Private Finished Pourin' Myself a Cup of Ambition

Batty · Mar 31, 2019

”Ya sure? Well, alright then.” Unusual to her, Marigold let this one slide. Normally, she was sort of aggressive in her attempts to help others. Even if she was currently unemployed, she had this natural instinct to provide for others. But, she didn’t want to scare off this new acquaintance. So she let this one slide.

She laughed. ”Well, I gotta say, you’re the opposite of me there. I’m more of a day person.” It was true, she was a busy gal that flourished getting things done while the sun was out. But, she supposed there were some virtues of staying out late. ”I can’t say I’ve ever had the chance to hit up the night life seriously around here. But even as a country gal, I gotta say the city sure if pretty at night.”

Realizing she was going off on a bit of a tangent, she blushed under her fur. At least she tuned back in when Remi was giving her solid advice. She listened, processing it for a bit. It was almost obvious information, but Marigold never really got to think of this perspective.

”You’re right. Connections are pretty important.” She knew this deep down. But sometimes she didn’t want to admit that the way she was going all about things was totally wrong. ”I guess I’m pretty guilty of puttin’ work first and meetin’ people as a consequence of it, not the other way around. I’ve just been so busy and Gung-ho about gettin’ a job I kinda forgot to just take it easy and meet people.” She looked at Remi, smiling. ”Guess it’s good I ran into you. Usually random encounters are a mixed bag for me, so thank you Remi for making this so pleasant.”

When the waitress came by, she just ordered coffee and a slice of chocolate cake. She was kinda hungry for real food, but she figured she ought to clear out her leftovers at home before they went bad.

”Have you adjusted well to everything, all things considered? I dunno where you came from, but for me it was a pretty big culture shock I guess. It feels nice not feelin’ like a freak anymore, anyway.”

Keen · Apr 4, 2019

Oluremi let out a series of flattered laughter, leaving her with a goofy grin when their waitress came around. She ordered a fruit bowl and a cold glass of apple juice, then managed to make a more reserved expression.

"I'm happy to hear I was some help to you. This island can be... a lot. A lot a lot. Getting to know some nice people was what got me through.

"I adjusted... awkwardly. I had culture shock, but not a big one. My people have lived in hiding for some time, but we're used to the supernatural community. Coming with my family helped too. Really, my issue was my shyness. Kept me from making friends or... doing much of anything."

Batty · Apr 17, 2019

She nodded. Remi was absolutely right. Not only did Marigold have to adjust to an urban setting, it was a magical urban setting. Things were strange here, but at least it kept life interesting. At least Remi had a support system.

Once their food arrived Marigold quietly thanked the waitress as Remi answered her question. She listened as her fork poked the cake, nibbling on it as she processed what she had to say. There seemed a lot of challenged thrown her way, which was something she could certainly empathize with.

”I’d imagine. It’s good the shock wasn’t so bad, since you were used to the supernatural community.” Honestly, she wished she had known about this place or any other community sooner. Would have saved her the grief of her awkward years in between her curse and where she was now.

Once she finished, she took the time to pour some sugar into her coffee. ”Honestly that always seems to be the case. Your background don’t make you who you are, but your character. It can make or break a fresh start.” She said. ”But hate to say it, it don’t get much better for a social butterfly like me.” She laughed a bit, yet keeping an easy smile on her face.

”I understand. It’s tough puttin’ yourself out there. Rejection stings like a wasp, if anything today showed us.” She looked down, stirring her spoon lazily with the tip of her pointer. ”But ya can’t let the what-ifs consume you. You gotta start small. Chat up strangers, find people with common interests… I know you’ve got some people in your music group, right?” She removed the spoon, taking a sip. Afterwards, she put it down, continuing. ”Ya gotta grab life by the horns. I know what loneliness can feel like, and how consuming it is. You’ll find your tribe. People always do.”

Keen · Apr 18, 2019

Oluremi nodded her head as Marigold spoke, yet felt guilty for the slight misunderstanding. She wished rejection was all she feared when she first came to the island. Reni's true problem was not being able to properly communicate her thoughts and emotions. Back then, was completely inept at interacting with anyone outside of her family and their friends. To move outside of her purpose felt impossible then. But Marigold wasn't completely inaccurate. In a way, she was completely right. Remi didn't fear the rejection of others. She feared the rejection of her family.

When Marigold finished, Remi's eyebrows were raised in awe. "You're very motivational," she replied. "I think, once you let yourself socialize more, you'll make a lot of friends. You just... You just have a friendly look and personality. It's easy to talk to you." Oh how Remi wished she could properly communicate what she was thinking. Marigold was cheerful and had wise words. It was hard to imagine her struggling with finding her place.

"You know, since my group requires me to regularly contact businesses for us to perform at, I don't mind writing down some places I think would be good for you."

Batty · Apr 20, 2019

She was glad she ran into Remi in the alley. Her friendliness and willingness to chat was more than welcome after her constant experiences with unkindness. She was a lot more social than she let on considering she was at a cafe with what was formerly a complete stranger.

