ArchivedLogs:Intolerance (Of the lactose variety)

Intolerance (Of the lactose variety)
Dramatis Personae Marinov, Nic, Paige	2017-02-09 All I want is for people to ignore me, you know?
Location <WES> Sinkers and Suds - Salem Center
Taking over the spots where a popular coffeeshop and burger joint once stood pre-zombiepocalypse, this diner, though very new, has modeled itself in the throwback style of Salem Center's main drag. Black and white checkerboard floor underfoot, steel stools cheerfully upholstered in bright red vinyl, brushed chrome tables both standalone or in the booths that line the walls. The servers are impossibly perky, the jukebox only plays oldies, and the seats at the long counter also often include conversation with the very chatty soda jerk manning the fountain there. The smells of fried food and fresh coffee generally fill the air. It's early in the evening and the falling snow has yet to stop as Paige sits in a booth within Sinkers and Suds, bundled up in all the layers she has; the top one being her grey sweatshirt. She sports a unique ushanka hat on her head, one that displays her horns and has slots allowing her ears to stick out. The goat girl has apparently ordered a cup of coffee as she is currently holding the hot beverage close to her hooves - she's seated with her legs spread out in front of her as she leans against the wall abutting the booth. Eyes occasionally glance at her small pre-paid smartphone where it lays on the table. Marinov walks on through the front door of the Sinkers and Suds, as usual with their phone out in order to capture the standard fare of mundanity that they like to post about. They are wearing a black turtleneck and a pair of pin-striped slacks, mostly covered by their peacoat and the silver and red scarf wrapped around their neck. The teen drops the phone into one of the coat's pockets and then, with a sniff in the air, starts towards Paige. "Paige! Privyet," says Marinov, still standing outside of the booth, "Sorry that you came out here while it is horrible out. Bad timing." Shaking the snow out of his hair Nic steps through the door, when he's decided he's shed enough snow he moves along to get seated. He seems to be ending up here fairly frequently lately, the food was pretty good, and really it was a great place to meet people that is if you were willing to sit down at a stranger's booth. The teen is wearing he's wearing a navy sweater under a nice warm red coat, he's about to sit at the booth adjacent to Paige when he notices Marinov, and instead comes over. "Hey!, it's Marinov right? Sorry I don't mean to interrupt." He offers an apologetic wave to Paige "Hey sweetie, nice hat." His eyes turn back to Marinov "I'll get out of your hair soon, just a bit worried about your friend Fiona and I guess need some reassurance? She was so cold and... alone before, I mean we were there, but... you know what I mean, she left down the alley... She doing ok?" Paige's eyes light up upon seeing Marinov and there's an easy smile that comes to her face. "I'm used to snow, you know? But not like this," she says with a tinge of amusement. "Not with hooves. It's a whole different thing, you know? I've had to, uh, call some veterinarians a few times to ask about the proper care of the goats which I am -not- raising in my city apartment. They keep asking me about that, like, insistently." The horned mutant takes a sip of her coffee and places it on the table next to her phone, leaning forwards to hold each hoof for a minute or so with both hands. "It is actually somewhat good timing, to be honest," she comments, eyes on hooves, ears flicking about, before a sidelong glance is spared for the felinoid teen. "The Commons are overrun with paparrazi at the moment. Big homecoming." The goat girl is thusly occupied, working the area around her hooves with her hands, when Nic wanders over to the booth. Eyes flit up briefly to take in his presence before returning to their previous task. One ear flicks up as the other remains idle, listening to the new arrival's words. Ears press down, however, when she is addressed and her hat is complimented. "Thanks," she mumbles before she catches mention of Fiona. Then her ears flick up and she raises her head. "Fiona? What? You let her wander off down an -alley-?" There's a definite tone of concern in her voice as she addresses Marinov. "-Please- tell me you have seen her since?" Marinov takes a seat in the booth and chuckles softly at Paige's tale of goats in her apartment. They glance over towards Nic and say, "Oh, hey, thanks for that ride the other time. Prosti, I know I was not very talkative, but... I know when I open my mouth, sometimes I can get myself in deep shit and you were doing me a solid so... Anyways... Fiona is fine. She was accepted into Xavier's." They shrug a shoulder lightly and scoot over in the booth a bit. "So