[closed/active] This evening has been So very nice

[godofcologne]

Characters: Thomas, Justine
Location: Starbucks
Time: Post-Zombies; post break-in, Christmas Eve.
Content: Coffee. Whipped cream. Inappropriate remarks. And maybe keeping Justine from going crazy from zombie aftermath.
Format: Whichever
Warnings: Beware of Thomas.

Comments

[thefeelingsburn]

The school had been busy, to say the least. Everything seemed to happen all at once--kidnappings, the chaos of students stealing the X-Jet, the worry and anger coupled with loud distractions and surges of power... Things had calmed, mostly, but the inhabitants of the school were still edgy, wary of everything and everyone. Emotions were running high, and Justine just needed to escape them all for a little while.

Dark circles under her eyes couldn't be helped, but hopefully to most she would just pass as another teenager who had partied a bit too hard for the holidays. She managed to calm herself enough along the walk, and brace herself for any mishaps that might happen the moment she walked in the door. There wasn't much in denying it, though. Mr. Thomas Son of a Turnip made her calm before, and she was hoping his carefree attitude could at least rub off on her for a little while.

A little while would be enough.

[godofcologne]

The fact that he had a brother was slowly sinking in for Thomas, and his mind worried at the knowledge like a sore tooth as he went about his day. Fortunately, the regulars at Starbucks were used to his little displays by now and nobody made any comment if it seemed like he shot himself in the face with the whipped cream canister more often than usual. Nothing would come of the knowledge, after all. He wasn't going to use it. He certainly wasn't going to tell anybody. All in all, he was the same as he always was; Thomas was nothing if not fantastically good at denial.

When the bell on the door chimed its greeting, Thomas turned to it and a wide (if unsteady) grin blossomed over his face at the sight of Justine. "Merry Christmas!" he greeted her. He took one look at her face and frowned in concern. "Are you alright, Justine? You look tired."

[thefeelingsburn]

It was a lucky draw, Justine realized upon entering the building, that Thomas was working tonight. His greeting reminded her that it was, indeed, a holiday, and not everyone worked coming up to holidays.

Her own smile was probably just as unsteady. Problems at the school aside, she could still be friendly. "Merry Christmas to you, too!" The empath shook her head as she stepped up to the counter. "It's just been a busy week, that's all. Nothing like party animals to keep you up all night, right?" She gave a small laugh, "What would you suggest for a bit of relaxation?"

[godofcologne]

The realization that Harry Dresden didn't accompany Justine this time made a lot of Thomas' unsteadiness evaporate, and even his sympathetic nod seemed to radiate warmth. "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em, right?" He gave her question some thought as he glanced at the clock behind the counter. Good, he could take a break.

"My expert suggestion? How about a chai latte and a cupcake with your ever-so-helpful neighborhood barista? I'm about due for a break and it's always a little weird talking to your cup of coffee."