everything's alright

   “I… I think you’re right. Maybe talking would help and I…. I really do appreciate that offer Candace.” Toby wasn’t much of a talker to begin with, but, perhaps maybe it was something he should start. “And… I hope you know the same offer stands…. If you ever need someone to talk to… I’m usually around water.” His lips curled up at his own joke, forming into a real sincere smile. 

She took a step back, giving Toby a finger-wiggle of a wave. “I should probably go change and wash up for dinner.. I’ll see you later, alright? By water. ♪” With that she turned, a little too sheepish to resume her jog now— instead trailing back toward home with a brisk, but far more relaxed stride. She called over her shoulder, just once: “Have a good day!”

“I got the bracelet as a gift and then made the rest myself… I figured I might as well put good use to the set and wear it with something nice.”

“Unless you want, hmm..” She moved both dresses to one hand, before pulling a third one out to show. “Something that’s more cut to accentuate the bust-line, like this? It’s also gonna depend on what cut you’re most comfortable wearing..”

“Would you like me to bring you anything? Juice or a drink or something?” Hart asked as he walked towards the front door.

“Juice sounds really nice..” She shook her head, as though at war with her newfound greediness. “But, um— I don’t want to put you out at all, enjoy the town first! There’s a bridge over a waterfall if you take the path to the east that leads you up to the mining district.. that part is really lovely to see. It has some really nice views and stuff..! I’ll be done soon!”

[Her eyes widen suddenly, and she giggles— setting her tea down.] It’s kinda like we have the same job, except I make insulation for people instead of houses. ♪

“After all, you seem to be very intrigued by the witch. Who else better to hear it from right?” Hart asked.

“It’ll probably take me.. I’m gonna say two hours, if that’s okay? For the repair?”

Well, not too much I guess– I took some as soon as I got home, heh. [Pauses to brush close to the bruise around his eye with his knuckle, lightly brushing it with a grin.] Not as bad as it looks, promise. I’ll, uh– I’ll go get it looked at tomorrow, too, if you want. [Clears his throat, taking a moment before relaxing more into relief with a sighed grin.] I’m sorry I got back in this late, though– but you’re a sight for a sore eye right now, heh. Think I could take you out on a date or something?

[And nods again when he suggests they go out, though by this point she’s at least managed to sigh away some of her fervent tenseness.] It’s okay.. sure, we can go. I, um.. I packed this for us. [She shows him the paper bag.] It’s peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, is that okay?

  This was something he heard often, not that he minded it. It was one of thew few things he took pride in. But, it wasn’t as simple as always being relaxed, and perhaps the truth was the support Candace needed to hear. “Well… about that. You wanna know a secret…? I get stressed… a lot… and sometimes I get really mad too… but letting it show just makes others stressed out too, I think. I’d rather be smiling.”

“Toby..” Words failed her for a moment. She pressed on regardless. “I think— I think that’s really lovely of you.” She smiled up to him, still sheepish despite herself. “I think, though— I’d be very happy to talk if you were stressed about anything. It’s nice, sometimes, to be able to do stuff like that.. you know?”

At the woman’s next statement, Raven stopped to take a look at her.  She did not know what classified as weird fashion in this part of the world, though she was very aware that the other’s style was a clear opposite from hers.  Though she still had faith in the young woman, considering she had just watched her sew clothing only minutes before.  “I don’t think your taste is weird… I’m sure whatever you find will be beautiful,” she continued with a soft smile.

“We can start with the dress itself and work up to accessories, maybe.. is it for an event at all, or maybe do you have a particular use in mind..?”