saffron 2016/02/29(Mon)02:55 No. 706222 ID: 0543a8
File 145674334524.png - (567.46KB , 750x625 , 002.png )

the hostess leads you to a table. the two of you had been planning a romanic evening here for about a month now. neither of you are too financially fortunate, so it was supposed to be a special date for your anniversary. but two days ago lilliana reunited with this old friend of hers and now it’s not a date anymore.

“i’m so glad you two can finally meet!!” lilliana clasps her hands together. you’ve never seen her this happy before. "jae, this is chaya. chaya, jae!”

part of you wants to be happy. but you're irritated. you and lilliana have been together for almost two years now and you’ve never made her as happy as she is now. she always used to talk about her childhood friend. chaya this, chaya that. she never seemed happy with you, always lamenting about the people she’d left behind when she moved away from home. after months and months she’d finally stopped. you thought that the two of you had both begun to leave your childhoods behind.

you never thought you would have to meet this woman face to face.

saffron 2016/02/29(Mon)02:56 No. 706223 ID: 0543a8
File 145674337051.png - (567.06KB , 750x625 , 003.png )

“ah, hi… jae, huh? it’s wonderful to meet you; i’ve heard lovely things these past few days.”
her voice is deep and soft-spoken and her accent is stronger than lilliana’s.

you cringe.
you are not good at introductions.

>suck it up and introduce yourself.
>stay quiet.
>pull your girlfriend aside and actually talk about your feelings.
>other?

suck it up and introduce yourself

>>suck it up and introduce yourself.
do it for your girlfriend. If things don't go well we can always talk later.

>>706226
Yeah.

>suck it up and introduce yourself.
Maybe if you learn what's up with this gal, you'll finally understand what's up with your girl.

Stay quiet, talk to Lilliana later. Maybe this is some kind of psychological reaction?

You don't know anything about Chaya. This might be an unfair situation to you, but for all you know, Chaya could have sacrificed most of her childhood for your girlfriend while you only dedicated a year.

Figure it out, then decide what you plan on doing.

Take 1 for the team

suck it up and introduce yourself.

Suck it up and introduce yourself. You should've talked to Lilliana about this before getting here, but okay, we'll deal with it later, I guess.

Arm wrestle.

you gotta take one for the team my dude. force a smile and introduce yourself. give her a "i've heard a lot about you, too"

>>706286
yeah
also HOLY SHIT i love this art style

saffron 2016/03/01(Tue)01:13 No. 706429 ID: 0543a8
File 145682363087.png - (466.46KB , 750x625 , 004.png )

there’s a cocktail of emotion lingering in your throat of doubt and jealousy and unease, but you swallow it down and force a smile. "i've heard a lot about you, too,” you hear yourself say. you wish for a moment that you could have taken the time earlier to talk to lilliana about how you felt. but that chance is long gone. now you’re stuck sitting across from this woman who’s never wronged you once but you can’t help but feel an unbridled bitterness building up inside and you hate yourself for being so emotional.

“so how did you two meet?”

"oh, um…. it was in university. we had some first year classes together and things kind of clicked between us,” you recall. “we ended up working on some group projects and started spending a lot of time together.”

“oh, i’m sure. lili is great at group projects,” chaya coos sarcastically. “i’m sure you both got great grades.”

“oh stop,” lilliana laughs. “i’ve gotten better since middle school.”

saffron 2016/03/01(Tue)01:14 No. 706430 ID: 0543a8
File 145682364367.png - (416.05KB , 750x625 , 005.png )

you talk for a bit. chaya asks you more about school and you tell her you dropped out. they wanted you to pick a major and you still didn’t know what you want to do with life. you didn’t know when you started, but you were kind of hoping you’d figure it out before that point. you had just wanted to finish school to prove yourself or something. your parents had always expected you to. but now you’re just working a part time job to pay rent and you’re sure if your parents knew they’d laugh and say they’d known it all along.

you don’t talk to your parents anymore.

the waitress finally comes to take your order. you’ve been talking too much and haven’t had the chance to pick something. you quickly grab the menu and scroll through your options.

>pick something cheap.
>pick something expensive.

pick something cheap so u can get save up for the next date with lilliana

>>706436
Yep. If this isn't an anniversary thing anymore, you might as well have a late one later on.

Pick something expensive. You planned for a nice dinner, no reason to change that now that you have one more person to make a good impression on. Time to be a little competitive man.

>>706430
Pick something in the medium range. Not the cheap stuff, but not showing off either.

>you’re sure if your parents knew they’d laugh and say they’d known it all along
>you don’t talk to your parents anymore
Either that's wrong and you have some terrible self esteem issues keeping you away from your parents, or you have terrible parents. (From what little we know of you, I'm leaning towards the former).

>they wanted you to pick a major and you still didn’t know what you want to do with life
Man do I feel that. Welcome to life.

>what order
Order something you like. Go medium price range. You don't need to scrimp or splurge.

If you're not going to like this meal then don't spend money on it.

Pick something cheap.

Pick something that makes really good date food, like a full rack of ribs.

>>706447
That's not really the protag's MO.

I think something cheap but filling is your best bet. Nothing worse than getting hangry while dealing with turbulent emotions. At least take care of your body here.

saffron 2016/03/02(Wed)02:56 No. 706812 ID: e778a7
File 145691617678.png - (633.45KB , 750x625 , 006.png )

you order the saffron monkfish soup. it’s on the cheaper end of the menu; maybe if you scrape up more money you can have a real date later. you sip on your wine and you think of how much you hate the taste of alcohol. you know lilliana will finish it for you if you don’t get through it, but you think it’s rude not to at least pretend to be drinking it.

“oh yeah, i totally understand that kind of thing,” chaya says to me. “apparently a lot of the coworkers i’ve had have dropped out too. things seem to be working out fine for them. i never even tried going to university, though. i didn’t think i’d get through. kudos to you for trying, at least.”

her comments relax you a bit. the flow of the conversation seems natural enough that you don’t feel as awkward anymore.

your food comes and the rest of the evening flies by. lilliana finishes your wine and she’s a little tipsy.

saffron 2016/03/02(Wed)02:56 No. 706814 ID: e778a7
File 145691621534.png - (817.76KB , 750x625 , 007.png )

when the bill finally comes, it’s not as bad as you thought it would be. the three of you each put some bills down and make your way outside. time to go home.

it’s about 7:30 pm and the sun is setting.

you live in the next town over and it’s usually about a half an hour ride by train. lilliana lives closer to the university’s campus than you do, so she has to take an extra stop. since it’s rush hour, the trains are always packed uncomfortably full around this time of night. you check your wallet — there’s just enough cash for the train ride home.

“oh, tonight’s been so good; i don’t want to go home,” lilliana says, her arms wrapped around chaya.

“you could always stay at my place for the night. it’s a pretty close walk from here,” chaya offers.

“could we really?! that sounds fun! i haven’t seen your house yet!” lilliana says. “honey, let’s sleep over!”

oh gods.

>agree to stay at chaya’s house.
>take your chances with the train ride home.

>agree to stay at chaya’s house.
you might as well visit

>>706814
>oh gods.
So you a Hindu?

And yeah, agree to stay.

This don't look good, but you may as well take a nap.

Just make sure Chaya doesn't show off the house.

Do you know why she uses a cane? Was that one of the things you were told about her?

>your house
She has a house, not a flat or apartment? There might actually be room to crash.

Go for it.

Eh, sure. She's been nothing but nice so far. See if you can finagle it so your girlfriend is hanging off you rather than her.

>>706885
I could only imagine that being a stilted and awkward attempt. Don't want your insecurity coming out in weird ways like that. It'd be much better to say to Lilliana when you have a moment of privacy, "I'm feeling really insecure about this whole thing. I feel kind of like a third wheel."

Ah, dang, she LIVES here now? I thought she was just visiting.

Anyway, go for the visit, but, uh, probably less out of amicability and more out of, you might not be able to sleep at home alone right now, and maybe you'd rather keep an eye on them.

