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sweetpinkpixie · 10-05-2022, 12:47 AM

Exiting the subway station for Charing Cross instantly takes you to Trafalgar Square, which is at the south of Charing Cross Road and extends to a number of other streets. The square has been a significant landmark since the 13th century. The bulk of the square is taken up by Nelson's Column, surrounded by four bronze lion statues, and two large fountains featuring dolphins, mermaids, and tritons. In the corners of the square are four plinths, one of which is swapped out for another from time to time, and up a flight of stairs is the National Gallery.

A number of Muggle ceremonies are hosted here during major holidays, such as a seasonal tree ceremony prior to Christmas and a New Years celebration. The space is also occasionally used for political demonstrations, premieres, parade destinations, and more. This area is still primarily used today as a public gathering spot. With that being said, wizards and witches that find themselves here will know better than to whip their wands out.

Heading directly south of the square on Whitehall Road, the can be accessed.

sweetpinkpixie · 09-10-2024, 04:42 AM

Very true. Him dressing up and not roping her into it ironically for fast food or something irrational like shrunken head bowling would have been a glaring tell that something was afoot. Or she would have simply thought he had lost his mind temporarily and therefore teased him about it not being dress like your father at work day.

He certainly looked a little crazy sitting their in the water though, his hair completely disheveled and sticking to his brow in an attractive way while also being a little slicked back and water dripping everywhere. She briefly considered retracting her hand when she saw what she thought was a hint of a smirk because she would not put it past him to pull her in there with him but she resisted and decided to trust in him that he knew better than to do that. "Trespassing, theft, and larceny. There truly is no end to your diabolical nature," she sighed with an amused shake of the head as she prepared her feet for firm planting on the ground to help pull him up...except for when he took her hand in his he did something both completely expected (or expected as of a few minutes ago before he went for a swim) and unexpected.

"That's...some really elaborate change," she whispered, eyes wide and voice trembling as she stared at her finger and the ring he had just slipped onto it. Sadie gasped a laugh and did the most cliché thing ever in covering her mouth with her other hand while her vision blurred just a little. Congratulations, Curtis, you had managed to render her speechless but not so totally emotionally incapacitated that she was unable to move. Thus, she nodded her head once and then several more times as she dropped her hand from her mouth and climbed, trainers and all, over the edge of the fountain.

Charely Potter · 09-10-2024, 04:17 PM

His Papa and Daddy did not warn Curtis about this feeling he'd have. How nervous he felt and was visibly shaking ~~likely from the cold and wet water soaking him~~ as he kept looking up at her reaction. It was hard to tell it was either the light or the light shower of the fountain raining on his head, "Is that a yes?" He asked tentatively as she didn't move a muscle. Until he saw her nod. "Yes? YES!" With that, he broke into a mixture of laughter and maybe some cheesy tears as he picked her up into a little spin before meeting her lips with his. Was that applause in the background, or just the sounds of the splashing of his feet and he tried to keep his balance from slipping. "I daresay you just made my life even fuller." And of course, he was smirking.

sweetpinkpixie · 09-15-2024, 11:26 AM

Minus five out of ten, would not recommend jumping into any fountain while wearing socks and trainers, not that Sadie particularly cared in this moment as her arms wrapped around her fiancé's neck. The spin was so unnecessary, but she could forgive him for it as the moment his lips met hers she was enveloped by a buoyant joy that made ever drenched second worth it. Both hands moved to cradle either side of his face, palms molding to those strong cheekbones of his, as she kissed him back while the playful splashes from the fountain served as a reminder of the unexpected magic of the moment. "Don't ruin the moment by being ridiculous," she laughed against his lips, completely incapable of containing her smile. She hadn't even had a proper moment to examine the ring!

It was only after another moment or two that she pulled back to look at Curtis properly and his insufferable but endearing smirk. Shaking her head, the surreal combination of exhilaration and disbelief eliciting a soft laugh, she plucked a waterlogged leaf from the top of his head and tossed it back into the water. "How about...I visit the Leaky Cauldron another day," she suggested, her arms settling around his neck again as she swayed a little back and forth. "I think I'd much rather go back to our flat to celebrate."

ArianaBlack · 06-12-2026, 02:58 PM

All things considered, Trafalgar Square is a terrible place to meet with someone. The crowds, the smells, the noisy, aspiring musicians lining the perimeter... And yet, what a perfect opportunity to ~~spy~~ people watch.

Claude arrived early, a coffee in hand - his third of the day though it was only noon - and set about assessing his surroundings. A wailing child standing beside his far more agreeable sibling (Claude could only assume), the pruned man in the southern corner entertaining a group of pigeons, and the occasional high-flying selfie stick. As expected, the square is alive and well.

As he awaited the arrival of his date, he ducked down to help a group of confused tourists in navigating the bustling city. The tube? Oh, no need to fret - there's a station just over there. A lunch recommendation? There's a hole-in-the-wall Vietnamese spot a few blocks away.

No need for the gracious thank yous, it's truly a pleasure.

Kimothy · 06-12-2026, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArianaBlack

All things considered, Trafalgar Square is a terrible place to meet with someone. The crowds, the smells, the noisy, aspiring musicians lining the perimeter... And yet, what a perfect opportunity to ~~spy~~ people watch.

Claude arrived early, a coffee in hand - his third of the day though it was only noon - and set about assessing his surroundings. A wailing child standing beside his far more agreeable sibling (Claude could only assume), the pruned man in the southern corner entertaining a group of pigeons, and the occasional high-flying selfie stick. As expected, the square is alive and well.

As he awaited the arrival of his date, he ducked down to help a group of confused tourists in navigating the bustling city. The tube? Oh, no need to fret - there's a station just over there. A lunch recommendation? There's a hole-in-the-wall Vietnamese spot a few blocks away.

No need for the gracious thank yous, it's truly a pleasure.

Quite the contrary, Ascella Archer thought the Square was a wonderful place to meet up! Practically speaking, it was in the centre of everything. From here, one might want to gawk at the art in the National Gallery, or toss wishing coins into the fountains - Cella's statue bias was the dolphin, of course, the mermaids here were not physically accurate. Also, it was connected to every other street that mattered, where each turn led to an entirely different adventure of restaurants and boutiques and bookshops and all that jazz.

The place was kinda pretty, too, if one looked at the chaos collectively, like a gigantic painting brought to life.

Optimism was also what Cella brought to the plate, for sure. That's because her 'date' had the tendency to sound like a pompous snob (affectionate).

The former Hufflepuff had to stop in her tracks to make sure that the guy over there, helpfully chatting with a bunch of tourists, was really Claude Botros-Giordano. Not that she was surprised that he was being such a darling resident offering multiple tourist suggestions! Some things just never change. He always put himself out in the crowd.

Hmmmm. Cella's silly cap: On.

"Excuse meeeee!" Shifting her normal voice to a squeaky, mousy pitch for the funsies, she rushed towards Claude and waved a hand in the air as if trying to catch his attention. Yoohoo! Over here! "My dear boy! Might you happen to know where I could find some chickens in the area?" Hehehe.

ArianaBlack · 06-12-2026, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kimothy

Quite the contrary, Ascella Archer thought the Square was a wonderful place to meet up! Practically speaking, it was in the centre of everything. From here, one might want to gawk at the art in the National Gallery, or toss wishing coins into the fountains - Cella's statue bias was the dolphin, of course, the mermaids here were not physically accurate. Also, it was connected to every other street that mattered, where each turn led to an entirely different adventure of restaurants and boutiques and bookshops and all that jazz.

The place was kinda pretty, too, if one looked at the chaos collectively, like a gigantic painting brought to life.

Optimism was also what Cella brought to the plate, for sure. That's because her 'date' had the tendency to sound like a pompous snob (affectionate).

The former Hufflepuff had to stop in her tracks to make sure that the guy over there, helpfully chatting with a bunch of tourists, was really Claude Botros-Giordano. Not that she was surprised that he was being such a darling resident offering multiple tourist suggestions! Some things just never change. He always put himself out in the crowd.

