[PUNCH CLOCK ANIMAL] ASHTRAY

[skinstealer]

The ride goes relatively smoothly, with Chelsea and Bucket doing their best to ignore Matthias' presence. Hours pass without much trouble, and both demons wonder if maybe, this was going to go fine after all.

And then comes the rest stop's diner.



Chelsea makes her way over to the furthest possible corner booth, waiting anxiously for Bucket to come and sit down with her before Matthias can take the spot. Bucket finishes up with the staff at the register and manages to catch up right before she sits, giving her a reassuring pat.




As soon as Bucket takes a seat, Matthias pulls up two chairs from another table entirely- putting one down for him to sit in, and the other to prop his feet up.

BUCKET: Oh? You're joining us for dinner today?
MATTHIAS: Why not? Can't I enjoy a little company?
BUCKET: I suppose it's fine for now...

A waiter places menus down for them, shooting a dirty look at Matthias' chair setup. 

WAITER: Let me know when you're ready to order- 

Their expression worsens as they notice Matthias’ cigarette, the dog exhaling smoke directly in their face.

WAITER: Sir, there's no smoking allowed here- 
MATTHIAS: I didn't see a sign. 

He looks over at Bucket and Chelsea, eyebrows raised. 

MATTHIAS: Did you see a sign?
BUCKET: I don't smoke, so I wouldn't have checked. 
BUCKET: Perhaps you should go and ask the manager for a ruling yourself? 
BUCKET: See how that fares? 
BUCKET: Would be far more helpful here perhaps.
MATTHIAS: If a manager comes and talks to me, I'll stop. 
MATTHIAS: But I'll have you know, this shit's medical. 
MATTHIAS: You wouldn't want me getting all sick, would you?

He makes a mock pout at the waiter, getting a frustrated sigh in return. 

WAITER: Just...let me know when you want to order.