#sera|interaction.

“well — yeah, i just mean i didn’t have to do any of that stuff. i did it because i wanted to.” it maybe wasn’t the most eloquent way of putting things but sera felt as though she was out of options. she had considered telling isabella earlier on about the truth behind their meeting but it hadn’t felt like the right time. then it shifted into too late territory and she hadn’t known what to do. “i don’t know. it was just some quick cash or whatever. then i realised you were cool, you know. i wanted to spend more time with you.”

“you’ve been working so hard…” sera’s arms wrap around ai from behind, pulling her away from where she stands at the sink cleaning off. she’s been… recipe testing? perfecting some technique? sera doesn’t really know because she tries not to get involved when ai is actively working. she knows better. she also knows the cleaning up can wait just a little bit longer. “come relax with me,” she insists, the pout on her lips obvious enough to be heard even if ai can’t see it.

"i want to say this isn't what it looks like... but..." sera also knows that it very much is what it looks like and there's little denying it. she does at least manage to look bashful about it!

“can i stay on your couch? just for one night! maybe two… i swear, i’ll be out of your hair by thursday.” speaking of hair, her fingers idly toy with the ends of her own in an anxious sort of habit. “i’m just waiting on some money coming through, but it’s happening!”

sera has to bite her tongue. she knows that valencia is probably just hurt and admittedly for a good reason. it's not up to her when they finally get to have the conversation that's been a long time coming but she isn't sure when she'll get a chance like this again. if ever. so, she breathes out a sigh and crosses her arms over her chest. "i couldn't talk to you then. i wasn't... i wasn't in a place for it. i'm here now though, doesn't that count for something?" truthfully, not showing up at all or hiding her face had felt like the easier option but she figured closure was needed on both ends. unless valencia didn't care at all anymore. "just give me a little of your time."

she knows better than to approach them but before she can stop herself sera's feet are carrying her in their direction. she’s always been selfish like this. it’s her sheer curiosity that has her closing the space between them, a tentative smile forming on her lips. “hi.” it’s all she can say for a moment before she realises that being the one approaching, she should prompt the conversation. “i... thought i saw you from over there,” she tips her head in the direction from where she came, “how are you?” 

"they do already handle so much chaos but you're a paying customer. would you accept it if you'd... i don't know, ordered a car in a certain colour and it turned up the wrong one? either way you're still spending money and you deserve to have what you've asked for," sera insisted, though it was mostly gently. she didn't think she was rude about her approach and so couldn't help but feel satisfied about the resolution. "i know you would've drank it because you're oh so very polite but i know you'll enjoy this one much better."

"lunch rush," sera scoffed, "please. they're just going to hide behind the counter watching tiktoks." which she doesn't blame them for since it should be a right to stand and do nothing if they're not needed but in her opinion that also means not rushing an order just to get that downtime. "maybe you just hate coffee." however she did take the cup to sip from, wrinkling her nose afterward. "it's just a weird flavour combination."