.
"Yes, brother. I invited her to join us tonight. Azul was kind enough to excuse the fee for them," Jade smiled sweetly.
"Just this once!" Azul said as he crossed his arms, staring at the floorboards. His face was red like before.
I smiled and shifted my gaze to the housewarden of Octavinelle, "Thank you, Azul. I do appreciate it. I will pay next time now that I have money."
Floyd ran to his brother's side and grabbed his arm, "Come on, Jade! Let's go to the pool. Meet us there, Shrimpy, 'kay?" Before I could answer him, he dragged Jade out the front door. With the twins gone, the atmosphere seemed to be less hectic.
I let out a sigh I didn't know I was holding. "Floyd can be a bit... rousing," I laughed, trying to lighten the mood between Azul and me.
"Yes, he is on the eccentric side, isn't he? He contradicts his brother's calm and collected attitude. They are a great team when they have the same goal," he smiled at his last sentence. He was speaking about them quite fondly. I smiled as I saw his expression of contentment.
"Well, we should get going then, hm?"
"Oh, I won't be joining you," he said as he wrapped his arms around himself uncomfortably.
"At least come with me. You don't have to go into the water if you don't want to, okay?" I held a hand out to him. He glanced at it and then at my eyes. He thought for a moment before hesitantly taking it.
"Plus, I need someone to lead me to the pool," I laughed as we walked out the front door.
"Yes, I forgot," he laughed awkwardly as he tensed at my touch. I stroked my thumb over his hand to ease his nerves. I smiled reassuringly at him, and in response, he smiled back.
He led me to the pools, the smell of chlorine filling my senses. It was such a strong smell, there was no way to mistake the chemical.
"The changing rooms are over there," he pointed to a room tucked into the corner of the huge room. "Take your time changing, the twins can wait," he smiled and left, walking to the chairs placed by the pool.
I walked into the changing room, noticing the showers on one wall and the stalls on the opposite side. I walked into a stall and changed into the swimsuit the Octavinelle boys had kindly given me. Somehow, it was a perfect fit. It wasn't too tight, not too big, it was just right. I exited the room after I placed my clothes in one of the lockers.
Azul was sitting in one of the chairs, reading a book he must have brought with him. The twins were swimming in the pool, but I almost gasped as I saw their new appearances. Their pale complexions were replaced with teal and green scales. They trickled down from their chest to their... tails? Their legs had merged into one large tail, splashing in the water, sending water flying into the air.
I walked over to Azul and sat across from him. He glanced up over his book to see me, and almost immediately he flickered his gaze back down to his book. A rosy color filled his cheeks as it began to seem like he was trying to hide his face rather than read a book.
"The swimsuit fits, thank you," I smiled.
"O-of course," he cleared his throat. "Why don't you join Jade and Floyd?"
"I want to talk to you for a bit, maybe even convince you to swim with us," I laughed, a playful tone lacing my words.
"I... don't think that would be the best. I mean..." he closed his book and wrapped an arm around himself again. I noticed this behavior and decided to not push the subject further.
"Okay, I'll go swim with them now," I stood up from the chair. "Oh, by the way," I said as I looked over my shoulder to look at Azul who was already staring back, "I'm not the most comfortable with myself either. I hope one day you will be." I walked over to the twins, hoping my words would sink into the lavender-haired boy.
Floyd was splashing huge waves of water at his brother, laughing like a maniac while doing so. Jade seemed to be tolerating it, but he was frowning slightly and was sending a glare his way. I slipped into the water, surprised at how it was the perfect temperature.
"Floyd, Y/N is here now," Jade said as he gestured toward me. Floyd's eyes darted over to me and he smiled brightly.
"You're here! Finally!. I thought you were going to talk to Azul forever," he whined as he swam up to me. Jade followed, smiling as his eyes rested.
"It wasn't that long..."
"I was telling him that, but he is antsy," Jade mentioned as Floyd shot him a look.
"Why are you calling me out like that..."
I laughed at their exchange and began to swim around the pool. We played many games like Marco Polo, Sharks and Minnows, and Who Can Create The Largest Wave While Cannon-Balling? (Jade sat out on this one). Since I didn't have a tail and didn't nearly swim as much as these two did, I lost a lot of the games.
"Hey, I might go talk to Azul for a bit," I said as a swam to the boy with his nose in a book.
"But we still have so many more games to play," Floyd said as he swam in front of me, blocking me from moving forward. I swam backward until I hit something. That something was Jade.
"My brother has a point," he placed a hand on my shoulder. I turned to both of them, noticing their yellow eyes glowing and cunning smiles on their faces.
I thought back to Azul's words from earlier, "They are a great team when they have the same goal." They did work as a great team, seeming that their goal was for me to continue hanging out with them. Did they have to make such menacing faces while they worked, though?
I swam back to a corner of the pool, the boys moving in like a herd of sharks. Their toothy smiles and glowing eyes sent a chill down my spine. This was what I felt like when I was in Azul's office this morning.
My back was now pressed against the cement wall, the rough texture rubbing against my back as the small ripples of the water bobbed me. They kept moving closer, now a couple of feet away from me. I couldn't help the fluttering in my stomach or the warm tint on my face.
Two fairly attractive people were just closing in on me, placing themselves close to me. It felt like I was being teased with the look on their faces. It seemed like they knew what they were doing.
I pushed myself under the water and let out a scream, feeling the bubbles of air moving to the surface of the water. I needed to get these emotions out, so I thought this would be the best way to do it.
I swam back to the surface and both Jade and Floyd looked at me with a playful expression.
"Is something wrong, dear?" Jade laughed as he placed a fist to his mouth.
"I think they might be flustered. Are you flustered? Why are you so flustered, Shrimpy?" Floyd leaned in closer and smiled playfully.
Yup, they knew what they were doing.
I looked past them and saw Azul laughing quietly to himself, placing his book on his lap. I smiled as I saw his happy expression, then I remembered he was watching the whole scene play out without helping me.
"Traitor," I mumbled to myself.
Azul met my gaze and shrugged, grinning. His expression said I-can't-stop-them-and-this-is-quite-amusing.
I let out an annoyed sigh as I gazed at all three boys, but I couldn't stop the smile from forming.