Tiana Angelique Baker Junior Culinary Arts Major "The evening star is shinin' bright. So make a wish and hold on tight. There's magic in the air tonight, and anything can happen. "
Pfft, how was I supposed to know that’s not what you meant, you Southerners say weird shit sometimes. But cool, since it’s not as gross as I originally thought I can’t wait to try it then. Welp, since yours is the first I’ll be trying it’s number one in my book…mainly because I have no real way of measuring it by anyone else’s standards…but the point is you’re #1 with me always. He’s only nice to you because he likes you…like the ‘I wanna kiss you and do other stuff with you’ kinda’ like, I swear. Mhmm, the hours are actually insane because DJ’s basically a tyrant…and he actually hates the both of us because we’re smarter than him. Whoa, whoa, I totally hear you on the violence isn’t always the answer thing…I’ve been trying to be a better person, it’s just not working. Besides, violence is the more interesting answer. It’s a hell of a lot more effective than that talking it out crap you’re all about. Of course I won. Okaaay, I guess that doesn’t sound that bad, even if the movie is supposed to be about creepy robots and shit. And I never complain about anything ever, hush. I’ll be over in a few.
Well I ain't about to apologize for being Southern, if that's what you're thinkin'. Awwwww! Rita, that was the sweetest thing you've ever said to me. The whole meanie thing you do - I never believed it. Oh...see I had no idea. I just thought...he was being nice because I was. That...clears a lot of things up. Um...it's flatteringly awkward, though. Well, you always told me that everyone is smarter than he is. So...yeah, that's not surprising. And I'm proud of you for trying. HEY! With the right words, you can definitely disarm, I'm a firm believer. I'm glad you showed him who's boss, though. Who's looking at the robots? I won't be. You're a liar, but it's okay, I'll go get the popcorn ready.
It SOUNDS like it. And I need to take you out anyway as a thank you. If you hadn’t gone to this beautiful school, I’d never have looked its way, and lord knows I woulda been stuck going somewhere in Louisiana—not that I would mind so much, but this place is heaven on earth! You always knew how to pick ‘em!
AHHHH!!! I LOVE your desserts! Ooooo you still make that sinfully good molten lava cake thing?????
No need to thank me, sweetpea! But if you insist, thank away. LSU isn't terrible, I heard good things...kinda. Oh I wouldn't go so far to say all that. I just...get lucky at times, and I always pray on it.
But of course I still make it! That one's a little rarer. You can only make those for four to share - max. Can't make them for the bulk of the diner.
OH, that’s what it is? I thought it was like you know…a pie, like the apple kind but with mac and cheese filling. Never mind then. But okay, I’ll trust you on that, you are the best cook ever afterall. You sure? ‘Cause I don’t mind. Yeeep, I thought the day would never come, but he’s being nice and letting me have a few nights off. I think it might have something to do with the fact that I got into a fight with one of the guys at the club who got a little handsy, but I mean whatever, a night off is a night off. Hmm, I guess I can come hang out with you…depends on what you bout to have me doing.
Nooooooo, silly goose! That's actually gross. It's super good, and I don't make it like Auntie Gladys, but mine is totally second. Of course, I'm serious. DJ is always nice to me, but he do be mean to the rest of y'all. I'm glad he decided to play nice though. You and Sadira used to stay stressed with the hours. RITA! What do I be tellin' you about violence? Lemme tell you again - it's not the answer. Did you at least win, because creeps who cop feels should never win. Um...you're going to watch I, Robot with my baby father Will Smith with me. And you're not going to complain and we're gonna eat ice cream.
Oh I love all kinds of things, you know me! Plus I need to get with the island fashion so I don’t look like a fool, boppin’ around in my New Orleans get-up like I rule the world. You should take me shopping sometime, Tia! I bet you know all the places and you always have such a good eye!
Where are you workin’ anyway, sugar?? I gotta go see you!
Of course, of course. I doubt you look a fool. That's practically impossible for you. Yes! I'll definitely take you to all my little spots, and we can catch up on all the things going on, it'll be a good time.
Oh, I work at the Castaway Diner - waitressing, of course. BUT if you do stop by, you must order the dessert of the day. It's always made by yours truly!
Oh my god it so is! I didn’t doubt you for a second when you said this place was paradise, but you know, it’s even more amazing than my fantasies. I am using and abusing that beach, lemme just say. I need to go into the city and find some good shopping, I guess, but I’m so busy soaking up the sun, who has time?
It's actually been a minute since I've found myself at the beach. I'm a terrible excuse of an island dweller. Work's gotta girl's schedule all tied up, you see. Well they do have a few cute little boutiques and things I've visited in town while I've been here. Not sure if they'll live up to your tastes though.
