Joie Minor Character Directory

[joierpminorcharacters]

[Char blushed. She should've known she'd get immediately called out for what she said. She knew Cam well enough.] I wasn't a dig, [She insisted gently.] I just... want to make sure we're all... being kind to each other's idiosyncrasies, [was how she chose to put it.]

Really? That... sounds good?

[delicacee-cam]

Did you really think I was genuinely being disparaging of this beautiful creature? [Cam asked, moving to brush Lemon's curls back again and staring down at her with a soft smile for a few moments.]

But yes. She agreed to let a fancy private chef cook for us for awhile. Good Bunny offered them while I was getting my health under control, so I'd have less on my plate.

[He paused and glanced at Char again.] And she agreed to... end the 'no dating coworkers rule.'

[nicodemus-lemon]

[When Cam brushed her curls, Lemon shivered and pressed her body up towards Cam's hand while still staying fully asleep.]

[joierpminorcharacters]

['Beautiful creature'. Cam's choice of words combined with the smile on his face definitely drew Char's eye. Maybe Honeyy was right about Cam suddenly seeming more... aware of his clear feelings for Lem?] ...No. No, of course not. I shouldn't've said that. I'm sorry.

Your health under control? [She asked.] Are you--?

[Her inquiry into Cam was cut short by him dropping a bombshell. For a moment so quick it easily could've been misconstrued as a trick of the light, Char went stiff as a board. A millisecond later, she was back to her usual soft-spoken and timid self.] ...Oh. Really? That's... surprising.

[joierpminorcharacters]

She's not the only one, DC, [Char had to (politely) point out.] But... if she finally understands, then it sounds like it was for the best.

[delicacee-cam]

[Cam blinked and turned to smirk at Char.] Did you just throw a dig at me? I'm kind of impressed. But, yes, I think I got my point across. She actually agreed to quite a bit.

[joierpminorcharacters]

[Char blushed. She should've known she'd get immediately called out for what she said. She knew Cam well enough.] I wasn't a dig, [She insisted gently.] I just... want to make sure we're all... being kind to each other's idiosyncrasies, [was how she chose to put it.]

Really? That... sounds good?

[joierpminorcharacters]

...You guys fought again? [Char asked with a frown.]

[delicacee-cam]

I wouldn't call it a fight... exactly. If part of it was, that part only lasted like five minutes max. I just want her to understand she doesn't have to carry everything on her shoulders all the time anymore. But she can be a stubborn one.

[joierpminorcharacters]

She's not the only one, DC, [Char had to (politely) point out.] But... if she finally understands, then it sounds like it was for the best.

[joierpminorcharacters]

...You're sure? [Char asked as she cautiously stepped the rest of the way inside and closed the door behind her.] Austin came and said Pink wasn't feeling good, so I just... wanted to make sure everything was okay.

[delicacee-cam]

Yeah, nothing to worry about. She's just been running herself ragged taking care of me the last few days. And then we had a... bit of an intense conversation about that fact. She just needs to get some rest.

[joierpminorcharacters]

...You guys fought again? [Char asked with a frown.]

[joierpminorcharacters]

[A few minutes later, there was the most timid knock at the door. Knowing from the information Austin relayed that apparently Lemon wasn't feeling well, Char elected to slowly open the door a bit rather than wait for an answer like she normally would.]

...Pink...? [Char whispered as she stepped inside.] Oh! Sorry, DC. Had I know you were here, I wouldn't've... um. I can go...

[delicacee-cam]

You're fine, babe. Lem's asleep right now, but you're welcome to come keep her pillow company.

[joierpminorcharacters]

...You're sure? [Char asked as she cautiously stepped the rest of the way inside and closed the door behind her.] Austin came and said Pink wasn't feeling good, so I just... wanted to make sure everything was okay.

[nicodemus-lemon]

O...kay. Love you... Cee Cee... [Lemon whispered, as she quickly fell asleep.]