>other
pull out a gun

wait shit

go to chaya's house because i can't see too many cons from not going except feeling uncomfortable for the night. at least you'll know what your girlfriends doing...

saffron 2016/03/06(Sun)02:22 No. 707497 ID: 611ccb
File 145725977584.png - (2.40MB , 1500x1250 , 008.png )

you agree to go to chaya’s house and the three of you begin walking along the lakeside.

>do you know why she uses a cane? was that one of the things you were told about her?

lilliana’s told you a lot of things about chaya over the years, but this is something you hadn’t heard until yesterday. apparently she’d had some sort of surgery on her foot a few years back that never healed right and now she walks with a cane. you’re not completely sure what’s wrong though, because you weren’t exactly paying much attention when she told you.

the walk to chaya’s house is short but pleasant. to be honest, it’s a pretty cute area. there are a few kayaks out & the glow from the streetlights shimmers across the water. the three of you don’t talk and there’s not much to hear besides the chattering of wild ducks.

you arrive at chaya’s house. there's is a tiny stairway and a small herb garden out front and some potted plants on the porch. chaya unlocks the door and invites you in and offers you tea. "that sounds nice," you say, and she disappears into the kitchen.

saffron 2016/03/06(Sun)02:23 No. 707498 ID: 611ccb
File 145725979671.png - (513.39KB , 750x625 , 009.png )

you take off your jacket, sit down on the couch, and take a few breaths to adjust to the new environment — you always feel a little high stress when you’re in unfamiliar places. lilliana sits down next to you, leaning over you and cradling your arm.

chaya brings each of you a glass of tea. it’s a deep reddish brown in color. you’re not sure what kind it is but you recognize the aroma; it’s the same kind that lilliana usually makes. you’ve tried it several times before but you never asked what type it was.

“i’ve lived here for about a year now. i can’t believe lili was so close all this time. what a coincidence we both ended up moving across the world to the same place,” chaya says. “maybe it’s fate.”

“destiny or not,” lilliana says, “how the hell did you get this house? it must be so expensive! i thought you were only working part-time."

“oh, no, i didn’t have anything to do with it! my roommate knows a lot of people… she pulled some strings for us. i really didn’t have much to do with it.”

saffron 2016/03/06(Sun)02:23 No. 707499 ID: 611ccb
File 145725981813.png - (395.84KB , 750x625 , 010.png )

“you have a roommate?”

“minseo. she’s been out all day, though; i’m not sure if she’ll be back tonight. maybe that’s for the better… she’s a little… strange.” chaya’s tone is uncertain and her voice trails off. you can’t help but laugh. you’ve had your fair share of strange roommates and you’re horribly curious, but before you can ask, lilliana speaks up.

“chaaaya. do you have pajamas i can wear tonight?”

chaya nods. “sure, follow me. i’ll grab you some."

the two of them scurry off and you’re left alone in the living room — or so you thought.

saffron 2016/03/06(Sun)02:24 No. 707500 ID: 611ccb
File 145725984008.png - (531.73KB , 750x625 , 011.png )

out of the corner of your eye you see him. the most beautiful creature you’ve set eyes upon.

>CAT
>CAT
>CAT

CAT

PET CAT

>>707500
harass the domesticated invasive predator animal

CAT

>CAT

Be more cat than the kitty.

If Lilliana and Chaya see you just say "If you're going to cheat on me, then LET ME HAVE THIS MOMENT."

>>707500
let the cat know you're their ally

>BOTHER CAT

We are going to be the cattiest crazy cat lady cat that ever catted. CAT!

Assault the kitty

!!!!!!!!!!!! >>707594

saffron 2016/03/11(Fri)15:44 No. 708348 ID: fca0fb
File 145773988808.png - (565.52KB , 750x625 , 012.png )

you decide to harass the tiny domesticated predator.

he makes eye contact with you and lifts his tail slightly. slowly you approach him, reaching out a hand, but when you get too close he bolts down the hall into the office. you narrow your eyes and follow him. you are determined.

saffron 2016/03/11(Fri)15:45 No. 708349 ID: fca0fb
File 145773990549.png - (561.62KB , 750x625 , 013.png )

this time, you crouch down slowly and let him approach you. he seems wary of you, but not too skittish. you reach out your hand again, and this time, he raises his nose and sniffs you. you can feel his nose touch your fingertips. you are so close.

you raise your hand to pet him and he dashes away into the closet.

fuck.

saffron 2016/03/11(Fri)15:45 No. 708350 ID: fca0fb
File 145773992209.png - (355.63KB , 750x625 , 014.png )

you are now alone in the office. the room lacks the decorative elements of the rest of the house, and now that you look around, it does seem a bit out of place.

among the odd assortment of the room, there is:

a closet.
a small couch with a single throw pillow and a messenger bag.
a step stool.
a foldable ladder.
two milk crates.
an assortment of cat toys.
two potted plants.
a bookshelf stacked with external hard drives.
three laptops, an assembly of cords and electrical chargers.
a desk with locked drawers.

on the desk, there is a messy pile of important looking paperwork, a handwritten letter, and some photographs. noticing that one of the photos is of a young lilliana, you are suddenly very curious.

although you know that going through other people’s stuff is wrong, you also know that morality is not technically real.

>snoop.
>don’t snoop.

Snoop.

You don't have anything better to do.

snoop morals r 4 squares

>>708350
Objective morality is not real, you mean.

Don't snoop.

>>708350
grab some cat toys and try to make the cat get out of the closet. then you can snoop

>>708356
PRIORITIES!

if we snoop it is a narrative GIVEN that they will walk in on you snooping. pursue cat instead

>>708350
Don't snoop. You weren't even interested enough to pay attention to everything your girlfriend told you about her, before.

Also this much data storage means this is either her work, or a personal project or hobby that's important to her. In either case, you really shouldn't be snooping.

No snoop.

>two milk crates
What? Why is that a thing?
No snooping. Look at the photographs that are set out.

Swiper no swiping!
But yeah don't snoop. This isn't your house after all.

Don't snoop. Return to living room, wait for cat and/or girlfriend to re-emerge.

saffron 2016/03/13(Sun)21:54 No. 709024 ID: 0543a8
File 145793128320.png - (467.62KB , 750x625 , 015.png )

​you so badly want to continue to pursue the cat. however, at this point, he seems too frightened, and you don’t want to be mean to the poor thing. purrhaps it would be better to wait for him to emerge on his own.

and even though you don’t have faith in ethics, you do have faith in chaya finding you if you start messing around. you decide to only glance at the photograph of lilliana. that's not weird, and it’s not snooping if you don’t touch anything, right?

saffron 2016/03/13(Sun)21:55 No. 709026 ID: 0543a8
File 145793130168.png - (555.29KB , 750x625 , 016.png )

...

saffron 2016/03/13(Sun)21:55 No. 709027 ID: 0543a8
File 145793131255.png - (607.01KB , 750x625 , 017.png )

...

saffron 2016/03/13(Sun)21:55 No. 709028 ID: 0543a8
File 145793135223.png - (731.19KB , 750x625 , 018.png )

​"she was pretty cute, huh?"

startled, you lurch forward and hit the chair against the desk, the loud thud only putting you more on edge. as you turn around, a girl no taller than four feet eagerly walks towards you, arms crossed, eyebrows raised. you lock eyes with her and your adrenaline dissipates into confusion. a few seconds pass before you open your mouth to speak, but words seem to fail you.

"and such a pretty thing now. you're a lucky kid to have a girl like that.”

saffron 2016/03/13(Sun)21:56 No. 709029 ID: 0543a8
File 145793138132.png - (466.56KB , 750x625 , 019.png )

​she pulls one of the milk crates, which you had previously questioned, up to the desk and hops on top of it. she still isn't as tall as you, but... she's trying. you stare at her, your heart still pounding, while she pulls out another photograph from the pile on the desk, beaming.

"chaya, though... not so much. look at this scraggly ass kid she used to be. what a late bloomer," she says thoughtfully. “well, she’s cute now. though she tries a bit too hard. and what about you? you’ve got a nice look. relaxed, but clean. i like the hair.”

you aren't really sure if she's talking to you or herself.

Ask her what she does for a living. You need a better job, right?

thank her for the compliment and introduce yourself. hopefully she'll reciprocate!

