Beauregard “Obie” Moreau

*The meeting had gone well. They put together a formal progress report, then Emily started a vision board for the project while Obie tested a “Road to Redemption” workshop that she had developed, all in preparation to eventually present to Sera.*

*He’s not quite ready for an audience with Sera yet, but today was the confidence booster that both he and Emily needed.*

*He stops to make sure his Protection Lanyard is still visible, then happens to glance to his left. A coffee shop. And through the window… is that Sadie? Something about his current situation with Peyton compels him to go talk to her, so he walks in.*

Howdy! Welcome to Deja Brew! Be right with y—

*Her sentence stops on a dime and she furrows her brow.*

(What’s Peyton’s slam piece doing here? Not just here specifically, but Heaven?)

Uhh. Be right with you. -🔥

Hey, Sadie.

*That felt weird to say. They’re not exactly on a first name basis. He cringes internally, but goes on.*

*She takes a cookie from the bake case, then starts on the drink. Usually she tries to drum up some small talk with customers (they tip better that way), but in this situation it feels like that’d be odd. However, the silence is just as awkward, if not more so, so she says something after all.*

So—

(What’s this guy’s name again?)

(What’s she doing collaborating with a Sinner?)

*His bear ears twitch almost nervously. Now that he’s in here, he’s really not sure where he was going with this.*

I’m great, thanks. Work has been smooth, wedding planning is coming along nicely, things are good.

*She reeeeeeally doesn’t want to ask, but it’s the polite thing to do.*

The what?

*Now he gets it, so his eyes widen and he blushes.*

Oh! No! Noooooo ma’am. No, that’s, uh… I mean, no offense, but no. I just thought maybe… I don’t know. Not that.

*He sighs as he fiddles with his wallet, takes out his debit card, and swipes it.*

Look, I’m in a boat that’ll be familiar to you, and I guess I thought it’d be nice to talk to someone who understands.

*The look Sadie gives him prompts him to go on.*

*He pokes at the screen, opting to leave a 25% tip, then musters up half of a smile before turning towards the door.*

Wait.

*When he turns back to face her, she continues.*

*She gives him a couple seconds to answer. When he can’t come up with anything, she continues.*

I’m not just bashing her, okay? I’m being honest. Plain and simple, she’s horrible at being a partner. She’s not wired for it. She can’t give honest people what they need.

*A beat of silence so Obie can think about that, then Sadie goes on.*

What is it that you want,—

(Fuck, what is this guy’s name?)

— pal? To get married someday? Maybe have a couple kids? She can’t do that for you. She ain’t the settling down type and she never will be.

*She cools down a bit and thinks about what he had said. ‘How would you feel if I talked about your fiancée like that?’ Surely, if he or anyone were to talk about Lute like that, those would absolutely be considered fighting words.*

*She credits Obie for doing a much better job at not lashing out than she ever could, then sighs and changes course.*

What you need,—

(WHAT IS HIS NAME???)

— my friend, is a confidence boost. -🔥

*She selects a song that she hopes will do just that. After a short intro, K CAMP’s smooth voice fills the room.*

🎶It ain’t nothin’ to cut that bitch off. So what you sayin', ho? You know I'm the man, ho.🎶

*He thinks while the first verse plays. This never struck him as a self confidence anthem before, but he supposes it could work! By the time the chorus rolls around again, he mutters along with it.*

🎶It ain’t nothin’ to cut that bitch off.🎶

*She reaches across the counter and high-fives him.*

Thanks, Sadie! Gosh do I ever feel great! Kinda like I could— -🐻

*He’s cut off by the sound of his phone ringing. He takes it out of his back pocket to see who’s calling.*

*It’s Peyton.*

Just let it ring.

*Sensing his uncertainty to do that, she continues.*

Don’t answer it. There are empty words on the other side of that line, and it’s just not worth it. Let it ring,—

(Is it Brody? Kurt?? TERRANCE???)

No. You’re right, after all. I need to find someone who will rise to my level, not someone who will drag me down to theirs.

*He slides his phone back into his pocket and picks up his drink and cookie.*

Maybe some time to myself first will do me some good. Give me the chance to set those new standards, y’know?

*He smiles softly at Sadie.*

Thanks again. I’m glad I came to the professional Peyton getter-overer.

*He starts for the door.*

*The meeting had gone well. They put together a formal progress report, then Emily started a vision board for the project while Obie tested a “Road to Redemption” workshop that she had developed, all in preparation to eventually present to Sera.*

*He’s not quite ready for an audience with Sera yet, but today was the confidence booster that both he and Emily needed.*

*He stops to make sure his Protection Lanyard is still visible, then happens to glance to his left. A coffee shop. And through the window… is that Sadie? Something about his current situation with Peyton compels him to go talk to her, so he walks in.*

Howdy! Welcome to Deja Brew! Be right with y—

*Her sentence stops on a dime and she furrows her brow.*

(What’s Peyton’s slam piece doing here? Not just here specifically, but Heaven?)

