OPEN SEASON.

[crawly]

1. pick a character.

☛ optional.
☛ character list here.
☛ full list.
☛ specify in the subject line if you want one character in particular.

2. provide a prompt.

☛ image, words, music, whatever you want.
☛ i like to think at least one of my three tumblrs has something interesting. (be warned that all three blogs contain nsfw material, including porn.)

3. gotta go fast.

☛ not actually. this is a permanently open post! tag at your own speed.

Comments

[theblonde]

Um - anything, really. As long as it's sweet.

[her smile grows wider,]

Thanks, Ned.

[she finds herself a seat at the counter, sending a glance towards olive. it's obvious, how she feels for ned, but ned's oblivious or just really good at ignoring it.]

[nedly]

Will do.

[ ned passes the order onto her as he walks by, heading for the serving counter to get a slice of pie, not even looking back and therefore entirely missing the look the waitress gives his back.

oblivious, all the way.

it takes a minute or so before he comes back with a slice of apple pie a la mode, just after olive brings her a cup of coffee with a bright smile. ]

Here.

[ ned glances around the diner, checking to make sure that the number of customers has indeed dwindled a little before he sits down next to her on a stool and taking a deep breath. ]

[theblonde]

[it's so bad that serena actually rolls her eyes as ned's back is turned. this is ridiculous. she's going to have to come up with a plan, maybe wake him up a little bit.

she sips the coffee first after thanking the both of them. it's been a tough week, and she prods at the pie with her fork, worrying her lower lip before she really looks at ned.]

How's work?

[nedly]

Not bad. [ he scrunches up handfuls of his apron while he talks, smiling. it's really been pretty good — busier than usual, probably because the weather's been nice and people like being outside. ]

Busy. Kind of busy, anyway. Olive's been a champ, though, she's great.

[theblonde]

Yeah? That's great, Ned! You two are such hard workers.

[she smiles, glancing towards olive in the corner of her eye.]

She's worked for you a long time, right?

[nedly]

Uh-huh. Almost since right after I started the Pie Hole.

[ olive brushes by, and ned shoots her a grateful smile while simultaneously taking her reply as just friendliness. ]

[theblonde]

[serena is anything but subtle, and the only thing right now that will get her out of her mood is setting someone up. it's just her skill.]

Have you ever thought about settling down with someone?

[nedly]

[ ned may be oblivious, but he isn't stupid. at serena's question he stops, mouth half-open to reply when his brain catches up with his face. ]

Wh...at?

[ is she implying... what he thinks she's impyling? ]

[theblonde]

[she takes a bite of pie as ned processes her question, smiling all the while. her tongue darts out to catch a bit of crust that hadn't made it into her mouth.]

Well?

[nedly]

Um. Are you talking about marriage? Or relationships? Because, as you know, I don't do either. I haven't done the first, either. Just saying.

[ he swallows nervously. TIME TO TRY AND CHANGE THE SUBJECT. ]

Is that pie good? It looks good. Not to brag or anything, buuuut I like to think my pies are pretty... tasty.

[ smoothest conversation segue EVER. ]

[theblonde]

Why are you so afraid of a relationship? Don't you want someone you can cuddle with and watch movies and be yourself? It's pretty nice, you know?

[she grins. she's not giving in that easily.]

They're plenty tasty, Ned. But we're having a conversation. I don't get why it makes you so uncomfortable. You know you can tell me anything.

[nedly]

[ he takes a long, deep breath, and then lets it out. there's no point in trying to keep her off the subject now. he knows serena and her persistence well enough. ]

I can watch movies with Digby. [ said almost hopefully. ] Not that we, um, cuddle.

I just don't want to, you know? Sometimes you like being by yourself.

[theblonde]

[for a moment there, she actually looks saddened by his confession.]

For your whole life?

[nedly]

Well —

— no.

[ there's the lilt of a question to his denial, though. ned shrugs helplessly. luckily, at that moment, another customer steps in. as olive is occupied by another order, ned looks about ready to jump out of his seat to get out of this conversation. ]

[theblonde]

[serena sighs, giving in, returning to her pie and coffee. she's quiet for a moment before she decides to abruptly look at ned again.]

Do you need any help around here?

[nedly]

Umm.

[ he stops halfway to the newcomer's table, turning to face her. ]

I wouldn't say no. And you're always welcome here.

[ he flashes her another smile, and rushes off to take the customer's order. he'll be back soon! ]

whoops sorry for the late!!

[theblonde]

I just -

[but he's already gone, and serena is left to contemplate asking if it would be alright to work here, at least for a little bit. she pouts, taking another bite of pie and chewing slowly.

she's really got to work on getting her finger wrapped around you, ned.]

no problem!!

[nedly]

[ he makes a circuit of the diner, taking orders and filling them when he can. it's a minute or two again before he returns, leaning on the counter instead of sitting down. ]

So. You were saying? About working here?

[theblonde]

Um-

[she runs her fingers through her hair, shaking her head.]

Nothing. Don't worry about it.

[nedly]

[ usually, he wouldn't push, but... he saw her when she came in. ]

Well, if you say so. But we've been pretty busy lately. If you ever want to use up a couple of hours, I can call it part-time.

[theblonde]

[she lightens up, posture straightening.]

Really? It wouldn't be too much trouble, would it?

[nedly]

Of course it wouldn't! It wouldn't be any trouble at all. Um, Olive really knows more than I do about the business, but I can start showing you the ropes if you don't... have plans..?

[ hopeful smile. look at this dork. ]

[theblonde]

Yeah! Yes, I have time. I don't have any classes today, so .. yes, that would be great.

[she offers a wide smile back at him; what a sweetheart.]

[nedly]

Great. Well, once you finish your coffee, I'll show you around the back so you can find... things. Important things.

[theblonde]

Important things-- sure.

[she gives ned a wry smile and promptly finishes her coffee after a minute or two.

she sets her money next to her empty plate and coffee and stands.]

Okay! I'm ready.