2019-12-09 - Shift of Shame

(TXT to Bennie) Alexander : Bennie.

(TXT to Alexander) Bennie : Opt Out

(TXT to Bennie) Alexander : I'm not trying to sell you anything.

(TXT to Alexander) Bennie : Unsubscribe

(TXT to Bennie) Alexander : ::frowny face emoji:: Did I do something wrong?

(TXT to Alexander) Bennie : ::puke face emoji:: just hungover s'up good lookin'?

(TXT to Bennie) Alexander : Just checking to make sure you got back wherever you are all right.

(TXT to Alexander) Bennie : I woke up in Carver's bathtub. A-okay.

(TXT to Alexander) Bennie : Well not okay, but okay.

(TXT to Bennie) Alexander : Good. Comparatively good. Goodish?

(TXT to Alexander) Bennie : i'm a mess

(TXT to Bennie) Alexander : Yes. Probably. But a well-liked and charming mess.

(TXT to Alexander) Bennie : No, a literal one. My serotonin and dopamine levels are depleted. I'm literally in my walk of shame dress at the diner and I can't stop crying in the walk-in.

(TXT to Bennie) Alexander : Oh. Want me to bring you a change of clothes or anything? Might be able to help with the mood, too. If you wanted me to.

(TXT to Alexander) Bennie : yes plz

(TXT to Bennie) Alexander : All right. 🙂 Mind some hilariously oversized sweaters, or can I swing by somewhere and grab real clothes for you?

(TXT to Alexander) Bennie : I contemplated wearing a trash bag. Sweaters are fine.

(TXT to Bennie) Alexander : I can at least do better than that. Not much better. But better.

Thankfully for Bennie it's a slow day at the Grizzly, except the family of four at one of the booths has been trying to get her attention for a full ten minutes now. The waitress is currently at the counter with her head in her hands and a dark pair of oversized sunglasses covering her eyes so there is about a 50/50 chance she might be asleep? Beneath her Beaddazzled apron is a dress like it was meant to be worn at a club not here slinging hash, her sparkly name tag of 'Bennie' pinned askew on one of her shoulder straps. At least she's not in heels? Her feet have been lazily crammed into a pair of work books with the laces left undone.

An off again on again sight at the diner, at least over the past few weeks, the door chimes as it opens to let in Yule. He's dressed with a white button up shirt whosetop two buttons are undone, the cuffs rolled up midway on his forearms, to reveal the interior of a black and white checkered pattern. The long, gray woolen coat he wears is slung off as he heads towards the counter, slung over one of the stools before he has a seat. "Think I had a few patients today that looked more lively than you do." Comes the amused tones from the M.E., delivered with the faint quip of a smile to soften the thought as he tugs out the newspaper from the coat pocket he'd stuffed it into.

Bennie jerks, not at the bell above the door, but at the voice of the M.E. as he takes a place at the counter. She's bolted upright, hands going to both sides as if to steady herself on a rocking ship while her brain catches up to where she is. "I'm awake, I'm awake!" Both trying to convince herself and the presumed presence of Gina lingering somewhere nearby. Thankfully, the boss lady is no where to be seen. Once her heart is done thudding so loudly in her ears does she realize that Yule is the reason for her current yank back to the present and the normally massively chipper blonde is pointing her sunglassed face in his direction. "Coffee." It's not an offer to get some for him, she's dragging over a pot to refill her own cup.

"Yeah. Why don't you get us both a cup. My treat." Never mind the fact it wasn't an offer, and that she probably gets to have as much as she wants without paying for it. That paper is unfolded until it's just doubled over. "Your horoscope says you should kick off a new cycle of working interactively," As if that is reason enough to get him a cup of coffee while she's at it as well, "Also says beware the sun, for it is your enemy. Thankfully, that thing never shows up around here." A single finger lifts to tug down the corner of his paper to peer back at the dragging blonde, one dark brow arching upwards as he watches for a few long moments. "So. Was it something horrible or something amazing?"

