savetheearth | Entry #A-4: "Ante" [February 21, Text]

Entry #A-4: "Ante" [February 21, Text]

Though the police and the Blood Keys obviously represent a threat to many numbered individuals, I have a question about organized religion, and what pulses might mean when framed within certain philosophical contexts. No matter how natural it might feel, if there really is another being nudging its way into an existing consciousness, changing a person's aptitudes, physical attributes and even their personality... there have to be at least a few churches that would consider that demonic possession, right? Has anyone tried to reconcile what's happening with influential religious practices, and do we have any resources for assisting anyone who might wind up the subject of an attempted exorcism? Those still happen today, they can be extremely dangerous, and I'm concerned about the possibility of frightened numbered people seeking out such assistance, or being subjected to it by their families and communities. Thinking you're crazy is one thing, but sincerely believing that the devil is wielding you as an instrument is another entirely. Probably not something that the FAQ page can successfully assuage, for the most tenaciously convinced.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

No, probably not. so far it's just people with supernatural powers. i think being good at chess probablydoesn't count

[I'm REALLY good, though.

He bites his tongue on what he's been raised to consider his one big validating quality.]

So, what are your hours? When do you close tonight, I suppose I should be asking...

seven to seven!

[And he shows up before close! He's a shabby thing; having a supernatural power or two would probably benefit him, because he is intimidating no one with that haggard, gaunt look he's rocking.

Fortunately, he also looks like a few donuts wouldn't hurt him.]

So... cake. I like most kinds...

[He glances at the display case, looking at what's ready, if anything. In all fairness, it's kind of near closing.]

[oh that sure is a skinny guy. Shiro is actually cleaning off the counter in preparation for close when he walks in. The case is pretty picked over, but there's a few tasty treats left]

Hey! Welcome to the Magnificent Bakery! [Shiro says with a wave, being careful not to open his mouth too wide. Most of the customers got freaked out by his teeth and blue tongue, so he did his best to hide them. Without any powers to speak of, Shiro can't recognize the guy right off the bat as a Numbered, so he doesn't take any chances] Well, if you like cake, you've come to the right place. You want somethin' out of the case, or do you need to make a custom order?

[the case has a few things in it; cupcakes in various flavors, cookies, miniature pies and tarts, and, the special of the house, personal sized cakes. Like the fancy large cakes they make, but in miniature. There's a German chocolate, red velvet, wedding cake, and pineapple upsidedown cake flavor left]

[Skinny's definitely a way to put it; he's all limbs and saucer-eyes under a mop of wild black hair. He's quick and observant, too; his gaze lingers a little long on Shiro's mouth. He thought he saw a flash of blue; difficult to tell if it was vibrant gum, or something more.]

Something from the case is OK... I understand that you'd probably have to stay late if I asked for something custom, and that seems unnecessary.

[He leans down, seeming especially interested in the cupcakes.]

How about those...?

[Shiro is sure to keep his mouth closed more. He definitely noticed that look]

Nah, man, we'd put the order in for tomorrow.

A cupcake! Good eye. We've got a triple strawberry, a raspberry chocolate, a key lime, and that one there with the candied bacon on top is "French Toast". It's a sweet maple flavor.

Tomorrow? No, no that won't do at all.

[The case it is, and he is completely fixated on the cupcakes now.]

You don't have any "French Toast" without the bacon, do you? I don't eat pork.

Sure do!

[He grabs a piece of parchment paper and takes one of the cupcakes from the back]

This one's bacon free. Instead, there's a sprinkle of smoked salt on the top to give it that savory sweet flavor.

[His pale face lights up in a tense smile. He wasn't expecting that to be accommodated so easily.]

I see... can I buy two? One for now, one for later?

[oddly enough, they have a fairly large vegetarian clientele, as well as folks who can't eat meat for whatever reason. Plus, a lot of people are put off by meat on their desserts, even if it is delicious. It's always good to have options.]

Of course!

[Shiro pulls a flat box and quickly folds it into shape, placing in a divider and a wax paper. He places two of the cupcakes in the box and shows it to him before sealing it up] Is that everything?

[Thank goodness. This is really cool; a surefire way to get on L's good side is indulging his finicky one.]

Actually... could I have all of the remaining triple strawberry?

[He'll regret this, but leaving them there just seems cruel.]

[Shiro offers a wide, though closed-mouth, grin]

Sure, man. Just make sure to eat them in the next day or so, or they'll get soggy. Promise me you'll eat them promptly and they're all yours!

[he grabs another box and packages the strawberry cupcakes up the same way] Your sweet tooth pointing you to any other goodies?

[That is not going to happen. Ever. The calories L consumes in a day are well under his daily recommended allotment, that is the amount he is used to, and anything more will make him ridiculously ill.]

I promise.

[Not that he seems to be able to acknowledge this reality.]

I should stop there, though... my housemate might think even this much is frivolous for just two people.

[he laughs a bit]

Well, if that's all, I'll ring you up. [doo dee doo register ding ding whee]

[He's pulling some cash out of his pocket; his hands are jankity as heck, appearing as if only his thumb and forefingers bend properly. The rest of his thin fingers actually look atrophied.]

If these are good, and I suspect they will be... you can definitely expect to see me back.

[Shiro doesn't say anything. He can't talk about looking weird. Even before his pulses, being an albino got him plenty of stares and rude comments. And since them? It'd only gotten worse.]

That'll be $17.73. And we always love return customers! Here, I'll give you one of these. [he offers a punch card with one hole already punched] Fill this up and you get a free item out of the case.

[Oh no. Oh, no, Shiro, you are starting a terrible habit.

He pockets the card after he pays, seeming really pleased and tucking the boxes of cupcakes under his arms.]

Thanks. Have a good night...

You too.

[this might be dangerous, but...]

The card has a the store's Number on it. You could think of it kind of like a special Club. You know. If you want to.

[hopefully if the guy is who he thinks he might be, he'll get it. If not, he's just a customer that will think he's super weird. Which is pretty par for the course]

[He quirks a hairless brow.]

I see. And who should I ask for when I call?

Heheheh.

Shiro.

An appropriate name, innit.

[L considers it, giving the man a cursory glance.]

Yes, very.

I'm Lazarus. Generally it's shortened to "L" since it's a cumbersome name.

[he quirks a brow] Like the man who came back from the dead? Hehe. Well. You have a good night, Mr. L.

Yes, exactly like that.

[L says it with an odd intensity, no trace of a smile anywhere on his face.]

Thank you. You as well.

[And with that, he's shuffling out into the night with too many cupcakes for a skinny guy and the petite woman he lives with.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Entry #A-4: "Ante" [February 21, Text]

text;

text;

text;

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]