…Macaroni pie? I’m not judging but that sounds…kinda’ gross, Tia. But I’m sorry you missed Mardi Gras, but yeah, you’re definitely gonna’ make it to next year’s one. I’ll even chip in to help get you a plane ticket because I know it’s like…important to you and whatnot. Buuut, I’m doing alright, I’ve got the night off so I’m hype. How ya’ doing?
You ain't never had a macaroni pie before?! Like making it from scratch and putting it in the little tin foil pans so you can bake it in the oven? Oh it's so good, Rita, you're missin' out. I'll make you one, don't you worry. Aww, thank you boo, but you don't gotta, I got this. Ayeee, so DJ finally decided to loosen the reigns on y'all, huh? Which means you can come hang out with meeee!
LOTTIE! How are you, sweet pea? It's been too long, lemme tell you that. Have you been gettin' all acquainted with the island? Isn't it not the most wonderful?
another Mardi Gras missed. I swear on my great auntie Gladys' macaroni pie that I'll make enough money to go next year. Anyways, how are y'all doin' tonight?
I didn’t even know it was possible for people who are constantly doing like a bazillion things to actually be bored. And watching Vines is actually always the better option because at least they’re funny and laughing is apparently good for you and shit, keeps you healthy. But since you want someone to talk to, I might as well provide my services. So heeeeeey, how’ve ya been?
Oh hush. I actually had today off, thank you very much. I coughed yesterday at work and my boss thought I was sick so he forced me to stay home today, so to not taint the food. Plot twist: I'm fine. They really are! Like I watch one, and I'm sittin' in my bed cryin' because I can't stop replayin' it. I'm a mess, it's terrible, and it's all Kovu's fault.
But hiiiiii Sticky. I'm good, classes started so I've been plenty busy. How are you, though?
Because every time boredom strikes, I resort to watchin' them funny vine videos. And it's definitely not healthy with the amount I just watched. So, human contact - I've concluded - is a better alternative. Anyone about to talk to lil' ol' me?
You didn't think your birthday would pass without me doing something special for you, did you? So I put my talents to good use and made you this special cake, it has your name on it and everything! I hope you enjoy it, and your special day, because of all the people I know, you deserve to. And you know I'm not just saying that to say it, I'm saying it because you're probably my closest friend on this island, and I still am unsure how it happened, but I'm so happy it did.
But let me not get sappy on this because I know you'll make fun of me.
not date - when two people go and do date-like activities and one or both have romantic intentions but neither is willing to man up and call it a date.
DISCLAIMER: This is a 100% not date.
Sticky was a home body, anybody that ever came in contact with him would attest to that. It was no secret that he preferred to stay in his room as opposed to go outside and explore all that the island had to offer. That being said it would have shocked all of his friends right to their core to find out that he chose the beach over his bed today, or maybe it wouldn’t have if they knew why he was here. Or, rather /who/ he was here with. Tiana Baker spent 99.9% of her time working, Sticky was damn sure that was an accurate statistic and you can’t try to tell him otherwise. He wasn’t mad about it though, he respected her work ethic, some would even say he admired it. But it hindered her social life and that he just wasn’t okay with; maybe it’s because he was a good friend, or maybe it was a little bit of selfishness -- he couldn’t ever really place the exact reason. And when Sticky proudly declared that he would make Tiana’s life a little less dull, he meant it. It might not have been heart stopping “this day will go down in history” fun but the beach was always a good start, or at least it was as far as he was concerned. “I’ll get it.” he called to Tiana as the beach ball they were tossing towards each other slipped away from his grasp and hurled in the opposite direction. Chasing after the ball as it rolled towards the ocean, Sticky found himself wondering whose dumb idea it was to even play catch -- it was actually his, but whatever, he wasn’t acknowledging that right now. The ball eventually lolled to a stop, with a significant ‘plop’ in the cold ocean water. “Stupid ass ball.” he muttered to himself as he reached down to pick it up. “I got it!” he called to Tiana from where he stood, holding the ball in the air and giving her a thumbs up. As if she couldn’t see that he caught the ball, but that was another thing he wasn’t acknowledging right now. Apparently he also failed to acknowledge the small wave coming towards the shore line as he walked back to his starting point, because when the water slammed against his uncoordinated limbs he managed to lose his footing. Somewhere in between the shiver filled “oh!” that left his lips and the short lived tumble the ball slipped out of his hands too, but that hardly seemed like something he should care about. Instead he focused his attention on the subtle pain in his big toe as his foot slammed against something buried in a small layer of sand. He shouldn’t have been surprised that he’d managed to trip on the beach of all places...he was Sticky Webb, he’d find a way to hurt himself anywhere.