homecoming, huh? Is Mr. Holland and Ryan Black?" says Marinov, conspiratorially, "I sure as hell hope so. Being detained for so long for doing the right thing. Ugh." Nic looks relieved when he hears Fiona is fine and now in Xavier's "Ahh thanks, it's good to know she won't be out there shivering on the steps anymore... And no sweat about keeping to yourself on the ride back I get it, in the car with some weird people you don't know and uncle Rupert wasn't exactly encouraging conversation either... no fault of yours, he was probably ticked I had to get him to drive out to get me. I'm surprised you took the ride though you weren't wrong about your warning not to get into strangers cars." He pauses for a moment and a hand rubs the back of his head. "Glad you trusted me and all, but you didn't really have a reason to." The young man looks to Paige and offers a smile "I'm Nic by the way." He offers a hand to the goat girl. "By the way... do you guys mind if I join you? It's cool if you say no" He counters his own request quickly "Just kinda sucks to eat alone." Paige blinks at Nic while her ears flick in curiosity before taking his hand in her own furred one and giving it a small shake. "I'm Paige. Marinov and I are, uh, friends. A pleasure to meet you," she replies, returning a smile of her own. "Feel free to join us. I have, um, no problems with that." Then, to Marinov, "I think so. I've heard so much about Jax - er, Mr. Holland - and some about Ryan Black as well, though I'll admit I've never listened to any of his music. But there are a -lot- of cameras there right now. It was difficult just getting out. Reporters kept trying to ask me questions." The horned mutant pauses as she removes her hat and pulls her sweatshirt off to drape it over her hooves. She then appears to go about drying them with it. "And, Xavier's, -really-?! She actually did it?! I'm glad. I'm so freaking glad." Marinov nods and says, "Yeah, I mean, I dunno if she's been given the grand tour or anything yet, but I know she's around and alive and everything." They glance up towards Nic and scoot over a little bit more to allow him some space to sit down, "Yeah, well, you actually did know the name of someone I know at Xavier's who has mentioned having an internet friend who matched your story, so... I figured it was worth risking. Probably still a bit short-sighted but..." Marinov shrugs lightly and then adds, speaking to Paige again, "Yea, I mean, Mr. Holland went away not long after I got to Xavier's, but he was doing the right thing. He's definitely good people. And you haven't listened to Ryan Black's music? You should." After the quick shake with Paige Nic grins at being accepted to join then, "Thanks" he says as he slides in next to them. "Friends are always good" He comments to Paige when she explains her friendship with Marinov "I'm still pretty new in town, so I haven't made very many yet. This place seems pretty good to meet interesting people though." He's not really following the conversation about Mr. Holland and Ryan Black, but gives Marinov an eager smile when they mention knowing his friend "Oh you know Emily? That's awesome! it's proven more difficult to get in and visit her than I expected. I mean I can understand the tight security, but still can't wait to get approved to go over and see Xavier's. Really glad to hear Fiona got in too, maybe I'll get to see her there too." He looks between Marinov and Paige "So Mr. Holland was like a teacher there?" Paige continues working on her hooves for a little bit as both Marinov and Nic speak. The goat girl remains silent until for a few moments longer until she seem satisfied with her handiwork, pulling her sweatshirt over her legs and leaning back. "Is he? I don't -- I've never been to Xavier's, not even on the grounds. I think he may have been -- I don't really know. I'm still new to the area and the whole mutant community thing as a whole, you know?" She gestures idly with her hands as she speaks. "I haven't had much, um, time for music lately. It just hasn't been, uh, on my mind, you know?" "Ah, yeah, I guess... I guess it wouldn't have been your kind of music back in the day, huh?" says Marinov awkwardly. "But yea, Mr. Holland is a teacher. But even if he wasn't, I'd probably be paying attention to that story. Fuck." They shake their head in disbelief and add, "Well, tell him welcome home from me. I dunno if he'll, you know, know who I am. Teachers see a million students go by and stuff..." They then nod to Nic, "But yeah, they take security pretty seriously. I mean, some people would be more than happy to get in there and blow the place up, you know? You'll probably want to meet with Emily with some kinda school security escort or something. Plenty of people at Xavier's who just want a friend, all too easy to trick 'em." Nic looks to Paige curiously "Really? Never even been to visit? I