"Uhh. . ." He flushes, grimacing inwardly at some of the memories flashing back. "I--I'll tell you later. It's a story for another time." In truth, he didn't have much intention for revealing the story to Joy; he didn't like to think of what she would say or do if she ever realized what kind of person he really was. A squirm of guilt protests against concealing the truth -- yet he shoves it away. Joy opens her mouth to inquire more, but Temptation casts a glance into the town. It was the middle of day at this time, and after that escapade with Jerry, both travelers were shaken and worn out. Personally, Temptation would have been fine to duck into the shadow of the woods to forge for food himself, but he guessed that Joy would appreciate proper shelter and meals. Plus. . . he could smell burgers from where they stood, and it made his mouth water. "I think. . ." He said slowly, screwing up his mouth in thought. ". . . If I keep my hood down and you don't make me talk to anyone, we should be fine.”
"Ok. I understand." Joy replies as she thinks of an idea. "Perhaps just pretend you're recovering from an illness where you lost your voice or something. Let's go."
Joy and Temptation walk down the hill to enter the village. They looked around and saw the village was quite colorful with lots of activity as if a special event was about to occur. Temptation turned around many times to gaze at the tall buildings and the clear sky. He hadn't been to a village in many years ever since he relocated to the forest.
Eventually, Joy stopped in front of a restaurant where the scent of burgers was coming from.
"Let's eat here." She said as she opened the door and went in.
After a brief hesitation, Temptation ducks his head -- after taking a moment to be extra-sure that his cowl is down -- and follows Joy inside. The light is a bit dim, for the few windows are small and dirty, though the setting is respectable enough that a few dozen people are eating steaming food from tables scattered in odd bunches and groups around the wide, low-ceilinged room. Some candles make up for the lack of sunlight in the dimmer corners of the room. At the other side of the area stands a wide bar, where a few bartenders and waitresses whisk to and fro supplying and delivering orders. Several men sit at the counter drinking or chatting. Temptation falters for a moment. It'd been so long since he'd been surrounded by this many people -- and the last time it happened, he'd nearly lost his head. He shoved away the memory and followed Joy. They found themselves a table and seated themselves. After a minute or so, a waitress walks up. "What'll be for you two?" She asks lazily.
"I'll have a cheeseburger combo with the side of fries." She says to the waiter. She looks at Temptation expecting him to say his order, but then she remembered he won't speak. "My friend will have the same." She says for him.
"Sure. So I have two orders of cheeseburger combos both with a side of fries. Is there anything else I can get you?" The waitress asks.
-last edited on Aug 23, 2018 6:21:50 GMT by LordTigress: mm burgers
Post by LordTigress on Aug 23, 2018 6:21:35 GMT
Whilst they wait for their meal, Temptation shifts uneasily every once in a while in his seat, frequently casting furtive glances over his shoulder. Across the room, he catches sight of several rough-looking villagers staring at him suspiciously -- though perhaps, this was simply because of the fact that he and Joy were strangers in town. Strung across the room from the ceiling are some colorful banners, and a few clumps of wild flowers are tied onto random posts and chairs, adding a happy, decorative theme to the eating house. Joy notices the decorations and recalls noting the village's bustling activity minutes ago. She turns to Temptation -- or, how she knows him, "Luke" -- to ask him about the festive adornments, but he abruptly murmurs, low enough just for her to hear. "How long do you want to stay here?”
"Not specifically," He replies quietly, taking care not to move his mouth too much. He didn't want anyone to see him talking, should he and Joy ever find the need to use that story they conjured about his disability or whatever. "I just--" He barks a soft laugh. "--Sorry, I think I'm just nervous.”
"That's alright. I figured you hadn't been in a village like this for a while. You'll get used to it eventually." She says encouragingly. Meanwhile, the waitress comes back with their food.
"So I have one cheeseburger combo with fries for you, and a cheeseburger combo with fries for you. Hope you enjoy!" She places their cheeseburger combos in front of them.
"Well, let's eat. You must be hungry." Joy says as she picks up her burger and takes a bite. "Mmm, that's delicious."
Following Joy's example, Temptation bites into the hot hamburger. He has not tasted food like this for a long, long time, and he suddenly remembers. Brick, this is good. He savors the juicy, meaty flavor mixed with sticky cheese. He felt as if his mouth was bursting with taste. He catches Joy's eye as he eats, and, almost against his will, he grins. Unbeknownst to the couple-- well, not couple-couple, merely friends of course, right? um -- Several men gathered in a booth over mugs of root beer stare at Temptation and Joy suspiciously. They share discreet glances with one another and occasionally mutter something under their breath.
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