Hmmmm. Cella's silly cap: On.

"Excuse meeeee!" Shifting her normal voice to a squeaky, mousy pitch for the funsies, she rushed towards Claude and waved a hand in the air as if trying to catch his attention. Yoohoo! Over here! "My dear boy! Might you happen to know where I could find some chickens in the area?" Hehehe.

None of this surprises him by the way. If there is one certainty in this world, it is that Ascella Archer will find a way to put a shiny sheen on anything. That and that her silly cap would be firmly in place. If it weren't, he'd be concerned. And Claude so rarely slipped into concern - not his vibe. He preferred unbothered, unconcerned, care-free, etcetera etcetera.

After helping a young couple, freshly married by the looks of it (they were sporting a pair of shiny rings and honeymoon smiles), the pompous snob turned to help the bird. Mouse. Bird-Mouse. Claude made little effort to hide his amusement. The permanent grin he wore in Cella's presense would be a staple today as well, to no one's surprise. "Hello to you too, birdy," he offered in greeting as he made his way over.

He reached over to pluck an imaginary feather from her 'coat' and as he inspected it, he shook his head. "No chickens today." What a strange sense of humor his bird-mouse friend possessed. "But, I do see a silly goose," he lifted a smug brow as he opened his palm and blew the invisible feather into her space.

Had she missed him? So terribly rude of uni to keep them apart. It was good then that he had plans to occupy the next couple of her weekends. More on that later.

"Coffee?" He offered her his cup. It was still full and he was nothing if not sickeningly polite and exceedingly good-natured.

Kimothy · 06-13-2026, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArianaBlack

None of this surprises him by the way. If there is one certainty in this world, it is that Ascella Archer will find a way to put a shiny sheen on anything. That and that her silly cap would be firmly in place. If it weren't, he'd be concerned. And Claude so rarely slipped into concern - not his vibe. He preferred unbothered, unconcerned, care-free, etcetera etcetera.

After helping a young couple, freshly married by the looks of it (they were sporting a pair of shiny rings and honeymoon smiles), the pompous snob turned to help the bird. Mouse. Bird-Mouse. Claude made little effort to hide his amusement. The permanent grin he wore in Cella's presense would be a staple today as well, to no one's surprise. "Hello to you too, birdy," he offered in greeting as he made his way over.

He reached over to pluck an imaginary feather from her 'coat' and as he inspected it, he shook his head. "No chickens today." What a strange sense of humor his bird-mouse friend possessed. "But, I do see a silly goose," he lifted a smug brow as he opened his palm and blew the invisible feather into her space.

Had she missed him? So terribly rude of uni to keep them apart. It was good then that he had plans to occupy the next couple of her weekends. More on that later.

"Coffee?" He offered her his cup. It was still full and he was nothing if not sickeningly polite and exceedingly good-natured.

Her birdie? Unbothered? Sure, Ascella can acknowledge that's how most others would perceive Claude, but this silly goose knew more than just ways to ruffle his feathers. There's a heart somewhere underneath those feather, birdie boo. She knows it!

"It's me, Granny Goose!" The whole performance of having the squeaky tone was all in the name of grandmother goosey right here. Which is a role that Cella quickly snapped out of the moment that was close enough to Claude for a.... well, she was going to give him a big hug but he had coffee in hand and she preferred that they both kept their clothes dry and caffeine-free.

Instead, she settled for a gentle hip bump. Such control, such minimal force! "Hi, birdie. I'm gonna want a hug when your coffee isn't full." Because Cella assumed it was if he spent sooo much time entertaining confused tourists and lovey dovey couples in sight. But she will indulge him in the invisible feather act, so she pretended to go all squinty and follow wherever the feather flew and landed. "We're a balding species because of you, did you know that?" Her poor feathers! All victims of Clucky Claude.

And, yes, she missed him! There was no shame in admitting that - but there was no need to, because she knew Claude knows, or at least he's pompous enough to assume she did (and he'd be correct, anyway).

"What did you get?" Cella asked about his coffee, now that he was offering it. "I only have my coffee when it's fun and sugary." She was going to guess his choice of drink right now. Was it black? Or a simple Americano? She didn't know how anyone survived the lack of added flavour, but to each their own!

ArianaBlack · 06-13-2026, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kimothy

Her birdie? Unbothered? Sure, Ascella can acknowledge that's how most others would perceive Claude, but this silly goose knew more than just ways to ruffle his feathers. There's a heart somewhere underneath those feather, birdie boo. She knows it!

"It's me, Granny Goose!" The whole performance of having the squeaky tone was all in the name of grandmother goosey right here. Which is a role that Cella quickly snapped out of the moment that was close enough to Claude for a.... well, she was going to give him a big hug but he had coffee in hand and she preferred that they both kept their clothes dry and caffeine-free.

Instead, she settled for a gentle hip bump. Such control, such minimal force! "Hi, birdie. I'm gonna want a hug when your coffee isn't full." Because Cella assumed it was if he spent sooo much time entertaining confused tourists and lovey dovey couples in sight. But she will indulge him in the invisible feather act, so she pretended to go all squinty and follow wherever the feather flew and landed. "We're a balding species because of you, did you know that?" Her poor feathers! All victims of Clucky Claude.

And, yes, she missed him! There was no shame in admitting that - but there was no need to, because she knew Claude knows, or at least he's pompous enough to assume she did (and he'd be correct, anyway).

"What did you get?" Cella asked about his coffee, now that he was offering it. "I only have my coffee when it's fun and sugary." She was going to guess his choice of drink right now. Was it black? Or a simple Americano? She didn't know how anyone survived the lack of added flavour, but to each their own!

A heart? Mm, no, she had him mistaken with another birdie boo. Claude hadn't come with one of those. A manufacturer's error or something of the like. Fortunately, his feathery companion had enough heart for them both. As such, he'd refer all further inquiries to her. Ur welcome XOXO.

Granny Goose received a full on, belly laugh from Claude A. B. G. Shame she didn't go for the hug. Claude was a good-natured boy of many talents. Surely he could've managed keeping his balance. "Naturally," he agreed, eyes unmistakably twinkling.

"You shouldn't go around tempting people with your unruffled feathers then. Have you ever thought about that, Goosey Gran?" Where had this strange feathered saga come from in the first place? The jokes were fowl.

As for their estrangement and Cella's feelings of such, he both knew andassumed. Get you a guy who can do both. And they say all finance bros are the same.

"You won't like this then," he nodded slowly, retracting his coffee, before leaning in conspiratorially to admit, "I'm a purist." On occasion he'd go for a macchiato or even a flat white, but this one? Just your average pour over. Coffee snob Claude. "Want to go for a stroll? We can find you something syrupy sweet." He offered his arm. "My treat."

A stroll around the square - a promenade, if you will. They would have done numbers in a regency era marriage of convenience.

Kimothy · 06-14-2026, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArianaBlack

A heart? Mm, no, she had him mistaken with another birdie boo. Claude hadn't come with one of those. A manufacturer's error or something of the like. Fortunately, his feathery companion had enough heart for them both. As such, he'd refer all further inquiries to her. Ur welcome XOXO.

Granny Goose received a full on, belly laugh from Claude A. B. G. Shame she didn't go for the hug. Claude was a good-natured boy of many talents. Surely he could've managed keeping his balance. "Naturally," he agreed, eyes unmistakably twinkling.

"You shouldn't go around tempting people with your unruffled feathers then. Have you ever thought about that, Goosey Gran?" Where had this strange feathered saga come from in the first place? The jokes were fowl.

As for their estrangement and Cella's feelings of such, he both knew andassumed. Get you a guy who can do both. And they say all finance bros are the same.

"You won't like this then," he nodded slowly, retracting his coffee, before leaning in conspiratorially to admit, "I'm a purist." On occasion he'd go for a macchiato or even a flat white, but this one? Just your average pour over. Coffee snob Claude. "Want to go for a stroll? We can find you something syrupy sweet." He offered his arm. "My treat."

A stroll around the square - a promenade, if you will. They would have done numbers in a regency era marriage of convenience.

