[Cecelia wastes no time in discarding her magazine and hurrying around the counter, rushing over to hug him. a bit brash, sure, but there are few people left with which she would be so openly relieved nowadays.]
Thank gods! [it's a brief, but tight hug before she pulls away, off to grab her things.] Let's get out of here before another stupid disaster comes crashing in!
Anyway, Finn returns the hug firmly, realizing he missed her more than he thought he had. She wasn't one for his sort of dramatic melancholy. It'd do him some good to get a different brand.
Then the hug ends and he watches after her with a little smile. ]
[while wrapping up in her shawl and slinging her purse onto her shoulder:] Yes, I do. It's around the corner and two crossings down. You can sit in there and not be so cold. But first-- [she sidesteps back to the counter to grab her journal and some keys before waving toward the door and heading there.] --I need your assistance. You're going to save me the trouble of having to climb up a footstool today, and I'm most pleased about that.
[she briskly heads outside, a few steps ahead of her delight in his return so she can stay clipped and on-task, waiting for him before locking the door and then pointing up.]
Kindly pull that cage down, will you? I can't reach it on my own. Once I lock that up, we leave at once.
To keep ne'er-do-wells from breaking in. [she crouches to lock it at its base.] There's a strange number of people who are invested in trying to steal petty magic trick equipment, believe it or not. Gods only know why... None of it is even that impressive, yet the way some of the regulars talk about it...
[she makes a disgusted sound, getting back to her feet and dusting her gloves off.]
Ugh, it's whatever. Like, most of them have started to learn to shut up when I've had enough of their rambling? So long as certain ones don't cross paths and start a ruckus. Please do me a favor and do not take on any work that brings you anywhere near clowns, mimes, or "illusionists." [she pokes his arm very pointedly.] You're forbidden. If you get caught up in any of that nonsense, I'll vomit, I really will.
[ Some of that stuff did seem interesting, but while Finn can admit that to himself, he probably shouldn't out loud. Still, he smiles at the pokes. It's a little subdued but it's a smile. ]
I've seen real magic. The fake kind isn't nearly as interesting. [ Still kinda interesting, though. ] At least they're passionate about something?
I'd rather they be passionate somewhere else, thank you very much. Gods, this world is so full of weirdos obsessed with the dumbest stuff, you know?
[not like her being a self-insert fan ficcer is weird or dumb, shut up.
she lets out a sigh once they enter the shop, grateful that, somehow, a store specializing in cold treats is still warmer than outside. it smells kind of sugary, too, which can do wonders for the mood.]
[ Finn kind of likes the obsession trend. Well, most of it. The harmless ones. He likes seeing people passionate about mundane, harmless things. It's refreshing. At the same time, he's pretty sure Cecelia's talking some really bad ones but he can never be sure with her. ]
No, I haven't. [ Just skipping over the obsessions topic, I guess. ] I've seen places like this but I actually haven't been to an ice cream shop before. Just- I don't know. This is pretty cool, though.
[ It is cool, but he's always been too busy with other things to bother with something like this.
He was the type to busy himself to escape his thoughts, but now he can't seem to find the motivation to be busy at all. That dullness probably comes out a little in his voice, too, but he still keeps the tiny, warm smile just from her own obvious sigh. ]
[she lightly bats at his arm to dismiss the worry.] Pish-posh! You're living i a world where they deep fry everything and try to put it on a stick. This can't possibly be a food-crime! And besides, it looks fine. Look, me? I usually stick to something loaded with strawberries or cherries-- maybe chocolate if I'm miserable.
[beat.]
Load it up with chocolate syrup. You're miserable. It'll help.
[ He huffs a laugh and does just that after he gets his order. It's just a nice mountain of ice cream and chocolate now but he goes for the strawberries, too.
Then, after a beat, while he's fixing his up to look pretty: ] I don't look that miserable, do I?