[delicacee-cam]

[Cam brushed Lemon's curls away from her face and then went back to his phone, sending a text to his sister about another blood pressure machine. Then making faces at his phone when she texted back that he could in fact walk to the other room and be away from Lemon for 30 seconds without dying.]

[joierpminorcharacters]

[A few minutes later, there was the most timid knock at the door. Knowing from the information Austin relayed that apparently Lemon wasn't feeling well, Char elected to slowly open the door a bit rather than wait for an answer like she normally would.]

...Pink...? [Char whispered as she stepped inside.] Oh! Sorry, DC. Had I know you were here, I wouldn't've... um. I can go...

[joierpminorcharacters]

What's that supposed to mean?

[austinfg]

It means I'm pretty sure he'd love every second of it.

[joierpminorcharacters]

Austin, why would he love it? You saw how nervous he was, right?

[joierpminorcharacters]

[Ever since this gaggle of weirdos from Ohio entered Elliot's life by force about 6 months ago, every day was new and full of surprises (a feeling that was really no small feat given how much drama and randomness The Yellow Brick Road managed to garner by itself back in the day).

Which is why when he got a text from his first--and favorite--weirdo from Ohio... turned New Yorker ... turned Californian(?), Kurt, saying he'd be coming back to The City for a couple weeks, he didn't ask any questions or bat an eye. In fact, he dropped just about everything to make sure he'd be the first person to see those cute little rosy cheeks the moment he touched back down on the East Coast.

As Ellie pulled up to pick up area and rolled down the window, he couldn't wipe the smile off his face. Just seeing Kurt's excited expression as he waved him down was enough to transport him back to all those years ago and all the late night 'bitch and sip' session with his cutie of a friend.]

Veryyy fucking funny, yaldah. I knew that'd be the first thing you'd comment on, [Elliott said with a playful roll of his eyes. Thanks to the almost nauseating raise Benji gave everyone once Yellow reopened as Emerald (along with the generally higher tipping clientele Ben managed to cultivate) Elliott was able to finally replace his 17 year old clunker of a Toyota Camry with a much nicer hunter green Volo XC40. It was a used 2023 (he still wasn't made of money, after all), but with the care he was putting into maintaining it, only the a car enthusiast would know it wasn't basically brand new.]

But too bad for you because--[He made a big show of lifting his hand over and locking the passenger door again before Kurt could open it--] I'm not letting you into my 'stolen' car until you tell me when you turned into such a dirty, dirty bitch, [He said with a knowing smirk, the comment rolling off his tongue like a purr.]

[dir-khummel]

[Kurt rolled his eyes playfully and shrugged at his comment being predicted.] Oh, ha ha! You know what I mean! [Kurt said, placing a hand on the top. They were in no rush, they could take their time getting loaded in.] What happened to the old jalopy? You get too good for the ol' girl, had to find yourself a new lady to run with? [A sideways way of complimenting the purchase. It was a nice car, rolled in like a dream, and Kurt could imagine how it felt inside.]

[Kurt was about to open the door, get the first hug in before he started loading his bags, but found himself trapped outside with Elliott smirking at him like he found Kurt's diary. It was salacious, whatever Elliott knew, which could only mean one thing. The one dirty thing about him, the only dirty thing he got up to.]

[Kurt put his tongue in his cheek with a knowing smirk.] Me? I haven't the slightest idea what you mean. I am a simple freelance videographer that specializes in intimacy. [Kurt gave his cover story with a pompous tone, taking his sunglasses from his shirt pocket and putting them on. It was the one he told when the person asking could not be trusted with the truth. This, though, was Kurt playing around, pulling down the sunglasses and winking right as he finished. Elliott could be very trusted.]

Even if said art was taboo in nature, I am simply expressing the truth of the human condition. [Kurt said, giving himself even more of a dramatic flair before flattening out again with a shake of his hand.] Just, you know, with fluids included.

