'Dite's Decadent Delights, Tuesday afternoon

[trigons_child]

Raven was in a fairly somber mood when she opened the store that afternoon, as she reflected on the events of the past weekend. Though it seemed like her future self -- that version of her, at least -- had gotten a happier ending to the reunion than it had begun, she still was distressed by the person she'd become. On the plus side, she hadn't

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[divinesurfchick]

Aphrodite zapped herself onto the porch of the store, then entered quietly.

"Raven? Are you here?"

At first she thought it was a ridiculous question; after all, who else would be here if the door was unlocked? But then she thought it could be Karla instead, so maybe it wasn't a foolish question.

Either way, she she stepped into the store to find which of her employees was there.

[trigons_child]

Raven's face broke into a happy smile. "Hello, Lady Aphrodite," she said. "It is good to see you."

She couldn't wait to tell her that Jono had told her he loved her.

[divinesurfchick]

'Dite stopped. She looked around the store, then back at Raven. One eyebrow went up, then two.

"Who are you and what have you done with Raven?" She took another step into the store. "Heavens to Mergatroid -- you're happy!"

It was a wonderful thing to see, but 'Dite wasn't going to pass up the opportunity to tease Raven.

[trigons_child]

"I am," Raven said, ducking her head and blushing. "It is not that rare of an occurrence, is it?" Then again, usually she was worried or stressed about what was going on in the lives of her friends and how she could help, or dwelling on her own issues.

"I suppose I am happy," she said, looking up, smile still in place. "Jono told me he loves me."

[divinesurfchick]

"He did? Sweet Pea, that's awesome!" She stepped around the counter, raising her arms. "First high-five, then give me a hug!"

Maybe this would be enough to cushion the news she had to tell.

[trigons_child]

Raven knew what a high five was, but wasn't accustomed to them, so her attempt was on the awkward side. The hug that followed, however, was not.

"I do not think I have ever been happier," she murmured. "I have waited so long for someone to tell me that."

[divinesurfchick]

"You mean, you've waited so long for someone of the male variety to tell you that." 'Dite's scolding was gentle. "Because I know Karla's told you, and I've told you." She shrugged. "Only difference is, you didn't want to kiss us. Well, . . . me." She winked, then hugged Raven again. "I'm really proud of you, Raven. You've come so far, and I'm really glad to be your friend."

[trigons_child]

Raven couldn't help but blush. "I know, and I cherish that kind of love as well," she said. "And I do still care for Karla, that has not changed."

She squeezed her arms around 'Dite, basking in her pride. "Thank you," she said. "I am very glad to be your friend as well." She'd known a goddess before, but never as a friend, only as a teacher.

[divinesurfchick]

'Dite motioned to the open area in the middle of the store, and zapped in two chairs. "Come on, Sweet Pea. I need to talk to you, and then you can tell me all about what was happening when Jono said he loved you."

She led the way around the counter, then settled herself in one chair. Her face took on a serious expression, and she drummed her fingers as she waited for Raven to take her seat.

[trigons_child]

Raven sat down in the other chair, frowning a little at 'Dite's serious demeanor. "What is wrong?" she said. "Is this about what you were telling me before? About...leaving?"

[divinesurfchick]

'Dite nodded. "Yeah. I'm afraid it is." She took a breath. "Do you like working at the store, Raven? I mean, " she waved a hand, "I know at first you were a little . . . uncomfortable. But it seemed recently you started to like it, I mean, you came back after . . . after."

She was aware she wasn't doing this well, and sighed.

[trigons_child]

"I have enjoyed working for you," Raven said.

She glanced around the store. "There are some things I do not understand, but I have been learning." Like, say, about handcuffs. Which made her blush again.

[divinesurfchick]

'Dite noticed the blush, and smiled. "Learning, huh? I'll bet Jono loves that." She winked, then turned serious.

"The reason I'm asking is, I don't want to close the store. I think Fandom needs it, I think it plays a role, and I just like having it. But I need to know, would you keep working here, even if I'm not here?" 'Dite pulled back, gesturing helplessly. "I mean, I'll be back, I'm not going forever, and I'm hoping to get back every few weeks and check in, but -- I'd have to leave the day to day running of the store to you and Karla -- if Karla wants to stay."

If Karla doesn't hate me for leaving in the first place.

[trigons_child]

That wasn't helping the blush!

"If you mean for me to keep doing what I have been doing, yes, I can do that," Raven said. "Though I am not skilled in matters of business, so if there are other duties you wish me to assume, you will have to teach me."

She gave 'Dite a sad look. "You really must go? But you will be back? You promise?"

[divinesurfchick]

"I'm not looking for you to do much more than you've been doing -- you already handle the paperwork from the register at the end of every shift, and count the money." 'Dite shrugged. "The only thing I'll ask you to do that's different is keep track of the weekly deposit. And I can show you that paperwork tonight. Not a big deal, I promise." She leaned back in her chair. "I was going to split a few extra duties between you and Karla -- but mostly, I just need someone to keep an eye on things, and feed Hercules for me."

With a smile, 'Dite nodded. "I'll be back, Raven, I promise. I have to, just so I can tease you about Jono." *Wink*

[trigons_child]

Bluuuuuuuuuush.

"Good, because I will miss you," Raven said. "And I know Karla will as well. And I hope that you will have the opportunity to grill meet Jono before you must go."