No, see, Ascella Archer would obviously disagree. He can deny it all he wants, but she could simply resort to her favourite method of ruffling feathers (read: tickling) until that heart of his finally showed itself.

Was that threatening enough?

But all the evidence she needed was that belly laugh from Claude himself. Yes, while there certainly wasn't a direct correlation between such a laugh and having a heart, anyone who knew Ascella Archer in major Nerd ModeTM would know that all it takes is a full presentation with slides and a citation list for her to be able to show you just how logically sound her point was. Anywho! She is of course happy she got to make him laugh. Thank you, thank you! She'll be here all day!

"I'm not doing aaanything, birdie! How's that my fault? No tempting going on here!" Except Cella was wiggling in place, mimicking the way some birds would ruffle their feathers. Where there was a Claude and a Cella, there was a whole performance. Trafalgar Square wasn't ready for it.

She had to make a teeny ick face, and then a pout, at the confirmation that he had nothing but sad, black coffee in his cup. Nope, not for her at all. "Plain coffee doesn't sound fun, Clucky." She would survive, like, three sips. It's just so sad! Hence, why she was sold by the idea of sugary goodness. "Okay. And then I'll collect my hug," Cella wiggled her brows as she accepted his arm, but not without sneaking a gentle little pinchy pinch on his forearm.

Hehe! Oops!

They would be the subject of regency scandal, these two. Let's be so real.

"Oh! Birdie, we're heading to Cornwall, like, next month if you wanna watch me survey the tides and look at nesting seabirds." Cella beamed up at him. It's not like the summer term when it was warm enough for swimming and sunbathing, but she'd always extended the invite to him.

ArianaBlack · 06-16-2026, 04:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kimothy

No, see, Ascella Archer would obviously disagree. He can deny it all he wants, but she could simply resort to her favourite method of ruffling feathers (read: tickling) until that heart of his finally showed itself.

Was that threatening enough?

But all the evidence she needed was that belly laugh from Claude himself. Yes, while there certainly wasn't a direct correlation between such a laugh and having a heart, anyone who knew Ascella Archer in major Nerd ModeTM would know that all it takes is a full presentation with slides and a citation list for her to be able to show you just how logically sound her point was. Anywho! She is of course happy she got to make him laugh. Thank you, thank you! She'll be here all day!

"I'm not doing aaanything, birdie! How's that my fault? No tempting going on here!" Except Cella was wiggling in place, mimicking the way some birds would ruffle their feathers. Where there was a Claude and a Cella, there was a whole performance. Trafalgar Square wasn't ready for it.

She had to make a teeny ick face, and then a pout, at the confirmation that he had nothing but sad, black coffee in his cup. Nope, not for her at all. "Plain coffee doesn't sound fun, Clucky." She would survive, like, three sips. It's just so sad! Hence, why she was sold by the idea of sugary goodness. "Okay. And then I'll collect my hug," Cella wiggled her brows as she accepted his arm, but not without sneaking a gentle little pinchy pinch on his forearm.

Hehe! Oops!

They would be the subject of regency scandal, these two. Let's be so real.

"Oh! Birdie, we're heading to Cornwall, like, next month if you wanna watch me survey the tides and look at nesting seabirds." Cella beamed up at him. It's not like the summer term when it was warm enough for swimming and sunbathing, but she'd always extended the invite to him.

Oh, don't tempt him with a good time. He'll expect follow through.

It isn't a difficult feat, making him laugh. Claude laughed often. It was, perhaps, the most impactful component of his skincare routine. Laughter keeps you young. Still, with this in mind, Ascella Archer had him laughing the most. Congratulations, kid. Add that to your resume alongside all the scientific research studies awards. But let the record show, most of the laughter came organically and not as a result of her timely puns. Nerd.

"No, no, no," he wagged his finger at her. Incorrigible. "A temptress you are indeed." He lifted a brow, challenging her to disagree again. "We may have to alert the press. The Daily Prophet's reporting a feathered temptress in Trafalgar Square! Cluck-clutch your pearls and hold on to your breeches, everyone." He used his best announcer voice as he warned those around him. He wasn't like this normally. She brought out the weird in him time and time again - did she know? See? All Cella's fault once again. She really must be stopped.

Again he laughed with her, "Are you calling me a bore?" He feigned a look of hurt as he drew his free hand over his heart. That's no way to speak to the platonic love of your life. But hurt aside, "You have yourself a deal."

Oh? How delightful. Claude so loved a scandal.

"Next month?" He pulled a face, like he was reaaally thinking about it. "Yeah, count me in. You know how much I love nesting seabirds." Or something like that. "I'd invite you to join my cohort for an excursion, but sadly the finance nights aren't all that interesting. Far too much networking." Besides, his classmates were all rather bland. Very .... singular, he mused as he led their way across the square and towards a bustling street full of promising cafes.

"Though, I was thinking, we should get up to some trouble this weekend. Maybe you could even help me convince Nikita to abandon her books to join us for a cheeky weekend bender? Make it a party." Not that he needed help convincing Nikita of anything. He could usually manage to wear her down if given enough time and space. But this was his way of letting Cella know that he wanted to invite her. Do something all together. All his favorite people existing together. Etceteraaaaaaa. And yes, he was one of his own favorite people. Argue with the wall.

Kimothy · 06-16-2026, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArianaBlack

Oh, don't tempt him with a good time. He'll expect follow through.

It isn't a difficult feat, making him laugh. Claude laughed often. It was, perhaps, the most impactful component of his skincare routine. Laughter keeps you young. Still, with this in mind, Ascella Archer had him laughing the most. Congratulations, kid. Add that to your resume alongside all the scientific research studies awards. But let the record show, most of the laughter came organically and not as a result of her timely puns. Nerd.

"No, no, no," he wagged his finger at her. Incorrigible. "A temptress you are indeed." He lifted a brow, challenging her to disagree again. "We may have to alert the press. The Daily Prophet's reporting a feathered temptress in Trafalgar Square! Cluck-clutch your pearls and hold on to your breeches, everyone." He used his best announcer voice as he warned those around him. He wasn't like this normally. She brought out the weird in him time and time again - did she know? See? All Cella's fault once again. She really must be stopped.

Again he laughed with her, "Are you calling me a bore?" He feigned a look of hurt as he drew his free hand over his heart. That's no way to speak to the platonic love of your life. But hurt aside, "You have yourself a deal."

Oh? How delightful. Claude so loved a scandal.

"Next month?" He pulled a face, like he was reaaally thinking about it. "Yeah, count me in. You know how much I love nesting seabirds." Or something like that. "I'd invite you to join my cohort for an excursion, but sadly the finance nights aren't all that interesting. Far too much networking." Besides, his classmates were all rather bland. Very .... singular, he mused as he led their way across the square and towards a bustling street full of promising cafes.

"Though, I was thinking, we should get up to some trouble this weekend. Maybe you could even help me convince Nikita to abandon her books to join us for a cheeky weekend bender? Make it a party." Not that he needed help convincing Nikita of anything. He could usually manage to wear her down if given enough time and space. But this was his way of letting Cella know that he wanted to invite her. Do something all together. All his favorite people existing together. Etceteraaaaaaa. And yes, he was one of his own favorite people. Argue with the wall.

This just in! Ascella Archer makes Claude Botros-Giordano laugh the most! The world rejoices! His multiple admirers, however, do not. What a sad day for them. It's a good thing she was just the platonic love of his life! Also, it takes a nerd to know a nerd! Nerd.

But why oh why was he proclaiming such false accusations about her to the entire universe? Cella tried to pretend like this was an incredibly embarrassing ordeal - oh no, I'm a temptress caught in the act, what now! She had to conveniently gasp when he called her a feathered temptress, though. "No, no! Excuse me, I only use faux feathers." Cruelty-free accessories only. It's so important. "I do not condone false journalism, birdie. Any more and we will be taking the matter to Scotland Yard." Which was, by the way, just a few minutes walk away!