>>709029
who is she? does she live here? you should ask her

>>709029
Ask her to introduce you to her cat.

'hey whats up is that ur cat?"

Well, introductions never hurt anybody.

>>709029
Thanks?

See if you can do some introductions, find out who she is.

and ask her about the cat >>709033

Introductions never hurt no one. And once you've been properly introduced its easier to ask about the cat...

as of now, all of minseo’s dialogue is going to be written in ALL CAPS. i was a fool to think i could respect her true personality without depicting her words in ALL CAPS. please imagine that everything she’s said so far has been in ALL CAPS.

also, i changed her outfit a little bit. that’s my error and isn’t significant.

saffron 2016/04/12(Tue)17:55 No. 716102 ID: 0543a8
File 146050890495.png - (438.98KB , 750x625 , 020.png )

"th-thanks, i think," you manage. "i'm jae. i'm chaya's friend." you don't really think friend is the best descriptor, but you're not about to get into that right now.

"SO I'VE HEARD. I'M MINSEO. I, LIKE, LIVE HERE," she says. this time, when she looks at you, you feel like she's finally actually talking to you. "IN THIS ROOM," she adds.

"this is your room? oh, i’m sorry!! i just came in here to pet the cat," you stutter, pointing over at the closet. she doesn’t break eye contact with you.

"AND TO PET THESE PICTURES WITH YOUR EYES, I SEE." she says, placing the photo squarely back in the pile.

"i didn't—"

"DON'T PUT TOO MUCH THOUGHT TO IT. I REALLY DON’T CARE IF YOU'RE NOSY." she hops off the milk crate and kicks it to the wall. “IF I WANTED TO KEEP THINGS PRIVATE, I WOULDN’T LEAVE THEM OUT IN THE OPEN. THIS ISN’T AMATEUR HOUR, AND --”

saffron 2016/04/12(Tue)17:55 No. 716104 ID: 0543a8
File 146050892103.png - (593.53KB , 750x625 , 021.png )

she stops. while you were distracted, the cat had emerged from the closet. with his face half-way into the bag lying on the couch, he’s intently sniffing the interior. minseo narrows her eyes. “OH, SAFFRON, STOP IT. THAT’S NOT FOR YOU!”

“his name is saffron?”

“YEAH. HE'S CHAYA’S ASSHOLE CAT."

she jumps on couch and grabs him, hoisting him above her head. his tail poofs up and he squirms in her hands, meowing in protest.

“that’s… not how you’re supposed to hold a cat,” you say, holding back a chuckle.

“OH, AM I IN THE PRESENCE OF A CERTIFIED FELINE CARE EXPERT? I’M SO SORRY, I WASN’T AWARE. WHY DON’T YOU COME TAKE HIM? THAT’S WHY YOU’RE HERE, ISN’T IT?"

you are taken with the suggestion. you grab saffron and sit down with him. minseo grabs the backpack off the couch and brushes a wad of cat fur off of it.

saffron 2016/04/12(Tue)17:55 No. 716105 ID: 0543a8
File 146050893697.png - (565.63KB , 750x625 , 022.png )

“so chaya’s your roommate, right? does she live here with your family?” you ask. saffron seems a bit nervous but seems to be pleased with how you’re handling him. he settles down in your lap and you feel a ping of pride.

“WHAT? MY FAMILY? YOU’RE HILARIOUS. MY FAMILY COULDN’T LIVE TOGETHER FOR MORE THAN FIVE MINUTES. IT’S JUST ME AND CHAYA.”

“but aren’t you, like. a third grader?”

for a moment, she doesn’t respond, and you get the feeling you've said something wrong.

“oh, minseo! you’re back already!”

saffron 2016/04/12(Tue)17:55 No. 716106 ID: 0543a8
File 146050895390.png - (464.72KB , 750x625 , 023.png )

chaya hovers by the door frame. lilliana peeks her head out from behind her, eyeing minseo with confusion. they’re both in pajamas now and it looks like they washed up. chaya’s clothes drape off lilliana, several sizes too big, and you think it’s kind of a cute look for her.

her eyes widen when she sees you with saffron and she comes to sit beside you.

“I GOT BACK EARLY. JUST IN TIME TO MEET THIS FUNNYMAN,” she scowls, gesturing at you. you tense up; chaya looks at you and laughs. when she walks in, saffron perks up and runs to her, and you and lilliana are left alone on the couch. “CAN’T BELIEVE YOUR FRIEND IS SUCH A COMEDIAN. WHAT A RIOT. I LOVE THEM.”

“hey, sorry…” you’re not sure what to say but you feel like you should apologize. you feel awkward, but chaya’s laughing still and minseo punches her lightly in the leg. "i didn’t mean to upset you. but you’re a kid, right?”

“oh, no,” chaya says. “i guess i should have explained that earlier, huh? but i didn’t think you’d meet like this; i’m sorry. minseo’s older than both of us. she’s an immortal.”

>what

say ur gf looks good and b gay a little. ask chaya whats a funnyman

>>716106
Uhhhh, haha, that's a great joke! It'd be pretty cool if she was a vampire or something huh?

That's cute. Now seriously, what's the problem?

>minseo’s older than both of us. she’s an immortal.
Whaaaaaat. No fair. That's so cool!

>>716106
oh, huh
that sounds traumatic and I can see why that's a sensitive subject
sorry about that

What.
Also, is that the type of thing you should just be telling someone who is pretty much a stranger? We're dating a close friend of hers, but still.

What kind of immortal? Immortal human? Another species? Is she a god?

Soooo, Jae, is this a thing that makes any more sense to you than to us? Otherwise, "What." Possibly followed by something like, "Forgive me, but I've never met anyone who so much as claimed to be immortal, so, that's a little hard to swallow."

Skepticism engaged.

>>716106
politely ask what's an inmortal?

"Oh cool! Me too! Hey Minseo, were you around for the reign of Augustus? What a riot that guy was."

does the cat have a job? does lilliana have a job?

saffron 2016/05/02(Mon)01:58 No. 720478 ID: 0543a8
File 146217952181.png - (386.53KB , 750x625 , 024.png )

"i thought i was supposed to be the funnyman," you chuckle. but nobody else laughs and your joke hits the floor and deflates with your mood. lilliana’s hand finds yours and gives you a sympathetic pat.

"THIS KID'S NOT FUNNY WHEN INTENTIONALLY TRYING TO MAKE JOKES. HOW SAD IS THAT?”

"minseo, please," chaya sighs. "this is serious.”

"LIKE IT MATTERS TO ME WHAT THEY BELIEVE. I HAVE BETTER THINGS TO DO THAN PITY THE IGNORANCE OF CHILDREN.” lilliana's grip on your wrist tightens. she opens her mouth apprehensively, pausing a moment before speaking. "chaya. are you serious?”

“i wouldn’t joke about something like this. you know that, lili,” chaya says earnestly. minseo rolls her eyes.

“…okay. okay. i believe you.”

“what? you really believe this shit?" you turn to her with incredulous eyes. but her expression is thoughtful. to ignore the absurdity of it all, you can only think she trusts chaya far too much for her own good. you really don’t think you’re being bitter about it.

“hmm. i mean, immortality is real, so why not? besides, chaya wouldn’t joke about this,” she says matter-of-factly. "she’s not a natural funnyman like you.”

of course you know immortality exists. you’re not stupid. of course it’s real, just like magic is real and the gods are real. that being said, these things aren’t exactly common, and meeting someone immortal — like your girlfriend’s friend’s kiddy roommate — wouldn’t happen to you.

you decide that later tonight you're going to groogle what funnyman even means.

>so if you’re immortal i can try to kill you and its fine right?
>so if you’re immortal are you human or what?
>so you’re not a third grader?
>_____________

ok i guess thats fine im not biased. so its not like, a secret or anything? you just announce to anyone that ur an immortal?

>so you’re not a third grader?
Modified: so if you're an immortal what do you do all day? Do immortals need jobs? You're not trapped in third grade forever, right?

Well my first question is why she's just casually dropping this information to me, assuming that we're not just fucking with me.

