waterloochampion

[waterloochampion]

“Alice?” Bill’s voice came through, swift and quick. There’s an occasional slight dip and randomly cutting out, but thankfully it’s mostly in-between words.

“Alice! Oh my god— I’ve been trying to contact you for so long. But there wasn’t any possible way to do it before and my phone wasn’t working until now—“ His words were nearly rushed, just on the edge of stumbling over eachother. He took a moment to take a breath, doing his best to still his voice back to something more.. Calm. His throat let out a small gulp. “..Are you safe? Where are you? Surely you’re outside of Hatchetfield, right? Or are you around?”

His heart ached at the sound of Alice’s voice, immediately reminding him of the times she was scared when she was much younger. But those times were from nightmares, not from being frightened during an apocalypse.

“Everything’s going to be okay.” It came out a bit quieter, but it was still said nonetheless.

Alice’s phone suddenly buzzes to life. She’s receiving a call, with the contact name being her dad’s. Will she pick up?

[ —@waterloochampion ]

[ /nf ofc! ]

{📼}

Set after the apocalypse if you want before tell me and I'll switch it

"Huh–"

Alice's phone hadnt been on for a while, considering everyone she knew was probably infected. And she had no use of her phone anymore. But now that it randomly came to life again, with a phone call nonetheless...Alice was a bit skeptical. But eventually, after looking over at her phone...she saw it was–her dad? Who she hadnt seen ever since the apocalypse started?

Alice's body went on overdrive, immediately reaching for her phone and pressing the 'accept call' function. Pressing the phone up to her ear. Its been so long...Alice didn't even know what to say. She wanted to apologize for making him leave her, wanted to apologize for being so cooped up with Deb. Deb who left her the second a opportunity rose

"...dad?"

Alice finally spoke into the phone, her voice sounding exactly like it had when she was younger. She was scared and alone

[waterloochampion]

“Ted’s probably mentioned it before. He’s quite…” Bill tried not speak so poorly of the guy, merely giving a shrug instead. He sighed. “I’m pretty sure he and Charlotte had— Have? Maybe have something on together. I don’t know. I swear I’ve seen them give eachother looks.” He shook his head, trying to not imagine Ted getting too close to someone. That was his co-worker, after all! And it’s Ted. The man’s too gross for his liking.

He sipped at his drink again.

“But, I’ll talk to him about that weird friend thing he’s thinking.” He resumed their proper topic again. “And, I won’t mention his brother saying it to you. Not that he’d have anything happen to him. Worst would being hit in the shoulder like a game of punch buggy— Do.. Do people still do that with their siblings?” He questioned lightly, before another shrug rolled off his shoulders.

“Would it really be a good idea to bring him with us to here?” He gave an unconvinced look at Paul. “Even if it’s a bit of pity for him, sure. But— Here? Wouldn’t it be better for everyone if we just bought him a drink and brought it to his office?”

Bill leaned on the cubicle wall that separated the nearby desks. He smiled at Paul. “Are you thinking about doing a Beanie’s run, anytime soon?” He curiously asked.

— [ @waterloochampion ]

OOC // waves!! Feel free to ignore or whatever, just thought to reach out as I’ve seen you on my feed now haha.

"Oh, hey Bill."

Paul smiled, looking up at him from his desk with a small smile.

"Yeah. I could go for some coffee." Ignoring the fact that it wasn't that long since his last one. "You want a caramel frappe, right?"

[waterloochampion]

“Christ.” He mumbled. A little spark of concern in his own mind, wondering if Ted was okay. He might not like the guy particularly, but he could still be concerned and a tad worried for him. He’s already polite as best he can with Ted, but maybe he should try harder. “..He probably has other people. He has to. He couldn’t be that lonely.” He didn’t dare comment further on that, least he be hypocritical. “Don’t worry about it, it’ll be fine.” He dismissed the idea once more. Ted had to have someone. He didn’t want to think about the guy too much. He’d feel pity for him otherwise, and he’d hate that.

He sipped at his drink once more, letting his thoughts try to dismiss the idea of Ted being lonely.

He laughed into his drink, which he was still mid-sip, causing him to slightly cough with a turn of his head. Once he’s recovered, he’s looking back with a slight smile. “Okay. That’s— That’s probably true. I mean, I don’t condone anyone getting slapped, but that’s probably the worst days for Ted like you said. Or maybe he’d consider it a horrible day if he got turned down by one of his.. What are they called? Booty calls?” He couldn’t help the little chuckles that slipped out of his mouth. He’s well-aware that it’s rude to talk about Ted like this, but the guy was such a pain at work. He couldn’t resist.

