Just another Day [Harriet/Invite]

[Deleted]

It was the weekend, school was out, and, as usual, Jordan was alone. He wished he could have friends, but it was too dangerous. He didn't want to risk any relationships that might draw Scourge out if only to screw up his life some more. He watched the snow fall outside from his window, and pondered some sort of activity. He wasn't the type to join in snow ball fights or build snow men. In fact, he wasn't really the type for anything. Some even called him a sociopath. Wasn't he? Jordan sighed and shifted his gaze to the ceiling. He'd been laying in bed for about a half hour now, bored and with no one to talk to. No one to hang out with. He was the weird kid, after all. They boy that cut himself. The terrorist. That was what they called him at school. Bastards, they didn't understand anything. They never would.

If only he could find someone who did. Was there anyone out there he could trust to tell? Was there anyone out there willing to help? No, probably not. Jordan knew, the world was cruel. If he ever told anyone, he'd probably be scorned and laughed at, or dissected like a frog. He'd be hated, he be a monster, not that he wasn't one already. But it was better to be a monster no one knew about then a monster everyone feared. Jordan knew, one day, it wouldn't matter. Scourge would take control, he'd do something everyone knew about. He'd been lucky this far, despite his paranoia. But luck always ran out. No doubt his would soon.

Jordan didn't fancy prison very much. In fact, it terrified him. It was a place filled with people that wanted to kill. People that weren't afraid of themselves. But Blackgate could hardly terrify him more then the hell of Gotham itself, Arkham Asylum. Of course, Jordan was rather mental. Who wouldn't be, in his position? He had two seperste personalities, he heard voices, evil voices. He killed. Every night, he saw bloody faces swimming in his dreams, and he feared them. Woke up in sweat and tears. And he was getting worse. But surely Jordan wasn't so insane, they'd stick him there for life? Inwardly, he shivered, despite the warmth of his room. He had ti get out, go some where, or he felt he'd explode.

Jordan groaned, rising from his bed to burst from his room and out the door. In a few minuits, he was out in the snow. He decided he'd head toward a decent Cafe he remembered from a few days ago, their hot chocolate was refreshing. Jordan checked his back pocket to make sure he had his wallet, and set off at a jog to clear his mind. It didn't take him long since he knew where to go, and walked right inside to enjoy the famillier atmosphere of quiet chatter and the smell of baked sweets. It was the only thing that brought a smile to his face in a while, and Jordan approached the counter to await service. He'd be getting hot chocolate again, for sure.

[hari]

After what seemed like very slow days. Since tragic hit where Harriet worked and half lived at. It had taken a slow process in cleaning up the place, but mostly was intact at this point. Although the echoes. The remaining sounds crept their way in a little. Just faint reminder, that her uncle had fallen within the kitchen she had barely gotten to know. Now she was left with more of the responsibility, which never really shook her. Harriet could cope with more than she would ever admit too. One just couldn't complain, but Dean. Her brother had come for some help and mostly for company. Mostly Harriet knew for protection. Of course and Harriet wasn't so quick to complain about that. Defiantly hairs on her arms just a little. Things. Now seemed calmer. Whiter. Given the extra layering of snow blanketing the ground as Harriet took a stroll back to the cafe. She had just left the hospital to check up on her mother. Her brother had taken to opening the shop, but Harriet was certain to take over the work as soon as she got back. Of course sometimes in the more quieter moments, despite the general sounds of the city. Harriet could just be. Hugging her blue coat closer at her neck. Felt cosy within her white scarf. On her way back only managing to slip over once in the snow.

