forum The Paperback Theater

Started March 21, 2018 by @_sleeby_rat_

tune

"Uh, s-sure," she said, rubbing the back of her neck and smiling a bit.

Ellie nodded and smiled back. "Go ahead and pick a table, I'll be there in a minute." She skipped away to the counter, ordering two drinks, some fries and a pineapple pizza.

(ok I return) Michael waved at Charlie from a booth. "Hey, I already grabbed us a seat if you wanna join us."

(i'm back)

Charlie skipped over to the table, already in a better mood and sat down carefully.

Michael smiled at her, happy that she was starting to get out of her shell a little. "What'd you order?"

Cameron ordered a slice of Hawaiian pizza and an oreo milkshake. Despite what Asura said, he paid for his own food and joined the others at a table.

"Pineapple pizza and a soda," Charlie said. Her eyes widened in surprise at her voice not stuttering. She smiled goofily before taking a seat and trying to slip Asura a ten dollar bill.

"Oh, nice. I got BBQ chicken. Pineapple's good too. At least you didn't order something weird, like broccoli or spinach."

"Blech. Who-o even lik-kes broc-ccoli?" Charlie stuck her tongue out in mock-disgust.

Michael chuckled. "I know right? Probably made up by some wacky vegan."

Asura noticed Charlie slipping him the bill and pushed it away quickly. "You guys, I don't want you paying for this. I know I can be a dick, but I'm also rich as hell and it would just be wrong of me to not pay for something your food."

Michael flinched a little at the mention of Asura being rich, but laughed it off. "Just let Asura pay for it Charlie, he'll find a way to pay for everyone one way or another."

He noticed Michael's reaction, and sat back a bit, scooting away from the others. "Sorry," he mumbled.

He rolled his eyes. "It's fine. Not your fault." A server called out his name, and his eyes widened. "Yes, milkshake's ready!" He got up to go grab it

Asura ran a hand through his hair and sighed, getting up as well. "I'll be right back," he said.

Michael walked back with a giant mint chocolate milkshake, which he was somehow trying to down all at once without getting a brainfreeze. He frowned a little in confusion at Asura getting up

"I'm just going to go, uh, be right back," he said, uncomfortable.

"Um, ok. You alright dude?" In the back of his mind, he hoped that little flinch hadn't made
Asura feel bad. Did he suddenly not want anything to do with him?

"Yeah man, I'm fine. Just gimme a minute," he said, waving him off.

Charlie looked around the restaurant in search of a certain door and her face turned slightly red when she couldn't see it. She shifted uncomfortably and put the money back in her pocket as the two talked.

"Um, ok man." Michael walked back over to the booth and slid back into his spot across from Charlie

He walked quickly toward the doors outside, then ended up jogging and bursting out of the doors. Asura went to the back of the building and slumped against the wall, digging his nails into his palms. "Fucking dumbass," he whispered to himself.

Michael felt kind of bad now, so he went back to trying to down his milkshake. He felt like he should check on Asura, but he also felt like maybe he should give him space. He subconsciously frowned down at his milkshake