>>720492

>>720492

1/4 saffron 2016/06/08(Wed)00:29 No. 728432 ID: 0543a8
File 146537099289.png - (676.51KB , 750x625 , 025.png )

“so,” you say, crossing your arms with bitter intent. "why exactly are you just casually dropping this information on us? running around and announcing to anyone that you're an immortal doesn't cause any problems for you?” your tone is becoming more and more condescending but you’re not sure if you care enough at this point to stop.

“YOU WOULD HAVE FOUND OUT ANYWAY, RIGHT? KINDA SHADY YOUR FRIEND LIVES ALONE WITH AN 8 YEAR OLD. KINDA SHADY SHE DOESNT AGE. IT’S BETTER TO GET THIS SHIT OUT OF THE WAY INITIALLY. GOTTA BE UPFRONT ABOUT IT BEFORE YOU START ASKING THE WRONG QUESTIONS AND PEOPLE START FINDING MY TRAIL."

“and what kind of people would that be?” lilliana asks.

"NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS.”

lilliana narrows her eyes, murmuring. “what a convenient place to cut off information.”

“OH, PLEASE.”

"people like seropa?” chaya says.

for most of the night, chaya’s been pretty… friendly. dull, to be honest. but you don’t blame her; you’ve been just as awkward and you guess that’s her way of dealing with it. just now, though, her tone shifted.

“STOP TALKING, CHAYA."

2/4 saffron 2016/06/08(Wed)00:30 No. 728433 ID: 0543a8
File 146537101515.png - (621.33KB , 750x625 , 026.png )

“i'm just saying. she wants you gone, doesn’t she?"

“YEAH, WELL, WHATEVER. WHATEVER. ADD HER TO THE FUCKING LIST. SOON I'LL SEND FLOWERS TO HER FUNERAL AND SIP ICHOR FROM THE FOUNTAIN OF ENDLESS YOUTH. SHE’LL EXPIRE SOON AND I WON’T HAVE TO DEAL WITH HER, JUST LIKE EVERY OTHER DAMN CHILD ON THIS PLANET WHO HAS A PROBLEM WITH ME.”

heavy silence hangs over the room. at whatever point tonight stopped being a date night, you have a weird feeling you’re not going to able to return to it.

“SO NOW THAT WE’VE CLEARED THIS SHIT UP, I WOULD APPRECIATE IT IF EVERYONE LEFT MY BEDROOM?? AND CHAYA, TAKE YOUR ASSHOLE CAT WITH YOU.”

“that’s fine,” chaya snaps, hovering by the doorway. her expression is still grim. “not like this conversation seems to be going anywhere. but just so you know, i’m still worried about seropa.”

“SHUT UP, CHAYA.”

3/4 saffron 2016/06/08(Wed)00:30 No. 728434 ID: 0543a8
File 146537105027.png - (432.66KB , 750x625 , 027.png )

“SO WOULD YOU LIKE TO EXPLAIN WHAT YOU ARE STILL DOING HERE?”

respecting minseo’s request, lilliana and chaya have already left, leaving you alone again with minseo. “i need to ask you some questions,” you say. you’re not sure why you didn’t leave. you’re never quite sure when you make decisions.

“YOU REALLY DON’T GET THE PRIVACY THING, DO YOU?”

“where are you from? are you even human? you said you had a family, but does that mean they’re all immortal too? nothing you’ve said so far makes sense!"

“OH MY GODS, FINE. JUST CHILL OUT, KID. YOU’RE LUCKY I LIKE YOU. I DON’T LIKE DOING THE WHOLE IMMORTALITY 101 BUT YOU KNOW WHAT? FINE. JUST FOR YOU, OK? OF COURSE I’M FUCKING HUMAN. BUT I’M NOT FROM VARIAS. I’M FROM EARTH."

“you’re from a different planet? how?”

“I’M NOT EXPLAINING THIS IN DEPTH. NEXT QUESTION.”

“okay, okay… then, what do you do for a living? can you even get a job looking like — like a kid?”

“I DO PEOPLE FAVORS. RUN ERRANDS FOR SOME BUSINESS PARTNERS."

“what the hell does that mean?”

"WELL, WHAT DO YOU EXPECT? THAT’S MY REALITY, KID. IMMORTALS DON’T HAVE PAPERWORK. LEGALLY, WE DON’T EXIST! GETTING A LEGITIMATE JOB, HAVING A BANK ACCOUNT — THAT SHIT IS OUT OF THE QUESTION. THE ONLY REASON CHAYA’S NAME IS ON THIS MORTGAGE IS BECAUSE I PULL STRINGS."

"isn't that hard? living without a steady income?"

"NOT IF YOUR FRIENDS ARE RICH," she flashes you a toothy grin. one of her front teeth are missing. “CAPITALISM’S A RIGGED GAME. ANYWAY, ENOUGH ABOUT ME. WHAT IS IT YOU DO?"

"huh?"

"FOR A LIVING, STUPID.”

4/4 saffron 2016/06/08(Wed)00:31 No. 728435 ID: 0543a8
File 146537108250.png - (302.79KB , 750x625 , 028.png )

"oh... i mean, it's not really anything permanent. i just do retail work right now.” it’s not permanent because you think they’re going to let you go because they’re overstaffed. but that’s not important so you leave it out.

“YOU DON’T LIKE IT?”

"i mean, it's ok. i just need to pay rent, you know?"

"OH. THAT DOESNT SOUND VERY INTERESTING.”

"it's retail, of course it's not.”

"THEN YOU SHOULD QUIT.”

"and do what? sketchy favors for people like you?"

“IS THAT SOMETHING YOU’D BE INTERESTED IN DOING?"

You know this can't end well. You're not a soldier, you're a survivor. Lilliana might not appreciate the risk if you're putting everyone you know on someone's hit list, let alone her and Chaya, for blood money that you could just mooch/scam off Mineso's contacts. You're not ready to take on the underworld, and this little 8!+(# knows it.

You might be tempted to prove yourself, but Lilliana's stayed with you because you weren't afraid to throw yourself in the mud and STILL keep fighting your day-to-day humdrum life for her sake. Don't be something you're not, especially if that something is an idiotic, submissive mass murderer.

>>728435
Tell her you wouldn't mind a side job so long as it's nothing dangerous or immoral.

LOL DO IT

>retail hell or working for an eccentric childlike immortal
Is this even a choice. You'd have to be crazy not to explore this.

>"and do what? sketchy favors for people like you?"
>“IS THAT SOMETHING YOU’D BE INTERESTED IN DOING?"
Take the proffered hand to shake. (With a confidence that suprises yourself a little).

"...You know what? I think I am."

Beat, lose composure, giggle. "Wow, this is so not how I expected this night to go."

>>728435
"This is the dumbest decision I think I'll ever make but the concept is too weird not to take advantage of, I'm in."

Grab that hand and firmly grasp the plot hook

Listen to kome and dont take the weird 8 year old earthlings offer. But trade numbers just in case

O come on. Dont rule it out before you know what it is. Perfectly reasonable to ask for details.

"Maybe. It depends on what the risks are."

don't take the offer! working in retail is safer

>>728473
Pretty much this.
Find out the deets before you commit 100% though, and if it would drag you into immortal issues talk with your gf about it.

1/5 saffron 2016/10/10(Mon)21:09 No. 752284 ID: 0543a8
File 147615899974.png - (259.51KB , 750x625 , 029.png )

"i mean. that depends. what kind of stuff are we talking about here? i…” your hands fumbling clumsily at your collar. this isn’t something you’ve ever had to consider before. “i dont want blood money.”

her proffered hand drops, covering her face as she laughs. “OH MOTHER. WHAT A SERIOUS FACE! YOU’RE SUCH A RIOT. LOOK, I’M NOT ASKING YOU TO DO ANYTHING BAD! I DOUBT YOU HAVE IT IN YOU TO HURT ANYONE ANYWAY — NO OFFENSE.”

“uh.” you think you’re starting to feel a little exasperated. “none taken,” you manage.