guess it's usually easier to meet up outside the school." When Marinov mentions people wanting to get in to blow up the school Nic scowls "Fucking people... if you can even call them that, how can you be happy blowing up a school? A bunch of kids just trying to get through the day without being harassed. I'm ashamed to share a race with them." He sighs and shakes his head "Anyway I get it, it just takes time to go through proper procedures and all. An escort sounds good, well actually it kind of sounds awkward, but it sounds like the way I should go. I don't suppose you would know how I could go about setting that up?" Though Paige nods at Marinov's request, she sheepishly admits, "I don't even know if I'll get the chance. I mean I've never, you know, met him before or anything so what business do I even have with him? And, yeah, I wasn't really involved in mutant culture back then." Her hand reaches up to scratch the back of her neck and her eyes drop as she addresses Nic. "No, I've -- uh, I've only been a mutant for like a few months." "Eh, well, I mean... just if you see him, then, at one of the social events they have at the Commons? I dunno," says Marinov, head tilting slghtly as they seem a bit unsure. "And, yeah, I mean. Plenty of the kids at Xavier's will tell you all kinds of fucked up stories about the way they've been treated. Anyways, I could go on ad fucking nauseum about the shit that mutants, and especially visible mutants, go through on the day to day. I should probably not... pick at that old wound more for now. Long and short of it, yea, the proper school procedures suck but they serve a purpose." Nic blinks at Paige "Sorry, I didn't mean you ought to go to Xavier's or anything, just thought you might have visited being friends with Marinov and all, not that you have to visit there to be friends either... I uhh didn't mean anything by it y'know? And umm... sorry you've been put through a rough time." The last is an assumption, but Nic has the feeling it hasn't been a very nice couple of months for Paige. "Good to have friends you can turn to though right?" He smiles looking towards Marinov and nods in agreement "Absolutely, I understand it's to keep people safe I just hate that there is the need for such procedures. I'll talk to Emily, maybe she knows how to set up an escort for a visit." Paige's ears flick up as she blinks at Nic in what appears to be confusion. "What? No, I -- I didn't think you meant that or anything. And I guess I never really thought about visiting them there, you know? But, um, yeah, it's been...it's been hard. But nothing I can't handle." While a smile is offered with this, it looks somewhat unconvincing. "And, you're right," she confirms with a nod. "I have many friends I can turn to and they're all wonderful...well, except the one who's in jail. But Tay-- I mean, Marinov's right, it's kind of, you know --" she gestures with her hands. "-- kind of shit being an obvious mutant. Sometimes you get just harrassed, sometimes you get attacked, but it like never -stops-, you know?" "Yeah, she'll probably know all about that stuff, and probably knows a staff escort that she would prefer," says Marinov, waving a hand idly. "Like, I imagine that my choice for staff escort would be different than hers, if I could swing it. I dunno. Up to her, really, it's her meeting to arrange." They offer a shrug at that and then say, "So are you like, her online boyfriend or something?" They chuckle and say on the subject of being harrassed, speaking to Paige, "I wish that I looked just a little scarier, so people would at least fuck off at the sight of me. But then, I guess that's when they start with the guns..." They deflate at /that/ idea. Nicodemus nods slowly at the thought of picking a particular escort "Makes sense, I'll try to get in touch and make the arrangements." He chuckles and shakes his head "Boyfriend? no no, we've just been friends forever... umm never really tried the long distance relationship thing, although it's not that long distance now it would feel kind of weird to try to be more than friends after all this time we've been in the friend zone. Did she say she has an internet boyfriend?" Listening to Paige talk about getting harassed and attacked he shakes his head and gives her a sympathetic look "No, I can't even pretend to know even a little what that's like... I feel you though. I uhhh don't really know what I could do, but if you have anything I can help with I'm happy to try." There's a small grin on Paige's face and she looks to be stifling a giggle as the two teens discuss their mutual friend and her possible relationship status. She shifts slightly in her seated position as she responds to Nic's question. "Not really, but I -definitely- appreciate the offer." There's a momentary pause as her ears twitch and she bites her lip in thought. "Well, I mean, actually, just