Noob5674

Hiroverse: Fenix Tear Zero

Collab between @Noob5674, @Thanatos 7 and short supervision of @Dane
Short side story: Static Bunny
There wouldn’t be many expectations Lamy would have for Grae. Not necessarily out of dismissal of the boy, but when it comes to putting up a fight, anyone else in the guild is more appealing at a glance. (Even Voss, given the veritable army he commands, is top-class at guard missions)

But pickiness is for people with choices, so she would enter the tavern with her hop-hop gait that both would recognize and turn to.

And that was the only split second she would get, as the bad vibe that black held was far overshadowed by those eyes.

Lamy
Lamy's emotions are in absolute turmoil; her thoughts were racing too fast, yet she couldn't properly register a single one. Her muscles were tense enough to kill the person in front of her, yet she was too scared to attack the source of her anger and fear.

Lamy is not a subtle person.

She wears her emotions on her sleeves and says what she thinks if Mio were her goddess, who gave her salvation and freedom.
Then the person sending right in front of them, even in this other form they take, there's only one possible thing she could describe as the Devil.

Anya
“As for business, our interests align for the time being. Here's your black card membership to Lady Sangreveld's Tavern. You can meet me anytime. Everlue's auction is tonight; sometimes you have to keep your friends closer, Grae, rather than your enemies.”

Anya noticed the arrival of another party and looked at her with intimidation; her gaze was intense, yet that intensity afflicted only that person. "Looks like you've brought a friend, Bluegraver."

Grae Sterling
The recognition from the hop-hop would be immediate, but he’d question how as he looked to Lamy. Many questions would go through his head, and briefly, that goofy smile would be on his face as he caught the card from Anya.

Until he sees Lamy.

There was no effort to hide her tension, legs braced halfway between running and fighting, and that look she had towards Anya. Neither of the two would notice Grae’s shift. Posture straightens along with his gaze, and the smile is wiped.

“Ah, think guild business has caught up to me. I’ll have to excuse myself then-” The boy’s face would be hidden under the brim of his hat from Anya’s view as he went up and tapped Lamy on the back of her hand. “C’mon. Let's talk while we walk.~”
His voice is calm. Hints of that jolly boy from moments ago linger in his voice, but Lamy can see his expression. Tensed. Cautious... Worried.

Anya
Bursted out laughing, “I'm sorry, my dear. You, Vampires, Demons like us, aren't particularly welcoming to the pungency of Devil Slayers.”

Lamy
The small hand tapping her, that's a very common feeling for Lamy, and it's probably the only reason why she didn't vomit right then and there.

When she took the hand to be led away, it took her a while to realize it wasn't Lady Mio but Grae. It's not like she had any particularly negative feelings towards the guy. It's just him being one of Mio's descendants that makes it hard for her to approach.

A Whisper, a mindless mumble, even came out quieter than anything she's ever said. “I am Lady Mio's cute bunny and personal attendant.”
The words she said were profoundly quiet, yet she knew the person in front of her heard them.

After all, he was one born with a special constitution. If anyone in the world knew the potential of those bodies, it would be her.

Grae Sterling
She’d see his step pause as they leave the tavern. Just for a moment, before he continues leading them along the streets outside. Strides wide, even if they are average-paced for her, as if to leave the words she muttered behind.

It would be a blink in her state before she finds herself seated across from Grae at a cafe, quietly and privately tucked away in a corner, and a small carrot cake served before her.

A few blinks would process the changed scenery as she takes a small bite before her gaze slides up from the table to Grae and the sound of silverware, which is difficult given the sundae with a sparkling happy birthday atop it, what.

She’d see him peeking from behind his dessert as she looked up. “It’s not really my birthday, just fyi.” There’d be a moment of silence as he eats another spoonful from it…before he finally brings up what happened.

“Lamy…How did you end up as…” There’s a pause. “Well, Mio’s bunny assistant?”