"No, I called you a chicken." Definitely not a ~~boar~~ bore. No silly goose allegations were being debunked today. Sorry to disappoint, Trafalgar Square (not sorry).

Cella would do a whole round of applause at his acceptance of her invite, but since she only had one free hand, she raised said hand and did a little clappy with her pointer finger and thumb. Teeny tiny clappy clap. "That's good. Although, if you decided not to join, I'd have named a seabird in your honour." And Cella would make sure to choose the flashiest yet clumsiest seabird of the flock. All just for him. How special! "I think your fin bros would hate to see me coming." She had to grin. How were they to fare around Brian Archer's nerdiest, always-asking-questions daughter? Cella thought it might be funny.

Only five minutes in and he's already mentioning another girl's name? This is grounds for divorce, Claudy. Cella had to tut jokingly. "If you need me to convince her, I fear you may be losing your touch." What?! Claude losing his charm?! "Do I need to find a date? I can't find a date that fast!" She tickled his arm at that, because she can.

ArianaBlack · 06-17-2026, 03:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kimothy

This just in! Ascella Archer makes Claude Botros-Giordano laugh the most! The world rejoices! His multiple admirers, however, do not. What a sad day for them. It's a good thing she was just the platonic love of his life! Also, it takes a nerd to know a nerd! Nerd.

But why oh why was he proclaiming such false accusations about her to the entire universe? Cella tried to pretend like this was an incredibly embarrassing ordeal - oh no, I'm a temptress caught in the act, what now! She had to conveniently gasp when he called her a feathered temptress, though. "No, no! Excuse me, I only use faux feathers." Cruelty-free accessories only. It's so important. "I do not condone false journalism, birdie. Any more and we will be taking the matter to Scotland Yard." Which was, by the way, just a few minutes walk away!

"No, I called you a chicken." Definitely not a ~~boar~~ bore. No silly goose allegations were being debunked today. Sorry to disappoint, Trafalgar Square (not sorry).

Cella would do a whole round of applause at his acceptance of her invite, but since she only had one free hand, she raised said hand and did a little clappy with her pointer finger and thumb. Teeny tiny clappy clap. "That's good. Although, if you decided not to join, I'd have named a seabird in your honour." And Cella would make sure to choose the flashiest yet clumsiest seabird of the flock. All just for him. How special! "I think your fin bros would hate to see me coming." She had to grin. How were they to fare around Brian Archer's nerdiest, always-asking-questions daughter? Cella thought it might be funny.

Only five minutes in and he's already mentioning another girl's name? This is grounds for divorce, Claudy. Cella had to tut jokingly. "If you need me to convince her, I fear you may be losing your touch." What?! Claude losing his charm?! "Do I need to find a date? I can't find a date that fast!" She tickled his arm at that, because she can.

Yeah, yeah. He did admit to it, yes. Perhaps he ought to take it back before it went to her head. Though, he'd be interested in seeing how she faired next to his 'multiple admirers'. She mentioned them oh so often. Claude, however, had no idea who she was referring to. He was just a guy. (Nerd). Clearly someone is jealous. Don't worry, snitchseeker. He won't say who.

"Environmentally conscious, but a temptress still," he tutted, enjoying her London acting debut full-on. First the square, next ... the West End with a simple swap of her micropipettes for a microphone ? Claude would snag a set of front row seats. It was important to support your friends. Even if they were bird nerds. "You wouldn't really turn me in, would you, birdie?" Again, he looked hurt. Oh, how cruel she was to him. Even after everything they have been through together. Is that really how one ought to treat their best and most good-looking friend?

HA. Boar. "Well played," he acquiesced with a bow of his head. Battle, not the war. FYI.

"That's very romantic of you." Who needs stars when you could have seabirds? He was touched. As for his brothers in Christian Dior. "Oh, they wouldn't know how to handle themselves. I'm sure you'd scare the living--" Hm. "That's not a bad idea. I think we ought to bring you around next time." He'd love to see them flounder tbh. Cella would be a breath of fresh air. Nepotism hour could use some of that. "If you're keen of course." The suits were a stuffy time, but they could post-game with something delightful.

Grounds for divorce? Please. Cella knew him well enough to know the conditions of their relationship. She had read the fine print and signed the documents as an informed participant. And while he didn't need the help in convincing Nikita, he thought he was meant to count on Cella's support as his platonic partner in life. Maybe that is grounds for divorce. "Are the birds not flocking to you in mass? I'd find it difficult to believe you couldn't find someone in a pinch." Why? Because she was Cella. That's why.

Kimothy · 06-17-2026, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArianaBlack

Yeah, yeah. He did admit to it, yes. Perhaps he ought to take it back before it went to her head. Though, he'd be interested in seeing how she faired next to his 'multiple admirers'. She mentioned them oh so often. Claude, however, had no idea who she was referring to. He was just a guy. (Nerd). Clearly someone is jealous. Don't worry, snitchseeker. He won't say who.

"Environmentally conscious, but a temptress still," he tutted, enjoying her London acting debut full-on. First the square, next ... the West End with a simple swap of her micropipettes for a microphone ? Claude would snag a set of front row seats. It was important to support your friends. Even if they were bird nerds. "You wouldn't really turn me in, would you, birdie?" Again, he looked hurt. Oh, how cruel she was to him. Even after everything they have been through together. Is that really how one ought to treat their best and most good-looking friend?

HA. Boar. "Well played," he acquiesced with a bow of his head. Battle, not the war. FYI.

"That's very romantic of you." Who needs stars when you could have seabirds? He was touched. As for his brothers in Christian Dior. "Oh, they wouldn't know how to handle themselves. I'm sure you'd scare the living--" Hm. "That's not a bad idea. I think we ought to bring you around next time." He'd love to see them flounder tbh. Cella would be a breath of fresh air. Nepotism hour could use some of that. "If you're keen of course." The suits were a stuffy time, but they could post-game with something delightful.

Grounds for divorce? Please. Cella knew him well enough to know the conditions of their relationship. She had read the fine print and signed the documents as an informed participant. And while he didn't need the help in convincing Nikita, he thought he was meant to count on Cella's support as his platonic partner in life. Maybe that is grounds for divorce. "Are the birds not flocking to you in mass? I'd find it difficult to believe you couldn't find someone in a pinch." Why? Because she was Cella. That's why.

Too late, she was going to wear this achievement like some prefect badge with pride. He can have as many admirers as he wants and is willing to entertain (read: all) but Cella knows he'll only have one birdie in this life. That's her! ~~He's the nerd~~.

"It's very important to give emphasis. I love the earth! We love the earth!" Yes, she was so bringing him into this. Without their planet, there would be no place else for their shenanigans - and for both her micropipettes and microphones. A girl can be many things! As to his question, Cella's absolutely mature-big-girl response was sticking her tongue out at him. That's her answer. He will have to deal with it.

Plus, she likes to collect her wins. Another one, thank you! "And because I won, that means you get to choose which café we're going to." Cella was very generous, you see. Likewise, it was always the better decision to make him decide where to get anything coffee-related. This birdie did not have much standards when it came to the beans and the roast and the whatever, so long as she got her sugary treat.

Romantic? Oh yes, that's her right here! Of course! You should see how she takes great care of the underwater camera she bought (with her own money!) for her field days. So loved, so babied. Cella wiggled her free pointy finger like a little pompom in the air, but immediately stopped to poke at his side when he goes to describe her scaring something out of his classmates. "Hey!" She let out a laugh, but the mental image was slowly demystifying. Claude's uni pals trying to mansplain, what, the stock exchange to her, as if she had no idea what maths or supply and demand were. The latter may not be her strong suit, but come on. "Do I have to dress up, too?" Because then she'd need time to figure that out. Rarely did Cella get the opportunity to dress up fancy when she was always in a lab coat or some sun gear.

Yeah, yeah, yeah! Of course she knew. It didn't mean she couldn't tease about it. Didn't he read the fine print of her counteroffer to their contract? Tsk. "Only seabirds around me these days, birdie. And then, remember that girl from the party we went to a few months ago? We texted a bit, but then she didn't get any of my puns." Ariana was nice, though. They were friends until that conversation kinda just...faded. Yikes.

