middaeg | [ CATCH-ALL ] we're nocturnal creatures

[ Eager to get the show on the road before he loses his nerve, Stiles nods vigorously as he takes a seat in the waiting area. The second he sits down, the Arachne limbs are reaching for the sketchbooks to flip them all open, an unconscious gesture that he doesn’t notice until he’s already browsing one. With a scowl, he pushes a spider leg out of the way and then gives Waver a look as if to say, “See!?” like the appendages are currently the most obnoxiously troublesome part of his being. (Stiles has moments of self-awareness; this is not one of them.) ]

Cas Cú? [ he mutters skeptically under his breath, before raising his voice. ] Uh, nope. I’m good. Thanks, dude. I’ll just be…here. Waiting. Not touching anything I’m not supposed to. Or talking about stuff I’m not supposed to.

[ Stiles winks conspiratorially. ]

[ Listen, he's still getting used to calling Caster by his actual name... Waver catches the mutter, but luckily it doesn't lead to another argument. He'll let Caster introduce himself at this point.

Being called 'dude' gets an eyebrow raise and a stern look. ]

I'll take your word for it. Please behave.

[ And with that, he turns around and disappears down the hall to go get the guy who can actually do the tattoo. ]

[ Waver doesn't even get to disappear very far because— ah he actually walks at Cú being just... right there. In delighted mood, grinning. He puts his hands on Waver's shoulders to turn him around, and then gently steer him back into the room ]

Hey, see anything you like? [ In half-year of operating they've amassed quite large sets of designs. And a varied one at that, since turns out, Iskandar likes to draw ] Since this is now-or-never deal, you're really lucky because someone just canceled.

[ Ah yes, that's how long he's been around here ]

Waver got it all covered, though I'll add a suggestion that you might want to consider gradually expanding on the tattoo design.

[ The larger it is, and the better quality of the batteries, the long spell is going to last. Also can get some quality-of-life upgrades if something doesn't work as it should. ]

[ In the brief span of time that Waver tries to locate Cú only to be dragged back to the waiting area by said man, Stiles does in fact find a design that resonates strongly with him. As he stares at the page, barely noticing the two employees approaching, he’s struck by a sense of rightness. If he has to get a tattoo, he should at least get something he won’t regret. And this design speaks to him in a way the others simply don’t. The delicate line work may hurt more than something simple like what Scott got, but… ]

Someone cancelled, huh…? [ he repeats distractedly, then seems to shake himself out of his thoughts, actually glancing up at the newcomer with a curious look. So, this must be Cú? ] Uh, hi. I had nothing to do with the cancellation.

[ No one accused him of foul play, yet here he is – defending himself anyway. Just in case. ]

…Let me start over. Hi. You can call me Stiles. I like this design a lot, [ a finger taps the open page of one of the books, ] but as a heads up, I’m afraid of needles.

[ What the hell? Was he just lurking back here?!

Waver does nearly bump into him, and shoots the Witch a withering glare as he's turned back around, only saving him the out-loud scolding because of Stiles being there. He's lost his decorum enough times for the duration. And he doesn't want to bring attention yet again back to his earlier outburst-- which he's now sure Caster heard.

His face definitely goes a shade redder when he realizes, though. Goddammit. Ignore it for now... or forever, hopefully.

He glances up at Caster again at the mention of the cancellation, brows rising as if to say really? ]

No one was implying you did. [ He sighs. This has been an awkward enough client meeting without Caster deciding to have a little fun with Stiles jumping to that conclusion for some reason. ]

As for the needles, if it's that bad, I have a potion for anxiety. We also have alcohol. Things will go a lot smoother without you panicking the whole time, so if you want something... No one will hold it against you.

[ Even if he had been a rude jerk. ]

[ Cú walks closer to take a glance at the chosen design. Ah, yes that one. It usually goes on arm, but could be easily adapted to go along the spine, to get as close to the limbs in question. Then the battery in form of a chain or necklace, and good to go.

