ArchivedLogs:Hooves and Horns

Hooves and Horns
Dramatis Personae Eve and Paige
In Absentia	2017-04-26 "Come by, eat some ropa vieja. It's to die for. Kind of our specialty. We'll diversify the crap out of you."
Location <NYC> Evolve Cafe - Lower East Side
Spacious and open, this coffeeshop has a somewhat industrial feel to it, grey resin floors below and exposed-beam ceilings that have been painted up in a dancing swirl of abstract whorls and starbursts, a riot of colour splashed against a white background. The walls alternate between brick and cheerfully lime-green painted wood that extends to the paneling beneath the brushed-steel countertops. There's an abundance of light, though rather than windows (which are scarce) it comes from plentiful hanging steel lamps. The walls here are home to artwork available for sale; though the roster of prints and paintings and drawings and photographs changes on a regular basis it has one thing in common -- all the artists displayed are mutants. The seating spaced around the room is spread out enough to keep the room from feeling cluttered. Black chairs, square black tables that mostly seat two or four though they're frequently pushed around and rearranged to make space for larger parties. In the back corner of the room is more comfortable seating, a few large black-corduroy sofas and armchairs with wide tables between them. There's a shelf of card and board games back here available for customers to sit and play. The chalkboard menus hanging behind the counter change frequently, always home to a wide variety of drinks (with an impressive roster of fair-trade coffees and teas largely featured) though their sandwiches and wraps and soups and snacks of the day change often. An often-changing variety of baked goods sit behind the display case at the counter halfway back in the room, and the opposite side of the counter holds a small selection of homemade ice creams. A pair of single-user bathrooms flanks the stairway in back of the cafe; at night, the thump of music can be heard from above, coming from the adjoining nightclub of the same name that sits up the stairs above the coffeehouse. Today's weather is marginally warmer than that of the previous day, but the overcast sky has not done much to encourage outside recreation for one particular mutant. With a cup of coffee on a table nearby, Paige reclines in one of the armchairs in the back room. Her posture, however, is not typical for those sitting in a seat as she has positioned herself with her back against one arm rest and her legs hanging over the other. There's a worn-looking paperback book in her hands while she sports a black cardigan over a black long-sleeved shirt, both with their sleeves rolled up to the elbow, a pair of jeans, and - as per usual - nothing to cover her cloven hooves. And she's here after school. Trying to snag a few snacks. Maybe a glance or two of a certain athletic brainsquid. Who knows? But here Eve is. She is soon at the counter ordering her iced coffee, some baked goods, and a plate to set it all in. She drifts over in Paige's direction in search of a place to seat her butt, commenting with a friendly tone,"Looks like you optimized for comfort, there." Eyes skip over that hooves in particular. Is she beginning to get jaded about physically obvious mutants? Who knows. Paige gives a little start and her ears flick up briefly, broken out of her book-reading reverie. She turns her head to regard Eve, blinking up at her and giving her a once-over. "Oh. I -- yeah..." The goat girl swings her legs to the side and rights herself in the chair with a slightly abashed expression on her face. Closing the book, she places it on the table in front of her with a scrap of torn paper functioning as a bookmark. After taking a sip of the nearly-forgotten coffee, she then asks, "Is there something I can help you with?" She settles onto a new table, one leg crossing beneath her as she claims a chair. It's nearby though, so chatting can happen thankfully. Eve picks up a cookie, looks down at her belly, eyes the cookie critically, then shrugs and pulls a piece off and pops it in her mouth. "Sorry. Didn't mean to disturb you. I'm just a little bit of a chatterbox is all." Right. "No. Not unless you're really good at algebra or know the secret to perfect hair forever." Reaching up to rub at the back of her neck, Paige replies, "No, it's, uh, okay. Just got wrapped up in my book is all." As she lowers her hand back to her lap, she offers a soft grin. "I might actually be able to help with one of those things, if you're really looking for help on algebra. My, uh, roommate is a -- well, basically she's just a freaking math genius and she's looking to get further into the tutoring business. But I have nothing on perfect hair. Most of my, you know, hygiene attention goes to my fur." Her brows furrow. "It's a hassle." "No, it's cool. I know how it is when you get a really good book." She pauses for a moment, then laughs suddenly,"That's total lie. I don't really read. Not that there's anything wrong with it. I'm just more of a... conversations and do-stuff type." She offers a helpless shrug. Teenager is teenagerish. "Roommate huh? Well, actually, my parents were thinking of hiring a tutor if the rates are decent. We're not exactly rich ya know?" She takes a long sip of her iced coffee and 'mmm's. "I'm really starting to