Tiana knew she needed a day off, a day to just do as she pleased as opposed to what was expected or ordered of her. The girl worked practically full time with all the hours she racked up throughout the week on top of her culinary classes during the mornings. She barely found time to sleep or much less socialize with her peers. And if her father could see her now, he'd probably be disappointed that Tiana was falling back into old habits from her high school days. Choosing work over her senior year events like the senior trip. She almost missed her own prom had she not had her Grams to practically push her out the door and into the limo Lottie had gotten for them. But taking a day at the beach was something Tiana could get used to. Being sprawled out on her yellow towel, soaking up the sun her body's been so deprived of, since she spent so much time indoors, was all she dreamed of doing all day. And her company wasn't too shabby at all either. Sticky Webb was a wonderful companion, even though he'd probably deny it if she said so aloud. He was funny and sweet, and endearingly clumsy in a way that Tiana felt the boy needed constant protection. He'd suggested they go and play catch with the beach ball he had brought, and of course, she couldn't say no - even though her catch was just a tad off. The girl wasn't made for athletics, of any kind. When her throw went awry, she watched as the ball slipped through Sticky's fingers and head towards the water. "Sorry!" She yelled towards his back as he trekked after it, feeling that it was probably her fault it got away in the first place. Laughing at his display, Tiana shook her head as Sticky gave her a thumbs up, reluctantly making her give him one back. She found him to be too silly sometimes, and it constantly kept the smile on her face. Tiana's mouth dropped into an 'o' immediately. It was as if the next moments went in slow motion before her eyes. She saw as Sticky's foot caught on something in the sand. She watched as he tumbled to the ground, the ball slipping from his grasp once more. "Oh my goodness, Sticky," exclaimed Tiana as she ran towards him quickly. "Are you okay?" She asked gently, examining him quickly for bruises, before grabbing the ball from the ground. "How did that even happen?" Tia asked more to herself than to him, looking to the space where he fell and began to push the sand around with her fingers. It was when her fingertips hit something hard when she realized this must have been the object he tripped over. Grabbing hold of it and tugging, the girls' face lit up instantly. "It's a shell! Ain't it the prettiest thing?"
Sticky had never really been good at saving himself from an embarrassing moment. Tripping for him always seemed to end either face first or butt collisions with rock hard surfaces, maybe every once in a while he’d get lucky and catch a wall or door frame that’d stop the impending collision with the ground. Today he wasn’t lucky as there was obviously nothing to grab on here, so down he went. Reaching forward Sticky rubbed his toe, annoyance welling up inside him -- annoyance with himself for awkward limbs and eyes that could never see the things that would bring upon moments like these before they happened. His head snapped up as Tiana’s voice drew nearer. Instead of laughing she actually seemed to be genuinely concerned, and Sticky wouldn’t ever deny that this was one of the many things he appreciated about her company. She was probably laughing on the inside, he knew that much, but his well being always seemed to come first in situations like this. “Yeeeah, I’m fine.” he nodded, curling his toes in the damp sand before eventually lifting himself from the ground. “Probably the gentlest fall in my life, so…” he trailed off with a shrug. Lifting his eyebrows at her question Sticky shook his head. “I dunno...gravity got me?” he replied with a laugh, well aware that he had indeed tripped over something but deciding not to look too much into that. Regardless, Kovu was right (he usually was), Sticky’s luck had inevitably run out...he wouldn’t tell him that though. Tiana, however, seemed to be interested in what caused his...downfall, for lack of a better term, as she gently pushed around the sand in search of something. He was about to tell her that she didn’t have to go through the trouble when she produced a seashell, a bright and excited expression on her face as she did so. “Oh,” he smiled, crouching down next to her to get a better look. “that thing is dangerous obviously.” he rolled his eyes jokingly. Lines of coral and terra cotta blended together, making the shell look almost pink-ish in color. “It looks kinda’ cool.” he mused quietly, his hand reaching out to trace the outline of it with his fingers. “Looks like a mollusk shell...I think.” he added for safe measure, because though he had an amicable relationship with Earth Science...it’d been a while since he had to study shell types and their origins.
Tiana felt an ease in her heart hearing that Sticky was okay. Sure, she saw the fall herself and it didn't look to terrible or harmful but that didn't stop that worrying instinct from creeping up the back of her mind. His little joke broke right through her concern, making her laugh. "Well that's good," she commented, bringing her hand to her mouth to cover her laugh. "Now that I know you're alright, I'll admit…it was kinda funny." She laughed again. "No it's not, silly." Shaking her head again as she looked up to him, she denied any danger that the large shell could possibly possess. Tiana then sat up on her knees in the sand, holding the perpetrator in her hands, the large seashell, that caused Sticky's fall. It glistened and gleamed in the suns light, making it look a soft pink in hue. "You think a lil' critter lives in here?" Her large green eyes looked to him again in question as she then eyed the shell curiously. "Should I look? I fell like I'd disturbin' it…if it's in there of course…" She added, with a shrug. "There's probably not." Tiana waved off the silly idea, her excitement bubbling up again. "We should find more, Sticky!" She suggested, bouncing from where she was kneeling down in the sand. "Collect them and stuff. And hope they don't knock you down again," She muttered with a small giggle. "Plus, collecting seashells is such a safe activity. We don't have to worry about you….bein' near death and whatnot." She added with a reassuring rub to his shoulder. "What do you say?"
