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Do A Little Turn On The Catwalk (Asher)
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Post by Asher on Dec 4, 2016 20:58:13 GMT
This really was a good place to work. If Isaac checked out the break room better, later, he would find all sorts of games in the drawers of different varieties. Video, board, card. This place knew how to treat their employees! Maybe, one of the reasons Asher liked this place so much was based around how well the owners wanted to treat their staff. Well, that, and they liked his personality. It really didn't seem like many people did!
Delicately, but with elegant sweeping motions, Asher began to write while repeating, "I-S-A-A-C." It looked fancy! The redhead checked over the board, briefly, to make sure everything looked alright, before placing the chalk down, and swiping a deck of cards off of the top of the booth. And, that was about the time the question hit him. Eyes shifted, innocently, to look back to Isaac. "Doing okay?" What was he referencing? Asher was always okay! "If you're asking if I'm good to train you, yeah. I'm the only one working right now that really can."
There was a tilt of the head again, as he tried to establish what had been asked. He knew he wasn't responding to this correctly, somehow. Feeling up to this? Up to what? "I'm always up to pleasing people," this time, he didn't even bother censoring his sentence. After all, if it was referencing himself, it couldn't make Isaac uncomfortable, right? Still, that actor's smile was pressed across his lips, as he shrugged, "it's what I was born for!" If only Isaac knew just how literal that was!
At the same time, a girl in a maid's outfit hurried over to the two, not even throwing a glance to Isaac. "There you are! A group requested you, but nobody knew where you went." Asher swore he told them where he had gone off to! "We've already seated them, but they're on you." Before the redhead even had a chance to respond, the girl stalked off, mumbling something about being glad that she didn't have to deal with the group. It seemed some people just didn't want to do extra work!
"Oops," the redhead mumbled, before throwing a look to Isaac. "Well! Uh! It looks like we have a table already?" A small laugh escaped the young man's lips, messing with the playing cards in hand. "I guess I don't get to show you how to greet guests as they come in, first, then." So much for proper training! "You okay with that? Or, do you want to sit out until we get someone else?" After all, Asher wasn't going to make the kid follow him to a table that already knew entirely about the waitstaff. Though, if he thought he could retain learning from an already seated group, that probably knew what their expectations of the place were, it was more than welcome for him to come along.
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Post by Elliot and Isaac Sunderland on Dec 4, 2016 21:16:22 GMT
Everything Asher did was stylish, wasn't it? The way he carried himself, the way he wrote. Hell, even the way he flirted, which was somewhat undermined by the fact that it was ridiculously out of place and unasked for. Nevertheless, it was a level of flair Isaac occasionally found himself wishing he was capable of pulling off. He wouldn't want to be like this 24/7, but a little bit of star power in the right place could help someone get really far in life. It'd certainly help him with his nerves, which were presently the big barriers between him and finally going for drama club. But he was himself, and Asher was Asher. Somehow, Isaac figured both parties would be completely okay with that.
It seemed like Asher didn't even recognize something was wrong, though. Or, at least, judging by how quickly he kept reasserting he was fine, he was making sure to keep that fact obscured. Maybe if Isaac knew Asher better, he would pick up on how this was a blatant cover-up for Asher's sake. Instead, he figured it was just an attempt at reassuring him. After all, it wouldn't do well to think your boss wasn't feeling great, especially if that would get in the way of him training you. Especially with the second group of reassurances he sounded like he was trying to get back to his usual Asher-ness, especially with the comments about how he was born to please. Yep, that was the kind of theatrical proclamation Isaac expected from the older teen.
And then, just like that, they were thrown into the lion's den. A table had been seated, and apparently they wanted a piece of that Ash. This made Isaac all the more grateful that he hadn't wasted time requesting a practice run, or better yet lost his temper and got Asher worked up. Either scenario would've been disasters waiting to happen! Even this one seemed a little bit less than ideal, with them apparently missing the essential "Welcome home, dear princesses," step of the day. However, working from adversity was something Isaac was used to, as was picking up knowledge on the fly. Hopefully this wouldn't be too much confusion. "Hey, I get to learn from the best," he said. The tone in his voice was apologetic, a little bit of truthful admiration at Asher's graceful handling of himself paired with an olive branch apologizing for his earlier tension. "Why sit back and miss out on learning all I can?
After all, I, too, live to please~." The butler tone was re-donned. If there was any proof Isaac was ready for work, this was it. |
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Post by Asher on Dec 4, 2016 21:52:14 GMT
Okay, now Asher was confused. Isaac seemed to flip from wanting to have little to do with him, to complimenting him? This... It just didn't make sense. While he understood it was likely some sort of pity move, the redhead hardly seemed to acknowledge it. Compliment or not, it just felt weird. With the butler tone with the trainee's last words, a soft, "tch," escaped barely parted lips. Of course.