get used to this stuff. Hm. So. I take it that it requires lots of shampoo, combing, etc? I don't suppose getting someone to help or clipping is an option?" A pause as she examines the fur, then decides,"Actually, it would be kind of a shame to clip it. It's kind of pretty." There's a definite reddening of Paige's cheeks beneath the fur - whether at the compliment or the discussion of her mutation or both. Still, after another quick sip of coffee, she addresses the questions. "Thanks. But, uh yeah, a bunch of shampoo. I don't know about clipping or trimming." Her hand briefly touches the fur on the opposing wrist self-consciously. "I don't know if places exist for, you know, stuff like this. Mutant stuff. And I haven't really looked into it. As for my roommate, I don't know her rates, but I doubt they're all that pricey. She has a ... lot of time on her hands. I mean, I do too, but not as much as her." Her ears give a flick. "There's nothing wrong with not reading. The books I had to read in college ... were not that enthralling." Eve nods slowly, then offers,"Well, I mean, if it's something you're interested in... I don't have specific, you know, experience with mutant issues, but I do know a thing or two about removing body-hair that makes you feel uncomfortable. Otherwise, there's this guy someone gave me a card to, I know he works with mutants and hair, so..." She fishes out Tag's card, "Maybe he's got some ideas or something?" She pushes it over then. "I'm sorry. I'm making you self-conscious. We totally don't have to talk about this stuff." She does whip out a flyer for her parents' bodega, offering it as well. "If your roommate is interested in tutoring." She picks up another piece of cookie to chew on. "College. Hah! That's a compliment and a half. Nah. I'm in High School. Guess I look mature." She certainly seems pleased. Ears flicking up and back, Paige is fast to respond to the other girl's first offer. "No, I -- I'm fine with the fur. It's not uncomfortable ... it's the only good thing that came out of mutation if any of it could be considered 'good'." Her eyes inspect the business card as she picks it up off the table. There's a moment of silence as her ears twitch idly. "Tag. I know that name. My friend mentioned him." As she returns her attention to Eve, she succinctly explains, "They also have fur. And it's fine. Just being a mutant is still a little new for me. At least you're respectful. I had a, uh, friend who didn't really get it." She lets out a sigh and her jaw works for a second. "She doesn't get much. And required reading is -immensely- boring no matter what grade you're in." Now the horned mutant manages to spare attention to the flyer which she takes as well. "I will be certain to let my roommate know and to check this place out. I'm guessing this place is mutant-friendly?" The girl nods to Paige, unconcerned about the decline,"I don't think, though this is an outsiders view, that it really is good or bad. I have a... situation, and it just is what it is, you know? I'm glad you found something to enjoy about it." A pause. "Tell me about this friend. What they aren't getting and why it upsets you. I'm actually a pretty good listener when I remember to shut my trap." As for mutant-friendly? "I think it's safe to say... if you're spending money, they're not going to kick you out. I won't lie. You might get some looks, but momma doesn't tolerate rudeness in the store. And my family knows I have mutant friends, you know?" The girl pokes her cookies around, selects a sugar cookie, and extends it to Paige as if offering,"You ever consider getting some dangly jewelry for those horns?" Although Paige nods at the other girl's words at first, it seems she cannot help but let out an laugh at Eve's question about her friend. A laugh that contains more than a hint of disbelief and awkward surprise. Instead of addressing that matter immediately, however, she accepts the cookie and takes a bite before speaking. "Thank you. I've given plenty people more than my fair share of looks. Looks I can handle. Somewhat, you know? I'll take that any day over harassment or assault. As for jewelry ..." The topic brings a brief smile of amusement to her lips. "No, I really haven't." Soon the grin is replaced by a neutral frown. "They -- my friend -- she can't upset me anymore. It's ... fine. She just didn't quite understand that it's different being a, uh, physical mutant than a ... less-visible one." With a dismissive wave of her hand, she moves on. "Your parents run the place? That's awesome. I'll -definitely- be checking it out now." "Sorry. Was that... I don't know much about mutants. I feel, by your laughter, that I asked a dumb question. Um. I could see how it's different, though, I think. If that makes sense? I have a sort of personal connection with that observation. People are probably way more likely to accept your humanity if you fit the narrow definition of 'human', right?" She seems rather morose for a change when discussing that topic. "I bet we could totally modify some earrings or something to hang off the tips. Or like some decorative caps or something. Unless that's not really something you're interested in. I just notice, a lot of obvious mutants have some fashion difficulties." Is she plotting? Probably. "We own the shop. Cuban stuff mostly. It's warm though. Feels like home. Open all night. Abuela