Sticky shook his head at Tiana’s laughter, mock distaste written all over his features. “There you go, laughing at me again.” he wagged his finger sternly at her, accompanying the motions with a disapproving tsk-ing sound. “It never fails,” it was only a matter of time until his disapproving facade faltered as a quiet chuckle rumbled within his chest. “Uh...yeah it is. Dangerous to me at least.” he crossed his arms in front of his chest defiantly, because as far as he was concerned that thing could have killed him had he been cursed with worse luck. It would have been death by seashell, and that in itself was too tragic for words. “Hmm...probably not,” Sticky titled his head to the side, curiously watching Tia as she looked at the shell. “I think whatever used to live in there is dead and gone by now.” His eyes widened slightly as the excitement in Tiana’s voice hit his ears, but the shock regarding her sudden glee subsided and was replaced with a little joy of his own at seeing her so happy. The smile that reached his own face fell only when Tiana made a quick quip about him tripping over the seashells. Standing up, Sticky used his hands to brush away the sand on his swim trunks before smiling at Tiana. Extending his hand out to her he nodded. “Yeah, we can collect seashells...sounds like it’ll be fun.” Sticky recalls collecting seashells with his parents on those rare beach outings before they got divorced, and he’d always been awful at it but Tiana looked so excited he couldn’t possibly shoot down the idea. “You ever collect seashells before?”
Tiana poked her bottom lip out, pouting that signature pout of hers at Sticky once he looked sternly at her. It always worked on Rita, and she didn't care what anybody said. How could he continue to scold her if she was pouting so cutely? The answer is - he couldn't. But she smiled once again the minute she heard that slight chuckle of his, knowing that even Sticky couldn't stay completely serious for too long. "What isn't dangerous to you, accident man?" She joked, rolling her eyes playfully as she did so. Placing a hand on his crossed arms, she moved to uncross them, because for lack of better words, he was totally being a big baby. "Exactly! Which is why we should find more. They're like…lil' mobile homes. Ain't that just the cutest thing?" mused Tia, as she turned the shell over again to peek inside. Sticky was back on his feet, and Tiana stood also, stifling her laughter as he brushed the sand from his swimming trunks. "Yay!" Tiana cheered, glad that Sticky seemed to be down with her idea. And even if he wasn't, she appreciated that he didn't even seem to show that, which nodded towards his considerate nature that she grew to adore so much. With a slip of her hand into his, and a smile up at the tower of a boy, Tiana dragged him down the shore. "Mhmm," she nodded in response to his question. "We'd go visit some family up in Virginia from time to time. The beach there is wonderful. Crowded…but still wonderful. My grams would collect shells with me, and then she made them into lil' bracelets…sometimes a necklace. Finally she taught me how to do it. I could make you one," She offered with a bright smile. "And I'm not takin' no for an answer. I just…need some string…" Thinking aloud, Tiana brought Sticky to a more shallow end of the water, shells were easier to find there because the tides would bring them up from the ocean floor and wash them up onto the sand. "I think here's a good place to get started."
Sticky hadn't been serious when he was scolding her, but if he had he knew now would be the time for his resolve to dissipate. "Don't pout at me like that," he reached his hand out to gently bop her on the nose. "it's not fair." Maybe it was just something in his kind nature, but he could never really stay mad -- even pretend mad -- at a girl who feigned sadness over it. Frowns and small pouts made something inside him melt and feel remorse for whatever it is he did, and apparently Tiana must have known that was his weakness. Rolling his eyes, Sticky opened his mouth in an attempt to find a clever retort for Tiana's joke but his mind seemed to fail him as he tried to think of things that /weren't/ dangerous for him. "Whatever, accident man is such a lame name," was all he could come up with in the end. "Yeah, I guess...but sometimes the things that live in there don't be cute though." his face scrunched up in disgust as he recalled having studied various sea animals in his science classes. Tiana cheered, and almost naturally, Sticky cheered along with her before her hand found his and she lead the way. He listened attentively as she spoke about her past seashell collecting experiences with her grandmother. Sticky didn't know much about her family, but from what he'd been told they seemed like a tight knit bunch and Tia's relationship with her grandmother was always something he found endearing. "How about I buy the string and you make all the lil' jewelry your heart desires?" he chuckled. Nodding in agreement Sticky looked to Tia as his toes absent mindedly curled in the sand around him, "So, do you and your grams have some secret method I should know about? 'Cause when I was little I just used to...happen upon 'em and it wasn't all that productive." he offered with a shy laugh. "My mom was better at it than I was."
