#c. wendy.

[wisheswagered]

Wendy is used to exhaustion, and sleeping at the strangest of times. It became something of a habit a long time ago, and it's no surprise - her experiments often keep her up throughout the night, so at some point, sleep became a rare luxury, one she had to snatch at any opportunity possible.

Still, even with that said... she doesn't feel particularly well rested after just waking up now. In fact, she doesn't remember falling asleep at all - which isn't all too unusual, but she's been so caught up in her despondence she hadn't thought she'd be able to rest...

That single stray thought is like a floodgate - as she remembers just how she'd been feeling; it all comes rushing back at once. Disappointment and frustration quickly make their home in her mind, along with a bone deep weariness. At the very least, she feels a little better than before, but... what a discouraging sensation to wake up to...

It's around that time when Wendy notices she isn't alone. As she spots the figure of the woman looking down on her, she blinks slowly - once, twice - and just about gathers her thoughts enough to finally speak.

"I'm sorry. I must've fallen asleep... Am I bothering you?"

@chiefjusticekeogh ( starter! )

[wisheswagered]

When it comes to the other guests to Oletus Manor, to be honest, Wendy hasn't found herself particularly interested in them. She's sure they each have a story of their own, and aren't to be underestimated - it's just that those things don't concern her, with the exception of only a few individuals who caught her attention before she first arrived.

Jose, as it is, doesn't happen to be one of them. And yet, here they are now - and strangely, despite her disinterest until now, Wendy finds herself compelled to speak with him. Though that might have less to do with him as a person, and more to do with the situation she's found herself in...

"It's plain to see that something's not right here." Her words are blunt, yet somehow it sounds like she doesn't particularly care about what she's asking. Even so, there's a sharpness in her eyes that betrays her true feelings.

"Whatever you're all hiding... can't we move on to the part where you tell me what it is?"

@niightwcves ( starter for jose! )

[wisheswagered]

Wendy must admit that Demi's profession seems like an interesting job - one with a good story never too far away. The idea of a cheating scandal makes her stomach twist, just for a moment, as she thinks of the wedding she'd attended not too long ago... but it's only a passing discomfort, one she's able to quickly dismiss as she focuses back on what she's here for.

"Hmm... well, I can't pretend I'm not interested." she begins, pausing only slightly before she continues. "Then, what about the story that struck you the most? Something that stayed with you, even when you thought you'd heard it all before."

Wendy's fingers lightly drift along the table's surface, absent-minded as she anticipates Demi's answer. This isn't like Wendy at all, really - when it comes to things outside of her work, it's rare for her to show much interest. But... time in the manor changes everyone, and Wendy is no exception to that rule. Something has drawn her towards Miss Bourbon, and Wendy is a researcher at heart - why wouldn't she investigate the pull?

"Or if not that, then something about yourself, instead. You're a rather curious person, Miss Bourbon... I don't doubt you have some stories of your own, as well."

@vincimxses ( continued! )

[wisheswagered]

In some ways, Wendy thinks Demi might just be her polar opposite. The barmaid has such passion and a zest for life that Wendy can only look on at enviously, and she seems to shamelessly do what she wants, when she wants, without ever apologizing for anything.

But that isn't a bad trait to have. And Demi doesn't seem to be inclined towards the the type of selfishness that would hurt others - she's just confident, seeking pleasure for the sake of it, making the most out of every moment.

Of course, all people have depths that aren't always visible when you're only just standing at the surface... Wendy's sure that Demi is no different, and she often finds herself curious about her whenever she spots her from afar. But it's the mention of her family that's caught Wendy's attention as of late. She only heard it as a comment in passing; the fact that Demi has an older brother, one who'd vanished years ago, and who Demi has been seeking ever since.

"How about a trade?" Wendy asks, as they sit at the makeshift bar - after having listened to Demi's attempts to get her to talk about herself for a minute.

"I don't think I'm all that interesting, but... I'd like to know more about you. Why don't you tell me a story? Then I'll tell you whatever you want to know... probably..."

@asea0fmxses ( starter for demi! )

[wisheswagered]

❝ can i come with you? ❞ for Wendy

"With me?"

Wendy's eyes are usually half-lidded with sleep, and there's an ever-present air of apathy around her when she's not focused on her experiments. But right now, she seems surprised, even if it's only minutely - and she pauses to sincerely think about Luciane's request.

"...I don't see why not." It doesn't take too long for the answer to come, though. Luciane has always been pleasant enough company, at least by Wendy's standards. But... would she really be interested in this kind of thing?

"I don't want to bore you, though. Was there... something that inspired your request?"

[wisheswagered]

〝I can't lie, I don’t know how to flirt, but I can definitely make you a drink 〞

demi to wendy ── @asea0fmxses

"Hmm? Is that so, Ms. Bourbon?"

There's a rare hint of a smile on Wendy's face, the upturned corners of her lips giving off an impression of faint amusement. It's not often that Wendy finds that people are interested in her, and she'd normally never give them the time of day... but Demi's straightforward and carefree nature are a welcome balm on her often weary soul. Maybe it's her unapologetic nature that Wendy admires the most.

"Well, I'll gladly take whatever you have to offer." she adds, her fingers gently ghosting over the table. "If it's you, I'm sure you won't let me down."

[wisheswagered]

Florian, as far as Wendy can tell, is a very well-regarded member of society. Charming and passionate, he's become something of a hero amongst the local population - a savior of lives at that, though details about his personal life are much less forthcoming. Personally, Wendy feels there's something too sharp about his smiles. Good people, including heroes, do exist, but Wendy's past experience with people has taught her that placing one's faith in reputation is more likely to leave you disappointed than not.

With that said... in this scenario, maybe he's exactly what she needs. When she approaches him, she puts very little effort into appearing welcoming or put together - but if he's put off by that, it likely wouldn't work out anyway. If possible, she'd prefer to get straight to the point.

"Mr. Brand. I appreciate that you must be a busy man. But about what we talked about the other day... how would you feel about a partnership?"

@svpernovae ( starter for florian! )

[wisheswagered]

❝ still giving me the silent treatment, huh? ❞ demi to Wendy :3 - @asea0fmxses

Wendy doesn't look Demi in the eye even as she's approached, instead choosing to pointedly ignore her, making her thoughts on the matter very clear. But in the end, it doesn't take long until she does speak up - in a tone that seems to be indifferent; but with a slight childishness hidden behind it.

"Well, you know what you did." she says; stubborn as ever. Yet despite that... deep down, Wendy knows she won't be able to keep up her show of annoyance much longer. She's weak when it comes to Demi - the barmaid's shameless affection and carefree attitude drawing her in too easily, leaving her charmed in spite of herself. In some ways, Demi manages to be everything Wendy isn't. Perhaps that's part of what makes her so fascinating to be around.

"Unless there's something you want to tell me? I'm not enjoying this either, you know."