Lamy
Honestly, she kind of did want to talk about it. She really did, but she really couldn't. It wasn't just a traumatic memory for her. It's because the genuine off-chance Lady Mio may overhear. After all, nothing could escape her sight if she really wanted to.

“I used to not like carrots. They were always the last thing the other kids took, so I was always forced to eat them if I didn't want to die.” It's rather obvious to anyone that she's clearly deflecting, but this is truly the closest she has ever gone to telling anyone her situation.

“In the area of Tantania, really, that whole continent never particularly liked humans, so my orphanage didn't particularly like me, and it didn't help that I put in more effort than the other kids.”

Lamy was clearly trying to present a sob story to deflect from the original point. She did not consider the fact that she was releasing a bit of a lot of information, like the fact that she was human and seemingly having a condition with her body.
“Now, carrots taste like ice cream, straight-up sugar for someone like me.”

Grae Sterling

She’d hear chewing from Grae, steadily following her story and pausing intermittently. Clearly, at parts where she revealed something…and when she said ‘now’ at the end. There wouldn’t be a chance to cover that up as he asks on the spot.

“Then who picked you from the orphanage?”

A sharp question. Certainty about Mio that left a gap in her sob story. Little doubt in his eyes about the blank in her story being what she really wanted to speak of, yet didn't want to delve back. And the flinch is all he needs to confirm it.

"You...don't need to speak of Anya if you wish." And that one's a guess from her wearing that look from back at the tavern. It had to be, with that wrong name.

Lamy
“There's a story I heard once when I was a child. It went something like there are two mice, one lives in the country and one lives in a city, and, yeah, despite both being mice, neither could comprehend the other. The country mouse could not comprehend the luxury of the city mouse, and the city mouse could not comprehend the comfort and safety of the country mouse.”
“I always thought I would want to be the city mouse. After all, there's nothing more crushing than a life that feels worthless...”
“For as long as I can remember, my life has never been my own, be it my body deteriorating, a man's cruel experiments, or even Lady Mio's whims.”
“I understand salvation, but freedom is a concept that is foreign to me. Lady Mio is my savior, and yet a piece of cloth can be just as bad as chains.”

Grae Sterling
“Then why not strip-” He has to cut himself off with a cough, realizing he's halfway too deep into the metaphors.

“How about a change in…perspective? The cloth is not binding you, Lamy, not as chains did before. Not in knots binding you, but in clothes that you don’t know how to wear. Pants too long, skirts tripping you with every step. Dressed to the design of something not your own.”

He glances at his parfait and his reflection with a huff as a gear stares back. “It’s not that the cloth has you bound, Lamy; you’re tripping over overflowing weaves, getting lost in them without knowing where to fit in. Hell, everyone gets lost without someone to help dress at first…you just simply need to change how you're dressed...”

Grae goes to say more but realizes he’s gotten lost and was about to say something suggestive again.

“Just- know that while the guild hardly has as much of a family vibe as others, you're free to ask others for help.”
“Aiko would always like a fight; Voss can help with any finances if he gets a cut; Ifrit is always willing to wrangle in trouble…”

He taps his glass with a spoon as Grae stands on his chair and leans it toward Lamy to take a bite. “And of course, if you ever need advice, the guild’s big brother is always willing to lend a shoulder.”

Lamy
Lamy was pretty zoned out; she was mostly just monologuing, not actually looking for a real conversation, but the person in front of her, one of Mio’s blood, decides her fate. "Do you want me to strip down to my bare flesh? I'll do it after all, you're someone with control over my life."

“It's not like anything truly belongs to me anymore”

Ur
Arriving at the scene with Akane in her chibi form, resting on her shoulder. I didn't quite permit you to be here, Lamy, but that's ok. I panted in exhaustion after that horrid meeting at the royal courts in Hizuru.
"Grae." *The air around us tensed. "You were assigned to lead this Quest, under the supervision of Mizore. Never mind her, I got Intel from one of Mae's bats on what happened. Don't tell me, you ran and slacked off."