cooks up hot plates and whatnot. Best Ropa Vieja in New York, if you can believe it. Anyway, sounds like your friend lives in kind of a bubble?" "Oh no!" The goat girl's ears flick back and then press down as she leans forwards in her seat. "Oh no. You didn't ask a dumb question. I wasn't laughing at you. It's just that, well, a bubble would be putting it lightly," Paige explains with a soft tone. "She's -- she's in jail. For --" Biting her lower lip, she cuts herself off. "I wasn't laughing at your question, though. And it's good to ask questions, you know? But, yeah, she didn't understand that it was much easier for her to get a job than it is for me and that sometimes just existing takes ... a lot of energy, you know?" "I -do- have a fashion consultant. And they're trying to put together a mutant art show at their high school. But I -will- take all the advice I can get. I've never been quite a jewelry person, but it might be fun, right? And it's -- it's true. Not many designers cater to different body types. And there are so many different mutations." She pulls gently at the sleeve of her cardigan. "My friend - the one at the high school - made this for me. They sometimes surprise me with clothes. It's nice." Taking a deep breath, she shakes her head slightly. "I've never had Cuban food before. The place I grew up isn't known for its diversity. -Any- type of diversity, really. A personal connection with ... how a physical mutant is different than a non-physical mutant? Oh, are -you- a mutant?" The girl flushes a little bit and extends a hand then,"Name's Eve. Um. So... this seems to come up with people a lot lately. Don't know why. But it's not really a secret per say. It's, uh... Tell you what. After a conversation yesterday, I made this." She reaches into a pocket and pulls out a 'button' of sorts that says '#girlslikeus'. She wiggles it in the girl's direction. "It's like... I'm aware of the fact that I'm harder to clock than some girls, but I also know how I felt when I first started going out in public. I felt like... I looked like a dude in a dress. I sometimes feel that way still. But no. Not a mutant." She tucks the button back away. "I'll tell you what. I have some earrings that didn't work out. I'll borrow my dad's tools and try to come up with something that isn't totally hideous." She drops a bomb and walks on. She has found mutants to be an accepting bunch, as of late. "Come by, eat some ropa vieja. It's to die for. Kind of our specialty. We'll diversify the crap out of you." Paige accepts the hand and gives a light shake, the back of her own covered in soft fur. "Paige," she replies simply though her attention is focusing on the button. "I, uh -- just give me a second." There's a few moments of silence while she pulls out her phone and quickly taps at it. Her ears twitch as she hastily scans the screen and puts the device back into a pocket. "Oh! You are -- you do -not- look like a dude in a dress. There are -- many people are built differently, you know? I honestly would not have known. Thank you for sharing that with me. I mean, I guess? I don't know why I'm thanking you -- is that the appropriate response? It's not like it would be a problem otherwise or anything. But you are a girl, a young woman -- you are whoever you are. I don't ... I don't always like how I look either. It's hard to look in mirrors. Or down at my hooves. Sometimes I am not convinced I am human." The older girl's expression is displaying her mild distress, but she also moves on. "I've never had rope vieja. I don't even know what it is. But now I definitely want to find out," she informs Eve, a smile again playing on her lips. "And...that sounds like a plan. The earrings. And I am ready -- I mean, I really need to be diversified the crap out of. Oh. I should probably give you my number." Retrieving a pen from a different pocket, the horned mutant rips her bookmark in half to scribble her phone number on before passing it to Eve. "Yeeeah. Feel free to be honest with me. It's not the same as being a mutant or anything, but I think there's... Um... societal parallels there. Similarities that aren't entirely unfair to point out. I... don't think it's inappropriate, but... I mean... I dunno... do you really thank someone for just being themselves openly? I dunno. Did you want me to thank you for coming out in public? Because I will. But... Thanks." She blushes rather fiercely though at the... sort of compliment? "Thanks. But you know what people say and how you feel rarely ever match up. Nothing wrong with how you look. If you want..." She digs through her purse for some purple nail-polish and holds it up, "I will totally paint your hooves, right now. No questions asked." She takes the bookmark then, tucking it away, and moving to write her own on the back of the flyer from earlier. "That's my cellphone. Come on girl. We'll get you feeling fancy. Maybe nab you a date or something. With someone who's not creepy, mind you. I will say this, if you come over to eat instead of just picking up something, I want to apologize for my abuela ahead of time. She's kind of... uh... old-fashioned, but she's good people." Eyeing the nail polish, Paige holds up a hand. "N-No thanks. I ... think it would look silly and I don't really want to draw any more attention to them. But thank you," she admits with a smile. "And I guess what I