Job l l Escort Services (Brielle McCloud - Solo)

Job Information & Attire:

The chatter of the folks and elder nobles provided a flood of mixed signals - attitudes ranging from contained happiness to an underlying annoyance of the situation at hand. Era was a city that proved to be quite beautiful upon good observation, and was a perfect fit for a party to be held late in the night. An appropriate setting overall to Brielle's job for the night despite it being close to the usual hour she would rest. Although, a nervous chill brushed the tip of her fingers as the young commoner awaited the client's arrival. It was to be a young man a few years older than she was - most likely 15 if not older - and with an attitude that pushed away quite a few candidates for the date to such a grand event. It wasn't that the McCloud wasn't used to dealing with such attitudes at first (despite being rubbed the wrong way from those individuals), but this was a job that would prove to pay well. It was also an opportunity for a good experience to take on a job all on her own - to prove a form of independence she carried within. Despite her young age and being clueless as to how to entertain a partner on a date, she also had felt that it would provide a good experience. Why pass by a job that provided so many a great opportunities in a few hours if not more?

Soon an elegant and radiant carriage strode to a stop in front of the entrance to the building, signaling for Brielle to fix her composure to a more tolerable if not reasonable state. Shoulders back, head up, back straight... A lady was to await properly for the moment to come, no? That was what the young girl's mother had taught her anyway. A well groomed man had opened the door after a moment or so of departing from the front seat of the carriage, Brielle's nervous tension growing by each passing moment. As the figure revealed himself - stepping onto the cobblestone path below - it was certainly a sight that made the raven haired mage's cheeks tint a soft pink. Such a strange feeling began to envelop the beating heart that was vibrant with innocence, and it would only add to the waking moment as electric blue orbs took in the client's appearance.

Strands of soft brown hair carried a slightly messy appearance to it (as if he took only a few moments to fix it up) while his eyes carried a radiant shade of brown. This client's gaze seemed to carry a strikingly painful sense of loneliness, however... 'Twas not a surprise judging by the description of the job, yet it was a truly difficult sight to bear within. The elder teen's attire consisted of a rather expensive tuxedo judging by the fabric with a single red rose tucked into the front pocket. There wasn't any doubt in the McCloud's mind; this was indeed Sir Oreki. As the door to the carriage was shut with a 'click!', Brielle's eyes widened a fraction for a moment before she shook her head to try and be rid of the fast pacing of her heart along with the daze she had slipped into; bowing her head with a soft smile the young mage of Sabertooth greeted her client with a warming tone to her voice.

"Hello, Sir Oreki. It's a pleasure to meet you. I-I shall be yo -"

Suddenly, a finger had been pressed onto the mage's lips. Her eyes widening under long lashes, Brielle gazed up to Oreki as he spoke. His expression carried not even the slightest tinge of emotion which would match the tone of his voice almost perfectly. "Don't say one word unless I speak to you, and I only. Don't do anything to annoy me or even attempt anything funny. Am I perfectly clear?" Brielle could only nod in response to his words before he shoved both of his hands into his pockets, casually pressing forth into the building. The girl could only stand there in a surprised state of mind - it perfectly clear by the expression gracing her pale features - before a man approached her with a smile almost reminiscent despite the interaction that had just occurred.

The elder man carried a well kept appearance fit for a noble. His features seemed to match Sir Oreki's almost identically aside from a few genetic differences, and the age. The man's slightly grayed hair and soft shadow along his jawline and chin was the very last feature that stood out to the raven haired mage of Sabertooth before the man took off the hat adorned on his head; pressing the accessory to his chest as he bowed his head, the man's smile didn't falter as Brielle bowed in return to his gesture. "I would like to offer my sincerest apologies, miss...?" Trailing off, the father of the client straightened his posture before the McCloud could respond. "B-Brielle, sir. Brielle McCloud. It's very nice to meet you." Despite the trademark stutter revealing itself, the mage didn't lose her composure in front of her employer. In fact, it only seemed to bring a soft laugh out of him before the same smile returned from moments ago.