Grae
As Ur walked in on them, Lamy could feel the mood break as Grae’s face showed a moment of panic before being replaced with bravado.
“I did not! I'm following the plan for the mission at large, where I went to make a fuss elsewhere for Everlue to focus attention away from everyone else, who are gonna be getting justification to raid him. Something especially needed given Dragnovia Law being applied over the place.”

Lamy
“Wait, what right. That's what I was doing. Lady Mio told me to retrieve Aki. I got distracted.”
“ I need to move quickly; I can't disappoint her”

Lamy stood up, clearly in a panic. “Wait, but the stupid spell I'm working at half capacity who knows what's going on there-” She turns to look at Grae. “-Forget everything you just heard; none of it matters, and none of it's important, or I'll tell lady mio"
Lamy is an incredibly unsubtle person.

Grae Sterling
“Aki’s here?” There’s a glance at Ur on the deal over that before Grae gets up and sits Lamy back down. And slides his parfait to the center of the table, clearly meaning to share.

“Anyways, sounds like you got as much business here as we do on that Law, so you’re free to join us if you want to. And regardless, you still have your own body and mind to keep to yourself-”

He couldn’t have known about the landmine that the claim he tried to use to brush off her mood was.

Ur
Not the real deal but merely a Thought Projection, Akane herself wasn't even real either, just an imitation, cosmetically Ur strips.
[“Ur you freaking guilt stripper!”]

Don't bother trying. You have to wait for the next cycle. Once people are inside the Dragnovia's Border, there's no way out; they are detained for the night.

Lamy
“Why are all ice users like this?” Lamy reflexively takes the parfait. “I need to move faster; Lady Mio shouldn't be kept waiting for Aki scenes, rather invested in him, more than usual.”
“I wish Heine & Juliet were here. If they were. I wouldn't have to concern myself with this silly barrier." Honestly, any thoughts of Aki left Lamy's mind ever since she saw the devil. A quiet mumble: “ I under no circumstances, Lady Mio see-”

Even one with a special constitution like Grae couldn't hear what she just said.
But it doesn't take a genius to tell that something is still up with Lamy.

Grae Sterling
But even a genius couldn’t know what isn’t said. Even as a pot boils over and smoke spills, there’s no certainty of what’s under a lid kept so shut from the outside. Nor could he tell what was under Lamy when she coiled into her own trauma like this.

And so, Grae does the only thing he can, not as one of Mio’s lineage, nor as the genius of the guild.

The chair would tilt slightly under the two, as Lamy feels his weight on her back. His arms wrapped around her neck and his head nestled between her ears.

“It’s alright, Lamy. You know Mio better than I do, and she is many things but impatient. A few pages of boredom are nothing new for her, nor is she the kind to criticize impromptu scenarios. Aki's a strong boy; he might run far, but he wouldn't get into impossible trouble. Not from what I've seen of him in the short time I have.”

She could practically hear his heart beating steadily this close…kinda too fast for a resting pace, though?
“Now, seriously, help finish my parfait; I think I'll get sick if I eat any more.”

He already ate 2/3s of it, which is insane for his size.

Lamy
Lamy has not been hugged in a very long time.
It took everything she had not to cry, because the last time she was hugged like this, Mio wasn't sad. She could experience regular human emotions. The person who saved her was normal still.

A memory
The girl all white who smiled like the sun: Mio
“O The world is truly so beautiful. From now on, the world has been made for my convenience.“

“You're just like her.” Profound words are an indication of his true lineage, yet the person who sees them would have no clue: “You're right, Mio can wait a day. Let me finish this parfait.”

Lamy grabbed the spoon of Grae I's with resolve and put it in her mouth. She will later be embarrassed by this action because it is, in fact, an indirect kiss

Nyxen Dremyss
“Operation static bunny total success”
Nyxen, one of the seven primordial gods, one of the most powerful and important people to ever exist, using one of the most powerful spells ever conceived, Universe Morpheus: Moon Eye Dream Rebirth — Izanagi: A spell that gives the user the capability of rewriting reality to do whatever they choose to see fit, and she used it to see her ship happen.