saying -that- is kind of helpful in and of itself, you know?" Here she offers a more genuine smile. "Like just -offering- to help and all. And not, like, assuming to know what it's like or offering crappy advice or something." The horned girl turns her attention to Marinov, her expression softening, to say, "No one's pointed a gun at me yet and I'm really sorry you had to go through something as, um, awful as you did last month. But maybe you're just the right amount of scary. You seem to keep me safe on our, uh, walks, at least." "Did she say if she had a boyfriend?... nah, I am not telling you that. I'm no snitch," says Marinov with a wink. Marinov then nods to Paige, "I probably keep you safe on our walks 'cause there's two of us. Buddy system and all that, they encourage it at my school. More people say things to me when I'm on my own than with someone else." The teen makes a feline grimace at Paige's mention of a gun, "Yeah, well. I didn't get shot. I should probably get over that, stop whining, sure as hell doesn't do me any good to complain about it, I guess." With a soft laugh and a shake of his head Nic takes in Marinov’s answer “Right, well all the power to her if she does.” He gives Paige a little smirk when she explains he’s apparently already helping in some way “Well you know you have to follow all that crappy advice from all those overly entitled people who obviously know what they’re talking about. Nah, you’re good bein you.” His eyes widen looking back to Marinov “Shit! Someone actually pulled a gun on you? I thought you were being hypothetical, you’ve got every right to be upset about that… that’s messed up. Well I can’t really stand up to a gun, and I’m not very intimidating, but if you need a dude to walk around with I don’t mind safety in numbers works with whatever numbers. You two have been nothing but nice to this weird guy that just showed up and sat himself down in your booth. I need to make some more friends around here anyway.” "I'd be, uh, more than happy to take you up on your offer, but I kind of live in the Lower East Side and that's like a two hour train ride at least, you know?" Paige replies to Nic with a soft smile. "Then again, I don't really think I -should- be walking around outside with these hooves," she continues, gesturing with a hand to her legs on the seat as she takes a sip of coffee. Placing the mug down on the table, she gives Marinov a very concerned look, ears pushing back and down. "Are you serious? First of all, that's absolute fucking bullshitery to think that you should stop talking about it. Holy fucking shit, Tay, you were almost burned alive and then you got -shot- at. I think you're allowed to like complain and shit." Then she addresses Nic again. "You think you're weird?” The blonde girl asks with a bemused expression on her face. “I'm a -- well, I'm like a goat or something, so you don’t, uh, seem all that weird to me at least.” Marinov’s ears fold back for a moment at Paige’s reaction to what they were saying. They nod to Nic and confirm, “I mean, yeah, they did pull a gun. Or guns, I guess. There were a few of them. But Taylor was so, I dunno, brave. Like… he kept his cool sort of while I lost my shit, and… he got hurt and made sure I was safe and when I talk about it I guess I feel like I am making it about me.” They rub their forehead with both hands for a moment, leaning forward with elbows resting on the table. “Taylor is a fucking champ. I still get fucked up thinking about it even though nothing happened to me. And I have seen shit that is worse, but I keep obsessing about that, but it’s not a fraction of what some people have seen!” They sigh deeply and look off, “I think I’m gonna get an ice cream.” “Hmmm… that would make it more complicated for walk escorting.” Nic agrees lightly rubbing his stubbly chin, then shrugs his shoulders “But all the same if you’re feeling unsafe and don’t have anyone else, you can give me a call… I mean if you’re worried enough to wait two hours for someone to come walk with you you’re definitely not feeling safe about this walk, and I’d rather take the inconvenient two hour train ride and make sure someone gets home safely… or maybe uncle Rupert would lend me the car.” The teen looks at Marinov as they explain what happened “Taylor? Like the dude from California, with the tentacles? Wow… I mean he seemed kind of fed up with stuff, which I totally get, but I had no idea you guys were going through that kind of shit.” He pauses thinking, maybe trying to imagine what that’s even like and shakes his head. “Yeah… hell get all the ice cream you want.” With a little lighter note Nic looks back at Paige with a chuckle “Well I doubt you get a lot of people you’ve never met that come over and jump in your booth… which is kind of a shame actually people are too closed off. Anyway” He gives her a warm smile “You don’t seem