ArianaBlack · 06-19-2026, 04:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kimothy

Too late, she was going to wear this achievement like some prefect badge with pride. He can have as many admirers as he wants and is willing to entertain (read: all) but Cella knows he'll only have one birdie in this life. That's her! ~~He's the nerd~~.

"It's very important to give emphasis. I love the earth! We love the earth!" Yes, she was so bringing him into this. Without their planet, there would be no place else for their shenanigans - and for both her micropipettes and microphones. A girl can be many things! As to his question, Cella's absolutely mature-big-girl response was sticking her tongue out at him. That's her answer. He will have to deal with it.

Plus, she likes to collect her wins. Another one, thank you! "And because I won, that means you get to choose which café we're going to." Cella was very generous, you see. Likewise, it was always the better decision to make him decide where to get anything coffee-related. This birdie did not have much standards when it came to the beans and the roast and the whatever, so long as she got her sugary treat.

Romantic? Oh yes, that's her right here! Of course! You should see how she takes great care of the underwater camera she bought (with her own money!) for her field days. So loved, so babied. Cella wiggled her free pointy finger like a little pompom in the air, but immediately stopped to poke at his side when he goes to describe her scaring something out of his classmates. "Hey!" She let out a laugh, but the mental image was slowly demystifying. Claude's uni pals trying to mansplain, what, the stock exchange to her, as if she had no idea what maths or supply and demand were. The latter may not be her strong suit, but come on. "Do I have to dress up, too?" Because then she'd need time to figure that out. Rarely did Cella get the opportunity to dress up fancy when she was always in a lab coat or some sun gear.

Yeah, yeah, yeah! Of course she knew. It didn't mean she couldn't tease about it. Didn't he read the fine print of her counteroffer to their contract? Tsk. "Only seabirds around me these days, birdie. And then, remember that girl from the party we went to a few months ago? We texted a bit, but then she didn't get any of my puns." Ariana was nice, though. They were friends until that conversation kinda just...faded. Yikes.

It's true. She was his one and only. How fortunate, then, that he didn't mind if her head grew bigger than it already was to begin with. Big head, bigger brain, biggest nerd, etcetera.

"In fact," he turned to the people (all of whom were rightfully avoiding eye contact). "She loves the earth so much that she has prepared an interpretive dance about it, which she plans on performing right here, right now!" Go Cella, go! One night, and one night only! How generous she is indeed! He waited for her to begin. Go on then, birdie. Show them how much you love mother earth.

Being a nightmare was one of his many talents. Another one of his talents? Finding excellent coffee. So he really didn't mind the task that Cella assigned him. "I'd be my pleasure," though they ought to revisit this game of theirs as Claude would like a referee to validate this so called win. He doesn't recall conceding, he simply complimented. There is a difference. And he'd gladly point it out.

He relished in her temporary laughter before the impending horror set in. Chad would take great pleasure offering her an unprompted explanation for why they couldn't simply 'just print more money,' while Beau would go on and on about some insider trading scandal. Yawn. Claude would do his best to shoo Chad away, but somehow, the distaste only made him stronger. "No feathered boas," he warned with hidden mischief. Seabirds over seeing bros any day. And in any case, Claude didn't deem any of them important enough to meet Cella. Though it could make for an interesting social experiment if he were ever bored enough.

"Shame." Ariana, what are you doing here? "Maybe we ought to go birding today." Claude famously enjoys playing the part of wingman (cluck, cluck) - he's a natural born talent. "Have you tried the library? I hear it's a breeding grounds for nerds." Surely they could find someone who'd enjoy her puns whilst pinned against the poetry shelves.

Kimothy · 06-19-2026, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArianaBlack

It's true. She was his one and only. How fortunate, then, that he didn't mind if her head grew bigger than it already was to begin with. Big head, bigger brain, biggest nerd, etcetera.

"In fact," he turned to the people (all of whom were rightfully avoiding eye contact). "She loves the earth so much that she has prepared an interpretive dance about it, which she plans on performing right here, right now!" Go Cella, go! One night, and one night only! How generous she is indeed! He waited for her to begin. Go on then, birdie. Show them how much you love mother earth.

Being a nightmare was one of his many talents. Another one of his talents? Finding excellent coffee. So he really didn't mind the task that Cella assigned him. "I'd be my pleasure," though they ought to revisit this game of theirs as Claude would like a referee to validate this so called win. He doesn't recall conceding, he simply complimented. There is a difference. And he'd gladly point it out.

He relished in her temporary laughter before the impending horror set in. Chad would take great pleasure offering her an unprompted explanation for why they couldn't simply 'just print more money,' while Beau would go on and on about some insider trading scandal. Yawn. Claude would do his best to shoo Chad away, but somehow, the distaste only made him stronger. "No feathered boas," he warned with hidden mischief. Seabirds over seeing bros any day. And in any case, Claude didn't deem any of them important enough to meet Cella. Though it could make for an interesting social experiment if he were ever bored enough.

"Shame." Ariana, what are you doing here? "Maybe we ought to go birding today." Claude famously enjoys playing the part of wingman (cluck, cluck) - he's a natural born talent. "Have you tried the library? I hear it's a breeding grounds for nerds." Surely they could find someone who'd enjoy her puns whilst pinned against the poetry shelves.

Ahem. Ascella wants it on the record that he had a bigger head than she did. To everything else, she would have to plead guilty. Thank you, kindly.

Yes, she loves the earth! And, wait— "Birdie!" Cella just could not the snickering that was escaping her mouth and totally ruining her entire act here. "Sssh, I'm shy and I have stage fright." With a well-placed stage whisper and as if to make up for being unable to keep a straight face, she widened her big blue eyes at him instead for the dramatic flare. Cella? Shy? Yeah, only if the planets stopped revolving the sun and rotating on their axes. But the rest of the world need not know that, right?

Cella gave his arm an affectionate squeeze at that. See! No pinchy pinch! She's so nice! But also, if he wasn't protesting in the first instance, then that only meant he was waiving his right to challenge her win. So. Yes. Cella's win! "Did you have a café in mind?" She'll be really honest. She's never ventured this particular street before. It's not everyday she was in London, okay? It was either Edinburgh and Belfast, and then the occasional (educational) beach trip.

Feathered boas, oh my! "Nah, I'd never bring those out for them," Cella grinned. "Your fin bros aren't that special. My boas are reserved for exceptional cases only." Like halloween parties, duh. "But also, they're clearly missing out." Boas for sure weren't on theme with formal parties anymore - it wasn't the Roaring Twenties. They're just for fun! Formal parties didn't always scream fun.

"You mean to say that two chickens in the wild aren't enough birds for you anymore? Wow, Clucky." She had to make a joke about the both of them. Birding? Really, Claude? The mental image the word projected was like... a peacock showing off its flashy feathers! That's not the vibes, although it was funny! "Yes, I have! When I'm not in the lab all day!" Claudy, please. He makes her sound like she hasn't snuck a kiss in between study group.

ArianaBlack · 06-21-2026, 04:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kimothy

Ahem. Ascella wants it on the record that he had a bigger head than she did. To everything else, she would have to plead guilty. Thank you, kindly.

Yes, she loves the earth! And, wait— "Birdie!" Cella just could not the snickering that was escaping her mouth and totally ruining her entire act here. "Sssh, I'm shy and I have stage fright." With a well-placed stage whisper and as if to make up for being unable to keep a straight face, she widened her big blue eyes at him instead for the dramatic flare. Cella? Shy? Yeah, only if the planets stopped revolving the sun and rotating on their axes. But the rest of the world need not know that, right?

Cella gave his arm an affectionate squeeze at that. See! No pinchy pinch! She's so nice! But also, if he wasn't protesting in the first instance, then that only meant he was waiving his right to challenge her win. So. Yes. Cella's win! "Did you have a café in mind?" She'll be really honest. She's never ventured this particular street before. It's not everyday she was in London, okay? It was either Edinburgh and Belfast, and then the occasional (educational) beach trip.

