maskormenacelogs | (no subject)

[Today sees Nathaniel alone in the magic shop, for whatever reason. Billy is out, somewhere, he isn't sure where. Gansey he tries to avoid taking shifts with, after Billy's awkward confession.

So that leaves just Nathaniel, puttering around awkwardly, unsure really of what he's doing in between balancing the ledgers and checking stock. And there's only so many times he can do that.

Oh, and the cat, of course. Billy's stray cat, that seems to have taken a liking to Nathaniel, much to his chagrin. On this particular occasion, Nathaniel sits down behind the register for a grand total of thirty seconds before the wretched animal decides to leap up onto his lap and make itself comfortable there.]

Oh, for the love of-- these are good pants!

[ Well, Kitty had been looking for Nathaniel, and that cry of disgusted dismay certainly helps her triangulate his location. She wends her way through the shop over to the register, to find Nathaniel with a cat contentedly kneading at those good-pants. She grins openly, delighted at the tableau - but doesn't laugh openly. She has a little bit of respect for his pride. ]

I've seen better.

[ ...Right, a little bit. ]

Oh-- thank goodness.

Kitty, help.

[He's abandoned all pretense at his pride. It really is dire.]

[ She grins openly at him. ]

Help? Just push him off. He likes you too much - he won't claw you.

You think?

I think she just likes to prove who's the boss.

Oh, is it a she? Well, if that's the case, then me pulling her off won't help one bit. You have to establish your dominance.

[ She is fighting hard not to laugh. ]

... You're enjoying this, aren't you.

It would be terribly wicked for me to enjoy something like this, wouldn't it? After all, you do seem to be suffering.

Oh, are you not? Terribly wicked, I mean?

[ In mock-offense - ]

What an accusation!

[ Then, finally, she comes over to behind the counter and, fearlessly, grabs the cat around its chest and scoots it off Nathaniel's lap. ]

Come on, there you go, you monster...

[Fervently, and with no small amount of relief:]

Thank you.

[ And...Oh, she supposes this isn't wholly appropriate. But it's just too funny to resist. At once, she turns into a cat herself and leaps up, taking the stray's place. ]

Ooooh, comfortable.

[The squawk of protest is impressive.]

Kitty!

I can see why she likes it up here. You're nice and warm.

[ She tilts her head up to look at him. ]

Anyway, I'm gray, so it won't even be visible when I shed on your trousers.

... Was there a particular reason you came into the store today, or was it just to harass me?

[ Cheerfully: ]

There was. It wasn't very urgent, though. And harassing you is actually quite fun.

Then I've half a mind to reject outright whatever it is you've come to propose.

Propose? Oh, no. I just came to talk.

... Oh. [There's a small knot of anxiety in his stomach, suddenly.]

About...?

How stupid people can be, sometimes. Urgh.

[Well, that's a sentiment he certainly shares. With a small hint of wry amusement:]

Are you referring to anyone in particular...?

Some days it feels like I'm referring to everyone. But in this case it's this idiot who refuses to talk to anyone, even though it might help him find some measure of happiness. He doesn't think he even deserves happiness.

[He stills for a moment. Then--]

... Perhaps some people do not.

[ Disapprovingly, and with complete confidence: ]

Why wouldn't he? Everyone does.

Oh? "Everybody" is a large well to draw from. Would you say the same of Quentin Makepeace, if he were to show up here tomorrow?

the magic shop | ota

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