Well, no, but, like-- [she makes a struggling sound while topping off her concoction of strawberry and vanilla and chocolate with a pair of cherries -- scoffing at the distant reminder from the attendant that extra cherries cost extra -- before finishing their conveyor line to the register.
while finagling with her purse:] It's like a whole thing, right? Like, aura? Aura, and...expression and outfit and voice and stuff? It's a whole situation. Like, I'd be completely stupid not to notice it even without the context of your dread adventures. Right?
[ Finn looks down at himself. Does his outfit really give it away?
Ah, whatever. She's right, he figures. The misery's probably glowing around him. He's not exactly proud of it.
He sets his own concoction next to hers and digs out his wallet to pay. ] I've got it. Compensation for dealing with my misery. [ It's said with a smile, at least. ]
No! [she lightly swats his hand and money away -- repeatedly, if she must, and will position herself directly in front of the register if that's what it takes.] No, I've got it! Because that means you'll owe me something later, right?
[it's blackmail, threatening the universe to dare interfere with their friend-time. she knows her odds are bad, but she's prodding that tiger anyway.
now with all items paid, Cecelia grabs a fistful of napkins and finds them seats near a window, plopping down with a huff.]
The only thing really miserable is the fact eating too much of this stuff makes you fat... [she says before immediately shoving a spoonful in her mouth.]
[ Well, he has to step away when she makes such a fuss about it, but her argument earns a smile out of him. Yeah, well, he already owes her. But that's beside the point.
So he lets her pay, grabs some more napkins (never too many with something like this, he assumes) and sits. ]
The extra weight's worth it. [ Never had the opportunity to lay about and worry about getting fat before. It's those tiny things that makes this place so unbelievable.
His spoon swirls through the ice cream, observing it before even considering a bite. ] Thanks. You know, for... all this. Thanks.
[she scoffs gently, none of the usual edge it has, her face a bit pink at the gratitude.]
It's ice cream, Finn. It's not like...like I was able to solve an actual problem or anything. [she takes another spoonful, glancing out the window with a frown. what are the odds another hideous, mouth-covered goo-monster will come oozing down the street now...?]
I mean, if you're going to put up with me? Especially after whatever madness you got dragged through and everything? I may as well get you ice cream, right?
I mean, you didn't have to. And you are solving problems. My life's just been war and... war. I haven't really gotten to experience anything like peace and what most think is normalcy before coming to Earth. And you're my first friend I made that was beyond all that stuff, from something completely different. We gossip and get our nails done and eat ice cream... It's nice.
So. Thank you.
[ All said while staring down at his dish with the longest face ever. Oh God, he's gone full sap. ]
[there's a beat wherein Cecelia offers no reply other than to look utterly touched and a bit crushed by such a thing.
then:] Omigaaaaaaaawwwwds, Fiiiiinn! [she huffs, having to grab a napkin and dab at her eyes.] You're gonna make me cry and mess up my eye makeup! Augh! You are, like. Too sweet for this world or any world? Gawds!
[she sniffles and huffs again, straightening back up, lifting her chin up.]
Well, fine then. I'll keep battles and war off the table and keep things properly where they need to be. Nails, ice cream, this garbage show I found the other day... [she nods solemnly, but inside she's almost...giddy? she can't really say she's often been praised or rewarded with gratitude for things like ice cream and nail polish, but it feels nice? like those things aren't just vapid wastes of time?]
[ They are definitely not wastes of time. Not to Finn.
He's a little surprised by her reaction for a minute before smiling and pushing all of his darker thoughts away for the evening. There'll be time to think about it later. So, he finally takes a bite of his ice cream and settles in. ]
Well, now you have to tell me what this show's about.
[oh, she will. gladly. and with great and grave detail about its nonsense plot, nonsense characters, and nonsense "twists." one would think for how much she despises the tropes she calls out, she'd have not bothered watching at all, but it's fun to hate-watch things, she's found! after all, she loves hate-reading things almost as much.
she's scraping the last remains of her dish by the end of it, in far better spirits than when they arrived all for simply dunking on fictional people and their own, fictional problems.]