Despite her best efforts to distinguish herself, she truly is just like Mio.

Hiroverse: Fenix Tear Zero

Collab post with @Dane & @Noob5674: Grae's encounter with Anya Dragvern.

Anya had Grae’s chin, raised a tad bit to her level as they locked eyes. An undulating set of passion, gazed upon like a Kaleidoscope’s allure. “Come.”

She paused, immediately twisting & turning while subliminally sending mixed signals as she played with the short hem of her skirt.

“Bluegraver. Like what you see?” Behind Anya is the Tavern and a quick spawn into the lobby of collections.

A collection of alchemic and demonic objects, too many to name, and too many to see.

She’d get a playful whistle at the sight. “Wooow, seems someone’s got quite the hobby?” His eyes look around, not quite glances, but never lingering.

He’s… definitely not paying attention to what she’s showing off. Not any more than he has to, at least, as his focus remains leveled at her.

Playful he may be, she’s seen enough in his eyes, and there’s no mistaking the steady calm behind his frivolous attitude. That and Mizore have long since exposed how tough a nut Grae is to crack.

Arius smirked and thought of Mizore deep within. Having said that, the Sparda, from the seed of Jordan are just too thick in the head to even notice. Change of tactics.

“Hayley serves nice drinks. This Földahtler has such a nice kick to it. That said, you're quite the rare visitor in this Tavern, welcome to Fenix Tear’s Fiore Base. Bluegraver.”

Hayley rolled her eyes. “At least it's not Agria. Do whatever you want, it's on the house, Sterling.” She prepares red phoenix lasagna, it's a lasagna dish with one flavor stack after another and refills itself.

Földahtler is a dry-aged cyanide honey grape ale beer.

“Make yourself at home. And don't mind me, just because I'm wearing a bunny suit, doesn't mean I will entertain you.” Hayley said.

“Anya is one of our peers here, you met her once with Lady Sangreveld, a year ago in that Bullet Drake, Dark Guild Bounty. Don't go slacking off, Sterling. I'm still part of this Quest. But for what's worth, this side of the Tavern has lots to tell. Where's the rest?”

Hayley wondered.

She sighed in disappointment.

“You got them lost, didn't you?”

“They got lost on their own.” There was no hesitation as he took a seat. “Sora’s vehicle sickness landed her in a barrel rolling downhill; everyone else went after her, and I certainly wasn’t gonna go to that side of town without permission.”

Still, Anya would see Grae give Hayley a very shiny puppy-eyed look. The Heartfeelia would already have seen it before.

Don’t be fooled into thinking she caught his eye where Anya didn’t; Grae doesn’t hide where his interest lies, and when it comes to enjoying himself, that’s ranked first…

So that’s all just the usual silent “can I have a drink?” kid look. “Blink Blink.” That one’s spoken.

Hayley genuinely smiled.

“Fine. The usual tick.” Hayley then prepared raw and cold goat milk that never loses its coldness.

“Lux et Veritas. Sterling. You know the drill, when it's always you and me, I can't lie and neither can you.”

Light & Truth: Lux et Veritas, Hayley's celestial potion that makes people tell the truth.

For that matter, it's only between them while Anya is exempted.

“Glad all that teasing from Mizore taught you something. Lady Sangreveld’s tavern is quite the sobriety for the drunk. Whatever is said in this bar, stays in this bar, and you know that.”

“I got you the blue banana cakes, your favorite. I'm not gonna lie, I could learn some slacking for a while from you, but hearing Ifrit’s sermon can be annoying.” Hayley said.

Anya coughed.

“Let's enjoy company for the time being, Celestial Girl & Bluegraver. So chillax, we are in a VIP chamber after all. Feel free to touch anything and try not to bleed, I can be a little wild if you do.” Anya’s fangs protruding.