“IT’S SIMPLE STUFF. OF COURSE, IF YOU’RE NOT INTERESTED, THERE ARE OTHER PEOPLE…”

“no, i... you know what? i think i am. i'm in,” you tell her, offering your hand, surprising yourself with the confident gesture. she takes it firmly, crushing your hand a bit, and she’s beaming.

“SUCH A PLEASURE TO HEAR THAT,” she says. she doesn’t break eye contact with you. after another few seconds, you decide it’s unnerving and give her a shaky laugh. “I’LL KEEP IN TOUCH, KID. NOW GET THE FUCK OUT OF MY ROOM.”

2/5 saffron 2016/10/10(Mon)21:10 No. 752285 ID: 0543a8
File 147615902368.png - (280.36KB , 750x625 , 030.png )

you’ve been kicked out of minseo’s room.

well, that was… eventful. you check the time on your phone — it’s 9:30 now. lilliana is probably going to sleep soon, as she has an early morning class to attend. you should join her.

you were never a good enough student to keep a proper sleep schedule. it’s a little easier if you have someone to sleep with, but you still sometimes spend long nights lying awake as lilliana snores gently by your side. anxiety pangs you somewhere deep in your chest when you think about it for too long.

when you enter the guest room, lilliana is already sitting in bed on her phone. she motions for you to join her.

your perform your bedtime rituals as best you can, letting down your hair and struggling out of your binder. the mirror on the nightstand allows you a quick, uncomfortable glance at your unfamiliar body. uughh. but you force yourself to take a breath and not dwell on dysphoria tonight. you’ve already got enough on your mind. you climb in bed and lilliana turns off the light without a word.

3/5 saffron 2016/10/10(Mon)21:10 No. 752286 ID: 0543a8
File 147615904809.png - (255.14KB , 750x625 , 031.png )

you're both quiet for a while. the ambience of the room is heavy like fog. a familiar haze of anxiety that pangs whenever you sleep somewhere new. there’s an emptiness to the objects around you that you can’t quite place, either — but you’re grateful, at least, to be with her at the end of the night. sleeping alone has never appealed to you.

"hey, jae?”

“yeah?"

“you okay, baby?”

“it’s... nothing. there’s just a lot on my mind. lotta stuff we should talk about, i guess.”

“i know. tomorrow, ok?”

“it’s not just… chaya.”

“well, we’ll get to it. but thank you for today."

"what do you mean?”

"for dealing with me today. and chaya too. i know this isn't what you wanted for tonight, but it means a lot to me."

“oh... it’s not that big of a deal.”

“but it is to you, isn’t it? and that’s okay. we’ll talk about it.”

she wraps her arm around you and you can feel her breath on your neck. her voice is soft and soothing lulling you to sleep. you want to bury yourself in it.

“that sounds nice,” you say quietly.

4/5 saffron 2016/10/10(Mon)21:11 No. 752287 ID: 0543a8
File 147615907058.png - (24.48KB , 750x625 , 032.png )

snnnnnnzzzzzz

5/5 saffron 2016/10/10(Mon)21:11 No. 752288 ID: 0543a8
File 147615909954.png - (455.47KB , 750x625 , 033.png )

MOW! MOW! MREOW! MEOOOOOW! MEOW! MREOW! MWOWOW!

hi everyone!! i didnt get very far into these quests before putting them on hiatus, huh. well, i just quit my second job, so i’m gonna be updating regularly again. thanks for your patience in the meantime!

jae your cat! pick up cat and observe surroundings

>unfamiliar body
You new to it?

>>752288
Meow!

If it wants attention, pet it an scratch it. If it wants food, stumble out of bed and try to figure out where the house owners keep the food. Cat will probably lead you right there.

MEOW BACK

>>752301
This is always the proper course of action when cat

>>752336
Not always. Another acceptable course of action is to inform the cat that it is a cat, e.g. "YOU ARE A KITTY!"

get out of bed to see what tf the cat wants

>>752288
BOTHER THAT CAT
B O T H E R T H A T C A T

1/1 saffron 2016/10/16(Sun)21:40 No. 753321 ID: 0543a8
File 147667920202.png - (509.19KB , 750x625 , 034.png )

“mreeeooow,” you mumble back. this only encourages him — he’s trying to step on your face. the weight of his paws feel nice until he starts slipping off and clawing at your flesh for stability.

“fuck! ow! stop it!” you pull him off your face, sit up and place him back on the bed. he immediately climbs in your lap and continues wailing at you. it’s hard to concentrate and your ears are ringing.

that’s right. you’re still… here. chaya’s house.

you check your phone. it’s 9 AM. your head hurts, like it always does when you sleep for more than 10 hours. your head always hurts, because you’re always oversleeping all the time, but it doesn’t bother you like it used to. they tend to go away pretty fast, anyway.

you and saffron are alone in the guest room — lilliana must have left in the early morning for her class — leaving no buffer between you and chaya. would it be rude to just sneak out and not talk to her? probably. fortunately, you’re still apathetic enough to try it.

while you slip back into yesterday’s clothes, you can’t help but to catch a whiff of the most enticing smell.

>try to feed saffron
>investigate delicious smell
>attempt to sneak out

>investigate delicious smell
its free food and brushing off ur gfs bff is not a good way to make human connection. plus are you planning to crawl out of a window? youll probably see somebody on the way to the door. dont bother feeding saffron its FAT and also not your cat itd be kinda weird feeding somebosy elses cat in somebody elses house. find the tiny immortal and negotiate your payment over breakfast or just have a pleasant conversation about how chaya ruined your date but you dont mind, really.

Follow your nose!

>try to feed saffron
>investigate delicious smell
These sound like one and the same.

Also, where would you sneak off to? You new job is here. Or at least, you need to find out from your new boss what she wants you doing.

sneaking out would be impossible, investigate delicious smell

1/3 saffron 2016/10/28(Fri)19:37 No. 755903 ID: 0543a8
File 147770867818.png - (563.03KB , 750x625 , 035.png )

you’re still clinging to the idea of trying to sneak out, but the odds of that working seem against you, at best. if anything, it seems like it might be a good idea to follow your nose — free food might be the only redeeming factor of being trapped here. you gather whatever willpower you have and step out into the hallway. the moment you turn the corner into the kitchen, you’re greeted by minseo’s earsplitting voice.

“LOOK WHAT THE CAT DRAGGED IN.” she’s standing on top of a milk crate that she’s pulled up to the stove, stirring a heavy pot. you wonder if she could even lift it. she can’t be that strong; she’s so small.

“he was sitting on my face,” you protest. “he woke me up.”

“HE’S ROWDY IN THE MORNINGS. LIKES TO CRY AND SCRATCH MY THINGS. GLAD HE HAS SOMEONE ELSE TO BOTHER NOW.”

“you don’t like him very much, do you?”

“YET HE ALWAYS GETS WHAT HE WANTS. I RESPECT HIS TACTICS.”

he mewls loudly and minseo scowls. when you laugh, she rolls her eyes.

"SIT DOWN. I MADE BREAKFAST,” she tells you.

2/3 saffron 2016/10/28(Fri)19:38 No. 755904 ID: 0543a8
File 147770869958.png - (562.95KB , 750x625 , 036.png )

you perk up. the food is why you’re here, but that was so easy. you didn’t even have to ask.

“o-oh! that’s sweet, you didn’t have to—"

“DON’T GET AHEAD OF YOURSELF. I DIDN’T MAKE IT FOR YOU. I MADE IT FOR ME. BUT SINCE YOU’RE HERE, YOU MIGHT AS WELL HAVE SOME.”

“so… some of it is for me?"

“ABSOLUTELY NOT. YOU JUST HAPPEN TO BE HERE. YOU’RE A SIDE DISH TO THE MAIN COURSE HERE, WHICH IS ME, MY ART, AND IT’S PERFECTION."

“…i don’t understand.”

“LOOK, IT’S NOT HARD. IT’S NOT FOR YOU, BUT I’M GIVING YOU SOME."

“minseo, can you try not to be so dramatic? it’s nine in the morning.” chaya doesn’t look at you when she comes in. her bedhead is awful. “did you make the pumpkin soup again? i thought you said you didn’t like it.”