“That’s just empathy, though. Feeling bad for him, wanting to maybe help? It’s a normal thing. I mean, I feel that too. Even if it’s Ted we’re talking about.” He sighed lightly, giving a shrug. “I mean, I don’t think it’d make you a sap. Not that it’s a bad thing. If it is, you might as well call me a sap too!” A pause, before he added on. “..If it’s concerning you, I could talk to him. See if he needs some friends. I won’t mention you or anything, but I don’t want you to worry about this.”

Bill leaned on the cubicle wall that separated the nearby desks. He smiled at Paul. “Are you thinking about doing a Beanie’s run, anytime soon?” He curiously asked.

— [ @waterloochampion ]

OOC // waves!! Feel free to ignore or whatever, just thought to reach out as I’ve seen you on my feed now haha.

"Oh, hey Bill."

Paul smiled, looking up at him from his desk with a small smile.

"Yeah. I could go for some coffee." Ignoring the fact that it wasn't that long since his last one. "You want a caramel frappe, right?"

[waterloochampion]

“Most of us would get more done with a counterpart around..” Bill doubted if having a clone of Ted would be very handy. Double the distraction. But, he decided on not voicing that as he felt it to be quite rude. He was going to comment on Ted’s odd behaviour, but stopped when he mentions something about a best friend. His eyebrows raised in surprise, then scrunching up with confusion. “He considers you his best friend?” He questioned into the air. “I don’t— I don’t know where he could’ve gotten that from. You’re rather blunt with what you think.” He added idly, holding his own drink in his hands. Letting the warmth seep into his hands and bones.

“If you’re looking for a recommendation.. You could just. Well. Leave it alone. There’s no harm with it.” He began to step back, beginning to guide them out of Beanie’s. He can see someone going to reach in their pocket to tip. It’s best they started walking back. “Technically you heard it from his brother, not from Ted yet. Wait until he tells you directly, then figure out something.”

Finally bringing his own drink to his mouth, he takes a careful sip. Ensuring his best to not burn his own tongue.

Bill leaned on the cubicle wall that separated the nearby desks. He smiled at Paul. “Are you thinking about doing a Beanie’s run, anytime soon?” He curiously asked.

— [ @waterloochampion ]

OOC // waves!! Feel free to ignore or whatever, just thought to reach out as I’ve seen you on my feed now haha.

"Oh, hey Bill."

Paul smiled, looking up at him from his desk with a small smile.

"Yeah. I could go for some coffee." Ignoring the fact that it wasn't that long since his last one. "You want a caramel frappe, right?"

[waterloochampion]

“Ted’s always an ass. I don’t know where you’d get the sometimes from.” Bill couldn’t help his sigh. He’s just felt like Ted’s been nagging worse at him, really getting under his skin. Their office floor finally have newer and more ‘advanced’ printers, but Bill’s been struggling a bit with them. The technology wasn’t entirely different, but it was newer. He was still very used to the previous ones. Ted always seemed to find a way to comment on that, let alone get under his skin in other ways. Though, he can’t stay glum in remembering and he focused back on Paul’s other topic. The more.. Sillier one. A small chuckle escaped his lips. “Oh, it would be interesting to see another version of everyone running around. To see how long it takes until someone runs into themself!” He added, another laugh bubbling up.

His attention is briefly taken away, hearing his name in the midst of the singing. Stepping over to the counter, he took the now-finished takeaway cups and returned to Paul. He offered the one labeled black coffee.

“When you do get a pay raise, let me know. We’ll have to go out and celebrate, when it’s officially out! When you officially got it!” Another invitation for Paul to go out somewhere, when they haven’t even finished their current hangout. Or break time.

Bill leaned on the cubicle wall that separated the nearby desks. He smiled at Paul. “Are you thinking about doing a Beanie’s run, anytime soon?” He curiously asked.

— [ @waterloochampion ]

OOC // waves!! Feel free to ignore or whatever, just thought to reach out as I’ve seen you on my feed now haha.

"Oh, hey Bill."

Paul smiled, looking up at him from his desk with a small smile.

"Yeah. I could go for some coffee." Ignoring the fact that it wasn't that long since his last one. "You want a caramel frappe, right?"

[waterloochampion]

A small tinge of pink settled on Bill’s cheeks. Thinking it over, he couldn’t really see Paul acting out of the ordinary. Now the other was laughing about it, even if it was stupid. He shouldn’t have assumed immediately, or been so confident in saying it. “Everyone is pretty nice on our office floor, aren’t they?” He decided to comment. “..Besides Ted. He’s..” He grimaced briefly, thinking of a polite way to describe him. “..Complex..?” Was all he ended up with, shrugging. “But! Thankfully, no evil robots. Because we don’t have code to steal. DNA, maybe, but not code. And robots can’t be forged from organic material. Hopefully. Maybe.” Another shrug.