Uhh. Be right with you. -🔥

Hey, Sadie.

*That felt weird to say. They’re not exactly on a first name basis. He cringes internally, but goes on.*

*She takes a cookie from the bake case, then starts on the drink. Usually she tries to drum up some small talk with customers (they tip better that way), but in this situation it feels like that’d be odd. However, the silence is just as awkward, if not more so, so she says something after all.*

So—

(What’s this guy’s name again?)

(What’s she doing collaborating with a Sinner?)

*His bear ears twitch almost nervously. Now that he’s in here, he’s really not sure where he was going with this.*

I’m great, thanks. Work has been smooth, wedding planning is coming along nicely, things are good.

*She reeeeeeally doesn’t want to ask, but it’s the polite thing to do.*

The what?

*Now he gets it, so his eyes widen and he blushes.*

Oh! No! Noooooo ma’am. No, that’s, uh… I mean, no offense, but no. I just thought maybe… I don’t know. Not that.

*He sighs as he fiddles with his wallet, takes out his debit card, and swipes it.*

Look, I’m in a boat that’ll be familiar to you, and I guess I thought it’d be nice to talk to someone who understands.

*The look Sadie gives him prompts him to go on.*

*He pokes at the screen, opting to leave a 25% tip, then musters up half of a smile before turning towards the door.*

Wait.

*When he turns back to face her, she continues.*

*She gives him a couple seconds to answer. When he can’t come up with anything, she continues.*

I’m not just bashing her, okay? I’m being honest. Plain and simple, she’s horrible at being a partner. She’s not wired for it. She can’t give honest people what they need.

*A beat of silence so Obie can think about that, then Sadie goes on.*

What is it that you want,—

(Fuck, what is this guy’s name?)

— pal? To get married someday? Maybe have a couple kids? She can’t do that for you. She ain’t the settling down type and she never will be.

*She cools down a bit and thinks about what he had said. ‘How would you feel if I talked about your fiancée like that?’ Surely, if he or anyone were to talk about Lute like that, those would absolutely be considered fighting words.*

*She credits Obie for doing a much better job at not lashing out than she ever could, then sighs and changes course.*

What you need,—

(WHAT IS HIS NAME???)

— my friend, is a confidence boost. -🔥

*She selects a song that she hopes will do just that. After a short intro, K CAMP’s smooth voice fills the room.*

🎶It ain’t nothin’ to cut that bitch off. So what you sayin', ho? You know I'm the man, ho.🎶

*He thinks while the first verse plays. This never struck him as a self confidence anthem before, but he supposes it could work! By the time the chorus rolls around again, he mutters along with it.*

🎶It ain’t nothin’ to cut that bitch off.🎶

*She reaches across the counter and high-fives him.*

Thanks, Sadie! Gosh do I ever feel great! Kinda like I could— -🐻

*He’s cut off by the sound of his phone ringing. He takes it out of his back pocket to see who’s calling.*

*It’s Peyton.*

Just let it ring.

*Sensing his uncertainty to do that, she continues.*

Don’t answer it. There are empty words on the other side of that line, and it’s just not worth it. Let it ring,—

(Is it Brody? Kurt?? TERRANCE???)

*The meeting had gone well. They put together a formal progress report, then Emily started a vision board for the project while Obie tested a “Road to Redemption” workshop that she had developed, all in preparation to eventually present to Sera.*

*He’s not quite ready for an audience with Sera yet, but today was the confidence booster that both he and Emily needed.*

*He stops to make sure his Protection Lanyard is still visible, then happens to glance to his left. A coffee shop. And through the window… is that Sadie? Something about his current situation with Peyton compels him to go talk to her, so he walks in.*

Howdy! Welcome to Deja Brew! Be right with y—

*Her sentence stops on a dime and she furrows her brow.*

(What’s Peyton’s slam piece doing here? Not just here specifically, but Heaven?)

Uhh. Be right with you. -🔥

Hey, Sadie.

*That felt weird to say. They’re not exactly on a first name basis. He cringes internally, but goes on.*

*She takes a cookie from the bake case, then starts on the drink. Usually she tries to drum up some small talk with customers (they tip better that way), but in this situation it feels like that’d be odd. However, the silence is just as awkward, if not more so, so she says something after all.*

So—

(What’s this guy’s name again?)

(What’s she doing collaborating with a Sinner?)

*His bear ears twitch almost nervously. Now that he’s in here, he’s really not sure where he was going with this.*

I’m great, thanks. Work has been smooth, wedding planning is coming along nicely, things are good.