Feathered boas, oh my! "Nah, I'd never bring those out for them," Cella grinned. "Your fin bros aren't that special. My boas are reserved for exceptional cases only." Like halloween parties, duh. "But also, they're clearly missing out." Boas for sure weren't on theme with formal parties anymore - it wasn't the Roaring Twenties. They're just for fun! Formal parties didn't always scream fun.

"You mean to say that two chickens in the wild aren't enough birds for you anymore? Wow, Clucky." She had to make a joke about the both of them. Birding? Really, Claude? The mental image the word projected was like... a peacock showing off its flashy feathers! That's not the vibes, although it was funny! "Yes, I have! When I'm not in the lab all day!" Claudy, please. He makes her sound like she hasn't snuck a kiss in between study group.

Bigger? Claude could live with that. He hadn't received any complaints to date. His head was great. Perfectly proportional to the rest of his body. Cella could channel any and all future grievances to his mother, who is no longer with us. May she rest in peace.

Hm? Claude turned to look over at her, a slowww mischievous grin forming on his lips. "Shy?" he nearly choked. "You?" Unconvincing. "Come up with a better excuse next time, birdnerd," he whispered, leaning in. She can do better and they both know it. "But," because he is so kind and so gracious, "I'll let you have it this time." Soooo giving. "No show today, I fear! The lady is shy!" He shared her concerns with the rest of the square to round out their charade. Perhaps they had both missed their calling in acting. But unfortunately, there are already too many men in improv and Claude had pledged to do his part by steering clear. Some spaces simply did not need men: Improv, podcasts, honestly anything involving microphones tbh, women's healthcare, just to name a few. And so, Cella was their only hope for an Academy Award. Go Cella, go.

Besides, he knew his real strengths. Highest on the docket being his aptitude for sniffing out good coffee. Not that it mattered as he was fairly certain they could pop into any mediocre chain and keep Cella happy so long as she had three pumps of caramel and a whipped cream topping. Claude had standards though (despite how it may appear). "There's a new spot nearby. Just opened. Lots of specialty lattes." Something she'd find exciting, surely.

Back to the boas though. "They wouldn't appreciate the stylistic choice. It'd be wasted on them," he agreed with some overdone sadness. Oh how he loved to play it up for her. They were missing out, indeed. "Oh, I agree. Missing out in more ways than one." What boring lives they lived. Claude could never. He simply chose a means to an end. The Kevins of this world, however, thought they were embarking on the most important career in all of greater London. Who's gonna tell them that playing with monopoly money wasn't something worthy of 'bragging rights'.

And, for the record, birding is a fine hobby. What's so wrong with that, Cella? "Hm. We can brainstorm." So much talk of brains. Are brains the new birds?

Kimothy · 06-21-2026, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArianaBlack

Bigger? Claude could live with that. He hadn't received any complaints to date. His head was great. Perfectly proportional to the rest of his body. Cella could channel any and all future grievances to his mother, who is no longer with us. May she rest in peace.

Hm? Claude turned to look over at her, a slowww mischievous grin forming on his lips. "Shy?" he nearly choked. "You?" Unconvincing. "Come up with a better excuse next time, birdnerd," he whispered, leaning in. She can do better and they both know it. "But," because he is so kind and so gracious, "I'll let you have it this time." Soooo giving. "No show today, I fear! The lady is shy!" He shared her concerns with the rest of the square to round out their charade. Perhaps they had both missed their calling in acting. But unfortunately, there are already too many men in improv and Claude had pledged to do his part by steering clear. Some spaces simply did not need men: Improv, podcasts, honestly anything involving microphones tbh, women's healthcare, just to name a few. And so, Cella was their only hope for an Academy Award. Go Cella, go.

Besides, he knew his real strengths. Highest on the docket being his aptitude for sniffing out good coffee. Not that it mattered as he was fairly certain they could pop into any mediocre chain and keep Cella happy so long as she had three pumps of caramel and a whipped cream topping. Claude had standards though (despite how it may appear). "There's a new spot nearby. Just opened. Lots of specialty lattes." Something she'd find exciting, surely.

Back to the boas though. "They wouldn't appreciate the stylistic choice. It'd be wasted on them," he agreed with some overdone sadness. Oh how he loved to play it up for her. They were missing out, indeed. "Oh, I agree. Missing out in more ways than one." What boring lives they lived. Claude could never. He simply chose a means to an end. The Kevins of this world, however, thought they were embarking on the most important career in all of greater London. Who's gonna tell them that playing with monopoly money wasn't something worthy of 'bragging rights'.

And, for the record, birding is a fine hobby. What's so wrong with that, Cella? "Hm. We can brainstorm." So much talk of brains. Are brains the new birds?

No, she much preferred airing her concerns to him directly. Sorry, not sorry, to his mother. Was that mean to say to a person who was no longer with us?

And just as Cella anticipated that grin on his face, she perfectly timed yet another pinchy pinch on his arm, the pressure growing the same way his grin did, and then grinned back. "Super shy. That's me." What? She's incredibly convincing! "No excuse had to be made." Because it was true! But... "Oh no, you can't leave the audience disappointed. You will have to do a solo performance to make up for my incapacity." Mhm. Cella nodded to herself, like she was concurring with herself. She's always right, and if there was any man Cella would allow to steal her Academy Award, it would be her platonic husbirdie. The win of one is the win of them both, so it works!

Uhm! Listen! Cella enjoyed sugar, but it needed to be tasty sugar! She did have some standards when it came to coffee too - the factor being it should be able to keep her awake. What's the point of caffeine if she wouldn't last until at least 2AM? And yes, she absolutely had lab reports to work on after their bird date today. Life goes on! "Ooooh. Count me in." Specialty lattes sounded like something right up her alley, indeed.

"And no feathers for you to steal during these parties?" Cella pretended to be horrified by the thought of the lack of birdie fun in Claude's fin bro endeavours. "How do you keep yourself entertained, birdie?" Sure, Claude was a social being and pretty much a human chameleon blending with any kind of crowd, but Cella liked to think there must be something else holding his interest. Or perhaps she was already making such a negative connotation of his classmates, who she's never met, in her head because, well, one cannot deny the optics of studying finance. Maybe she should give them a chance! (Says optimistic Cella Archer.)

Nothing, nothing! "I'm very good at that." Brainstorming! Brainy Cella-ism! More of that, thank you!

ArianaBlack · 06-22-2026, 03:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kimothy

No, she much preferred airing her concerns to him directly. Sorry, not sorry, to his mother. Was that mean to say to a person who was no longer with us?

And just as Cella anticipated that grin on his face, she perfectly timed yet another pinchy pinch on his arm, the pressure growing the same way his grin did, and then grinned back. "Super shy. That's me." What? She's incredibly convincing! "No excuse had to be made." Because it was true! But... "Oh no, you can't leave the audience disappointed. You will have to do a solo performance to make up for my incapacity." Mhm. Cella nodded to herself, like she was concurring with herself. She's always right, and if there was any man Cella would allow to steal her Academy Award, it would be her platonic husbirdie. The win of one is the win of them both, so it works!

Uhm! Listen! Cella enjoyed sugar, but it needed to be tasty sugar! She did have some standards when it came to coffee too - the factor being it should be able to keep her awake. What's the point of caffeine if she wouldn't last until at least 2AM? And yes, she absolutely had lab reports to work on after their bird date today. Life goes on! "Ooooh. Count me in." Specialty lattes sounded like something right up her alley, indeed.

"And no feathers for you to steal during these parties?" Cella pretended to be horrified by the thought of the lack of birdie fun in Claude's fin bro endeavours. "How do you keep yourself entertained, birdie?" Sure, Claude was a social being and pretty much a human chameleon blending with any kind of crowd, but Cella liked to think there must be something else holding his interest. Or perhaps she was already making such a negative connotation of his classmates, who she's never met, in her head because, well, one cannot deny the optics of studying finance. Maybe she should give them a chance! (Says optimistic Cella Archer.)