But, he had to admit that the kid was trying. Regardless, grin spread across his face. Play the part. "Then, follow closely," he hummed glancing toward the table that had a small group of teenage girls. "They're regulars, so I'll warn you that the script will veer." It was a wonder that someone that acted so dumb knew what the word 'veer' meant! "One of those, you'll learn with time type things. I'll try to keep it accurate, for you." The words were hushed, to avoid the table from overhearing, but Asher still played with his deck of cards, pulling three from it before shoving the remainder into his pocket. With a small motion, he signaled to follow.
Skirting to the side of the table, the redhead gave a small bow, "ah, Princesses! I'm sorry to keep you all waiting, like that!" Before he even gave the girls a chance to talk, Asher reached out to gently wrap an arm around Isaac's shoulder and pull the boy close to his side, "I hope it's quite alright with all of you, I have someone working with my today. He's like a little brother to me, so I hope you'll be kind to him, yes?"
While it was still on the ex-actor's mind that physical contact seemed to be against Isaac's wishes, the act had to go on. While outwardly, the boy maintained a relatively lax stance, it would probably be surprising to Isaac that Asher, himself, was not. In fact, the physical contact would probably reveal that every muscle was tense.
Releasing his hold on the boy, the girls at the table seemed to be giggling about everything, nodding away. Now, was when the cards came into play. Lifting the three to show Isaac, he then offered to show them toward the table, so that the symbols were visible. "I do hope your day has gone well so far, Princesses. And, that I can only make it better for you," instantly, there was more giggling, while he offered the three out to the closest girl. "And, I know that you love games. So, how about this? Pick one of the three, then give me the rest. Don't show us!" With that, the girl did as she was told, smiling the entire time. "If Isaac can figure out which card you have, we win, alright? But, if we lose, I'll give you all a free cup of coffee," there was a pause, as eyes shifted to his trainee. "We'll even decorate it for you! Sound good?" This received even more giggles and nods. It was apparent why they always requested this table. "So, Isaac, which card do you think that our darling princess has?"
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Post by Elliot and Isaac Sunderland on Dec 4, 2016 22:35:13 GMT
Of course his attempt at an olive branch wouldn't go over well. Why would he ever expect that? Although maybe it was just another difference between the two. It only felt natural to Isaac that, rather than letting a bad atmosphere hang in the room, he should at least try and reach out to make things better. On the other hand, when it came to reading atmospheres in the room Asher just seemed downright illiterate. Or, rather uncaring. Nevertheless, Asher probably had his own reasons for not being too receptive to the complement right now, and judging by him smiling nonetheless it seemed like he at least wasn't furious with Isaac.
He had a feeling the script would veer a little off course. Anyone who had requested Asher specifically probably wanted Asher. That meant they'd get the Asher Script, with all of the inside jokes, quips, and special favors they were probably accustomed to as regulars. It likely wouldn't be the most educational experience, but it'd certainly give him an opportunity to see how the professionals handled things. Nevertheless, Asher was probably right as well when he mentioned it'd be a "learn with time" sort of deal. He'd see the strategies now, and learn how to implement them bit by bit as he got more accustomed to the workplace.
Immediately, the first of those tricks made themselves clear. Everyone had a role in this production, beyond just "hot butler." That was obvious enough from the way customers had their own specific requests, but what did that mean when there were two butlers on one table? It meant somebody was going to have to get slotted into a certain role, and with an arm suddenly draped around his shoulders Isaac was being welcomed to the role of little brother. While surprised by the tension in Asher's arm, he knew that indeed, the show must go on. The second the arm made contact he began following its path, making the movement look relatively effortless instead of like he was being pulled along. After all, why wouldn't he want to be associated with his dear brother?
Isaac's muscles were tense, too, and the tension in Asher's probably wasn't helping any. Nevertheless, he let himself be nestled into Asher's grasp, bowing to the girls at the table as he reached a stop. In contrast to Asher's suave smile he let his be a little bit more shy and timid. This was part because it was his first shift and he was super nervous, but also part because this was obviously a table that wanted Asher. If he was just going to be Diet Asher, he'd pale in comparison at best and step on Asher's toes at worse. Rather than get in the way, he'd let himself serve more like a highlight for Asher. If he could help Asher shine all the brighter, he'd hopefully be able to make this day even better than the girls had expected. "It is my dearest pleasure to meet you today, Princesses," he said, head tilted slightly.
