TDM #4

[apocalypsehowmods]

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➥ Arrival

(cw: potential for severe disorientation/vertigo, claustrophobia, arachnophobia, body horror)

It happens in the blink of an eye. You may have been asleep. You may not have. You may have stepped through a door or turned a corner. You may have seen a flicker of something at the corner of your vision and turned to look. Or maybe you didn't.

It doesn't matter. What matters is that you find yourself somewhere entirely new and entirely unfamiliar. The arrival point is not always the same. (If you're lucky, it might be a canteen or an open office. If you're not, well... you aren't claustrophobic, are you? Or arachnophobic. These ducts do seem to be a bit cobwebby.) There is no one waiting for you but you don’t seem to be alone, either. Even in a janitor’s closet or the bathroom, you’ll find at least one person who seems to be just as out of place as you are.

If characters have arrived in a location devoid of NPCs, they may want to work together to figure out what is going on... or to avoid their 'kidnappers.' If you’ve arrived in the middle of the entry foyer or the gym, there may well be a few people who startle a bit at your arrival and try to approach (or discreetly leave the room... where are they going?). Will you cooperate or fight? Do you even understand what they're saying? You might need to find a translator, if you’re not immediately willing to follow a stranger.

After characters follow their new hosts (or are forcibly taken in) there will be a limited tour and the chance to settle in at the ADI-provided housing. (Do you enjoy living with strangers? Well. It's a new situation to navigate, anyway.)

➥ Toying With You

(cw: creepy toys, possible violence, supernaturally induced emotions)

Weird things happen in Dogtown, everyone knows it. The Apocalypse Disruption Initiative (ADI) is not above taking advantage of that to test out the waters for its newest arrivals. They're not looking to send anyone to their death, though. That's far too much paperwork, you'd been assured with a wink from the employee who'd directed you to the park trailhead. You've been left with another person. Maybe they're a new arrival, as well, or a more seasoned 'veteran.' Either way, you're together for the next while and you've been asked to find and record any paranormal activity in the park. You have your phones and any other equipment you might have brought with you. Those who succeed in documenting anything peculiar will receive a $100 reward to be used as they see fit.

This month...characters who enter the area will eventually stumble upon...a very interesting sight. Take enough confusing, branching paths, and they’ll find a variety of toys abandoned in...a variety of ways.

Some, reminiscent of the happenings of the past month, can be found dangling from branches, or from contraptions of sticks and string staked into the ground. Others might be found arranged in patterns...or simply discarded. Some appear to be tied up. Perhaps surprisingly, there is no evidence of the destruction of these toys. Some may appear to be disintegrating but that’s age, not malice. There are old toys and new toys to be found. Maybe it’s just a prank, or an art installation?

Nothing seems to happen to anyone who ventures to touch the toys. At least...not right away. However, any character who does decide to touch a toy will start to feel like they just don’t have...enough. It might manifest as being particularly possessive over things or people they feel are theirs...or in coveting what they don’t already have (be it material or immaterial). These urges will fade away on their own in time, but who knows what might happen before they do?

➥ Pick a Pocket

(cw: mention of vehicular collisions, supernaturally-induced sleep/fatigue)

There is an ethereal music spreading throughout town. It started in the graveyards last month, but now it's spreading, even as collisions and other accidents continue to pile up. Tourists and locals, alike, will find keeping awake incredibly difficult as October rolls in with a rumble of thunder and a splash of rain. Even caffeine doesn't seem to help much with the problem. The music is only just there, just at the edge of awareness, and it's a song that you know. You can't entirely place it, but it's maddeningly familiar.

The local gangs seem to have taken note of the situation, and have taken to sending out their seemingly more resilient members for some mischief. Specifically, pickpocketing those they might find sleeping or less alert than usual. You might be half-falling asleep on a bus when a hand reaches into your pocket or your bag. You might witness the thief in action, stealing from someone else. Or maybe you're someone keen to take advantage of the situation, yourself. There's money to be made for someone with even moderately light fingers when the target is snoring on a park bench or zoning out while sitting at a cafe.

There doesn't seem to be an even effect to the music. It impacts some people in the same vicinity more than others with seemingly no rhyme or reason. The one constant that does appear for those digging deeply, is that ADI HQ and the ADI housing complex seem to be less affected by the music. It can still sometimes be heard, but it's not nearly as prominent as it is throughout the rest of the city.