3/3 saffron 2016/10/28(Fri)19:38 No. 755905 ID: 0543a8
File 147770872047.png - (288.20KB , 750x625 , 037.png )

“THAT’S WHY I HAVE TO REMAKE IT, YOU CASUAL. I NEED TO FIX IT."

“i thought it was fine,” chaya mutters. she seats herself directly across the table. you attempt to offer a smile. she doesn’t reciprocate.

“YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT. YOU’D EAT CARDBOARD IF I TOASTED IT,” minseo snaps. you laugh a bit under your breath.

chaya turns reflexively, deadpan expression, looking you straight in the eye.

“you think that’s funny, huh?

“BE NICE TO MY NEW FRIEND, CHAYA.”

“oh, you two are friends now?” she looks at you expectantly. “isn’t that a bit hasty?"

“i… i guess?" you manage. you’re not really sure what to say about it, or what your relationship with minseo is. you guess you said you’d do some work for her, but… you’re not really sure what that entails, or if now is a great time to ask.

“YOU SEE? WE’VE EVEN HAD A TOTAL OF TWO CONVERSATIONS."

"how convenient for you,” she says, tilting her head to to the side. her expression is laced with malice and the sharp sound of her fingers methodically tapping the table tenses you with every vibration. “people seem to enjoy your company."

"though i can’t help but wonder why that is,” she adds.

>say nothing
>say something
>_____________

say "probably cus she doesn't randomly bitch at people" while staring chaya down. she's obviously a cuck who only acts nice in front of her friends so be rude right back. she's the reason why ur date was so shit anyways

>>755905
"I use magic, obviously."

>>755905
"easy. first i think of what someone like you would do, then i do the opposite. it works like a charm."

"Because talking to a loser makes elites like you feel smug and proud and all that other self-loving narcissistic vomit.

... WHAT."

not replying to her can save you trouble with your gf, but also this >>755908

Don't raise to her sniping. If you're working here, you'll have to put up with her, no reason to make it worse. Besides, she might just be grumpy in the morning, or she might just be naturally abrasive.

Besides, your girl sees something in her. That gives a certain benefit of the doubt. For a little while, at least.

>“oh, you two are friends now?” she looks at you expectantly. “isn’t that a bit hasty?"
Dunno, if little kids and ancient immortals can figure out how to make friends fast, I might as well not let myself get shown up.

>"though i can’t help but wonder why that is,” she adds.
Maybe it's easier to put up with morning people.

1/2 saffron 2016/10/30(Sun)21:04 No. 756205 ID: 0543a8
File 147788667874.png - (399.59KB , 750x625 , 038.png )

​you don't really know why chaya's being so awful suddenly. it’s not like you expected this to go well, but... she seemed okay yesterday. the shift in attitude really catches you off guard. reminds you of people you’d rather forget.

yeah, it’s probably because i’m not a two-faced asshole. at least, that's what you would say if you had any guts. but all you really manage to squeeze out is "i guess its part of my natural charm....?” nobody responds and a nervous laugh escapes you. chaya looks at you like you’re an idiot and minseo sighs behind you. you want to sink into the floor.

“gods only know what she sees in you.” chaya leans back in her chair. “what’s the point if you can’t even speak your mind? you’re not even interesting.”

“wh-what? what’s your problem?” your face is hot and there’s a lump in your throat. it’s hard to say anything — your tendency is always to clam up when you’re upset — you can’t stop thinking that you wouldn’t have had to deal with this if you just left quietly.

chaya opens her mouth to speak again but is interrupted by the clanking of china being slammed on the table.

“HERE, KID. EAT THIS. IT’S GOOD. BETTER THAN LAST TIME. GOOD BALANCE OF TEXTURES,” minseo says, shoving utensils in your hands. she turns to chaya, frowning. “CHAYA, BE NICE.”

2/2 saffron 2016/10/30(Sun)21:05 No. 756206 ID: 0543a8
File 147788670538.png - (523.28KB , 750x625 , 039.png )

chaya rolls her eyes. “thanks, minseo. it’s good, as always.”

“YOU HAVEN’T EVEN TRIED IT YET, YOU FAKE BITCH.”

“oh mother, whatever, fine,” she scowls, grabbing her utensils. she starts eating and after a few seconds of silence, you follow suit.

it’s… good. better than good, it’s great. the taste is a bit unfamiliar — it’s not quite like anything you’ve ever eaten before — you can’t quite put your finger on it. it feels warm in your stomach and it calms you down a bit. gods. you don’t even like pumpkin.

“this… this is really good, minseo,” you say, because you’re not sure how else to describe it.

“I KNOW,” she says firmly, ladling soup into tiny, cutesy tupperware. “HAD TO GET GOOD AT SOMETHING. GOTTA DO SOMETHING WITH MY DAMN TIME.”

“oh.”

“SPEAKING OF TIME — WHAT ARE YOU DOING LATER? ARE YOU BUSY?”

chaya and minseo both look at you expectantly.

>i’m free today
>i should go home

>>756205
She jelly.

>i’m free today
Don't be boring.

ask what she wants first before saying ur free. what if she wants u to pick up her laundry or something like that

You definitely should go tell your (now former) boss that you quit. You can use that as an excuse to get out of the house.

>ARE YOU BUSY?
Not really. Have you got a job for me?

Immortality: all the time in the world to perfect your recipes.

>​you don't really know why chaya's being so awful suddenly.
Hungover? Not a morning person? Jealously protecting a friend by "testing" her girlfriend? Insufficient information.

>ARE YOU BUSY?
Well, I guess since you talked me into quitting my retail hellhole, I'll be free as soon as I've gotten the satisfaction of telling my old boss off.

"I must re-assert my shrimp-sized shell of self-confidence by banging Lilliana all day.

... Nah, just kidding. Lilly's got her own schedule to keep. I'd like to make some dough."

1/3 saffron 2016/11/04(Fri)20:32 No. 756987 ID: 0543a8
File 147831677616.png - (342.54KB , 750x625 , 040.png )

you pause. it’s probably not a great idea to stay here; gods know you don’t want to keep dealing with chaya, but you are a bit curious as to what minseo wants. maybe she already has a 'favor' for you to do — could be a joke or a nightmare; either way you’re apprehensive.

“i mean, i probably shouldn’t stay—"

“oh, good,” chaya interrupts. you turn your back to her and face minseo instead.

"—i have some free time later today though… why?”

“THERE’S JUST SOMEONE I’D LIKE YOU TO MEET. ​I THINK YOU TWO WOULD GET ALONG. YOU HAVE A LOT IN COMMON.”

2/3 saffron 2016/11/04(Fri)20:33 No. 756988 ID: 0543a8
File 147831679947.png - (436.37KB , 750x625 , 041.png )

“really? who?”

“I GUESS YOU’LL HAVE TO FIND OUT, HUH?”

of course, you think, it couldn’t be that easy.

“are you serious?”

she doesn’t respond. instead she just starts giggling to herself as she wipes down the stovetop. you attempt to interrogate her for several more minutes and receive nothing for your effort but the smug smile plastered on her face and the occasional patronizing laugh from chaya. a dreadful feeling settles at the pit of your stomach as you realize that both of them will almost certainly always be fucking with you.

“i think,” you state bitterly, “i’ve overstayed my welcome.”

3/3 saffron 2016/11/04(Fri)20:38 No. 756993 ID: 0543a8
File 147831709462.png - (557.04KB , 750x625 , 042.png )

“BYE KIDDO! SEE YOU SOON!”

you’re finally free and you’re ready to be as far from here as possible.

go quit work (say uve got like a family emergency or something and u need to be gone forever) and also text lili saying 'ur friend is a douche and the child has Tasks for me'

you should probably head home and take a shower or something. then go tell your ex boss you about not working there anymore. what is your gf up to right now?

Actually, don't quit your day job. Better yet, use your new criminal connections to stage a robbery; you play the part of the classic helpless cashier who can't even hit the alarm button because her boss was too cheap to install an alarm system. After they rob the place blind, you get fired, and then get a cut of the goods. You get to screw your boss over and get paid twice your monthly paycheck for it and all you need to do is work the day shift for a few more weeks.

