][ viii ][ audio/action ][ hell on heels

[flensing]

Thank you for the lovely gift.

Bakery
[ Her favorite bakery in town is the Happy Hippo, and she has breakfast there more often than not, although she usually isn't quite so well-dressed for the endeavor. It's a nice treat, once in a while, isn't it? She hasn't the chance in a very long time. The dress is brand new and she's decided she rather likes it. ]

The Blue Light
[ Well, she does work there, and it shouldn't be said that she ever turns up for work a mess, but today there might have been just a little extra effort put in. She's always a bit shy, not one to linger for longer than necessary, that's not changed, but she'll smile earnestly before she goes. ]

Volunteering
[ Even in heels, she moves quickly and keeps busy, not a sleight to her step. She goes wherever there's work that needs doing, regardless of which community center, and she is followed faithfully across the tiled hallawys by a little grey kitten. ]

Comments

[mocktiresias]

[He's sitting at the bakery, dressed in a sharp, well tailored suit, and he's watching her]

[flensing]

[ She's used to the paranoia of being watched. Lucie had always been afraid of it, that the dead girl was lurking in the corners, that women in dark hoods were waiting for the chance to drag her back. They'd run for a long time to avoid the eyes of the watching. They had never really escaped.

Picking apart a brotchen over a cup of coffee, she is relaxed, if aware, and eventually she glances up uncertainly. It is a very nice suit and his features are striking... she tries to remember if he's been here before, but merely escaped her acknowledgement.]

[mocktiresias]

[He gets up after a moment; he moves smoothly, but his gait is distinct, particular. He slips next to her and sits.]

Are you enjoying your coffee?

[flensing]

[She needs to get used to this. Being in physical proximity with people who don't have her pain in the forefront of their mind, who aren't guilt-ridden time bombs. She's frightened already, but she knows how to let fear roll off her back.]

I think it's very good here.

[Small talk is easy, being soft and polite is a facade without effort.]

Sometimes I wonder where they get it from, the climate doesn't seem quite right for coffee beans.

[mocktiresias]

[She smells like fear, but she's hiding it well, physically. Why so afraid, little girl? The corners of his lips just turn up]

You could ask that about anything they import, couldn't you?

[flensing]

Yes, but I think I would miss the coffee the most were it to stop arriving.

[She doesn't precisely laugh, the huff of air is really only a very slight approximation.]

[mocktiresias]

Hopefully that won't happen, then.

You work at the Blue Light, don't you?

[flensing]

[Her anxiety increases, chest tightening as she swallows. She reaches for her coffee, lifting it to her mouth. Hidden there behind it, she nods, murmuring,]

I do, waitressing.

[mocktiresias]

[He takes a sip of his own. Why is she so scared?]

I've seen you there.

[flensing]

[Her smile is not better than her laughter, half-formed and weak.]

We have good patrons, I'm sorry I didn't recognize you.

[action] volunteering

[keepinitsaucy]

[There is no way in hell that Andy is actually leaving the Welcome Center with the state of his feet. All he's been graced with is a pair of nondescript red heels, but for the life of him he can't figure out how women are able to maneuver in these things.

He clacks noisily down one of the hallways, a hand on the wall to keep steady, and spots Anna.

Great. Someone gets to see him like this and -- oh! Kitten!]

Oh, hey, kitty! Are you helping?

[action] volunteering

[flensing]

[Danish, the kitten, is very used to being greeted by the various visitors to the community centers. The guests and other volunteers keep an eye on him while Anna is out working her paying job, and he shows absolutely no fear in coming to investigate Andrew, sniffing delicately at this shoes and batting at the toe.

Anna's smile is faint, but not insincere, as she approaches.]

Hello. Are you headed somewhere? Danish and I could accompany you.

[So you don't fall and crack your head, but she doesn't say that part.]

[mocktiresias]

Don't worry, I almost never spend time there.

[flensing]

That's a pity, we'd love to have you.

[mocktiresias]

Promise?

[flensing]

Of course.

[action] volunteering

[keepinitsaucy]

[Andy wiggles the toe of the shoe, though carefully. He's not too trusting that he won't fall over and he doesn't want to hurt or startle the kitten.]

Uh, I was just on my way to the kitchen to get a snack. Can't stay cooped up in my room all day.

[He shrugs and offers a small smile, pretty sure he knows she's only offering for the shoe reason. It's appreciated.]

[mocktiresias]

[His smile widens a little, sharp]

What's your name?

[flensing]

[The smile makes her uncomfortable.]

Oh... ah, my name is Anna, hello.

[mocktiresias]

Hello, Anna.

[flensing]

What should I call you, when I see you next?

[mocktiresias]

Thomas.

[action] volunteering

[flensing]

That sounds like a good idea.

[Her smile grows just a little more solid, and she comes to fall into step beside him, keeping half an eye on Danish to make sure he doesn't get under foot.]

My name is Anna.

[It might have been polite to offer her hand to shake, but she prefers not to. Not only is she not all that keen to be touched, she has deep scars on her wrists from long months in manacles.]

[flensing]

[She nods, hands curling around her coffee cup tightly.]

A pleasure to meet you.

[mocktiresias]

Pleasure's mine.