➥ Sleeper's Paradox

(cw: supernaturally-induced sleep/fatigue, mild memory loss)

For as much as everyone seems to be sleeping lately, it does not seem to be restful sleep. In fact, people dozing off regularly will find themselves even more exhausted and irritable than usual. Again, this seems to be far more pronounced for anyone straying too far from ADI's properties for extended periods.

Another feature of this latest round of supernatural irritation is that even those who tend to remember their dreams may have trouble with that. You might remember that the dreams weren't pleasant, but that's about it. The specifics are as elusive as the source of the singing.

Festive planning for the end-of-the-month Halloween Party is in full swing at ADI, and characters may find themselves strong-armed by Pam and other HR personnel, in spite of any grumpiness and exhaustion, into helping with some part of it. Will you be assisting with making decorations? Buying supplies for the kitchens? Helping those who might not understand Halloween to find the perfect costume? Everyone is feeling a little out of sorts, and having trouble focusing, so there's some particular pushing to spread tasks out to everyone possible so it doesn't fall on a single individual. Anyone who helps will be compensated for their time, and they might even get some extra cash to buy their own fancy costume or preferred food for the party.

➥ Mod Notes

• ARRIVAL (Oct 1 - 31): Two people will always arrive in the same general location together. Arrivals occur throughout the early month, not all on the same day or in the same place. Arrivals are not naturally fluent in English/other languages immediately upon arrival. Characters may attempt to evade capture, but they will eventually be snagged before they can leave the building. PC's already in-game are more than welcome to interact with and try to guide new PC's to get them oriented. Please refer to the Arrival page for details regarding the arrival and onboarding process.
  
  
• Toying With You (Oct 1 - 31): Characters who physically interact with abandoned toys will find themselves overwhelmed by feelings of jealousy and/or possessiveness. Depending on how much interaction they have with the toys, these feelings might be stronger or last longer. (Anyone who, for example, removes a toy from Dogtown will probably find themselves helpless NOT to act on the feelings.) Strength of feeling and duration of time is up to player discretion. The source of these feelings could be anything, including the toys themselves. The toys can be destroyed but are not clumped all in one spot. It may take some searching to find them all.
  
  
• Pick a Pocket (Oct 1- 25): Characters are welcome to experience, enact, or stop a crime. You may find yourself victim, hero, or perpetrator. The number of people asleep or having trouble staying awake will increase the closer you get to graveyards and seem to decrease the closer you get to ADI-owned buildings. The decrease in sleepiness around ADI buildings does not extend to anyone living at Bonnie's. Characters may find themselves falling asleep in the middle of trivial or important tasks, perhaps even in the middle of conversation. This is a supernatural sleep, but for the moment, it seems easy enough to wake someone up with a loud noise or a shake. Or, if you're feeling particularly vindictive, a splash of water to the face.
  
  
• Sleeper's Paradox (Oct 1-25): Characters are welcome to take part in whatever party planning they wish to for ADI's Halloween party. Everyone affected by the drowsiness that's taken over the city will find that they cannot remember the specific nature of their dreams; although, they will have the sense that they did have them, and they were unpleasant. The effects of the fatigue may affect other memories or result in increased irritability, and decreased focus and reaction times. Characters may find themselves more prone to error than usual, even those who are typically known for being on-point at all times.
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Comments

[septieme]

[....................Dog Puppy, an extremely eager and boisterous and untrained one at that, wonder why she's getting such a distinct impression while her hands are being shook like he was ringing in the New Year at a Japanese shrine? she smiles through it nevertheless, because what else is a hostess/barista/waitress/etc supposed to ever do, no matter how weird/rude/overbearing the customer gets? Ignoring the fact that the beanpole in front of her isn't even a paying one,

...ahem,

Thus she wisely opts to simply smile and nod, and is in the process of wiping the counter clean from hobo germs with a rag when the gossiping girls enter the store, now decorated by a Human Priest Statue simply standing completely still some distance away from the cash register. ...Not weird at all, nope. One of the girls is very much staring at him with a raised eyebrow, while the other one is already putting in her order before Ciel's even given a chance to give her welcome spiel--]

"Hiii, so it'll be like, an iced pumpkin spice latté? I want mine with no whip, sub it for vanilla sweet cream cold foam with caramel drizzle Cali style on top. Sarah, you want the same thing?"

