3.8--This Modern Love

After spending the last week sleeping in and being generally lazy, Cedric and Harper realize that their funds are quickly running out.  Harper's guitar playing on street corners and Uther's after school job at the bookstore aren't bringing in enough money for them to eat and pay the rent.


Harper knows where she's going to apply; the theater.  She read in the paper of some local bands hiring for "talent" (which she knew was code for lackey or gaffer), but it might help her make her mark in the business. So she sucks up her pride and pretends to be a congenial person for the sake of the interview.

Cedric's choice of career is simply picked as a last resort.  He searched mercilessly and asked around for any openings in the fire station, but they were full up.  Unfortunately for him, the only other option that he's most qualified for and offers the most stability is the Military.  After a long and very morbid introspection (one which Cedric was bored with before it even started), he decides to take the job.  His inner-hippie is going to loathe every minute of it.


Is it me or does Cedric look fat-faced here? 0_0

Harper and Cedric still haven't moved their relationship forward.  Cedric is afraid of pushing her away if he's too aggressive and Harper is terrified of entering a relationship period; but the former has met his breaking point.  He doesn't want to be just friends any longer and if that means being repeatedly rejected until he gets what he wants, well... he's marginally ready for it.


So one night while Harper practices a few songs, Cedric blurts a nervous; "Do you want to go on a date with me?" He feels like he is back in high school.  If this were anyone else, he'd think the awkwardness of this situation was comedy gold.


Harper puts her guitar down and stares at Cedric. "Are you sure you want to go there with me? I mean... when I kissed you last week; I wasn't trying to push you into anything, so don't feel obligated. Plus, I'm not entirely sure that life with me will be 'normal' or 'stable,' given who I'm related to."

"Normalcy and stability are boring.  I want you."


Harper blushes. "Well, when you put it that way..."

- DATE MONTAGE -

Before she knows it, Harper is quickly becoming one of those love-struck idiots she used to make fun of.  She doesn't mind; Harper's already aware she's a hypocrite.

Despite this being her first time, Harper's not shy when leading Cedric to her bed...

...Or the shower the next morning. 


MUST.IGNORE.DIRTY.TOILET. Also, Ced butt.

The following Monday marks Harper's first day of work.  After her weekend with Cedric, she realizes she would much rather lounge with him in bed all day than listen to whiny rock star's play shitty music.


"Don't worry," Marcela states when Harper audibly scoffs as they pulled out from her driveway, "the first day isn't so bad.  Just don't criticize them openly and pretend to be interested when they flirt and you'll be fine."


Harper doesn't say anything, but has a sinking feeling she won't last the week if that's sound advice.

Harper getting ice-cream before another long shift at work.

She practices the guitar any chance she gets.  Leliana Theirin, her boss, caught her one night practicing on one of the guitars during tuning backstage and promised her a promotion if she worked on her craft a bit more.  


"Granted, the only position we have right now is a roadie opportunity with another local band." Leliana added.


Harper shook her head and was about to turn down the offer, before Leliana interrupted. "Don't dismiss it yet. We all have to start somewhere and I would really hate to see someone with talent stagnate at your level. Plus," she added with a wink, "we do need some more beauty in this industry." Leliana stopped talking to stare at Harper intently. "It's a shame they keep dressing you in rags though.  I keep petitioning for new uniforms, but to no avail..."


Harper shifted uncomfortably under her gaze.  She had never taken compliments well; even from one of her own sex. She coughed, bringing Leliana back on-track. "I apologize. I always get a bit distracted when it comes to our uniform issues.  Just promise me you'll consider the promotion, okay?"


Harper does consider it when she returns home and decides that, if nothing else, it will get her away from the leering band members she currently works with.  If she's called doll-face one more time, she might have a lawsuit on her hands.

Cedric finally gets the motivation to fix the toilet.  Harper's not aware that her taking a shower just at that moment is the extra push Cedric needs to get started.  "Ya' know," he muses; "I could get used to being productive if you just walked around naked more often."


Harper laughs. "You would think that would be counterproductive."


"Don't spout your logic at me." He smiles.

After a very lengthy "discussion," the couple decides to merge bedrooms (and beds).  There's no point in Cedric sleeping with her while all his junk is still in his shared room with Uther.

Uther revels in the space that is now his.  Cedric isn't a bad roommate per se, but he does snore loudly and talk in his sleep.  "Now it's Harper's problem", he smirks. 


And while Uther is spending the morning moving the room around to his liking...


The toy chest isn't in the background.  It's all an illusion.

...Harper is contemplating the moving contents of her stomach.  


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Harper giving her ice-cream the side glance.

Cedric checking out Harper's rear.

Bea leaving one of her many spawn in the parking lot... again. 0_0

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--Don't let her fool you; Harper is still emo.