'Thoughts'
"Talking"
[ Sytem Prompt ]
Writing
A/N: We have achieve the power stone goal. So I'll be releasing double the chapters this day around!
No powerstond goals for now.
And this will be a flashback chapter. You guys remember back in Odd Jobs (1) that in the beginning there was that small snippet of a fight against Roman? Yeah this will be the chapters about that.
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One day after the Dust robbery, on the rare occasion Yang chose not to go on a date with Altair due to having plans with her friends, Altair decided to go to the city at night in search of an open ice cream shop.
He walked aimlessly with a brand-new Scroll he had bought with his 3,000 Lien, which had cost roughly 2,530 Lien.
' Wow, getting paid for having debt—nice. '
On the screen, a map of Vale displayed all the ice cream shops, highlighted for easy reference. He had already been to three shops, all of which were closed. He sighed, starting to feel hopeless. Why was the world so against him getting some Neapolitan ice cream?
"I swear, this is the last shop I'll check," Altair muttered, frustrated, and quickened his pace. What he hadn't noticed was a small, adorable girl walking toward him, equally distracted by her own Scroll. The collision was inevitable.
Bump!
Their Scrolls slipped from their hands but were swiftly caught by Altair before they could hit the pavement. The girl fell onto her backside, while Altair barely flinched.
"Ah, sorry about that," Altair said as he looked down at the girl, taking in the distinct pink, white, and brown streaks in her hair. He froze but quickly composed himself and offered her a hand.
' What are the odds? '
Standing before him was Neopolitan—Neo.
"Your Scroll," he said, returning it to her. She accepted it calmly, then brushed herself off once she was back on her feet.
Awkward silence stretched between them as Altair waited for her to—well, not speak, but write something.
It's fine. I was on my Scroll, so I didn't see you Neo typed before showing him the screen.
"No, it's my fault too. I was looking at the map and didn't notice because of…"
My height? Her expression turned deadpan as she narrowed her eyes at him.
"...Yes." He gave a sheepish grin.
She held the stare a moment longer before sighing and typing again.
Let's just say it was both our faults.
"Sure?" Altair shifted uncomfortably. Meeting someone like Neo in a random encounter like this was surreal. Neo, meanwhile, shook her head before typing another question.
Why were you even looking at your Scroll while walking? Neck craned, she peered up at him with curiosity.
"Just trying to find an ice cream shop that's open at this hour."
Neo's eyes widened briefly before she schooled her expression. Determination flashed across her face as she typed again.
Are you new to Vale?
Altair gave a subtle nod.
There are no ice cream shops open this late. You have to check the local shops that pop up on this map she explained, puffing her cheeks slightly. Altair blinked at the unexpected concern but chalked it up to one of his traits affecting her.
"I see—"
She cut him off by shoving her Scroll in his face again.
What's your favorite flavor?
' I'm craving Neapolitan right now ' he thought.
"Neapolitan."
Neo froze. She lowered her head for a second before typing furiously and thrusting the Scroll at him.
Come with me! I know a place that sells Neapolitan ice cream!
Without waiting for a reply, she grabbed his arm and dragged him forward. Altair's dumbfounded expression lasted only a moment before he resigned himself to being led—by Neo, of all people—to this mysterious ice cream shop.
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Ding!
A bell rang on the counter top, of an ice cream parlor. The ice cream store was desolate, and empty, booths with red velvet cushions were placed near the window. The floor pattern resembled a chess board, but instead of black and white squares, it was white and mint green. A juke box on the side, glowing with neon light. Overall it resembled a vintge ice cream store one would see during the 90's.
"Coming!" A rough voice said coming from the employees only area. A few seconds later, a big, gruff looking man came out, wearing a red and white striped apron. The man saw Neo and immediately smiled with a welcoming atmosphere.
"Ah Neo my best costumer, and..." The man paused as he laid his eyes on Altair, who was smiling awkwardly while scratching the back of his head.
"Boyfriend?"
"No sir. Just a friend who needed to satisfy some cravings" Sweat rolled on Altair's cheeks.
On the hand, Neo sat on the stool in front of the counter. Altair followed, sitting besides.
"Oh I see I see. Well then what would you folks have this evening? We have everything a diner's got, and of course some ice cream"
Neo showed the man her scroll.
"The usual then" The man turned to Altair. "And you?".
Altair contemplated for a second, before ordering.
"A 2 servings of Neapolitan Ice Cream, and a double patty burger"
"Okay then, I bring them out in a few minutes" The man went back to the kitchen to cook their meals, leaving the two to themselves.
The atmosphere was awkward, Altair felt uncomfortable with Neo, while Neo just stayed silent. But Altair gathered his courage, and initiated the conversation.
"Thank you for bringing me here. I'm Altair by the way" He turned to Neo, who perked up and turned to him. Neo just smiled and showed him her scroll.
No need, I'm just glad to have another comrade when it comes to flavors. My name is Neopolitan by the way, and yes it's exactly what you think it is.
' Has Neo been this talkative? '
"What a coincidence huh" He smiled softly.
Then the two talked about random things, but it was mostly ice cream related things like:
"I think Vanilla is my wecond most favorite flavr to be honest"
What why?! Clearly chocolate is more flavorful .
"Well Vanilla is lighter and more delicate. Chocolate is very overwhelming. Just take a look at Neapolitan, the only thing holding the Chocolate from overpowering the strawberry is the Vanilla."
No clearly the chocolate complements the strawberry more, why do you think they have the chocolate and strawberry close together?
"Not all manufacturers do that you know"
But the ones that do are the best!
"Debatable"
Correction it was mostly debates about ice cream.
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