I see now, clear and free

[serperior]

This is a post for Taku and Mini to do whatever shenanigans they desire

Comments

[octoblot]

Mm. You as well.

[Thus, Azul takes his leave. So does Jade for that matter, quietly slipping away after him. Floyd for his part seems to not notice or care, tail swishing in the water before he suddenly speaks.]

"Y'know, I just realized: you've told me so many stories about that trainwreck of a job of yours, I don't think I've returned the favor to tell you any interesting stories of my own."

[abnormalizes]

Oh? I'd love to hear one of your stories, I bet you've got great ones.

[Floyd lives an interesting life, he seems like he'd have tons of stories about Shenanigans.]

[octoblot]

"You bet I do! Let's see... oh, did I ever tell you about how we used to be in a band in middle school?"

[He will very easily go into detail about how he used to play drums, Jade played contrabass, and Azul played piano, before saying--]>

"Jade's suggested that Azul should get a piano for the Lounge--like, right here underwater where I'm swimming, but he says no because he doesn't think anyone will want to see him play. And Jade and I don't really play our instruments anymore, 'cause I got bored of drums. So I guess it's kind of a useless skill for us all to have, huh?"

[abnormalizes]

Oh, that's a shame. I'd certainly like to hear all of you play, and I'm sure other people would too.

[Pauses. Quieter, like maybe Azul's still close enough to hear them if she talks at normal volume:]

...Azul doesn't really think very highly of himself, does he?

[octoblot]

[At that, Floyd laughs.]

"Nah, he's one of the most prideful people I know of. At least when it comes to this Lounge, all the boring school stuff, potions... not so much flying though. He's terrible at that. It can be really funny sometimes watching him and Jade in gym class practically hanging onto their brooms for dear life, ha ha!"

[He says, as if he hasn't done the same thing sometimes when he accidentally ascends too high.]

[abnormalizes]

Well, I can't imagine you do much flying underwater, so that makes sense.

[It'd be weird if they were good at it!]

[octoblot]

"Yep, yep. No need for that sort of nonsense when we can just swim."

[A pause, before he shrugs.]

"Not that Azul does much of that either anymore in comparison to me and Jade, but he's been thinking about it again ever since this overblotting stuff started happening."

[abnormalizes]

...Yeah, I heard he overblotted before I got here. I haven't wanted to ask about it since that's personal stuff, but I'm glad things turned out okay.

[octoblot]

"Personal is a funny word for it, considering he had a full on meltdown in front of nearly everyone in Octavinelle and even a few other kids around the school. It was super cringy. Right, Jade?"

[Holy shit, when did Jade get back? Well here he us, having snuck back into the room and gone unnoticed until now.]

"I would perhaps use a different word for it, but otherwise the sentiment is more or less the same."

[abnormalizes]

Oh, hi Jade. ...I mean, I guess that personal isn't the right word, but it's a sensitive topic so I don't want to pry.

[octoblot]

"Fair enough, I suppose."

[Is what Jade says, but then Floyd suddenly seems to change the topic, as if already bored of the subject.]

"Are you gonna be done with your shift soon, Jade? 'Cause you should come swimming with me too if you've got nothing to do after."

"Sure, that sounds fine. I should be done here in about another half hour, and then I'll be able to join you."

"Great! Are you gonna stay here, Anglerfishie, or do you have somewhere to be after you finish eating your meal?"

[abnormalizes]

I don't really have any plans, but if you're all busy then it's no fun to hang around... And I can't really join you in the water.

[octoblot]

"Oh?

[Now both of the twins are giving her a curious look.]

"Haven't you heard? There are potions for that sort of thing that allows humans like you to breathe and swim under deep water for several hours that you can make or try to acquire in this place."

"Heck, I could probably get my hands on one for you if you want: we're used to making them for certain clients that we need to do something for us on this side of the glass."

[abnormalizes]

Oh, really? [Eyes light up.] I'd love that - how much would you be charging for it?

[It's Octavinelle, she doesn't think it would be for free.]

[octoblot]

[The tweels look at each other, and even though there are no words said between them, they seem to light upon the same idea, both of them grinning before Jade speaks.]

"Would it be alright if we discuss payment after we get the potion prepared for you? It does take a few days after all, and it would be unfair to ask for something now when we can't give the offered product at the same time."

[abnormalizes]

Oh, of course. You know where my office is, right?

[In case they don't want to discuss it in front of Azul, for some reason.]

[octoblot]

"Yep, we know where that is!"

[Floyd says, with a salute, while Jade gives a polite nod of thanks.]

"We appreciate your discretion on this matter, so we'll be pleased to meet you at your office once we have the potion ready for you."

[abnormalizes]

Looking forward to it.

[So, fast forward to a few days later. Evangeline's office is pretty typical, aside from the familiar scythe leaning against the wall. And the calendar of cute monster pictures. Other than that, pretty normal.]

Come in, make yourself comfortable.

[octoblot]

[Floyd makes an immediate beeline for the scythe upon taking notice of it--thankfully, he doesn't make to try to touch it, just look--while Jade is the one who still has some semblance of professionalism here.]

"Thank you. I promise that this shouldn't take too long."

[When Jade sits, he reaches into his coat and holds up the flask containing the potion they discussed before, and explains how it works: it will allow her to breathe underwater for at least six hours if the whole thing is consumed, with smaller doses for smaller lengths of time. Once she consumes it, however, it will make breathing above water fairly taxing until it wears off since it means your lungs are working twice as normal from the effects of the potion, thus it is recommended to not drink it until you're literally about to go right into the water. She won't develop fins, but as long as she's taken at least one swim class in her life, she should be fine, even doggy paddling underwater is doable. (But Floyd will absolutely point and laugh in that regard) She won't have to worry about things like atmospheric pressure if attempting to dive down to the very bottom of the aquarium.]

"Do you have any questions before we discuss payment?"

[abnormalizes]

[Floyd is valid and correct.]

Hmmm... No, I think I'm good. So, cost?

[She's already reaching for her wallet.]

[octoblot]

"Oh, you won't be needing that."

"We're not interested in money for this particular transaction"

[Floyd speaks up as well, drifting to hover closer nearby with a sharp grin now...]

[abnormalizes]

O...kay. So what were you interested in, then.

[...is she gonna need that scythe]

[octoblot]

[There's a pause, and then...]

"Hey Jade, what time is it right now?

"I believe it's about nine right now."

"Oh! That means it would be a good time for that!"

"That?"

"That!"

"... There is a risk, but it would be worth it to check."

[And that gets Floyd bouncing over to Evangeline's side]

"Okay, you heard Jade! Let's get going, Anglerfishie, we gotta show you something first before we can go swimming."

[abnormalizes]

Oh? Okay. Should I bring my swimsuit?

[If they're going to the aquarium...]

[octoblot]

"You can, if that will help you swim easier."

"Or you can just wear your regular clothes, or go naked for all we care."

[Floyd no, do not encourage her to flash the whole dorm]