*She reeeeeeally doesn’t want to ask, but it’s the polite thing to do.*

The what?

*Now he gets it, so his eyes widen and he blushes.*

Oh! No! Noooooo ma’am. No, that’s, uh… I mean, no offense, but no. I just thought maybe… I don’t know. Not that.

*He sighs as he fiddles with his wallet, takes out his debit card, and swipes it.*

Look, I’m in a boat that’ll be familiar to you, and I guess I thought it’d be nice to talk to someone who understands.

*The look Sadie gives him prompts him to go on.*

*He pokes at the screen, opting to leave a 25% tip, then musters up half of a smile before turning towards the door.*

Wait.

*When he turns back to face her, she continues.*

*She gives him a couple seconds to answer. When he can’t come up with anything, she continues.*

I’m not just bashing her, okay? I’m being honest. Plain and simple, she’s horrible at being a partner. She’s not wired for it. She can’t give honest people what they need.

*A beat of silence so Obie can think about that, then Sadie goes on.*

What is it that you want,—

(Fuck, what is this guy’s name?)

— pal? To get married someday? Maybe have a couple kids? She can’t do that for you. She ain’t the settling down type and she never will be.

*She cools down a bit and thinks about what he had said. ‘How would you feel if I talked about your fiancée like that?’ Surely, if he or anyone were to talk about Lute like that, those would absolutely be considered fighting words.*

*She credits Obie for doing a much better job at not lashing out than she ever could, then sighs and changes course.*

What you need,—

(WHAT IS HIS NAME???)

— my friend, is a confidence boost. -🔥

*She selects a song that she hopes will do just that. After a short intro, K CAMP’s smooth voice fills the room.*

🎶It ain’t nothin’ to cut that bitch off. So what you sayin', ho? You know I'm the man, ho.🎶

*He thinks while the first verse plays. This never struck him as a self confidence anthem before, but he supposes it could work! By the time the chorus rolls around again, he mutters along with it.*

🎶It ain’t nothin’ to cut that bitch off.🎶

*She reaches across the counter and high-fives him.*

Thanks, Sadie! Gosh do I ever feel great! Kinda like I could— -🐻

*He’s cut off by the sound of his phone ringing. He takes it out of his back pocket to see who’s calling.*

*It’s Peyton.*

*The meeting had gone well. They put together a formal progress report, then Emily started a vision board for the project while Obie tested a “Road to Redemption” workshop that she had developed, all in preparation to eventually present to Sera.*

*He’s not quite ready for an audience with Sera yet, but today was the confidence booster that both he and Emily needed.*

*He stops to make sure his Protection Lanyard is still visible, then happens to glance to his left. A coffee shop. And through the window… is that Sadie? Something about his current situation with Peyton compels him to go talk to her, so he walks in.*

Howdy! Welcome to Deja Brew! Be right with y—

*Her sentence stops on a dime and she furrows her brow.*

(What’s Peyton’s slam piece doing here? Not just here specifically, but Heaven?)

Uhh. Be right with you. -🔥

Hey, Sadie.

*That felt weird to say. They’re not exactly on a first name basis. He cringes internally, but goes on.*

*She takes a cookie from the bake case, then starts on the drink. Usually she tries to drum up some small talk with customers (they tip better that way), but in this situation it feels like that’d be odd. However, the silence is just as awkward, if not more so, so she says something after all.*

So—

(What’s this guy’s name again?)

(What’s she doing collaborating with a Sinner?)

*His bear ears twitch almost nervously. Now that he’s in here, he’s really not sure where he was going with this.*

I’m great, thanks. Work has been smooth, wedding planning is coming along nicely, things are good.

*She reeeeeeally doesn’t want to ask, but it’s the polite thing to do.*

The what?

*Now he gets it, so his eyes widen and he blushes.*

Oh! No! Noooooo ma’am. No, that’s, uh… I mean, no offense, but no. I just thought maybe… I don’t know. Not that.

*He sighs as he fiddles with his wallet, takes out his debit card, and swipes it.*

Look, I’m in a boat that’ll be familiar to you, and I guess I thought it’d be nice to talk to someone who understands.

*The look Sadie gives him prompts him to go on.*

*He pokes at the screen, opting to leave a 25% tip, then musters up half of a smile before turning towards the door.*

Wait.

*When he turns back to face her, she continues.*

*She gives him a couple seconds to answer. When he can’t come up with anything, she continues.*

I’m not just bashing her, okay? I’m being honest. Plain and simple, she’s horrible at being a partner. She’s not wired for it. She can’t give honest people what they need.

*A beat of silence so Obie can think about that, then Sadie goes on.*

What is it that you want,—

(Fuck, what is this guy’s name?)

