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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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[He's nodding along because yes, it seems fishy to him, too, even without magical witch powers like she has that he's unaware of.] I've never really thought about it before coming here really. It's the kind of thing you hear about in movies and video games, not really in real life. There's that thing called the Butterfly Effect where even the smallest ripple can change an entire universe. It's a little freaky to think about.

...in a way? They were good and bad memories, I think. They accomplished what they needed to do, but some other things happened to them that weren't much better until they actually came back to this place. It was all kind of a mix. But they both seemed okay if that's what you mean.

I don't think I've heard that name before, but - it is... 'freaky', isn't it? [She's very familiar with the delicacy of that kind of thing. Usually she just had to work through it and hope to high heaven everything fit together correctly. Actively thinking about it, though, it is pretty disconcerting.] If one little thing were changed, either of us could have been completely different people. We might never have met, or had this conversation, or even wound up in the colony at all.

[... Okay, yeah, maybe that's not a good topic to linger on. Too weird. Anyway, that answer's informative enough. It indicates that, if there is some kind of memory alteration going on, they're at least not terrible enough at it to go too far one way or the other. She nods, still thoughtful but considerably less bothered than before.]

Well... I'm glad. It sounds like it could have been a lot worse for them. [But ah, come to think of it, that's probably not a great topic, either. She belatedly grows slightly sheepish.] -- Sorry. I probably shouldn't ask so many questions about that while... [His other friends are still missing. Way to go, Naminé.] ... You know.

It's sort of morbid but it's also kind of interesting to read about. I could probably find you a book on the theory if you were ever interested. [It's just enough in the realm of science that he finds it interesting.] But that's exactly it. It's why CERES says they're really particular about the data they recover to make sure it matches exactly the way it should. That's the thing about coding and even genetics. One slip and you end up with a different hair color or missing a limb or something. Not good.

[But he sighs lightly when she apologies, giving her another reassuring smile.] I'd be a little more upset about it if I didn't know they'd all come back and at least remember me. Or come back at all. [A pause.] They're all really strong, but I know for sure at least one of them wouldn't leave me behind if she could help it. If she comes back, three of the others are bound to come back, and the last one...he's got a lot left to do here. I don't think he'd accept not coming back either. I'll just have to be prepared for whatever they come back with.

A book? [She perks at that. Now that she thinks of it - there are books on a lot of things, aren't there? It's not as though she's had much opportunity to read any before now, but the prospect is actually one she's quiet amenable to. The rest takes precedent, however, and she settles again until an opportunity presents itself to speak.] ... I can't say that they're wrong about that. I'm just - not sure whether to be happy about their attention to detail or disturbed by it. [Since, after all, if they're really careful about every bit of data, couldn't that also theoretically mean personally inspecting it? All one's personal information and best kept secrets included? The idea's enough to make her skin crawl.] But - if you find any good books about that, I'd be happy to hear about them. Don't go to any trouble for me.

[And she doesn't have the heart to disagree with him about the rest of it. That really is an idealistic way to look at things, because even as little as she knows about the process, she's not convinced strength and determination to return have anything to do with it. Ah, but what does she know? Maybe it's more complicated than it seems like it would be, and maybe it's better to look at it his way. So he gets a smile back, a gentle thing that's only slightly hesitant, half to accept his reassurance and half to offer the same thing back.] Well, you know them better than I do. [Which is to say she doesn't. At all.] You must really think highly of them, to have so much faith. I hope it all works out like you think it will. [A beat. There's a little laugh somewhere under her breath, mouth quirking slightly higher.] If they're as stubborn as you say, I'd be curious to meet them for myself.

Hey. [He rests his hands on the counter again, catching her eye and grinning just slightly.] It's really not a big deal. There's a whole library here, so...don't worry about it. [It's no trouble for him, especially someone who thinks knowledge = power. She's also not wrong though. CERES knows everything, and even the Flamines have confirmed they know all of their personal history. Is it alarming? Sure. But at the same time, it's also something of a safety net that at least that will all remain true.

He knows he's an idealist. Always has been even if most of his faith is firmly in science. Things will happen because he wants them to, no matter what.]

I do though. Think highly of them, I mean. Some of them are really great fighters who've been training me and helping me understand this place...and one of them...[He looks back at his cup and the half-smeared rose now.] You'll like her. She's the greatest person I've ever met. I'll introduce you guys sometime if you want. She's always interested in making new friends.

[It's awfully hard to worry about it when he grins at her, even if it's a small one. While it may be a habit for her to feel as though asking anything of someone is too much no matter how simple the request, she at least makes the attempt to let go of that as she offers a smile in return, slight but genuine.] I won't, then. But I might have to go and see the library - just to be sure you're not only saying that to make me feel better.

[Humorously intended, of course, because after all the previous topics of discussion it seems as though it's high time. She even manages to avoid catching on that one word.]

[Oh, something in the back of her mind says as he looks at the rose. That's why he asked for a flower. It's an assumption she doesn't yet put full stock in, but the theory occurs to her and she doesn't miss the overall tone of his words about this girl who is purportedly the 'greatest.' Before she knows it the corners of her mouth are curling ever higher upward, eyes dangerously close to a bright, knowing sort of look. Someone special, then. Good for him.] I'd like that very much...! [Trying to keep her smile in check and failing, she pauses; her curiosity really has been piqued, but she does at least momentarily waver about whether to indulge it or not. In the end, it wins out, her earnest interest clear in her voice despite the her natural reservedness.] What is she like? Other than great.

Just be careful if you go. Sometimes weird stuff happens in that library anyway. [It's more of a throwaway comment as he thinks back to a time they were all trapped in there for a few days living out book tropes and then fighting zombies. Cerealia's a weird place sometimes.