[joierpminorcharacters]

Your drag daughter happened, [Elliott sassed back easily.] You know how he is. If anyone within a 2 mile radius of him even looks like they make less than $150,000 a year, he'll basically break his own arm throwing money in their direction. [He added with a smirk.] I'm still waiting for the other shoe to drop--as is the trend with all of these rich boy 'savior' types--but I'd be crazy not to enjoy the money while I have it! I bought Mama here free and clear, honey. No payment, no nothing.

[Elliot matched Kurt's smirk with one of his own.] Oh, is that what you're telling people nowadays? [Kurt pulling down the sunglasses and winking was just too much. In a way, it was good Elliott had locked the door because otherwise he would've been right in the splash zone for the obnoxious sputter Elliott did before bursting into the loudest guffaw he had done in months.]

You... are... actually trying to kill me, [He warned when he got around to finally starting to catch his breath.]

God. That was rich. Get in here, Olivia. [The soft 'click' of the door unlocking could be heard as Elliott used his other hand to wipe the literal tears forming in his eyes.] And don't you think for a second I'm dropping you off anywhere before I find out how the hell I start the night getting stood up for a date and end the night finding out the biggest prude girlie I know is suddenly directing girl-on-girl now.

You know, most people have their bi-awakening when they come to The City. Not after they leave, [He added, unable to help himself.]

[joierpminorcharacters]

Austin, I'm pretty sure if I did that, Conner would actually die.

[austinfg]

Mm, you'd be surprised.

[joierpminorcharacters]

What's that supposed to mean?

[joierpminorcharacters]

What do I even do? Just, like... go on my tip toes and kiss him?

[austinfg]

That does actually sound pretty adorable. [Austin admitted.]

[joierpminorcharacters]

Austin, I'm pretty sure if I did that, Conner would actually die.

[joierpminorcharacters]

I mean, yeah. I'm not agreeing with her.--Especially right now when I don't even know if temps fall under her rule or not--I'm just telling you what she always says. I'm her baby and her roomie. I've heard her tell the war stories like a billion times.

[Annie blushed even harder.] Austin!

[austinfg]

I don't doubt it. Blanket rules for every situation and person just don't always work out.

I'm just saying, darling.

[joierpminorcharacters]

What do I even do? Just, like... go on my tip toes and kiss him?

[joierpminorcharacters]

It's more than just troubles though. It was way before my time, but I guess people fucking each other around here basically made Yellow implode. It's why we have the whole 'family' structure thing in the first place. Like... most of the queens went scorched earth and quit and Lem built this from the ashes with rules and trainings and, like... actual stuff so people can learn and grow as performers.

But boys are gross, Austin, [Annie only half-joked.]

[austinfg]

Well, sure if they're all just fuck buddying that's going to create a mess. But you also can't control how people feel. That's impossible, trust me.

[Austin chuckled.] Didn't look like it when I came in here.

[joierpminorcharacters]

I mean, yeah. I'm not agreeing with her.--Especially right now when I don't even know if temps fall under her rule or not--I'm just telling you what she always says. I'm her baby and her roomie. I've heard her tell the war stories like a billion times.

[Annie blushed even harder.] Austin!

[joierpminorcharacters]

Lem just needs to let everyone date each other. Like, I've heard the stories and I totally get why she doesn't want us to, but... most of us work here 7 days a week. And a lot of our regulars are good tippers but probably terrible boyfriends. Where else are we supposed to find people besides other staff? ...And temps, [Annie added mostly under her breath.]

[She blushed again.] You did see that bundle of lanky awkwardness that ran out of here a couple of minutes ago, right? I don't think initiative is gonna be our strong suit.

[austinfg]

[Austin smiled and let out a little hum of a laugh.] Atlas had that rule at The Flame. And then Nova and Mason came to us with their little sad. lovesick eyes and it didn't last long. I do recognize the troubles it can cause. It's a hard balance to find.

That's why I'm encouraging you to be the one to take it when you're ready to.