“There will be an auction later tonight, perhaps a little bidding to gamble would be fun, if it suits you.” Anya said.

“A hobbyist gamble. Someone out there who have Mard Geer’s Black Rose, which is worth a fortune, while they may take interest in other things like this black book over here. So Bluegraver, I heard you're quite the enthusiast in wicked objects, find anything you want to do?”

Another whistle from the Bluegraver behind a milk froth mustache. For once, his attention’s caught, but whether he’s hooked…

“Both are fairly tempting bids. You're lucky this isn’t my mission; otherwise I wouldn’t be here with money to spare.” And plenty at that, given they could’ve given Voss this mission at any time.

“But my plans were still to make it look like it was mine, at least from Everlue’s perspective. And while I certainly see a fine auction to gamble and a fine lady to do-” He winks at Anya, as expected of the Blueballer Bluegraver.

“-still gotta ask for formalities: will he be there too?”

“This has nothing to do with Voss Agria’s Quest, at least on a surface level. Everlue on the other hand, is a collector you see, so he will be here tonight.

But for you, it's not about the money, it's about contracts.

Then again those two things might overlap.

He is after something I have, you see, one that can turn darkness to light and light to darkness.

Have you ever heard, the tragedy of Raja Roubaul?”

Hayley sighed. “This is nerd talk, I will leave you two alone, just tell me if you need refills.”

“Bye bye, Hayley!” He waves her off before Grae’s attention returns to Anya with one eye closed. “As for them…can’t say I’ve been a fan of hearing others’ tragedies, so no.”

“I thought so. It's not an independent guild nor a light guild’s tale to tell. It's a dark guild & Black Mages story.

Raja Robaul was the chief of the Nirvit Tribe, 1400 years ago.

So versed in Cursia and Spiria, Robaul The Wise, influenced ethernano and opened lost stargates to different worlds; he even stopped people from dying.”

“Mmm.” She still has his attention, even if the tale is quite the long-ago kind to be telling. “Well, hardly sounds like a tragedy just yet, so I presume that chief overstepped his good intentions?”

Anya smiled.

“The gateway to hell is paved with good intentions, my dear. He became so fixated with godhood and granted vampirism by turning what's dark to light and light to dark; he actually doesn't mind sharing. In fact, he shared too much.

Those he loved and became Vampires, only ended up divided; they ended up killing each other until Roubaul was left without a member of his family.

Fortunately, he remarried, but more tragedy came. His own son, Argus Vortigan of the Tartaria Kingdom, grew up a tyrant and split the continent into two, Tartaria and Sparda.

Ironic, isn't it? Roubaul wished for Harmony yet it was the Inverse of his fortunes.

His bloodline is a house so divided that the Great Tyrant, Argus Vortigan, was upstaged by his nephew, Arius Vortigan and took the throne for himself. Instead of Arius letting Adam Vortigan, his father, rule the throne and reunite Sparda and Tartaria, he disowned his own father and put him on ice.

Roubaul can share his gifts, but those who reap them are cursed.

He spent his eternity in exile at Hadal.”

There’d be a pause of silence to let the tragedy settle, not from the gravitas inherent to the tale, but just a moment of respect for those passing.

“The history of Sparda huh…Sounds like you’ve got more vested interest there than even my own family bothers out of formality.” For some, such interest would be suspicious. It would invite pressing further, seeking what it means by force.

Grae sees a tad beyond. Nobody reminisces like this unless it's personal, and for a personal tale… “A pity for the grandfather who needed a tyrant to right his good wrongs.” He raises his glass of milk to a toast.

“History of Vortigan. Funny how you should say that, but you and I are kindred spirits, Grae.” She finally uses his name.

“Don't worry, I'm not some elitist idiot, who would be so fixated on our clan's history.”

Anya wiped the milk stains on Grae’s lips, closer than ever.

“You're a fun company to be with, Grae.”

She hugged him tenderly with no malice.

“As a Vampire, I can smell the Sparda line in you, and as a Vortigan, it seems that our bloodlines draw us, I was expecting hate but you're a good listener.”