And now, suddenly, a game. Isaac looked at the signs; club, diamond, heart, and nodded as he made mental note of what they were. It seemed like he would have to guess which of the trio the girls would pick for today, with free decorated coffee all around the table as their prize for victory. He listened to Asher's verbal massage as he set the game's conditions, the girls giggling all the while. He shot an impressed look to Asher as he described the game, as if broadcasting to the girls "isn't my big bro the coolest?"
Then it was showtime. As the girl chose her card Isaac paused, doing his best look to be thoughtful, before smiling sweetly. "Why, I'd say the diamond, Asher," he responded. Of course, only the first half was directed to Asher, with the next part of his statement directed more toward the girls at the table. "After all, surely she'd pick the suit as dazzling as her."
Nailed it! Sometimes Isaac could stick the landing on wordplay too. |
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Post by Asher on Dec 5, 2016 0:55:11 GMT
The girls seemed to take well to the entrance of the new butler, smiling and still giggling. Luck would have it that the group wasn't overly talkative at the moment. Maybe, they were trying to be on their best behavior with such a new face. Nobody wanted to scare him off now, did they?
Only a soft glance was thrown to Isaac, while a smile remained strongly on his lips. "Now, Princess, may I ask what your card was?" One of the girl's friends leaned over to look at the card, letting out plenty of snickers, before the game player offered it out. Another click came from the redhead's mouth before yellow eyes shifted to look to the girls. "Ah, Hearts!" With a feigned sound of surprise, the young man placed his hand out to take the card, quipping, "you've already won my heart, Princess. Don't tell me that you wish to steal my brother's, too." Glancing around the table, the teen looked almost disappointed, awaiting some sort of response.
Until one of the girls shook her head, dismissively waving. "She would never!"
And now, smile returned as bright as ever. "That's a pleasure to hear," he chimed, lightly tapping a finger on the table. "But, a deal's a deal. We'll return shortly with your coffee. I hope you don't mind, but my brother is just learning, and a little too nervous to decorate the drinks up front." Isaac had better not go against what he just said, darn it! Don't argue about being nervous! It was so much harder playing this role when a wildcard stood literally right beside him! Of course, not that he figured Isaac would mess up the statement. "So we'll bring them out as soon as they're done~."
With a small bow, the redhead turned to walk away, before pausing. Turning back he made an open-handed motion toward one of the girls at the table that had been looking a little timid. "Oh! I do recall, you requested whipped cream on your beverage last time you visited with us, no? Would you like us to repeat that?" This warranted a meek nod from the girl, and a wider smile from Asher. Ha! He remembered something! "Alright. Please take your time with the menu, and we'll be back shortly. Please excuse us, Princesses."
Finally, he continued toward the kitchen, waiting to make sure Isaac was in tow. Out of earshot, he hummed, "intentional guess at the wrong card?" Though, once the kitchen was reached, there was more to be added, "usually, she does pick the diamond." Beyond that, the boy led his trainee over to what seemed to be the coffee station, "do you know anything about making coffee, or latte art?" Another thought, "do you even have steady enough hands for any simple designs?" That seemed like it should have been an important question to ask before. "On top of that, any questions, comments, or concerns at this point in time?" It was best to make sure all bases were covered before any more progress was made, after all!
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Post by Elliot and Isaac Sunderland on Dec 5, 2016 2:48:34 GMT
He had a feeling the girls would be a bit disappointed when Asher tried to steer the conversation his way. They were here for Asher, after all! Not him. Nevertheless, their day seemed to be going well enough do far, and Isaac was starting to get an idea of the general conversational flow around here. Well, either that, or Asher's personal variation on it. For all he knew most of the cafe was nothing like this, and he was getting the short end of the stick on his first ever gig. Nevertheless, it'd be foolish to expect people to be fawning over him on his first day here, and he'd have plenty of time to build that respect up in the future.
Unfortunately, the next part of his role meant being thrown under the bus a little. He wasn't nervous! But he knew Asher wanted to give him a little bit more tutoring, first. And making coffee art took a lot of practice to get looking great. For now, he'd just have to swallow his pride and accept it. He bowed slightly in an apology for the delay he'd be causing. "Fortunately, I have quite the great teacher," he said, smiling. "We'll make your coffees look as exquisite as they'll taste."
With that he turned to follow Asher. This was certainly a different side of the him. Careful. Thoughtful. With an actual memory! Maybe if Asher was always acting like this, Isaac would have been far less exasperated by him. He made sure to keep a mental note that the meeker of the trio wanted some whipped cream, trying to consider how he'd incorporate it into her design plans. He might as well put his all into making sure the designs were as nice and creative as possible, even if Asher would be integral to filtering through his plans.