Bennie drags over another mug and flips it over to set in front of Yule, tipping the carafe to splash coffee into it. She's normally so careful, but a little bit dribbles over the side that she doesn't bother trying to clean up. "I'd ask how you'd know my sign, but in this town?" Bennie says blandly. "You know, I wish I could remember. No. Actually, strike that, I think I'm better off not knowing. S'cuse me a second." Bennie finally is forced to remember that family, just as the father stands and starts waving his hands manically. "WHAT!" She snaps at them, but then he just makes the sign of the check and she begrudgingly brings it over. Certainly won't be getting a tip on that one.

"Matter of deduction," Yule explains anyway as to his fortune telling prowess, or lack there of, "You aren't in high spirits for your day, and work isn't going super easy... and then? I just got lazy and stopped reading the rest." It's an ever so casual tone offered up, calm and languid as if this is all perfectly normal. "Besides, I liked the bit in this one about an invitation to join a charitable endeavor coming your way. And wouldn't you know? The Jello Wrestling Charity Auction is going on. You can bid on gift cards to espresso yourself. Or a home cooked meal. It's kismet." The M.E. doesn't even glance over his shoulder to see that poor family that really, really just wants to get out of here, reaching over instead to pluck out a napkin and mop up the bits of spilled coffee Bennie created.

And does he flick it over to her side of that counter when she's away tending to the family? Of course he does, before he tugs that paper up once more to look over.

Trudge, trudge, trudge. A wild Alexander approaches! He has a plastic wrapped bundle tucked under one arm against the rain, but otherwise looks just about as tired and shlubby as the last time Yule saw him. He ducks inside, pauses on the mat to look around. Eyebrows go up as he spots Yule, and he nods in that direction before skimming past to land on Bennie. He stares at her for a long moment, and his lips twitch in amusement. He slinks to the counter next to Yule, puts the bundle on the counter, careful to avoid the coffee-stained napkin. "Hey," he says. To which one? He does not qualify.

Thankfully the family is leaving cash because Bennie so isn't in the mood to deal with a credit card transaction. She comes back to the counter as Alexander arrives and drapes herself dramatically over the piece of formica in front of him, "My savior." Her arms slide down until they connect with the package and she just pulls it forward and lays her cheek on it like it's a pillow. Only partially hidden beneath the rim of her glasses is a bruise on her cheekbone that looks as if she tried to cover it up at one point, but the concealer and foundation has since gone cakey and flakey. "I don't have any money to spend on charity. I am the charity." She comments to Yule.

"Hey," Comes Yule's comment back towards Alexander, his greeting meant for him or not. His mouth quirks a touch at Bennie's comment back, though his immediate thought isn't fourth coming, instead letting his brown gaze slip over to the bundle put down upon the counter. "Yeah? All right. So tell me about this charity case before me then. And let it be more exciting then you are in debt because you bought way too much alcohol last night." This gets that paper folded back up and over, tucked down on his lap before his fingers pick up that cup of coffee, returning his focus to the other man. "This doesn't have to do with the," Down his hand drifts, patting the pocket of his coat, which may or may not have a decapitated elf head in it.

Alexander grins, briefly, when Bennie drapes herself dramatically on the counter. "I wouldn't go that far. I got the smallest things I could, and they're still gonna be big on you." He tilts his head for a moment, giving the dress a considering and far too frank look. "Girls' night went well, I see." His gaze trips up to rest on what he can see of the bruise, and then his lips thin for a moment. "Maybe too well? What happened?" Because he's never met a nosy question he didn't want to ask. He points at the bruise, helpfully, before looking back to Yule. "Bennie Oakes. One of the nicest paramedics in town. Nicest people in town, honestly." And he shakes his head. "No. Although she did do the foul elfish terror in, because she's also pretty magnificent."