— pal? To get married someday? Maybe have a couple kids? She can’t do that for you. She ain’t the settling down type and she never will be.

*She cools down a bit and thinks about what he had said. ‘How would you feel if I talked about your fiancée like that?’ Surely, if he or anyone were to talk about Lute like that, those would absolutely be considered fighting words.*

*She credits Obie for doing a much better job at not lashing out than she ever could, then sighs and changes course.*

What you need,—

(WHAT IS HIS NAME???)

— my friend, is a confidence boost. -🔥

*She selects a song that she hopes will do just that. After a short intro, K CAMP’s smooth voice fills the room.*

🎶It ain’t nothin’ to cut that bitch off. So what you sayin', ho? You know I'm the man, ho.🎶

*He thinks while the first verse plays. This never struck him as a self confidence anthem before, but he supposes it could work! By the time the chorus rolls around again, he mutters along with it.*

🎶It ain’t nothin’ to cut that bitch off.🎶

*The meeting had gone well. They put together a formal progress report, then Emily started a vision board for the project while Obie tested a “Road to Redemption” workshop that she had developed, all in preparation to eventually present to Sera.*

*He’s not quite ready for an audience with Sera yet, but today was the confidence booster that both he and Emily needed.*

*He stops to make sure his Protection Lanyard is still visible, then happens to glance to his left. A coffee shop. And through the window… is that Sadie? Something about his current situation with Peyton compels him to go talk to her, so he walks in.*

Howdy! Welcome to Deja Brew! Be right with y—

*Her sentence stops on a dime and she furrows her brow.*

(What’s Peyton’s slam piece doing here? Not just here specifically, but Heaven?)

Uhh. Be right with you. -🔥

Hey, Sadie.

*That felt weird to say. They’re not exactly on a first name basis. He cringes internally, but goes on.*

*She takes a cookie from the bake case, then starts on the drink. Usually she tries to drum up some small talk with customers (they tip better that way), but in this situation it feels like that’d be odd. However, the silence is just as awkward, if not more so, so she says something after all.*

So—

(What’s this guy’s name again?)

(What’s she doing collaborating with a Sinner?)

*His bear ears twitch almost nervously. Now that he’s in here, he’s really not sure where he was going with this.*

I’m great, thanks. Work has been smooth, wedding planning is coming along nicely, things are good.

*She reeeeeeally doesn’t want to ask, but it’s the polite thing to do.*

The what?

*Now he gets it, so his eyes widen and he blushes.*

Oh! No! Noooooo ma’am. No, that’s, uh… I mean, no offense, but no. I just thought maybe… I don’t know. Not that.

*He sighs as he fiddles with his wallet, takes out his debit card, and swipes it.*

Look, I’m in a boat that’ll be familiar to you, and I guess I thought it’d be nice to talk to someone who understands.

*The look Sadie gives him prompts him to go on.*

*He pokes at the screen, opting to leave a 25% tip, then musters up half of a smile before turning towards the door.*

Wait.

*When he turns back to face her, she continues.*

*She gives him a couple seconds to answer. When he can’t come up with anything, she continues.*

I’m not just bashing her, okay? I’m being honest. Plain and simple, she’s horrible at being a partner. She’s not wired for it. She can’t give honest people what they need.

*A beat of silence so Obie can think about that, then Sadie goes on.*

What is it that you want,—

(Fuck, what is this guy’s name?)

— pal? To get married someday? Maybe have a couple kids? She can’t do that for you. She ain’t the settling down type and she never will be.

*She cools down a bit and thinks about what he had said. ‘How would you feel if I talked about your fiancée like that?’ Surely, if he or anyone were to talk about Lute like that, those would absolutely be considered fighting words.*

*She credits Obie for doing a much better job at not lashing out than she ever could, then sighs and changes course.*

What you need,—

(WHAT IS HIS NAME???)

— my friend, is a confidence boost. -🔥

*She selects a song that she hopes will do just that. After a short intro, K CAMP’s smooth voice fills the room.*

🎶It ain’t nothin’ to cut that bitch off. So what you sayin', ho? You know I'm the man, ho.🎶

*He thinks while the first verse plays. This never struck him as a self confidence anthem before, but he supposes it could work! By the time the chorus rolls around again, he mutters along with it.*

🎶It ain’t nothin’ to cut that bitch off.🎶

*The meeting had gone well. They put together a formal progress report, then Emily started a vision board for the project while Obie tested a “Road to Redemption” workshop that she had developed, all in preparation to eventually present to Sera.*

*He’s not quite ready for an audience with Sera yet, but today was the confidence booster that both he and Emily needed.*

*He stops to make sure his Protection Lanyard is still visible, then happens to glance to his left. A coffee shop. And through the window… is that Sadie? Something about his current situation with Peyton compels him to go talk to her, so he walks in.*

Howdy! Welcome to Deja Brew! Be right with y—

*Her sentence stops on a dime and she furrows her brow.*

(What’s Peyton’s slam piece doing here? Not just here specifically, but Heaven?)