"And I you, Miss McCloud. I apologize for my son's behavior as he wasn't always this way. You see... The pain of his mother passing away was very hard on him - much more than I ever could have expected." Despite the slight gleam of sadness surfacing in the fathers' brown orbs, the young girl could only nod her head in response to prove she was listening. The smile seemed to soften for a moment before he pressed on. "I'm sure that you can help him out tonight. Even if you are a little younger than I expected, this shouldn't prove to be a problem." With those words spoken, the man had then rest his hat back onto his head before waving as he bid farewell. "I wish you the best, Miss McCloud." Disappearing into the same carriage that Sir Oreki had exited from, Brielle kept waving in a proper and lady-like manner even as it was striding off into the distance. For a moment the hand stayed frozen in time as electric blue irises softened within the glow of the many lights and glow of the night. The young girl didn't made having surprised her employer by her age nor her appearance, and their meeting only proved to give the girl a boost to her confidence regarding the task at hand. Despite seeming a bit out of place within the classes of the nobles, the mage refused to let such a fact faze her in the night.

Venturing forth into the elegant building full of laughter and underlying joy, the McCloud could only smile politely as her hands were resting atop one another. Making progress into towards the ballroom it wasn't long before her partner for the night met her gaze; Sir Oreki was leaning against a nearby wall with a foot promptly propped up against the decorated fabric before straightening up within a moment. "Took you long enough. Come here." There it was again - the fast beating of her heart. It almost pounded against her chest at Oreki's words. Albeit they were without a care to give and a bit harsh, Brielle would keep her composure despite the swirling pool of emotions within her. However, a slight tint of pink would betray that front of strength only slightly as she neared him. True that there was a curiosity lingering about somewhere as to what the client could possibly want at the moment.

"Y-Yes, sir?"

Within a moment, Oreki had abruptly grabbed Brielle's hand. Encircling her arm around his own as he bent it as a gentleman would the girl was left in a daze for a moment before clearing her throat. "Carry on like a lady should instead of just making weird sounds, slowpoke." Wincing slightly at the new nickname she had just earned, electric blue orbs looked up to meet Oreki's emotionless brown pair before nodding. "Of course. My apologies." The McCloud had gently placed her other hand on Oreki's arm in a lady-like manner before following his footsteps. Albeit she was moreso being dragged than of walking of her own free will, Brielle managed to contain her composure despite it being more difficult as they began to near the rather elegant ballroom.

Only a few hours, McCloud... You can do this... Don't let his attitude get the better of your emotions...

And so the events of the night were a struggle to bear with. The very speed Sir Oreki had taken upon himself was a clumsy mess to keep up with in regards to speed. Brielle was a petite young girl while the client she had held onto was a well built teen of his age. His stride was almost enough to brush Brielle's feet off of the delicate ground and send her afloat in the air, being dragged along like a balloon. As if a silent prayer had been answered within the moments of stumbling and wobbling footsteps, the entrance to the ballroom had been finally reached. Such an intricate and simply beautiful environment decorated the room. Laughter and giggles could be heard bouncing off the golden tinted walls in between a few moments that would pass. Pink tinted lips parted in utter awe at the class residing within.

It could all be described as a completely different world compared to the one she is used to experiencing - her every day life. That was nothing compared to what these people must receive every day of their own lives. From luxurious suites to transportation in style... These citizens could surely request anything they desired if they grew the need for it. The thought in itself was a bit terrifying regarding how easily these noblemen and women could request anything reasonable they desired. However, the McCloud was much more fond of her current lifestyle. It transformed her into the being that was living and breathing right now, and she would plan for it to stay that way. Of an non-corrupted and sound mind, Brielle was fortunate to have grown as wise as she has or experience the hardships she has on her own. With each passing day there was always something new to learn, and it was thanks to those that she had met and grown to adore that she owed her gratitude to.

