foulplayed | INBOX

So you're a working man now, huh? Who knew - I suppose miracles can still happen after all.

( Awww Balthus he's just teasing - he's so proud of you! )

Congratulations, friend. What's this new occupation of yours?

Yeah! I just found out a couple days ago. Actually, I was kinda waiting to tell you just to make sure they didn't change their minds after the first day or two, haha!

[...Balthus...]

Apparently it's being a masseuse! This lady who owns the Moonstone Spa said she thought I'd be good at it.

Balthus ...

( Hang on - before he can get into Balthus's reasoning for keeping it from him, something else jumps to the fore: )

Wait, a masseuse? Because she 'thought' you'd be good at it? ( Hoooooo boy. ) I hope they're gonna train you properly - unless you have a load of hidden knowledge that you decided to keep to yourself back in Abyss.

Oh, yeah, they are! Actually, it's pretty interesting...I never really realized there was so much to know about muscles!

It'll be a while before she lets me at anybody for real, but I feel like I'm learning a lot already, just watching and listening and all.

( Okay, phew, that sounds a LOT more legit. )

Well, I'm glad to hear it - and I'm looking forward to your debut as the Unrivalled King of Relaxation. Seriously, Balthus: well done. I'm proud of you.

The Moonstone's one of the upmarket ones, right? The name sounds familiar; I think they were on my list when I was looking for a place to go myself.

Edited (Ffffff) 2021-05-19 21:37 (UTC)

Oh, yeah, they're real top-notch! Apparently they used to be the Healing Hands Spa, but then when this lady took it over, she changed the name to Moonstone. She talks a lot about how stupid the other one was.

Anyway, the whole reason I walked in at first is 'cause they were changing all the signs, and they looked like they were having some trouble lifting off the old ones, so I figured I'd help out. But then we got to talking, and one thing kinda led to another, you know?

Like I said, I'm kinda surprised they didn't think twice and change their minds, but...I dunno, who's to say she's not right about me? I'll never know until I try, and if it doesn't work out, then I'm right back where I was before I tried.

For a guy who loves showing off his assets, you really ought to give yourself a bit more credit in this. Now, don't take this as me going soft on you, but not everyone would have stopped to lend a hand just because they were passing by. That's a Balthus thing, through and through.

Someone who's already seen that you're kind, capable, and that you'll stick with a job through to the end? They'd be stupid to change their mind - and she doesn't sound stupid.

I'd say she's more right about you than you realise yourself.

Aw, boss. You're definitely going soft, don't even try to weasel your way out of that one.

Listen, if you want to get in, I can probably make that happen. The little lady who does the scheduling is real nice and I bet I can get her to do me a favor.

Oh, I bet you could get her to do a lot more than a favour.

Anyway. If you can get me in, I'd be delighted to come check out my buddy's new workplace. I'm overdue a facial, so this works out perfectly.

Hey, hold on, you know what they say about mixing business and pleasure, pal. I know I'm irresistible and all, but a job's not the time for messing around.

...Well, maybe not for a couple weeks, at least.

Let me know what time you want, and I'll see what I can get for you!

Ah, there he is: the Balthus we know and love.

Next Monday? Earlier would be better, but I can try and be flexible if it's less hassle.

Alright, just a second here.

...Yup, you're all set. You're in with Beryl at 10:30 AM. I'll warn you that she's pretty chatty when she works on people but I think that's just because she's on her way to getting out of a bad relationship and that's how she blows off steam about it.

Alright,
thanks for the warning. I'll keep that in mind.

So, how much will this set me back? I've still got some Currents left over from my Balthus fund - it seems kind of appropriate to spend them in your new workplace.

Sure, you're making me look good anyway. I'm not just bringing in new business, I'm bringing in YOU.

And it depends on how fancy you want to get, I think. They go from about sixty currents to something like three hundred and fifty, and Belinda upcharges the rich regulars another fifteen percent 'cause they'll pay it.

...Oh, but I probably wasn't supposed to tell you that. But you can keep a secret, huh?

[Damn, he likes Belinda, though.]

Anyway, you're a first-timer and you're coming in because of me, so figure it'll be whatever you pick, and then take about thirty percent off of that.

... I like the sound of Belinda. Seems like you're gonna fit right in.

And hey, with a discount that good I might stick around and see if someone can do my nails for me too. I could use a change.

Pick a colour for me?

Aw, c'mon, you know I'm not good at stuff like that...

Uh, silver, maybe? Is silver a good color for nails?

I suppose we'll find out soon enough.

It goes with all the other colors you like, I figure. So you can wear whatever you want, and they'll match. Right?

Right - but I get the feeling you're overthinking it a little bit. It's only temporary, so it's not that big a deal if it doesn't work out.

Hmmmm. That's true — and anyway, you make anything look good, so you're right, it probably won't be a problem.

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