"Not quite," Isaac responded, voice equally hushed. "I mean, I know we're not supposed to win these. But I'm not sure the tells yet, so I just picked the one I could think of a good compliment with." Hey, at least he was honest about how he planned it. But at least he dodged a bullet on this one! Unless this was something he was usually supposed to win, but usually the goal with these was to make the customer feel better for the victory, right?
Regardless, no time to think on that! It was latte art time instead. "The basics," he admitted. There was no way he'd be able to regularly practice latte art, but when he had the chance he looked up video tutorials when he could. "And hey, don't worry. These hands are damn careful when they need to be. Probably not enough for anything too complex, for now at least, but I can follow you on some more simple ones.
Guessing you've already got an idea for what we should draw up, right?" Isaac asked. That seemed to cover his questions, comments, and concerns for now. He'd ask how he was doing, but since so far he was mostly just observing Asher it was probably far too early to ask. What would he be judged on? Him introducing himself?
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Post by Asher on Dec 5, 2016 3:49:23 GMT
"You're supposed to win once and a while. So they don't think we're just letting them," Asher was quick to explain. "Once you play a game with the customers a couple of times, you can usually find tells. Some of the maids actually look to see where they've placed each card. So when the guest pulls one, they already know what's there." With a shrug, he added, "I prefer to guess based on what I gather from the person. Compliments are good, though. I'm sure you'll fit in." Maybe, the redhead wasn't so great at giving out legitimate compliments to people. How hard was it to actually just say that Isaac had done well so far?
Apparently, quite.
"Coffee's actually really cheap. We could almost give this stuff away for free, anyway. So, it's what I prefer to pick when it comes to games. If you have a regular where you know they don't drink coffee, try tea or a cookie." With a pause, he added, "also, that game isn't actually required. If it wasn't a regular that I play with often, I wouldn't have done it on your first round." That seemed an important admission. After all, it would get tiring to start off every person with a game every time. "If it's slow, you can play other games with the customers, too. Just make sure that you keep an eye on the other booths, when you do." Or, they could take a break. Which, Asher was still strongly wishing for right now!
Working on preparing the coffee and milk to their proper degrees, the teen hummed and waited. It seemed he'd fallen into his own little world for the short span of time, moving about to collect some cute looking mugs, and a few decorative pieces. But, like the ping! from the timer, that serenity was gone. Eyes shifted to Isaac, as he demonstrated filling the cup. "I imagine this part should be easy for you." With a sudden motion, the teen shoved one of the cups further away from the others. "Whipped Cream Girl doesn't like creamer. And, I'd rather do that one myself, if you don't mind. It's not complicated, really, but, er," Asher paused, trying to think. But, what? He wanted to actually feel useful? He didn't want Isaac doing everything? Or, he just really liked playing with whipped cream.
"Anyway! I was thinking hearts. Flowers are really the easiest, but I think they look kind of dumb," he explained, leaving the prior sentence to drift off into oblivion. "Hearts are pretty easy, and nobody gets tired of them. I mean, everyone loves hearts." Except for himself, actually. Sometimes, they made him cringe a little. "If you could stand close, on my right..."
Waiting for the instruction to be followed, he took the creamer container with his left hand, and carefully began his work. "You start by pouring at the top, and..." there was mostly demonstrating as he carefully shook the cup slightly, spreading the milk about to make almost a circle, before a small sweep through the center. "Heart!" Again with caution, he set it on a tray to the side, before sliding the next mug over to Isaac. "Your turn to try. Don't worry if you mess up. It can take practice. And we have most of the day for that."
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Post by Elliot and Isaac Sunderland on Dec 5, 2016 4:39:06 GMT
Well, that went without selling. You couldn't just throw the game all of the time! Nevertheless, it seemed that was just another thing it took experience to learn. It was certainly admirable that Asher did it the legit way instead of taking the easy way out, too. If Isaac knew it was as simple as just watching the cards, he could've run that game on his first try. But then again, that would've made it feel a lot less real, wouldn't it?
While most of the other stuff Isaac had hunches about as well, it was surprisingly helpful having it all spelled out in the open for him. Especially the part about coffee being so cheap. Back in the US it was always annoyingly expensive, after all. Or, at least, that was the case if you wanted the good stuff. That eased some of Isaac's worries about messing up a drink, or accidentally slipping a few too many freebies away. The game not being required was also pretty helpful. Not only would it get tiring, but it would also get a little formulaic busting it out every single time for every single customer. It seemed truly more like a special extra than an essential aspect, albeit one that was pretty important to learn. All in all, he nodded appreciatively at Asher's explanations.