[Ciel is still Smiling as she fiddles at the register, ah yes, what autumn season is complete without gal pals ordering pumpkin spice lattes--]

"Me? Umm... That sounds pretty good, Mel! I'll get an iced pumpkin spice latte too, but topped with fat free whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon. I'm on a diet, remember? I can't have as much sugar as you." [This gets "Sarah", a blonde with sunglasses, to stop judging staring at the human decoration in the shop to focus on her order. She's still stealing occasional glances though, this "priest" really stands out with what he's wearing, considering the actual time period and modern 21st century fashion trends...]

--So, two pumpkin spiced lattes, iced. One with vanilla sweet cream cold foam topped by caramel drizzle, the other with fat free whipped cream and cinnamon powder. Would there be anything else?

"Cali style, dont'cha leave that out!" [The one called "Mel", a brunette with a shawl, interjects while inspecting her nails.]

"I SAID I'm on a diet, y'know? The drink's more than enough. Mel, come by yourself next time. I wouldn't even be getting anything if it wasn't for you." [The blonde frowns back with a shrug, but continues clicking away on her phone.]

Aha... Okay, with Cali style drizzle. Understood, right away!

[And with a small and maybe nervous chuckle, the sole hostess/waitress/barista/??? gets to work. The gal pals in the meanwhile are returning to their half-bickering/texting/gossiping/giggling, they're clearly besties--or oomfies, as some would say in 2021. They still occasionally throw a stray glance towards the piece of human statue on the floor, but don't seem to mind it too much otherwise.

...

Will the 'statue' behave...]

[inutilis]

[ haha, don't mind him, ladies~! he is like one of those decorative, seasonally festive scarecrows one puts up this time of year...!! yes, isn't he ~spooky?!~ nothing quite like a 6'4 entirely useless man of the ornately-adorned clergy to get those boots... rattling...?

listen, just. just order your stupid coffee,

...it's like they're speaking another language???? said Priestly Decoration is beginning to sweat, his frozen smile perhaps slightly... off-kilter as they continue to drone on. Cali style?? what in God's name does that even mean?! is this some kind of waman code he is not privy to??? no-- is this some kind of SECRET CODE and they're passing messages to Ciel about the intruder in their midst?!?!?! is the good barista secretly a DOUBLE AGENT working for the man and going to report Abel's failings to the ADI?!?!?!?!

the frozen statue priest spooky definitely a Halloween decoration makes a quietly strangled noise in his throat,

m-make them go away, HE'S SCARED... ]

[septieme]

[They HAVE ordered their white girl lattés what else are they expected to do smh...

Well if it's any consolation to the human decoration, the barista is fiddling in the back with a Troubled expression because as she's already mentioned to Fierce Granny earlier, she is a new hire. And these orders just now??? She may be no klutz, but to get these right will definitely take effort. It is so that after pouring and pumping things from here and there, she eventually disappears into the back to Google Cali style herself fetch more of what she needs. Abel is left alone on the floor with the gal pals...

...Whose attention inevitably turn back to him, after having wrapped up their earlier banter and finished whatever they were looking at on their cellphones,]

"So what do you think that guy's deal is? He's just been standing there." [Not even menacingly, just dumbly smh They're really talking as if he wasn't just standing a few couple feet away from them... Or maybe they just don't care? Teens these days...]

"Iunno, maybe some of the haunted houses decided to step it up a notch? I've heard one of them redecorated to look like an abandoned church, hired a priest as guide too. Can't blame'em for switching things up to attract more business, we're the right season for it anyway."

"Ooooh, riiiight! Those duds look really fancy though, wonder where they got the costume?"

"Why don't you just ask him, Mel? He's right there. ...Snrk, don't tell me you're thinking of dressing up as a nun for the Halloween party?"

"Sarah." [The brunette rolls her eyes.] "...I haven't decided yet, but it's not the worst idea you've had... 'K, fine. Hey, you!"

[Neither of them attempt to move closer however, "Mel" simply turns to face him fully while giving a jerk of her head in his direction.

Ciel is still nowhere to be seen from where they stand at the shop's front. Abel's on his own......]