Her hugs became tighter and her chest against his face. A hug reciprocated, as he hugs back.

Not even flustered by the rather promiscuous position his height places him as his head tilts upwards and their eyes make contact.

“Most tend to expect hate from the Bluegraver, but few remember how Sterlings are.” And a cheeky grin pops on his face. “We’re simply greedy little birds who seek all. And to want all, we have to be able to love all.” She feels him squeeze the hug tighter as his head is raised.

And the same look he gave Hayley earlier aimed straight at her.

In a distant echo of time, a tryst of lightning and thunder applauded.

And so from a certain point of view, they connected. He could feel her soft lips, and she could taste milk on his. And that’s a moment where she’d notice the oddity.

Because she had wiped the milk from his lips already.

Open eyes would show the cheeky truth, as she stares down Grae’s forehead with two fingers in peace with her lips placed upon. And that grin is no doubt the same Mizore has retold about the missed potential of the Blueballer. “Ehe~”

The pupils of Anya dilated as it slitted of their situationship.

“Interesting.” She licked her fingers, which were dipped with milk, yet somehow there was blood. Anya sucked the blood mixed with milk.

“Your blood is tasty, as a reward. Take three items that you'd like in this collection. They say you slack, but I don't see it that way, you're merely building Voss Agria to be his own man- such a good senpai you are.”

“An older brother of a guild has to take care of his siblings after all.” There’d be a chuckle as Grae wiggles out of the embrace.

He wouldn’t even need to ask for details, as he picks the rose and the book with light skips in his gait. Two items picked in seconds before he spun on one foot back to Anya.

“I think these two fit me well enough. As for my third pick…” One arm would bend behind his back before that grin came back and the two fingers she kissed were raised in front of his lips.

“Think you can make it more tales like Nirvit?” And the unspoken pair with that item are the moments they shared just seconds ago.

“I don't mind at all. In time, you will. For now, we will enjoy. Consider this a fourth offer.” Anya used a globe tarot card and showed Grae the true humanoid image of the planet Eden.

She wouldn’t hear a reply. She wouldn’t need to.

After all, all Grae gave back to that offer was a grin, different from the playful one teasing her. Nor was it filled with any kind of lust one would be familiar with at a bar.

If there was anything more damning of cementing that joke title of Blueballer Mizore gave him, it’s that honest smile of a boy in love.
And the insatiable temptation to claim it for oneself instead.

Hiroverse: Fenix Tear Zero

Grae Sterling

Few would notice the shift. Few are immune to reality bending back a moment. Grae wouldn't be an exception either...However-

His emotion in that moment lingers by an inch, as he steps and glances at Anya with a fervor, a frenzy in his eyes. The bum of Fenix Tear may keep many things hidden, but never his intent or emotions, and Anya would see a sight practically twins with his sister, Silvia.

Gaze questioning, seeking weakness and identity. A violent gaze that lives in and for violence.

Sad that it fades rapidly with a blink as reality washes over him, and finding that his sister isn't here, and that his heart is just fine.
'Hmm. Must be getting homesick if I'm daydreaming like that again...Maybe I really should go hunt another bounty soon after all of this.'

And the tension would slacken as the bum of Fenix Tear returns a pout. "Aaah, now that title's quite an overestimate, but it is indeed I. Grae Sterling, here at work. I don't suppose Mizore has bothered to send an explanation why we're here, so I'll make it short. Anything strange happening around here? Other members should be checking in on the other branch by now, just an FYI~"

There'd be no subtlety as Grae says it there out in the open like a slipped thought. "Ah, should probably take this inside." And confirming that read too.