Brushing the snow that was loving to stick to the fabric as pushed through the Cafe door. With that natural release of comfort as one reached a heated room. The smell of baked goods… Now that never got old, Harriet could hardly imagine living without it. But her hand steadied slowly shutting the door and taking her scarf off. As her green eyes could almost see how the place was before. Her uncle lying just footsteps away, with a breath she continued unbuttoning her coat and placed them on a coat rack. On her way grabbed am apron and tied it around her waist. Flatting it down a little with her hands. After a warm smile and greet with her brother. Assuring him, she will be fine today. He was needed back home and he had done more than enough. Leaving Harriet to herself to keep the cafe running today. It was a saturday so it usually wasn't too busy, least not in the winter, but Harriet was used to busy. Least for now. It was quiet. Just a couple of costumers. As Harriet set herself in the kitchen and spooned some stew into bowls for some costumers. Then there came the bell at the door. Another costumer. Harriet warmly smiled as she had taken the plates in hand. Surprisingly despite her slight knack at being clumsy, she was usually good at balancing plates. Perhaps it was the focus. "Excuse me, Sir. I'll be right with you." Harriet politely and softly expressed to the young man with the warm smile. Taking the green bowls to a couple beside the front window and placed the bowls with the chicken stew before them. It was quite simple, but comforting recipe. Quite rustic as few would comment, topped with the little touch of tiny purple flowers, to give that little extra devotion. "Here you are… Is there anything else I can get you?" Harriet asked politely, but they assured her they were good for now. Harriet smiled with a comforting nod. "Enjoy! Let me know if you need anything." Harriet then left the table and returned to behind the counter. With a little brushing her hands, just a healthy habit if anything. Brushing a few hairs behind her ear, that was maybe not as healthy of habit. Her hair which was casually, morally tied up in the back. She wasn't any style queen. She was just Harriet. "Its a pleasure to see you again… What would you like today, sir? If your interested in the specials. Today is a chicken stew and a plum tart." Harriet kindly greeted the boy, in her pink knitted jumper and jeans. Although she wasn't sure she caught his name, but she was polite enough. He seemed the friendly kind and familiar enough that she could recall him from a few days ago. With a job like this or perhaps it was Harriet that you get good at remembering faces.

[Deleted]

Jordan really did enjoy it in the light hearted cafe, it's warm atmosphere bringing calm feelings, and quite chatter relaxed his tensed form. Though it was still quite obvious that something was bothering him. He plucked a tissue from his pocket and swiped it across his runny, red nose, hoping he hadn't caught some kind of cold, and watched with glimmering eyes as Harriet moved through the crowd, serving as she went. It was nice to see someone working hard for their living, instead of stealing or murderering, or worse. It seemed like a decent little business she had going. It looked honest.

Honesty was a rare thing in Gotham, as was honor and respect. Most of the city officials were corrupt, tainted by rogues and cime. It seemed the only ones willing to fight were the men that put their lives on the line nearly every night. Batman, Robin. Then he remembered, the vigilantes were likely no friend of his. Scourge had taken over and attacked Robin, intent on killing him. There were others, too, but many he hadn't known. Nontheless, they'd all be hunting him. Perhaps, he was lucky. Perhaps, they hadn't gotten a good look at him. It had been a few weeks after all, and nothing terrible had happened. Though he barricaded his window at night and locked the door, obviously paranoid.

Of course, there was that incident when he had sighted the Joker, passed on a few unhappy words, and then took off the moment he was sure he could. Now, there was a man that Jordan was sure knew his real face. Heck, probably his name, address, and school too. Joker wasn't the man you wanted to mess with. He'd find you. He'd probably kill you. Or worse, and there were many things worse then death, Jordan knew. He was experianced in the feeling.As Harriet returned to the counter, he put on a light smile and tried to clean up his face, pulling a few bucks from his wallet and placing them lightly on the counter. "Just a small hot chocolate." He replied calmly, his voice still shaky from the cold.

[hari]

It was the cosy. Warm lit cafe. It did have the homely feeling. That Harriet was generally more use to than, then typical gloomy. Dark that seem to engulf this city. Mostly at night. Well almost, but a part from her personal incident. Harriet hadn't the express with any of the other nasties in the city. Perhaps a little in denial, but she simple. Shy girl anyways. A lot of things seemed bigger in this world. Having recently turned 18, she certainly carried some maturity, but a lot of innocences. Hard to shake. With her mother as a key focus, a lot of things took a back seat. Or completely out of view. Until the kind. Sweet looking boy came visiting again. There was a shyness in him. Was he really alone? Somewhere in the back of her mind or a section of her heart. Cared to know. As after her warm greeting and she was still smiling. Least a familiar face. Maybe soon, she would be gifted with a name, but it seemed particularly rude just to ask. As she stood calmly behind the counter. There was some sort of shield feeling with having it there. Harriet just felt safer… Followed to the coins, before trailing back to his sweet innocent face. "Certainly, one small hot chocolate… The table by the fireplace is free if you'd care for more warmth… I… It won't too long… And I'll bring it out you." Harriet responded happily as she keyed in the digits into the register. The draw popped open with a simple click and Harriet politely took the coins. With a simple pause, she kindly pointed out a spot by the fireplace. From the sounds of the chilled tone from his voice. He could probably do with a little extra warmth. Don't want him getting sick. Shutting the draw. Her fingers clutched lightly still at the corners. With her own shyness peaking through, but in these situation she was usually better at. Though her clumsy nature always managed to come in some way.

