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[blondandperfect]

Who: that_is_asecret, blondandperfect  and makeflowersgrow

 When: Late November, Morning
Where: Uzushio Ryokan
Summary: Eponine has a jorb interview.
Warnings: None... Yet!

The house was getting messy again. But Hattie couldn't have Eponine take care of everything and get her ready for her appointment, and for once she had her priorities straight. From eight until nine-thirty, Hattie had reviewed ettiquette and handwriting with the maid best she could,
Instead of a dress, she had Eponine dressed in a nice combination of navy pants, jacket and white blouse. She applied a light amount of perfume, and lent a fine pair of shoes she doesn't wear anymore. She looked fairly professional, though obviously not as nice as Hattie so that the blonde would look better.

Finally, after a half-hour drive, the two arrived at Uzushio and toward the front desk.

"All right, here we are," she said to Eponine along the way, "Now remember, the best way to get through this is to be yourself. .. But don't say anything rude. Or embarrassing. Or use slang. Basically avoid saying anything that will have a negative effect. And smile, all right?"

Best advice ever?

Comments

[makeflowersgrow]

[Eponine silently mouths 'Oh', to Xellos' answer, not quite sure what to say in reply. But at least he moves on. But what is she supposed to say to such a broad question that won't get her in trouble with Hattie or... well anybody else that she's made trouble with, AND will make her look attractive to Xellos? Eponine glances at Hattie before plowing ahead. Come on, Hattie. Interfere!]

I......I'm from France. I grew up in Montfermiel - my Papa had an inn... but then he lost it. We lived in Paris then, 'till I came here.

[She pauses. What else can she say? She doesn't want to get into her jobs in Port. Or her criminal record in Port.]

I can read, M'sieur. Shall I show you? And I can write - no mistakes.

He is a jerkface

[that_is_asecret]

Annoyance is a delicious treat, best served with tea and cookies. He sits and listens seemingly ignoring Hattie entirely. It was her idea to have this interview after all, why she chose to come he wasn't exactly sure, perhaps to help ensure nothing bad happened.

"I see, well how accustomed are you to the inner workings of an establishment similar to an inn?"

He pauses for a moment and looks at a paper briefly, and quite cheerfully adds.

"The reading and writing is not overly important, unless you are applying to a secretary position, but I am sure you have been working hard to perfect it. I'm more interested in some of your previous experience in the city."

Which he had learned about after he had agreed to the interview.

[blondandperfect]

Hattie would like to interfere, trust her. But even she is aware that if she says anything, Xellos would mention something about wanting to hear it in her own words or something like that.

And yes, chances are Hattie is here to try to cover for any of Eponine's potential mistakes. At the mysterious priests' question, though, instead of looking worried, she suddenly looks a little smug.

She had warned Eponine questions like this would come up, and that it would be best to describe her skills and experiences in a flowery manner- rather than specifying that she stole or worked at XXX to live, instead talk about her experience with survival in the city and it's citizens, to be honest about complications with the law without being too descriptive, as well as mention her desire to change her lifestyle.

[makeflowersgrow]

Put on the spot, Eponine finds it difficult to remember Hattie's coaching, and she looks anxiously from mentor to potential employer with wide eyes.

"Well... I worked for M'sieur Byakuya. Got his lunch and his breakfast - and he showed me more writing. And I work for M'sieur Gold in his shop - though that pays nothing - I owe him a lot of money because he got me out of prison."

There's a pause whilst Eponine realises that she's said the most wrong thing she could possibly have said. At home, she had spoken openly about being locked away but at home, nobody had wanted to employ her for anything except where a prison sentence was seen as a badge of honour or a right of passage.

"I mean..." She glances at Hattie. She's sure she's fuming. Eponine averts her eyes, fixing them on the cup of tea in front of her. But then she lifts her gaze to focus on Xellos.

"I suppose you will know if you ask M'sieur Gold. I was caught...pickpocketing. And he helped me out. I am trying not to do it, though, M'sieur. It is hard - but it is when I have no money. There are things you must do when you need a place to sleep. And if pickpocketing and working for AGI in that horrible XxX is what I must do, M'sieur... I cannot sleep outside here. Otherwise I would not mind."

She lowers her gaze. "You will not want me after that. You will say I am a bad girl. Madame Hattie will."

She glances again at Hattie. Is Hattie mad?
"I don't know much about inns - I was but a child, M'sieur. Eight, perhaps, or younger. And it was Cosette, the servant, who worked. She's a lady now, and me... well, you know what I am from the jobs I have done. But M'sieur. I am a fast learner, and I will do as you say, no questions asked. And it is a night time job I need. I am not scared of the Monsters - and you will not have many asking for such a job.

...Only, if I am not to be a secretary, M'sieur, what am I to be?"

[that_is_asecret]

The honesty at the very least was refreshing, if not a little surprising. Humans so often lied to themselves, to others in constant webs of lies, some so very freely and blatantly it was amusing. Honesty was something he valued, he might have used a different approach then outright as she did, may have worded things differently, but it was all ultimately the truth.

His eyes open to reveal purple eyes, as he considers her slightly seriously for the first time today.