He was slightly relieved to see Asher at peace. Having physically felt the tension coiled up in his body, Isaac couldn't help but worry. He didn't even like the guy that much, but nobody deserved to be so wound up. This must've been a nice change of pace for both of them.
Asher's lead was to be followed exactly. Coffee and milk mixed to the same levels, reaching up to a sufficiently high portion of the mug. "I dunno. That was pretty tough," Isaac joked as he left the mug nicely filled, before bringing his eyes back to Asher for the next step. Apparently that next step was saving one of the cups for himself, for reasons he didn't seem willing to elaborate on. It was probably just not wanting Isaac to get started on the harder stuff when he was still handling things from a beginner's perspective. Still, it was interesting seeing Asher being a bit less free with his word choice.
He watched as Asher made the first of two hearts. Cream at the top, some slight shaking and sculpting, and then the sweep of the spoon through the middle. It looked easy enough, but Asher had been making this whole job look easy. For Isaac, it was going to be a completely new experience. He went through each of Asher's steps in order, making sure to err on the side of caution when it came to his shaking. He was supposed to make a heart, not a scribble! Once that was done, he swept with the spoon and took a look at his handiwork.
It was a fairly foolproof shape, being quite literally a circle with a groove in it, so Isaac hadn't done too badly. It lacked some of the fanciness someone like Asher would've been able to put in, but for a first timer's heart it wasn't bad at all! The groove was a tiny bit uneven, making the heart a bit bigger on the right side than the left, but the basic shape was quite sound. "How's it look?" Isaac asked, thoughtfully pondering how he could add a bit of extra flair to it.
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Post by Asher on Dec 5, 2016 5:17:49 GMT
Interesting about the lack of freedom with his speech? More daunting, than anything. But, the few seconds where the teen had acted as if he were alone seemed to recharge him, if only slightly. Still, he watched in silence as his trainee made the second cup. It wasn't necessarily as fabulous as the redhead's standards desired, but he had to remember. It was Isaac's first try.
So, instead, a smile flashed, while he reached out to set the cup on the tray. "Looks great. You'll get it down in no time," he encouraged, before filling the final cup with coffee, and placing it upon the tray as well. Now, he reached out for a container or two, which were clearly heading out to the table with them. "Whipped cream and hot orders don't mix well. It kind of melts. Or, in this case, sinks fast, and doesn't stay pretty. Try to apply it at the table whenever possible." So, the truth was out. There wasn't much choice in how this part played out. Once he reached the kitchen doors, the butler placed the tray on one hand, testing it's balance with the free one, before beginning to exit. He'd only assume that Isaac would be quick to follow.
Once back to the table, Asher would softly greet the trio again, with, "we're sorry for the wait, Princesses. I fear I'm moving too slowly today!" A small laugh escaped barely parted lips, while the girls murmured reassurances. "But! Isaac made sure that your drinks were made with love," he hummed, placing out the cups to the two girls that had desired them, before taking hold of the final, creamerless one. "One last detail~."
Starting at the edges of the cup, the young man swirled a small layer of whipped cream on the top of the final coffee, before adding more to the middle, and two triangles on each side. Opening a container that he had placed on the tray, the teen took a spoon and carefully dropped two chocolate chips onto the mass, before making a satisfied hum, and offering it to the final girl. "I hope you like cats?" Sure enough, it seemed that Asher had made a whipped-cream cat on the top of the beverage, likely only staying afloat from it's edges meeting the ceramic sides of the cup.
"Now, Princesses, I hate to be forward, but have you decided on your orders? Chocolate cake, as usual? Or, are you craving something else today?"
With a soft murmur between the three, they made a quick decision of following their routine, before Asher bowed again. Yellow eyes shifted to Isaac, to see if he would follow suit, before flashing a smile to the group. "If you'll excuse us again, we'll return as soon as possible with your order." And, again, off to the back they would go.
It felt a little silly to have Isaac shadowing him like this, but there wasn't much else to do. Today felt like a slow day for business, as most of the other workers didn't really seem to have much going on for their own tables. "They usually order something sweet, too. Never sandwiches, and when they don't follow their norm, it's because they want me to choose for them. Read up on the menu, or try samples of our foods, in case it happens to you sometime." The way that Asher spoke almost came off rough now, as the act broke again.