Though it's probably going to hurt more than on arm, due to the location. But alas— ]

...and there is always a charm spell that can put you to sleep, if you agree. [ That kind of spell is also a part of Enchantment school, after all. Though using it comes up rarely ] If no option fits, the room can be made soundproof, if you turn out to be a vocal type. So your secret is safe with us.

[ Waver seems to be fidgeting a bit, and he was absolutely right that Caster would yank on that "i did nothing" chain if he was allowed to. Nice save there. ]

Name's Cú, but people also call me Caster— [ A vaguest of shrugs as he finally finishes the introductions properly. ]

Edited 2020-07-25 20:38 (UTC)

I’ll take a shot of whatever you have, [ comes the immediate response, even if Stiles generally is wary of drinking alcohol around strangers. ] Just one, though. If I ask for more, ignore me.

[ It shouldn’t be an issue; he’s not such a lightweight that a single shot of hard alcohol is going to turn him into a jackass. Still, it doesn’t hurt to set boundaries – and there’s no way he’ll consent to being put to sleep magically. Too many unknowns. Magic makes him vaguely uncomfortable on a good day, never mind when he’s already this keyed up by the prospect of needles. Put simply: Stiles is paranoid. ]

Okay. [ His hands clap his knees. ] Waver. Cú. Uh, Caster? Caster. This design, the raw emerald amulet on the shelf, and a transmutation to make the spider legs smaller. We good to rock and roll?

[ Unsure if he pays now or after, Stiles pulls out his wallet with a questioningly cocked eyebrow. ]

[ Waver holds a hand up. ]

We don't take payment until the enchantment is complete.

[ It seems fair. He does, however, calculate out loud for Stiles how much each part costs and explains what the final sum will be. ]

I'll throw in the alcohol for free. You sure about only the one shot?

[ Waver goes over to a cabinet behind the desk, where a bottle of gin in a decanter and some etched glasses sit mostly decoratively. He doesn't have shot glass, but he measures out about two fingers' width before handing it over. ]

The enchantment works best when placed closest to the part of your body you'll be using for it or that it's meant to affect. Looking at where your new limbs are growing, I'm guessing Caster is about to recommend your back.

[ A glance at the Witch in question. ]

...so if it makes you feel any better, you won't really see the needles.

Just one shot after this whole mention of needles and fear? To Caster, it sounds like just something to give a bit of boost to courage. Fair enough.

Yeah, definitely on the back. Do you prefer to sit up or lie down? [ They've got both options covered as the chair they invested plenty in is adjustable and able to be reclined to almost any position, between upright and laying flat. ]

And if you need a distraction, you can always instruct Waver about that rope bondage. [ Trying to lighten the atmosphere with a joke ] Two birds with one stone.

Positive, [ he says in response to the question about alcohol as he accepts the glass. ] Thanks, dude.

[ Bottom’s up. Stiles knocks back the drink gamely, sputtering a bit at the burn – he’s obviously not a heavy drinker. Wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, he goes to give the glass back to Waver and nearly drops it at Caster’s remark about the rope bondage. He wants to grin. He wants to grin so badly. Stiles fights the urge, expression twisting up for it, and tries to affect a look of abject innocence. ]

I’m guessing you’re not Waver’s partner…?

[ Whoops. ]

And I’ll do it lying down. It’d probably be easier for me to stay still that way.

Caster!

[ Waver snatches the glass out of Stiles's hand, looking like he wishes it was still full so he could down it. His face has gone about two shades redder, eyes wide and mouth working soundlessly for a moment in shock. ]

No! Business! Business partner! [ he snaps, glaring at both of them -- but especially at Caster, who's lucky he doesn't follow the momentary urge to throw the glass right at his smug face. ]

Which means-- [ Waver continues huffily, slamming the glass on the desk instead. ] It's none of his concern.

[ For what it's worth, what comes first are the pencils and the brush to transfer the design, and edit the sketch directly on skin. No word of where the needles come into the picture.