that weird either, I mean sure I noticed the horns an’ all… actually maybe weird is the way to go, ‘normal’ people seem like jerks, you seem pretty cool.” "No, I mean, it took two hours to come here because of the train, but I really just came to hang out with Marinov. Besides, I don't really need to, uh, go many places, you know?" Paige reaches a hand to scratch behind an ear, causing it to twitch erratically. "Most times I leave the apartment now because I want to, not because I have any particular need. My roommate is much more efficient at things than myself, especially time-wise. And, I don't know, I don't really have a -need- to go outside other than, you know, just being outside sometimes." The goat girl shrugs with this statement. "And you've met Taylor?" she asks, a smile forming on her face. "He can be kind of, uh...intimidating, I guess, at first glance, but he's -really- nice. He just has so much -stuff- going on, though. He gets shit as his job for being an obvious mutant with tentacles and I'm sure he gets crap on the streets, too. -Plus-, he's going to be graduating soon. I mean, like Marinov says, I've heard he's a fucking badass, but still, you know? And, Marinov, you were -shot- at, for fuck's sake." This last part is said as she turns her head towards the other mutant. "What happened to you was real and scary and you have every goddamn right to feel upset about it. I think a -lot- of your friends would be way more worried if you -didn't- talk about it, you know? And you know you can always talk to me." Then, to Nic, "And thanks. That kind of means a lot to hear. But I still have, uh, trouble looking at myself in the mirror." Ears wilt at this comment as the goat girl seems to occupy herself with her hands. "Oh. Yes. I mean. I assume we are talking about the same Taylor if you know him as 'the dude from California, with the tentacles'," says Marinov with a raised brow of surprise at Nic's words. "He's a great guy, yeah... Anyways, I dunno. I mean, you probably read on the news plenty that mutants are having a shit time. Well, online news, not mainstream stuff. Doesn't really sell, does it? 'Local mutant had a shit day, more on this at eleven.'" They look up towards Paige for a few moments contemplatively, "I can understand that feeling, I suppose, of not wanting to see your reflection. Just. I dunno, you're lovely, but I get it and can relate to it. Anyways, you should get outside to do walks and stuff in general! It's good for practicing balance and stuff." “I did meet Taylor, ran into him, Dakota, and Ms. Nekara here the other day.” Nic says with a smile and nodding to Marinov “He seems pretty great alright, and he’s from Santa Cruz, I’m from San Jose so that’s like just a stone’s throw away. He said he’d show me the good beach spots around here sometime, and Dakota too.” The teen’s enthusiasm dies a bit and he rubs the back of his neck “Yeah I mean, I read up, and hear some stuff going on and whatever, but it’s a very different feeling reading something on the internet and actually talking to someone who, as you put it, are having a shit time every day.” Nicodemus studies Paige for a moment his eyes shifting to Marinov for a moment when they comment that she’s lovely “Again, I can’t really relate myself, but Marinov is right, you’re lovely, hopefully I’m not too far out of line saying so. Also yes, practice is probably good.” Paige blushes, but only slightly at the compliments, ears still pressed down. She does, however, raise her head. "People tell me that and I like appreciate it, right? But when I look in the mirror..." Here she shakes her head. "It's not what I'm used to seeing, you know? You wake up everyday for twenty years and you basically look the same, give or take," she says, gesturing idly with her hands as her brows furrow. "But then you grow horns and your ears change and you get fur and -- it's just all...overwhelming, you know? I was raised to see mutants as freaks and that's all I see when I look in the mirror." Then the goat girl's eyes widen and she shoots a glance to Marinov. "I mean, that's not what I see when I see -other- mutants. Just me, you know?" "Anyways," Paige continues, waving a hand weakly as if to dismiss the previous topic. "I don't think walking in hooves in -snow- is a good idea. They say it can be really painful if water gets in between the toes and then freezes. I mean, sure, maybe it's unlikely to happen if I keep moving and pay close attention, but it's a risk that I'm kind of really worried about it, you know?" The furred mutant takes a deep breath and lets out a sigh. "And I used to believe the mainstream media over online news outlets. -Fuck-, I even used to discredit some of them when they said shit about mutants my family didn't agree with." Marinov watches Paige with twitching ears when she talks about seeing herself in the mirror and they say, with