Workin' 9-5, What a Way to Make a Livin'...

[sockhopsolly]

THE ON-DUTY MEME



We're all used to playing our characters in special circumstances--sharing a bath, AUed into a robot, in the rain, lost in the ball pit (well that's one way to get your extra hour)...but how often do we get to actually play our characters doing their day jobs?

This meme is for just that.

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Write a starter about your character going about their day/night at work, wherever that may be.

If your character is a doctor, write them checking in on a patient, or having a meal in the hospital cafeteria. If they're a lawyer, write them at court. If they're a professional ghost-hunter? Yeah, that'd be a pretty neat starter too!

Be sure to include some sort of hook that allows other characters to join in the action, even if your character works alone. Maybe they brought their pile of research out to a cafe? Maybe they need help with something?

2. Respond to other characters' starters.

3. Thread. Have a good day at work, or perhaps an awful day at work.

Comments

Masaune Date | Sengoku Basara

[vengaboy]

[ Not that he's ever really off duty, but...

In the morning, Lord of Oshuu will be granting audience to people of all walks of life, to hear out requests and complaints, settle disputes, antagonize exchange messages with rival clans, so on and so forth.

In the afternoon and evenings, he'll be doing in-person rounds for managing agricultural production, military training and upkeep, construction and repairs. He's a lot more hands-on about it than other daimyo, for better or for worse.

Part of his job also involves personally handling any threats to his territory. He tends to adhere to the FAFO method for this.

TLDR: feudal samurai court politics let's gooooo ]

Lucifer Morningstar | Obey Me | OTA

[fellfurthest]

The Devil is In:

[You might not think running Hell would require so much paperwork. But no, you'd be wrong. For everyone who hates paperwork? Rest assured, there's even more waiting in the afterlife.]

[To a certain degree, Lucifer brings it on himself. The dream of a more peaceful resolution to humans, demons, and angels co-existing without the kind of war that destroyed even immortals is ongoing, and requires an immense amount of oversight with the human realm governments. If Lucifer trusted demons more, sure he could delegate some of the responsibilities. But if he's trusted demons he'd be a fucking idiot, and the Avatar of Pride is never that incompetent. Besides, he barely trusts his own siblings to do camping correctly, he's definitely not going to trust random demons to ensure ongoing tri-world peace. That's ridiculous.]

[It's not PILED UP per se...]

[But he did take a couple days off recently, and for every time that happens, he swears the paperwork somehow reproduces in his absence, multiplying exponentially, worse than rabbits or tribbles. Well, it's demonic, and cursed, so that's also to be expected probably.]

[Some of this requires a lot more reading later, but that's fine, he can do the reading with a glass of demonus (wine) and playing some cursed records on the gramophone. Make a night of it. His workaholicism is fine, it's fine. Don't worry about it.]

[At a knock on the door, Lucifer doesn't even look up. Despite having rolled his shirt sleeves up, the cape-jacket on the back of the chair, he's still wearing the black gloves and reading glasses. He's old, okay.]

Please tell me you have coffee.

[He doesn't care who, why, or how you're there, just so long as you bring caffeine. Tea would be better, but that's not as dark and brooding sounding, and Barbatos and Lord Diavolo know him well enough to bring him tea "for his health" anyway, even if insisted he wanted the coffee, his friends/coworkers protect his pride, okay okay.]

[Option 2:]

[Later that night, Lucifer is all set up with the gramophone, demonus, and unfortunately still having to take notes in all the dense material. Catch him at the home office but be warned: House of Lamentations is an obvious cursed haunted manor currently populated by demons. Oh yeah... and it's in Hell. Don't forget that part. Alas for many victims, the portals aren't always as stable as they try to keep them, so who knows. Random wormholes are an ever-present danger in all otome.]

[devilcaughtnapping]

No, no coffee.

[Almost sacrilegious, asking if Belphie is carrying caffeine. Not that it ever has any effect on him. Lucifer's youngest brother stays in the doorway, observing some distance. He knows Lucifer's office is off-limits to anyone but Lord Diavolo. Even their exchange student friend isn't allowed in without an express invitation.]

Are you coming to dinner? It's ready.

[fellfurthest]

Yes. Thank you, Belphegor.

[It would be weird for Belphie to have caffeine on him. Blasphemy.]

[He gets up, puts the jacket on without the sleeves, and arranges everything with a mild dead-lock spell in case anything gets disturbed. It's easier to curse the door, but he likes to mix it up.] Whose turn is it today? [Thursday. Asmo? Or was that a different week?]