The soft tune of the Beanie’s tip song briefly had Bill quiet, enjoying the song. He always enjoyed a bit of song and dance. He didn’t keep his attention on it too much, as he just wanted to tip.

Rather, Bill’s raising an eyebrow at Paul. “I don’t see any reason not to give you a pay raise. You deserve it like any other person, even more than some.” He hasn’t seen much of Paul’s procrastination. Or, enough of it to see a pattern that could warrant no pay raise. He had high hopes for the man he practically trained up and took under the wing in CCRP, after all. He could trust Paul with a lot of things, he’s never been wronged by the guy. “I hope you don’t say no to such a thing. Besides it being awkward, you deserve it! So, if he offers it, please say yes.”

Bill leaned on the cubicle wall that separated the nearby desks. He smiled at Paul. “Are you thinking about doing a Beanie’s run, anytime soon?” He curiously asked.

— [ @waterloochampion ]

OOC // waves!! Feel free to ignore or whatever, just thought to reach out as I’ve seen you on my feed now haha.

"Oh, hey Bill."

Paul smiled, looking up at him from his desk with a small smile.

"Yeah. I could go for some coffee." Ignoring the fact that it wasn't that long since his last one. "You want a caramel frappe, right?"

[waterloochampion]

“Yeah! Maybe like a rampage through the office, or really speak your mind on what you think of everyone. That kind of thing. Though, now thinking about it.. You probably wouldn’t do that, would you?” He shuffled slightly, beginning to head towards the counter. He glanced back at him. “I don’t think a company could be evil. Actual evil, at least.” He paused, before adding on. “At least ours. It’s just some office space and paperwork. I don’t think it’d get evil. What, CCRP becomes horrible with the environment or something? Waste too much paper?” He gave a light laugh once more.

Bill’s at the counter now, with one of the usual ladies taking his mumbled order. An exchange of money, with him putting a small top to the jar. He stepped to the side, glancing at Paul again.

“I wouldn’t pull your leg on that!” He briefly exclaimed in disbelief, eyebrows raising with his volume. Bill cleared his throat, tone returning to normal. “I promise you, he’s thinking about it. I mean, you’ve been due for a pay-raise for a while. You’ve been working at CCRP for quite a while. Really, you’re the last one to receive a pay raise on our office floor.” He admitted. He may have put a word in for Paul, too. Talking the man up a bit to their boss. Bill thought Paul worked plenty, and never asked for more. So why not have him rewarded? “I swear, he’s going to do it. Don’t keep your hopes so low! You can get a little excited at the idea, it’s okay.”

Bill leaned on the cubicle wall that separated the nearby desks. He smiled at Paul. “Are you thinking about doing a Beanie’s run, anytime soon?” He curiously asked.

— [ @waterloochampion ]

OOC // waves!! Feel free to ignore or whatever, just thought to reach out as I’ve seen you on my feed now haha.

"Oh, hey Bill."

Paul smiled, looking up at him from his desk with a small smile.

"Yeah. I could go for some coffee." Ignoring the fact that it wasn't that long since his last one. "You want a caramel frappe, right?"

[waterloochampion]

Maybe he’ll just have to make a multitude of items for the three of them, like grazing platters but much more. It would really test out his cooking skills and put his little kitchen to work. See what the limitations are. Bill blinked back into the moment.

“I’m not concerned. I think it’d be more obvious if you were thinking about quitting CCRP, if I’m honest. You just have this nice calmness to you, a lack of frustration in the office workspace. It’s admirable, really. You don’t really let anything get under your skin. Or, at least from what I’ve seen in the office.” He mentioned. “If you really wanted to quit, I think you’d leave a mark on the office before leaving. Not sure why I feel that, but I do. I could be completely wrong, after all!”

Quietly shutting the door behind him to prevent the bell above from ringing, his eyes flicked over to Paul. Amusement lingered in his gaze at the other. What was he looking for? Or, was it a who? Bill gave a few chuckles, before he’s following over. “I wouldn’t call you plain. Relaxed, maybe. Plain implies you have no hobbies or a real life. Sure, you don’t seem adventurous.. But, it’s your life. Who cares? You do you! And, really, not being adventurous keeps you alive longer. That’s what matters.” A hand moved to pat at Paul’s back, right between the man’s shoulder blades. “And, I haven’t heard any bad words about you in the office. Not even from Ted, of all people!”

Bill’s eyes looked up at the little menu, knowing he’ll probably get the same thing anyway, before looking to Paul once more.

