Unspeakable

Chapter 74: A New Job

((I've been looking forward to this reveal since the first trip to London in shadow of love. Hehehehehehehehe))

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Poppy waited outside the antique shop for Dan, knowing he was nervous for his first day at his new job. Last night had been thrilling, and she hadn't gotten much sleep, but it had been well worth it. Her feet still ached, even with the few charms she'd used.

She smiled as he rounded the corner of the street, looking rather dashing in the new outfit he'd bought. A quick comb of his hair had swept it back to look far more presentable too, though she found she enjoyed the untamed look he normally had.

"Ready?" She asked, wiping a bit of something from his vest as he shifted anxiously in front of her.

"As I'll ever be, I suppose. I'm nervous." He admitted.

"You'll be fine. Just be your normal charming self." She smiled up to him.

Dan smiled warmly down to her, capturing one of her hands as she continued to tidy him. "Thank you, for helping me so much." He said softly.

She blushed under the warm look he gave her, looking away bashfully. "It's fine, Dan. I'm happy to help."

He leaned down to kiss her cheek gently, making her gasp a bit. It was one thing to do it when she still had adrenaline coursing through her. It felt entirely different to do it now. It made her feel a bit weak, as if her knees might buckle just from that soft touch.

"Let's go before I lose my nerve." He chuckled a bit weakly.

"Right. You'll be fine." She said, giving his hand a quick squeeze as well before she cleared her throat to gather herself, walking into the antique shop.

"Aaaah, and who might you be?" An old man said at the counter, smiling happily at the people who came in. "Come to browse? Welcome, welcome!" He slowly limped his way from behind the counter, and Dan wondered if he might fall at any moment from how frail he looked walking with his cane.

"We're here for the back room." Poppy said, tilting her head.

The old man slowly turned his head to them, his eyes suddenly turning bright before he stood up straight and set his cane aside.

Dan watched in shock as he stretched and a loud crack sounded from his back, and suddenly the man was standing straight, looking nearly 20 years younger.

"Ah, thank Merlin. Standing like that all day kills my back." He moaned in dismay. "This way, please." He said, walking briskly toward the back door, taking a wand out to unlock it before allowing them in.

He opened the door, allowing both of them inside before closing it again behind him, locking it again with a flick of his wand.

Dan looked around in shock at the shelves and shelves piled high with objects, some of which he had no idea what they were. Small creatures were sometimes flitting through the air, darting past them and laughing mischievously.

"Ah, pixies." Poppy chuckled softly. Poor Dan looked so shocked, it was a bit amusing.

"Yes, trying to get rid of them. They came in with a shipment nearly a month ago." The old man sighed.

"Oh, I can help with that. No need for any poisons, please. I'll trap them and take them off your hands." Poppy said eagerly.

Dan gave a soft smile, liking that Poppy was able to find work for her little venture wherever she went to help creatures.

"That would be wonderful, miss...?" He shook her hand gratefully.

"Poppy Sweeting. I'm the one who sent those owls about a new employee." She said, shaking his hand firmly.