[PUNCH CLOCK ANIMAL] ASHTRAY

[skinstealer]

Chelsea puts her face in her hand as the waiter walks away, sneaking an apologetic look at Bucket. Her partner returns a slight smile and a shrug, followed by a sigh. Chelsea tries to shake off her anxiety, going for her menu and skimming it. 

 

CHELSEA: Guess the soup sounds alright...it's got meat in it.
BUCKET: Go as hard as you'd like, I'm covering.
MATTHIAS: Wow, really? 

 
Matthias peeks over his menu. 

 
MATTHIAS: I know what I'm getting, then!
BUCKET: I suppose I can cover you as well...

 
Matthias starts flagging the waiter down again, Bucket leaning all the way back in their booth. This bastard is gonna squeeze in as much free dinner as possible. Hopefully Rein won't mind.
 
The waiter doesn’t seem pleased in the slightest to return to their table, their movements slow and hesitant as they carry a tray with glasses of water in hand.

  
WAITER:  Are you ready to order- 
MATTHIAS: Yeah, I'll take the steak combo. 
MATTHIAS: Extra sauce. 
CHELSEA: ...I'll have the soup of the day.
BUCKET: The biscuits and gravy if you will.
WAITER: And...got it. 
WAITER: I'll be back with your order soon, then. 

 
They leave as soon as the last of it’s scribbled down, leaving the party to themselves. 

 
MATTHIAS: So...you two know each other long? 

Matthias leans forward, elbows on the table.

 
BUCKET: Knowing other demons is part of the job so... quite long.
MATTHIAS: Must be pretty close, then.
BUCKET: I consider her one of my closest allies, yes.
MATTHIAS: Can't imagine either of your bosses are too happy with that... 
 

He glances over at Chelsea, watching her squirm. 

 
MATTHIAS: I hear things, you know. People talk.
BUCKET: People also gossip based on vague tidbits of information when you're effectively a celebrity.
MATTHIAS: I'm just wondering how true it all is, that's all.
BUCKET: What in particular?
MATTHIAS: Oh, you know. 
MATTHIAS: Things. 
MATTHIAS: All kinds of things, ones I'm sure you can guess.
BUCKET: You're going to have to be more specific.
MATTHIAS: Well, all I've heard is that people see you two together all the time, and, you know. 

 
He leans in even more, tapping cigarette ash on the tablecloth. 

 
MATTHIAS: People gotta come up with reasons for why that is, and one theory is that you're taking pity on Spit's prized demon. 
MATTHIAS: Slipping her some favors behind closed doors. 

 
Chelsea chokes on her drink.

 
BUCKET: I genuinely consider her my friend, there is no pity in anything. 
BUCKET: As for these favors? I'm unsure what that means.
MATTHIAS: Not really appropriate for a little diner to go on about it, but I'll put it another way: favors of an intimate variety, if you get my drift.

 
His grin practically splits his face, staring the two of them down intently. 
 

 
MATTHIAS: Can't help but wonder.

 
Bucket raises their brow. 

 
BUCKET: Oh? 
BUCKET: Are you looking to become a third wheel?

 
Chelsea chokes on her drink again, Matthias stunned for a moment.
 

BUCKET: No I suppose you're doing that already, but you do what you have to for free steak.
MATTHIAS: You've got a hell of a mouth on you for someone serving such a stuck up prick.
BUCKET: Occupational requirements, you understand.
MATTHIAS: Can't help but notice you didn't deny it, though. 
MATTHIAS: The rumors.
BUCKET: You've already made up your mind on them. 
BUCKET: I can tell you no but that wouldn't persuade you, yes?
MATTHIAS: I mean, I don't think I'd believe you on merit of how lil' miss demon over there looks like she's going to pass out just by me bringing it up. 

 
He points his cigarette at Chelsea, the karacel completely pale.
 

 
BUCKET: There's plenty of things that would pull the same reaction as what you're implying, I can assure you.
MATTHIAS: Oh yeah? Name a few. 

  

Bucket grins, no humor to it. 

 
BUCKET: You're a real voyeur, has anyone told you this?
MATTHIAS: If I was going to watch someone, it wouldn't be you two. Not my taste- 
CHELSEA: Oh, my god. 

  

Chelsea puts her head in her hand, pulling it down her face. 

 
CHELSEA: Will you two please shut up.

  

Bucket gives Matthias a big shrug. 

  

BUCKET: You heard her. 
BUCKET: Be a good guest and wait until food gets here.

  

Matthias actually falls silent, keeping a watchful eye on Chelsea. 

  

MATTHIAS: Sure.