There was a pause, while he turned back and forth in the kitchen, as if forgetting what he was doing. Removing his gloves, he threw them on one of the tables, "bright side, they're asking for a lot of things you need to learn how to do. Like decorating up a cake." With a few motions at where things were, he pulled out a bucket of frosting, slipping further into the kitchen to bring back a blank cake. Sure, it had the base of frosting, but it looked far too bland without any touch-ups. "You put frosting into a bag like this," he explained, as he pulled out one of the bags that he was referring to, and simply did as he was telling. With a snip to a corner, and attaching a small piece to it to avoid an overflow, he offered the bag of frosting over to the boy. "It's pretty easy, just, uh," he paused again, making an incredibly confused expression. "I'm," there was a groan, while the young man tried to avoid touching his own face. That wouldn't be sanitary, and he was still half-debating on doing it himself.
"Do you know how to put a border on a cake, with a frosting bag?" Why would a fifteen year old boy know how to do this without any training? Nobody wanted a botched up cake!
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Post by Elliot and Isaac Sunderland on Dec 5, 2016 5:38:57 GMT
There really wasn't much for Isaac to say or do in this case. He was mostly just following Asher's lead on this one, doing what was implied when it was implied and doing what was stated when it was stated. He bowed when Asher bowed, left the table when Asher left the table, and and made sure to always carefully watch what was going on. In particular, that whipped cream cat was fantastic. Sure, if it wasn't decapitated by a sip in the next five seconds it would probably deflate like a sad parade balloon, but in the few seconds it got to live for? Picture perfect.
However, that was the business side of things. That was the part that was going perfectly. The part that was going a lot less perfectly was the in between. When he wasn't at a back room being told the ropes, or at a table listening to Asher merrily chatter away, he was on an awkward, nearly silent walk. The times Asher did talk were way less airy and cheerful, and that wasn't counting all of the times when Asher seemed to forget Isaac was even there. Part of him wanted to, in the words of Dwayne "the Rock" Johnson, just know his role and shut his mouth. He was the trainee. He had nothing to say here. And if Asher had nothing to say here, oh well. Another part of him wanted to outright start shouting at Asher, asking to know why he was acting so weird all of a sudden. The idea that he might've been getting ignored just because he had a problem with how Asher acted towards him, especially for something as important as training, was seriously starting to rub him the wrong way.
But worst of all was the knowledge that he did this. Asher seeming less happy seemed to be a direct result of him and his presence, and that was something that honestly hurt. Sure, Isaac wasn't the biggest fan of the guy, but he didn't want to ruin his day. Hell, Isaac didn't even know how he ruined his day! All he knew was that one minute Asher was fine, and then he told him off and now all of this was happening. He didn't even know why he was guilty about it, really. All he tried to do was set some ground rules for if they were going to be co-workers. And now here he was, feeling like the bad guy for what was just common sense.
Now Asher couldn't even address him with full sentences. Something was seriously wrong here, and the only reason why Isaac wasn't calling him out on it was because he didn't want Asher to have another fit and bail in the middle of a table being served. It was bad enough that their days were already off to a bad foot. Did Isaac's bullishness really need to drag another three people into this? He made a mental note that, the second the check cleared and they got some downtime on this oddly slow day, he was going to try and get to the root of the problem. Maybe he'd like how it'd end. Maybe he wouldn't. But damnit, he needed some answers!
For now, though, back to business. He looked at the frosting bag. This was way more in-depth stuff than simple coffee hearts, at least if he waned to do anything sufficiently fancy. "I could trace a simple line around it, but anything more than that I'm not sure about," Isaac admitted. He grit his teeth, trying to think of what to do now. "Could you give me a hand? Please?"
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Post by Asher on Dec 5, 2016 6:01:36 GMT
Standing in the kitchen, the ex-actor simply stared at Isaac after the request was placed for help. Arms crossed tightly around his own stomach, as if trying to keep everything in place. Ugh. He felt sick. Asher bit down on his tongue, briefly, forcing the feeling to pass to the best of his ability. Of course, now his tongue hurt. But, it altered the focus sufficiently!
And, returning to the proper script, a smile fell onto his face. "You asked, you know," he warned, motioning for Isaac to turn toward the cake. "Basic line borders are pretty boring, and I never do them unless I'm asked specifically," he detailed, walking behind the boy. There was a hesitation, before he finally leaned against his trainee's back, delicately reaching to guide Isaac's hand with his own. Not nearly as tense as prior, it seemed that Asher was humming some sort of melody any time that he wasn't speaking.
"You'll want to hold the top and bottom of the bag, for stability, and so that nothing spills out. If you squeeze the bag a little every so often like this," he demonstrated, "it makes a simple puff-design. A lot of the girls that order this love extra frosting, so you may as well use a little extra where you can." Helping guide to avoid letting the design deter in any way that it shouldn't, the teen remained essentially wrapped around Isaac. And, for the time being, it seemed like he was being his normal self.
