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It smells of smoke and gasoline outside the diner Epel's found herself headed to this evening. It's not unusual for Deuce to ask her out for dinner, but it's usually not this late in the day.
Epel guesses work must've run late. She settles into the electric-blue booth-seat of one of the window tables, and asks for two menus from the waitress.
She gives Epel a smile and raised eyebrow. "Waiting for someone?"
Epel smiles back, a little less sincere. "Yeah." She confirms. "A bit later than usual, though. Hope we don't keep you too late."
The waitress laughs her off, and Epel catches a glimpse of her nametag. 'Neige'. It sounds familiar, but Epel can't place where from. It suits her, though.
"It's no problem at all! Take your time, sweetheart." Neige says with a bright smile. Her lips are painted a bright, shocking red that flatters her more than any makeup look Vil's managed to wrangle Epel into. Maybe Epel should take Vil here sometime, see if it gets her to lay off.
"I'll be here all night anyways." Neige continues, plopping a pair of menus down in front of Epel and the empty seat across from her. "Now, don't you hesitate to wave me over if you need anything while you wait, alright?"
"Thanks." Epel says, already more relaxed. As Neige waves and heads back to the kitchen, Epel watches her. The uniforms here are pretty cute, but Epel is mostly impressed she's got heels- however low- in this kind of job. They tip-tap against the tile floors quietly, cherry red as her lipstick.
Epel leans against a hand as she turns her attention to the menu. Girls like that always make her feel a little self conscious- it's not like she wants to be a super girly-girl, but that's what Vil's always saying she should aim for to make it in the modeling industry. Epel doesn't really want to stick to Vils area of expertise, though.
If Epel had it her way, she never would've moved to the city in the first place. But school and then, later, work called, and now she's built a life here. At least she has her friends who get it.
Damn, this place has apple turnovers? It's not going to be as good as back home, but Epel's gotta try.
She's not hungry enough for a full meal, so Epel'll probably just get a side dish.. maybe the hashbrowns? They've got all day and night breakfast here… Epel is definitely coming here again if what she orders this time turns out any good.
As Epel's considering, she hears the sound of a motorcycle engine getting closer, and looks up from her menu and out the window to try and catch glimpse of Deuce. In the dark, it's hard to tell, but Epel thinks she sees a glint of metal and her helmet.
As she pulls into the parking lot, Deuce comes into the light and into a park. She looks good, if tired, as she pulls the helmet off. Epel'll never get tired of watching her tighten her ponytail back up, hair falling over her shoulder as she settles off her bike.
Spread legs, tight jeans, and a varsity jacket… Deuce always looks good, really. Epel would rather get a glance up close, but at least this way Deuce can't call her out for it. Even at this distance, though, it's not subtle how Deuce lights up when she catches glimpse of Epel through the window.
Epel waves, smiling a bit wry.
Deuce is quick to clamber into the diner, a bell ringing sweetly, shortly followed by Neiges chipper greeting. Deuce returns it with an awkward smile, then spots where Epel is sitting and bee-lines over.
"Epel! Did you order already?" She says in lieu of greeting. Epel shakes her head.
"Nah, I just got here myself." Epel drops her menu to lean against her palm, giving Deuce her full focus, watching her friend fluster under the attention.
It's confidence boosting, and Epels smile turns some shade of cocky, the tiniest bit flirtatious.