Good Charity

Once more, Cecil opened his mouth to object...then stopped, groaning. "...you just had to make this difficult, didn't you?" He puts on a look of false anger, shaking his fist in mock outrage. "How dare you tell me I'm better at this than I claim!?" It's at that point he can't keep a straight face any more. "How daaaaare youuuuu!"
He sighs, shaking his head. "Seriously, though...giving me a little more credit than I deserve here. One thing when you're right in the middle of it and the prompts are right there. Another when you have to lead the conversation yourself. And that's not going into tons of the other nuances of this whole thing..."
"Besides." He taps the side of his head. "There are some things about how this thing works that really can't be changed. Hell - that I wouldn't want to be. Can be frustrating, sometimes...but it's part of who I am."

He gives a dry laugh at Gabe's comment. "I'd say less gives me courage than it drives me up the wall til I comply, but here's hoping you're right."

Cecil's putting one last coat away when he shoots Gabriel a surprised look. "Wait...we're done? Already?" He checks his phone. "...where did all that time go...?!"
He just looks at Gabe's hand for a moment before his brain catches up with him, and he shakes his hand. "It's...it's not a problem. Really. Don't worry about it."

"Hmm...... if you don't mind me asking, have you ever been to that huge karaoke stage that they have around.... I think it was vista square? Having to sing on that big stage, of course, it would cost some VC, but I think something like that might be to your liking. A little boost of courage goes a long way, I don't mind coming along to try it with you, I do it all the time."

Gabe couldn't say he was the same growing up, he was more of a recluse and still had some growing up to do with how the world worked. However, he wanted to see if he could help this kid somehow?

"Can't say I have...not really, ah, something I've considered doing..." Cecil scratches at the back of his head. "Why, um...do you think I'd like that?"
Honestly, it seemed like it could be fun, but even if he didn't freeze, that just wasn't something you did alone.
And god only knows he'd have been alone.
...or rather, he would be, if Gabriel hadn't just offered to come along with him to do this. Really, he didn't actually know the guy that well...or at all, really, but...
It'd be nice to actually do things with someone.
Combined with the expectant look from within, it wasn't hard to make a decision from there.
"...I think I would like that though, actually. Going to try it with you, I mean." His eyes didn't meet Gabe's as he smiled nervously.

"In the meantime, let's exchange contact information.Who knows? After showing you the place, maybe you can meet some people around your age. Heck, maybe your singing skills could impress a girl. " Since he agreed, Gabe simply shared his phone number with Cecil before packing up his things.

"Anyway, I have to head out, but it was nice meeting you Cecil. Let me know when you want to go. I have a good coupon. "

Afterward, Gabe would depart

-Exit

Cecil glares at Gabe - though it's less a matter of any actual ill will, but frustration and exasperation. "Not this again...I don't particularly care whether or not I'm impressing girls. Or guys, before you even start on that one. Why do people care so much about that stuff...?" He shakes his head. "Never mind. Yes, contact details. That's good." Cecil rattles off his own number as he plugs Gabe's in.

"Good meeting you too...I'll see you then, then."

As Gabriel leaves, Cecil remains behind a moment, thinking to himself.
...wait a minute, let him know when I want to go? Like, actually take the initiative here?
Crap.
You are more than capable, and you shall be doing this.
What do you mean I-
You. Are. Doing. This. And you will not delay.
This is for your sake.
Why do you have to keep doing this to me?
Because you will it, and because you need it.
The stage has already been set. If you wish to remove yourself from the grave you shall follow through.
...just give me a chance to prepare myself.

Putting his headphones back on, Cecil kicks up the music and makes his own exit, nerves at war with a desire to actually follow through.