[inutilis]

[ --no. no... where is she going?? Abel's eyes are straining to follow the blue-haired girl as she goes about her work behind the counter, desperate to keep track of her (quietly stressed) ministrations. but as soon as he sees her ducking out of view and into the back--

a lance of the utmost, unbridled panic stabs at his insides with intensity. NO??? CIEL?? don't leave him alone with mankind's most dangerous and formidable weapon against an Adult--

the teenager.

has he not taken enough abuse from their ilk a few days earlier?? was getting closet-beaten and then regular-beaten by an angry boy not enough?!?! why must he CONSTANTLY be subjected to these sorts, huh?! oohhh, Lord, why must You send one of your most diligent and faithful servants Your most arduous trials...? does God truly have so much faith in Abel's ability to endure?! at this point, he isn't sure if it's flattery or just some kind of morbid curiosity on the Divine's part--

that soft, choked noise leaves his throat again as Abel finds himself abruptly addressed; oh, no. OH NO. he thought teenagers were like T-Rexes and they can't see you if you don't move?? predators and all that. he is going a bit more stiff and rigid (impressive, considering) before swallowing thickly against the lump in his throat. ohhhh, God. oh God, oh God, she is looking directly at him and there is no escape and if he moves, does he forfeit his promised cookies and hot chocolate--? th-this is, truly... truly, ah... a... predicament...

very softly: ]

M-miss?

[ if you spoil his cookies and hot chocolate

he will die and haunt you girls forever, just you WAIT-- ]

[septieme]

[Ok but is there seriously a single Adult adult in this shop right now, back AND front included,

...

Sorry Abel Ciel needs to figure out these White Girls Drinks™ and do them properly, otherwise getting White Girl Complaints™ will be even worse. At least he's not suffering alone anymore...]

"Yeah, you. Not like there's anyone else, right?" [He gets a cheeky grin while the blond snorts again behind her friend, glancing down at her phone again as she resumes clicking away.] "Where'd you buy that fancy coat? It looks sick!"

"Could be custom made too, whatcha gonna do if it's way outta your budget?"

"Shove it, Sarah. We don't know that yet!" ['Mel' is leaning over a bit however, eyeing the poor Challenged priest (in more ways than one) and completely oblivious over the fact that she is threatening his cookies and hot cocoa.] "Seriously, is that a shoulder plate? Looks too shiny to be plastic too, it's like straight out of fancy medieval fantasy!"

"More like some RPG, lol! He has two belts, Mel. What medieval fantasy has priests wear two belts? Hahaha!" ['Sarah' sure said "lol", that sure did happen. Great, now they're BOTH Intently Staring him up and down--]

"Oh my god, you're right. I didn't even notice that! You've GOTTA be wearing all this to show off, and I'm not ashamed to admit I'm biting! Give us a hint at least, where'd you get those threads? Or tell us where you work, I wanna check the rest of the place out now!"

[If it may make him feel any better, Ciel will (probably) not rub it in his face later, that she totally told him not five minutes ago that his outfit really stands out... And around these parts, you Do Not want to Stand Out...]

[inutilis]

[ ...o-oh. oh, oh. wait. wait a moment-- everyone hold the phone. shut up. chill for a second. are they... complimenting him on his uniform?? is that what is happening, right now?

Abel is like a turtle slowly poking his head out from his shell, and the further they go on - the further his expression gently meanders from a morose resignation to a muted curiosity to an outright semi-pleased kind of preening. yes, he might just be shifting a bit beneath his coat, clearing his throat as he lifts his chin. ]

Ah. A-ah, do you like it~? I hate to burst your bubble, miss, but this was indeed custom made just for yours truly... I'm part of a-- [ don't say anything about ADI. don't say anything about spooky scary supernatural Armageddon. don't say anything incredibly stupid that would be just as outrageous as any of the above ] ...traveling caravan, and as their resident clergymen, they tend to treat me quite well. Quite well, seeing as how am I a veeery high-profile and extremely priceless member of their entourage. --Oh, I truly am sorry I can't give you the name of my tailor, but I assure you, their skill is simply heavenly~!

[ haha, get it. heavenly. because Vatican, it--

...okay. ]

[septieme]

"Ehhhh? No way. There's no way a guy with a face and posture like that can be an actual priest, right?"

"Iunno, isn't there creepy stories about priests all the time? We should ask Clara next time we see her, isn't she like, craaazy into Gothic horror?"

"Yeah, Clara loves that stuff. But this guy is..." ['Mel' is faintly scowling in thoughts. ...Really hard to tell whether he's actually part of the conversation or not at any time, with the way how these gal pals act,] "He looks nerdy, yeah? I wouldn't be surprised if he was some PUA either, T-B-H. You really gotta stop talking to strangers just because they look cool to you, Sarah."

