awashlogs | [Open/Mingle] Grand Opening!

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[Open/Mingle] Grand Opening!

Who: Akira & you!
Where: A building in Ruga, converted into a cafe
When: early September
What: Akira is opening a cafe!
Warnings: None right now

[Akira has put quite a bit of work into this over the last month (alongside Akechi, his unlikely but earnest helper), and now he's pretty confident about opening. It's what used to be a store in Ruga, but Akira has moved out the worst of the shelving and replaced it with tables and chairs. The counter has been cleaned up and converted into a bar, with Akira's siphons already bubbling with water he fetched from the well at the end. Jars and bags of coffee are set on shelves behind the counter, procured from Leblanc during the time the portals were open. Though the stock is a bit sparse for a truly functioning cafe, it's better than nothing. Akira also took his old apron, which he keeps on a hook when he isn't wearing it.

There's also a couch in the back for people to sit on, and at the front, sitting on its own stand, is a guest book, made for him by Akechi, with an old ink quill waiting next to it for people to sign.

He arrives early the first day, after sending out an announcement over the network. Time for business.]

[OOC: Feel free to make your own top levels in the cafe!]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

If you google your name it pops up. [He gives a little shrug.] Your fangirls promote it everywhere.

[Another shrug, and then:] Ryuji found it actually.

[He remembers Ryuji scrolling through the photos, and thinking they were kinda cute. That was such a long time ago... before he knew who Akechi really was, before he knew what would happen. A simpler time.]

[ Ryuji, really? Well, it kind of figures. Ryuji was probably the one with the most free time in his hands, and out of the Phantom Thieves, he was definitely the one who liked Akechi the least. Of course he'd try to dig up dirt on him. ]

Ah, they're far too enthusiastic. [ A shake of his head, along with a chuckle. ] I'm hardly a food critic or a connoisseur. But, since I eat out regularly, I decided to start it on a whim, like a hobby.

[ A pause as he considers a new thought, and then: ] Perhaps I should do something similar to that blog while we're here. Any new arrivals would especially appreciate it.

[Akechi continuing his food blog here... Well, it is good to have a hobby.]

Going to review all the hottest food spots in Chroma? All two of them?

[There's the newly minted Cafe Morgana, and Rin's cafe, and that's it.]

Two? You're not very well informed, are you?

[ But he's chuckling, and it's a sign he only means to tease. So before he proceeds, he places an elbow on the counter, propping his chin up on his hand. Closer, almost like he's sharing some very secret information. ]

Okumura-kun runs a cafe of his own, and while it's not a formal establishment, Scientia-san will also offer meals to whoever might be in need. If we add Cafe Morgana to the mix, that's at least three.

[ A pause, and he lifts his cup of coffee to his lips, though he doesn't sip from it just yet. ]

Then again, I might not wish to draw so much attention to the latter. If it gets too busy, there might not be a place for me.

[Akira folds his arms and leans back at that, which is as close as he will get to showing annoyance (though he is also only teasing). If Ignis doesn't have a formal establishment it shouldn't count!]

I knew about Okumura's... [So that's good enough! But as Akechi continues, he can't help but give a (fond) shake of his head.]

This will always be a place for you. No matter if it gets busy or not.

[ As he finally drinks from his cup, Akechi lets his eyes stray over to Akira, studying him in silence. Always a place for him, huh...? He really wants to believe that. And maybe not just about the cafe, either. ]

I know. You did make me a VIP, after all.

[ It doesn't come with a side of cocky confidence as usual, but with a placating smile instead, uncertain but hopeful. If only he could truly be a very important person... ]

Besides, that would defeat the purpose of this cafe. If it's meant to be a place of comfort for people, then it's people it needs. It's the way you have envisioned it, correct?

[If only Akechi could see that he is a very, very important person.

But Akira nods, a small smile on his face.]

Yeah. It should stay cozy, but... I want people to feel like they can gather here freely. Like this is a place they can come.

[He does mean it for everyone... but he means it for Akechi, too. Maybe most of all.

He might not believe that yet. He may never believe it. But that doesn't mean Akira will stop telling him.]