[devilcaughtnapping]

[Ugh, of course he's putting a spell on his office. Can't leave anything to chance, can he? Otherwise the Anti-Lucifer League would have an easier chance of driving him to distraction.]

Levi's. He made a meal that showed up in one of his human-world anime. He's upset that he had to substitute Devildom ingredients.

[fellfurthest]

[Obviously! Don't worry, the annoy-a-tron is still very very annoying. Not the least of which because it keeps moving, so finding it to exorcise it is a bitch.]

Of course. [A small laugh.] As long as it's not Ruri Hana themed again.

Thank you for fetching me. I'm beginning to think my work would have swallowed me whole otherwise. [Joking? Sure, let's go with that.]

[devilcaughtnapping]

[Good. He and Satan are very proud of that annoy-a-tron, they may have to get a few more to ensure the torment doesn't stop even if Lucifer finds and destroys the first one.]

It's a different anime. Something about spirits? I wasn't paying attention. Come on, let's get some food before Beel eats it all.

You could take breaks, you know.

1

[reorienting]

No. Just tea.

[While he's getting used to life here, it doesn't stop him from leaning into old habits: caring for others he deems "his" in his own way.

[He strides in with a tea tray, several long tentacles grasping its ends while his gloved hands remain free to do anything else. But there's not just one cup on its surface: there are two. And an assortment of finger foods - from miniature sandwiches to what appear to be hand-crafted treats. While not a feast, Glenn's been careful to appeal to a variety of taste preferences with the small selection.]

I thought you could use the pick-me-up, so I prepared extras as well. And I have black tea brewing here, so you won't be lacking for caffeine.

[There's even a small assortment of cream, sugar cubes, and two small containers of honey. The latter has a sweet, potent vanilla-jasmine aroma. Moonflowers. The second smells of apple blossoms.]

So. Feel like taking a short break sometime before this gets cold?

[There's no judgement, and plenty of patience while he uses a spare tentacle to close the door behind him as he steps further within. His hands join the tendrils at the edges of the tray out of habit. For now, he also tries to clearly wait for where Lucifer wants him to set the tray down - at the desk, or elsewhere. (His RAD uniform also suitably fits him; he hasn't bothered changing out of it yet.)]

[fellfurthest]

You'll get no complaints from me. I like caffeine.

[Ahhhhh Lucifer is not used to thoughtfulness and people taking care of HIM when it's always vice versa!]

[So he's lightly aggressive in a head rub for Glenn.] Thank you.

[There's an additional glass coffee table with some chairs, even if it's mostly for Lord Diavolo, it gets some use. Lucifer almost instantly just starts mixing oolong, black, leaving enough space in his cup for black, and then just starts examining the honeys. It'd be SO RUDE not to try them, (this is his justification!) so he add a little bit, though clearly trying to mentally figure out a flavor profile for sweetness that even Lucifer can tolerate.]

You're going to absolutely spoil me like this. Was that your intention?

[reorienting]

[What, like he wouldn't notice how Lucifer is often doing so much?

[The slightly aggressive head-rub also prompts no complaints in turn; he just purr-clicks and leaves it at that.]

If doing a basic kindness by offering you something while you work so hard and so often is spoiling, then sure. I don't see why not.

[Seeing what he's doing, Glenn pours the second cup to match Lucifer's, and then nudges it at him with a fingertip.]

Here. Experiment. I'll drink the one you don't choose. It'll give me an idea of what to offer you next time.

[Rather than any sense of indulgence, the subject only gets a more matter-of-fact tone from him. Look, he gets it.

[He's also trying to learn the other brothers' tastes as well. It's a work in progress.]

[fellfurthest]

In Hell? Yes. That is absolutely spoiling. Not that I mind, of course.

[He takes a sip and beams.] In general I'm not terribly fond of sweetness. A few exceptions. Apples [Points to the apple blossom honey.] as you so correctly saw through. When it comes to teas and flavor profiles... Oolong, roasted, genmaicha, and spicy. So the usual: ginger, chai, cinnamon, but I even like more exotic ones like star anise, peppercorn, and turmeric. [Seriously, this fucking freak.]

[His knife skills and plating are insane and beautiful, but his brothers still are wary sometimes when Lucifer is the one cooking, since it tends to be intense.]