"You got some weird hobbies yourself, don't get me started. ...But maybe you're right, he sounds sooooo nerdy, urgh." [With an eyeroll, 'Sarah' seamlessly shifts her attention back to the lanky and obviously FAKE priest.] "The circus already packed up last month, did you miss your ride or something? If you don't wanna tell me, just say so. Maybe that's why they dress you nice, everything is ruined the moment you start talking. Fine, kiss and don't tell. What about that cross then? I thought it looked wicked at first, 'specially with those spikes and claws poking out. Super edgy. But maybe you're just overcompensating? Bigger isn't always better, did no chick ever tell you that?"

"Loool. Hyper edgy, right? But ew, don't tell me you actually want one too? Mel... That thing looks more like a weapon than a cross. I bet you could seriously mess someone up with it."

"It does look kinda heavy! But so what if it COULD kill a man? That just makes it better! Improv weapon in case a creep tries to mess with you! Anyway, where'd you get that?"

"Just stop bothering, lol. In before he tells you he's got a top secret jeweller too, totally not related to his top secret tailor or anything. Just snap a pic and look it up, you could also commission one that looks like it. My boyfriend has some buds in metalworking, I could hook you up~"

"Oh yeah, good idea! Thanks Sarah, you're the best ♥ Help me with this and I'll pay for your latté? You always take better pictures than me, I swear."

"Deal, you're on~"

[Giggling among themselves, the gal pals both have their phones out now, and are obviously angling to try taking a clear picture of his rosary. Shouldn't be too hard since he's wearing it out in the open and it's pretty Big, right?]

[inutilis]

[ wh-- wha...

...why does he only understand less than HALF of what the two of them are saying at any given moment?!?! what the heck is going on??? how is the vernacular of teenagers back in 2021 so totally different than 3064, huh?? HUH?? Abel's smile is immediately faltering into outright gaping, offense and insult overtaking his face as he gives one of them-- and then the other-- an accusatory point. ]

Excuse me, NERDY--? You realize I'm right here and can hear every word, can't you?! R... rude, this is very rude!! I am not NERDY, y-you--

[ his mouth works, but-- they are talking right over him as if he isn't speaking at all??? WHAT. Abel squeaks softly, cutting off his ineffectual rambling and looking as though he is torn between deciding if he should be pouting or outright sobbing in some melodramatic tantrum. hmm. hmmm, maybe both?

but luckily(??), the subject is abruptly doing a 180 from his person and attire to the rosary dangling from the chain around his neck, and Abel is taking a tiny step backwards, gripping it possessively and protectively like a child whose favorite teddy was threatened. um, like, this is his?? keep your GRUBBY DEMON TEENAGER PAWS away from his Precious, ]

How dare you...! I'll have you know this is a family heirloom, and if you take pictures and attempt to recreate it I will have my definitely-real-expensive-well-paid-really-smart caravan lawyers... s-sue you for... defamation of--

[ ...........what is he saying, he's lost track somewhere along the line as he is getting increasingly flustered and indignant, ]

--STOP LOOKING AT HER!! Rosa very sensitive...

[ who? Rosa, the rosary. apparently. ]

[septieme]

[There's a snort. Hard to tell which girl it came from,]

"See? Told ya."

"I hate it when you're right, and you're almost always right. Didja get a good shot?"

[The girls seem to be more or less ignoring him entirely now, wholly preoccupied in whatever they managed to get away with in their Rosary Ogling Crimes. Since this beanpole fake priest isn't doing anything other than sprouting shrill, nonsensical, and nerdy melodramatics, it's totally fine to just keep acting like he doesn't exist nothing is wrong, right? ...Guess everyone ended up too preoccupied to notice the return of a certain hair of dark ultramarine blue--]

Ah, um... Excuse me! Your pumpkin spice lattés are ready, miss!

[The hostess/waitress/barista/etc has returned! With two transparent plastic Starbucks Duncan's Donuts cups filled with a rich (and no doubt ridiculously sweet) liquid, topped with some sort of cream or another. One of the two has clear streaks of caramel running down the inside of the cup as well as on top of the white cream, the other one is peppered with a fragrant dark red-brownish powder. The decadence is enough to give one mild heart burns at the very sight and smell of it, no doubt...]

"Oh, about time! Both together, I'm paying."

"Yeah thanks. Snrk, didja hear that? This guy named his cross? It's just a necklace, neeeeeerd!"