"If we mess up, I made a few fondant flowers earlier, when I was waiting for you. So we can always cover up accidents with a couple of those, if need be." Oh! That reminded him! "D'you want me to teach you how to make some of those, when we're not busy? They're pretty easy, and you can get pretty creative. It's just like edible clay." At least he was still offering to help teach Isaac some of the little things! But, he was still going to try to stay work related. After all, it was pretty obvious that he wasn't wanted, otherwise! "Do you like bakery-type things? Like, making food?"
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Post by Elliot and Isaac Sunderland on Dec 5, 2016 6:16:25 GMT
Isaac looked confused by Asher's reaction. He suddenly wrapped his arms around himself as if about to double over, which was a really, really strange way of answering someone's request for help. However, it seemed like Asher started returning to normal now. In fact, the grin on his face was more chipper than any of the other ones Isaac had seen since Asher's fit of weirdness started. For a second, Isaac wondered why that was.
Then Asher firmly leaned into his back, laying his hand over Isaac's. Oh yeah. That's why. For a second Isaac seemed to leap in surprise, but he forced the reaction down. No. He asked for help, after all, and what was the alternative? Asher doing half and leaving Isaac to mess up the other half? It seemed like a bit of awkward close contact, even if Isaac's wasn't happy about it, was the only real way of handling this cake bordering. Maybe later he'd ask why Asher was only happy when allowed to drape himself over whoever he pleased like a cheap coat, but for now it was essential to the lesson.
Hell, Asher was humming! Why the hell was he so happy about this?
Nevertheless, he followed Asher's lead. The hand currently being cupped by Asher's was still resting on the bottom of the frosting piper, while his free hand moved to gently hold the top. When Asher squeezed his hand he squeezed the bag in return, and a little dollop of frosting came out in a pleasing, raindrop-like shape. It was a lot nicer looking than a line did, and Isaac was glad he took the time to stop, ask for help, and listen. They weren't all perfectly even sized, and the arrangement wasn't the crispest it could have been, but it certainly looked good for a first try! He'd have time to bump "good" up to "perfect" later on, anyway.
Asher was definitely more amicable when he was allowed to rub on Isaac like a stray cat. He went from having no idea what to teach Isaac to asking if he could show Isaac how to make other decorations and recipes. Hell, he even asked Isaac if he normally liked baking! Isaac wasn't even sure whether to be relieved or uncomfortable at this point, realizing that this was what it took to make Asher actually feel like a human being and not a tangled mess of nerves again. "That'd be nice. Thank you," he said, responding to Asher's first offer. "As for making food, I can't say I'm the biggest on it myself. Decorating seems pretty nice, though. If you're looking for food-making, that's way more up my brother's alley. Trust me, he's a total fiend for this kind of stuff.
Have you been liking the stories he's been sending you?" |
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Post by Asher on Dec 5, 2016 6:35:44 GMT
Maybe it seemed pathetic, but somehow it made things right. So what, if he was labelled as a stray cat, or a stupid coat? For now, this could work. Asher could pretend that everything was totally normal for him like this. No restraint. No wrongdoings. Just... what he did best!
And, did he hear a thank you, on top of that? Huh. That just felt weird. "Yeah, no problem," he hummed with a hint of confusion. "I think that turned out pretty well!" Stepping away from younger boy, he looked over the cake. Pulling out a knife, the boy flashed another grin, "I'll cut it, though. Scary thought, you with a blade," he tried to tease. Then again, Asher with one was probably terrifying on it's own. "Also because they like the cake cut for the three of them, which is a little more awkward than when it's not specified." Of course, it wasn't that difficult, With a couple of careful slices, he delicately placed the pieces on three separate plates, before pulling out a couple little, white icing pens. Offering one out to Isaac, he twirled his own in his hand. "In the extra space on the piece, I usually draw a design or cute message. Makes it feel personal." To demonstrate, he carefully placed several tiny hearts on the top of the piece that he had closest to him, before drawing a very cartoon-y bunny head that had ">.<" for it's face. Capping the pen, he motioned to the other two pieces. "I feel like I'm stealing the show. Will you decorate those two for me?"
Hearing the question veer from work, he crossed his arms. Isaac was complicated. Where were the boundary lines, again? "Shame he's too young to work here. I'd love to have Elliot as a co-worker," he chimed, almost instantly. Surely, the older brother would disagree with that sentiment. "Of course I like his stories. They feel really realistic, for being so fantasy based." That was probably a good thing! Though, Asher still hadn't found anything about drug dealers in it, and it was kind of disappointing. Then again, Isaac really couldn't be one if he was in need of a job enough to be a butler. "Does he write a lot? It seems like he does."
