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Post by Copper on May 18, 2015 1:46:08 GMT
He nodded, sitting down on his bed. "Someone had to go out into the world and bring back some money. I volunteered to do it, so... here I am."
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Post by Silaluk on May 18, 2015 1:56:36 GMT
"I suppose you're at least lucky to have a steady job. As you can tell, my work isn't exactly reliable." Victoria pats a coat pocket and from within, clinking and rustling can be heard. Vials and bottles and pouches of various magical items. "Of course, it's just a hobby."
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Post by Copper on May 18, 2015 2:07:55 GMT
"A hobby?" He raised his eyebrows, putting the mechanical bits down. They had become a small dragon in his hands, wings flapping on their own and little bursts of steam lacing it's nostrils. "Then what is your main occupation?"
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Post by Silaluk on May 18, 2015 2:22:18 GMT
"I was joking," she tells him, watching the tiny dragon automaton. "But I usually work odd jobs when I can. Anything from cooking to hat-making. As long as I can get paid." Victoria adjusts her long, plain skirt and takes a seat on the floor of the lab, next to the boxer.
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Post by Copper on May 18, 2015 2:35:38 GMT
"Do you even have a roof to live under?"
Judas would have facepalmed had he not had paws. The boxer curled up on the ground. "I know you're purposely ignoring me, boss, but I know what you're thinking. It's a bad idea."
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Post by Silaluk on May 18, 2015 2:47:24 GMT
"Well, um... Sometimes," Victoria lies reluctantly. "I mean, I make ends meet. I find places..." The truth can easily be seen through the transparent fib, but Victoria tries her best anyway. It's not good to tell someone your weaknesses, especially according to someone like Victoria.
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Post by Copper on May 18, 2015 2:49:56 GMT
Judas held his gaze. "Don't lie. Where do you really go to sleep at night?"
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Post by Silaluk on May 18, 2015 2:56:40 GMT
Victoria sighs. She can easily just not answer and change the subject, which is what she'd prefer to do, but something makes her continue and answer Judas's question anyway. "I usually try to find an alley in the safer parts of the city. Sometimes a job will come with a place to stay, if I can pay for it."
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Post by Copper on May 18, 2015 10:11:15 GMT
There was a tightness that appeared in Judas's jaw as he listened. In her situation, a sort of strange humor could Fe found. Someone so prideful in a situation so utterly pathetic. Somehow, he could hear himself speak, said he couldn't quite control his own mouth. "You know, I could use an assistant here with my work."
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Post by Silaluk on May 18, 2015 11:30:23 GMT
Victoria looks up sharply. Her mouth almost forms the words "I don't need any help". But she's more sensible than that. In fact, working here would be a dream come true. Surrounded by so many machines and parts, she'll be able to make things in her spare time, if she's lucky. Victoria hesitates. Not in her life has she ever stooped so low as to accept help from anyone, especially a client. But she speaks anyway, unable to hide a smile. "You would give me a job?"
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Post by Copper on May 18, 2015 11:35:42 GMT
"It would come with a set of pretty strict rules, but yes. And a place of residence in the shop. No charge."
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Post by Silaluk on May 18, 2015 13:07:53 GMT
"Yes, of course. Thank you very much," she says, suddenly becoming serious and business-like again. "I am indebted to you." Even through her level voice, Victoria's excitement and relief can be seen in her posture and her face.
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Post by Copper on May 18, 2015 13:11:32 GMT
"Do you need a place to stay tonight?" He tilted his head, studying her with no discernible emotion in his eye. "By the way, you start work tomorrow."
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Post by Silaluk on May 18, 2015 13:34:57 GMT
"Yes, please, if you can spare a small space. I don't need anything fancy," Victoria assures him, standing. "I have a few more runs to make, and if I'm late, I'll have to lower the charge."
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Post by Copper on May 18, 2015 15:28:24 GMT
"Come back tonight, then, I'll have a room set for you. Cancel your runs for tomorrow. You start at dawn." His tone was back to being relaxed, businesslike, cold, even.
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Post by Silaluk on May 18, 2015 16:14:38 GMT
"I'll return by dusk," she confirms, and hesitates. She studies Judas for a moment. "And I'm not your girlfriend." Victoria leaves with the ghost of a teasing smirk, hopping lightly onto the street and taking off running.
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Post by Copper on May 18, 2015 16:17:57 GMT
He took a deep breath before turning to Jacob. "What did you just let me agree to?"
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Post by Silaluk on May 18, 2015 16:28:45 GMT
The sun is almost kissing the horizon by the time Victoria returns. Her pockets are empty now, void of her wares and filled instead with coins and wads of paper bills. She peers into the window of Carreiro Mechanics. It's dark. Her hand makes a fist and raps three times upon the door. Now all she does is wait.
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Post by Copper on May 18, 2015 16:46:35 GMT
Judas opened the door, blinking tiredly. After she had left and he had spoken to Jacob, he had finally caught up on rest. Now, it was time to accommodate a guest. He stood out of the way of the doorway, silently welcoming her inside.
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Post by Silaluk on May 18, 2015 19:09:09 GMT
"Sorry to disturb you, sir," she murmurs, and steps inside carefully. The day hasn't yet seen its last hours, but the shop looks completely shut down, some automatons already enrobed in the silky shadows of dusk. The metalwork glints at her with the touch of the setting sun, casting a golden glow around the room and rendering Victoria silent once more. She looks at Judas almost expectantly, almost apologetically. She's a burden once more. Victoria hates that.
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