Tiana scrunched up her nose, recoiling slightly as at the soft touch. "Stoooop." She huffed, stomping her foot into the sand. "Well I gotta have somethin', don't I? You got all your height as an advantage, and what about lil' ol' me?" She questioned, crossing her arms over her chest stubbornly. "/That/ isn't fair." Turning his claim right around on him, Tiana quirked a knowing brow in his direction. "So…I gotta use what little I do got." She explained with her nose lifted in the air proudly. "And obviously it worked so…" She trailed off, adding the playful sticking out of her tongue in his direction for good measure. "Aww, it's okay, sweetpea. You don't have to be bitter that you're so accident prone. Just embrace that." She cooed, swinging his hand that she was holding. "Plus, Accident Man is accurate, so I just might keep it." Shrugging, she turned her attention from him, humming a tune to herself as she looked around in the sand. "You'd buy me the string, Sticky Webb, how gentlemanly of you." She said in what she liked to call her southern belle tone, which consisted of drawn out softness in the vowels of her words sprinkled with just enough surprise and a grand gesture of her hand to her heart. "I like to think, if they want to be found, they'll let you…" Optimism laced her every word as she gave a shrug. Sitting in the sand once more, Tiana pulled Sticky to sit with her. "But really, there's no method. We just happened upon them too. It's just a matter of picking the right spot to look that's real important." She explained, digging her fingers into the warm sand. At the mentioning of his mother, Tiana's head perked up. Sure he'd mentioned her a few times before, but they've never really gotten to talk about each other's families. "Well mom's are like…superheroes in their own right. I'm not too surprised she collected seashells better than you." She commented with a soft chuckle, absentmindedly taking the sand around her and forming a mound. "You should tell me more about her." Smiling, she looked up at him, once again, entirely interested in new things he'd have to tell her. A story was never dull when Sticky told it.
Sticky laughed, a single brow quirked as he watched Tiana's dramatic display. He hardly thought his height was some sort of advantage in anything, unless he needed to reach the top shelf of course, but Tia was clearly more than willing to use his genetics against him. He shouldn't have been surprised, she'd use anything against him so long as she proved her point -- and more often than not the point was that she was right. "Oh come on, you're smart and cute as hell, those sound like way better advantages than being tall." he smiled then, reaching his hand out to give her a gentle push if only to watch her defiance falter due to the stumble. "Of course it worked, I'm a sucker for that cute thing you do." Sticky shrugged nonchalantly, the honesty heavy in his words. Shaking his head, he couldn't help but agree because Tia was right, it was a very fitting name for him but like hell would he let her call him that in public. "Accident Man sounds like some whack ass sidekick wanna be though! Like..like he was the nigga who Batman fired before he found Robin." he exclaimed, nodding in advance to confirm that yes, he /did/ just say that, and no he was not ashamed. Looking over to the girl next to him, Sticky snickered shaking his head as her voice took on an entirely different tone with him. "Do people actually talk like that all the time where you're from?" it was an actual question as opposed to the usual joking ones he asked her about her hometown. Nodding affirmatively, Sticky sat down in the sand next to her, busying himself with moving the sand about with his hands in hopes of finding something pretty to share with her. His fingers remained busy and his eyes remained focused on trying to find something in the sand, but he still listened closely to every word Tiana said. Mom's definitely were like superheroes as far as he was concerned, Mrs. Proud being living proof of that fact -- to put up with Penny, the twins and her mess of a husband on a daily basis, Sticky was damn sure she was Wonder Woman on the low. "Uh," Sticky looked up then at Tiana's request, slightly taken aback by the genuine interest in her words and on her face. "there's not really all that much tell, I think." he laughed nervously. "She's really nice and beyond supportive of anything I choose to do, she actually bought me my first keyboard...it was one of those lil' toy ones that play children's songs when you press the keys. When I was a kid she'd let me and Penny put on a little shows for her and stuff, she paid us in candy in cookies back then because we were kids, we'd just buy candy and cookies anyway if she gave us money ya' know?" he chuckled. "I think she's happy I grew up with an affinity for music, because she used to be a ballerina so music was always big for her I guess. And...that's my mom, basically. What about you, what's your mom like? You mostly talk about your grandma so..." he trailed off, hoping he wasn't prying too much into her life.
