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Entry tags:

[ OPEN ]

Who:

lethechained and OPEN to passersby/latte lovers/coffee buffs/just about anyone, really
When: Any day (or multiple days!) between or including IC date 6/11 to 6/16
Where: A coffee shop in the Shopping District
What: Latte foam art and coffee shop AU shenanigans, mostly. Someone’s gotta keep Naminé busy at her new job, right? Feel free to request specific subjects for said art or let her think of something on her own.
Rating/Warning: None!

[ A. ]

[The shop is cute, cozy and pleasant with the smell of coffee so thick in the air that it’s nearly enough to give one a caffeine high all on its own. The sign says there's a special on lattes with a little side note about them including custom art, whatever that means, and plenty of space to sit and wait should one decide to order said beverages – or any other, for that matter. There’s a young blonde girl who can’t be much more than five feet tall bustling around behind the counter, so surely it won’t be long before--]

[Ah, there we go, she’s turned to read off the name of the owner of the most recently made drink. Her voice might be a little quiet for it, but surely one would recognize their own name, right? (Or whichever one they happened to give.)]

[ B. ]

[It’s gotten a bit slow lately, so instead of wandering around in the other part of the work area, that same blonde girl is at the register, regarding anyone who looks even remotely likely to come and order something with a passive sort of interest, whether they’re inside the shop or outside of it.]

[At least she’s attentive? Even if she might be staring a little. (A lot.)]

[ C. ]

[Everyone’s gotta take a break, right? That’s what this young lady seems to be doing – she’s still dressed for work – while sitting at one of the tables, sketchbook laid out in front of her as she draws away with a set of colored pencils. She might, in fact, happen to be sketching several of the customers. She also appears to have an only lightly sipped at drink in front of her, and it’s… actually water, ironically enough.]

[ D. WILDCARD ]
[Choose your own (coffee-related) adventure?]

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[She was talking to a boy who will grow up one day to come a full fledged charmer in seven years. She better get use to his compliments because he was sure going to give out a lot of them! But until then?

But I think it's true. [He said with a hint of disappointment. He didn't know if she was being shy or if she just didn't agree with him but he meant what he said] I think that you are a professional and that you should do it a lot more often! I know I would want a picture from you! [But by this point, he wasn't sure if he should keep going. With her blushing, was he making it much more worse than it should? Oh dear, he didn't want her to be embarrassed!

And especially in front of so many people! It was okay for him to compliment her right?

[Although, when Patamon spoke up, he quickly flew over to Namine before giving a smile] Well, not too many people know what I am! So they wonder what I am but you don't seem to be worried at all!

[Fortunately or unfortunately, she's quite unused to charmers - or at least, not the sort that don't have nefarious ends they're working toward. Learning to deal with it is probably going to take some doing.]

Well-- [Avoiding embarrassing her is apparently a lost cause, judging by her expression, but it's a... good sort of embarrassment? In any case, she's still managing to string words together pretty admirably, even if it does take a second.] I can give you one, you know. If you'd like me to draw you, or-- something else.

[It's becoming a bit of a relief to turn her focus from her own flustering, so she recovers somewhat when she answers Patamon.] I'm not. Worried, that is. It doesn't matter to me what you are. [Er-- well, she doesn't want that to sound wrong, so she clarifies with a,] You don't seem like a bad person, so why should I be concerned?

[In return, Takeru just started blinking at her. While he did mean what he said, he certainly wasn't expecting a picture from her! For a moment, it was his turn that was speechless! To think he would be getting a picture from a professional!]

If you want to! I would love it if you could draw me and Patamon! But...it wouldn't cost a lot of money would it?

[Because it wouldn't be fair to do that to someone and especially when it was their job! Although, when Patamon spoke up, he just smiled. She didn't need to be so shy around him!]

A lot of people don't know what I am when they first see me! So I think it's nice to see that someone seems unfazed by me!

[It's beyond her to refrain from smiling at least a little at his expression.]