[joierpminorcharacters]

It's more than just troubles though. It was way before my time, but I guess people fucking each other around here basically made Yellow implode. It's why we have the whole 'family' structure thing in the first place. Like... most of the queens went scorched earth and quit and Lem built this from the ashes with rules and trainings and, like... actual stuff so people can learn and grow as performers.

But boys are gross, Austin, [Annie only half-joked.]

[joierpminorcharacters]

...Good point. If Del knows, hopefully that means Lem'll come around soon, too. The only thing I'm more tired of than Del and Lem making puppy dog eyes at each other is Honeyy doing it to Char.

[Annie couldn't help but laugh with him.] Damn it. You're way better at that than Lem is.

[She sighed dramatically.] I mean, it's not like we're never gonna kiss ever. It just might... take us a while. I don't know... [She trailed off and punctuated her statement with a timid shrug.]

[austinfg]

That is a little more complicated, but I just hope they can all work it out... peacefully. And yes, they are just as bad. So many lovesick puppies around here.

I'm not trying to rush you. I'm simply saying that when the time comes, one of you will have to take the initiative. [Austin pointed out.]

[joierpminorcharacters]

Lem just needs to let everyone date each other. Like, I've heard the stories and I totally get why she doesn't want us to, but... most of us work here 7 days a week. And a lot of our regulars are good tippers but probably terrible boyfriends. Where else are we supposed to find people besides other staff? ...And temps, [Annie added mostly under her breath.]

[She blushed again.] You did see that bundle of lanky awkwardness that ran out of here a couple of minutes ago, right? I don't think initiative is gonna be our strong suit.

[joierpminorcharacters]

...Wait. Del knows? [Annie asked quickly.]

[austinfg]

Again, I'm guessing. Otherwise, what the hell is she singing about? No one's told me officially though.

And don't ignore me! [Austin added with a laugh.]

[joierpminorcharacters]

...Good point. If Del knows, hopefully that means Lem'll come around soon, too. The only thing I'm more tired of than Del and Lem making puppy dog eyes at each other is Honeyy doing it to Char.

[Annie couldn't help but laugh with him.] Damn it. You're way better at that than Lem is.

[She sighed dramatically.] I mean, it's not like we're never gonna kiss ever. It just might... take us a while. I don't know... [She trailed off and punctuated her statement with a timid shrug.]

[joierpminorcharacters]

[Annie smiled to herself as she considered Austin's question.] Calm down, Uncle Austin. I just brought him back here to goss about Mom and Dad without anything getting back to the Russian.

What? I can't just kiss him! I've never kissed anyone before. ...And I'm pretty sure he hasn't either.

[austinfg]

Oh. Well, he might as well know, everyone else besides them already does. Or... maybe everyone else besides Lemon now. I'm guessing? I need to get Luke or Mason in for a rundown.

So you guys are just never gonna kiss?

[joierpminorcharacters]

...Wait. Del knows? [Annie asked quickly.]

[joierpminorcharacters]

I mean, not the shoulder specifically... Mostly, he was worried you'd tell Lem he came back here.

You know how protective she is of me. She'd freak if she knew I snuck a boy into our room.--...Well, a boy I liked. I snuck Robbie back here the other day and she didn't batt an eye, [Annie only half-joked with a smile.]

But the shoulder was the furthest we've gone so far, [She admitted, flashing Austin a tiny smirk to make it clear she recognized how absurd that was.]

Since Seth's handling Lem and Ben, he's basically off early tonight. Maybe if I get him drunk, he'll try to hold my hand, [She added, her smirk growing wider..]

[austinfg]

Why did you need Robbie back here? Were you alright? [Austin asked, suddenly concerned.

He couldn't help but laugh at that, shaking his head.] You could also just the kiss the poor boy. It's what I did.

[joierpminorcharacters]

[Annie smiled to herself as she considered Austin's question.] Calm down, Uncle Austin. I just brought him back here to goss about Mom and Dad without anything getting back to the Russian.

What? I can't just kiss him! I've never kissed anyone before. ...And I'm pretty sure he hasn't either.