Tiana felt the heat rise in her cheeks and tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear to busy herself from realizing such a thing was occurring. "You're lucky folk like us don't show blush easily, Sticky." She wagged a finger at him, accusatorially. No, Tiana Baker wasn't just going to melt to a puddle at the compliments of this boy - she was much too dignified for that. She /knew/ she was smart and "cute as hell." But there was not a part of her that could deny that his words easily erupted a swarm of butterflies in her stomach. At his push, she teetered slightly, the smile she tried so hard to hide, breaking out widely on her face once again. "Are you reaaaally?" She questioned, her smile turning mischievous in an instant. "I'll keep that in mind." Humming innocently, she seemingly lost herself in song, but intended to totally used Sticky's weakness to her pout to her advantage in the future. "Stooooop!" Tiana couldn't help but bust out laughing at Sticky's reference to comic book culture. "Well I'm sorry, if you wanna better name, stop having accidents. Or maybe…keep having accidents, then they'll have to replace some of your parts with metal. And then you can be Cyborg, and he's real cool, and he's funny." She nodded, confident in her Teen Titans knowledge. "Oh no no, absolutely not. Maybe…if you're my friend Lottie whose stuck in the 1800's, but other than that we're a pretty normal bunch." she said, with a nonchalant shrug. Tiana tilted her head, interested in what Sticky had to say about his mother. And it warmed her heart to know he had such a support system at home for his musical dreams. "Awww! That is just the cutest! I'm just picturing a little Sticky and little Penny singing songs, aw, I can't!" Tiana covered her face as her smile got so big at the adorable picture her head painted. "Wow? Really? Was she like professional? Like an older Misty Copeland, or…?" Tiana inquired, not having known such a thing about his mom before. "Well my grandmother was who I really spent time with the most. My mom, she's probably the hardest working and strongest woman I know. Grams says I get my work ethic from her." Tiana began with a small chuckle. "When Daddy passed, it was kinda hard. She had to pick up extra slack, which meant more shifts at the hospital, but she never complained." The faucet was turned on and all the information of her family's past just flowed so easily from her lips like water. He made it so easy to talk. "Hey look!" She exclaimed, cutting into what could've been a sad dead end. "Its small…but I found one!" She exclaimed, plucking a small white shell from the sand.
Sticky playfully rolled his eyes at Tiana as she wagged her finger at him. "Why you scolding me like I did something wrong?" he asked with a laugh. He hadn't thought his statement was anything even remotely blush worthy, just him being absolutely honest with her -- she was smart and she was cute, there was no other way around it. But maybe girls' minds worked differently or something, he would never know. Watching as her smile widened, he couldn't deny that nothing would ever be as uplifting as Tiana's smile. It was bright, genuine and just enough to always make Sticky smile with her. "I prooooobably shouldn't have told you that." he concluded, catching sight of the look of mischief that touched her features. If Tiana utilized this new found information about one of his weaknesses she'd be able to talk him into just about anything, and that somehow managed to sound absolutely terrifying. "It's true though!" Sticky shrugged, a small smile breaking through his pseudo irritation with Tiana for laughing at the things he said -- as usual. "Accident Man sounds like a whack superhero, that's that." he huffed jokingly. Tilting his head to the side he weighed the possibility of Tiana's words, being Cyborg /would/ be pretty cool actually... "Cyborg was my favorite anyways so if that were to somehow be possible I'd be hype. Buuut I don't think they have the technology for that yet." He quirked a brow at the mention of her friend named Lottie, deciding to poke a small hole in Tiana's logic. "If you're friends with Lottie that kinda' makes you not normal by default, just saying." Sticky's hands toyed with the sand, small grains slipping through the spaces in between his fingers as he listened to Tiana. He was finding her bright smile a little bit distracting, but in the best way possible though. "Being as recognized and revered as Misty is probably a dream of hers," he chuckled, doing everything to keep himself from sounding sad as he explained. "she was prepping for an audition to play the lead role in Giselle, even though she says she knew she probably wasn't going to get it because yanno...she's black and Giselle is always played by a white woman. But she worked really hard to compensate for that, so it could never be an issue of her skin color as opposed to her talent. And I guess she overworked herself and tore a ligament." he shrugged, hoping to be come across as light as possible. Things finally started to click a little more for Sticky as Tiana explained her own upbringing to him. "I have to agree with your grandma then." he laughed when she spoke about her sharing her mother's work ethic. Tiana never stopped working it seems, and if what she said about her mother was true there was no doubt in his mind that she inherited that from her mother. "Oh," Sticky's smile fell into a small frown at the mention of her father. "I'm so sorry about your Dad...I didn't mean to make...I didn't know so um..." he searched for something comforting to say, or even something stupid to change the topic of conversation. He had no idea her father died and didn't want to make her dwell on the sad subject. "Cool!" Sticky smiled, grateful Tiana had redirected their attention to the task at hand. "What kind do you think it is?" Leaning closer to her to take a look he nudged her with his shoulder. "I told you you'd be better at this than me."