"Very honest of you, Miss Eponine. I actually already know all of that information. I made sure to do some research before arriving, so I know all of your transgressions and problems with the law. As well as AGI's difficulties with you, as we are affliated with them."

He plops down a file with the information down in front of her, which has her picture and all the information all compiled neatly.

"Suffice to say, we here at the Uzushio are rather a seperate entity, we simply pay our dues, and they stay out of our business."

There is an implied or else that remains unsaid.

"We removed slavery from the establishment some time ago, and have made significant improvements. I think we may have something available for you here."

[blondandperfect]

Upset? Well.. Sort of, but Hattie is more really embarrassed. She raises a hand to her mouth as her cheeks burn red but ultimately doesn't say anything to interfere because, well, the 'damage' has already been done. So when the maid looks to her, she's averting her gaze and inwardly groaning, wanting to facepalm so hard.

She's surprised by Xellos' response, though, and even more surprised that he had actually done a backround check on things Hattie didn't even mention! AGI's difficulties? What was that about? Well, she supposed in the end that didn't really matter.

All in all, she looks terribly relieved once the priest reveals that he may have something for Eponine, and a huge weight is taken off of her shoulders.

She needs a drink. Like, booze.

[makeflowersgrow]

So does Eponine. Hattie, she is going to be completely hung over tomorrow. Bring on the brandy.

She's startled, though, when Xellos opens his eyes. She had been wondering about why they were shut; was he just humouring her? She didn't know whether to be pleased or alarmed.

Alarmed, definitely, when he pulled out the file.

"I can explain about XXX - it was a friend. He is sold wrongly into slavery and Marius- and I was fired.M'sieur - don't report me. It'll be slavery for I if you do. Please, let me work here for cheap. I will-"

Her chatter is high pitched, nervous. Pleasebelieve her. Please don't have her arrested. Andthen he offers a job and Eponine HAS to smile in relief that arresting her doesn't seem to be on the table.

"Oh M'sieur, thank you. You will really employ me? I will work hard. I am a good worker. When am I to start? And what is the job?"

She'll have to do whatever he offers now, she realises. Xellos knows far too much about her to avoid it. And she needs themoney.

[that_is_asecret]

He smiles and returns to his normal expression. The looks of surprise were rather expected. Anyone with a measure of care would investigate further, especially after hearing she was a criminal. Besides which, the fact she was indebted to Mr. Gold was very interesting. Best to keep an eye on that one as much as possible, knowledge was power after all.

"Well, you can start within the week. You'll start as a waitress at our restaurant, and depending how you feel, we can move you about a bit to find something more suited to your skill set. I think it goes without saying, but don't get caught stealing from clients, its bad business."

[blondandperfect]

Hattie cringes again as Eponine spills the beans again so quickly. She really needs to work on the 'buckling under pressure' thing. Not that Hattie is the master of it, but the blonde is thinking she has more resilience than the maid here.

Regardless, it seems she has a job and, much to Hattie's delight, a position as a waitress? That's perfect in her opinion, and just so happened to match all the lessons she had given Eponine thus far. Amusing how that works.

And so, for once, Hattie is smiling genuinely. But she's still going to need that drink. She'll say it's for celebration or something.

On the other hand she is kiiind of wondering if this is going to end up added to Hattie's debt somehow. Nooo, he wouldn't do that to her, would he? Naaaaaaw! She does cringe just a bit about the pickpocket warning but otherwise..

"Well that's simply wonderful." she replies genuinely, though still seeming a bit stunned. "See Eponine? I told you there was nothing to worry about. Good for you."

[makeflowersgrow]

Eponine smiles, relaxing now that she has secured employment. Thank goodness - for the rent is due soon and it is Christmas which means presents and food and a lot of brandy and she's fast running out of money.

"And at night, yes, M'sieur? For I work for Hattie and M'sieur Gold during the day. I mean, My Lady. I will do it - and... You will pay me?"

She laughs when he adds the bit about stealing.
"I can promise I will not be caught." And again adds quickly.
"I will not thieve. I will be good. Thank you, M'sieur."

She stands to leave; she can worry about AGI connections later. Right now, the brandy bottles and cheap wine are calling her.

[that_is_asecret]

"Yes, at night is perfectly acceptable. There is plenty to do after all. Of course we will pay you, that is how it should be."

He seems a bit amused by the statement, so she had picked up on the technicality, how nice. This girl should provide some entertainment at the very least, and if she was caught, he could use it against Hattie.

"See that you don't. It would be most unfortunate to have to deal with that."

Xellos stands as well.

"Well, I'm sure you two have plenty to do. I look forward to working with you, Miss Eponine. Miss Hattie, as always a pleasure."

He inclines his head politely.

[blondandperfect]

And Hattie is the last to stand! She doesn't seem to have caught on to the specific wording of Xellos or Eponine she just cringes. So help her if Eponine pulls any sort of stunts! But she's just glad this is finally over and wrapped up with a happy end.

"As always, Mister Priest. Thank you for your time." and she curtsies before exiting as well.

Quite a weight taken off Hattie's shoulders. Xellos will be getting a christmas gift this year!