It was difficult for Hala to hate anyone, per se, but disliking or being uncomfortable with another person was a different story. It was just a shame that the person she felt such a way towards was her acquaintance's -- or friend's, if you want to get chummy up in here -- husband.
Sadly, she wasn't one to often voice her disdain, and instead deflated at her desk as she looked up at Smithson, as he stood across from her. She twiddled her thumbs like an asshole, but thank all twenty gods she didn't sweat. Sweating would have made her irritation conspicuous. But, why was it him? Maybe it was the way he spoke. She liked to think she did well with, ah, the prissy types, considering her place in the upper echelon of Yene society. Perhaps it was the rumors of foul play, perhaps it was the inherent want of noblemen like him to want to keep naysayers silent. All of those played a factor, but what she was most uncomfortable with was... well.
Well! He wasn't as tactful with her as his wife was. Speaking of...
"I'm very sorry to have... brought you here, but I couldn't get a hold of Walker." said Hala, timidly arranging the bits and bobbles strewn across her desk. "I just recalled recently that I gave her something to her... well, maybe a year ago now? It was a textbook, it contained notes on metallurgy and ores and the like. She needed it to further study those animals of hers, which I don't really mind, but..."
"But, I need it back!" She concluded with a sharp, forced laugh. She tried to make it a giggle, but she was a bit nervous. She wanted this old man gone, anyway, so she might as well shove the request in his face and get it over with. "There's just-- there's a situation with the college in Murkwell, they need some extra material, so if... you or her would be so kind to donate that book..."
Trailing off, she thumbed the bottom of a pen. Her lip curled. "I-I-I can, ah, replace the pens she got me. I already used them to their full extent, but... Well, maybe I should talk to her about that--" Her heart skipped a beat. "And not you."
me *handshake* ace: hating otto
ok but cecil and manslaughter... next chance i get i'm gonna try and shove the beast at him.
It was just a coffee stop, Otto told himself. He entered the cafe like a man who knew where he was going and why, and though that was a dramatic way to put it, he was a dramatic person. And, sadly, Ace tickled his confidence, even if for a moment, as he strolled in. He returned that sweet smile coolly and came to a halt by the countertop.
"It's good to see you again." he cooed, "I feel bad, being so busy, but such is life. You should be happy you're still young." And then, with a wave of his hand, he said, "The usual's fine, though. That's good. I really appreciate it, you know, all the hard work you do here. Not a lot of people feel the need to applaud a quick cup of coffee, but you've a particular talent for it, I think... Or, maybe that's just the way the shop does it."
He fell silent, then, watching Ace scramble for the ingredients. It was robotic, it was customary, for employees to be so welcoming, but Otto couldn't help but to...
Well, it was for the best for that thought to be brushed aside, wasn't it?
Otto gathered his cup, though before he left, he did just have one last request...
"Actually, I'd hate to bother you, darling, but would you care to make another cup for me? My wife is waiting for me, and I... Well, I don't recall if she's the coffee sort or not, but knowing her, she could probably use the kick, anyway. Travel's a hassle and all that." He pulled himself away from the counter with a sigh. He paused before he took a sip from his cup, and said, "Just a mocha would be alright. Thank you, dear."
Gross.