Tiana twisted her lips to the side, thinking. “Because,” she started, “because I can.” She concluded with a confident flip of her hair. Tiana noted that Sticky’s smile was always her favorite, which is why she always tried to make sure he was smiling. There was something about his wide, toothy, grin that she just loved to see. “Sticky Web, what ever do you mean?” She feigned innocence again, placing a hand over her chest. “You’re not…implyin’ that lil ol’ me would use such a thing against you, are you?” Tiana questioned him, downright appall written in her features. “You’re still gonna be Accident Man to me…” She muttered mostly to herself, eyes darting to Sticky to see if he heard her. “Don’t say that, this is the 21st century. They have technology for just about everything now. Don’t sleep on science, Sticky.” There she went scolding him again. Tiana wasn’t sure if she could ever go an entire conversation without scolding Sticky, even in the most light hearted of ways. “Oh hush,” she smacked his shoulder. “I’m normal.” She insisted, raising her nose in the air. As she listened to Sticky speak so highly of his mother, Tiana was amazed, his mother certainly was inspiring on so many levels. Her hands came to cover her mouth when he told her of his mother’s torn ligament. “Oh poor thing. Thats so sad.” She said softly, looking down at the sand. “No no, don’t apologize.” Tiana knew Sticky felt bad for making the conversation veer towards her deceased father. But it wasn’t intentional. Tiana always had found comfort in telling herself her daddy died doing what his duty was to his country. He died doing what he wanted to do, he wanted to fight for them, for other families, for their country’s safety, and he helped. But her transition of topic was much needed. It was getting awkward on both parties to continue talking about parents, but did she regret asking, no. “Sticky, so I /look/ like a marine biologist? I don’t be knowin'. It looks like a baby clam or somethin’."
Sticky rolled his eyes and shook his head in mock annoyance. "That's not a real reason, bye." Crossing his arms across his chest, Sticky noted that Tiana was actually an expert at playing the innocent card. It was something about the sweet nature of her voice and the look of pseudo shock that touched her features, it made her act seem all the more believable. But Sticky knew better. "Well, lil' ol' you is actually pretty mean to me so, yeah, that is what I'm implying." There would never come a day where Sticky didn't tell Tiana that he thought she was evil, the same way he knew there would never be a day where she wouldn't judge him. It was like...the law or something. "Whoa, okay." he laughed nervously "I'm just saying there's no real life Cyborgs walking around but I got it. I won't sleep on science." That was another thing that always happened in conversation, Tia scolding him. But he noticed a while ago that Tiana scolded just about everyone she came in contact with, it was like her thing. "Please," Sticky scoffed holding his hand up to count off names on his fingers as he spoke, "you're friends with Lottie, Kovu, Rita and me. You ain't normal." he shook his head, casualty running off his words as if this were some sort of scientifically proven fact. "Yeah," he nodded, taking note of Tiana's downcast eyes as she commented about his mother's injury. He couldn't help but want to turn the conversation around, he had never intended to make her feel bad it just always seemed to...happen that way. "but she's cool now! Like she's happy so.." This had taken a very abrupt turn for the worst on both their parts, though Sticky was glad he'd gotten to learn just a little bit more about Tiana and her family. "I'm still sorry." he muttered finally, if only to let her know he did in fact care before happily moving on to lighter subject. "You know what Tia, you gon' stop sassing me." he wagged his finger at her, before turning his attention to the round flat figure sitting in the sand a few paces away from them. "Oh, look! I think it's another shell!" he smiled, bringing himself to his feet and holding his hand out for Tia to help her up.
Tiana crossed her arms as well, mirroring his actions. “Don’t ‘bye’ me!” She sassed, narrowing her eyes at him. “Now Sticky,” Tiana began, patronizingly. “We know you like to say you ain’t never tell no lie, buuuut…you’re lying.” She said with a huff. “I’m not even mean to you, I’m the nicest. No one will believe you.” Tilting her head up with a proud smile, she knew her argument had his beat by far. Tiana was not mean to Sticky, per say, she just liked to bug him, especially since he made it so easy for her to do so, it was all genuinely love as far as she was concerned. “But out of all four of y’all, whose the more normal on the spectrum?” She questioned expectantly, with a quirked brow. “That’s right, me,” she said, jutting a thumb at herself to make her point. “Well that good.” Tiana said with a smile, at knowing Sticky’s mother was okay and happy. “She’s really brave, I feel.” She said softly, playing with the tiny shell in her hands. “You need borrow some of that bravery, just sayin’.” She laughed, leaning her head on his shoulder, to tell him in not so many words that she was kidding. “No I ain’t!” Sticking out her tongue, Tiana showed Sticky that he couldn’t boss her around. “I’ll sass you whenever I want.” She said with her hands on her hips.”Really?” Tiana questioned, taken aback at Sticky’s sudden discovery. “Oooh! Let’s go see.” She said excitedly, taking his hand and allowing him to pull her up and take her to where he spotted the shell.
