The brother nodded, keeping a relaxed smile. "Sounds like a mess."
Together they rounded the street corner and approached the fine building of The Clove in all of it's glory. It stood taller than all other buildings nearby and made quite an icon of itself, with it's blood-red pillars and strikingly intricate embossing in the walls. It was gothic, hellish ambience through and through, with a long pointed, black roof. A poshly dressed demon opened the heavy door for them, bowing and saying, "May you find pleasure, sirs."
Septimus made no acknowledgement of him as he walked his brother in.
What Flauros figured was unbeknown to Septimus was how often he had visited The Clove and its surrounding areas. He'd accompanied many proclaimed Devils for impromptu meetings, while others invited him for "tickets". Regardless, he clung to his partner's side as he gave the doorman a wave in Septimus' stead.
Fanciful tables were decorated with fine silver, the glasses themselves intricately sculpted with different powerful devils throughout time. Likely the last remnants of some, replaced by those who won in the struggle for power.
Flauros thought about it no further as he picked a secluded area away from the low chatter of others to sit.
Instead of sitting across from Septimus, he clearly chose to sit at his side, picking up a menu with intention to share.
"Hmm, are you here often enough to suggest anything~?"
Septimus picked up his own menu, sitting comfortably at the table with perfect posture.
"I am, but so are you." He said smoothly, giving his brother a side-eyed smile. "Two Knock-at-Threes." He told the approaching waiter, ordering them both drinks. Once the attendant was on his way, Sep turned to face Flauros. "So. I heard there was the possibility of a new plague in Lalonia. Know anything about it? It may have been codswallop."
He couldn't help but scoff, not too surprised that the devil knew. On more than one occasion, from the corner of his sight, he recognized those neon green eyes and hair. His looks were striking; an attractiveness that could give a succubus themselves a run for their money. Sitting back up, Flauros set the menu back down, gazing down on it from his seat.
"Isn't there always something or another happening down there?"
He shrugged, indifferent. What he said next held a hint, his eyes only then meeting Septimus'.
"Just to inform you, we've had to completely half the amount let down to Lalonia, if you've been meaning to drop by. Most ways down have been clogged by new souls."
"Uch." Septimus muttered a refined sound of disgust, looking away as his thoughts travelled. "I do hope the Purge will help that. These streets need sweeping."
He smiled as the drinks arrived and he took his glass, his long fingers wrapping around the stem and cradling the bowl.
"Have you seen mother lately?" The demon asked, sipping his drink.
A swift response to his comment, spoken as drinks were served. Flauros graciously lifted the glass, swirling its contents ever-so slightly. He stared into its murky navy blue mass, noting the bit of yellow- or perhaps white- that rested at the bottom of the drink itself. Coloring, surely. The establishment took its ambiance quite seriously.
"Why, yes, as a matter of fact, I have-- Oh, one more minute on the menu."
Politely shooing off their company, he returned to Septimus' question, but only after a sip of liquor.
"She's encircled by her posse, of course, but otherwise fine. Did you need to speak to her about something?"
He smiled in response to his brother before lifting his glass. "Yes, I think-"
"Get the fuck off me-!" Shouted a furious voice as a figure stormed into the restaurant, causing Septimus to spill his drink down his front. His face turned vile as he stood up and glared in the direction of the guest, as did many of the others.
Lo and behold, Korosu was there, angrily pulling off a slimy creature that had roped itself around his leg. With only one arm, it proved difficult. He was ragged and dirty, obviously having taken the worst streets through town to get there- and demons of his status were not welcome through those doors.
"I don't believe this." Septimus muttered, quickly sitting back down and staring hatefully at his father across the room. Having removed the little beast, Korosu brushed himself off and growled at the approaching footmen. "I'll only be a moment, get the fuck back." He waved them away before walking quickly in the direction of the two brothers. Some guests were staring, but most had shrugged and continued in their chatter. As Korosu approached, Septimus folded his fingers. He raised his head and spoke with extreme annoyance as his father stood at their table. "Can't you see that I'm-" "Shut the fuck up and listen to me." Sep's eyes flashed with anger but he silenced. Korosu placed his hand on the table and leaned towards them, saying quietly.
Flauros' eyebrows raised as he noticed Septimus' falter, causing him to lean back. Without delay, however, he reached for a linen napkin, only to find that Septimus had stood up. Crimson colored cat eyes only then trailed over to the cause of the disturbance, revealing the source.
The Devil couldn't help but scoff at the sheer lunacy of the sight. Obvious enough, he knew the intruding demon immediately.
"My, my."
He tried to hold the rest of his grin back, shrinking it into a mere smirk. As a semi-apology, he patted liquid off Septy's front, momentarily ignoring the unwelcome addition to their party. That was, until a certain demon's whereabouts were mentioned.
"Walls have ears, even here."
He commented, though still refused to make eye contact with the lesser demon. Instead, he glanced up at Septimus, unashamed as he leaned in closer.
"If it's overworld matters you need to discuss, this isn't quite the place for it."
Septimus drew a long, frustrated breath in. Korosu glanced at Flauros before rolling his eyes and staring hard at Sep. "I do apologize." Septimus said through tight lips to Flauros, slowly standing. "Oh, I'm sure you two will make up later." Korosu snapped in sarcasm as his son made his way around the table towards him.
"Just get outside." Septimus hissed, walking swiftly past his father to the doors across the restaurant. Korosu followed, glaring at everyone he passed. The footmen opened the doors respectfully before slamming them both behind the two as they departed.
Leaning back properly into his seat, Flauros smiled as Septimus apologized, leaving his date alone at the dinner table. He watched as the two of them departed, silently chuckling all the while. How amusing, that Septimus would allow anyone to ruin their date. Then again, given the circumstances.
He downed his drink at once, growing bored. His brother sure knew how to take his time, if he even planned to come back at all.
With food eventually served at the table, the Devil decided to pick at Septimus' portion first before starting at his own. Sweet revenge.
After a long while, Septimus entered through the doors again and returned to their table. His face was full of disdain. "I'm sorry, little mouse." He said quietly, sitting next to his brother. "That was terribly impolite of me." Taking his fork delicately, he began to organize things on his plate as he usually did before eating. "Would I have your permission and assistance to enter Lalonia in the next few days?"
By the time Septimus had returned, practically a quarter of his plate was already devoured, if not more than that. While the culprit was of no surprise, he still feigned innocent, mindlessly munching away at his own serving.
"Impolite indeed."
The Devil agreed, downing a glass of what was carved "holy water" onto the surface-- as well as an upside down cross.
"On such short notice? Hmm... not an impossible request, however I'll need to pull a few strings, first."
He deliberated, his expression slightly brightening as an idea sprouted.
"Up there? For leisure?" He clarified, giving his brother an uncertain side-eyed look. "Is that a thing? And would it make any difference to gain access that way?"