Hiroverse: Fenix Tear Zero

Grae and Silvia Sterling

For anyone else, the sight would be gruesome. A thin splatter of blood from where the rapier penetrated and twisted to rupture would shoot out behind him, and Grae would lock eyes with his assailant. There's a faint intensity behind those blue eyes...and recognition as one hand secures the blade and the other shoots forward towards the other's head-

pat pat

"Oh my gosh, sis! You didn't tell me you were gonna be here!" Even as blood is staining his dress, the boy's smile is as unfazed as his familial affection is unfettered at the sight of the other nearly identical face to his own. Different solely due to the stern look they've undoubtedly worn for years compared to Grae's stupid one.

And even with their strength on paper being as night and day as it gets, Grae steps backward, taking Silvia's overstepped greeting and pinned weapon to leave her unable to react to the inevitable bullying of an elder brother.

The pat would turn into a clawed grip on her head as her head is fiercely but playfully wiggled. Even as she tries to fix her footing to pull or even kick free, her head jerks again to keep her off balance, and this humiliation is kept firmly in Grae's grasp.

A familiar family reminder to her.

Hiroverse: Fenix Tear Zero

Grae Sterling

"Aye aye sah!" Valeria, taking the lead on Yozora's slip-up, inevitably has the group catching attention, and so he's more than willing to listen. And as everyone's on their magic and catching up to our runaway dragon slayer...

Uh, Grae's gone missing. It only takes a moment to realize why.

("Grae, do what you do best" -> What is Grae best at... -> Being a Bum)

He's ditched the team to follow his own plan...Now wandering the port city in the direction of the mansion.

Hiroverse: Fenix Tear Zero

Grae Sterling

"You think someone like the 'Bluegraver' would be a Second-Class Mage? You reaaaally think your senpai is that amazing to be the exception like that?"

His argument sounds plausible to those unaware, but he's been dragged to local White Creed courts more times than anyone else, off of licensing issues alone. Any credibility his credentials once had has long since been lost among those in the guild...

That, and everything coming from Grae, tends to sound fraudulent in tone. And that smug look on his face. Okay, it's mainly his face and tone doing it. It's definitely going to draw attention, though, which is the point in all fairness.

A moment ago, while the ship was approaching the port.

"While the S-class are probably gonna keep watch, I'm still captain by seniority for ground mission, so we're going by my order. So-" He turns to glance around town as Yozora hears a quiet tick as Grae looks away from the group before turning back. "-we'll be going assuming the mansion's gonna have eyes and ears around town."

While the contrast between Grae talking over plans and...every other time with him could be considered strange, nobody in the guild would find it that extreme a jump. And of course it's by his own explanation, said many times before. ("Eeh, strategy is just talking a lot and thinking a lot; None of it requires me to do actual work~.")

"So, we're going to be investigating around under the pretenses of me being on another one of my jobs instead to act as cover. Mansion's gonna be over in that direction of town, so I'm gonna drag their attention onto me near there while everyone else goes paired to investigate the locals about anything sus going on."

"Doubt we're not gonna be pointed towards them eventually, given who we're dealing with, but if they think we're just biting a finger instead of going for their throat, we can hit him hard before they expect it."

The plan is already set to start on landing, as Grae holds no mercy for a target.
And certainly won't miss a chance to slack off even more as he accounts for everyone to be in the optimal positions...

Back to present

"Anyways, remember to stick to your buddy while you go 'investigating', alright?"

He looks at the inevitable pairings between the five members here: Yozora and Voss to go on a date, Aiko and Val to find clues about the Mansion, and him by himself. To slack off and carry the important job of dragging away any spies Everlue might've put in the local area, and lower the 'tail' they're gonna cut off.

Truly, he is the strongest slacker there is. Now then, time for the strongest to go where the kids aren't as used to fishing for info...
That is, he's looking for lunch. Whether it's seedy taverns or cafeterias by the port, those are the places with the loosest lips and the best place to slack at.

Hiroverse: Fenix Tear Zero

Gray Sterling

There would be clearly fake sobs as Gray watches Voss fall for Mizore's clearly fake promises. Like no one is believing you when you say you'll be getting out unharmed, that certainty, especially when it comes to her honeyed suggestions, only makes it clear that Voss wasn't listening to her intent;

'Imma put you through hell, the loot is a double helping of fighting~.'