I'd be happy to. [That's her immediate answer, unhesitating and candid - but the rest if it dips back into that quiet fluster.] Oh - no, of course not...! I'd never think of charging you. I-- like to draw people.

[It's only the drawing on drinks she takes money for, apparently. In any case, Patamon gets the return of that smile of hers and a,]

Then it's nice that I could be unfazed. [Which she definitely is. She regards him exactly as she would a human. (And she won't say the same thing, but she could; no one ever seems to realize that she's not even human, herself.)] I'm sure it must make talking to new people difficult sometimes.

[And yet, it didn't seem to suit Takeru all that well. As he pondered to himself, he should give something back to her. But what?]

But it's still not fair. I can't ask you to do something without giving you something! [Maybe he could give her some flowers? Or maybe he can buy her a snack? Almost anything seemed to be better than just not giving something!

But with her words, Patamon's ears stood right up before looking right back at her.]

Sometimes but I don't mind. It just makes it all the more fun when they to know who I am!

[Blinking, she straightens.]

Yes you can. [People do that all the time, don't they? ~~Haven't they, with her?~~ Ah, but she recognizes the sentiment, and so she is quick to try to soothe his concerns.] Besides, you'd be doing me a favor. I've started taking art classes recently, and I'm supposed to draw people for those. [Although she wouldn't be turning it in if she's giving him the drawing, but details, and,] It's good practice.

[That's a little bittersweet, because she can actually relate - or start to, anyway, when so few people really know who she is. In any case, it makes for a good reason to ask,] Who are you, then?

[While people can do that, it just didn't seem fair at all! Besides, his mother told him to always be polite around people and especially when they do something for you! Which was why he too blinked before she spoke up]

Well, if you say so! But if I am doing you a favor, I think it's still nice to give you something. Would flowers to be okay?

[If Hikari and Hinata likes flower, maybe Namine would like them too? But as Patamon looked down at Takeru, the both of them at the same smile]

My name is Patamon! And it's really nice to meet you!

['Fair' isn't something she has a lot of firsthand familiarity with, nor is having a mother, so she didn't give it much thought before she offered. She does, however, hesitate at his offer; it's not only the fact that it's being made, but rather that flowers are thoroughly entangled with some quite unpleasant memories. That said, it isn't as though she can't see the value of them - or hasn't made use of them as reference in her work already - and after all,]

I-- couldn't possibly refuse, could I? [Her expression is warm, though, to indicate that she would not try to refuse said offer.] That would be a wonderful gift, thank you.

[Head inclining in a nod,] It's really nice to meet you, too, Patamon. Both of you. [And she's got to respond in kind, right? So she says, a hand pressing lightly over the center of her chest,] My name is Naminé.

It's not a problem, it's the least I can do when you're drawing me a picture! I'm just glad you like flowers because I wasn't sure what I might get you!

[He said smiling brightly at her. For a moment, he had to wonder if he had to give something else to her. While he already had a lot of ideas in mind, he wanted to present her something that showed how much he grateful to her! And for a drawing that pretty too!

But his thoughts were cut short when he heard her name.] Naminé, huh? Then my name is Takeru Takaishi! But I don't think I ever heard of your name before.

Are you new here?

They are beautiful. [It's said in lieu of agreeing that she likes flowers.] Or a lot of them are, that is. [Because she can recognize their aesthetic qualities, certainly, even if the context of most of her experience with them hasn't exactly been a good one.] I'm sure yours will be lovely.

[And she smiles back, more easily than if it were only for his sake; it's hard not to, when he smiles so brightly, too. Nodding at the introduction, she adds just a quiet,] Nice to meet you, Takeru. [Despite him having been included in that 'both'. It only seems right.]

[The comment, though, makes her brows raise for the moment before it's explained by his question, and she gives a little,] -- Oh. Yes, I'm new. I've only been here for a few days, now. You've... been here longer?

I really hope so because I'm sure going to buy the prettiest and awesome flowers around! And you'll be so amazed, you won't know what to do! [In the meantime, Takeru had to make sure what kind of flower to get her! What was that one flower Hinata mentioned? Something about the color pink ...or was it purple?

