[OPEN, DINER CATCH-ALL] war, children, it's just a shot away

[wordvomit]

Who: EVERYONE (Yes, even Mirrors.)
Where: Eighth Floor Diner
When: 12/18
Rating: PG to PG-13
Summary: With the help of a Japanese schoolgirl, one man overcomes his neurosis and invites literally everyone to the diner.
The Story:

[Ned wasn't optimistic at the beginning - matter of fact, Ned never starts out thinking optimistically about anything, simply as a force of habit. Healthy paranoia, often misconstrued as abject pessimism, is what weighs heavily on the Pie Maker on a daily basis.

Adding actual monsters - ones different from him, who are much larger and fictional and hungry - to the mix only serves to amplify his anxiety.

It comes as something of a relief when Tohru recommends barricading the windows and stockpiling supplies, blankets, an assortment of foodstuffs and some First Aid, all of which are suggestions Ned undertakes with enthusiasm and the assistance of his diner-mates.

Now, with all the tables upturned strategically and the blinds drawn, he's almost elated they had the foresight to work things out early as a new transmission hits the public sphere.

He sends out another message almost immediately, this one Mansion-wide.]

IF ANYONE NEEDS A SAFE PLACE AND YOU CAN'T MAKE IT TO THE CLINIC OR LIBRARY

COME TO THE DINER ON THE EIGHTH FLOOR

WE HAVE FOOD* AND SHELTER IN THE EVENT OF CATASTROPHE

*But please be patient with that, there's only a couple of us working the kitchen.

[The Pie Maker, who loathes close proximity and sometimes gets claustrophobic, almost regrets hitting SEND.

Almost.]






NOTE: This is OPEN MINGLE CATCH-ALL, anyone and everyone can meet up with their friends/family/associates in the diner if they need a safe place to stay and don't want to leap willy-nilly after Her Highness into the Rabbit Hole it's ironic because the diner is called The Rabbit Hole.

Comments

[whele]

[Making it look like he doesn't care for Gabriel is pretty easy back in Vega when it's supposedly impossible for them to cross paths. In Wonderland it isn't so easy, though William likes to think he's been managing it well so far. Apart from the whole anchor thing, which spiked Michael's interest, William knows he's probably got this in the bag. He won't be overconfident, but he won't be losing sleep over it. The both of them know what's at stake, it's been discussed.

So when Gabriel walks over, sauntering with all the ease in the world, William doesn't have to feign surprise. What is he even playing at?! Lips are parted as he gawks, eyebrows raising when Gabriel mentions the lion cub. What? Not that there's too much time to even get to responding, the principate flinching and wincing when Zadkiel decides Gabriel's arm is a perfect outlet for tooth and claw. The feline has had it out for the archangel from day one, and no matter what William does he just can't seem to train the cub out of it. There is something in Gabriel that just pings the lion cub's instinct to destroy and maul.

The horrified grimace isn't faked either when William looks at the destruction that's been wrought, grey eyes watching Gabriel's every move as if trying to figure out just what he's meant to be doing. On the inside he's thrilled the archangel is talking to him, the very idea that such a being would deign to even talk to him a gift in itself. Right now he can't help but look around, making sure Michael isn't in the vicinity as he licks dry lips before talking, tone somewhat dry.]

There's a large monster on it's way. I think that is grounds to be worried. [Except that's not quite it. William knows it, and Gabriel probably suspects it.]

[onlyhomemade]

[His expression somewhat flattens out into something unamused as William completely ignores the fact that he said he'd protect them. He sips his coffee quietly and considers his words as well as the Prinicpate.]

Barring your vote of confidence, ["Or lack there of" is implied but not spoken.]

I don't think that's the only thing bothering you. I am an Archangel you know, and you are easier to read than you think.

[There's a sort of tone, it's subtle and most wouldn't think much of it, but to William he can read the light warning. Work on your game face.]

[whele]

[If William hadn't believed Gabriel could help them against the jabberwocky, he wouldn't have left the safety of his room, but then Gabriel must surely know that. Gabriel knows most things and William can definitely hear the light warning, shoulders automatically tensing. Now he was skating on thin ice. The archangel will probably be able to hear how the principate's heart rate speeds up as nerves start to kick in. How is he even meant to get his point across when he can't even say anything? Gabriel talking to him like this in front of others is putting him in such an awkward position, and who knew if Michael would remember anything from his time as a child?!]

Well. I mean. It's just.

[The young man shakes his head, shifting the lion cub in his arms until the small creature settles back down (thought it's still throwing Gabriel the odd baleful look now and again).] Okay, what else is meant to be bothering me?

