Seed Crystal

Heard

Part 2 - Four Names and Four Voices

Migs was a character he did way, way, way back.

Like around the start of his career. Probably the first named character that he did. Sadly, the character was written off the second season due to budget cuts.

Migs was a gentle giant and vanguard of an adventure team. His voice reflects that, deep and a little on the rough side due to being unused for long stretches of time.

It was a hard voice to do back then. He probably overshot his limit back then and now that he's donning the character again, Ben's voice cracks.

And right when he was trying to start a conversation, too.

"Are you alright, sir?"

"Yeah, sorry," she looks concerned, if not annoyed, "must be the weather."

Rose doesn't look convinced.

Ben feels tongue-tied. Something is glowing about her. He can't help but stare at the contrast the late morning sun creates on her skin. Nor the way the light accentuates the lines of her irises.

He wonders if she can see anything. Some blind people have some vision after all. He's hyper-aware when she focuses on him again, a smile on her face.

"Well, I'm not too sure. But I guess it's different for everyone." She fishes out something from her bag and drags it across the table to him. "Take this if you will."

It's candy. Honey-flavored.

"Thank you."

"So-"

The conversation that followed was amiable. Lasted for maybe around 15 minutes, and they chatted about everything and nothing at all.

At some point, Ben notices Rose grabbing onto a small plushie by the side of her laptop. It was the size of her palm and the way she was holding it hid most of the features from his sight.

When he had to say goodbye, the conversation had lulled down and he taps lightly on the table to get her attention.

"Well, I have to go. Goodbye, Miss Rose."

"Goodbye," she says with a grin.

After he steps out of the cafe, Ben pops the candy in his mouth. It wasn't too sweet, but it helped take away some of the soreness in his throat.

He's never using that voice again, but the conversation with Rose just made him feel like he can ace this audition.

===========

Two days later he finds himself back in that coffee shop.

"Hello, may I take a seat here?"

"Sure, help yourself."

Rose is wearing a fluffy hoodie and is bus, her hands quickly flying back and forth from the keyboard and the Braille attachment.

Her eyebrows are furrowed as she smashes on the backspace.

So he gives her space as he scrolls through his phone.

Looks like his agent is eyeing to get him a couple of bookings and he wants him to go to the studio for some more demos.

He types in a reply, that he's in the area and will be there in just a bit.

She's still typing too fast and Ben wonders if it will be better to just leave without bothering her. 

Fortunately, she stops to take a breath for a second and he finds the opportunity to tap on the table again, "Thank you for letting me sit here."

She seems startled as if forgotten that she had allowed someone in front of her.