Honestly. I can't even fathom the kind of person who would enjoy such tripe... [beat.] Sincerely, I mean. [definitely not her! nope!!] It's an incredible barn fire to witness simply for spectacle.
I'm grateful that its focus is on other so-called "fantasy" creatures and not elves this time, lest I puke nonstop. I get enough nauseating content from the weirdos who come to the store asking me to join their game nights, you know? [eye roll.]
Sounds like they made it with you in mind, to be honest. They can't actually be serious about it.
[ His mood has lifted considerably. Maybe not to levels it was before... all of that, but he seems a little more chipper, anyway. His smile's honest. ]
Wait, people do that? Pretty rude... Or maybe they think you're pretty or something and they're awkward about it.
Please, Finn. None of those sorts have the spine to ask someone they think is actually beautiful? Hello? To them, I'm an easy target because I have to stand there and endure it as an employee.
[in some cases, it's true enough. but she's very quick to paint all interactions in such a foul light, even the more...earnest attempts at incurring her favor.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
no subject
[Cecelia wastes no time in discarding her magazine and hurrying around the counter, rushing over to hug him. a bit brash, sure, but there are few people left with which she would be so openly relieved nowadays.]
Thank gods! [it's a brief, but tight hug before she pulls away, off to grab her things.] Let's get out of here before another stupid disaster comes crashing in!
no subject
It took like five seconds, Cece!Anyway, Finn returns the hug firmly, realizing he missed her more than he thought he had. She wasn't one for his sort of dramatic melancholy. It'd do him some good to get a different brand.
Then the hug ends and he watches after her with a little smile. ]
Did you have a place in mind?
no subject
[she briskly heads outside, a few steps ahead of her delight in his return so she can stay clipped and on-task, waiting for him before locking the door and then pointing up.]
Kindly pull that cage down, will you? I can't reach it on my own. Once I lock that up, we leave at once.
no subject
Why's a cage out here?
no subject
[she makes a disgusted sound, getting back to her feet and dusting her gloves off.]
Well, then. [she takes his arm.] Shall we?
OH A CAGE I GET IT NOW LMFAO FUCK
He takes her arm and they set off. ]
None of it's even real, though. Stealing things like that doesn't make a lot of sense. Sorry you have to deal with them.
LMAOOO LOOK IDK WHAT THEYRE REALLY CALLED AND...NEITHER DOES CECE. STAYS IC
no subject
I've seen real magic. The fake kind isn't nearly as interesting. [ Still kinda interesting, though. ] At least they're passionate about something?
no subject
[not like her being a self-insert fan ficcer is weird or dumb, shut up.
she lets out a sigh once they enter the shop, grateful that, somehow, a store specializing in cold treats is still warmer than outside. it smells kind of sugary, too, which can do wonders for the mood.]
Have you been in here before? It's nice, right?
no subject
No, I haven't. [ Just skipping over the obsessions topic, I guess. ] I've seen places like this but I actually haven't been to an ice cream shop before. Just- I don't know. This is pretty cool, though.
[ It is cool, but he's always been too busy with other things to bother with something like this.
He was the type to busy himself to escape his thoughts, but now he can't seem to find the motivation to be busy at all. That dullness probably comes out a little in his voice, too, but he still keeps the tiny, warm smile just from her own obvious sigh. ]
no subject
this just means she has to take charge, shepherding him to the counter where the array of flavors are.]
Pick however many you want. They can mix them all together if you want. Go crazy.
no subject
Finn huffs a laugh at her and starts to choose from the myriad of colors, picking a few flavors he knows and some he doesn't. (Tart? Really?)
The worker is building up his little sundae, sans the mixing part, when he looks back at her. ]
What do you like at these things? Am I doing it right?
no subject
[beat.]
Load it up with chocolate syrup. You're miserable. It'll help.
no subject
Then, after a beat, while he's fixing his up to look pretty: ] I don't look that miserable, do I?
no subject
while finagling with her purse:] It's like a whole thing, right? Like, aura? Aura, and...expression and outfit and voice and stuff? It's a whole situation. Like, I'd be completely stupid not to notice it even without the context of your dread adventures. Right?
no subject
Ah, whatever. She's right, he figures. The misery's probably glowing around him. He's not exactly proud of it.
