mayfield_logs | un-date. it's like an un-birthday, but with more derp.

Entry tags:

un-date. it's like an un-birthday, but with more derp.

Who: Abel & Ciel
What: THIS IS NOT A DATE.
Where: Diner; around town
When: Monday the 21st, late afternoon-ish onward
Warnings: DERP DERP? God, there will be so much derp in here. And probably lots of tl;dr. ~~No regrets.~~

Mayfield... was strange.

Now, now -- this is hardly news, correct? While one is prone to agree with such a sentiment, when it comes to the case of one (1) Abel Nightroad... the manner in which we can apply 'strange' is most likely different than the average. Perhaps it can be blamed on his previous lifestyle -- or maybe it's the nature of his upbringing, but 'socialite' had never been a skill mentioned on this man's resume. Why, once upon a time, his 'employers' would've likely done anything in their power to prevent his face from taking the spotlight. Matters of diplomacy or socialization were best left to the gentle brother with the cherubic smile who could do no wrong. And, if Cain had been at his side in this day in age--

...Well, let's just say that the reasons for hiding him under the table at Church functions might've changed, but the fact remains the same. Abel was never good at putting on a face of competence. Never good at finding the right thing to say. "Social graces," and all that...

It was part of the facade, of course. The "bumbling priest" no one took seriously; the man who slipped under the radar because no one would think twice about a fool too stupid to tie his own shoes. But the habit of appearing less than he was... it wasn't something he turned off when work was through. (Not that it ever was.) Even around those he cared for and loved most, even around those who knew better... he would pretend to be the fool. He would trip over his words and embarrass himself -- he would fall on his face time after time when faced with any sort of sincerity.

(So maybe it isn't entirely a facade.)

It was one of the reasons why his 'social' life at home was basically non-existent. It was true he spent time with Esther, followed her around not unlike an eager-to-please dog hoping to keep her company while he could when they both found themselves in possession of free time before she had been graced the title of Lady-Saint. He indulged himself with Caterina, as well -- with his co-workers who he considered friends first. Something like family. But there was a silent understanding behind everything they did, everything they said... it was all a part of what bound them together.

Duty.

...A duty that was absent in Mayfield. Forming 'friends' without that common bond tying and forcing them together... it was strange. Meeting Ciel at the church for tea -- this felt more like home. It felt normal... It, too, was almost like a replication of that 'duty' back home. They were tied together because of the Church, right? They had met there, and served there (if "served" may be stretching it in Abel's case). They associated frequently because of their bond to the church, and not necessarily each other.

So this... this...

Was different, and new.

It was strange...

She was not his first 'friend.' She wasn't the first person who had been kind to him, or the first person who looked into his face with genuine sincerity when the time came for it. These were things he's had elsewhere in his life -- had at home at present, too. But... he had realized, that day weeks ago now, when he'd first asked if she would like to spend some time together away from the church--

...She is the first friend he has had in his life that was not bound... obligated to him through duty.

Perhaps that was why he seemed nervous as he waited outside of the Diner at the time they had arranged to meet up for an innocuous meal over ice tea (honestly, such a silly prospect, and yet it was absolutely true) -- prodding at his glasses for what had to be the millionth time that afternoon as he leaned against his car door. What if she had been teasing him when she'd agreed to all this? What if she had been serious about that-- ah. That uh... the joke, or she had gotten busy and forgotten about their plans altogether? ...Yes, that was likely, right? Ciel was very good at keeping on top of things, that was true, but she was also very busy! The chances that she would remember something so trivial and stupid were slim after weeks had passed. Yes.

That's definitely it, right? So, he'll wait... maybe ten, fifteen minutes past when they arranged for before calling it quits. That's acceptable, right? He wouldn't hold it against her if she changed her mind or let it slip through the cracks. Definitely! Definitely.

...Ahem.

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No get on his level. ...Wait no, scratch that just-- SHUSH, OKAY. JUST SHUSH!!! YOU'RE NOT THE BOSS OF ME!!!!!1

...He blinks, nudging those glasses up his face, before... realizing in doing so, he's dissolved the expression he'd been making. "--ah! It's gone again..."

As if he hadn't had control over this...

As if it were some flighty wild bird he had been attempting to photograph before it flew the coop...