A gruff voice had suddenly ripped the dreamworld the raven haired mage had slipped into. With a slight tilt of her head upwards to lock gazes with the source, a man dressed in a tuxedo and boring white gloves glared at the girl. Feeling a slight sense of uneasiness from the man's behavior, electric blue irises seemed to squint slightly. It was all soon replaced with a small smile as the bout of silence between them continued on. 'Twas important to keep up the appearance, behavior, and posture of a noblewoman after all. The butler simply huffed in response to the smile on the young girl's lips before repeating his question from before, yet in this instance it was directed to the client. "Sir Oreki. It is good to see you again. And who is this maiden?" Strengthening the emphasis on the end of his sentence, his gaze returned to Brielle who only blinked with the same smile. Oreki was at a loss for words in the moment, however. A mistake had then became apparent within the slow of time; he didn't ask for the mage's name. With a rash action, Oreki had nudged his elbow with a decent amount of force against Brielle's side. The hairs on the back of the girl's neck arose within mere seconds in response to the temporary pain that took place. White teeth tightened together as the girl's voice came out pained and in a struggle to keep from whimpering.

"B-Brielle... McCloud...!"

A brow had twitched on the butler's features before he stepped aside for the two teens to enter. "Welcome Sir Oreki and Miss McCloud." Despite the many pairs of eyes that seemed to burn into Brielle's skin, the 13-year-old regained her composure and simply walked forth into the room with a small smile aligning her lips once more. Although Oreki wasn't one smiling at the moment, and instead huffed in a fit of disappointment despite the amount of relief wafting through his system. Finding a spot along the wall of the ballroom, Brielle followed her client to the area before her hands were pried off of his arm by the very man himself. Confused for a moment, the McCloud's eyes seemed to widen a fraction in curiosity. Oreki's own pair of brown orbs seemed to reveal the smallest twinge of a soft relaxation before it disappeared into the darkness of his emotions, a scoff escaping his lips as he released the raven haired girl's hands from his own. In an attempt to immediately recover, Oreki shoved his hands in his pockets and glanced to the side.

"Don't stare at me like that. You're giving me the wrong idea, dimwit." Brielle could only flinch slightly in response as she released the strain off her eyes in a rhythmic pattern - almost as if they were fluttering every moment or so. "What idea?" The one residing in Oreki's head was one carrying a slight twinge of innocence while the rest of the details were swatted away in the recesses of his mind. Despite Brielle's state of innocence, he scoffed as the mage could only tilt her head. "Is there something wrong, Oreki...? You can express to me if there is something bothering you." It was within that moment that it was the client's turn for his eyes to widen. His brown orbs shifted to gaze into a pair of electric blue irises.

Brielle could only wait for his answer.

Oreki's brown orbs only seemed to vibrate ever-so-slightly within his momentary state of loss. Those words... A lapse of nostalgia began to tug at his heartstrings, causing a dam inside him to crack. The water began to seep forth and travel up to the brim of his eyes. Daring to betray his strong front, his barrier that he put around himself, and the pride that he once held so closely was all withering away within a moment's notice. The way he carried himself arrogantly such a short time ago began to decay as the beating his heart slowed with time. The very words the girl before him had spoken were the very words his mother would use whenever there was something troubling him. Before he would release all his worries and troubles without a thought, but no one else had asked him if there was something wrong in that same manner the one he held so dear did. As if time released him from the momentary lapse frozen in the seconds past, the boy shook his head lightly. His brown lacks swayed slightly with his movements before he hastily glanced to the young mage before him, a pained gaze clouding his once dim orbs.

"Nothing's wrong, you idiot. Just... Ach... I'll be outside if you need me..."

With his rude and harsh tone returning to the surface once more, the cloak of protection lasted for only that moment before he disappeared within the sea of nobles leaving a bewildered girl all on her own. Sure, it wasn't a gentlemanly thing to do. However, he couldn't possibly care any less at the moment. His wall was slowly crumbling to the ground much faster than he anticipated, and the tears that were bordering his shivering irises began to fall the moment the cool air danced against his skin. Strangely, not a soul was on the balcony he had chosen which was more than perfect. There wasn't any annoyances to bother him nor the mindless servants that infected the golden walls of the ballroom. It was out here where he could think and reminiscence on the past while wondering what could have been... With his shoulders rising up, his lips quivered as a wet sensation slid down his cheek.