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Post by Elliot and Isaac Sunderland on Dec 5, 2016 6:54:13 GMT
Cutting a cake into thirds was always tricky. It was a square! That wasn't how squares worked! For that reason it was probably best Isaac didn't handle the knife, even if he felt he wouldn't be particularly scary with one. Heck, if Asher thought that was scary, he should've seen the Digital World!
. . . Oh yeah. He totally could have. Heck, he could have been a veteran at it in between naps. Isaac had almost forgotten he seemed to have recognized the Digivice.
Nevertheless, he grinned a little. "Who? Me? Nah, I wouldn't hurt a fly," he replied, faux-innocently. He'd hurt several bigger and worse things than a fly in the Digital World, but each and every one of those deserved it. And he still made it a point to never take a life, even with Primary Village offering an avenue for reincarnation. As for the blade's current user? Well, a hand currently occupied with a knife was one that wasn't currently massaging Isaac's shoulders, so he probably felt more comfortable when Asher was holding as many things as possible.
Like a pen. Judging by how important it was to the proper decoration of this cake, it was far mightier than the blade Asher was also carrying. See? Sometimes metaphors came true. Nevertheless, Isaac took the other one from Asher, looking down at the two cakes and thinking to himself. Maybe it was a little weird, but the concept Asher had started with inspired him to work on a little scene of his own. On the rightmost piece of cake Isaac drew a little field of stars, a shape far easier to him than hearts when working with a pen. After all, it was just line-line-line-line-line, right? With his little cluster of stars drawn he drew another rabbit head, this one looking much more ^.^ than >.<. For the final piece of art he drew a crescent moon shape, making sure to give a good amount of space for the last bunny. After all, rather than a head, this one would need a full, cartoony body. Before him he held a large pestle. It was a classic piece of folklore, the rabbit pounding rice cake on the moon. "Ta-da!" he said, admittedly a little proud of himself for pulling it off. "See? Put them together and they match."
Then the conversation fully swung toward Elliot. Isaac's nose wrinkled a little at the mention of Elliot being a co-worker there. He couldn't help it! It just wasn't a concept he was comfortable with. Nevertheless, he didn't want to bring this back to "why yes, Asher, you do make me kind of uncomfortable!" His attempts at making things less uncomfortable only made things more uncomfortable, after all. Instead, he focused on the positives. "Something tells me he'd get a kick out of this place," Isaac admitted. Video games? Looking damn good? Cute cakes? It was practically made for him! "I'd just get worried. I mean, having so many people just . . . looking at my little brother." That was where he left it off. He was not letting himself open up any more than that. But from one big brother to another, surely Asher would understand his worry on that front. And maybe that little bit of explanation would make him less uncomfortable hearing it.
He had to grin in pride at Asher's complement, though. Realistic was certainly one way of putting it! "Oh yeah, all the time. Although with school ramping up he's been a bit too lately to do it much outside of class, these days," he said. "Still, thanks for the compliment. I bet it'd make his day hearing that." |
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Post by Asher on Dec 5, 2016 7:21:58 GMT
Leaning toward the cakes, he let out a, "huh." For some reason, he hadn't expected some sort of theme! "Rabbit on the moon?" Whether or not this meant that Asher understood the folklore, he seemed to at least understand the images itself. "Smart idea," he hummed adjusting the cake to two separate trays to be carried out. But, Isaac seemed hesitant to agree to Elliot being a good fit for the cafe. Listening to the reasons, he shrugged. "I get it. But, back to the rule of no touching. I mean, I'm protective of Pip, but," the teen trailed off, thinking. Okay, so there was that one time when he punched a guy... But that was a bad story to bring up when he was trying to sound wise! "If she wanted to dress up in cute outfits, and be stared at by older dudes, I'd support it. Just because it'd make her happy. Isn't that what you're supposed to do?" Maybe, the half-sibling didn't understand the proper values of families. "Could be wrong, usually am," he grumbled under his breath, still maintaining his smile. Ah, that wasn't supposed to have come out at all. Oops. "Make sure to tell him that I said I liked it. And-- Oh." There was a pause, as the boy shuffled around with his pockets. after a moment, he pulled out a folded up photo. Offering it out to Isaac, the redhead flashed a smile. "I don't know if this will make Elliot feel any better about that picture in his wallet, but..." At least he was trying? And, if Isaac were to unfold the picture, he would find himself staring at what seemed to be a girl in one of the maid's outfits. Red, long hair, flowing dress with a white sash around the waist, and soft yellow eyes. Those were the same eyes that were staring at his trainee, almost expectantly. "Do you think it'll make him feel worse, if you show him that? Or, maybe smile? Just a little?" Hopefully, it would be the latter. At the least, he was trying!
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