His eyes soften. “Thanks, Paul. That really means a lot.” He smiled again. “But, this day is about you. I just want to treat you to something nice, even if it’s coffee and maybe a sweet treat if you want that.” He did slightly lean closer to Paul, voice lowering in volume. “…I did overhear Mr. Davidson a few days back in his office when I passed it, talking about giving you a pay-raise. Isn’t that exciting?”

Bill leaned on the cubicle wall that separated the nearby desks. He smiled at Paul. “Are you thinking about doing a Beanie’s run, anytime soon?” He curiously asked.

— [ @waterloochampion ]

OOC // waves!! Feel free to ignore or whatever, just thought to reach out as I’ve seen you on my feed now haha.

"Oh, hey Bill."

Paul smiled, looking up at him from his desk with a small smile.

"Yeah. I could go for some coffee." Ignoring the fact that it wasn't that long since his last one. "You want a caramel frappe, right?"

[waterloochampion]

Bill noted in a thought of Paul having no allergies. He wouldn’t have to adjust any meals, then. Maybe he’ll do a nice roast, or maybe a good stew.. He’ll have to figure out what he’s making for that night, later.

“If you have any food you don’t like, feel free to let me know too. But, no stress.” He idly added.

His head turned ever-so slightly when Paul seemed to question him. Bill stared back for a moment, taking in his words. Once it’s really settled in his head, his eyebrows raised and surprise took over his face. Is he not nice otherwise? Maybe he should do this more often. “Besides being a wonderful friend and not quitting CCRP? No, nothing you’ve done to earn this.” He waited a moment, before adding on. “Not that you need to earn anything.”

They got the Beanie’s, with Bill opening the door and holding it open for Paul. “I just want to treat you, that’s all. Nothing more than that and nothing nefarious. Just genuine kindness, I promise.” Another smile towards Paul. “..Am I coming off as if I’m trying to make a deal? Or that I’m about to lay down bad news? Because I’m not, if that’s any help with clarification.”

Bill leaned on the cubicle wall that separated the nearby desks. He smiled at Paul. “Are you thinking about doing a Beanie’s run, anytime soon?” He curiously asked.

— [ @waterloochampion ]

OOC // waves!! Feel free to ignore or whatever, just thought to reach out as I’ve seen you on my feed now haha.

"Oh, hey Bill."

Paul smiled, looking up at him from his desk with a small smile.

"Yeah. I could go for some coffee." Ignoring the fact that it wasn't that long since his last one. "You want a caramel frappe, right?"

[waterloochampion]

“Oh, I wouldn’t subject you to a musical. That would be horrible to put you through and I just know you’d hate it.” Bill couldn’t help a small laugh. Even if he did hope to take Paul to one, to show they weren’t really that bad. He would never force it upon him, however. “I’m excited. Haven’t cooked for more than two people in such a long while.” He grinned.

“You— You aren’t allergic to anything, are you? If you are, that’s fine. Just tell me, so I don’t exactly kill someone!” Another brief laugh, even if it’s twinged with actual concern. In all the time he’s known Paul, however, he didn’t really know the guy as having any allergies. But.. He doesn’t really know what the guy typically eats, too.

His eyes briefly flicked away from Paul, seeing the sight of Beanie’s grow closer. His eyes return.

“I’ll pay for your drink today, by the way. The least I can do for dragging you out the office with me.” He insisted. “So, get whatever you want. It’s a treat, on me!”

Bill leaned on the cubicle wall that separated the nearby desks. He smiled at Paul. “Are you thinking about doing a Beanie’s run, anytime soon?” He curiously asked.

— [ @waterloochampion ]

OOC // waves!! Feel free to ignore or whatever, just thought to reach out as I’ve seen you on my feed now haha.

"Oh, hey Bill."

Paul smiled, looking up at him from his desk with a small smile.

"Yeah. I could go for some coffee." Ignoring the fact that it wasn't that long since his last one. "You want a caramel frappe, right?"

[waterloochampion]

“Depends on the board game, but always happy to try everything out at least once!” And he’s smiling once more at him. He’ll have to bring over a nice meal for Paul, once they do that board game night. He tucked that thought into his head for later, glancing ahead for a moment then back at his work colleague.

“Why wouldn’t I want that?” Bill raised an eyebrow, smile persisting. “You’re my best friend, and you haven’t seen Alice for.. I’m not even going to try and imagine how many years, because I’ll start feeling old. But—“ A light laugh escaped his lips, before clearing his throat. “—Besides, she’ll think your cool still! Even if she’s older. Don’t worry about it. Not that being cool is that important, you just need to be a good person. Which, you are. There’s no problems there.”