...

oh good please don't let him burn his house down... just be careful about popping out of nowhere when he's trying to ninja-cook at 3am because accidents are prone to happening that way okok

Nobody could be on his level other than him he owns his entire loser tier all to himself... And women everywhere are bosses of him deal.

...

Excuse her while she just ducks her head behind the menu again and giggles.

"I think I've decided. Have you?"

She's a professional ninja/stalker, dw she's got this...

...Women everywhere are bosses of him yes this is extremely accurate... He wouldn't even bother trying to deny it, at least to himself, in truthfulness h-heh...

--Err, right... right! He clears his throat behind his hand, before picking his menu back up and putting on a serious face.

"Um... yes! Yes. I think I'm good to go, if you are?"

His life...

"Mm... That should do." She'll gracefully put the menu down. "Yes, I am." Tilting her head sideways to get a glimpse beyond their table now... Are they ready to call the waiter/waitress?

Yes! Let's do this, shall we?

It truly is a sign of how often he must partake in the Diner's offerings (hint: no one likes cooking at his house and dinner hour is often spent here for certain age-fiddled brothers) when one of the drone waiters notices him giving a wave and starts on over with that plastic smile on his face... recognizing him, and already guessing his (apparently predictable) order. Of like two burgers, fries, a milkshake and an extra pickle.

Because pickles are delicious don't judge him.

But! The addition of an ice tea is definitely going on that list and he seems to be salivating cheerfully as he smiles to Ciel; now, what's on the menu for the lady?

...Terrible. To think she cooks every night, the menu ranging from the Western usual - pasta dishes, pot pies, casseroles, chowder, creamy soups, to the Eastern usual - tempuras, rice dishes, soup/fried noodles, steamed fish/meat, along with heavy use of soya products/bean curd, THE LIST GOES ON. Seriously, if she could leave and go back to her world with her Mayfield experiences intact, cooking will definitely be the one thing she'd profit the most from.

She won't judge him (openly) by not raising an eyebrow when it becomes apparent that he comes here enough for the drones to recognize him as a regular. Drone food is plain, and Ciel would still question if they have the same nutritional values as "real" food cooked from stuff gotten from the supermarket... Not to mention that having fried things all the time is definitely bad for the health. Is she going to start having to fret for the diet of his entire household now, IS SHE...

But that set aside, his order... isn't a snack. Unless the burgers here got smaller from her memory, that's... a full meal...

--Okay okay, no judging!! It's not like she's any better, but still. Going to opt for a shrimp salad, a turkey sandwich, dat ice tea, and a cup of coffee. Black.

...

So it's nothing to sneeze at either, but shhhhh.

Oho... oho...

It seems Ciel is hungry too, doesn't it? He finds himself grinning as her order is placed. Yes, she's definitely in good company if she wants to feed her appetite without reservation, even if she's pulling her punches at the moment. Now, now, don't be shy, Sister!! This is no time to be lady-like. Isn't that kind of thing wasted on her present company?

"You know... I would order dessert too, but I fear you've officially spoiled me for just about anything other than your baking, Ciel..."

He doesn't seem as terribly saddened by this as he attempts. Because, let's face it... they're both aware she spoils the churchies rotten in those regards.

Pft no and stop getting the wrong idea, sheesh!! That is to say she's not batting an eyelash there even if he's making awfully transparent faces from across the table, sigh. She's not usually exactly conscientious about her appetite, but admittedly he's among the last people she wants to hear comments about that from, alright!

"Hm? I can't say I mind. Honestly, I'd be insulted if you put them on the same level, Abel". Leaning back a bit with closed eyes and exuding enough confidence to make it clear that she's serious, yep... "Why don't you get a sundae, then? I don't make ice cream." ~~Yet.~~

All pretenses will go out the window one day. And then what, Ciel. Then what.

...Ohohoho. She doesn't bother trying to be humble about it, but -- that's probably how it should be when discussing something like this. Drone food and her baking are definitely beyond comparison. Even so much as trying to categorize them together would be some kind of insult, wouldn't it? And we simply can't stand for that around here--!!

He gives a thoughtful hum. "Ah-- well. If we're going to do something like ice cream, then... I'd rather get ice cream cones later! They're good for eating while you walk, you know? Especially on a nice day as the sun starts to go down..."