And since conversations can be positively distracting for anxious clients— and Waver is giving them a good subject to focus on... (Ah yes, he is aware he narrowly avoided being thrown something in his face. Caster is putting all his faith into the fact that Waver's professional business streak will counter the urge of hauling things... ]

Sounds like an interesting topic, and I always seek to educate myself. [ Heh ]

[ Well, he’s certainly in a pickle now, isn’t he? Stiles squirms, itching to launch into detail about what he’s learned on the subject of rope bondage – because it’s fascinating – but the look on Waver’s face tells him all he needs to know about how wise that decision is. Caster, you’re tempting him to walk a fine line. ]

Worse Dragon takes the privacy of our customers seriously, [ he says resignedly, making the right choice before the burn of alcohol can sway him otherwise. ] If you’re still interested, make an appointment with me later and I can walk you through it too. It’s actually pretty neat.

[ He opens his mouth, like he’s going to continue talking on the subject, then reminds himself that’s exactly what he shouldn’t do and hastily snaps his jaw closed. ]

Uh, right…Waver?

[ If Waver's obvious discomfort until now wasn't enough of a clue what the right choice is if Stiles wants to keep his customer, surely the way Waver is glaring daggers at both of them in turn would be. Thankfully, Stiles doesn't say anything else to make things worse.

Waver looks a little surprised, in fact. Especially when the arachne turns to him for support.]

Oh, good. You seem to have remembered that little detail about privacy. Finally.

Come on. [ He turns into the hallway leading back toward the other rooms, several of which are equipped for taking care of clients with a couple of set-up options. ] Caster, why don't you get started with the pattern and I'll grab the supplies for the ink? Okay?

[ he insists, in very much a tone of you'd better drop the subject now. This is harassment! In his own place of business! ]

[ Teasing is fun but there are always limits, no? ]

Thanks, I will keep that in mind. [ You're a hero of the moment Stiles, he's not going to take that away. Then he turns to Waver with a very business-like ] Sure, I'm leaving that to you. I want to start with a quick test anyway.

[ While the design here is ready and could go from the template, the spell itself does not. It's one of these "complicated cases", and they are the most fascinating he had found out. A sustained and stable transmutation, that's a challenge and Cu likes challenge ]

You're really aiming big. Most people would be satisfied with just an illusion. [ A beat, and more seriously for the first time ] Before we go for it, you are aware of what you're doing here, right? Word is that fighting the changes might make it worse in the long run.

[ For his own conscience, he feels like he needs to mention that ]

[ As Waver goes to collect the ink for the tattoo, Stiles cups his hands around his mouth and calls out after him. ]

How was I supposed to know some guy was lurking in the back!?

[ Ahem. Blinking innocently, he turns to said “guy” and offers a winsome smile that looks strained from how increasingly nervous he is about the procedure. Thank god the tingle of alcohol is slowly sapping the fear from his mind. ]

I’m not trying to fight the changes – just manage them. But if that’s how my body takes it, whatever. [ A shrug. ] I can’t live like this. They get in the way of everything. I need them smaller, or I’m going to lose my mind trying to do simple things like walk through doorways. Or sleep on my back.

[ Or even cuddle with his boyfriend. ]

Just don’t let me see the needles, okay?

[ Waver wants to shout back at him that he shouldn't have been talking about it in the open anyway, but manages to restrain the petty instinct.

He goes into another room to mix together the base for the ink, gathering any other supplies that will be needed, though he leaves the door open, ears swiveling back to listen in where he can.

Despite any lingering annoyance at Stiles and his flippant attitude about Some Things, Waver feels a pang of sympathy for the guy. Waver's aware he's gotten pretty lucky with his own changes being fairly manageable, but he can imagine how uncomfortable Stiles must be.

It takes him a few minutes to prepare everything, and whenever Stiles is settled in a room with a bed so he can lie down, Waver returns. He's not carrying any needles, at least not in plain view, so that's lucky for Stiles. ]

[ CATCH-ALL ] we're nocturnal creatures

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