But as he listened to her, he just only stared back. So he was right, she was new here. Suddenly, his expression soften] Yeah, I have. I've been here for about 3 months now.

[Although, based on his tone, it sound like he was apologizing. What he was saying sorry for, he wasn't sure but he definitely didn't want to scare her. Being here for that long sure felt like an eternity sometimes]

[Naminé can't help herself - she laughs, albeit gently, raising a hand to cover it. Such a sweet kid he is...!] You don't have to trouble yourself too much, you know. I'm sure I'll be 'amazed' no matter what kind they are.

[It's sobering, however, to hear just how long he's been here. By now, she's learned a few things about how dire the situation can really get in this city, and to imagine seeing that much of it-- how could she not be concerned for his sake? So there's a certain sympathy in her own expression, something of an apology on her part, too, even though she doesn't want to ask exactly what he may have experienced during that period.] Three months...? That's-- a long time.

[And it's a long time to imagine herself being here, too. Exhaling slowly, she wilts - subtly, but not imperceptibly. More importantly,] Have you been... alright?

[Takeru didn't respond back for a moment. He didn't mean to be rude but he had no idea how to answer her question. Should he tell the truth or should he just lie? If she was new here, he definitely didn't want to scare her nor make her worry about him. Maybe that's why it felt like he was apologizing; he didn't want to make her feel this way.

As Patamon looked down at his partner, he wanted to say something back. As much as he wanted to tell Takeru that it was okay for him express however he wanted, it was difficult. With each second that passed, the boy needed to think of something fast to say! It was impolite to have long period of silence!]

Yeah, I think I'm okay. I got my brother and I made a lot of friends here so I can't complain! I'm lucky to have them here with me!

[Ah, but his silence says it all. She is too perceptive a girl not to take it for what it is when he pauses, and she is better informed than to assume that anyone who has been here that long has had a comfortable stay. The girl tucks her head slightly, the smile she offers put there purposefully for his sake despite how almost sad it seems.]

That is lucky. No one should have to be alone in a place like this. I'm... glad for you, and for your brother and your friends.

[Hands folding together, she regards him. She doesn't address his pause directly, though she says,]

But it's okay. [To tell the whole truth, that is.] I've already heard what it's like here.

[Takeru wasn't great at hiding his feeling was he? He knew holding back would create more damage than it should, sometimes he wonders if it might be for the best. He just didn't want people to worry.

So when he finally looked up at her, his eyes grew big and stared in shock. So much for trying to keep everything hidden. (But then again, Hikari usually knew when something was wrong. Maybe he just needed to learn how to get better at it)]

You have? ...Then I hope what you heard didn't scare you too badly. Because there's a lot of bad things that happen around Cerealia. [He won't name them just yet, he wanted to hear what kind of stuff she had heard so far]

[Either that, or she's too good at seeing them. People are usually easy enough for her to read, given how deeply she has peered into the minds of so many of them. Despite not using her powers for it now, she's still more than able to recognize plenty of things from the outside. (And unfortunately for him, asking her not to worry is like asking water not to be wet.)]

[Regardless, in the face of his shock she maintains that smile of hers, gentle and patient. Nodding,] I know. I'm-- not sure if 'scared' is the right word. [More because she thinks she's not technically capable of it than for any other reason, although she has experienced more than her share of terrible things already.] But I'm not looking forward to seeing any of it for myself, either. It's bad enough that it's been happening to everyone else already. [She shakes her head.] ... Were you here for the flood? That's-- one of the things I heard about.

[And one she'd like to know more about, actually, because she's never actually swum before and the notion of finding out the hard way whether she can or not is unappealing.]

[At least he tried right? Even if he wasn't good at hiding his emotions, an attempted was still made! Although, he was apprehensive before, seeing her smile made him relax a bit. It was good to see that she didn't seem to be scared off by the horrors of Cerealia just yet. However, as he heard her, he quickly shook his head.]