Nothing, nothing! "I'm very good at that." Brainstorming! Brainy Cella-ism! More of that, thank you!

Yes, yes it was. So mean and so horrible, Cella.

The pinch had Claude laughing again and surely at some point soon, the two of them would be flagged down by the police on a charge of public indecency for the way they were causing such a scene. Let it be a lesson to all who are listening, these two should never, ever be left alone together. Far too disruptive. "There is not a single soul on this planet who would believe that." Please. If Cella was shy, then Claude was humble. "And leave you with fomo? I'm many things, but I am not cruel," he put a hand to his heart. Besides, Claude didn't have room in his university residence for an Academy Award. He was a minimalist.

"Alright, follow my lead," which she seemed to be doing already. Tour guide Claude here to help you find all the sugary coffee your heart desires. Patron saint of coffee, this one. Ur welcome.

"Steal?" He looked positively aghast. "That doesn't sound like me at all." Feathers, motorcycles, minutes on your cellphone bills ... he kept his hands to himself. Always. Patron saint of not stealing, this one. As for where he found his entertainment in the world of finance boars? Easy. "The drama, of course," he shrugged. Eavesdropping is one of his most coveted hobbies. As is piecing together context clues, asking just the right questions, making important third-party connections. Someone's father embezzling money, the innocent boy next door cheating on his partner, another caught with his notes out during an exam. He found ways to have fun. Entertainment is always around if you know the right places to go looking for it. And when you couldn't find it, you created it. He was good at that also.

Mm. "I'll give you that one, yeah," he agreed graciously.

Kimothy · 06-22-2026, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArianaBlack

Yes, yes it was. So mean and so horrible, Cella.

The pinch had Claude laughing again and surely at some point soon, the two of them would be flagged down by the police on a charge of public indecency for the way they were causing such a scene. Let it be a lesson to all who are listening, these two should never, ever be left alone together. Far too disruptive. "There is not a single soul on this planet who would believe that." Please. If Cella was shy, then Claude was humble. "And leave you with fomo? I'm many things, but I am not cruel," he put a hand to his heart. Besides, Claude didn't have room in his university residence for an Academy Award. He was a minimalist.

"Alright, follow my lead," which she seemed to be doing already. Tour guide Claude here to help you find all the sugary coffee your heart desires. Patron saint of coffee, this one. Ur welcome.

"Steal?" He looked positively aghast. "That doesn't sound like me at all." Feathers, motorcycles, minutes on your cellphone bills ... he kept his hands to himself. Always. Patron saint of not stealing, this one. As for where he found his entertainment in the world of finance boars? Easy. "The drama, of course," he shrugged. Eavesdropping is one of his most coveted hobbies. As is piecing together context clues, asking just the right questions, making important third-party connections. Someone's father embezzling money, the innocent boy next door cheating on his partner, another caught with his notes out during an exam. He found ways to have fun. Entertainment is always around if you know the right places to go looking for it. And when you couldn't find it, you created it. He was good at that also.

Mm. "I'll give you that one, yeah," he agreed graciously.

Oh, dear. Ugh, how could he be friends with such a des-peck-able person?

They were both making such a scene and too much noise from all this laughter that, on a different day and with a different person, Cella might have been more conscious. Laughing with Claudykins was just easy - he made an eldest daughter feel less anxious about a multitude of things. "You're supposed to have my back, birdie!" She had to bump her hip against his. All in jest, though. He had every right to call her out for her egg-regious conduct. (Wasn't she so funny?). "Nuh-uh, no fomo. I will live vicariously through yooHooOoOu!" Yes, with the whole vocal wobble and everything.

Follow his lead? Well, don't mind if she do! "Weeeeeee~" Leave it to Cella to make it seem like he was taking her on a rollercoaster ride. For the record, she absolutely would.

"Not like you? My bad. Let me try again." She cleared her throat for the dramatic effect, as one does. "Bawkbawkbawkbawk—STEAL—bawkBAWK." Was that chicken-birdie enough for him? Was it realistically Claude? It better be! And no, she will not be doing that again. Not out here, at least. They were getting the judgiest of side eyes.

Ahem. Back to the drama. Which did NOT surprise this nerdie birdie one bit. Cella had expected that kind of response from Claude, but she was going to keep digging with her little birdie claws. "Drama that you're not peddling yourself?" Cella had to tease, but then she had nothing but a super duper genuine look on her face when she asks next. "Do you like what you're studying, birdie?" There were no wrong answers here, but she would much prefer the truest one.

Another win? Oh my! She's a winner. He must really like her to allow this. HA!

ArianaBlack · 06-25-2026, 03:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kimothy

Oh, dear. Ugh, how could he be friends with such a des-peck-able person?

They were both making such a scene and too much noise from all this laughter that, on a different day and with a different person, Cella might have been more conscious. Laughing with Claudykins was just easy - he made an eldest daughter feel less anxious about a multitude of things. "You're supposed to have my back, birdie!" She had to bump her hip against his. All in jest, though. He had every right to call her out for her egg-regious conduct. (Wasn't she so funny?). "Nuh-uh, no fomo. I will live vicariously through yooHooOoOu!" Yes, with the whole vocal wobble and everything.

Follow his lead? Well, don't mind if she do! "Weeeeeee~" Leave it to Cella to make it seem like he was taking her on a rollercoaster ride. For the record, she absolutely would.

"Not like you? My bad. Let me try again." She cleared her throat for the dramatic effect, as one does. "Bawkbawkbawkbawk—STEAL—bawkBAWK." Was that chicken-birdie enough for him? Was it realistically Claude? It better be! And no, she will not be doing that again. Not out here, at least. They were getting the judgiest of side eyes.

Ahem. Back to the drama. Which did NOT surprise this nerdie birdie one bit. Cella had expected that kind of response from Claude, but she was going to keep digging with her little birdie claws. "Drama that you're not peddling yourself?" Cella had to tease, but then she had nothing but a super duper genuine look on her face when she asks next. "Do you like what you're studying, birdie?" There were no wrong answers here, but she would much prefer the truest one.

Another win? Oh my! She's a winner. He must really like her to allow this. HA!

He asked himself the same question constantly. Qwuakstantly.

Claude wouldn't apologize for causing such a scene. Their onlookers and eavesdroppers were truly getting great entertainment value for the sweet price of free. Perhaps they ought to charge, hm? Something to think about for next time. You can take the bro out of finance, but you can't- "I've always got you, you nut." To accuse him of anything else is simply lying. And here he was thinking Cella was above fibbing. She could act an angel all she wanted ... but those weren't angel wings that she wore. "It just won't be the same, I couldn't do it justice the way you can. Such a shame," he hung his head in sad resignation. Despite her protests.

Egg-cellent idea. Rollercoaster next time. Scrambled egg.

"Have you got something stuck in your throat?" He teased, pinching her. Though let the record show he was smiling still. It'd take a lot to wipe the grin off his features in her presence.

And, Claude? Peddle drama? Nooooo. That is so unlike him. He would neverrrrrrrrrrr. Literally neverrrrrrrr. He chose not to answer that question on account of he famously did not peddle. "Loaded question," he raised a single brow. 'Liking' something could mean many things. Did he like the financial opportunities it afforded? Did he like the career prospects and practicality? Did he like how little thought he had to give to succeed? How it allowed him ample time to take up other hobbies such as video calling and library perusing? And beyond that, did liking it really matter? Did it make a difference? Was it enough to question the choice? To put it simply: "No." And that is the truth. "But I didn't have any expectation that I would." So he hadn't been disappointed, if that is what she wanted to know.

Kimothy · 06-29-2026, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArianaBlack

He asked himself the same question constantly. Qwuakstantly.

Claude wouldn't apologize for causing such a scene. Their onlookers and eavesdroppers were truly getting great entertainment value for the sweet price of free. Perhaps they ought to charge, hm? Something to think about for next time. You can take the bro out of finance, but you can't- "I've always got you, you nut." To accuse him of anything else is simply lying. And here he was thinking Cella was above fibbing. She could act an angel all she wanted ... but those weren't angel wings that she wore. "It just won't be the same, I couldn't do it justice the way you can. Such a shame," he hung his head in sad resignation. Despite her protests.

