The two of us have something precious

[birdstheword]

Who: Hajime Ichinose + Cardia Beckford
What: Two goddesses meeting up at a cafe
When: September 1st ; 9am
Where: HuggaMug Bakery-Cafe
Warnings: N/A | TBA


[ The skip in Hajime's step had slowly been coming back since Yuto's departure. She tried not to dwell on Yuto too much, at least not the sad parts like his disappearance. While he was still frequent in her thoughts, she focused on the more positive thoughts.

But today there is a change to her routine. She had texted Lavi's goddess over a week ago and the pair had agreed to meet up at a cute Cafe. Hajime is naturally early. Not on purpose but out of her own excitement. Cardia's text didn't really give her much to go off of so she doesn't know what to expect. All she could figure from the text messages was that Cardia was a cute super shy girl! Lavi had told her one or two things but it was still a mystery.

Hajime waits inside the cafe, sitting at one of the tables meant for two. The shop is practically empty aside from the employees. Their morning rush was already over. Hajime idly kicks her feet under the table, humming a cheery tune aloud as she scrolls through her phone.]

Comments

[drops_acid]

[After a very mysterious series of text messages Cardia decided to err on the side of curiosity. But that doesn't mean she isn't nervous. In the first place, she really doesn't have much experience with social things. And she doesn't even know the person who invited her.

Case in point, she spent entirely too long deciding what to wear. Especially considering she only owns two outfits. In the end she went with the dress. It's much fancier and if someone has asked you out somewhere then you should look your best. She vaguely recalls something like that from St. Germain's lessons.

And, while she arrives at the cafe on time, several minutes are spent standing nervously by the door. It's about 9:05 when she finally pushes the door open and looks around the room. Thankfully the shop is empty enough that it isn't hard to guess which person is waiting for her.

At least she hopes she's guessed right. Only one way to find out.]

Um, excuse me...?

[birdstheword]

[Hajime perks up and looks up at the goddess from her seat. Instantly she gapes at her before her lips curve up in excitement.]

Carrrrrrrdia?! You're Cardia-san, right? Right?

[Just like that, Hajime bounces up to her feet, the chair sliding back before she spins around. She beams at Cardia looking much too excited to see her. It doesn't matter if this is the first time she's seen the girl or if she's not a hundred and ten percent sure this is her.]

It's nice to meet you! I'm happy you could make it. I'm Hajime!

[She holds out her hand to shake, smile still as bright as the moment she realized who Cardia was.]

[drops_acid]

[Cardia was definitely not expecting this much.... exuberance. She shrinks back reflexively.]

Um... yes.

[This may not have been the best idea. Hajime seems a little too bouncy and cheerful and quick. This could be an accident waiting to happen. She stares at the offered hand perhaps a second too long before finally reaching out for a light and quick shake.]

It's nice to meet you, Hajime.

[birdstheword]

[Instantly Hajime grabs her hand with both of her own, bouncing it up and down.]

Yes, yes! I'm surprised I haven't met you sooner but today is as good as any!

[She beams, still shaking her hand. But eventually she does let go so Cardia can sit. She even gestures to the chair]

Sit, relax. I'll order us some tasty treats and we can chit-chat. Tell me about yourself, Cardia-san~!

[drops_acid]

[There are no words for the panic that seizes her when Hajime starts vigorously shaking her hand. Cardia stiffens like a board, but doesn't dare pull away. If the other girl's grip is too tight, her glove might come off. That would be bad for everyone.

The relief when Hajime lets go is palpable. Her other hand reaches up to check the glove, to make sure it's securely in place. What on earth had she been thinking? This is far too dangerous. It's with some effort, but after she sits down Cardia is able to put together some kind of response and a shaky smile to go with it.]

I.. I don't think there's much to tell. I'm afraid I'm not very interesting.

[There must be something she can bring up though....]

Um, I'm from Wales originally. Although, I suppose it was a different Wales from the one in this world.

[birdstheword]

[Any sighs of discomfort are lost to Hajime or at least, she doesn't show any signs of noticing. Lavi had warned her that Cardia was shy but that's about all she was told. Her smile doesn't fade as she plops down into her own seat. Her feet kick under the table but she's careful not to kick Cardia somehow]

Wales? Wales...that's apart of the U.K, right? Is it similar to the Wales of this world? I know this isn't my Japan either but it's similar! We didn't have gods and shinki and stuff like that though.

You're really interesting, Cardia-san! You're a new face I haven't met before, so there's plenty to share. What do you like to do? What are you favorite sweets? Drinks? Do you like books? School? There's a lot of things!

[drops_acid]

[Now seated at the table, she feels a little more relaxed. Cardia gives her an almost apologetic smile.]

It is. But honestly I didn't get to see much of the country except the house I lived in and.... a nearby village.

[A village that chased her out with torches and pitchforks. But she shoves that memory aside.]

And I've never seen the Wales of this world, so I doubt I could compare them.

[Interesting? Cardia isn't sure she could be called that, but it's hard not to respond to Hajime's enthusiasm. That's a lot of questions though. Let's see...]

My favorite sweet is fairy floss. I don't think I have a favorite drink. And I've never been to school but I do love to read.

[birdstheword]

You know Cardia-san, we could go visit the Wales here sometime! See how alike it is to the Wales you remember?

[It would be a fun follow-up meet up to this. While she wants Cardia to be herself and comfortable, she's not going to let her shy away too much. She seems sweet and she looks so cute!]

Fairy floss? What's that?

[drops_acid]

I think it would be very different, to be honest.

[There's just a hint of amusement there. When Cardia left her world it was still in the middle of the nineteenth century. And speaking of, fairy floss is just an archaic name for cotton candy. But she doesn't know that name, so she'll try to describe it.]

It's... a sort of candy. Sugar spun into threads and gathered together. A friend bought some for me back home. I'd never eaten anything like it.

[She won't get into the real reason she loves it. But the fondness in her tone suggests that it's more about the emotions than the flavor.

Anything she eats will melt away in her mouth instantly. The flavor is there, but Cardia can't experience the texture of food. But fairy floss melts in everyone'smouth immediately. It's the only food that she can experience the same way everyone else does.]