first roll, first exposure

[strangeandunusual]

[the morning of the 18th, before Aziraphale's little "miracle", the mirror turns on to show Lydia, sitting outside on the balcony of the apartment she shares with Mal. those who met her at the arrival ceremonies saw her with her hair down, but today she's pulled it up into a wild, riotous ponytail like a gothic palm tree]

Um, good morning. I'm Lydia, and I've never used anything like this before. Mal says it's like a "smart phone", but I'd never heard of that, so bear with me.

[there's an awkward pause. the morning breeze ruffles her hair and the black poncho she's wearing. which she may or may not have made out of one of her spare bedsheets because she didn't want to wear the same thing two days in a row.]

Anyway. The Dreamfinder, he said we have to get jobs in order to buy stuff. I know there's a decent amount of food in my kitchen, but we're gonna eat through what I know how to cook, pretty fast. So I'm going job hunting. If anyone wants to join me, I'll be downstairs in like, half an hour? I just need to finish my cereal and brush my teeth. Or you can meet me here at room 3A. Just knock first.

Comments

[ace_of_hearts]

Yeah, definitely.

Got any ideas on what kind of job you want most?

[strangeandunusual]

I'd love something to do with cameras, since I've been studying photography ... Otherwise I guess I could wait tables or work in a store like most girls my age do, back home. There's bound to be plenty of that.

[ace_of_hearts]

No worries, I'm pretty sure we can find something with cameras! That should be pretty useful everywhere.

[strangeandunusual]

We can hope.

[she stuffed the last bite of cereal in her mouth and spoke around it as she picked up her bowl to bring it to the sink. he was a pirate...what manners?]

Whabout 'oo?

[ace_of_hearts]

What, you think places are hiring shirtless narcoleptic pirates?

[strangeandunusual]

[she speaks over the rush of the sink as she washes up, then checks her reflection in the bathroom mirror to make sure she doesn't have food in her teeth for interviews before heading out into the hall.]

There's gotta be something. Besides, if you go around without a shirt all the time, you'll get sunburned.

[knock, knock]

[ace_of_hearts]

I can't get burned I--

[Gets the door, oh hey you!] I'm made of fire. Usually. Will be again soon.

[strangeandunusual]

Oh.

[she's not sure what to say to that first part, but... hi friendo]

What about groundskeepers? Like, garden work or fixing roofs and stuff? People who work outside a lot. You wouldn't need a shirt for that. Lots of summer workers don't. And with being on a pirate ship so much, being high up on a roof probably isn't anything for you.

[ace_of_hearts]

Oh yeah, I slept on roofs all the time!

[Takes her hand and marches along.] Not so good on the construction thing. I mean, better than Luffy, but a wild animal is better at it than Luffy.

[strangeandunusual]

[o-oh. holding hands is a thing? okay. she focuses on keeping up, since his legs are longer]

What about gardening? Mowing lawns. That's pretty easy. You just push the mower around all day and keep the lines straight.

[ace_of_hearts]

I guess so... [Glances around.] Is that a thing around here?

[strangeandunusual]

I don't know, but we'll find you something, no matter what. I don't want you going hungry or without anything important

[ace_of_hearts]

I'll starve if I don't get a job?!

[strangeandunusual]

I don't think they'd let you starve, no. But ... food would definitely be easier to get. I know that little book says some places give you free food ... but I don't know if you'd be able to live off it.

Seriously, though, Ace, what do you have against work?

[ace_of_hearts]

I was raised by bandits, I have narcolepsy, and I hate shirts.

It's more like jobs have a thing against me. I don't mind working. I was a commander in Pops' crew, and a captain, and I've been a hunter since I could walk and hold a knife. I just have a thing against city's idea of work. I can still fix up junk. That's how everyone eked a living in Trash Mountain. Fix up and repair old junk and sell it back to berks in the city. But it doesn't seem doable here.

[strangeandunusual]

[how matter-of-fact he is about it just makes her giggle, and she instantly ducks her head]

Sorry! It's just ... the way you said it that was funny. And I'm sorry I misjudged you. You're right, that is good work. Maybe once we've proven that we're decent people, you know, gotten rid of some of the Corruption, you can start your own business fixing stuff to people! You could call it No Shirt, No Snooze, No Problem or something.

[you think she's punny now just wait for the canon update]

[ace_of_hearts]

It was meant to be.

[And he snerks lightly.] I'm sure something will come my way. Something always does.

[strangeandunusual]

That's a really good attitude to have, Ace. Just... Let me know if you ever need help in the meantime, okay?

[ace_of_hearts]

Aren't we looking for a job for you? Don't worry, I always land on my feet.

[No, he doesn't. And she's seen him land on his face how many times now??? Don't call him on it.]

[strangeandunusual]

Well, yeah, but can't it be both? You're my friend, Ace, let me act like it.

[she makes a face at him. bleeeah]

[ace_of_hearts]

[Pokes her cheek!] Nah, it's itchy like shirts. But if it means that much to you, I'll keep it in mind.

[strangeandunusual]

Jobs are itchy.

[she laughs, and pokes him back, in his stomach. boop.]

Fine, then. You can escort me in case any Corroded stuff shows up.

[ace_of_hearts]

Great! [Cracks knuckles.] I'm good at that!