beautiful distraction

[ecphrasis]

WHO: Molly Hooper & you.
WHERE: Rossum Labs, the clinic, some cafe, and probably on her way home from work at ass o'clock in the morning. Choose something!
WHEN: 20 September, all day and into the wee hours of the morning.
WARNINGS: N/A.
SUMMARY: Derping around like the derp she is.
FORMAT: Quick, for I am lazy and in class. But feel free to change!

[Since Boyd had left, things at work had been crazy. People were rushing around, trying to figure out what to do. Things at the clinic had been better, though. Since there hadn't been any major catastrophes in the City for at least a week, it had mostly been regular clinic duty when she stopped in. And even as customary as it was, she preferred it that way--Molly was a creature of habit, and didn't take well to interruptions of routine.

Places like the cafe close to the clinic that she almost always ate at were a comfort. The streetlight-lit and relatively safe way she took back to the flat at night were equally as comforting. Sherlock and John leaving had been a blow, but she needed to keep her chin up. People came back, and left just as often. So as long as she stayed positive, everything would be alright. Probably.]

Comments

ass o'clock

[motherfucked]

[It's ass o'clock and Jessica is still working, because her job is shitty and involves waiting for people to come out of motels at incriminating hours, because that's where the money is. Some scumbag went in with a woman who was Not His Wife an hour and a half ago, and His Wife had hired Jess to find proof he was cheating.

Her life needed a lot of coffee.

But she had nothing better to do in the meantime than watch the blocks outside, hoping for some decent people-watching, maybe. She wasn't hoping to see some guy shot up with who-knows-what trying to snatch some lady's purse.]

my favorite o'clock

[ecphrasis]

[It had been a long day of cycling patients in and out of the clinic, for check-ups on injuries sustained those few weeks ago. Most of them were healing well enough, but one or two had looked as if they needed just a little extra care. So, of course, the brunette had offered to stay a few extra hours into the night, just in case. She was walking just a little slower than usual, paying less attention than she should have.

So of course, a guy shot up with something did, in fact, choose that moment to try and snatch Molly's purse. Her eyes go wide and she almost loses her grip, but manages to hold on, though he jerks her forward and towards an alley with a grunted word.]

H-help!

[motherfucked]

[Oh, shit, oh shit.

Jess had really quit being a superhero like, years back and she didn't want to get into that spandex stuff ever again. But someone was being fucking robbed in front of her, so, you know, rules meet exceptions. She didn't even have to think about it, yanking on a door handle she forgot was locked and then cursing as she got the damn thing open and ran out.]

Hey, asshole!

[She was running at the mugger and the woman full-tilt, the two of them hanging like one big grey blur in the alleyway twilight. Jessica isn't sure if running at them and cursing is really the best way to take down a mugger, but it's the only fight she knows.]

[ecphrasis]

[Molly hears hey asshole and just freezes, though she doesn't lose her grip on her purse. Was that--oh yes, it was Jess!

Oh no, it was Jess.

She starts to panic. Oh no, she didn't want anyone else getting involved in this. She hates it when other people get hurt, especially people she considers her friends. What is the best way to keep Jess away? She can't think of one. And the mugger is tugging on her purse again because he doesn't think this second woman is a threat, even with her loud words. Molly automatically yanks back, though she sends herself off balance on the way and almost falls down.]

[motherfucked]

[Jess, for her part, is still trying the "charge at them yelling rauughuur!" school of fighting. Molly tugging at her purse might have put her off balance, but it tilted the mugger-guy away, too, which made it easier for Jess to slam into him and pin him to a wall.]

Shit.

[So what should she do now, punch him? Yeah, probably. She held up one fist, threatening. The goon could feel how strong she was, now— maybe he'd do the smart thing, and run away.

The purse was sitting on the ground, now, dropped in the scuffle.]

[ecphrasis]

[Molly throws herself back once she realizes that Jess isn't going to stop. She had no idea what was going through the other woman's head, but she clearly didn't have time to ask.

And then the mugger is against the wall and everything had happened so fast. She's been saved. It was strange to think about. But she's too caught up in being stunned to be thankful, even if she snatches her purse from the concrete and holds it close to her chest. She feels like she should say something, though:]

Y-you've showed him!

[motherfucked]

[Jessica was pretty surprised with this turn of events herself. She never got used to it, doing crap like this, even when crap like this was something she did often. Things moved and it was just instinct guiding her, just rage.]

Fuck yeah, I did.

[It sounds more confident than she feels, even though there's some shake in her voice. She releases the guy, pinned up to the wall, watches him run away.]

I did.

[ecphrasis]

[Molly is left breathless, both from adrenaline and from the pure shock of having Jess come to her rescue. But now she can smile at the goon's back as he runs before turning to her friend.]

That was bloody amazing, Jess! I didn't--how are you so strong?

[Because a small part of Molly was jealous. She'd never been able to do anything like that, and doubted she ever would. But Jess had been fabulous, saving her without even a second thought for herself. It was incredibly admirable.]

[motherfucked]

Radioactive bubblegum.

[But then she realized Molly didn't know. That was so weird, it was usually the first thing that came up about Jessica, the first point of all her interaction. She liked that Molly didn't know, really, and she hadn't realized until just now.]

I used to be a superhero. But I quit.

Le cafe

[centralsgreatest]

[ Wally doesn't need much caffeine, but he can always eat, and he isn't terribly picky as long as it isn't too expensive. In the cafe he orders a smoothie and not one but three delicious looking pastries, two of which he is assured would be much better warmed. Food is one of the few things he's willing to wait for.