He sets his own concoction next to hers and digs out his wallet to pay. ] I've got it. Compensation for dealing with my misery. [ It's said with a smile, at least. ]
no subject
[it's blackmail, threatening the universe to dare interfere with their friend-time. she knows her odds are bad, but she's prodding that tiger anyway.
now with all items paid, Cecelia grabs a fistful of napkins and finds them seats near a window, plopping down with a huff.]
The only thing really miserable is the fact eating too much of this stuff makes you fat... [she says before immediately shoving a spoonful in her mouth.]
no subject
So he lets her pay, grabs some more napkins (never too many with something like this, he assumes) and sits. ]
The extra weight's worth it. [ Never had the opportunity to lay about and worry about getting fat before. It's those tiny things that makes this place so unbelievable.
His spoon swirls through the ice cream, observing it before even considering a bite. ] Thanks. You know, for... all this. Thanks.
no subject
It's ice cream, Finn. It's not like...like I was able to solve an actual problem or anything. [she takes another spoonful, glancing out the window with a frown. what are the odds another hideous, mouth-covered goo-monster will come oozing down the street now...?]
I mean, if you're going to put up with me? Especially after whatever madness you got dragged through and everything? I may as well get you ice cream, right?
no subject
I mean, you didn't have to. And you are solving problems. My life's just been war and... war. I haven't really gotten to experience anything like peace and what most think is normalcy before coming to Earth. And you're my first friend I made that was beyond all that stuff, from something completely different. We gossip and get our nails done and eat ice cream... It's nice.
So. Thank you.
[ All said while staring down at his dish with the longest face ever. Oh God, he's gone full sap. ]
no subject
then:] Omigaaaaaaaawwwwds, Fiiiiinn! [she huffs, having to grab a napkin and dab at her eyes.] You're gonna make me cry and mess up my eye makeup! Augh! You are, like. Too sweet for this world or any world? Gawds!
[she sniffles and huffs again, straightening back up, lifting her chin up.]
Well, fine then. I'll keep battles and war off the table and keep things properly where they need to be. Nails, ice cream, this garbage show I found the other day... [she nods solemnly, but inside she's almost...giddy? she can't really say she's often been praised or rewarded with gratitude for things like ice cream and nail polish, but it feels nice? like those things aren't just vapid wastes of time?]
no subject
He's a little surprised by her reaction for a minute before smiling and pushing all of his darker thoughts away for the evening. There'll be time to think about it later. So, he finally takes a bite of his ice cream and settles in. ]
Well, now you have to tell me what this show's about.
no subject
she's scraping the last remains of her dish by the end of it, in far better spirits than when they arrived all for simply dunking on fictional people and their own, fictional problems.]
Honestly. I can't even fathom the kind of person who would enjoy such tripe... [beat.] Sincerely, I mean. [definitely not her! nope!!] It's an incredible barn fire to witness simply for spectacle.
I'm grateful that its focus is on other so-called "fantasy" creatures and not elves this time, lest I puke nonstop. I get enough nauseating content from the weirdos who come to the store asking me to join their game nights, you know? [eye roll.]
no subject
[ His mood has lifted considerably. Maybe not to levels it was before... all of that, but he seems a little more chipper, anyway. His smile's honest. ]
Wait, people do that? Pretty rude... Or maybe they think you're pretty or something and they're awkward about it.
no subject
Please, Finn. None of those sorts have the spine to ask someone they think is actually beautiful? Hello? To them, I'm an easy target because I have to stand there and endure it as an employee.
[in some cases, it's true enough. but she's very quick to paint all interactions in such a foul light, even the more...earnest attempts at incurring her favor.]
Gawds, boys are so annoying. [beat.
flatly:] No offense.
(no subject)
(no subject)