a bit of tension in their voice, "I mean, yeah, it's like I said. I know what you mean, and I can relate to that feeling. It's just... I dunno. Ugh. It probably wouldn't matter if you were the most stunningly gorgeous horned girl in the world, you'd probably end up feeling that way, 'cause bigoted messages telling us that we can't even be /acceptable/ looking much less beautiful." For just a moment, a low growl issues from Marinov's throat, but they quickly catch themselves and put an end to that. "Anyways... we'll find places to walk indoors, then, if you need. I'll piggyback you there if that's what it has to come to." They glance towards Nic, and say a bit apologetically, "Well, prosti, didn't mean to bring the internet news to you or anything. I sorta felt the same way before my body changed. I've always been in, uh, 'activist mode', yeah? But I never /knew/, you know?" Watching Paige and Marinov talk Nic can only shake his head “Well sorry, I don’t have any crappy advice for you Paige, just hopefully you’ll be able to look at yourself the way your friends do, I’m sure Marinov isn’t the only one” He shrugs his shoulders “I guess it’s something that’s hard to come to terms with.” Nicodemus turns his attention back towards Marniov when they talk about bringing the internet news “Nah, I don’t want to turn a blind eye to everything… it’s just a shock to see how bad it is. I went to some protests and whatnot back home, but they uhh… never got violent like that. There’s always bigots of course… it’s shitty but they’re everywhere… but yeah you can’t know until you actually experience it yourself… I still don’t /know/ anything myself.” "Piggyback ride? Are you serious?" Paige's eyes are wide as she responds with this, but she does not seem to be opposed to the idea. "Indoors would probably be better, though, you know? And if I'm inside, I probably won't need you, you know? Not -- I mean just because there'd be no real point. Other than for company. But it's still a hell of a long trip between us, especially in the snow." Her brief smile fades, however, and her ears twitch downwards again, mind wandering back towards the other topic. "I like to take people with me when I walk because, like you said, 'buddy system' and all, right? Keeps us safe from shit like attacks and harassment. Because, you see, it's not just the fucking messages from the goddamn television or social media or fucking billboards and shit, it's -- I mean ... At least when it's cold out, nobody really -- " Here she furrows her brows, looking rather focused as she gestures with her hands. "-- bothers you, you know? People are just hurrying to wherever they're headed. But, like, when they're -not- ... Most of the shit they say is about how I look, but others...others are about -other- things based on the fact that I look -- look like an animal." The goat girl's brows furrow further. "And then there's the ones that just get in your face and you can't really get away because, I mean, it's just--" Suddenly cutting herself off, the horned mutant works her jaw silently. She looks off to the side, directing her gaze away from the other two, even as she addresses Nic. "Trust me. You don't want to. You don't want to experience -any- of it yourself." Marinov simply nods to Paige's question about the piggyback ride, expression not changing. When the server, whose eyes linger a little too long on Marinov and Paige, comes to take their order, Marinov orders a milkshake and a bunch of sausages a la carte. They look back towards the others and nods, "Da, things always seem worse when it's warm out. Which is why, I dunno, I think it's been a bit of a shame that it's been a mild winter." They flex their claws out and in a couple of times, this only done once the serve has moved on. "Fuckers. Just because you have some traits of an animal, doesn't mean you -are-..." They trail off and cross their arms over their chest. "Well, I mean, humans are still animals and stuff. But you know what I mean." “Yeah, umm.. No of course not” Nic says stumbling on his words a bit “I don’t mean I want to experience it… more that I can never really understand. And noone should have to go through the kind of thing you did Marinov.” He pauses looking over at the the server when they come, and frowns at the extended look they give his companions, then orders a clubhouse when his turn comes. “Yeah I know what you mean” then young man says when the server has left, and Marinov has finished “People are people, some people look a little different than others, so what? Everyone’s different and everyone should be treated with decency and a little courtesy.” He clenches a fist looking to Marinov and Paige “It’s hardly much to ask… and I’m sorry so many people deny that to you.” When the server asks Paige what she would like, she waves them off with a hand, replying with a smile and a simple, "If