Yes don't mind him he's just going to monopolize the rest of your evening slowly. You have no choice in the matter, in case you weren't aware.

Then nothing.

But yes, that would be a completely wasted attempt here, wouldn't it? She'll claim credit where it is due, okay.

...

Oh that is worth batting an eyelash and looking back up for, yes. We can't all be carefree and irresponsible like you, Abel. She's got a family of 4 to feed, and that's excluding herself!

"With the approaching of Summer Solstice though, that might happen as late as 7 to 8. I can't stay for that long, dinner still needs to be made for the household." Peering back at him... "What about you? Wouldn't Cain be expecting you too?"

Ah, but he's hardly carefree, you know...

He leans his chin on a palm, giving a thoughtful hum.

"Actually... I thought about that ahead of time." Yes contrary to popular belief he can occasionally put that brain of his to use!! "Do you think it'd be alright if we parted ways for dinner? You and I should both be finished with things right around when the sun is really setting, right?"

He might not be much of a man of planning and more about impulse. There was a reason for that. But now and then, something occurs to him -- something important. When it happens, he isn't keen to let it go easily.

...

That puts her on guard, because yes, when Abel stops playing the idiot is when stuff gets real. He... thought this through. This right now is just a stepping stone to a loftier goal. He already had something in mind, and no matter how she feels now, she's already agreed to it more than two weeks ago.

...

"I see." She adjusts her glasses by pushing up the frame's edge. "That would be okay, yes." She doesn't exactly have a choice in the matter, does she? Her tone isn't exactly one of resignation either, however. More like... a quiet acknowledgment, to whatever that prompted him to think this far ahead. "Where would you like to meet after?"

She isn't incorrect at all. All of this -- from the very beginning two weeks ago when he'd first asked her to spend a little time with him outside of the church as friends -- had a purpose. He rarely did anything on his own without prodding, otherwise. And, if she continues to befriend him this way... she's going to learn the main motivation behind what he will find meaningful enough to spurn him into action himself, time and time again, without fail.

And, just as she is sometimes underhanded... well.

'Birds of a feather.' He simply goes about it in a different way than she does, and probably much less often. The occasions have been rare in Mayfield for him to demonstrate those sort of abilities... but he certainly possesses them.

If she were to think she didn't have a choice in the matter -- ah. Well, that part... it's debatable. He absolutely doesn't intend to force her into a situation she would find unpleasant... and he wouldn't like it at all if she were only spending this time with him out of some sense of obligation. It isn't as though the plans he has for the evening are horrible or particularly taxing as they sometimes get, between them... especially when reminders of unpleasant times come to the forefront of their minds.

But...

...He isn't without a goal. That's absolutely true.

"Is it okay if we meet at the end of your street? I have something in mind, but... it's a surprise, so I don't want to spoil it by telling you where we're going just yet!" He seems suitably cheerful about this, in any case! If it were something due any real worry, that definitely wouldn't be the case.

This isn't a contest, no, even if somehow mysteriously, it's like some greater power is keeping a tally, and they just happen to score points in order so the results always stay uncannily even. Complaining about something like this would be very childish... After all, haven't they already established this to necessitate concessions from either sides? A circular give and take sort of thing that continuously moves forward without looking back. As flawed as both sides are... The resulting balance is remarkably well-kept.

...Hm. It'd be more accurate to say that after everything, she doesn't have it in her ~~heart~~ conscience to say no when it's clear that he's put effort into making something happen, and... She does, at a base level, trust him to not purposefully stage a bad situation. If he sets off anything, it's purely accidental, and that she can always overlook. It's not his fault. There have definitely been moments in the past where things have been exceptionally trying emotionally, but not once has she ever held it against him - or anyone, really. She doesn't plan to ever start doing that either, so he's definitely forbidden from getting the wrong idea.

"...Taylor Road?" She blinks. "That's... fine, I suppose." She can't deny to be a tag apprehensive, but who isn't when faced with the unknown... it's mostly just curiosity now, true. "Would 7:30 be okay?" Looks like she'll either need to ask Mami to do the dishes or get to them once she returns home... Yep planning ahead for chores even now, she can't help it okay.

Hopefully... any trepidation she faces the night with will be ill deserved. Considering his intentions, he'd really hope she wouldn't have any sort of adverse reaction to it at all.