Of course, being the social person that he is, he immediately strikes up conversation with the nearest person while he waits. ]

Hey. You come to this place often? I hear good things about their coffee drinks.

[ecphrasis]

[Molly, on the other hand, runs almost exclusively on caffeine and crisps. She had treated herself today with a scone as well, but was waiting for a fresh pot of coffee to be brewed. She had her power, of course, but she always felt a little bit bad not paying for coffee. Only when she had to work late did she actually take advantage of it--or when she was at home.

Luckily, it isn't a godawful hour of the morning so she can actually comprehend that yes, this man is talking to her and she should probably answer. A smile automatically makes its way to her face and she nods, angling herself towards him.]

Almost every day, actually. They have the best coffee in the City, as far as I'm concerned.

[centralsgreatest]

[ He chuckles a little at the response. It looks like he found himself a regular. ] The best? Well darn, I'll have to get some coffee then. Maybe tomorrow morning. You like their mochas too, or are you a black coffee girl?

[ecphrasis]

[He seems incredibly nice, which should have put Molly on edge but instead just makes her smile wider. Jim had been nice. Pink had been even nicer. But neither of them are in her mind right now; this conversation was far too normal to pass up.]

No, mochas are great! And I'm a cream and sugar girl, to be honest. I like sweet things.

[centralsgreatest]

[ He turns to face her properly so they aren't having a conversation sideways, but makes no move to come closer or get in her space. There isn't a threatening bone in his body. ]

There's a relief. I never could get the hang of plain coffee. Now a mocha frappucino, that's more my style. You can't go wrong with chocolate.

[ecphrasis]

[Molly isn't easily threatened if only because she doesn't usually have the good sense to feel threatened. And oh goodness, he liked chocolate too! There was no way he could be a crazy serial killer/consulting criminal if he liked chocolate. She copies his movement, having no problem with maybe being a little late back to her shift. Things were hectic enough that nobody would notice, probably.]

Exactly! If I'm going to drink something to keep me awake, I want it to be sweet.

[centralsgreatest]

Life's too short for bitter drinks. And six AM is way too early not to have something delicious.

[ecphrasis]

[Molly laughs a bit.] Six AM is too early for most anything, but especially bitter coffee.

cafe

[incywincyhero]

[This is one of those evenings that Peter's decided to get his constitutional by walking, not web-slinging. He flows with the rush hour crowd and lets his feet carry him where they will, relying on his spider-sense and lifelong knowledge of the city keep him out of trouble. It's a moving meditation, almost; one in which he doesn't have to think about the half-empty house in Brooklyn, the Porter research that's bound to bite him in the butt sooner or later, the ever-present likelihood that Norman Osborn is getting up to something right under his nose...

Peter's startled out of his reverie by the growl of his stomach, a sudden reminder that he's only had a candy bar to eat since breakfast. The cafe down the block looks as good a prospect as any, and once he's inside, smells even better. He rubs his hands together to ward off the evening chill and moves over to the counter to read the menu.]

[ecphrasis]

[Molly isn't exactly wolfing down a muffin, but it isn't as if she's taking her time, either. She was between shifts, and even though she technically had plenty of time to eat, she didn't like feeling lazy. She's seated near the door, so she does see and watch Peter come inside, but it takes her a few moments to recognize him (she has to wait for him to turn a little, just enough to see at least part of his face). A grin breaks over her lips and she swallows what pastry is in her mouth--it goes down wrong and she takes a moment to cough and hack, but eventually takes a gulp of coffee and manages:]

Peter!

[incywincyhero]

[He turns around.] Molly, hey!

[Peter gives the barista a little wave and nod, indicating he'll be back shortly, then sweeps over to Molly's table and plonks down in the empty seat.] Didn't expect to see you here -- but hey, the clinic's not far, is it? This one of your usual dinnertime haunts?

[ecphrasis]

[Oh, Peter. Someone normal and not psychotic she could talk to. She nods, setting aside her muffin aside so she can focus on her coffee (two cream, two sugar). The baristas that worked during her breaks knew her by face and name, and usually started getting her usual order ready as soon as she walked in the door.]

I come here all the time. It's the best! What about you? Just passing by?

[incywincyhero]

Exploring the neighborhood, yeah. Mind if I join you? Hang on, I'll be right back.

[And he is, with soup, a baguette sandwich, one large coffee and a brownie.] Well, if it tastes as good as it looks, I'm in for a treat. How are you, Molly? It's been a while.

[ecphrasis]

No problem! [She settles in to the rest of her muffin while he's gone, mood significantly improved. She liked Peter--he was interesting and funny. He was easy to be around, which was something Molly really liked.

She nods approvingly at his choice in food and drink.]

Trust me, it does. And I've been alright, just keeping busy with work. What about you? Still taking photographs?

[incywincyhero]

[Chewing thoughtfully.] Yeah, Donna left but City Lights is still going strong, even if I do feel a little weird-- [finally he swallows -- gross, Peter] --as the only staff member old enough to drink -- legally, anyway.

What about you, how're things at the clinic?

[ecphrasis]

[Molly isn't bothered by his manners at all. She was wolfing down her muffin earlier, after all.] Really? How young is the rest of the staff?

[Her eyes light up.] Oh, much better now that the City has been quiet for a few weeks.