you could bring me a glass of water, I'll be all set, thank you." Ears twitch as the others converse after the wait-staff has moved along. "All I want is for people to ignore me, you know? Just go about their own business and leave me the fuck alone." She rubs at an arm with her hand as she bites her lower lip. Then, more to Marinov, "Yeah, I guess--I guess you're right -- er, I mean, yeah, you're right. About the animal thing." Though she concludes this statement with a definitive nod, her eyes glance askance. "And, sorry, Nic. I wasn't trying to imply that -you- were implying anything about wanting to experience it first hand. I knew what you meant, but I just -- just went off on a rant. Sorry about that." Marinov glances towards Paige and says, "Just water? You should get like... potatoes or something, so that I can enjoy it vicariously through you. I can treat. I mean, I get an allowance from my parents and all, and it's not like I need the extra fabric at the moment with the show in the works..." With a glance back towards Nic, Marinov adds, "Though I'm not gonna treat for you, 'cause you go to Rye and so probably got some pocket money to burn yourself." “I can understand wanting to be left alone… but ignored by everyone forever would get pretty lonely” Nic says looking into the air as if he’s imagining it “Anyway you’re certainly entitled to rant from time to time.” Looking towards the felinoid teen he smirks “Marinov seems to be right about a lot of things, and the most recent one, you should eat something it’ll feel weird if we’re eating, and you’re not.” He laughs and shakes his head when Marinov says they won’t treat him “Yeah no worries, I didn’t come here expecting to mooch a meal. I have my own allowance.” Paige holds up a hand while burying her face in the other, ears twitching. "No, I meant random people on the street. I didn't mean -everybody-." Turning her head so that an eye looks towards Marinov, she sighs before pulling her head back up. "Alright, fine. But only because I made the trip over here this time," the goat girl says in concession to her friend. "But we've got plenty of food at home is all I'm saying, you know? Don't need to eat here when it'd be cheaper just to do it at the apartment. I mean, hell, they even -feed- us there," she says while rubbing her arm. "But fine. Potatoes it is. Thanks,” she concludes with a sheepish smile. "Hell yeah I am right about a lot of things," says Marinov, nodding firmly, "I'm wise as fuck." Their eyes open wider when the beverages arrive, grabbing the milkshake as it is offered. The server is clearly amused by something, but she doesn't make a comment. Marinov continues talking, not looking up, "Yeah? They feed you? That's pretty nice. They do that at school, too. The place you live seems real great, just based on other people who've talked about it. I sometimes... I dunno, I worry about what I'm gonna do for housing after school. Can't just linger at Xavier's forever. But I think... I'll figure something out!" “I guess that makes sense” Nic says to Paige “When the vast majority of new people you meet are complete assholes it doesn’t really make you want to meet any new people.” He’s delivered a water since he didn’t order another drink, and takes a sip of it. He smiles towards Marinov when they provided meals “Always good to know you have a roof over your head and food on your plate.” The young teen scratches the back of his neck lightly when Marinov indicates they’re worried about where to go after Xavier’s “Well, you’re so wise, you could become a teacher or something. Stay at Xavier’s if you like it there.” He pauses and shakes his head “I don’t know what I’m going to do after high school either… I know gymnastics has pretty slim chances of actually panning out into a real career.” After getting the server's attention and placing her order, Paige turns to look at Marinov with a grin. "-Fuck- yeah, you're wise as fuck. And it -is- great. If you're not heading off to college or back home to your parents after graduation, you should go into fashion. Didn't you say that was like your freaking dream or something? And, besides, you're -good- at it. Holy shit, I love my hat so much. And my cardigan, too. Or do what Nic said - be like a teacher in fashion, you know? That would be so fucking awesome, Tay." Her gaze switches to Nic again. "You be a teacher, too. I mean, you've got to get a degree to be a teacher and all," she says, gesturing. "But you could become a physical education teacher, right? So either of you have plans for college?" "College? Umm. My parents expect me to go to college. My grades aren't... that... great. I mean, they're pulling up a bit, since Xavier's has be accommodating in ways that some schools might not be. Also, I made a deal with Ms. Munroe." They shrug lightly and then add, "But yea, I dunno. Design would be the best. I