Asmodeus likes what's either the latest beauty trend, or genuinely healthy, but especially for skin. Beelz needs the calories, but go easy on the green tea with him, because it speeds up digestion. Honeys should help, as it should add some of the key vitamins he might otherwise miss. Levi needs ginko biloba and other brain fuel ones for his gaming and streaming. Satan also likes apples, though he'll deny it, but he prefers much more sweetness to me, so [Gestures again to the honey.] he'll almost certainly enjoy that. I'm not sure on teas with him, probably a lighter one, maybe even rooibos? But I suggest you take all the credit for it or he won't try at all. [FOND GRIN.] Mammon.... [A head tilt.] What pairs well with instant ramen and masochism? [LUCIFER PLEASE!]

[reorienting]

[Glenn nods, and immediately, he spawns a few tentacles to yank a notebook out of his pocket and a pen to immediately take notes. In this way, he's able to continue to pay attention while writing blindly. Having a keen sense of space with each tendril, his penmanship is neater than one would expect for not looking. Even if it doesn't adhere to the lines on it.

[But he head-tilts at something.]

Hm? Is this permission to bully Mammon?

[No, this isn't what he's really focusing on.]

[He'd basically been treating him kindly, like the others, but... not when it comes to money. It's easy to see through that.]

I've pretty much been trying to do this so I can balance everyone's taste preferences and nutritional needs when it's my turn to cook -- or if I cook on a whim in general. I'm accustomed to closely monitoring my own intake, after all, especially if I start to feel off.

[Having the general morality and tastebuds of a vegetarian when he's an obligate carnivore isn't easy to balance.

[But he nods to the little sandwiches. There's even a couple of fruit sandwiches, too (but not too sweet, having paired tart fruit with the cream.)]

But I'll remember you like spicy and aromatic things. I remember having a rooibos tea as a kid with cinnamon, chai, and star anise. I cried so hard, because the star anise tasted so bad to me that it ruined the whole drink. How could such a sweet name as "star anise" taste so disappointing to little me?

[His gaze crinkles in muted mirth.]

I just had to grow up a little first to appreciate it. I still struggle with very strong spices, unfortunately. Probably a result of my tongue over-compensating for what I lack.

[laughing_magician]

I've got coffee. And liquor. Just in case you wanted it.

[John is a hunter, not an errand boy. But he owes Lucifer, and wants to keep on his good side anyway.]

Long day?

[fellfurthest]

Regrettably. Truly, truly regrettably, I'll have to wait until after hours. But don't think I won't take you up on that in the future. I've earned it.

I tracked Astrid to Lachesis' domain, lost the trail, but she found me herself. She's a queen now and absolutely thriving. [Smug!] I've added her to your DDD so you can see for yourself.

[laughing_magician]

You have. A treat for you is well overdue. Just tell me when and we'll have a night of partying properly.

[Then Lucifer drops the info on Astrid and John hones in on his words like his life depends on it.]

You're shitting me.

[John nearly loses it. First, there's sadness that he didn't get her out in time for hell to affect her. But then he's proud, baby girl clawed her way up and is living as much of the dream as hell would allow for.] So she's doing well then? I'm glad she's in her position.

[fellfurthest]

I'll take you up on that. [Even if Lucifer's ideas of a party are 100% opposite his brothers. Well, half of them.]

I'm not. Beyond well. Absurdly well. I've half a mind to take you to the mausoleum to see the God of War's sword, but with our luck you'd just accidentally wake him up and turn him into a revenent or something stupid. In any case, she's doing great, so you can stop worrying, if nothing else. Still going to keep you as my Hunter, but admittedly, I was braced for far worse outcome than that.

[laughing_magician]

Good. It's been too long since I've partied with one of you. [He's met other universes versions of Lucifer, but never one this honorable or pleasant. He can't imagine such an uptight man drunk, but he's looking forward to it.

John takes the information in, and then in one drink finishes off what was in the flask to go into coffee. He doesn't even know what to do. He'll be Lucifer's hunter, sure. He's worked with far worse. But his whole life revolved around saving Astra before this. It'll take some adjusting to.]

I've spent so much time worrying about her that I don't even know what to do with myself now. I suppose I'll need another hobby now to fill the void.

Delia Battista ✨ Star Trek OC ✨OTA, 21+ for any shipping or smut

[attackpatternbattista]

[Delia's job, such as it is, is sort of a mercenary who has a wide variety of skills. She's acted similar to a bounty hunter, a diplomat, cargo runner, privateer, and numerous other jobs for various governments or individuals, since Delia herself has no strict political ties, this gives her access to many places more Official individuals can't reach, and contacts on various sides of various laws.

