flamingi
Android Slave
Is Amazingly Cute
Have you seen my ghost?
Posts: 59
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Post by flamingi on Jan 18, 2008 21:33:36 GMT -5
It was early morning, around ten AM. It was warm outside and Fern had propped the front door of the teashop open, letting in a fresh breeze and the sound of birdsong. Fern had gotten in tons of sleep the night before, actually finding a comfortable position to sleep in on his hammock. He didn't risk sleeping on a mattress on the floor. He felt cockroaches were created solely to freak him out and crawl on him when he least expected it. Better safe than sorry.
The tea shop was filled with the sweet aroma of baking pastries and incense wafting from the backroom. Fern was seated on a stool behind the counter, dressed in a beautiful white silk kimono with birds in flight sewn in gray all over it. The edges of his flowing sleeves were lined with gray as well, but he had them pushed up above his elbows. Because of how warm it was, he had allowed one side of the kimono to fall down his arm, exposing his thin, right shoulder to the breeze, as well as a bit of his chest. His hair was flowing loose with a bit gathered up at the back and clasped in place with a little ebony clip.
He was a bit bored, not expecting anyone to come in at this time of day, since it was before the lunch rush. He had found a spare box of matches and was entertaining himself by lighting each match one by one and admiring the fire before he had to blow it out to avoid burning his fingers. He had made it through about three quarters of the box already.
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Post by Juen on Jan 18, 2008 21:41:11 GMT -5
The bell above the door chimed and several men in suits entered, talking amongst one another loudly as they moved to an empty table. There were not speaking English, but rather German, and it appeared to be a business meeting of some sort. Before lunch so instead of going for breakfast they had gone for a drink of exotic tea. Something creative. That was the key, hit foreigners with something they weren't used to...it intrigued them and they were more likely to let their guard down. And then you were on top, you were the better one. You knew best. They would listen to you.
Antony Sabina sat down at the head of the table with a smile, placing his briefcase down on the ground as the three other clients talked amongst themselves. Store owners from Germany, interested in new models of Androids. They were more expensive though...but he firmly believed he already had them roped in. He cut in with a slight smile, the corners of his mouth twisted upward, "Ihr seid durstig?" There was a series of agreements around the table and Antony smiled. Yes...he had them in the palm of his hand.
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flamingi
Android Slave
Is Amazingly Cute
Have you seen my ghost?
Posts: 59
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Post by flamingi on Jan 18, 2008 21:48:57 GMT -5
Fern looked up sharply when he heard the door unexpectedly chime and dropped the lit match he was holding in surprise at what he create a burn on the counter and hissed under his breath at the split second of pain he felt. Business men intrigued him, he always liked a man in a suit, but more than one at once, especially ones that didn't seem to be speaking english, they made him a little nervous.
He hastily pulled his kimono sleeve back up over his shoulder and got up, smoothing down his kimono and throwing a lock of hair over his shoulder. He strode over to the table they had chosen and put on his most charming smile, politely asking, with the hint of a bow,
"May I help you, fine gentlemen?"
He wasn't used to such people coming in in groups and was a little unsure of how to address them.
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Post by Juen on Jan 18, 2008 21:54:16 GMT -5
Antony waved the boy over to wear he was sitting, craning his neck to look at the menu up on the wall. He opened his mouth to order and then looked up and for the first time got a good look at their server. And what an eyeful it was. He had never seen a person so beautiful in his entire life. Of course he had seen dozens of made up women and dozens of dashing men but nothing so delicate. But this passed and he lowered his hands to the table calmly.
"What would you suggest?" he questioned in a cool and calm voice, staring at the other not so much in an inviting way but rather curious as to what the other would say. "I'm showing these men around town and I'd like the best drink you have...not the most expensive but the best. What would that be?"
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flamingi
Android Slave
Is Amazingly Cute
Have you seen my ghost?
Posts: 59
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Post by flamingi on Jan 18, 2008 22:08:08 GMT -5
Fern replied immediately, his smile broadening, glad to be asked his opinion and have the chance to show his worth to such sophisticated men.
"That would have to be Darjeeling white tea. Delicate aroma, pale gold in colour, a light, mellow taste with a hint of sweetness. A direct import from India, but not too pricy. Made from the most tender of leaves. Would it be to your liking?"
He parted his lips slightly, an innocent look of questioning on his face, but all the while surveying the man before him. Well-built, a handsome face and facial structure, a pleasant voice. Pleasing to a T... if 'pleasing' had a 'T' in it.
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Post by Juen on Jan 18, 2008 22:13:18 GMT -5
"Yes, we shall have that," Antony said with a nod of his head, "Bring the milk and sugar to the table, so that my guests can serve themselves. Thank you." He said with a nod of his head and turned towards his business companies once more. How he would like to talk to that creature a bit longer though...or at least listen to that gentle voice of his. Antony was a romantic at heart though those kind of words never left his lips. He thought them in great quantities when the time was right.