"I'd kindly ask you to sit on that question and rotate." Nicest? Funny Alexander should mention that, because Bennie's lips are firmed at the question about describing her 'charity case' from Yule and that's the response he gets in kind. At least she immediately seems to regret it, because her voice drops to a more humbled grumble to Alexander. "Whatever you brought me is better than this." This being her walk of shame dress she must've rushed out of the house in so she wasn't late for her shift. The question regarding her bruise? Pointedly ignored as she scoops up the package, apparently going to get changed.

"Yeah? A pleasure to meet you, Bennie Oakes. Always a fan of the paramedics and the work they do." A taste of that coffee is had, checking the temperature, before a longer drink comes, and only at the last of Alexander's explination does Yule give a more peering, considerate look towards the woman in question. A warm bit of laughter comes from him, not a bit of offense taken to that pointed volley back. Only when she slips out to change does a low 'mmph' come from him, "Girls night out? That explains it," A beat of a pause, and then a ghost of a frown curls to the corners of his mouth. "When she's back? I'll step out for a bit to see if you can't get your answer about the bruise. Don't imagine, whatever it is, is something she wants to discuss in front of a stranger."

Alexander blinks at her response to Yule, taking a seat at the counter with a thump while he considers her, expression going thinking-blank. "I promise it'll be clean," is all he says, though, as she scoops it up and heads into the back. Once the door has swung closed behind her, his attention turns to Yule. A little shake of his head. "No need. She won't want to discuss it in front of me, either," he says, voice dry. "She's good, though. Not usually telling people to sit and spin, but, I'm guessing that's the hangover. And other things." He looks around at all the bears. "That, or she's been spending too much time around Miss Castro, because that's definitely something she would tell a customer." A grin. "How are you?"

Bennie will discover a pair of Addington High sweats in the bundle - they're clean, even relatively new and not worn down, but hilariously big on her. At least they'll be warm?

"Probably deserved it. Even if she did say she was the charity first," That garners a wry smile from the M.E., that touch of humor resurfacing from Yule for a few moments before he listens. "Maybe both, yeah?" There is just a moment of consideration for the words that there isn't any need, as if he may well give a touch of push back on it, but it's dropped and on he moves towards the more direct question cast his way. "Made a few inquiries. Waiting to hear back. Going to go put in a few bids on this charity event going on. Good cause, and all that. How about you? I'd say you look tired," Down his chin comes, casting the fellow a knowing look, one that says, 'you always look tired, however.'

"Oh, the Kelly jello wrestling?" Alexander laughs under his breath. "That should prove to be amusing. I might go to it. Don't really have much money to spend on auctions, but," a shrug, "you never know. It's good to support local charities, though." An approving nod to Yule. And a wistful look at the coffee pot in the forbidden territory behind the counter. Then a glance back to Yule. "Just be careful. About the inquiries. I don't think this guy plays nice, and he's powerful. If you see anyone looking like what I mentioned, just leave, go somewhere with people who stand out." The commentary about him looking tired is just met with a shrug. "I'm okay."

"Know both of the ones who are wrestling. Good group, and yeah, it's at Kelly's gym. Out on Elm," Yule offers up, before a faint smile curls towards the corners of his mouth. "Proceeds go to a charity that help families deal with the expenses of cancer. Not sure if you remember, but my mom? She passed from breast cancer shortly after I started going to college. Things like this? Can be a huge relief to folks that have to deal with it." A grunt comes from him at that little detour to the man in question, his head dipping into a small, understanding nod. "Yeah. Know the routine. Have no desire to take care of it on my own. If I do happen to see him? I'll let you know, and you can deal with it however you plan to." Read: Yule? Doesn't want to know, just in case said body ends up on his slab at some point.

Alexander's expression gets a little complicated when Yule says 'good group', but after a moment, he allows, "They seem nice. And the charity is a good one. I do remember that. I know that it's hard, especially with a lot of younger siblings." Says the only child. He lets out a sigh of relief when Yule indicates that he understands. "I'd appreciate that. Just keep yourself safe above all. The town is too busy to lose its medical examiner so soon," he adds, voice dry and humor rather black.

