Just smile and be happy.
Grinning like an idiot from ear to ear, Zavien nods his head in confirmation. "It's settled then! You'll stay with me." He feels like a kid who just got permission for a sleepover and he's trying not to scare Hawthorn away with his excitement as he squirms in his seat. "That's the best part! Maybe if they can smile at the exterior, they'll feel enough joy to pass it on." It's a simple-minded, naive view, but his mom had always said that smiles are contagious. He just hopes to spread the disease of happiness.
Zavien almost laughs aloud at Hawthorn's wide-eyed expression, but he honestly doesn't blame the man. Erica is not one to be disobeyed and she takes her food very seriously. With a shared smile, he looks to Erica's beaming face. Rather than blush bashfully at the compliment, she nods her head in satisfaction and begins cleaning their soup bowls. "Of course it is! I made it." The assured confidence is so commonplace that Zavien just shakes his head in disbelief. He wishes he could borrow some of that!
Checking to make sure the coast is clear, he starts to inhale his own pudding just slow enough to savor each creamy bite. Although, it still only takes him a matter of seconds to lick the final remnants of evidence clean, sighing in utter contentment and letting his eyes drift shut. Without opening them, he says, "You never disappoint, Erica." The bulge of his stomach presses against his trousers, giving him the inkling that he may have to roll home. Zavien peaks one green eye open to meet her smile with his own. She pats him on the cheek affectionately, having to strain over the counter to reach. "And it's always great to see you, Z." As the bustle of customers increases in volume, she puts on her businesswoman persona and shoos them. "Now off with you two! I need to fill these seats with paying customers."
Groaning good-naturedly, he flops from his chair, trying to hold himself together with his hands. Giving Erica a final wave, he grins. "Thanks again, Erica! See you next time!" Without missing a beat, she shouts after him, "You better be back sooner than last time!" She softens her voice and looks to Hawthorn. "And it was a pleasure to meet you, dear. I will see you back." There is not room for argument, just a settled certainty that has Zavien shaking his head once again as he steps back out onto the cold street, the dumb grin still plastered on his face.
Zavien almost laughs aloud at Hawthorn's wide-eyed expression, but he honestly doesn't blame the man. Erica is not one to be disobeyed and she takes her food very seriously. With a shared smile, he looks to Erica's beaming face. Rather than blush bashfully at the compliment, she nods her head in satisfaction and begins cleaning their soup bowls. "Of course it is! I made it." The assured confidence is so commonplace that Zavien just shakes his head in disbelief. He wishes he could borrow some of that!
Checking to make sure the coast is clear, he starts to inhale his own pudding just slow enough to savor each creamy bite. Although, it still only takes him a matter of seconds to lick the final remnants of evidence clean, sighing in utter contentment and letting his eyes drift shut. Without opening them, he says, "You never disappoint, Erica." The bulge of his stomach presses against his trousers, giving him the inkling that he may have to roll home. Zavien peaks one green eye open to meet her smile with his own. She pats him on the cheek affectionately, having to strain over the counter to reach. "And it's always great to see you, Z." As the bustle of customers increases in volume, she puts on her businesswoman persona and shoos them. "Now off with you two! I need to fill these seats with paying customers."
Groaning good-naturedly, he flops from his chair, trying to hold himself together with his hands. Giving Erica a final wave, he grins. "Thanks again, Erica! See you next time!" Without missing a beat, she shouts after him, "You better be back sooner than last time!" She softens her voice and looks to Hawthorn. "And it was a pleasure to meet you, dear. I will see you back." There is not room for argument, just a settled certainty that has Zavien shaking his head once again as he steps back out onto the cold street, the dumb grin still plastered on his face.
Zavien