Shortly after Harriet stepped away from the register. Of course where the boy sat was purely up to him. It wasn't overly packed. Harriet then moved over to the coffee machine. Which also helped in making the hot chocolate. Pulling out a simple decorative plate. Cup on top. She began making the hot chocolate. It was a little the general recipe. Only it had a thick glossy chocolate coat to it. Just telling there was a real chocolate kick to it. With steam and the general humming noise. After the click. Began the pouring of the glossy chocolate liquid into the cut. Steaming, but it wasn't too hot that it would burn badly, just at the right temperature. Harriet was sure. As it came nearer to the rim, she stopped pouring and sprinkled a tiny hint of cayenne pepper. Not to much to be at all over powering, but a little kick. Of course. To really warm the heart. Given the festive time of all things love… Harriet had made a few things valentine's related. Macarons being one of them. As a special little something to go along with the chocolate. Freely. of course. Pink was the colour. Inside and outside. With a little raspberry heart inside each macaron, whilst surrounding the outside like a band were more, yet tinier hearts of red and pink that matched the overall pinkness of the macaron. It was maybe a little too girly of a touch, but they still tasted good. Much like a taste of love. Like a comforting hug from a mother. As Harriet with care placed a few upon their own separate plate. With both plates now in either hand. Done within a decent amount of time. She brought them to the boy's table. "Here we are, sir… These are just a little something to go with the hot chocolate… You sure there isn't anything else I can get you?" Harriet spoke sweetly mixed with the touch of her brazilian accent in relations to the hot chocolate and macarons. Her green eyes kindly brushed over his, she generally didn't stare long. Although occasionally when she hadn't overly realised. Another intended look of care as she wanted to check that was all. He wasn't maybe a little hunger. Not that she trying to force him. By any means. She did from time to time. Give things freely. Having made most if not everything in the cafe, it allowed more for that to happen. It was nice when customers were happy.

[Deleted]

Table by the fireplace? His forced grin was wiped by something a bit more genuine. That would be nice. Jordan turned to look and saw it almost immediatly, striding over with an excited haste and pulling his chair as close to the fire as he could. For the first time in a while, he was finally able to just sit back, close his eyes, and relax. They welcome atmosphere sent a wave of peace over the boy, and he sighed his gratitude. After a moment, he peeled the lids open with the heat of the fire caressing his back, and glanced over at Harriet with his piercing blue eyes.

She was pretty. Really pretty. And she looked young to. Young enough for me. Jordan mused. Then he tensed with a mental curse. No! He snapped at himself. He wasn't allowed to have relationships. He wasn't allowed to love or care about anybody. He had to stay away, for their safety, and for his own safety. Scourge would come out and rip them to pieces, tear his heart out and mock him for even trying to have a life. Then he'd definetly go to prison. Maybe forever. They'd hunt him down, Batman and all the rest. They'd make him suffer.

Scourge would like that. He'd probably laugh, and dissapear, leaving Jordan to his misery. I'm just a slave. Jordan sighed again, but this time, it was a more depressed sound. His gaze flitted up again, depressed, and noticed Harriet approaching his table with two plates in hand. The chocolate aroma was enticing. Jordan tried to smile again, but it didn't come out very well. He looked at the macarons, and then up at Harriet. Her eyes passed gently over his, glittering with the light of the fire.

"No...thanks." He replied, wrapping his hand around his warm cup of hot choclate and glaring at it for a bit, steamy tendrils brushing his face. After a moment, he took a sip and gave an appraising hum of recognition at it's taste. The fire warmed him on the outside, and the chocolate warmed him on the inside. His fingers didn't sting so much, and he was thankful for that. "My name's Jordan, by the way." The words slipped unchecked from his mouth. His eyes widened a bit and he blushed slightly. Hopefully, she wouldn't take that as awkwardly as Jordan would.

