rebel.

“Yeah, funny for you and embarrassing for me,” Claire shook her head, entering and going right for Aoife’s kitchen, setting the coffees down on the counter. “So,” she said, turning to her friend. “

“So...?” Aoife asked, raising her eyebrows. “What?”

“Tv marathon! I mean, a proper one, you know, popcorn, shitty junkfood, the lot. What do you say?”

“Okay, but you’re in charge of suggesting everything because I know pretty much nothing.”

“Aoife, do you have any more snacky food?” Liz asked, her basket already pretty much full. “Specifically Pringles. It’s my first day back in the booth and I want to snack.”

@acifeburke

Aoife was sitting at the counter working on her books when she heard Liz.”Oh, uh, Pringles should be in aisle four.”

“Finance, not as interesting and exciting as a lot of the departments, I suppose, but I like it,” Zelda shrugged, knowing that when most people heard ‘MACUSA’ they either thought of paperwork or aurors. “What about you? Do you enjoy this store you run?”

“Ooo Finance,” Aoife said. “Does that mean you can do my books for me?” She joked.

“Um -” Riley went to say no, but the company would be nice. “Actually, could you? I mean, I don’t want to bother you or anything.”

“Yeah sure,” Aoife replied. “Let’s go.”

“Just don’t tell Avery, I think it might break her little heart.” She giggled, smiling fondly at the thought of the little girl.

“Hm, she is quite little isn’t she?” Aoife replied. “Though she’s a bit feisty for such a small girl.”

“I come bearing coffee,” Claire said in a sing-song voice. “I would knock but I don’t want to spill anything, so I’m hoping that sorta yelling through your door is working instead.”

@acifeburke

Aoife laughed and opened the door for Claire. “I think the first option would’ve been funny to see though.”

“Oh?” Wyatt replied simply, not one to push when it came to the subject of messed up childhoods. “Well, all the more reason to catch up now, aye?”

Aoife nodded. “I’d like that. You should show me some of your favorites sometime. I mean, it’s not like I have any interests in T.V. shows yet, so you can just go ham.”

“You own your own store? That’s fantastic!” Zelda smiled, not sure whether or not she ought to pry. “Me? Oh, I just work for the MACUSA, nothing exciting really.”

“Well I kind of inherited it rather from a distant Uncle, but it is a lot of work,” Aoife replied. “No, MACUSA is great, what department?”

“Alton’s watching Colby, do you want to get some lunch?”

“Yeah, definitely, where do you want to go? I just have to tell Valerie that she’s in charge.”

“Aoife!” Liz called as she walked into the store. “Are you in here?”

@acifeburke

Aoife walked out from the backroom. “Yeah? What’s up?”

“What, really?” Wyatt couldn’t help the double-take he took at her words. “Not even The Simpsons?”

Aoife shook her head. “No, I don’t even know what that is,” she replied. “You know those kids that had a not-so-normal childhood? Yeah, I was one of them.”

“Oh, don’t worry, I haven’t really kept in touch with anyone from school either,” Zelda offered with a nervous laugh, hoping to appear calm and casual despite being dreadfully timid around people she didn’t really know. “How have you been?”

“I’ve been okay, I own this store in Elkhorn now, so I spent a lot of time there if I’m being honest,” she replied. “And you?”

“You haven’t seen that F.R.I.E.N.D.S. episode with Phoebe running, have you?” Wyatt asked with a laugh, not particularly caring that people were staring at him.

Aoife shook her head. “I actually didn’t really ever watch T.V. growing up, or now either.”

“I was, um -” Riley stuttered, still shaken up after leaving Xander. “Do you know if there is somewhere I can just get some water?”

“Oh yeah, the Hideaway Cafe will give you some water if you just ask for it. I can go with you if you like.”

“Aw, darling, of course not.” She smiled, linking her arm through Aoife’s. “You came first, and I love you most.”

Aoife put her hand to her heart. “Aw, I’m so touched,” she replied.