lately i've been, i've been losing sleep

[quatrain]

[ The moon is already high and orange in the sky when He Ming pulls up into the parking lot of the diner. The stars are still visible here, he notices, peering up and smiling at the twinkling lights before he goes into the restaurant.

He finds a stool to sit on right up at the front of the diner, at the bar area. ]

Hi! [ He's certainly very perky for past midnight. ] What do you recommend?

Comments

Oh my gosh, I swear I posted a tag here. ; ;

[anfractus]

[ Late night shift sucks but getting extra pay is still pay and pay meant dealing with rent and bills with less dread in her stomach and more irritation as she struggled to balance her books.

She does her best to remain cheerful as her current customer, the smile on her face practised even if there's a sleepy quality in her eyes as she looks at her notepad at her little personal reminders of things like these. ]

At this hour? It'll be our coffee special if you're planning for the long haul. [ Seems to be the case with how it doesn't seem like he's here for a rest. More like a break, timeout for whatever he's doing. ] If you want something more filling, our wings are to die for is you believe our chef's bragging and awards on the wall behind me.

IT OK ur here now

[quatrain]

Weeeell, I'll definitely take some coffee. And since you're so convincing on the wings front—two plates of those, please!

[ It's a lot for a fairly small person, but He Ming sounds absolutely pumped for it. ]

thank u friend ; w ; week has been kicking me hard

[anfractus]

[ and this is magra looked amused and impressed as hell as she takes down the order, her eyebrows shooting up as an actual glint of energy shines in her eyes. ]

Two plates? I mean-- My boss is gonna be pleased as hell but I should let you know: I ain't kidding about the plates. They've got a hell of a kick for them.

Though I guess that's what you'll be needing for the evening. Anything else can I get you or should I tell the chef to be snappy now?

[quatrain]

Hey, if I can't finish 'em I've got a dog who likes spicy food.

[ he jerks a thumb out the window of the diner to some point in the parking lot.

spoilers: he's a lying liar who lies who doesn't have a dog. ]

Just the wings sounds good. Hit me up! And if you don't mind, I could use some company. Talking company, I mean—unless you're busy.

[anfractus]

[ she's about to ask him if he's really sure that's a good idea to give a dog some spices that could light up a christmas tree when he asks for her company.

for a second, she looks offended as hell until he clarifies himself on what that meant and then she looks embarrassed as hell with how quick she was to jump the gun, so to speak. she has the decency to look flustered as she rubs her pencil behind her ear out of habit. whoops. ] --Oh. Really?

Um… Well… I am supposed to be taking a break in five minutes. [ not really but her boss isn't here and won't be back anytime soon. no one here is gonna be snitching on her since they all did it too. overworked employees gotta stick together after all. ] Tell you what: I'll get your order, wake up Harry over there and refill his coffee before I join you. Is that good with ya?

[quatrain]

Yes! I'd love to talk to someone. I've been driving for a long time, and the radio can only be so interesting.

[ He Ming grins when she agrees, eyes lighting up like she's given him what he's always wanted. Which she sort of has, just in a different way. ]

Sounds great. No rush, I'll be right here.

[ When she returns, he's leaning an elbow on the counter and gazing out at the parking lot at nothing, humming softly under his breath. ]

[anfractus]

Great! Be back in a flash. [ not the smartest thing for her to day, she knows -- just agreeing to stuff.

but it's late as hell and she's tired as hell and he seems nice as hell so what the heck. she finishes up all that she needs to do, efficient and quick and done a million times in the past, before heading back to where he is after ditching the apron and nametag that proclaims her to be MARISOL. ]

Thanks for waiting. [ she slides next to a chair while she tries to refix her ponytail, a combination of steady energy and running on midnight oil. she flashes him a smile, happy and a bit nervous. ] That song-- Um, I never heard of it before. New tunes from the city?

[quatrain]

[ He Ming is easy to talk to, easy to trust; he gives off an impression of an utter lack of depth, and thus, guilelessness. The smile he gives Marisol when she returns is genuine. ]

The city? No, just a little something I've been thinking about. I used to want to write music, you know?

[ He breaks off from apparently gearing up for quite a ramble with a sheepish grin. ]

Sorry, I'll stop. My name's He Ming. Ma-ri-sol, right?