[Ciel WOULD be blinking in confusion, but (un???)fortunately, she's currently busy with 'Mel' at the cash. Giving the brunette her total, the transaction proceeds with the paying customer swiping a metallic card at a machine connected to the register. 'Sarah' is still tapping away at her phone, and judging by her narrowed eyes and the self-satisfied smirk she's wearing, Rosa's privacy doesn't seem to have escaped unscathed...

ANYWAY, with the payment done, 'Mel' is casually sipping her drink as she takes back out her phone, and judging by her expression, nothing seems to be wrong with her order. 'Sarah' steps up to pick up her cup too, but doesn't make any motion to sample her drink at all.

...]

Is everything alright, ladies?

"Yeah, we're peachy! But just making sure, sis; you DO know you can just call the police if you got unwanted loiterers, right?"

Hm? [...] Ah... Yes, of course! Aha... It's okay, I don't mind.

[...

......

.........

Smiling BRIGHTLY, she offers a polite bow of greeting:] Please have a great day, and we hope to see you again!

[Shrugging, there's more Knowing Glances and whispers exchanged, before the girls saunter their ways out of the shop the exact way they came in: giggling, gossiping, and poring over their phones. They're just also drinking pumpkin spice lattés now, but details.

...

Finally, after what must seem like a whole era later, the door closes with a quiet jingle, and the shop is quiet once more.]

...

[inutilis]

[ it is like a tornado passed through this shop. a tornado of the teenage variety... the most deadly, dangerous type -- not to one's person physically, but... the damage comes in the mental variety. psychic, one might say. serious psychic damage. accrue enough in a short time period? and one is sure to go mad.

...

Abel is simply looking off at the door that has long since closed and left the Twin Tornadoes behind it, a defeated slump to his shoulders accompanying this thousand yard stare. Ciel...? he has seen some shit. he has been harangued and ridiculed. he has been divested of his dignity (???) and honor (?????), he...

... ]

I-- feel very tired, suddenly. I don't suppose you are also experiencing the effects of this phenomenon, by chance, Miss Ciel...? Is it just me...? N-no, surely not.

[septieme]

[Ah, so that's how it is. This unending well of idiocy has one crippling weakness, and it appears to be


teenagers, is that it...

Her shoulder slump as she breathes a quiet sigh, his glasses still pinned prettily upon her apron.]

I only caught the tail end of it, so I can't imagine what you must've just experienced, Father. [Her only concern as an employee here is that the drinks don't taste weird/bad and the girls won't be back with the complaint of a stomachache or the like, honestly, but...] ...I would ask if you've reconsidered getting a wardrobe change, but you're still not over the date today nor where we are, are you?

[inutilis]

[ pinching the bridge of his nose, he is stepping closer to the counter-- clearly his time for playing statue is over, r-right-- before he sends her a look over as if trying to assess if she has truly survived this event in one piece, ]

How on earth did you even understand what they were saying...? Are you fluent in whatever nonsensical jargon they were using? Am I that out of touch with today's youth...?

[ goodness, but doesn't she look Tired too?? this simply won't do... ]

You know, Ciel, I'm beginning to think there may have been some wisdom behind your suggestion of a wardrobe change... among other things, but-- I don't suppose that hot chocolate is still on the table...?

[ would it be ~convenient~ if he had just enough money to scrounge about for a cup of coffee if she partakes in that kind of thing to join him, 🤔 ]

[septieme]

[She doesn't look put off or disapproving of his movement or approach, so probably--!]

Ahaha... Only a bit. I do confess that I had to look a few of the other words up while I was in the back. I was only trained for a few hours before I was given the floor on my own...

[She chuckles sheepishly, but doesn't look nearly as haggard as he does, in her humble opinion! Her own expression is softening in any case, nothing quite brings people together like surviving natural disasters (man-made still counts)...]

Mm, of course. Please take a seat anywhere you like in here, I'll go get it right away. Classic, Hazelnut, or French Vanilla?

[Suppose she can get away with gifting him some extra whipped cream and chocolate syrup on top of it? She can easily pay that off with her own earnings, the boss'll have nothing to complain about that way!]

[inutilis]

[ a-ahh, so-- as it turns out, the good barista/waitress/hostess/babysitter wasn't just trying to instill him with false hope of delicious, sugary goodness to shut him up!! a woman of her word, is it? well that Abel can certainly appreciate, and his expression-- and posture-- are already brightening considerably. ]

Y-yes~! Thank you, Ciel-- you're a godsend, you know that?! Um-- please, dealer's choice, I leave my fate in your very capable hands! But-- say, ah... I don't mind waiting a bit if you'd like to join me? --Are you off your shift soon? It isn't like I have anywhere to be, so...