But of course he doesn't get much time to think on it because Naminé's asking The Question about his someone special. He recognizes that look and he has the grace to look a little embarrassed all the same. He doesn't mind elaborating though.]

Ruby's very...optimistic about everything. She's one of those people you can always look to for positivity and excitement. She's the leader of her team back home so she's full of good ideas, too. She builds weapons here for people who need them, she's really capable that way. She's smart, she's funny, she always seems to know what to say...["And I like her very much."] She's the most wonderful person I've ever met and the greatest part about it is she probably doesn't know it. She wants to help people more than anything in the world and she tries to befriend pretty much everybody she meets. I bet she'd really like to see your art, too. She's been here even longer than me. It's...weird imagining the colony without her.

[He pauses.] ...sorry. That's a totally different topic.

[Her brows shoot briefly toward her hairline, but she leaves the, 'What kind of weird stuff--?' unsaid. Instead, she offers a slightly hesitant nod. She'll just... have to keep her guard up. Or something. (Do the books attack people? Please tell her the books don't attack people, Zexion was bad enough.)]

[But that's not the most pressing topic at hand. No, the most pressing topic is what's special about his Special Person, which she listens to quite intently. If she were the type to grin, she'd be grinning like the Cheshire Cat, let there be no doubt about that. Instead, it's only a smile, but it's a Smile and her cheeks are starting to hurt by the end. He's got plenty of reason, unfortunately, to look embarrassed, even though she kindly refrains from any actual ribbing.]

No - there's no need to apologize. I'm the one who asked.

[And she can't even keep the amusement out of her tone, sorry Hiro. But she's also wholly genuine when she says,]

That was really sweet. She obviously means a lot to you. [Which would make it all the more horrible if this Ruby weren't to come back, but Naminé is quick to nip that thought in the bud.] And it sounds like she really would be nice to know. I'll have to draw something special for her if-- when we meet.

[She can make an attempt at optimism for his sake, can't she?]

[Luckily it's not quite that bad. He has a hard time keeping a straight face when she looks at him like that but...at the same time it's getting a little easier to say these things. So he rolls his eyes and brushes it off, taking another drink of his coffee to avoid embarrassing himself further.]

Almost more than anyone. [Which was true even before they were dating. He cares deeply about most of his friends though.] When she comes back, I'll be sure to bring her with me. This is the only place you're working isn't it?

[She at least belatedly seems to realize that she might be causing him some amount of self-consciousness and curls a hand over her mouth, clearing her throat as she tries to force her smile into check. Her cheeks stay a bit high over it until she withdraws the hand to speak again.]

Please do. I'll be looking forward to it. [To the question she nods.] Yes - I'm going to school, too, so I don't have any jobs other than this one. I wanted to, um-- [What is it they say?] ... focus on my education. [Since, you know, she's never actually been to school before and was really excited about it.]

[It's hard being a nerd with incredibly powerful dokis. Or a Disney. One of the two. He can appreciate that she's trying though and he hums thoughtfully.]

The school here's not that bad from what I've heard. I have a couple of friends who're going, too. [He's not, if only because he feels like he's surpassed Cerealia's education system and he's too busy poking his nose where it doesn't belong.] Just don't work too hard, okay? Stifles creativity and all that.

[A beat.] ...thank you, Naminé. For everything.

[It's hard being both, too. No need to make it worse. Her enjoyment of his dokis, however, is wholly genuine; it really makes her happy to see other people happy, and especially so when it's because they have someone special to them. She's never really had the luxury of supportive, positive relationships before this part of her life, and rather than being bitter or jealous, she's chosen to be glad.]

[And her brows do raise at the way he references school, because it doesn't escape her notice that his words would imply he doesn't go. He's not older than she thinks he is, is he? No, surely not. So it occurs to her to ask about that, but by then there's something else to address and she nods instead.] I'll try not to.

[Which again leaves her with a moment to ask about the whole school situation - except then he's thanking her and the question dies in her throat. Softening, she regards him, and soon enough there's a warm smile quirking her lips.] Any time, Hiro. [Out of consideration she doesn't say, 'after all, don't I owe you?' because that's not at all relevant to her motivations and she'd rather not sour the moment.] Really. If you ever need to talk, you know how to find me.

[If she's not at work, there's always the CereVices.]

Edited 2016-05-26 02:56 (UTC)

[On the bright side? At least Naminé has people here who are willing to reach out to her and support her and that includes this guy. If she were to ask he'd explain why he's not enrolled at the academy but that doesn't seem important right now. He stands upright and leans down to take the handle of Baymax's suitcase in one hand, coffee in another.]

Yeah…I mean likewise. I've been here a while so…you know. [A shrug as he ducks his head.] I should probably get going though. I was supposed to just take a ten minute break. [But his tone and expression are enough to say that he regrets nothing.] I'll catch you later though, okay?

[Yes, things have changed significantly for her already. It's just that the effects thereof take a while to make themselves apparent, and for now it's hard for her to see this as more than a temporary peculiarity, something that she shouldn't get used to because it might soon be gone again. She needs time to adjust, but she's well on her way thanks to, indeed, people like him.]

[Her smile brightens at first, her own head threatening to duck in belated shyness. Then along comes his admission about how long his break was supposed to be, and even though he regrets nothing, the same clearly can't be said about her, because she has to cover her suddenly rounded mouth against a faint gasp.] Oh--! Of course. Sorry-- I didn't realize I was keeping you...! [Although she gets the feeling from his tone that he hardly minded, but still. She hasn't any desire to get him in trouble. That smile comes back at least partially, however, for her,] But-- sure. Catch you later.

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