Drinkin' in the small town firelight
˚₊‧꒰ა🍂🍁🧡 ໒꒱ ‧₊
The morning after Noel’s sudden arrival was strange, to say the least. Ava had spent the night trying to make sense of what had happened. Was the girl from another realm? A Daemos, whatever that meant? The magic she felt radiating from Noel was unlike anything she’d ever encountered, and yet, she couldn't help but feel like there was something... endearing about her.
She had convinced herself that it was probably a fluke, that maybe she was dreaming, and that if she woke up tomorrow, the whole thing would be some bizarre, half-remembered fantasy. But, as the sun streamed through her bedroom window and she stretched out in bed, one thought was clear: Noel was still there, standing out in the living room, probably doing something totally weird. Ava couldn’t help but grin.
She dragged herself out of bed, still half-dazed from sleep, and shuffled into the kitchen. There, she found Noel perched on the couch, her apricot-colored hair slightly tousled, and a curious gleam in her marigold eyes. She was staring intently at the television screen like it held the answers to the universe.
Ava paused in the doorway, frowning slightly. “You’re... watching TV?”
Noel turned her head toward her, her eyes lighting up with interest. “Yes. This... this 'moving picture box' is fascinating. The images come to life! It is a strange form of magic, isn’t it?” She squinted at the screen. “But the creatures are... odd. The proportions are all wrong. Is this... how other humans look?”
Ava rubbed her forehead. She should’ve expected something like that. “That’s... a cartoon. They’re just drawings, Noel.”
“Oh...” Noel blinked, looking back at the screen with renewed interest. “So they are not real?”
“Not unless you count the voices and the animation... but, yeah. They’re not real.” Ava shrugged, deciding to drop it. “So, how’s the couch? Comfortable?”
“Comfortable enough, though... I would prefer a bed,” Noel said, her tone casual. “This ‘sleeping’ thing is curious. My body required it last night, and I found it... strange but necessary.”
“Yeah, that's the usual way,” Ava replied, moving to the counter to start making her morning coffee. “You’ve probably never had to sleep before, huh?”
Noel tilted her head slightly, as though the idea was new to her. “I do not remember needing to sleep everyday in Daemos, usually it's once every two or five days. But here... I feel the need to rest.” She paused, then added, “The food, too. The energy here is weak, and I required sustenance.”
“Yeah, I got you some takeout last night,” Ava said, gesturing to the empty containers on the kitchen counter. “You seemed pretty hungry. That’s not exactly gourmet, but... it works.”
Noel’s face lit up at the mention of food. “It was delicious. I have never tasted something like that in my world. I must know... do humans have more of this food? I would like to try it again.”
Ava couldn’t help but smile at the way Noel’s eyes sparkled when she talked about food. It was cute. Too cute. She quickly turned toward the coffee machine to hide the heat rising in her cheeks. “I can get you food whenever you want, but you don’t have to keep asking. I’m not trying to make you feel like you owe me or anything.”
Noel observed her, as if trying to gauge her sincerity. “But I should offer something in return,” she said, her voice firm. “It is customary. I cannot accept charity.”
Ava shook her head quickly, trying to brush off the awkwardness. “No, no! You don’t owe me anything, seriously. I’m just helping you out until you figure things out. It’s not a big deal.” She placed the coffee cup to her lips and took a sip, trying to act cool. “It’s not like I’m expecting any... repayment or whatever.”
Noel raised an eyebrow, the intensity in her gaze making Ava squirm just a little. “I am in your debt, are I not? You gave me shelter and nourishment, and I do not wish to leave you with an unbalanced debt. That would be... wrong.”
Ava gave a small laugh, though it sounded a little too nervous even to her own ears. “This isn’t charity, okay? I’m just... helping you out, that’s all.”
“Well, then I will... assist you,” Noel declared, standing up with an air of determination. “I will find a way to repay you.”
Ava blinked in surprise as Noel practically floated across the room with an intensity that was both hilarious and a bit intimidating. “What are you—wait, you’re not... trying to pay me back with magic or something, right?”
“No,” Noel said, looking almost insulted. “I do not know any magic that would be useful here. But... I could cook for you, if you wish. I have experience in preparing meals, although the ingredients here may differ from what I am used to.” She looked at the kitchen, her eyes scanning the cabinets. “I would start with something simple.”
Ava felt a sudden surge of warmth at the thought of Noel cooking for her. That would be... cute. Really cute. And possibly delicious. “I don’t need you to cook for me,” she said quickly, hoping she didn’t sound too flustered. “But... I wouldn’t mind hanging out while you figure things out.”
Noel didn’t seem to pick up on Ava’s internal fluster, her expression a bit too focused as she continued her inspection of the kitchen. “Humans enjoy food. I can tell. It seems important.” She turned back to Ava, her eyes narrowing. “And I suspect you would appreciate it if I could make you something... for helping me.”
Ava rubbed the back of her neck, trying to keep the blush from showing. “Okay, okay, you can cook if you want to. But really, I’m not expecting anything in return. Just... enjoy the space and relax.”
Noel’s lips twitched into a smile, but she didn’t say anything more. Instead, she started to examine the kitchen with newfound curiosity, pulling open drawers and cabinets with the confidence of someone who’d never seen a stove before—but had no hesitation in figuring it out.
Ava stood in the doorway, watching Noel’s antics with a soft smile. She didn’t know why, but the sight of Noel trying to navigate the simple task of making breakfast—and the focused, almost childlike way she went about it—was oddly heartwarming. It made Ava’s chest tighten in a way she couldn’t quite explain.
She shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. “Okay, okay. If you’re going to do this, at least let me help, okay?”
Noel turned and looked at her, the soft smile still on her face. “I would appreciate that Ava.”
Ava felt the heat in her cheeks rise again. “Yeah. Ava. It’s nice to have a name attached to... well, you.”
As Noel gathered the ingredients and Ava found herself caught up in the chaos of teaching her how to cook with Earth’s strange utensils, the feeling of something unexpected blossomed in Ava’s chest. A tiny, uncontrollable feeling that was both sweet and confusing.
It wasn’t just about helping her get home anymore. Something else was happening. And as much as Ava tried to ignore it, she couldn’t stop herself from thinking that maybe... just maybe... this was the beginning of something strange and wonderful.
˚₊‧꒰ა🍂🍁🧡 ໒꒱ ‧₊