[septieme]

[What kind of Godless heathen would lie about food to a fellow member of the clergy, fake or not? Besides, while they're not exactly making bank for ADI, a hot chocolate with extras is more than within her budget. Not that it's particularly cold outside just yet, but a nice drink ought to do well to soothe the nerves too, considering what they were just hit with earlier?]

Very well, no take-backs later! I still have about an hour left to my shift, and while I don't plan to slack off, I'd rather not let you out of my sight either. It would be unreasonable to ask you to wait, however, so why don't you mull over what you would like to do over your hot chocolate? [A beat.] We are given personal storage space and have coat racks in the back, if you'd like to make use of it in the meanwhile?

[Gonna get started on that hot cocoa then, she's staying at the front of the floor this time too. No need to sneak to the back and Google search up what White Girl Drink™ terms mean this time, small blessings...!]

[inutilis]

[ an hour to kill until she's free, huh? Abel strokes at his chin in contemplation. 'I'd rather not let you out of my sight, either,' what could she mean by this? hm, ]

Well, if it's like that... I suppose there's no helping it. I'll simply have to keep you company and mull over how to repay you, won't I? It really isn't becoming of a man of the Lord to accept bounty without offering recompense; surely that isn't good for my immortal soul, right? Right, right, of course I'm right.

[ he sends a slight glance toward his glasses still adorning the front of her apron..... ]

So, are you more of a coffee or tea person? --Or are you victim of a terrible sweet tooth, too, Miss Ciel? [ digging into his pocket, now. hm, hm, where did he put it... ]

[septieme]

[What responsible and upstanding citizen would let a stray roam the neighbourhood and ram straight into more trouble, more like? smh, definitely not her,]

There's no need to overthink it. You did say "harrowing and frightening", remember? Then there's everything that happened since [...] you got here... Just think of this small break as a bit of fortune, to balance out the misfortune you've had since arriving to this town. You don't need to feel indebted to me, I only stopped you because it's what I wanted to do.

[She's using a store brand porcelain mug, since he's not getting takeout! Just in front of the machine while the mug fills, while casually shaking the can of whipped cream because,]

Hm? What brought this on? I don't think those questions are appropriate to ask a café employee, Father...

[She is throwing a faintly amused glance over her shoulder though, catching him staring back at her while he seems to be fussing with his pockets. Mm, this just about confirms it, doesn't it? That he definitely has no problem whatsoever with his eyesight...]

[inutilis]

[ Abel is leaning over the counter again as he waits, watching her with the same pleasant, amiable smile. ahhh, he can smell it from here, i-it's... practically divine, ]

Hm...? Well, I suppose you caught me red-handed, Ciel... I may be attempting to gather some sort of idea of what sort of hot, delicious drink I might be able to afford in way of thanks-- even if you don't think it necessary, alright? Did you really have to go and spoil it~? Goodness, as if asking your preference in drink choice is such an oddity between friends...

[ which they are, naturally, of course, miss glasses-stealer!!!

...a hefty sigh, ]

I mean... you don't think it strange, do you? Wanting to get to know your fellows?

[septieme]

Not at all, I just wanted to make things clear to you. I don't mind telling you in the least either, I just think you're doing things out of order. You should get to know your situation before moving on to know your fellows, isn't that more logical?

[She answers cheerfully, finishing up with filling the mug before carrying it over to the prep area behind the cash counter. Whipped cream and copious amount of chocolate coulis, yes? He did indirectly confess to a crippling sweet tooth, apparently!]

And you should really sit down, Father. You're not taking your drink to go, or have you changed your mind?

[inutilis]

What is that saying? Ah, what is the one I'm thinking of...? Something about how doing everything in order makes things tedious and boring, something to that affect? --Ughhh, it is completely slipping my mind! Well, just pretend I've said something terribly wise and profound, would you?

[ he waves off any concern about his concerns regarding the nature of the predicament they seemingly share-- and then gives a soft, pleased noise as he reaches out to gratefully accept the mug. Abel is immediately bringing it to his lips, but-- he isn't partaking just yet (it is hot), instead favoring to give its contents a smell. ]

Oooh, this is delightful... spoiling me already, a man could certainly get used to this~! Thank you, Ciel! Um-- I don't mind standing right here; it would be a little rude for me to go wandering over to a table on my lonesome mid-talk, don't you think? Now forget all that-- please, please, you have me on the edge of my seat now! Tea? Coffee? Hot cocoa? --Pumpkin spiced... cali-style... barracuda dive?!