Uhh. Be right with you. -🔥

Hey, Sadie.

*That felt weird to say. They’re not exactly on a first name basis. He cringes internally, but goes on.*

*She takes a cookie from the bake case, then starts on the drink. Usually she tries to drum up some small talk with customers (they tip better that way), but in this situation it feels like that’d be odd. However, the silence is just as awkward, if not more so, so she says something after all.*

So—

(What’s this guy’s name again?)

(What’s she doing collaborating with a Sinner?)

*His bear ears twitch almost nervously. Now that he’s in here, he’s really not sure where he was going with this.*

I’m great, thanks. Work has been smooth, wedding planning is coming along nicely, things are good.

*She reeeeeeally doesn’t want to ask, but it’s the polite thing to do.*

The what?

*Now he gets it, so his eyes widen and he blushes.*

Oh! No! Noooooo ma’am. No, that’s, uh… I mean, no offense, but no. I just thought maybe… I don’t know. Not that.

*He sighs as he fiddles with his wallet, takes out his debit card, and swipes it.*

Look, I’m in a boat that’ll be familiar to you, and I guess I thought it’d be nice to talk to someone who understands.

*The look Sadie gives him prompts him to go on.*

*He pokes at the screen, opting to leave a 25% tip, then musters up half of a smile before turning towards the door.*

Wait.

*When he turns back to face her, she continues.*

*She gives him a couple seconds to answer. When he can’t come up with anything, she continues.*

I’m not just bashing her, okay? I’m being honest. Plain and simple, she’s horrible at being a partner. She’s not wired for it. She can’t give honest people what they need.

*A beat of silence so Obie can think about that, then Sadie goes on.*

What is it that you want,—

(Fuck, what is this guy’s name?)

— pal? To get married someday? Maybe have a couple kids? She can’t do that for you. She ain’t the settling down type and she never will be.

*She cools down a bit and thinks about what he had said. ‘How would you feel if I talked about your fiancée like that?’ Surely, if he or anyone were to talk about Lute like that, those would absolutely be considered fighting words.*

*She credits Obie for doing a much better job at not lashing out than she ever could, then sighs and changes course.*

What you need,—

(WHAT IS HIS NAME???)

— my friend, is a confidence boost. -🔥

*She selects a song that she hopes will do just that. After a short intro, K CAMP’s smooth voice fills the room.*

🎶It ain’t nothin’ to cut that bitch off. So what you sayin', ho? You know I'm the man, ho.🎶

*He thinks while the first verse plays. This never struck him as a self confidence anthem before, but he supposes it could work! By the time the chorus rolls around again, he mutters along with it.*

*The meeting had gone well. They put together a formal progress report, then Emily started a vision board for the project while Obie tested a “Road to Redemption” workshop that she had developed, all in preparation to eventually present to Sera.*

*He’s not quite ready for an audience with Sera yet, but today was the confidence booster that both he and Emily needed.*

*He stops to make sure his Protection Lanyard is still visible, then happens to glance to his left. A coffee shop. And through the window… is that Sadie? Something about his current situation with Peyton compels him to go talk to her, so he walks in.*

Howdy! Welcome to Deja Brew! Be right with y—

*Her sentence stops on a dime and she furrows her brow.*

(What’s Peyton’s slam piece doing here? Not just here specifically, but Heaven?)

Uhh. Be right with you. -🔥

Hey, Sadie.

*That felt weird to say. They’re not exactly on a first name basis. He cringes internally, but goes on.*

*She takes a cookie from the bake case, then starts on the drink. Usually she tries to drum up some small talk with customers (they tip better that way), but in this situation it feels like that’d be odd. However, the silence is just as awkward, if not more so, so she says something after all.*

So—

(What’s this guy’s name again?)

(What’s she doing collaborating with a Sinner?)

*His bear ears twitch almost nervously. Now that he’s in here, he’s really not sure where he was going with this.*

I’m great, thanks. Work has been smooth, wedding planning is coming along nicely, things are good.

*She reeeeeeally doesn’t want to ask, but it’s the polite thing to do.*

The what?

*Now he gets it, so his eyes widen and he blushes.*

Oh! No! Noooooo ma’am. No, that’s, uh… I mean, no offense, but no. I just thought maybe… I don’t know. Not that.

*He sighs as he fiddles with his wallet, takes out his debit card, and swipes it.*

Look, I’m in a boat that’ll be familiar to you, and I guess I thought it’d be nice to talk to someone who understands.