Gray would know, given that he managed to dodge those tests last time. Don't underestimate the guild's number 1 slacker. Of course, he doubts she will now.
Speaking of...he drops the sobs as he thinks for a second.
"Pretty low scale all things considered, but...1-2 for Voss, depending on if he's using his Spirits for distractions, and 1 for me." A blatant lie on his own part.

Well mostly. Not entirely a lie if he flat out refuses to be sneaky when she wants him to...wait a minute- "Also, why am I being included in a mission with zero pay again?"

Hiroverse: Fenix Tear Zero

Gray Sterling

It’d be within split seconds that Gray would feel a pull above him. Literally. Very subtle. And one he’s more than aware is his own magic/magnesis telling him…
Mizure is throwing swords at him again.

For most guild members, even a sudden attack from Mizure wouldn’t be impossible to dodge. Hell, for most, it’d be enough notice late and still just flex a bit to take a short distance, especially given that her intention here is just to make distance between him and Voss, judging by how she’s aiming, as well as settling unfounded grievances with him.

But why would Gray care about what she wants? After all, she’s the one butting in here. So if she wants to have a private moment with Voss, it’s only right to ruin it with the sole best method possible; Ruin the mood.

“Waaaaaah!?!” Unscrupulous. Dirty. Rolling here and there while picking up a chair to defend himself unnecessarily, yet his comedic act keeps him rolling just a few steps from the two and very much in earshot of his pathetic wails. Adjusting sloppily to the senses, his pull/push tells and nudging swords into just close calls.

Does he expect Mizure to be still enjoying the moment even with his efforts?
Yes, she’s absolutely that kind of person. But it will break the vibe for Voss, and to have his fellow pretty boy break free to recognize her freak is enough. Bum tactics #35-

~Don’t get distracted by her, be distracted by meee~

It is unfortunate that Gray that he didn't realize how low she'd go to snare an innocent boy into her plans and didn't realize she'd bait Voss in with his one biggest weakspot: Loot/Money.

Hiroverse: Fenix Tear Zero

Gray Sterling

Gray would eventually head to the bar for drinks (I mean, it's a party; even if there's no booze, it is etiquette to have a drink in hand to signal your turn to talk), and he would find they'd run out of cups. Honestly, not unexpected given how Voss' fan club seemed to have grown in the past while, but that still leaves him with a simple issue with a simple Sterling solution.

There are no unoccupied cups, so whose can he take... A mental list of who's here almost immediately bottoms out when he considers how petty he'd have to be to bother others for it, let alone resort to debts.

So that just leaves Voss and another, since he's an option. Yusuke, a guild member and another fan of Voss. Usually, not even worth considering getting involved with her, but if he baits her with her idol, that changes the picture. And if it's messing with anyone, he has to get Mio in on it too to make it practically guaranteed.

A full plan organized in his mind to get a cup with just a few choice words...But, he cannot forget that they are still all fellow guild members. They're all practically family.

So, he sits beside Voss with a cheeky smile and glittering eyes that his fellow pretty boy would recognize. He's getting threatened.
"Vooooss, we're out of cups, share with me or you'll have to share with Yusukeeee~."

It is important to note that Yusuke doesn't share. She either chugs it all herself or, as Voss knows first-hand, bashes his teeth with it to force him to chug all the sa- actually even worse now that Gray's remembering the last time he pulled this stunt. She couldn't stop giggling then, so she spilled it all over Voss...well, at least it's an effective threat to make.

Hiroverse: Fenix Tear Zero

Gray Sterling

The first to enter the guild would inevitably be the Sterling; inevitable, especially when it comes to welcome parties and cover-ups.

"Ello, hello, Voss coming in right behind me!" That call would be enough to revitalize the fans to greet their idol, as Gray shuffles Aki past the party and headed off ahead for Mio to handle. And with his part done...well, that means he's headed right back to the party.