Oreki never expected those words to travel such a long way.

In the ballroom, Brielle had been left standing as the moments passed in surprise. Never had she expected the most rudest client she had come across to suddenly break way in front of her. Even if Oreki tried his best to hide it within himself, the signs were still present. The slight quiver of his lips to the widening of his eyes... It was the sign of shock which was soon followed by an unimaginable form of sadness if she was predicting correctly. If anything, the young mage was starting to feel guilty for causing this sadness to surface from within the boy. The McCloud had to wonder just what exactly she had done in order to hook that reaction from the client. Finding that there wasn't any more time to waste, the young mage of Sabertooth decided that it was best to confront the brown haired nobleman about the matter. It was better than leaving him shed those tears outside all alone.

Not if she could help it.

The raven haired mage began to squirm through the crowd of tall figures, muttering excuses and apologies before finally achieving her goal of reaching the main table that housed the food and drinks. A smile of pure relief aligned her lips as napkins were present (which she gladly took quite a few) along with punch nearby. Taking the time to pour two cups of fruit punch, grasping the napkins with her free middle fingers, the girl then turned around to proceed to the balcony. It was now or never. This wasn't just a client anymore - it was someone that needed help. Despite how rude he had been to her and how quickly she wanted to detach from him, there was something about his situation that made her stand her ground.

It was the fact that she could relate to not having a parent around anymore.

The chatters and laughter of the pompish nobles inside meant nothing to a certain teenager as she neared the edge of the exit to the balcony. Right near the edge was Oreki who was slouching over the cobblestone edge. A soft breeze was dancing through Era as the party pressed on, muting out the natural sounds of the outside world. A certain raven haired mage stood there with two cups of fruit punch and napkins, taking in a deep breath before exhaling as softly as she could manage. Releasing the strain off her eyes, the girl dared to enter the outside world on the balcony. Placing the cups on a nearby bench decorated neatly with leaves and stems, the young mage decided to block out the noise pollution of the party by shutting the elegant doors. The sudden decrease in the noise level caught a certain boy's attention. With his head turning hesitantly to gaze at the one responsible, he only felt his gaze grow wide in utter surprise.

Brielle turned to catch the elder teen's expression just in time before he swiftly ripped his gaze from her own, gazing out onto the gardens below with a broken demeanor. "... I'm surprised you're out here after all the names I called you." His voice came out weak and soft, yet sincere and with the truth. Despite how there was trouble present in him admitting his own faults, he continued on with his apology while Brielle simply listened - grabbing the napkins as she now took place next to him near the edge. "Sorry about that... Brielle." The sound of her name quivering past his lips caused the raven haired mage to fix her electric blue orbs onto his features. A dark shadow seemed to envelop his eyes as Oreki didn't dare to look anywhere else but at the cobblestone pattern below.

The McCloud blinked with a blank expression for a few moments before shifting to gaze upon the night sky above. The stars littered the dark blue sea above with barely any clouds in sight. The moon wasn't in their view which provided a more beautiful array. Without using the effort to glance at the client, a gloved hand was soon brushing against his chest with napkins in the palm of it. Oreki felt his lips part slightly in utter surprise before he gently took them from her gentle hold, using the soft tissue to wipe his stained cheeks with them. A moment of silence was all that took place once more - as if the world was all they needed to listen to now - before a soft sigh escaped a certain girl's lips. Fully capturing Oreki's attention, Brielle shifted her orbs to the gardens below with a soft hint of underlying sadness within her words.

"I-It isn't your fault. You were just blinded by the pain of your mother's death. In a way, I suppose I understand. Alike you in a sense... My mother isn't around to take care of me anymore either." Brielle's voice trembled slightly before a forced smile aligned her pink lips. "I-I never really had a father either. Never knew him from the start. I don't even know where he is right now..." Leaning over slightly to rest her elbows along the railing, Oreki found himself doing the same out of pure interest - a desire to hear more of what the fellow teen had to express.