*The look Sadie gives him prompts him to go on.*

*He pokes at the screen, opting to leave a 25% tip, then musters up half of a smile before turning towards the door.*

Wait.

*When he turns back to face her, she continues.*

*She gives him a couple seconds to answer. When he can’t come up with anything, she continues.*

I’m not just bashing her, okay? I’m being honest. Plain and simple, she’s horrible at being a partner. She’s not wired for it. She can’t give honest people what they need.

*A beat of silence so Obie can think about that, then Sadie goes on.*

What is it that you want,—

(Fuck, what is this guy’s name?)

— pal? To get married someday? Maybe have a couple kids? She can’t do that for you. She ain’t the settling down type and she never will be.

*She cools down a bit and thinks about what he had said. ‘How would you feel if I talked about your fiancée like that?’ Surely, if he or anyone were to talk about Lute like that, those would absolutely be considered fighting words.*

*She credits Obie for doing a much better job at not lashing out than she ever could, then sighs and changes course.*

*The meeting had gone well. They put together a formal progress report, then Emily started a vision board for the project while Obie tested a “Road to Redemption” workshop that she had developed, all in preparation to eventually present to Sera.*

*He’s not quite ready for an audience with Sera yet, but today was the confidence booster that both he and Emily needed.*

*He stops to make sure his Protection Lanyard is still visible, then happens to glance to his left. A coffee shop. And through the window… is that Sadie? Something about his current situation with Peyton compels him to go talk to her, so he walks in.*

Howdy! Welcome to Deja Brew! Be right with y—

*Her sentence stops on a dime and she furrows her brow.*

(What’s Peyton’s slam piece doing here? Not just here specifically, but Heaven?)

Uhh. Be right with you. -🔥

Hey, Sadie.

*That felt weird to say. They’re not exactly on a first name basis. He cringes internally, but goes on.*

*She takes a cookie from the bake case, then starts on the drink. Usually she tries to drum up some small talk with customers (they tip better that way), but in this situation it feels like that’d be odd. However, the silence is just as awkward, if not more so, so she says something after all.*

So—

(What’s this guy’s name again?)

(What’s she doing collaborating with a Sinner?)

*His bear ears twitch almost nervously. Now that he’s in here, he’s really not sure where he was going with this.*

I’m great, thanks. Work has been smooth, wedding planning is coming along nicely, things are good.

*She reeeeeeally doesn’t want to ask, but it’s the polite thing to do.*

The what?

*Now he gets it, so his eyes widen and he blushes.*

Oh! No! Noooooo ma’am. No, that’s, uh… I mean, no offense, but no. I just thought maybe… I don’t know. Not that.

*He sighs as he fiddles with his wallet, takes out his debit card, and swipes it.*

Look, I’m in a boat that’ll be familiar to you, and I guess I thought it’d be nice to talk to someone who understands.

*The look Sadie gives him prompts him to go on.*

*He pokes at the screen, opting to leave a 25% tip, then musters up half of a smile before turning towards the door.*

Wait.

*When he turns back to face her, she continues.*

*She gives him a couple seconds to answer. When he can’t come up with anything, she continues.*

I’m not just bashing her, okay? I’m being honest. Plain and simple, she’s horrible at being a partner. She’s not wired for it. She can’t give honest people what they need.

*A beat of silence so Obie can think about that, then Sadie goes on.*

What is it that you want,—

(Fuck, what is this guy’s name?)

— pal? To get married someday? Maybe have a couple kids? She can’t do that for you. She ain’t the settling down type and she never will be.

*The meeting had gone well. They put together a formal progress report, then Emily started a vision board for the project while Obie tested a “Road to Redemption” workshop that she had developed, all in preparation to eventually present to Sera.*

*He’s not quite ready for an audience with Sera yet, but today was the confidence booster that both he and Emily needed.*

*He stops to make sure his Protection Lanyard is still visible, then happens to glance to his left. A coffee shop. And through the window… is that Sadie? Something about his current situation with Peyton compels him to go talk to her, so he walks in.*

Howdy! Welcome to Deja Brew! Be right with y—

*Her sentence stops on a dime and she furrows her brow.*

(What’s Peyton’s slam piece doing here? Not just here specifically, but Heaven?)

Uhh. Be right with you. -🔥

Hey, Sadie.

*That felt weird to say. They’re not exactly on a first name basis. He cringes internally, but goes on.*

*She takes a cookie from the bake case, then starts on the drink. Usually she tries to drum up some small talk with customers (they tip better that way), but in this situation it feels like that’d be odd. However, the silence is just as awkward, if not more so, so she says something after all.*

So—

(What’s this guy’s name again?)

(What’s she doing collaborating with a Sinner?)