She smiled brightly. ”Well thank you. That means a lot. I just wanna try n’ bring out the best in people.” She said, her free hand absentmindedly twirling one of her braids. ”And you’re probably right. I’ve been so focused on getting my career off the ground I kind of neglected my social life. Thanks for reminding me.” She chuckled a bit, taking another sip of her coffee.

When she offered her assistance in landing her a gig, her ears perked up and her tail began to swish. ”Really? Why, I’d love that!” She beamed. ”Hang on, I got a pen here somewhere...” She dug into one of her pockets, pulling out a pen and pushing forward a clean napkin. ”It’s really hit or miss here. You can tell which places feel more tourist-y and gimmicky versus which ones really care about their live talent.” She didn’t consider herself A grade tier yet out of her sense of humility, but she did feel she was at least worth something. ”I’m really glad I ran into you Remi. If you’d like, I’d be happy to exchange numbers if ya wanna keep in contact with you in the future.”

Keen · Apr 25, 2019

Remi nodded her head along to Marigold's words as she wrote down a few places that accepted performers. There were two shorts lists, the first shorter than the last. The top one specified businesses with a country theme to them, the others were any businesses Remi could think of that might appreciate Marigold's work.

Once she finished, she slid the napkin and pen back to Marigold. "I'd love to exchange numbers. And, let me be transparent, Morning Glory," the business at the top of the second list, "is run by my parents. We have live music once in a while to keep things interesting, especially if we're running an event. Our business is more tropical themed, but if you ever have trouble finding work, having options is always good."

Batty · Apr 30, 2019

She sipped her coffee as Remi filled out the list, keeping herself barely from brimming with anticipation. At least she didn’t have to totally start from the bottom up. She would be back on the saddle tomorrow to try job hunting again, and after this interaction she felt a resounding hope for the future.

”Thank you so much, you have no idea how grateful I am.” She said, smiling brightly. She looked over the list carefully, memorizing the names and places as she listed. It’s good that Remi already had connections, for her own musical career if she had hoped to branch out. Marigold sure was lucky running into her.

”I’ll definitely keep that in mind. I’ll be sure to swing by at some point, even if it’s just try try out the menu. I’m a bit of a foodie, after all” She folded the napkin in her pocket. ”If there’s anything I can do to repay you- anything- you just lemme know, okay?”

Keen · May 8, 2019

It was in Remi's nature to feel powerful from this exchange. This woman needed help and Remi had what she needed. From that power came a feeling of disgust. Remi wanted to be Marigold's friend. Friends didn't manipulate each other into doing stuff out of a sense of obligation. That's not how things worked on this island.

Though... getting Marigold to come by Morning Glory when there was a potential reward for her wasn't that bad. As long as Remi was nice about it and didn't go too far.

"Simply visiting my family's business once in a while and hanging out with me is all I can think of you doing." A small frown came to Remi's lips. "Er, that sounded manipulative. What I'm trying to say is, don't worry about it. I like helping out a friend. It'd feel weird to make you feel like you need to do something for me when you're in a rough place. It's not fair."

Batty · May 30, 2019

Honestly? Marigold was more than eager to take up even a crumb of opportunity. Even if things didn’t work out, she was just happy to try out something new. She tilted her head a bit, at the suggestion of her being manipulative.

”Oh sugar don’t worry about it. I’d just be pleased as punch to do just that.” She assured, gesturing her hand in a dismissive motion. Honestly returning the favor as a new friend was just fine with her, though secretly she still kept the IOU at the back of her head. If there ever was someone in a time of need, regardless if they had done anything for her, Marigold was for sure right by their side. ”Mama always told me kindness was somethin’ you pass on. And don’t you worry about me. I’ve still got enough savings to keep myself on my hooves for a lil while.” She smiled. ”But yeah, I’d love to hang out. Just text me whenever you wanna. I really needed some new gal pals.”

She looked outside. It was starting to get really late, and it was a long commute home. ”I better get goin’ soon. I live all the way out in the country and it’s a little while away.” She said, standing up. ”I’ll walk with you out, my car’s just down the block.” She said, though regretted driving. She was a avid public transport supporter, but there wasn’t a line that got her where she needed to be. ”I know you said ten bajillion times that you can handle yourself, but are you sure you’ll be okay on the way back?”

Keen · May 30, 2019

Oluremi wore a big smile. Things went way better than she expected. Marigold was a genuinely nice person who could clearly stand up for herself. Someone like her would have pointed out when Remi was being rude or manipulative or callous in any way. There was no reason for Remi to worry, and with that thought in mind, it made her relax completely. Too bad she was only finally relaxing at the end of their meeting.

"I'll be fiiine," Remi replied in a jokingly whiny tone. As she stood up to follow Marigold, she even flexed her arms a bit to show off the impressive amount of muscle she has. Crime isn't a common thing on this island, nor is it blatant. Be bad to mug someone and then learn they're a demon who specifically punishes thieves or assault the embodiment of war. Even if someone tried to hurt me, I have a few tricks up my sleeve." Remi touched the table and turned what was touching her hands into a type of rock before reversing its effect.

"But you know, I wouldn't mind the company, if you insist."

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Private Finished Pourin' Myself a Cup of Ambition

Batty

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Keen

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Keen

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