>you realize that both of them will almost certainly always be fucking with you
Hey. It still beats working retail hell.

(And after enough exposure, maybe you'll come out of your shell and have the confidence to fuck with them right back).

>what do
Head home. You need a shower and change of clothes before anything else.

hey is minseo doing magic in the second panel? is that normal?

Admit to yourself that the only reason you're doing any of this is because you're a complete and utter doormat, and potentially attain sexual gratification from getting abused.

1/1 saffron 2016/11/05(Sat)23:17 No. 757168 ID: 0543a8
File 147841306308.png - (479.99KB , 750x625 , 043.png )

at the very least you want to go home and put on some clean damn clothes. there’s nothing on your agenda for the day so far; you’re not scheduled to work — your boss has been cutting your hours like mad since you’re so overstaffed. you wonder if you should just stop by and quit on the spot. not like they’d have any difficulty covering your shifts. maybe that’s too hasty.

the west-bound redline train takes you back into the city. the nearest station is about a 15 minute walk from your apartment, which is just far enough to be a pain in the ass.

your phone rattles from your pocket — someone’s texting you. you get several more messages before you even have a chance to check who it is. it’s an unknown number, but upon reading, you have a feeling you know who it is.

saturday nov 5, 11:42 am
DON’T WORRY, HE DOESN’T BITE. KIND OF A BIG PUSHOVER ACTUALLY

saturday nov 5, 11:42 am
DON’T TELL HIM I SAID THAT. YOU’LL HURT HIS FEELINGS. HE’S SENSITIVE

saturday nov 5, 11:42 am
I’M SERIOUS

saturday nov 5, 11:43 am
ANYWAY LET ME KNOW WHEN YOU HAVE SOME TIME OFF. I NEED TO BORROW YOU FOR LIKE, THREE DAYS

somehow, she is just as loud through text as she is in person.

>respond
>ignore her

"fin"

dont respond till u get ur shit together. treat urself to some ice cream or something

>>757168
Don't be a dick. She's been messing with you a little, maybe, but she hasn't been mean about it. No reason to ignore her.

Tell her you'll let her know.

Text back.
"If this turns out to be some sort of prank or if I get one whiff of something I don't like, I'm O U T."

>>757168
Time to fuck back with her a little.

"If it turns out I've signed up for some kind of magic escort service I'm quitting."

The serious answer is we'll get back to her soon. You have a few loose threads before disappearing for three days. (In addition to showering, you might want to charge your phone, grab a change of clothes, and probably talk to your girlfriend, at least).

What/who is she talking about? Respond when you get home, message your gf first.

1/3 saffron 2016/11/08(Tue)00:10 No. 757442 ID: 0543a8
File 147859260627.png - (347.82KB , 750x625 , 044.png )

you respond to her immediately. no use pretending you’re busy.

saturday nov 5, 11:45 am
jsyk if it turns out i’ve signed up for some sort of magical escort service i'm quitting. im a shy boy :)c

saturday nov 5, 11:45 am
but yea i’ll let u know when i figure out my schedule :0!!

while you’re at it you send off another text. might as well ride out this wave of human contact. this time, though, it's to your old boss.

saturday nov 5, 11:50 am
hey, any way i can not come in next week and also maybe never again?

it’s not like it would be hard for them to cover your shifts. and if the whole thing with minseo turns sour, well, you needed a new job anyway — you weren’t really making enough to pay your bills with the hours they were giving you. as you head home, you continue rationalizing this to yourself for the next few minutes as to ward off the awful feeling trying to settle in your stomach. unfortunately, you don’t make it very far before you feel the cold splash of rain on your face.

2/3 saffron 2016/11/08(Tue)00:10 No. 757444 ID: 0543a8
File 147859262530.png - (456.23KB , 750x625 , 045.png )

it’s pouring.
of course it is.

you run around frantically for about a block or so looking for a place to stay dry. there’s not much around but the shrine at the park — there’s a huge magical barrier cast around it to protect it from the elements. it’ll have to do.

there’s a hot, pleasant sensation that tingles your skin when you pass through the barrier. it’s oddly silent inside; the rain slides off the outside like it would an umbrella but there’s no sound to it. your footprints echo as you walk.

there’s nobody else here. just you,

3/3 saffron 2016/11/08(Tue)00:10 No. 757445 ID: 0543a8
File 147859264112.png - (582.24KB , 550x917 , 046.png )

and Her.

And now you draw a smiley face over her crotch, take a selfie, and send it to Minseo.

see if somebody left an umbrella as offering and "borrow" it. the goddess doesnt need it shes got a huge barrier shit. also maybe pray ur ass doesnt get murderized by whatever the dwarf wants from u

>>757445
"Um, hey. Thanks for the shelter, magic shrine elf angel." Might as well be polite.

>>757447
The shrine has enough magic to ward off the elements. Let's not steal an offering and test if it has the power to curse or smite us for that insult.

>>757445
Pay your respects. Who is she, anyway?

>>757442
Shouldn't you be giving two weeks notice instead of one week?

EAT THE OFFERINGS

>>757448
>>757449

listen to this people. try making conversation with the statue. it might as well be sentient

>two weeks notice
Well you don't legally have to do it. I figure the one week is enough, and besides, with how the mc deals with the boss mc is prob not enjoyable to work with.

1/1 saffron 2016/12/06(Tue)18:50 No. 764096 ID: 0543a8
File 148107901847.png - (560.55KB , 750x625 , 047.png )

you bow your head in respect to the HOLY DAUGHTER. she’s always done so much for you, and with her blessing you made it out okay in the end — and hey, you didn’t think you’d make it this far to begin with. it’s been a while, but… you used to pray pretty often, if only because a small shrine of hers was built near the house you grew up in. your parents thought that fear of the gods was an honorable quality, so you were allowed to visit often. eventually, things got better, and you don’t really visit her shrines anymore.

that’s the way it should be, you think.

the holy daughter is one of the two demigods in service of the HOLY MOTHER, the creator of varias. the mother is blind to the evil done by her own creations, so the holy daughter patrols the mortal realm & wields the threat of divine retribution in her place.

to be honest, you’ve always found the mother to be a bit unsettling. for all her unconditional love, the mother’s reputation terrifies you. supposedly, every soul that passes from the mortal realm awaits her unconditional acceptance — you’re not sure how much you trust a being like that, all-powerful or not. and that’s besides the awful complex you have about parental figures.

in terms of religious figures who don’t scare you, the holy daughter has always struck you as more… approachable. sympathetic to your plights. you’d like to believe that actions have consequences.

after some time of your brooding the rain lets up. well, it's still sprinkling, but nothing you won’t walk home in.

as you head out, a pang of guilt tugs at your heartstrings and you wonder if you should come back later with a proper offering.

>>764096
Of course. She gave you shelter from the storm, so you should repay that kindness.

Who's the other demigod?

send minseo a selfie of u n the statue and text "hey look at this big rock". place a ramen flavour packet at the statues feet as offering

>>764096
Thank her for sheltering you, and for... sheltering you before. You're sorry you haven't been to see her in a while.

You can bring a proper offering the next time you come by. If you're going to work for the crazy immortal you'll be passing by this way again.

im pretty sure She will understand if you dont come back with an offering. you can think about that later, you got things to do

1/2 saffron 2016/12/10(Sat)16:51 No. 765088 ID: 0543a8
File 148141746876.png - (462.65KB , 750x625 , 048.png )

it’s not really traditional to bring an offering to the demigods unless you need something from them. they’re kind of utilitarian, and they’re not there for worship; but you still feel like you owe her something. you wonder if there’s anything in your apartment worth giving to her, anyway. you decide you'll come back if you find something nice.

when you walk through the barrier again, its hot, full sensation upon passing only seems makes the rain hit your face a bit harder. environmental guards like this are really the only type of magic you’ve ever seen with your own eyes. you’ve always wondered how they cast those things.

the neighborhood around your apartment is nice, framed with trees and old rickety houses that you’re sure were beautiful decades ago. there’s still a charm about them. the area hasn’t been remodeled in such a long time that the trees here are some of the tallest in the city.

your place is on the second floor. the whole one flight of stairs you have to endure is absolutely awful and serves no purpose but to taunt you. all things considered, you’re in decent shape; but your binder makes it kind of hard to breath, especially when you’re so damp and everything sticks to your skin. so you’re a little out of touch. and it’s been a rough couple of days, too, so it turns out you don’t notice that someone’s been following you since the moment you walked in the building.