"Gentleman," he said with a smile, "Shall we get down to business or are we waiting for our tea to arrive?"
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flamingi
Android Slave
Is Amazingly Cute
Have you seen my ghost?
Posts: 59
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Post by flamingi on Jan 18, 2008 22:21:30 GMT -5
Fern nodded and slipped back into the backroom. He returned a few minutes later, delicately balancing an ornate tray laden with a large oriental tea pot in the centre, which was surrounded by matching cups as well as a little pitcher of milk and a bowl of delicate sugar cubes in the shape of stars. He placed it in the centre of their table and stepped back, bowing a little.
"It may be best to wait a minute or two for the tea to further steep. If there is anything else you may need, I will be over at the counter. Enjoy."
He swept back to his stool at the counter. He sat down and balanced his chin on one hand, staring out the window.
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Post by Juen on Jan 18, 2008 22:39:29 GMT -5
"Thank you," Antony said with a light smile in the waiter's direction before turning to his clients. The next hour or so was filled with the chatter of men doing a job. Picking out deals and thinking of new plans. All very normal. When the tea dried up however, so did the conversation and a bargain was struck. "I'll see you this evening then," Antony said, rising and shaking the mens' hands curtly and they wished him well before leaving.
Antony sat down in his seat once more, reclining backward and crossing one leg over the other. A nice way to start of a day...snagging so many clients within an hour.
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flamingi
Android Slave
Is Amazingly Cute
Have you seen my ghost?
Posts: 59
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Post by flamingi on Jan 18, 2008 22:48:07 GMT -5
Fern watched the men leave, bored out of his mind. No one else had come in after them, which was normal for the time. He couldn't have just gone into the back, it would have been impolite. He was a little surprised when the man who had spoken to him, the good-looking one, had sat back down at the table and didn't look like he was leaving anytime soon. Not that this bothered Fern, no, not at all. This man was just his type. Older and accomplished. Someone who could appreciate the attention of an attractive young man. He had a strange scar, but imperfections had never stopped Fern before.
He floated over to where the man sat and smiled down at him,
"May I ask your name?"
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Post by Juen on Jan 18, 2008 22:55:00 GMT -5
Antony looked over, "Antonius Tiberius Sabina," he said with a smile, placing his hands on his lap and giving the other a warm smile. "Though you may call me Mr. Sabina...or Antony if you prefer first name basis..." He cleared his throat, looking towards the tea, "It was delicious," he complimented with a smile. Now to cast the line...
He motioned a hand to one of the seats, "Care to tell me how you made it? Was it bagged tea or did you mix the leaves yourself?" It was an invitation to further conversation, actual conversation. Antony did not do this very often. Quick and to the point, know what you want and get it. But this young man was interesting...he wanted to know more.
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flamingi
Android Slave
Is Amazingly Cute
Have you seen my ghost?
Posts: 59
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Post by flamingi on Jan 18, 2008 23:04:36 GMT -5
Fern took a seat beside him. He tilted his head slightly and grinned at him,
"Such a gentleman you are, but I'm surprised you have declined asking my name. We order the tea from a company that specializes in importing fine goods. The tea leaves arrive whole in a container and we simply pick out the best and brew them into tea."
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Post by Juen on Jan 18, 2008 23:07:50 GMT -5
Antony smiled, "I don't ask for names...you risk being declined, especially when it concerns individuals like yourself. Though I suppose I should ask for it seeing as you brought it up. What name would you like to go by?" He settled back in his chair, ever the business man with the curiosity in his eyes but no where else...his pose completely relaxed as he looked at the other and waited for him to speak once more.
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flamingi
Android Slave
Is Amazingly Cute
Have you seen my ghost?
Posts: 59
|
Post by flamingi on Jan 18, 2008 23:21:37 GMT -5
Fern ran his hand lightly across the tabletop, admiring the pattern set in it,
"You may call me Fern. Short for Fernley Rosalind. So, Antony, what has caused you to stay here while your colleagues have gone off?"
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Post by Juen on Jan 18, 2008 23:23:58 GMT -5
Antony could answer that question in many ways. He could lie and make up an elaborate story. He could stretch the truth a bit and just expand on what he was thinking. Or he could be quick and to the point. It took him several seconds to make a choice and it wasn't that hard to point out the most efficient and effective route.
"You intrigued me," he said truthfully. His one foot that dangled above the ground swaying a little as he anticipated the other's response with cool anticipation.
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flamingi
Android Slave
Is Amazingly Cute
Have you seen my ghost?
Posts: 59
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Post by flamingi on Jan 20, 2008 18:34:07 GMT -5
"Oh, is that so?" Fern replied with a sly smile, "Then I am glad you have decided to stay as you are rather intriguing yourself."
He leaned closer to Antony, his elbow on the tabletop, chin held in his cheek.
"What a nice turn of events from that stifling meeting."
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