#scardoodles

They shuffle into the seat, scratching awkwardly at two small scars on the right side of their neck. “I’m sorry it’s so late, but I saw you were looking for volunteers. I wouldn’t call myself an expert, but I’ve got experience and I want to help.”

“Oh well the later hours were for accessibility reasons, it’s easier as we get into winter because it’s dark earlier.” He waves off the apology already reaching for a particularly heavy binder. It’s held in a crudely built side table that has been handpainted a deep, pleasant red with ivy patterns across it, a warm contrast to the rather sterile office and the meticulously filed papers within. “What role in particular were you hoping to get into?”

“Mentor.” Lovely nods decisively, remembering Vincent’s words of encouragement earlier that evening.

“Mentor, got it.” He pulls out a selection of forms, mumbling as he goes. He lays them neatly out in front of Lovely and gestures to each one in turn. “So, we offer a few basic courses for support volunteers focusing on core information, emotional connectivity, and communication. And this form registers your interest and covers a very basic magical history that I assure you is entirely confidential.”

“Wow this seems so well organised.” Lovely looks at the various papers with S.H.I.T emblazoned across them.

The fire elemental puffs up at the compliment, “I always think it's worth it to be properly organised, especially if you’re providing physical copies.”

Lovely just can’t look away from the logo, nodding along as he talks through some of the paperwork. Until they can’t hold back anymore and blurt out, “is it meant to say SHIT all over the document?”

Damien freezes and looks mortified, slowly droping his head into his hands. “I should never have trusted Hux to tell me if it was okay or not; he’s too nice. I can never tell Gavin either, he warned me about this.” He scribbles another note below it that looks vaguely like ‘murder Gavin ASAP’ before exhaling slowly and looking back up at Lovely.

“We… I, had hoped it wouldn’t need to be abbreviated too much or the symbols would, I don’t know-” he gestures defeatedly to the logo on the paper. “- but here we are.”

They stifle a small laugh at how pitiful he looks. “It’s eyecatching! I think a lot of students will be intrigued. And I mean, our school is literally called DAMN and our government is called DUMP, so I think you’re fine.” They reassure him.

He doesn’t look convinced but begrudgingly allows their attempt to pass. “Well it’s all been officialised now anyway. Did you have any other questions? I’m happy to organise a follow up meeting that works around your schedule?”

“I don’t think so, I’ll fill these out as soon as possible. Thank you so much.” Lovely smiles gathering their things with a smile.

“It’s my job, no need to thank me.”

“No I mean, for starting this.” They say, quieter now, more sincere. “I wish I’d had this when I first arrived, so I’m glad someone stood up and got something done.”

Damien blinks a couple of times and the room heats up a few degrees. “I… It needed to be done. It’s got a long way to go.”

“But it’s a good start. And I’m pretty sure my healer friend would love to join too.” Lovely smiles, turning to the door. “I’ll be in contact soon, uh…?”

“Ah! Damien, Damien Rhone.” He hurriedly rises to shake their hand.

They nod, taking his hand, careful not to use too much of their strength. “See you Damien.” With that they exit, shutting the door carefully behind them.

The office is quiet for a good while after they leave. Damien, stock still behind his desk, smiles to himself. “I’m doing it.” His gaze catches on the desk of him and Huxley, surrounded by Gavin, Dear, Freelancer, and Lasko all piling on top of them. “And I’m not alone.”