Bennie wanders back in from the employees only portion of the Diner, blissfully wrapped in the warm sweats as opposed to her club dress. She's had to roll up the pants and sleeves, and the top is bloused out by the belt of her half apron but it'll do. The sunglasses remain on her face, because seriously, when did it get so bright in here? "I think I'd burn that dress in effigy to the death of my relationship, but that'd be a waste of my sewing skills and some seriously gravity defying shapewear." She seems to feel at least a little bit better, being out of the skin tight clothing, at least enough to offer Clayton a cup off coffee with a silent raise of a clean mug.

"Right? Who'd examine me on such short notice? Probably ship me off to some intern somewhere, mix up my blood with who knows what." Comes his quip back about how his own untimely death would be ever so inconvienent. It's that look he gets from Alexander that has his chin tucking down, "Meant the wrestlers. I remember the Kelly's growing up, though hey, I grew up in the trailer park, yeah? Not exactly the sort of spot the well to do's hang out at. Hell, I /still/ live at the trailer park." Up his cup comes, taking another long drink from his mug, eyes shifting back over to take in Bennie's changes when she reappears.

Alexander looks at Bennie as she returns, staring at her with that flat 'let me crack your skull open' stare. And then he cracks up, laughing with unrestrained amusement about how the blonde looks in the oversized sweats. "You look like the world's most adorable underaged binge drinker, Bennie." At least it's clearly fond? And he recovers pretty fast, especially when coffee is offered. He salutes. "Want me to take the dress and get it dry cleaned? So you don't have to look at it for a while?" Then he takes a sip and eyes Yule. "It's true. It'd be terrible to be examined by an amateur. We need to keep you. Oh - by the way. Bennie, this is Yule Duchannes. We went to high school together. For some bizarre reason, he left a perfectly good city to come be our medical examiner. He's okay."

Bennie gives Alexander the most pointed frowns of all frowns when he starts laughing at her. But for the Blonde that means it's more of a pout than anything. "I guess it's better than looking like a harlot who suddenly decided to sling eggs on the side, because business is Just That Bad." But because it's coming from Alexander, she just ends up smiling slightly and shaking her head. No doubt there is a hidden eye roll behind those dark lenses. "Thanks, but I already have it soaking." She says to the offer of dry cleaning, "You've already done enough."

As she fills a mug for Clayton and slides it over, "Nice to meet you, Yule. Sorry it's under these circumstances. Normally I'm far less inclined to tell people where to shove it. It's this town, I tell you. Sucks you in with a strangle hold. You guys want anything from the kitchen?"

"Speaking of the event, however? I should go take care of a few things before it starts up, if I'm going to make it over to see it." It's a ten that Yule pulls free, tossing it on the counter before sliding from his stool, that gray coat picked up and tossed on. "Good to see you again, Alexander. I'll be in touch." His newspaper is plucked up and stowed away into the pocket of that coat, before a faint smile is cast towards the waitress. "Hey, it's fine. Sounds like it was a rough night. Hope the rest of the day starts looking up for you, yeah?"

"Usually people say that, 'you've done enough' in a much different tone," Alexander muses, although not without self-mocking humor to it. "And I don't mind." He just shakes his head a little at her first remark, and her last. "Can't stay too long." When Yule stands, he watches the man and nods. "And you, Yule. Remember what I said. Don't die." A frown to make it clear that's not a request, before he takes another sip of coffee and turns back to Bennie. And stares at her. Just stares. It's the sort of stare a cop uses in an interrogation room to get someone else to fill the silence.

"Yes, absolutely no dying." Even though she just met the man, Bennie can be vehement about that. But she notices the ten spot on the counter and she's grabbing it with a protest. "Whoa, hey. That's too much. Coffee is like, two bucks." No, she doesn't say the exact amount because sometimes it tends to vary on who your waiter or waitress is. Sometimes, like Clayton's coffee, it forgets to get rung in at all.

"Yeah. No dying," He repeats, but Yule doesn't stop once those words of protest come. They'll figure out what to do with it, one way or another, surely! Out he steps, soon taking the corner around to the parking lot.