He nods with a ~~corny~~ enthusiastic thumbs up at her question. "7:30 is just fine! And if you've still got room after this and dinner, maybe ice cream won't sound too bad around then? What do you think?"

Not that either of them are surprised by his vigor for inserting more sweets into this equation, right...

...Geez, she's no delicate flower here. She's got her buttons, but they're not exactly easy to come across. She just has terrible luck. There's no reason why things won't be fine!

"...I'll have to wait and see. It's still in 4 hours, isn't it? That's quite a while off." She offers a faint smile, and no, she couldn't act shocked about this not even if her life depended on it...

But moving on, she's not sure about how to feel if the rest of the wait is going to have small talk perpetually revolving around the topic of food. Don't they talk enough about that 'normally', as in at the Church after sundown? "So how was your day, Abel?" She'll be crossing her arms on the table and leaning forward a bit in mild interest; casual, right?

(unsure)

NO no, we can't allow the conversation to be dominated by food henceforth! A switch in topic is one he'll go right along with, prodding at his glasses again and keeping that amiable smile right where it is. It doesn't have plans to go anywhere, far as he's concerned... Not anytime soon.

"My day?" Abel rubs his chin in mock thought, as if this took some consideration or analysis. (Hint: it doesn't.) "Uneventful, I suppose... just the usual routine with nothing all to exciting about it." --Ah! But, then a lightbulb went right off, and he leans forward a bit in his enthusiasm to share this particular detail.

"I did sell a car!" ...Yes this is rather miraculous, or so says his over-eagerness to share that particular portion of his day. Let's just ignore the fact that the drone didn't need to be talked into it and had come for that model in specific, so all Abel had to do was assist with the paperwork and keep himself from convincing his customer out of it (which happens more often than you'd think)...

Details.

unsure yourself

...Awful...

"Is that so? My, congratulations. Hmm, if you would be so kind as to remind me, are car salesmen here paid by a fixed salary, or is it done on commission?" Inb4 he has no clue, which is what she's expecting, let's be realistic here.

She knows him hauntingly well...

He looks a little perplexed at the question. As if he couldn't possibly fathom why in the world she'd find such a thing important at all!! It isn't like it's relevant to his life and the ability to care for his 'family' or anything, right? Sheesh!!

"Eh?" He will stop playing with his napkin in an attempt to fold it into a flimsy paper airplane now. We're all mature adults here, really. "Um... I'm not really sure, Ciel. I don't pay much attention to the details... I just show up when it's necessary to keep from being droned. Since that kind of job isn't exactly doing anyone any good around here, I don't pay it too much mind..."

He could see why someone like her would put effort into her assigned duty -- it wasn't just mindless drones in attendance at school, and she had a chance to reach the younger populous, maybe do them some good. Selling drones used (and often times simply run down hunks of junk) cars didn't contribute, uh... much of anything...

...Plus, it helps him rationalize away any sort of responsibility, of course. Ahem.

"But-- how was your day? Was school fun?" He can imagine her being particularly good with children for some reason. Ah, that image is kind of endearing...! Maybe he'd have to see for himself one of these days.

She is doing an impressive job of not judging him playing with that paper airplane! Overgrown kids, seriously. But as a matter of fact...

"If your salary is also determined by commission, then you'd be able to earn more if you sell more cars. Having more money means being able to afford more for the house, doesn't it? So of course a detail like that can be important. I've asked you about your financial situation at home before, Abel. Are you really doing as okay as you claim? Cooking is much cheaper than eating out, for one!" She'll just give a small sigh and explain patiently, of course. It makes some sense, alright.

"Mine? The same as usual, really. I don't teach a particularly important subject, after all, and with how students come and go all the time, there's no way to properly gauge a heterogeneous classroom where the level of proficiency with the French language varies drastically between everyone. Granted, most don't speak a word of it at all..." Her shoulders faintly slump. "Some are interested, at least, and given that finals are next week, it's been review classes of late. At least the students are lively during recess and lunch period, haha." It's a boring sort of summary, yes, but she's not about to admit that she occasionally stays late on a drone's behalf. The same old bullying tricks do get awfully old though, but that's not something she'd be keen on bringing up in front of him.