[ Even that small smile means a lot, and gives Akechi that bit more hope. Little by little, the thought shifts from an impossible dream, to something closer to real. ]

I understand. If it will make you happy, then I'll do what I can to bring more people to this place.

[ He definitely wants to see that smile more often.

But then he leans in a little closer, and the entire side of his face is pressed up against his palm as he looks away, towards the cafe entrance. Is he expecting more customers to come in anytime soon? Maybe. But it's also an excuse to avert his gaze. ]

Besides, I'll be sure to drop by as much as I can. So if you think about it, the cafe has already accomplished its goal, even if it's only one person.

[ It makes him happy to be here, too. ]

[Akira can't help but stop and stare at that soft gaze, glad that Akechi isn't looking at him right at the moment. He isn't sure when his feelings for this boy, one who is dangerous and sad and remarkable all at once, turned to something so... fond. Yearning.

He wants to reach out and touch him, or maybe more. But he has to keep his hands to himself. Akechi already knows how he feels - the next move is on him.

If all he wants is friendship, Akira is willing to stay that way. But he'll still indulge in these quiet moments.]

I'm glad. I did... really want to accomplish this for you, especially.

[ If Akechi wasn't looking at him before, then Akira's words are definitely enough to change that. ]

For me...?

[ That's... puzzling. He figures Akira's feelings might be involved and partially responsible for that, of course-- and that thought alone brings a fluster to his face-- but he still can't deduce the full extension of Akira's reasoning. ]

I don't understand. I know I have previously said Leblanc was a place where I could relax, but it's not as if I have been particularly overwhelmed with work in this place...

Yeah, well... this place isn't exactly relaxing.

[By that, of course, he means Chroma. The sirens, the werewolves, even just the smaller announces like mutant bugs... There's always something they have to deal with here.]

But it just seems like you've never really had a lot of places like this. Places where you can really relax and be yourself. And Chroma isn't a vacation, so... you still deserve that here.

[ ... ah. It's true, he never had many places like this, but as far as deserving it goes-- ]

Not any more than anyone else. I do appreciate the sentiment, though.

[ It makes him feel special. Like he has always wanted to be, but never was.

Still, Akira's words get him thinking, and he takes another sip of his coffee as if to help speed up the process. A place where he could relax and be himself... While it's true Chroma is no vacation paradise, Akechi remembers comparing it to Leblanc before; even without coffee and curry, he had begun to feel more comfortable, more at ease to let his real self slip through the cracks of his mask.

So, was it ever really about a place? Or was it something else...? ]

Besides, even if that was what you wanted, there was no need to recreate the entire ambiance of a cafe. To be honest, I begin to question the merits of having a single spot as my source of relaxation...

Hm?

[Akira tilts his head at that, wondering what Akechi could mean. If it isn't the cafe that makes him feel more relaxed, then what is it?

He can't begin to hope it is what he wants it to be. He can't push, after all.]

So what do you think is important to relaxation, instead? Multiple spots?

[ Multiple spots? Akira, please. ]

What do I think, huh...?

[ He looks away again, head still comfortably settled on top of his own hand. He remembers Leblanc, and how Sojiro managed to keep a fine balance between treating him like everyone else while still making him feel special, just by striking casual conversation and remembering his usual order. He remembers Caramia's gratuitous affection, and Lupin's constant thoughtfulness, and the playful banter he exchanges with both of them. The easy (albeit contained) laughter with Ochako and Busta-chan during tea time, and the silly exchanges with Minato in a Secret Sewing Society or even assigning fictional character roles to guests in his Wonderland-like (un)birthday party...

He remembers a drink and a blanket shared under the stars, and a ballroom routine that was more challenge than dance. A puppet whose custody was almost reason for an argument, settled with unlikely closeness in a vulnerable state. He remembers heavy lifting work and light-hearted talk as a cafe came to life, and a hand that sought pale fingers instead of bright red berries.

... ah. That is the answer, isn't it?

He turns his attention back to Akira, his eyebrows held in a subtle arch. His surprise, too, is real, and it's not thanks to where he is. ]

It must be the company.