*His bear ears twitch almost nervously. Now that he’s in here, he’s really not sure where he was going with this.*

I’m great, thanks. Work has been smooth, wedding planning is coming along nicely, things are good.

*She reeeeeeally doesn’t want to ask, but it’s the polite thing to do.*

The what?

*Now he gets it, so his eyes widen and he blushes.*

Oh! No! Noooooo ma’am. No, that’s, uh… I mean, no offense, but no. I just thought maybe… I don’t know. Not that.

*He sighs as he fiddles with his wallet, takes out his debit card, and swipes it.*

Look, I’m in a boat that’ll be familiar to you, and I guess I thought it’d be nice to talk to someone who understands.

*The look Sadie gives him prompts him to go on.*

*He pokes at the screen, opting to leave a 25% tip, then musters up half of a smile before turning towards the door.*

Wait.

*When he turns back to face her, she continues.*

*The meeting had gone well. They put together a formal progress report, then Emily started a vision board for the project while Obie tested a “Road to Redemption” workshop that she had developed, all in preparation to eventually present to Sera.*

*He’s not quite ready for an audience with Sera yet, but today was the confidence booster that both he and Emily needed.*

*He stops to make sure his Protection Lanyard is still visible, then happens to glance to his left. A coffee shop. And through the window… is that Sadie? Something about his current situation with Peyton compels him to go talk to her, so he walks in.*

Howdy! Welcome to Deja Brew! Be right with y—

*Her sentence stops on a dime and she furrows her brow.*

(What’s Peyton’s slam piece doing here? Not just here specifically, but Heaven?)

Uhh. Be right with you. -🔥

Hey, Sadie.

*That felt weird to say. They’re not exactly on a first name basis. He cringes internally, but goes on.*

*She takes a cookie from the bake case, then starts on the drink. Usually she tries to drum up some small talk with customers (they tip better that way), but in this situation it feels like that’d be odd. However, the silence is just as awkward, if not more so, so she says something after all.*

So—

(What’s this guy’s name again?)

(What’s she doing collaborating with a Sinner?)

*His bear ears twitch almost nervously. Now that he’s in here, he’s really not sure where he was going with this.*

I’m great, thanks. Work has been smooth, wedding planning is coming along nicely, things are good.

*She reeeeeeally doesn’t want to ask, but it’s the polite thing to do.*

The what?

*Now he gets it, so his eyes widen and he blushes.*

Oh! No! Noooooo ma’am. No, that’s, uh… I mean, no offense, but no. I just thought maybe… I don’t know. Not that.

*He sighs as he fiddles with his wallet, takes out his debit card, and swipes it.*

Look, I’m in a boat that’ll be familiar to you, and I guess I thought it’d be nice to talk to someone who understands.

*The look Sadie gives him prompts him to go on.*

*He pokes at the screen, opting to leave a 25% tip, then musters up half of a smile before turning towards the door.*

*The meeting had gone well. They put together a formal progress report, then Emily started a vision board for the project while Obie tested a “Road to Redemption” workshop that she had developed, all in preparation to eventually present to Sera.*

*He’s not quite ready for an audience with Sera yet, but today was the confidence booster that both he and Emily needed.*

*He stops to make sure his Protection Lanyard is still visible, then happens to glance to his left. A coffee shop. And through the window… is that Sadie? Something about his current situation with Peyton compels him to go talk to her, so he walks in.*

Howdy! Welcome to Deja Brew! Be right with y—

*Her sentence stops on a dime and she furrows her brow.*

(What’s Peyton’s slam piece doing here? Not just here specifically, but Heaven?)

Uhh. Be right with you. -🔥

Hey, Sadie.

*That felt weird to say. They’re not exactly on a first name basis. He cringes internally, but goes on.*

*She takes a cookie from the bake case, then starts on the drink. Usually she tries to drum up some small talk with customers (they tip better that way), but in this situation it feels like that’d be odd. However, the silence is just as awkward, if not more so, so she says something after all.*

So—

(What’s this guy’s name again?)

(What’s she doing collaborating with a Sinner?)

*His bear ears twitch almost nervously. Now that he’s in here, he’s really not sure where he was going with this.*

I’m great, thanks. Work has been smooth, wedding planning is coming along nicely, things are good.

*She reeeeeeally doesn’t want to ask, but it’s the polite thing to do.*

The what?

*Now he gets it, so his eyes widen and he blushes.*

Oh! No! Noooooo ma’am. No, that’s, uh… I mean, no offense, but no. I just thought maybe… I don’t know. Not that.

*He sighs as he fiddles with his wallet, takes out his debit card, and swipes it.*

Look, I’m in a boat that’ll be familiar to you, and I guess I thought it’d be nice to talk to someone who understands.

