09-05-2023, 12:03 AM
You make a mental note to talk to Roulette before you head off on the journey…
It’s clear that Devo’s worried about it, and you can’t help but feel some nerves in your belly thinking about what Ortho said.
But for now…
It’s clear that Devo’s worried about it, and you can’t help but feel some nerves in your belly thinking about what Ortho said.
But for now…
POLKA DOT: So, uh!
POLKA DOT: Guess this ended up being a double date, huh?
DEVO: Not on purpose…
DEVO: But… yeah.
CROSSBONE: I don’t mind! It’s nice to finally get some time to hang out, Devo.
DEVO: Likewise.
DEVO: Shame we couldn’t face off in the match, but…we’ll be working together out in the field anyway, not fighting each other.
TIMOTHY: I think it’ll work out!
DEVO: Oh, and-
DEVO: Thanks for the braces, Willow.
DEVO: They helped a lot today.
DEVO: Made me feel like I could actually do something out there.
CROSSBONE: It’s no issue at all!
CROSSBONE: I’ve just got a little to finish for gear, and then I’ll be all set.
Devo nods and seems to get lost in thought for a moment, Tim peering over at him.
TIMOTHY: You alright?
DEVO: Yeah! Yeah, it’s-
DEVO: Just thinking about some stuff.
DEVO: I felt…a lot more capable than I thought I would be.
DEVO: I don’t think I’ve really ever been in big fights before, but…
DEVO: Felt like some kinda instinct hit.
DEVO: Like the knife felt natural, even with the short range.
TIMOTHY: Huh…maybe you’re just good at this!
DEVO: Ortho seemed to think so, yeah…
DEVO: I’m really gonna take their advice to heart.
POLKA DOT: Hell yeah.
There’s quiet again, and you decide to break the silence once more.
POLKA DOT: Anybody got anything they’re looking forward to seeing out there?
DEVO: I’ve been outside the city a couple times- it’s how I met Roulette.
DEVO: Never too far, just like…
DEVO: Rooting around scrapyards looking for extra pellets.
He looks embarrassed all of a sudden.
DEVO: Y-yknow. Normal. Plush stuff.
DEVO: Just in case.
Tim subtly places his paw on Devo’s under the table, a movement you just barely catch.
You’re not sure what to make of his stammering- and if Cross has any comments, she keeps them to herself.
You’re not sure what to make of his stammering- and if Cross has any comments, she keeps them to herself.
CROSSBONE: Personally…I’m kind of excited to see a monster.
POLKA DOT: That’s just ‘cause you wanna become one.
CROSSBONE: Maybe so, but I bet they’ll be pretty cool.
TIMOTHY: I dunno, I’m kind of spooked by the idea…
DEVO: I’m down for it, but I’d, uh, rather see them from afar, yknow?
DEVO: As little danger as possible for me, thanks.
DEVO: The idea of getting up close to a monster is-
He catches Cross’ amused face.
DEVO: I-I mean! It’s not bad!
DEVO: Just!
CROSSBONE: Hehehe…
CROSSBONE: Don’t worry, I’ll be a cool monster.
CROSSBONE: Surely there’s got to be some out there, right?
TIMOTHY: Haha, yeah…
Tim doesn’t look so sure on that one.
Before you can continue, your noodles are here, delightfully sculpted miniatures that look just right.
Vine would kill to make something like this, I bet…
Before you can continue, your noodles are here, delightfully sculpted miniatures that look just right.
Vine would kill to make something like this, I bet…
POLKA DOT: Oh, wow.
POLKA DOT: Do you think they’ll tell us the recipe if I ask?
Tim’s already digging into his when he speaks up, his voice muffled.
TIMOTHY: Not a chance.
TIMOTHY: Prolly a house recipe or something.
POLKA DOT: Yeah, but…cmon, not even a hint from the chef?
CROSSBONE: Industry secret, I bet…
POLKA DOT: Agh…
POLKA DOT: What if I ask really nicely?
DEVO: I dunno, maybe she’s got a shot.
POLKA DOT: See! Devo believes in me!
Your conversation goes on a lot smoother from there, the tension eased by a delicious meal and the pleasant company. The noodles are definitely spicier than you expected- but you tank that shit and manage to impress Cross a little in the process. Totally worth it.
You manage to chase your worries away about Roulette- for now, anyway.
As promised, Cross pays the check, and after a bit more milling around, you’re on your way back.
It’s getting dark, but the streets are lit, and you feel safer in a group than you expected as you walk down the snowy sidewalks. Maybe it bodes well for the adventure itself...
Tim and Devo lag behind a little, and when you ask whether they’re doing okay, Tim says to just keep moving, and that he’s gonna talk with Devo- and probably carry him home. The two of them seem content in their own little world, and it gives you time to talk with Cross as well.
You manage to chase your worries away about Roulette- for now, anyway.
As promised, Cross pays the check, and after a bit more milling around, you’re on your way back.
It’s getting dark, but the streets are lit, and you feel safer in a group than you expected as you walk down the snowy sidewalks. Maybe it bodes well for the adventure itself...
Tim and Devo lag behind a little, and when you ask whether they’re doing okay, Tim says to just keep moving, and that he’s gonna talk with Devo- and probably carry him home. The two of them seem content in their own little world, and it gives you time to talk with Cross as well.
CROSSBONE: …I think this is going to work out.
CROSSBONE: I’m still a bit worried, but…
CROSSBONE: I’m excited.
CROSSBONE: We actually managed to pull off some training!
CROSSBONE: I dunno! It feels…really real now!
CROSSBONE: I couldn’t be more grateful for you all…
She reaches for your hand, her fingers interlacing with your wing.
CROSSBONE: How are you feeling about it all?