[ It's who he's sharing that place with. ]

[Ah. So he came to the best conclusion after all.

Akira's eyebrows lift too, but along with them comes a smile, big and open and sincere. The company, huh?

He just likes spending time with others. With him. And maybe, with that, Akechi is changing.

Maybe they can be something even more now.]

...I agree. It's the company that really makes it a home.

[ There's a flutter inside at the sight of that smile, light but overwhelmingly warm, and Akechi is fairly there'll be heat emanating from his every pore if he doesn't do something to divert his own attention from it. ]

Ah, calling it a home is a bit much, don't you think? [ He laughs it off and looks away, down at his coffee, the jars in the back, anywhere else. ] I know you made it work back in Tokyo, but I surely hope you're not planning to live in a cafe yet again, haha...!

[ He gets the point, though. Really does. ]

Edited 2018-09-13 20:58 (UTC)

Don't you think it's cozy enough?

[He's just joking, of course. He doesn't mind this little break from sleeping in a cafe, especially since he has a real bed now, old and small as it may be.

But that's not necessarily what makes a home. It's like Joshua said: a home is a place that's warm and welcoming.

So he's glad Akechi gets it.]

[ Ah, well. He has to smile at that, a display of fondness that isn't as forced or rare as it used to be. ]

I can't deny it certainly has a very welcoming atmosphere.

[ But then his smile shifts from soft to amused, and he leans in closer again. ]

There's not much in the way of a bed, though. Even sleeping on a mattress over a handful of plastic crates sounds more comfortable than that couch in the back.

That's because you haven't actually done it.

[He's not... totally serious. His bed back in Leblanc is not the best, but that couch is pretty old and lumpy.

The best jokes hold a spark of truth.]

But I guess my roommates would miss me if I bailed on them...

[ Well that might elicit a "is that an invitation?" comment, though that might be a little too much, considering the delicate balance of their relationship right now. It might be best to pass on that. ]

Oh, I'm certain they would.

[ ... then again, he might have something else at his disposal. ]

And you would probably miss your bed, too. It's quite comfortable.

[ He would know; he's actually slept in it before. ]

[Ah... why did Akechi have to go and remind him of that...? Akira can't help the flush that lights up his cheeks, and he quickly looks away, suddenly developing a great interest in wiping down the bar.]

Yeah... It's not bad. Kinda small, though.

[For two people, he means. Except when they're unceremoniously draped over each other.]

How's yours?

[ The unceremonious bit was a direct result of the alcohol, or else Akechi would never have done it. Which is not to say he didn't enjoy it.

Much like he's enjoying a little teasing right now. He even has to admit that kind of look on Akira is rather... cute.

Hmm. How far can he go with this...? ]

Would you like to find out?

[..................

Wow, this counter sure is dirty! Here, give him a moment while he tries to scratch off a speck of dirt with his fingernail.]

Are you inviting me for a sleepover?

[He's going to scar the wood at this rate.]

Edited 2018-09-14 03:24 (UTC)

[ Still not looking him in the eye, huh? The more he avoids it, the more Akechi is going to press this. ]

Calling it a sleepover sounds a little childish, I would say. [ A chuckle. ] Besides, that usually involves more than one guest, and that's...

[ A quick pause for suspense, as he raises his cup to his lips again. ]

... not quite what I had in mind.

[ And he takes a sip, very casual. Like he hasn't just implied he means Akira only. ]

[This is not fair.

Akechi hasn't even given him a definitive answer yet, and now this? It's more than a boy can be expected to handle.

Well, if Akechi wants to play hardball, Akira can rise to the challenge.

He takes a moment to close his eyes, and when he opens them again, his bashfulness has abated somewhat. In its place is a glint of hardness and mystique; qualities he usually only has in the Metaverse.

He reaches up, casually, and slides off his glasses, lowering them so he can slowly wipe the lenses with his shirt hem. His eyes stay on his work at first.]

Well, if it's something more private you want...

[And suddenly, his gaze lifts back up, to lock with Akechi's. Firm, but wild, and a little dangerous.

Definitely a little more Joker.]

...I'd be happy to oblige.

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