mean was, like, thank you for trusting me with that, uh, information." When Eve mentions getting her a date, the mutant's face turns a brilliant red beneath her fur. "I -- uh -- I -- okay. Maybe? I mean, thank you? Sure? It -- I guess I could use, uh, some help in that department. Your abuela doesn't like you setting people up with dates --- oooh, because -- oh yeah. Yeah, the horns. The being a mutant thing. Yeah. That -- that's okay. I can, uh, deal with that especially if it's, you know, worth the food. I appreciate the apology." The girl raises an eyebrow, "I don't think you'd look silly with them, and you don't have to worry about drawing attention... but... I'm not going to push it, either. That's totally fine." She actually leans forward, "Do you mind if I look at one a little closer? I'm curious about proper hoof grooming. Do you file? Buff? Smooth? I'm sort of... I've been considering getting into mutant-specific cosmetology since I've met a lot of mutants in the past couple of weeks, once I graduate." Suddenly, she straightens, looking mortified, "Oh my god, I'm probably making you horribly uncomfortable." She coughs. Now they're both blushing. "It's... well, that's close enough. Yeah. You probably don't NEED help, but we can totally get you someone to share your time with. Everything's easier with friends helping." Indeed, Paige looks a tad uncomfortable with the sudden interest Eve has in her hooves, though she doesn't do or say anything to interrupt the other girl's line of questioning. "They're -- they're new," she confesses, ears pressing downwards. "I don't really -- I don't do anything with them. I don't even know how to trim them yet myself. I think I'll have to go to a, um ... veterinarian? It's -- that's -- that's going to be ... fun." She glances to the side as she tries to regain her composure and offer an awkward smile. "It's fine - it's fine. I'm not very good with not asking those kinds of questions either, so I can't, uh, really hold it against you, you know? And, thank you. Number one priority for me, though, is getting a job. And anything you need help with, just let me know, okay? I'll be sure to pass your info along to my roommate." The girl nods slowly, and after a moment holds up her hands,"So... probably not... cool, or anything, but... I could probably pick up the relevant skill from abuela. Um... provided they work similar to the... uh... being you resemble. If you'd rather not go to a vet. Once again, none of my business though. It's just... abeula was a farm girl, so... I get it though. We don't have to talk about it. I always feel like crying a little when I have to get a physical examination from the doctor." She offers a helpless shrug. A pause follows, and then Eve is going on, "What kind of job are you trying to get? Do you speak any other languages? Have any degrees or relevant training?" Yes. She's going into 'I've sat in on hiring sessions with mom and dad' voice. "We've got a pretty tight community, you know. Down in East Harlem, I mean. So if someone is looking for something... I can at least keep an ear out." Paige releases a brief chuckle; one that's a mixture of exasperation and amusement. "Ha, no. I don't have any degrees. I'm only turning twenty-one in a few weeks and I ... kind of skipped out on school after I, uh, started growing horns. I do not recommend doing that. Education is important, you know. I'm working on that part, though. I hear there's some sort of, um, free tuition thing that's going to be happening in this state in some form or another soon? But it would be nice to pay for my own books and give at least -something- more than my time and services to my roommate, right? And I only speak the one language. Don't worry about it. My roommate and I've got this covered, alright? But do you know what sounds pretty damn amazing?" Here she leans forward. "Not having to humiliate myself by going to a veterinarian. Though I -might- want someone with, uh, a bit more experience ... no offense intended. But if your abuela can teach you well enough, then maybe. There's one clinic in the city that's fairly mutant-friendly, but they're not ... experienced in dealing with animals. Or people who look like animals." Oh look! She's made a neat older friend! Yay! She hops up then, stuffing the remaining cookies in her purse. There will be crumbs later. "Seriously, come visit me. I'll beg abuela to help. She's old-fashioned, but she totally hates any kind of work being done poorly. I totally bet I could beg her to help with the hooves." She actually picks up her arms as if to throw a hug around then remembers herself and puts them at her side. A thumbs-up is given instead, and Eve smiles, "It's been really nice meeting you. Like, super-nice. I feel like I have maybe some direction and that's, like, totally cool." Though she manages to stifle it, Paige reflexively responds to Eve's gesture as her arms raise a bit and she shifts to stand up. Seeing as that quickly changes, however, she remains seated - only a slight twitch at the corners of her smile. "You've brightened up my day, you know. You're an awesome person. Friend? Acquaintance? Friend." Settling on that, she nods definitively. "I really appreciate your offers and I will probably take you up on more than one of them. You're super nice as well. If you ever need anything, just call. Have a great rest of the day."