[septieme]

Hm? "Act first, think later" has its advantages? While I suppose that's not always and entirely wrong, how did the saying go... "Even a broken clock is right twice a day"? Is that wise and profound enough?

[She's just playing along now isn't she... Oh well, passing him the mug (with vague concerns that he may drop it)! Watch the cream will he--]

Be careful, it's hot. Hazelnut with vanilla whipped cream and chocolate coulis, please enjoy~ [There's even a cookie stick poking out from the side, don't mention it!]

And I'm afraid I have to insist, Father. There's still a camera in this shop, and it would look fishy to other incoming customers too if you just loiter by the counter. It's about time I make a round and wipe down all the tables in here anyway, we can keep talking while I do that. You seem like the sort of person who could talk though just about anything and everything, so that much should be okay, right? Or did I get the wrong impression?

[While she's punching the freshly served hot cocoa into the cash register; gotta take care of that before it slips her mind!]

[inutilis]

[ humoring a stray fool is dangerous, Miss Ciel... oh, probably too late for thoughts of wariness about her inevitable fate, huh? she has good as sealed her fate. tragic, isn't it? truly tragic.

he is cupping the mug in between both gloved hands like it is a prized possession!!! he WILL NOT drop the vessel for his chocolately goodness... (probably.) none-the-less, he is huffing a quietly petulant noise at her insistence about abandoning the counter-- this one is quite practical, isn't she?? goodness... ]

Fine! Fine, fine, you've twisted my leg, Ciel. I'll take a seat, um--

[ where, though?!?! one must be strategic in their choice, you see. he has to stay close enough that she can hear him talking from behind the register but not so close as to appear needy-- haha just kidding he is needy and he doesn't care if she knows it. he is taking the first table he sees, pulling the chair out and parking his butt in it without further ado. ]

...I can't help but notice that I still don't have my answer. Is this some kind of social experiment? Are you building up the suspense for some kind of mind-blowing insight into your inner workings with a tea-or-coffee analogy...? Or is this just your way of ensuring that I'm invested in sticking around and don't go wandering off before you're through with me? Hm, hm... most curious...

[septieme]

[Well good thing she's a dog person and doesn't mind work! Even if she'd be having her work cut out for her, hm...

Yes good see? Obedient dogs are the best. While he's getting situated, she's withdrawn her ADI issued prepaid debit card to swipe at the machine to settle that 'treat'. Her own ass covered, she's giving the rag she was using to wipe the cash counter before a rinse, before coming back out onto the public area of the floor to do the cleaning that was totally not an excuse to make him feel less lonely while keeping a solid pretense of work,]

Is that what it feels like? I thought I already had insurance through your glasses. You wouldn't be able to walk outside because your eyesight is so terribly poor, isn't that what you said? [...] And I'm a tea person, but I don't mind coffee in the morning every once in a while.

[There, see? Nothing dramatic about it. Don't mind the fact that she casually tossed it out with her back to him as she gets on wiping down some nearby tables in earnest!]

[inutilis]

[ what a hard working and industrious Ciel... truly admirable, Abel thinks, lounging spread in his chair as he eats his cookie like a happy five year old and sips at his hot chocolate, giving himself a creamy mustache, ]

Yes, I was beginning to wonder if you ever intended to give those back, by the way... At least the hostage is quite comfortable. C... cozy perch?

[ ...

ahem. ]

Ah~! A fellow tea aficionado! Wonderful...! So good to be in the company of another with taste... [ as an English Albionese gentlemen and scholar(???), his heart is truly warmed. ] Then, let's see. How much is a good cuppa, here? Do you know offhand? Oh-- and what is your favorite...?

[septieme]

Of course I do. It's wrong to hold onto what doesn't belong to you. [Don't need to be fake Christian to take that moral stance.] I couldn't have you run away after ["the mess you made"] what you did earlier, so I simply did what I had to. ["by taking your glasses hostage" (???)] Since you said you'll stay put and wait, is it okay for me to return them to you now? Hm... [yeah just musing to herself out loud if she should return something she took that doesn't belong to her to begin with, this requires thinking over,

...]

Are you planning to become a regular, Father? I'm not sure how to feel about that... I wouldn't want to leave an éclair kidnapper and murderer to any of my coworkers.