Work Text:
December 25th was fast approaching for the little family of seven. Desmond Al-Sayf had been hard at work, working to bring in enough money for Christmas. The economy in 2023 had been rough, with the cost of everything skyrocketing. Malik Al-Sayf was also working hard as a map maker, having made accurate maps for city planners, government officials, rich folk, and even gamers who wanted a nice map for display or for the D&D Player, a map to play with. Tazim AL-Sayf had been working as well because he wanted to get his parents something nice as a way of thanking them for raising and taking care of him for all these years. Petruccio was also working hard to get something nice for his parents. Elijah had just started working, having to drop out of college because they could not afford it. Leonard and Luna were worried about their family because they saw what their parents and older brothers tried to hide from them. That they were struggling. Desmond hit the roughest patch on December 21, 2023. This was the day he was supposed to die, eleven years ago. Yet here he was alive and living, struggling now. Things took their toll on him and his family, but for some reason today was always the worst. Normally Desmond had the day off but ever since 2020 and a certain world event that had occurred, Desmond has worked to the bone during the holiday season. Bad Weather closed down for good in 2020 and Desmond had been fortunate enough to find work again but since the boss was a lot crueler, he could not take any time off. He had to go in even if he was feeling sick. The boss never cared. There was one time in 2021 when he had the entire staff there, sick, and a concerned customer, several actually, organized a sit-in. that if the staff was forced to work while sick, then they would not order anything.
Today, today though, December 21, 2023, Desmond went to work, feeling great and ready to work when he and several colleagues found a disturbing sight. The owner and the boss were both dead hanging outside the establishment. It was horrific and it quickly came to light that the owner was corrupt and had shady dealings, while the boss had been targeted for how he was treating his workers. One would think this tragedy would be cause for celebration. While many celebrated, they quickly came to realize that the way the owner had run things, none of them would receive anything. The business faded, and they were essentially let go with no safety nets in place. Desmond had some savings, but… but…no…he could not be selfish. His family had to come first. So, he went looking for a new job. He was though surprised to find his old bosses, Jason and Alfea, at a new bar they were able to buy. Victorious Dagger Bar was its name. What caught his attention this time was how the a in dagger was shaped. As he looked at his phone, bringing up a picture of him and his family with Voltaire at Bad Weather, he noticed how the a’s in Bad Weather were shaped. It was the assassin logo. William had told him that there were modern versions of Bureaus, and you could always tell because they would have the logo in the name somehow. He let out a mirthful laugh. He had worked at a Bureau and never knew it. He went inside Victorious Dagger Bar and was in awe.
Victorious Dagger was an assassin’s haven if there was ever one. The main floor was modern, goth for the local cell with bats and skulls and monster memorabilia. It looked like a vampire’s lair as it should. The bar in the center, currently had his former coworker Gorege working. He looked up squinted a minute and said.
“Oi? Blimey Desmond, yah look like Shite. Good to see yah mate.”
“Hi Gorege. Jason or Alfea in?”
“Aye. EH! Mike, yah Blighter. Desmond’s ‘ere.”
Mike was always a scrawny fellow pulling off some of the more creepy characters of horror and monster legend. He came in and said.
“Desmond! Glad to see yah man! Jason! Alfea! Desmond’s here!”
Desmond was surprised to see how quickly the two came to see him. Soon they were all talking. When Desmond mentioned the situation Jason said
“Well, we have been doing well these past few years since we lost Bad Weather. We were just missing you from the Bad Weather Crew. You will be welcome to return. You have worked for us for fourteen years Desmond. How about we give you $25 an hour, plus tips. Insurance for health, dental, vision, and life. Paid leave, paid time off, Vacation time, Tuition assassin, training for advancement.”
“Thanks, man.”
Desmond said. Alfea did the math in the background of the conversation and said.
“I am also prepared to give you a $3,000 bonus for the losses you suffered due to the last job closing.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“I want to Desmond. Look Jason and I have a plan in place should we die. It was those idiots' fault for not having something in mind.”
Desmond smiled and knew he was home once more. The money was very helpful, and he was able to provide not only the home, food, and warmth for his family but also gifts for Christmas for the children. Jason when he heard Elijah dropped out of college to assist his family, he told the boy to march his butt back to school and give him the bills from now on. He was paying for his education. He would do that for all the children of his workers. Desmond was just happy to work once again for such a great place and people. Seeing Voltaire again also made his nights too. Christmas morning came around and there was plenty to unwrap for the kids and Desmond and Malik. Though perhaps the greatest lesson was perseverance and who to know.