could teach, but 'fashion' is not exactly a curriculum subjects, yeah? I'd be a bad teacher, though. I dunno if I'd have the patience." The lean forward to lick at the surface of the milkshake. They quickly make a bit of a face and look down at the beverage like they don’t recognize it anymore. “Oh yeah college... I’m pretty much expected to go to college too.” Nicodemus shrugs his shoulders at the question “My parents are shelling out the cash for me to go to this swanky ass school, as Taylor referred to it, so I’m pretty sure they’d be rather upset if I ditch out on college. I guess I got at least a couple years before I have to worry about it though.” His eyes widen and he looks towards Paige with a look of disbelief, or maybe just surprise at her suggestion “A teacher? I never even considered trying to teach… Well Dakota asked for me to show her some gymnastic stuff, but I don’t think that really counts… and I also haven’t done it yet.” The teen’s eyes flick to where Paige put her hat then over to Marinov “You do fashion design stuff? That hat is seriously nice, I wasn’t like kidding around or anything earlier, but I had no idea you made it, you could totally make a career out of that… I don’t do anything creative.” Paige shrugs. "I'm only throwing out ideas. You two should just -- just pursue whatever you want to, you know? I don't think -- I know I'm never going back to college; there's just no way I could fund that on my own, but the two of you have parents who give a shit and want to see you succeed and live a long prospering and fulfilling life." There's a slight hardening to her jaw and she glances off to the side and then back before saying, "You should take advantage of that. Or at least give it some thought. I bet both of you have some serious talents that could get you places," the young woman concludes with a smile. To Nic, Marinov explains, "Oh. Yeah, I make a lot of my own clothes, and anything I don't make, I've gotta alter. I'd love to be a designer, yeah?" They pick up the milkshake again, having recovered from the initial shock, and scoop out a spoon full. "I'm of two minds. On the one hand, I want to benefit the community, you know? Make the lives of people like me better. The people I admire are real active like that." They take another scoop and pause thoughtfully, "On the other hand, I want glitz and glamour. But at least I know one of those things is possible. And... I dunno. If you want college, then I wouldn't give up on it, but if you don't..." They shrug helplessly. “It’s fine, I really just never considered it before.” Nic says thinking to himself “I dunno, I like to help people out, but teaching seems… kinda scary like I’d get stage fright or something.” He lets out a slow breath “If I did it wrong I’d be letting those kids down… molding their futures or whatever… that’s a lot of pressure.” Apparently the young man is fine performing difficult gymnastic routines in front of large audiences, but the thought of teaching a class is rather nerve wracking. “Talent-wise I guess gymnastics is really the only thing I took to really well, my trainer says I’ve got the stuff to make it, but isn’t she kind of paid to say that?” Looking over to Marinov Nic smiles “Well design sounds good, and you’ve already got at least a couple people singing your praises. You said you have to make your own clothes, I doubt Paige finds a lot of headgear that will fit her either, there’s lots of people who can’t exactly buy off the rack, it would probably be nice if they had a place they could go, someone who understands their needs and can make them clothes that really fit.” He peers at the milkshake for a moment then looks back at Marinov “Umm is the shake not really what you expected?” "-Right-?!" Paige's countenance lights up at Nic's mention of the hat and she holds it up to show it off. "It's fucking amazing. I mean, it's a simple kind of thing, you know? But it doesn't confine my ears and it fits around my horns. I fucking -love- it. They also made me a kick-ass cardigan. Sure, it's just a cardigan, but I don't have many clothes at all, so I am -very- grateful to them for it." There's a bright smile on the older girl's face. "And, Nic, you're only in high school. You have -plenty- of time to think about what you want to do in life. Take it one step at a time, you know? Relax!" A concerned look is then given to Marinov. "Everything okay? I thought felin...oids and milk didn't really mix," she offers in slight bemusement. “Do they?” Marinov's ears swivel back and then forward again at the questions about the milkshake, "Just sometimes forget things. It tastes fine, just different than I expected, but..." They sigh and then push it towards Paige, "Yeah, I'd probably regret having much of it, can't digest it properly... One of you can have it." They shrug lightly and say, "I can wait to enjoy those sausages."