Another laugh escaped him, at the slip of Paul’s tongue. “Half an hour past bed time isn’t that bad. Never even noticed.” He mumbled, smile growing into a larger grin.

“But, great! Let me know what times you might be free on a weekend, and I’ll follow you up on what happens. Might be a while yet until I can organise something like this.”

Bill leaned on the cubicle wall that separated the nearby desks. He smiled at Paul. “Are you thinking about doing a Beanie’s run, anytime soon?” He curiously asked.

— [ @waterloochampion ]

OOC // waves!! Feel free to ignore or whatever, just thought to reach out as I’ve seen you on my feed now haha.

"Oh, hey Bill."

Paul smiled, looking up at him from his desk with a small smile.

"Yeah. I could go for some coffee." Ignoring the fact that it wasn't that long since his last one. "You want a caramel frappe, right?"

[waterloochampion]

“Catan.” Bill idly repeated. Was that a card game or a board game? He knows that Paul mentioned a few things like that before, the name also rang a bell. He nodded anyway. “Sounds fun! If you need someone to play with, when that expansion comes out, I’d be happy to. You would just have to be very forgiving on teaching me how to play.” He mused.

He’s beginning to lead them out and to walk, begin their journey to Beanie’s.

“She’s going well! Still steady with her girlfriend, Deb,” It’s hard to hide the light disdain when he says Deb’s name, even if he remains polite about her. “You should come over for dinner sometime, see Alice. She’d probably love to see you again. Actually catch up with you again. She might show you some of her writing that she’s started recently.”

Bill leaned on the cubicle wall that separated the nearby desks. He smiled at Paul. “Are you thinking about doing a Beanie’s run, anytime soon?” He curiously asked.

— [ @waterloochampion ]

OOC // waves!! Feel free to ignore or whatever, just thought to reach out as I’ve seen you on my feed now haha.

"Oh, hey Bill."

Paul smiled, looking up at him from his desk with a small smile.

"Yeah. I could go for some coffee." Ignoring the fact that it wasn't that long since his last one. "You want a caramel frappe, right?"

[waterloochampion]

If you ahd the chance to redo your life would you do everything the same?

Yes. Because why change?

[waterloochampion]

“I’ll come along. Nothing like a good bit of breeze to stay awake with!” Bill hummed, moving himself off the cubicle wall and shuffling to stand at the entrance of it instead.

“Oh, I’ve been fine. Rather uneventful last couple of days, just the same routine and mornings. Nothing to really say.” He commented, shoes briefly shuffling against the floor. “What about you? Anything exciting in the last few days?”

Bill leaned on the cubicle wall that separated the nearby desks. He smiled at Paul. “Are you thinking about doing a Beanie’s run, anytime soon?” He curiously asked.

— [ @waterloochampion ]

OOC // waves!! Feel free to ignore or whatever, just thought to reach out as I’ve seen you on my feed now haha.

"Oh, hey Bill."

Paul smiled, looking up at him from his desk with a small smile.

"Yeah. I could go for some coffee." Ignoring the fact that it wasn't that long since his last one. "You want a caramel frappe, right?"

[waterloochampion]

Have you ever worn glasses in your life?

Quite recently, actually.

They’ve been moreso for working and reading, as it’s been a bit of a strain on my eyes. Migraines have been a bit too frequent for my liking!

[waterloochampion]

Why did you originally allow Paul to babysit a young alice?

Besides the usual babysitter being unable for the time..

I don’t really know, but he seemed like Paul would be good at it! And I had talked about Alice in the past, so I wasn’t throwing it completely blind-sided to him. I compensated him well, especially on short notice.

[waterloochampion]

Bill immediately nodded. It’s great, having Paul memorise his go-to order. Especially since the other seemed to remember it from in the first few days of actually meeting. “Do you mind if I tag along? I’ve got nothing to do, finished what I’ve needed and just waiting for emails to be responded to.”

He seemed to pause for a moment, before adding. “Unless you need to do something, which, then disregard my whole request. I probably shouldn’t be distracting you, then!” It’s accompanied by a laugh.

Bill leaned on the cubicle wall that separated the nearby desks. He smiled at Paul. “Are you thinking about doing a Beanie’s run, anytime soon?” He curiously asked.

— [ @waterloochampion ]

OOC // waves!! Feel free to ignore or whatever, just thought to reach out as I’ve seen you on my feed now haha.

"Oh, hey Bill."

Paul smiled, looking up at him from his desk with a small smile.

"Yeah. I could go for some coffee." Ignoring the fact that it wasn't that long since his last one. "You want a caramel frappe, right?"