Also willing with work various AU's, Delia in Starfleet, etc.]

clark kent | superman (dc)

[colorsofhope]

[ Clark is sitting at his desk at the Daily Planet. Typing. Typing oh-so-slowly because it's busy all around so he can't go at it at super-speed. Even so, his article is coming along. He can hear Jimmy shuffling about in front of Perry's office. Wonder what that means for the next twenty minutes. And where's Lois when she's not heckling him? He's kind-of sort-of looking off into space--using his super-vision--chin in his hand. Super-speed-typing, once no one can see, will make up for that. ]

Gerard Keay | The Magnus Archives | OTA

[monstermanual]

Gerard's work doesn't always look like work to most people. Fact is he's never had a normie job, discounting a couple weeks one summer working in a music store when he was young.

He was good at it, but couldn't cut it. It was too ... normal. Made his skin crawl sometimes. Not that what he does now looks particularly abnormal from an outside observer. Crouched in front of a bookshelf, gloved fingers walking along the spines as Gerard looks through the offerings like a man on a mission.

If you're going to find a Leitner just cold reading it, charity shops and estate sales were the best bet. The discarded, the forgotten. So Gerard always made a habit of checking both when he crossed paths with them.

[ I default to prose but can match formatting! ]

Beckett Mariner | Star Trek: Lower Decks

[onepip]

[It's another day on the USS Cerritos, and Mariner's doing the usual rounds of a low-ranking officer: decompiling computer memory cores, repolarizing the emitters, and especially, keeping her eye out for any weird s*** that might turn into a ship-threatening anomaly.]

Man, even the purple-stripe tricorder can't pick anything up, which is weird, 'cause there's definitely a temporal anomaly slowing down this shift.

[Or, Mariner's on an away mission to the Sears Garden Center surface of an M-class planet. Lots of foliage, probably a village nearby that they're supposed to not interfere with as they take readings for dilithium deposits or life-forms that might contain medicinally useful compounds and stuff.]

Everything we're looking for better be on the surface. If this turns into a cave mission, I am going to be seriously pissed off.

Tasha Yar | Star Trek: The Next Generation

[senselessdeath]

[There are a couple of places Tasha Yar might be.

One is aboard the Enterprise, running a security sweep after getting anomalous readings at her station. What is it? The sensors can't tell them. That means deck-by-deck patrols, and she's leading one of them. It's a phasers-in-hand situation until they know what it is.]

Keep your eyes peeled. This could be an intruder, an anomaly--we won't know until we see it with our own eyes.

[Or, it's a diplomatic conference. Lots of aliens from lots of systems, and the effect on disagreements for each diplomat you add is multiplicative, not additive.

So while Tasha's in her knee-length dress uniform tunic, her eyes are constantly moving and her head's on a swivel, looking around for the first sign of trouble.]

I don't envy the Captain. Just keeping them out of trouble is bad enough, but having to make sure they get along? [She shakes her head.]

enterprise

[silverkeep]

Understood.

[ Setsu is quick to follow Tasha's lead when the sensors go off. They fall in step behind the chief, phaser at the ready and eyes scanning the corridor for anyone or anything unusual. Having transferred in from a different fleet, they're still acclimatimatizing themselves to the security division as a new recruit. Their record on file reads that they were raised in a military family, underwent training at the academy at first opportunity, and graduated with distinction. A bit of a dry life, perhaps, but suited to someone as serious and straightforward as Setsu. ]

I've read a few briefings, and it sounds like no anomaly is the same. If we come across one, what would be the procedure?

[senselessdeath]

[No anomaly is the same... they might be able to condense all the briefings down into that.]

Swap the phaser for your tricorder. Finding out what it's made of will be the first thing we need to do. Especially if it does turn out to be something that's alive after all.

[It's happened before, with the silicon-based intelligence on that one planet and that thing in the nebula that tried to seize the Captain.]

But most importantly--keep your distance. You just got that uniform, and I don't want to see any inorganic life-forms or strange protomatter tearing through it on your first day.

[The corners of her mouth quirk up a little, a little humor to keep the job from being too intimidating.]

[silverkeep]

[ Sounds like the kind of situation where they'll need to adapt as they go, but that could be said of most missions. Setsu files the information away. Their hand drifts to pat their uniform pocket down and check the tricorder is where they think it is while their eyes continue to comb the surroundings. ]

I'll keep away from any strange substances. I've dealt with a case of parasitic slime before and it was...unpleasant, to say the least.

[ A little contact, and one had more than just a uniform to worry about. ]