No, I think that happened right before I came here. [Was it for the better that he wasn't? From what he saw, there were a lot of damage and it took quite sometime to rebuild everything. But at the same time, he felt like he could have done a lot more than just feeding people and making them feel happier if he were around. Although, that's for another time. Right now?] But I know a lot of people that saw it happen! Maybe I can tell you a couple of them!

[While there were a couple of people he had in mind, there was one that would probably help her the most] Maybe you should ask Flynn-san! Or maybe Rock Lee-san too! I think they'll help you out the most!

[Definitely gold star worthy! Regardless, it would take considerably more than that to frighten off a girl like Naminé - although even if she were to want to run, it's hardly something she's got the option of doing. The sad part is, even with all the complications, Cerealia's still been kinder to her than any other world she's lived in.]

So you missed it, then. [She sounds relieved, at least, no matter what he might be thinking.] That's good.

[Nodding at the rest of it, she's caught off-guard by at least one of those names and blinks, looking taken aback.] -- Rock Lee? I've met him before...! He looked after me while I was in that ViViD level. [And made a good impression, if her tone of voice is any indication.] He's been here that long--?

[Should Takeru ever find out about that, he would have to give her the biggest hug he can give to her! Until then, all he could do was just help her out as much as he could. What better way than to repay the kindness of someone helping him with helping them in return?

But upon hearing that name, Takeru just had to giggle] Yeah, I think so! I don't know how long he's been here, I just know he was arrived before me! That must mean he gotta have seen the flood right?

[Right? But the realization that so many people arrived here before him was a little unnerving. Were there people who had been here even longer than that?]

[For the time being, he's not likely to get the opportunity. She'd appreciate the gesture, though, despite how completely taken aback she would be. No one's ever hugged her before. She's familiar with it in concept, but in practice - that's another thing.]

I had no idea...! [Internally, she can't help feeling a conflicting mix of admiration - that Lee can still be so cheerful after that long - and concern.] I should ask him about it. I'll have to remember that for the next time I see him.

[But that's for some other day. At the moment, she's begun to wonder the same thing;] Do you know anyone who's been here even longer than he has?

[As Takeru thought about it, he never asked. He met a few people that might qualify but anything before the flood? He wasn't too sure. As he counted them with his fingers, there were only four other people that came to mind]

Well, there's Rei-san, Tadashi-san, Hiro-san, and maybe William-san too. But I don't know if they were here for that long. I can go ask them for you, if you want!

[That and maybe it was time he should start to do his own investing on his own. Having been here for that long and yet, he didn't know a lot about what's going on? It's time to do something!]

[It is the sort of thin that would probably require some investigation, which is why - aside from her own natural inclinations - she chooses not to disturb his counting, straightening only when she recognizes another one of the names.]

Oh, no, you don't have to do that...! I wouldn't want to trouble you. Besides, I... might know another one of them already. Which Hiro did you mean? I've heard there's more than one.

[Which is kind of a funny thing to have to say, since she's really only ever known of one other name that more than one person she was aware of had (without intentionally stealing it, that is.)]

The one that has fluffy black hair and looks younger? And always has a big robot next to him named Baymax too!

[Of course, it's been a while since it last saw the other Hiro. Although, he sure left an impression. Can't forget someone swinging off a vine as he was screaming at the top of his lungs!]

But I really don't mind, I want to help out! And especially when you're new here! I know I would have loved it if someone helped me when I first got here!

[While there were plenty of people that did, it sure would be nicer to catch up on what was going on!]

Ah - that sounds like the one I met. He helped me a lot, too - both him and Baymax. Do you know them well?

[Because gosh, people she knows being friends with other people she knows is definitely something she would be happy about. Friendship all 'round.]

I can't say I wouldn't appreciate it. [There's some lingering hesitation all the same.] If you're going to talk to them anyway, I suppose that would be alright. You've been very helpful already.

[Being all nice to her and such, making her feel more comfortable. Good on him.]

But you don't have to worry about that - someone helping me, I mean. Most of the people I've met have done a good job looking after me. I-- hear that's what a lot of you are like, here.

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