video/action:

[charring]

[It's Charlie, frowning at pretty much the world. It's not her typical frown, this one seems a bit more confused and hurt than her usual scowl. And it's not accidental video for once. She speaks, her tone calm but exasperated. And an underlying hint of anxiousness.]

This is ridiculous. I have work to do. I can't serve people tea if I can't get within five feet of them before something knocks them over. [She goes quiet, closing her eyes and pinching the bridge of her nose before running her fingers through her hair.]

Toph and anyone else working the tea shop, apparently I have several feet of semi-invisible and completely impenetrable bubble or something around me. I don't think it'd be wise for me to come in. I keep knocking people over. I'd apologize, but this is a curse. It'll be over by midnight and I'll work a double tomorrow.

[And the feed shuts off, but not before Charlie scoffs, shakes her head and mutters 'ridiculous'.]

Comments

[othersdie]

They differ in size from person to person. I would have expected them to be uniform unless the City's trying to tell us something.

[charring]

Maybe, This is a weird way to get a message across to people.

[othersdie]

As if the City would try to convey a message in a way that wasn't weird.

[charring]

I'm impressed and proud of you, Justin. You learn fast.

[othersdie]

Thank you.

[Subtext: a;slkjfak;lsdjfas. But Charlie did manage to get a real smile, which is nothing short of a massive accomplishment.]

[charring]

[Points for Charlie! She's usually the one giving away the points in this case.]

How are you, Justin? Other than bubble-wrapped.

[othersdie]

[in a matter-of-fact fashion] Miserable. That's normal enough.

And you?

[charring]

About the same, at the moment. Glad to be away from sand, though. That's a bonus I will never get over.

[othersdie]

Did something happen?

Mm. I've never appreciated how little sand is in my room this much before.

[charring]

Severe lack of sleep and someone being very confusing. I'm fine, other than that.

[othersdie]

If someone's bothering you, I have the authority to arrest them.

[It's impossible to tell if he's joking or serious.]

i <3 these two.

[charring]

I'll keep that in mind. [She's smirking.] Not bothering. Just..acting confusing. It's no big deal, really.

I do too. ;-;

[othersdie]

Okay.

[A thought occurs.] This person isn't possessed, are they?

they need to be friends forever

[charring]

No.

[wait what]

Why? Is that a thing where you're from?

please!

[othersdie]

No, but it could happen here.

[cautiously] Is it a... a thing where you're from?

definitely

[charring]

Good point. And no. Not a thing where I'm from.

[othersdie]

Oh. I would've thought your world was... I don't know, more supernatural than others.

[charring]

I kind of think I'm the only remaining supernatural thing about it. Not that I'm one-hundred percent convinced.

[othersdie]

That you're supernatural, or that you're the only supernatural thing in your world?

[That sounds rude.]

Not that you're a thing. Entity...?

[charring]

That I'm the only supernatural element in my world. Person. Being. Whatever. It's just me. Makes me special, I guess.

[othersdie]

[He shrugs.]

At least it's a useful ability. Being special without being useful doesn't mean anything.