Haunted House College AU

[worthallthis]

While the army is covering tuition, it doesn't cover living expenses, and temporary work on-campus is better than temporary work off-campus. So when the drama department managed to raise funds for a haunted house in one of the frat houses, James put on his best "I can kill you with my pinky" look, a shabby suit (shabby is really all he has, so, lucky), and his growing out hair loose around his face and "interviewed" for a spot as in-character for a creepy fucky as possible.

He had to refuse the first offer to be one of the ghosts inside. Dropping the character and donning a slightly sheepish smile, "Really not that keen on jumping out an' scaring people. Especially the ones that get punchy when they're scared." When the interviewer looked at his resume, saw his army tour (the whole "captured and tortured" thing isn't on there, but it doesn't have to be), she just nodded and stuck him at introductions and taking tickets. The pay isn't great, but it'll cover meals for a while.

So he shows up for opening night, gets his face done all pale with stage-make up and his suit a little spruced up with a very fancy shirt underneath from the costume department, and takes in the faces of the other people who'd been brought on.

Comments

[worthallthis]

He snorts a little laugh, letting her steer him, matching her pace. "Chopping vegetables, I bet I'd be good at that." He may not be quite the original flavor, but he's still handy with a knife. "I'll look into it. You work there?"

[shadowsran]

"Mhm! Kitchens mostly, but I might look into picking up space in the cafes. It's nice, you're just doing the same couple things so as long as you keep pace you don't have to focus on too much."

But more importantly - they've arrived. A bell signals their entry, and the interior is fittingly cozy. Varying shades of brown and red, hardwood countertops and tables, yellow lighting. There's a predictable coffee smell, with an undercurrent spice and chocolate.

"You can get whatever, but again, I highly recommend the hot chocolate." The menu, to make up for the size of the place, is surprisingly varied. He's got options.

[worthallthis]

"You're the guide here, I'll take your recommendation," he chuckles, and follows her up to the counter, fishing for his wallet and looking over the options anyway. "You can get it with cinnamon or nutmeg. Huh."

[shadowsran]

"I do both, but I'm a glutton-- half my bill's extras, when we're really getting into winter. I can spot you on this, by the way-- I'm dragging you out, it can be my treat." For politeness' sake she won't fight him, but it hardly feels fair to invite someone out to make them spend their own money.

He's got a moment to deliberate while she gets through her own order, minimal extras for sake of time and not making a sweet tooth look childish.