[onlyhomemade]

[Gabriel knows well enough how William truly feels, but playing along and acting like there's tension is all part of the ruse.]

Your death. Or the fact that it may have put you in an odd light to have been my anchor in the last event.

[He cradles his coffee cup in his hand, taking on a somewhat appreciative composure as he lowers his eyes slightly.]

You gave your life to help me and the others. I haven't properly thanked you for that.

[whele]

[Now it's confusing and William is unsure if Gabriel is even acting or telling the truth. If he could perhaps just tell that part of him that was just about in throes of rapture that it was an act, he might be able to reply properly instead of just gawking. Gabriel acting like this was definitely not fair.]

Death bothers many people. That's a normal thing to be disturbed over. [And something William knows he's just about getting over, unless it happens to be his death. Then it's an actual big deal. The principate makes sure his back is ramrod straight as he shifts in the seat, briefly glancing around the diner again as if seeking someone to come and intervene.]

[wordvomit]

[The Pie Maker, who can sense discomfort the way some people can sense that it's going to rain today, who can empathize with the chronically anxious or nervously-dispositioned on a deep and spiritual level, is drawn out of the kitchen behind the counter as if William's unease has a gravitational pull equivalent to that of a white dwarf star.

Akin to a girl at a bar sweeping in to save her friend from the clutches of the unfathomably drunk and undesirable attentions of A Nice Guy, Ned slides a slice of rhubarb across the counter at William, wondering if the young man with the lion cub has similarly been horribly murdered by the archangel and said archangel is attempting to make amends.]

Your order.

[It isn't William's order and William didn't ask for rhubarb, but it's as reasonable an in the Pie Maker has to diffusing the tension coiled around William like a ball python.]

[onlyhomemade]

[Gabriel studies the young Principate a moment with a little confusion.]

I didn't say it wasn't.

[He pauses just as Ned wanders over with a slice of pie for William, looking up at the Pie-Maker to give him a small, appreciative smile. He props his chin on his hand, elbow pressed to the counter as he watches with mild curiosity.]

Have you ever had one of Ned's pies before?

[Fine. He can play ball and change the subject.]

[whele]

[This was getting to be awkward very quickly, the principate wondering what he should even be saying next. In Vega there was work to talk about, things to do and plans to be sharing. In Wonderland it's a whole different minefield, one that William has yet to learn to navigate without losing a leg or two.

Thankfully pie saves him, the young man peering curiously at the pastry as if it had just materialized from thin air. Stranger things had happened, but no it was Ned sliding it over, and the relieved smile he shoots at the guy is (for the most part) genuine.]

I haven't tried them. I hear good things, though. [Hopefully Ned can hear that one, hearing the unspoken thanks in it before William goes with the topic change. It beats talking about death. It also proves that other people are watching and listening in to what is being talked about, or at least paying more attention than William even wants. How is he even meant to eat at a time like this? He's not sure, wordlessly sliding the plate to Gabriel. He knows what the archangel's thoughts are on canned goods to begin with.]

Be my guest.

[wordvomit]

[Ned shoots Gabriel a look that is drenched in quiet reproach and almost appears disappointed when William nudges the steaming slice away from him, to the very angel prone to antagonizing. The Pie Maker is unused to people being disinclined to people being disinclined to consume his wares, so much so that he looks hurt for a split-second too long before swallowing the discomfort and folding his arms across his chest.

Defense is Ned's easiest fallback.]

Do you not like rhubarb?

[he probes, also unused to being incapable of pinpointing exactly what sort of pie a person will like.]

[whele]

[There are too many fresh memories of what Gabriel did to the last diner they were in for William to feel ashamed at the look on Ned's face. Besides, who in their right mind would eat pie in front of an archangel when the archangel in question has nothing? A lunatic that was who.

He's not expecting the question from Ned though, ducking his head with what could be guilt, could be shame. With so many people around, stopping to talk with Gabriel was starting to look like one hell of a bad idea, and the principate is fumbling for an answer to that. Surely the easiest route would be to say no, he didn't like rhubarb but then Ned would feel exposed considering it was meant to be pie he had ordered.

Why were things never straight forwards?!]

Oh I just...changed my mind sorry and I didn't want to say..... [William just clears his throat with that one, suddenly wishing he was back in the comfort of his room. The threat of a jabberwocky right now is nothing to this awkward scenario he's found himself in.] Sorry. I thought he'd probably appreciate it more than I would.