2/2 saffron 2016/12/10(Sat)16:51 No. 765089 ID: 0543a8
File 148141749258.png - (499.66KB , 750x625 , 049.png )

“you’re jae, aren’t you?”

you hit your head on the doorframe.

deny everything

>>765089
Um, yes. I think you have the advantage of me.

And that would be Mineso's equally annoying brother

HEADBUTT HIM

>>765166
I dunno, at least this one doesn't speak in ALL CAPS. Quiet little bugger though, kind of creepy.

Ask where they'd heard the name. And, once you've confirmed, ask their name too.

>>765089
"Who's asking? Why are you following me?"

1/2 saffron 2016/12/14(Wed)22:46 No. 766008 ID: 0543a8
File 148178437186.png - (400.34KB , 750x625 , 050.png )

you take a solid minute to regain your composure. at this point, this kid’s just been staring you down, and it’s really starting to really creep you out. you wonder if he’ll go away if you just deny everything — you doubt it. it’s not like he doesn’t already know where you live. well, it’s worth a shot.

“…no?”

“ah,” he smiles. “she did say you were sort of a jokester.”

he’s not buying it. “i apologize if i scared you. i thought it might be better to wait outside, but then, well, the rain. and i’m not exactly waterproof right now. what an awful time of year to do hardware adjustments.”

“gods,” you groan. you have no idea what this kid’s saying. “of course. she said i’d find out — stupid. that’s stupid. minseo sent you here to mess with me, didn’t she?”

“well, that wasn’t part of the agenda, but i’m sure she wouldn’t object.”

“are you some sort of immortal kid, too?”

“maybe that’s something we should talk about inside.”

that’s definitely a mistake. don’t do that. absolutely don’t invite this shitty time vampire into your home like some sort of fucking moron.

like some sort of fucking moron you invite him into your home.

2/2 saffron 2016/12/14(Wed)22:47 No. 766009 ID: 0543a8
File 148178442380.png - (561.97KB , 750x625 , 051.png )

well, its good to be back. despite the fact that your problems seem to be literally following you, you refuse to let it win in your own space. you throw off your jacket and your shoes and collapse on the couch. the kiddo follows you and sits delicately on the couch's armrest. he doesn’t take off his shoes.

he has sort of an odd face — he looks almost like minseo, but something’s off. like everything’s been skewed a bit in the wrong direction.

“so what’s the deal with you two? you’re related, right?”

“you got me there. guess it’s kind of hard to miss the similarity!” he looks at you with thoughtful expression. "she's my little sister. a real handful, huh?”

“that seems to run in the family.”

“well, i won’t deny that. we’re all a bit awful. though i try to keep the melodrama to a minimum. oh! i'm heejae, by the way. our names are pretty similar, so i’d like to think of us as kindred spirits.”

“gods. well, she did say we had things in common.”

“oh? what else did she say about me?”

>she told me that you were a big pushover
>she wouldn’t say a word

first tell him to take off his shoes or youll cut his damn feet off. then second tell him she said hes a big fucking nerd. ask if he solves mysteries in his free time

wait no the more clever comment would be "she said to take your damn shoes off when you walk into somebodys house, boy detective"

>>766008
> i’m not exactly waterproof right now. what an awful time of year to do hardware adjustments
Offer robokid somewhere to recharge.

>she told me that you were a big pushover

start some drama between the siblings, if he knows her he KNOWS that she would say something like that

Im very on board with twlling heejae what minseo said about him

Cut him off, talk about the first job.

The more you know about this, the better. You also need to make sure that you aren't the scapegoat, make some calls to friends and family so that your disappearance would be inconvenient for Mineso and friends.

Hmmm, maybe something noncommittal like, "Not a whole lot," and then ask him about himself or maybe segue into the job thing.

1/2 saffron 2016/12/29(Thu)00:34 No. 768788 ID: 0543a8
File 148300045016.png - (328.43KB , 750x625 , 052.png )

“i mean, not a whole lot,” you mutter. at first you don’t think you should tell him, but honestly, you’re kind of curious as to how he’d react. from what you know of minseo, he should be surprised if she didn’t insult him. you pull your hair loose and run you fingers through it. greasy. you need to shower. “she did mention you were kind of a pushover.”

he covers his face almost immediately and lets out a long sigh. “gods, she’s so embarrassing. doesn’t she have better things to do?" when he finally looks back up at you, he’s smiling again, though it’s kind of an arduous one. trying his best to act like it doesn’t bother him? maybe you do have things in common. “that’s alright. she’s always like this.”

“hey, speaking of minseo,” you cut him off before he has the chance to say anything else. "she said she needed to borrow me for several days. she’s got a job for me, right? do you know what it is?”

“oh? you seem determined."

“i’m just... kind of tired of you two saying convoluted shit. i want to know what’s going on."

“i see she’s stressing you out.”

“she’s not the only one!”

“okay, okay. i know what her plan is.”

2/2 saffron 2016/12/29(Thu)00:34 No. 768789 ID: 0543a8
File 148300049120.png - (285.42KB , 750x625 , 053.png )

he grabs something from his back pocket — a phone? you’ve never seen a model like it before. he hops down from the couch and comes to show you. his heels make a pleasant clicking against your shitty laminate floors, but gods, you wish he would take off his shoes like every other normal human being. it’s really irritating you.

“it’s a simple job,” he states, handing you the phone. it’s got a map pulled up, a marker pinned to your destination. “but it’s a bit of a hike to get there, which i imagine is the reason it’ll take so long.”

it looks like… the middle of nowhere. but when you zoom out to get some perspective, though, you immediately recognize the nearest city. you’ve never been there before, but you must’ve seen it a thousand times before. your heart races at the very thought.

“wait… the capital? we’re going underground? ”

“well, you will be. there’s a gate not far from here which connects to the hills near the palace... minseo can take you there, but you’ll have to navigate the rest without her. from the capital, you’ll need to take a train down south, and then it’s a bit of a hike to get to the badlands.”

“what am i doing down there, anyway?”

“we need you to find someone. her name’s yaejin. lives out in the desert by her lonesome.”

“that’s it? just find this woman?"

“oh, and bring her back with you, too. shouldn’t be a problem. she’ll come quietly if you tell her we sent you.”

“that seems… easy enough.” you narrow your eyes. there’s got to be some catch. “out of curiosity, why can’t you get her yourself?”

“oh, well, i think it’s just sort of an easy job minseo wants to task you with. see if you’re a good fit, you know? consider it a test run. oh, and besides that, the capital’s pretty strictly controlled by the imperial guard, and it’s best minseo and i aren’t seen unless we have to be.”

“so that’s it, huh… just passing through the capital… and getting some woman who lives in the badlands?” you mumble, trying to recount everything. honestly, you weren’t sure what you were expecting. part of you was hoping for something more exciting, but then again, you have always wanted to see the capital. that’s its own reward, you suppose. “that doesn’t sound too bad. it’s not even dangerous. i’m almost disappointed.”

“not interesting enough for you?"

Lots of things could go horribly wrong on any underworld mission: The target could backstab you or panic, she might have a high profile or a tracking beacon, you might screw up and attract the attention of an assassin or thief, Mineso might not pay you and Chaya might murder you for kicks, etc.

Still, you weren't asked to smuggle a black box or get into a fight with anyone. Considering the expected learning curve of the University of Brutal Is-That-An-Axe-Augh-My-Spleen, I'd say this is a good starter.

Take the job, negotiate payment later.

>>768789
It's fine for a start, and there's always the chance for complications.

So, ask what kind of immortal he is, exactly.

take the job! visit the city! you should ask him if he could make you a map and give you some cash or something to protect yourself (remember, youre going to the badlands and need to be prepared)