The Magpie Emporium, Monday [15/7]

[giveittoyoursister]

It was shaping up to be one of those days it was too hot to think. Vi had set the minis up to be enjoying a day at the beach, the highlighted games were somehow all winter themed, and the gremlins had set up on the table nearest the fan (only to be displaced by Saffron flopping down on top of their board).

Once all her absolutely necessary chores were done, Vi, at this point stripped down to a singlet and baggy shorts, wondered if she could spin an ice-cream run as also absolutely necessary.

Comments

[drumsticksandd20s]

What, did she think Steph wouldn't let her go get ice cream or something? Because Steph stuck her head out of the office and glanced at her. Appreciatively, yes. What of it?

"I have a stupid conference call with a stupid distributor in half an hour and I'm dying for ice cream and I'd love you forever if you could go get some."

[giveittoyoursister]

Of course she knew Steph would let Vi get ice cream, but it was more fun if she could pretend it was some vitally important duty she just had to do.

She stretched, for absolutely no reason whatsoever, really, and asked "You got any preference on flavours?"

[drumsticksandd20s]

Who was to say it wasn't a vitally important duty? Not Steph.

"You know what I like," she said with a pointed little smirk and a nod of appreciation. "Though I'm feeling... mint chip today, I think. And a bunch of whipped cream on top."

[giveittoyoursister]

In that case, Vi was practically obligated to fetch ice cream.

"I do," Vi said agreeably. "Mint chip with whipped cream. I can do that."

[drumsticksandd20s]

"You're wonderful. If you get that, I'll buy dinner," Steph suggested. "And maybe a thirty-pack of popsicles, god. This weather is an abomination."

Though it did mean she resorted to wearing her absurdly tiny jean shorts, so that was a win for Vi.

[giveittoyoursister]

Vi was very appreciative of the view, pity it was almost too hot to want to take advantage of it. Almost.

"I'll be back before you know it," she promised.

[drumsticksandd20s]

"Good luck. I wouldn't be surprised if half the island is trying to get ice cream," Steph said, making a face. "In which case, please don't try and throw down just to make sure I get some?"

She was pretty sure both of them would much prefer that she didn't end up having to go to the Trooper Station and bail Vi out.

[giveittoyoursister]

That would end badly for everyone involved.

"I'll do my best," Vi told her, heading towards the door. "But no promises."

It'd be fine. Probably.

[drumsticksandd20s]

And it was a valid concern!

"I promise to thank you properly for it," Steph called after her. "Eventually."

Like when it was marginally cooler.

[giveittoyoursister]

This weather was ridiculous.

There were not any worrying phone calls before Vi returned in a somewhat reasonable time, insulated containers in tow. "Well, that could have been worse."

[drumsticksandd20s]

"You were gone so long," Steph said in a dramatic tone, and made a big show of running over to check Vi over for injuries as if she'd had to fight off a mob to get the last two pints. Just had to physically check those biceps for scratches, don't mind her. "My big fucking hero."

[giveittoyoursister]

"You would not believe the trials I have been through," Vi declared, offering Steph the bag as she pretended to swoon. "All for you, my love."

[drumsticksandd20s]

"I have heard tales of the horrors that is the cashier's line," Steph replied, pretending to catch her. "You braved such trials for my sake? How can I ever repay you?"

[giveittoyoursister]

Vi was sure she could think of something. "Just...enjoy...your mint chip..." Vi gasped as if with her last breath.

[drumsticksandd20s]

Steph made a loud noise of exaggerated dismay, which was impressive with how much she wanted to laugh.

"No! You have to hold on! This mint chip will taste like ashes in my mouth without you here to share it!"

[giveittoyoursister]

"Go on without me. You must." Vi let out an overly dramatic and entirely unbelievable death rattle.

[drumsticksandd20s]

Steph let out an equally unbelievable (and ridiculous) wail that had Saffron raising her head to glower judgmentally at them.

"No! You mustn't say such things! I couldn't bear it!"

She reached up to put a hand on Vi's face.

"If I have to breathe life back into you from my own lips, then I will."

You know, you could just kiss her like a normal person, Steph.

[giveittoyoursister]

The narrative had met them, right?

"You may have too," Vi replied as tragically expired people were wont to do.

[drumsticksandd20s]

The narrative was allowed to be judgey. Saffron was, so it was only fair.

"I will not lose you without a fight, my love," Steph declared in an appropriately breathy dramatic voice before leaning in to kiss her.

[giveittoyoursister]

Especially when it was too hot for Saffron be properly judgey.

Vi slid her hands around Steph's back as she returned the kiss. "My hero."

[drumsticksandd20s]

It was hot enough that Steph squirmed a little bit at the contact, but not enough to pull away."

"No, you're my hero, get it right, god."

Humans, it was too hot for this nonsense in front of Saffron's poor wilted salad.

[giveittoyoursister]

Vi was also holding Steph in a looser hug than she might otherwise be. "Hey, I definitely got your order right," she teased. "We should probably get to it before it melts."

[drumsticksandd20s]

"Yeah." Steph was a bit less reluctant about letting go of Vi than usual to dig out the spoons and napkins, but she felt Vi would understand given the circumstances. "Don't want all your badass heroism to go to waste."

[giveittoyoursister]

The exceptionally hot and sticky and not in the fun way circumstances.

"That'd be the worst," she agreed.

[drumsticksandd20s]

"And I am not having that," Steph agreed just before opening up her container of ice cream, shoving a spoonful of it into her mouth, and making a happy noise that might have a terribly unfair effect on Vi.