"Still... I never really let what happened cloud my judgement. Yes, the events were painful. I even wished that they didn't happen, but I pushed forth with a smile because I wouldn't get anything done by sitting there - crying." A pair of brown eyes widened in utter surprise at the words before they continued. "It was hard... I don't doubt one bit that losing your mother was hard on you, too. Although, it is about time you let go of all the blame and heartache, Oreki. You don't need to suffer on your own anymore... You have your father there with you. He is there to comfort you and support you for as long as he lives. I think it's about time you set yourself free of all the pain and sorrow, and continue on with a much brighter future - like a star almost. See?"

Brielle pointed a finger to the sky above as her gaze followed her movements, Oreki doing the same despite his state of amazement. The girl before him was younger than him and wasn't living a positive childhood alike him, and yet here she was providing him advice and helping him move forward. Needless to say that - without a doubt - her words had impacted him greatly to a point of him simply releasing a breath and resting his forehead on her shoulder without a warning. The girl gasped softly before beginning to gently stroke her client's head as an action for comfort, the tears sliding down his face once more. The youngling simply closed her eyes and hummed softly as sobs softly resounded through the balcony; years worth of heartache and sadness began to wither away within the moments that were passing...

After some time the tears and sorrow disappeared into the night. No longer was the client in a state of dismay any longer, and instead with a genuine smile gracing his lips. Brielle's arm was properly laced around Oreki's, a form of happiness now existing proudly between them both. Moments on the balcony were now left in the past to be remembered as they progressed to the future. The party was littered with conversations here and there on Oreki's part mostly while the mage of Sabertooth simply listened quietly. However, the smile that was attached to her lips never faltered throughout the duration of their stay. What was once a job - a mission that started off sour and bitter - transformed into a much more brighter end. Within the momentary lapse of realization, Brielle could only feel her level of happiness arise at the result of how well the job ended. Not only was this a client to her now, but someone that she could call a friend proudly.

Soon enough, the party had reached an end and the nobles existed with their own grace and style. From the many designs of carriages to dancing along the streets - arms hooked with another nearby - the sea of happy faces cascaded forth into the city of the night. The McCloud found herself waiting on the sidewalk right next to Sir Oreki as she was in an absolutely giddy mood. Catching sight of this, a soft and average pitched voice spoke with a happy tone to it as he began to fiddle with his front pocket. "Haha, you seem very happy." Within a moment's notice, the raven haired mage intertwined her fingers together in her sudden bout of energy as she spoke up. "I-I am! This is a wonderful night and --" Words of happiness were interrupted with a familiar carriage carrying an elegant design from earlier in the night creaking to a stop in front of their spot.

Oreki simply let a sigh escape his lips before bowing slightly, a rose entering a certain mage's view. "Well, I believe this is where we say goodbye and all that junk. However..." The brown haired boy's words trailed off as Brielle accepted the rose from his grasp, straightening up his form with a comfortable smile. "I'm sure we'll meet again, Brielle. You are a friend to me after all." With those parting words, the man gently patted the girl's head before offering a wink; departing into the carriage as the servant opened the door, he promptly closed it as a familiar elder stepped forth from the driver's seat. "Absolutely remarkable... It has been a long time since I have seen him smile like that." It was then that Oreki's father released the top hat from his head once more, a kind smile aligning his tired expression.

"Thank you so very much, Miss McCloud. Here... For all of your troubles."

Placing a small bag of the contained jewels offered for the job, Brielle accepted it with the same smile while shaking her head. Her black hair swayed slightly with her movements as her voice was slightly louder than before, not bearing the soft tone to it unlike before. "No, it was my pleasure, sir." A laugh escaped the elder man's lips at the girl's reply before he simply hopped on the driver's seat of the carriage next to the driver, waving to the young girl before beginning the travel back to their own abode. The McCloud returned the gesture with a free hand. A silent well wish was whispered past her lips, her motion halting as her body slowly relaxed.

"All the best luck to you, Oreki..."

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