Egg-cellent idea. Rollercoaster next time. Scrambled egg.

"Have you got something stuck in your throat?" He teased, pinching her. Though let the record show he was smiling still. It'd take a lot to wipe the grin off his features in her presence.

And, Claude? Peddle drama? Nooooo. That is so unlike him. He would neverrrrrrrrrrr. Literally neverrrrrrrr. He chose not to answer that question on account of he famously did not peddle. "Loaded question," he raised a single brow. 'Liking' something could mean many things. Did he like the financial opportunities it afforded? Did he like the career prospects and practicality? Did he like how little thought he had to give to succeed? How it allowed him ample time to take up other hobbies such as video calling and library perusing? And beyond that, did liking it really matter? Did it make a difference? Was it enough to question the choice? To put it simply: "No." And that is the truth. "But I didn't have any expectation that I would." So he hadn't been disappointed, if that is what she wanted to know.

And he had no answers? Cella hoped Claude at least had some sort of eggsplanation as his working hypothesis.

See, charging people for their unwanted performance was an idea that would only ever come from someone with a fin bro mindset. Cella would never! BUt, suppose, it's fine if he agreed to split it with her. Wonder what they'd do with all the profit they could make. "Then you are supposed to believe me. Also... nut?! Why do you hate me?" If this hadn't been a bit of a crowded sidewalk and he hadn't a drink in hand, he would have been soooo tackled! Unapologetically! And then ride on his back the entire trip to the café. How far away was it, anyway?

Oh, how dare he steal the pinchy pinch ideas from her! Cella wiggled a bit at the pinch, even though she was laughing. She deserved that after all the pinches Claude had suffered in her hands. "No, my throat is perfectly fine. I think I nailed my impression of you, though, yeah?" Hehehe.

Cella didn't think it was a loaded question. A lot of things were easily answered with a simple yes or no, but Cella also knew of nuances. Science had plenty of those. She would have expected Claude to answer her with one word, though, because he liked simple that way. But she could hear the honesty in his response, and so Cella offered a little half-crooked smile. "Oh, and here I was thinking you loved demand curves so much." She was kidding, of course. But to Cella, as he could probably tell, liking the class was so important. She couldn't imagine herself forcing uninteresting concepts into her head for the sake of passing.

ArianaBlack · 07-06-2026, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kimothy

And he had no answers? Cella hoped Claude at least had some sort of eggsplanation as his working hypothesis.

See, charging people for their unwanted performance was an idea that would only ever come from someone with a fin bro mindset. Cella would never! BUt, suppose, it's fine if he agreed to split it with her. Wonder what they'd do with all the profit they could make. "Then you are supposed to believe me. Also... nut?! Why do you hate me?" If this hadn't been a bit of a crowded sidewalk and he hadn't a drink in hand, he would have been soooo tackled! Unapologetically! And then ride on his back the entire trip to the café. How far away was it, anyway?

Oh, how dare he steal the pinchy pinch ideas from her! Cella wiggled a bit at the pinch, even though she was laughing. She deserved that after all the pinches Claude had suffered in her hands. "No, my throat is perfectly fine. I think I nailed my impression of you, though, yeah?" Hehehe.

Cella didn't think it was a loaded question. A lot of things were easily answered with a simple yes or no, but Cella also knew of nuances. Science had plenty of those. She would have expected Claude to answer her with one word, though, because he liked simple that way. But she could hear the honesty in his response, and so Cella offered a little half-crooked smile. "Oh, and here I was thinking you loved demand curves so much." She was kidding, of course. But to Cella, as he could probably tell, liking the class was so important. She couldn't imagine herself forcing uninteresting concepts into her head for the sake of passing.

No, you see. Claude preferred asking questions. He'd leave the answering to other, more forthcoming folk. It was much more fun that way.

Furthermore, the performance was only unwanted because it was free. Once they started charging, people would pay up in response to their curiosity alone. The people yearn for being part of something. And community comes at the expense of exclusivity. Or something. In any case, she could have a 20% cut of the profit because he is generous. How fortunate. "Believe you?" He quirked a brow as if it were the most preposterous idea he had ever heard. "Oh, but I know better than to do that." As for hate? "So drama. I can't take you anywhere." Except for the coffee shop, which was just around the next corner btw.

Patience, young chickadee.

"So thaaaat's what it was supposed to be," he nodded. An impression. Mhm. Totally. He pinched her another time for good luck.

"So much," he agreed. "You know I'm a sucker for curves. I was actually thinking about marrying them." Demand Curves Botros-Giordano. They'd have such beautiful children. The world would be so lucky to be blessed by their many offspring. And, for the record, enjoying his studies wasn't something Claude had ever concerned himself with. Fortunately, he needn't spend much time memorizing to begin with. He could usually absorb the information after a few cursory readings and most anything he came face-to-face with could be understood with applied logic. Anyone who complained about business studies must not have any braincells to rub together.

But that was just Claude's opinion of course.

And who was he to judge?

Kimothy · 07-13-2026, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArianaBlack

No, you see. Claude preferred asking questions. He'd leave the answering to other, more forthcoming folk. It was much more fun that way.

Furthermore, the performance was only unwanted because it was free. Once they started charging, people would pay up in response to their curiosity alone. The people yearn for being part of something. And community comes at the expense of exclusivity. Or something. In any case, she could have a 20% cut of the profit because he is generous. How fortunate. "Believe you?" He quirked a brow as if it were the most preposterous idea he had ever heard. "Oh, but I know better than to do that." As for hate? "So drama. I can't take you anywhere." Except for the coffee shop, which was just around the next corner btw.

Patience, young chickadee.

"So thaaaat's what it was supposed to be," he nodded. An impression. Mhm. Totally. He pinched her another time for good luck.

"So much," he agreed. "You know I'm a sucker for curves. I was actually thinking about marrying them." Demand Curves Botros-Giordano. They'd have such beautiful children. The world would be so lucky to be blessed by their many offspring. And, for the record, enjoying his studies wasn't something Claude had ever concerned himself with. Fortunately, he needn't spend much time memorizing to begin with. He could usually absorb the information after a few cursory readings and most anything he came face-to-face with could be understood with applied logic. Anyone who complained about business studies must not have any braincells to rub together.

But that was just Claude's opinion of course.

And who was he to judge?

He wouldn't even make an exception for his birdie? Okay, we see how it is. Cue sad face.

See, this is the fin bro in Claude speaking. No way would dear Cella Archer ever come up with something like that. She should leave all financial matters in his hands as he was better fitted. She will try to negotiate that 20% cut, though. Pay your talents better, Claudykins! "You keep breaking my heart today, birdie. First, you couldn't point me to the direction of chickens in the Square." Because she was in her Granny Goose shoes then, but still! "And now this!" By the way, any drama that Cella was tangled in was always purely his doing. Claude was good at ruffling her feathers, it's true.

"If you can't take me anywhere, then we can't do this again." Cella raised her left hand and wiggled her fingers on it - her brows were also wiggling. Did he know what she meant? The thing where a certain ~~fake~~ ring was involved? What can she say - she was feeling silly today. This was his fault. Always!

Yeah, she was baiting him. And what about it? Take the bait, Claude, there was a café barista they had to convince soon.

And the pinch? He was getting a pinch back. So very many pinches up Cella's sleeve today, he ought to be careful!

Sucker for— "Hey, what about me?!" Weren't they married where it mattered? At least for today? "Now that's grounds for divorce. I can't believe this is how I find out you've had your eyes elsewhere!" Poor Cella Archer. A loyal wife wronged by the love of her life - something like that. She was going to let go of the whole liking-his-studies thing now. He knew where she stood in this, but who was she to impose her beliefs on him, you know? Even when he was openly ~cheating on her with demand curves, she will support him. Duh. That's the way the birdie cookie crumbles.

Who was he to judge? Well. Some questions were best left unanswered. Cella had no qualms calling him out, but she was feeling extra gracious.

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