The grocery store was always fun for Jae. So much to see and look at, and so much food! It was one of Jae's favorite chores to shop here.
As for Era, it was exactly what it was to her. A chore. Trying to find all these items while also trying to keep a leash on Jae just made everything so bothersome for her. This wasn't her job, to go grocery shopping. It was to keep France calm and happy. And yet, she sent her out, saying she needs to focus on the more simplistic things of living.
So yeah, she wasn't having the time of her life right now. It didn't help that Jae tried to pick up every single thing they saw, like they'd never been to the store before. Era knew for a fact that they did, considering Jae's job was being a caretaker.
Although Era couldn't deny that Jae was actually very good at their job. Since that's what they were built for, Jae had a natural paternal instinct, and took care of anybody they thought needed it. America, of course, was their first priority though.
"Oh, Era! Ice cream! Let's get ice cream! There's these tubs, or we can get the smaller one, and it's a little less? Whaddya say?"
"I say," Era started with a bite to her tone, "that we should focus on the task at hand. Just get what we came here for."
"Era, c'mon, not everything is a military mission. It's not like we'll be forced to scrub toilets with a toothbrush if we don't do everything exactly. I know for a fact that America would also appreciate some ice cream-- oh look!"
Era sighed and glared down at Jae - or actually, at the tub of ice cream they held in her face.
"C'mon, this," Jae said, sounding much like one of those old cars salesmen you see on TV, "this right here, we just can't pass up."
"Jae, I said no."
"Actually, you said 'let's get what we came here for.' Well, maybe not at first, but I definitely came here for some good ole' ice cream."
Era tried hard not to conk them on the head for that smart ass remark, although it was oh so very tempting.
Jae groaned, "Era c'mon! It's COTTON CANDY FLAVOURED!"
"Alright! If I get it for you, will you shut up?!"
"...maybe."
Era glared.
"Alright! Ok, ok!"
She nodded and allowed him to drop it in the cart.
"And," Era said, "if I let you eat some when we get home, will you eat your vegetables?"
"Yes ma'am!"
"Fine, let's hurry up then. Unless you like melted ice cream."
So they grabbed a few more of the needed items and started off towards the check out. As they passed some snacks, Era did not neglect to see Jae sneak a beef jerky stick into the cart. She didn't say anything though, and just made the mental reminder to surprise Jae with more vegetables at home.
"Alright, I think that's very thing. Did we forget anyth--"
"GUYS! WHAT AISLE ARE WE IN?"
Jae paled, "ah shit, I forgot about him!"
"How do you forget a whole person?" Era exclaimed, ignoring the fact that she forgot about America as well.
Jae paused in their running to turn around and smirk at their sour friend.
"When I'm around you, nothing else even matters."
"W-wh, you-ju...how dare," Era sputtered a response, face dusting with a nice shade of pink, "I'LL KILL YOU IN YOUR SLEEP!"
Jae laughed and got ready to turn and run before they said their next line, "If you want to get in my bed so badly, you could just say so!"
Jae laughed and ran, holding their arms around their head. They ducked as Era threw a packet of bean sprouts at them.
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A/N: Jae belongs to me, and Era belongs to small_sugarcube