Sweets And Sugar Help Heal A Broken Encounter

Shay wasn't sure she wanted to go, but they wouldn't be alone, and she'd keep it that way. She rarely trusted people; she'd forgotten why that was until Auden happened. But, she kept her promises, even when those promises were made to get someone off her fucking back.

Shay had worn a black dress, boots, and thin, silken gloves. She looked like she was on her way to or from a funeral, which wasn't far from the truth in her opinion. She sure had a way of catching attention when she walked into the ice cream parlor, all doom and gloom, face an expressionless mask and looking older than twelve, if only in disposition. She had brought a small, thin purse along with her and enough money to pay for her things and a cab back home (not that she didn't have a driver. But, just in case.)

When she arrived, Shay peered around and made way for him, stopping when she was an arm's distance from him. A chance was not what she was giving him, not really. This felt more like a formality of some sort. This and nothing else ever again, that's what she had promised. One chance and no others. She'd meant that.

"Auden," she said by way of greeting, albeit a cold one.

Shay glanced briefly down at herself, but she didn't smile, and the look in her eyes didn't change. She was on full guard now, ready for the pain and the insults. The wounded pride. "Thanks. You look...." She took a few seconds to really take his outfit in. So many snarky things came to mind. "Good enough. And yes, I'm ready to order ice cream."

She couldn't help the sour note to the way she said this. Everything was all too formal for ice cream, of all things. This place was bright and cheerful, a far cry from how Shay was feeling.

Once they had both ordered -- Shay had gotten a sundae with extra fudge and nuts (har har, she had been prepared for a joke. None came.) -- and sat down across from each other at a back booth, Shay spooned her sundae, but didn't eat any of it. She felt entirely too watched. She hated being stared at, especially when eating.

"I don't know what you're expecting out of this. Could have just left it at an apology. Told me we'd never see each other again. You don't even like me." She looked up at him now and squinted. She had questions and lots of them. "William wasn't at school yesterday. I'd know. He's in my English class."

Shay loathed being lied to. She detested it more that she couldn't call him out because she had no proof, but then, when had she ever needed proof to hate someone? Shay's expression further hardened.

"You've already come off like a dick; you think a few pretty words and ice cream is going to make me see you in a better light? Those things aren't genuine." Shay's voice turned biting. "And William is sick is all, huh? Guess that settles it. I might as well get up and leave if you're going to fuck around with me. Knock off the shit and try a little honesty with the next person you 'like'."

Shay stood with the full intention of leaving. Her skin itched with anger, but there was hurt, too. What was wrong with her? Was she so weak people felt the need to pad her space with pillows and lie? Well, she was sick of it. She didn't need this. She was tired of fighting with bastards like this.

Shay sat, softening only a little when he told her he'd tell her the truth. "Yes. I'll stay if you're straight with me. I don't like being lied to. You may think I'm just some spoiled Rosales brat, but I had to fight to be here. I have to fight every day not to be walked all over by assholes like you. If you want me to give you the time of day, you better be respectful."

She leaned back in her seat and breathed out deeply. Of course, he was. Shay didn't judge him for that. Raven Mockers... they had a harder time than even the meat eaters. There wasn't a good way to keep a soul contained and sell it. Not really. She reached up and rubbed the bridge of her nose.

"Thanks for telling me. I'm not going to beat you up," Shay leveled her gaze on him, expression having softened significantly. "I've lived here my whole life, you know. See all sorts of strange things when you're born on Manta Carlos. Did you have to beat him up and terrorize him first or was that just for fun?"

Shay ate a small bit of ice cream to give herself some time to think. She wouldn't leave. She appreciated his honesty and it had really snuffed out her anger. "You know, when you ask someone on a date, you're supposed to sit next to them, not across from them."