He listens to her explanation with a slightly skeptical expression, scratching his cheek like a child being told the merits of doing homework and not getting the point when he already does work in school. However, when she's finished... he exhales a sigh and goes back to fiddling with his napkin-plane.

"Now, please don't worry yourself over my finances! You're painting a skeptical sort of picture here, Ciel... do you think I'm some kind of ill-suited provider for my family? Regardless the personal cost, I make sure that they're all very well taken care of! Even if I'll have to live off of the contents of that cupboard in the church for the rest of my life and will surely work myself into some sort of coma by the time my year anniversary in this wretched town comes up..." Oh, he'll just slip that in there with a long-suffering sigh as he plays with the nose of his plane before brightening again with satisfactorily cheerful vigor. "Really! There's nothing for you to worry yourself over in the least--!"

The facade of bumbling and incompetent priest is good for times like these, you know? Just try to take him seriously or figure out exactly what his financial situation looks like he dares you.

Ah... but at that -- discussion of school and classes, he settles his chin on palm again with a more sincere sort of (less dramatic) smile.

"I bet you're a really good teacher... even if students are always shuffling in and out through things here."

"That's because you inspire skepticism, Abel." She answers with a perfectly straight face, holding up the side of her cheek with a propped up fist. "Honestly. If you're that bad off, I don't mind having something ready at the church every night." This is her being humble, re: being able to cook better than any drone joint here, pretty sure that he'd be relatively well off if he has to feed off a cupboard whose content she supervises over personally. "I should get you to carry a box of curry bread back home soon too, Cain seems to be very fond of those." So is she... But he gives her a good cover, alright. "And please... You know I wouldn't let anything of the sort happen, now."

Abel don't make her hunt down your checkbooks and salary slips down. Not only is she capable of doing that, she's also capable of seriously considering it. If he's presenting that as a dare, don't put it past her to take him up on it. There's that thing where she humors him and takes him seriously whereas no one else does, remember...

"...Ahh, really..." Shrugging that off with a faint smile, though. "I don't know about that. I can lose track of the main topic pretty easily, someone hard to follow wouldn't make a good teacher at all..."

She does take his derpitude rather somberly serious, doesn't she? It's a method of return-trolling he's still in the process of learning to adjust to, you see. As no one else has employed this particular tactic -- and it can be surprisingly effective, ahem.

He sighs once more, shoulders sloping a bit more. "What kind of man would I be if I couldn't support my own family by myself? I understand you're offering out of the kindness of your own heart, Ciel, but -- this is a duty I have to perform alone! It's my burden to bear, so... so please! Don't worry yourself with my inevitable fate..."

This is about time where normally, one would insert a dramatic cough or the like, and swoon over in an attempt to keel. But, he's refraining from going quite that far.

...Oh. Well. He'll squint an eye a bit further open from their drooped misery to peer at her. Does she believe she's not suited for the job of 'teacher?' Hm.

"Ah... when it comes to that..."

Ahem. Don't mind his miraculous recovery as he sits a bit straighter -- giving the waiter a little polite thanks and wave as their ice tea arrives -- before nudging at his glasses again.

"I think that's just a sign that you care! If you lose the topic, it's probably because you are trying to convey a great deal of things and get distracted in doing so. But that means you want them to learn, right?" Welp now he gets to play with his straw wrapper too. "Teachers train for these jobs, so they know how best to divulge information in a concise manner. If you're going in blind, not being perfect is expected! But it doesn't make you any less able."

Good, now roll over and give her your paw...

She is going to mildly scowl at him in disapproval now. "You're getting it mixed up with single parenting! Has it occurred to you that it's why a normal family consists of both a mother and a father? I suppose I could let it slide if it was just you and Cain, but that's not the case here, so you can't be close-minded! I'll have you start carrying more back home, if you keep pretending otherwise!" It's okay she'll lecture him at the absence of further dramatics...

And now for the 180 temperament switch... or something.

"Not really... Ah, it's embarrassing to admit, but the truth is I get distracted rather easily..." This is totally a face you can take seriously. "Just looking after kids wouldn't be a problem, but teaching a subject is a different matter entirely!" Going to mildly protest back anyway, while giving an absent nod to the waiter after she's got her glass of tea - which will be left untouched of course, as she goes on. "There are more useful things to learn here too, rather than another language..."

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