*The look Sadie gives him prompts him to go on.*

*The meeting had gone well. They put together a formal progress report, then Emily started a vision board for the project while Obie tested a “Road to Redemption” workshop that she had developed, all in preparation to eventually present to Sera.*

*He’s not quite ready for an audience with Sera yet, but today was the confidence booster that both he and Emily needed.*

*He stops to make sure his Protection Lanyard is still visible, then happens to glance to his left. A coffee shop. And through the window… is that Sadie? Something about his current situation with Peyton compels him to go talk to her, so he walks in.*

Howdy! Welcome to Deja Brew! Be right with y—

*Her sentence stops on a dime and she furrows her brow.*

(What’s Peyton’s slam piece doing here? Not just here specifically, but Heaven?)

Uhh. Be right with you. -🔥

Hey, Sadie.

*That felt weird to say. They’re not exactly on a first name basis. He cringes internally, but goes on.*

*She takes a cookie from the bake case, then starts on the drink. Usually she tries to drum up some small talk with customers (they tip better that way), but in this situation it feels like that’d be odd. However, the silence is just as awkward, if not more so, so she says something after all.*

So—

(What’s this guy’s name again?)

(What’s she doing collaborating with a Sinner?)

*His bear ears twitch almost nervously. Now that he’s in here, he’s really not sure where he was going with this.*

I’m great, thanks. Work has been smooth, wedding planning is coming along nicely, things are good.

*She reeeeeeally doesn’t want to ask, but it’s the polite thing to do.*

*The meeting had gone well. They put together a formal progress report, then Emily started a vision board for the project while Obie tested a “Road to Redemption” workshop that she had developed, all in preparation to eventually present to Sera.*

*He’s not quite ready for an audience with Sera yet, but today was the confidence booster that both he and Emily needed.*

*He stops to make sure his Protection Lanyard is still visible, then happens to glance to his left. A coffee shop. And through the window… is that Sadie? Something about his current situation with Peyton compels him to go talk to her, so he walks in.*

Howdy! Welcome to Deja Brew! Be right with y—

*Her sentence stops on a dime and she furrows her brow.*

(What’s Peyton’s slam piece doing here? Not just here specifically, but Heaven?)

Uhh. Be right with you. -🔥

Hey, Sadie.

*That felt weird to say. They’re not exactly on a first name basis. He cringes internally, but goes on.*

*She takes a cookie from the bake case, then starts on the drink. Usually she tries to drum up some small talk with customers (they tip better that way), but in this situation it feels like that’d be odd. However, the silence is just as awkward, if not more so, so she says something after all.*

So—

(What’s this guy’s name again?)

(What’s she doing collaborating with a Sinner?)

*His bear ears twitch almost nervously. Now that he’s in here, he’s really not sure where he was going with this.*

*The meeting had gone well. They put together a formal progress report, then Emily started a vision board for the project while Obie tested a “Road to Redemption” workshop that she had developed, all in preparation to eventually present to Sera.*

*He’s not quite ready for an audience with Sera yet, but today was the confidence booster that both he and Emily needed.*

*He stops to make sure his Protection Lanyard is still visible, then happens to glance to his left. A coffee shop. And through the window… is that Sadie? Something about his current situation with Peyton compels him to go talk to her, so he walks in.*

Howdy! Welcome to Deja Brew! Be right with y—

*Her sentence stops on a dime and she furrows her brow.*

(What’s Peyton’s slam piece doing here? Not just here specifically, but Heaven?)

Uhh. Be right with you. -🔥

Hey, Sadie.

*That felt weird to say. They’re not exactly on a first name basis. He cringes internally, but goes on.*

*She takes a cookie from the bake case, then starts on the drink. Usually she tries to drum up some small talk with customers (they tip better that way), but in this situation it feels like that’d be odd. However, the silence is just as awkward, if not more so, so she says something after all.*

So—

(What’s this guy’s name again?)

*The meeting had gone well. They put together a formal progress report, then Emily started a vision board for the project while Obie tested a “Road to Redemption” workshop that she had developed, all in preparation to eventually present to Sera.*

*He’s not quite ready for an audience with Sera yet, but today was the confidence booster that both he and Emily needed.*

*He stops to make sure his Protection Lanyard is still visible, then happens to glance to his left. A coffee shop. And through the window… is that Sadie? Something about his current situation with Peyton compels him to go talk to her, so he walks in.*

Howdy! Welcome to Deja Brew! Be right with y—

*Her sentence stops on a dime and she furrows her brow.*

(What’s Peyton’s slam piece doing here? Not just here specifically, but Heaven?)

Uhh. Be right with you. -🔥

Hey, Sadie.

*That felt weird to say. They’re not exactly on a first name basis. He cringes internally, but goes on.*