Sticky scoffed at Tiana's argument even though he was well aware she may have a good point. The chances that someone would buy into his complaints about Tia were pretty slim, or maybe even nonexistent. But that wouldn't stop him from telling her she was mean because he liked to watch her pout and argue the point. "All the best villains pretend to be nice, so I'm still not buying it." he pointed out defiantly, if only to wipe the proud smile off her face for a second. "Hmm," Sticky hummed, tilting his head to the side as he pretended to weigh the options given to him. Obviously Tiana /was/ the most normal out of them all, but he wasn't going to give her the satisfaction of knowing that he agreed with her. "Um...probably Kovu, I guess." he shrugged finally. Sticky nodded, laughing quietly as Tia declared that he should borrow some of his mother's bravery. He knew she was only joking but some small part of him knew there was some truth to her words, whether Tiana was aware of that or not. "Nope." Sticky shook his head at her before continuing, "you're not allowed to sass me anymore. You can only sass me once a day now, it's my new rule." There was a certain level of excitement pulsing through Sticky as he lead Tiana over to the coral colored shell that he spotted. The sunlight continued to reflect off the shell's surface making it slightly easier to keep his eye on it so he wouldn't forget where exactly it was, even though it wasn't too far from where they had been sitting. "Look," he smiled, happy that he was able to actually contribute something to their seashell search. "it's kinda' big." he noted while reaching down to pick up the curved shell. Something in the back of his mind told him that the shell was a little /too/ big to just be an average seashell, but he neglected that quiet voice primarily because he was no science expert. He hadn't even really gotten the shell off the sand before abruptly dropping it back where he'd found it, an unnescarily loud "oh shit" filling the air. "We should probably...get out of here," his voice remained low as he instinctively took two steps away from the shell. "because I'm pretty sure shells aren't supposed to have legs...or scary ass eyes. Right?" Sticky looked to Tiana for confirmation as spotted legs and pinchers emerged from underneath the shell, similarly colored antennae emerging soon after. It wasn't until a pair of beady black eyes locked on him that he realized he probably should have seen this coming. Who else would disturb a hermit crab while seashell hunting? The answer was simple, no one other than Sticky Webb.
Yeah, yeah, yeah. Everyone else is here to get an education too and they still manage to have a lot of fun so you need a new excuse. It’s a gift in my eyes, it comes in handy more often than you’d think. Youuu go ahead and do that, I’ll be over here…not giving a fuck. Okay fine, I won’t laugh at you while you’re around. Is that better? Oh yeah! I’ve got nothing but faith in you hun. …It better not be me, just saying.
Oh goodBYE, Rita, leave me alone. It's my excuse and I'm sticking to it. Knowing ahead of time that someone's dumb comes in handy? That's...interestin'. Woooow. You could at least pretend to be totally interested, it doesn't hurt my feelings or anythin'. NO. It's not better, I know you're still laughing! Rude. Nah, it's not even you, you're probably second on my list.
I swear, you’re always working or doing something school related. You’re like the most responsible person I’ve ever met, it sickens me. Nuh-uh, I have yet to be wrong about a person’s level of stupidity and Djali…whatever the fuck his last name is will not be the one to screw with my record. I know you do and you know that I still think you should stop doing that, but you go ahead and be all kind. When you’re wrong I’m just gonna’ laugh about it, so whatever. It is, and he’s gonna’ have to deal with it cause it’s gonna stay like that for a whiiile. And whenever he’s doing that thing he likes to call flirting I’ma show the girls his computer. Haha, well you’re making progress, soon enough you’ll be able to actually intimidate other people.
Well I'm sorry I'm at school to get an education, Rita. The fact that you can spot a person's stupidity, I'm not sure if that's an amazing talent, or somethin' I should be worried about. I think I'll just keep being kind, thanks. Collect good karma, yanno? That's so rude, you shouldn't laugh at your friends, you should laugh with them. Hahah, that'll really stick in his craw. You really think I'll be able to?! No way! And I know exactly who Ima intimidate first.
TIA! How are ya? Honestly, I’m surprised he’s smart enough to know better than to keep the really wild stuff in his office. I was hoping to find some shit I can use as blackmail, but he’s clean…for now. Sweetie, you ain’t gotta’ sugar coat it, DJ’s dumb, it’s okay you can say it out loud. Lord knows I do all the time. Oooh yes! We can make everything pink and sparkly, put pictures of furry animals as his screensaver. That’s a brilliant idea, I’m proud of youuuuu.
Hiya, sweetpea! I'm gooooood. Just finished some homework, normal Tia things. I'm just as surprised as you, though. Maybe he's not as dumb as you'd like to think. He's got some degree of decency, I guess. You know I be tryin' to give him the benefit of the doubt, Rita. Yaaaaay! His computer's gonna be the cutest! Plus, knowin' you're prouda' me is definitely an accomplishment.
and like any good employee I took this as my opportunity to snoop through my boss’s shit. Let it be known that DJ’s password for his computer is too easy. Anyways I ain’t got shit to do for about an hour or so and I’m clearly bored as hell. What’s up Elias, what y’all doing tonight?
I'm more surprised that you didn't snoop and find somethin' to scar you for life. But regardless, DJ's a um....more simple character. Hence, a simple password, right? Obviously, you need tell your good friend Tia his password so we can make all his stuff pink and adorable.