[hari]

It was quite endearing how the boy lit up from Harriet mentioning about the fireplace in the corner. The poor boy must have been so distracted by the sound and perhaps even near the frost bite feeling to have seen the warm orange. With a little yellow and red, dancing around so wonderfully in the corner. Beautifully Harriet could add. Harriet couldn't contain a sweet. Yet humble smile as in seconds. Perhaps it had been sooner, although in not in a great deal of rudeness. He was of course permitted to be youthful. Harriet felt oddly like the old hen more than felt her youth, but then moments she certainly is reminded. Though it was heart warming to see such genuine happiness, she was hoping a little from the spirit of the Cafe itself. What it brought. Whether a touch from her uncle or hopefully satisfaction of a happy customer. She was a little to humble to simply put her hand up. With especially always there was need to do more or least she wished she could. Moments hadn't been spent to much in the kitchen. His order had been simple. Innocence certainly seemed to surround him, but her naturally shyness didn't allow her with to much judgement. Especially with her kind heart along with it.

As Harriet approached if there had been eyes upon her. Watching her. Harriet hadn't taken a great deal of notice. Maybe a glance, but eyes upon her generally caused her own to look elsewhere, why would she be the centre of anyone's attention? She was just Harriet. Anything more creeped her out a little, though giving more was always something she thrived for. it just didn't feel right if she wasn't working. Doing what little she felt she was doing and always wanting to do more…. Love. Now that was on the tip of nearly anyones tongue and probably many young girls. It certainly had sprung in little waves for Harriet, but much she didn't know. Also much she didn't think she was ready for and given her responsibilities. Love seemed a selfish thing to do more than desire it, least for now. Though with our innocent she was, there was no telling how easily tripped over she could be, but she would imagine her stubbornness wouldn't be easy to push over. Danger was something Harriet defiantly sort to stay clear of, but her clumsy self would probably fall victim. She really couldn't be entirely helpless, she did not like others having to worry about her. That was why she was baker. The cook. The waitress. Which ever you'd like to put on her now. Why the boy was the costumer. Of course as well as being a very innocent so far seemingly kind boy.

Politely and sweetly. Harriet offered a simple yet sincere nod in response to his own polite no. It was always a good thing to check and make sure. As very faintly had caught his smile, as awkward as it was for Harriet to be more personal than she could be. There was a sort of code with people, not that she genuinely meant what she said, but it just made it easier. It was hard to say what she was then more afraid of, whether she'd offend or just say something completely wrong. Neither was her intension. With what moments allowed Harriet to linger. Watching the boy enjoying the smell along with all the other pleasant sensation. Was defiantly warming her heart. Always sweet to see a happy. Satisfied costumer. Now she was no wonder woman, but she liked to help in anyway she could. Harriet even expressed a deeper smile at the sound of his sigh. Even expressing her own simple breath, perhaps a hint of a laugh, but not at him, just from him enjoying it… Before her eyes uncomfortably darted in her feeling the exit mode. Casually and slowly moved over to the fire. Least she was doing something than just standing there and not hopefully being in another's space that didn't want it. Taking the iron rod, poked a little at the beastly fire in the fire place. It was lovely reminder of home. Although not as country or as inviting as that fireplace, but never the less it was still a little bit of home. So it wasn't completely hard for her to handle, although her brother Dean was much better at talking to fires than she was. With initial stand off, because getting burnt wasn't high on her list.

That was when the voice came. Her hand halted for a moment with a little unease. As did her eyes widen and look around at the flames with a little confusion. Before swallowing the lump in her throat. To not be rude for the sake of her nerves. As she kindly motioned to face the boy… Who she now knew to be Jordan! How about that. Harriet thought kindly. Perhaps more braver than she thought previously and possibly more braver than herself. Her hand faintly shook as she placed the iron rod back on the rack. "I.. I'm Harriet… Its a pleasure to meet you… Jordan!" Harriet with her soft brazilian voice, her green eyes looking up enough for his direction, but not long directly. As nervously motioned back to his table. Extended a simple, gesture of her hand. Her eyes lit up with a little more warmth in her sweet nature as she repeated his name, in hoping she hadn't forgotten it so quick nor pronounced it incorrectly. "So.. do you… live around here?" Harriet in her own kind search for words. As Jordan had been so nice in extending his name and so forth. It seemed only polite to extend something back. Of course curiously asking in a caring way, in hopes jordan lived close enough by. So he didn't have to go out in the cold again for a great deal of time. Which of course encourage him to stay however long, he wished to and so desired.