[onlyhomemade]

[Gabriel watches the two curiously and is well aware of the cahoots playing out before him. Unplanned cahoots and a poor attempt to misdirect him from uncomfortable conversation. He'll buy into it and keep his mouth shut though. As William trips over his excuse he'll gently take the plate and pull the rhubarb pie to his side, glad to have a taste for himself. He'll wait though...]

Ned, bring us a slice of apple, a la mode.

[A smile for the pie-maker.]

Please. I'll not be letting the boy leave this establishment without first tasting perfection.

[wordvomit]

It's...fine.

[Ned made an attempt, he did his very best, but frankly, William isn't playing an exceptional Person Who Ordered The Rhubarb Pie and the diner's resident baker has the feeling that Gabriel is just indulging them now. The Pie Maker lets William off the hook with a conciliatory smile, and would pat his shoulder if he wasn't so averse to touch.]

...I'll get the apple.

[A little more bashful - Gabriel waxing poetic about his pastries tends to make him shuffle his feet a bit - Ned hunches his shoulders, ducks his head, and disappears back into the kitchen.]

[whele]

[Perfection hm? William is already keeping the amused look from his face, somewhat impressed. Either the pies are amazing, or Gabriel is trying to schmooze. Probably both. He sure doesn't envy the pie maker though. If Ned is on the other's radar that much it will get ugly at some point.

Oh wait, he's meant to be looking uncomfortable. William peers over at Ned, catching the smile and returning a sheepish one of his own, one that screams "it beats being flattened by an archangel" loud and clear.]

Thank you. Hopefully the jabberwock passes us by, then most things should be fine.

[onlyhomemade]

Even if it does attack us you'll be fine.

[He says with a calm confidence, even if he knows in his heart the Jabberwocky could eat him alive.]

If the beast comes I will protect this diner with my life. I have the other Gabriel on my side as well and with hopes my brother will return to normal. You have nothing to fear.

[He'll sink the tines of his fork into the tip of the Rhubarb pie and pick off the morsel to eat it. He closes his eyes to slowly savor it, letting all that sweet-tartness spread over his tongue. He hums his approval, looking more like he's enjoying sex than he is a simple slice of pie. He goes for another bite after slowly chewing and swallowing.

He'll then look up at William and turn the pie around to push it towards him.]

Are you certain you don't want a taste?

[whele]

[They both know they're in for a world of hurt if the Jabberwocky actually gets to the diner. If everyone is in here, then it really says something about the beast that's headed through Wonderland. William can't help but briefly think back to the blood smeared mirror in his room, a brief pang of sympathy for his fallen mirror version.]

I'll take your word for it then. There's no other choice. [William waits until he's sure no-one is looking, quickly bowing his head and muttering a quiet apology. How difficult is this? He's definitely going to have to rethink the whole not telling Michael thing when Wonderland keeps pulling things like this.]

Oh uh, no thank you. I don't want to ruin the apple one that's on the way...

[William is pretty sure he will never ever understand angels and the things the like. Between archangels, orgies and shit that doesn't come in a tin, William reckons the answers will go unexplained until the end of time.]

[wordvomit]

[The Pie Maker is not a skilled combatant nor a veteran of war - if these are his last hours alive in Wonderland before the Jabberwock arrives, he might as well spend it doing what he loves.

Delivering a slice of apple à la mode is the least he can do to afford the anxious William a vague sense of relief, setting down the plate with a vague nod before wiping his hands off on a towel and disappearing back into the kitchen.]

[onlyhomemade]

[Gabriel slowly turns the plate around and is about to stab another piece off the end of his slice when William gives a scathing remark. He slowly sets the metal tines against the edge of his plate and after a short pause, lays the instrument on the table all together. It's a small sign to William, a show of peace, like laying down ones weapons. He knows the Acolyte would have reason to fear a fork.

His eyes remain cast down for a moment as he seems to be swallowing that blow. It was deserved and he slowly lifts his eyes, reflecting a little pain in them but an expression of understanding.]

I know you don't have much reason to trust me considering all that I've done back home. But here, I realize we are all in this together whether I like it or not. I am an Archangel, and so I know when it is right to be the bigger man and work together. I want to prove that to you and to all of Wonderland by helping as much as I can against our mutual threats.

[He glances up as Ned returns and gives the man a smile, hoping that he'd heard what he'd said just then. He has good intentions, he swears.]

Thank you again, Ned.

[He watches the pie-maker go then turns back to his own slice of pie. He picks up his fork.]

I suppose it is a little too soon to be asking for your trust, Principate. I just would like a chance. As my father gave to you by giving you the Savior.

[He separates another bite from his rhubarb pie and it disappears past his lips with a pleasurable hum.]

Consider this sharing of words and pastries like breaking bread, or a peace offering perhaps?