OPEN RP POST DEUX

[formidable]

This a post where I'll RP anything with you and that means ANYTHING. Except smut because I suck at that Got a scenario in mind? I'LL DO IT. Here's some prompts below to help get things moving along if you don't have an idea to play out. The prompts are just prompts, if you have something specific, just let me know either at sweethymns or my AIM (rainsweets). Have at it! ➢ 01. AMUSEMENT PARK: Disneyland? Knotts Berry Farm? Six Flags? A made up amusement park with knockoff characters? Who cares, let's just ride that roller coaster or that giant swing ride! ➤ 02. PARK: Benches, trees, grass, maybe a lake and a basketball or volleyball court. ➢ 03. SNOWY DAY: Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful... or the level of snowfall can be any you wish! Light or heavy, there's going to be some winter related activities somewhere. ➤ 04. DINER: I love food, I really, really, really love food. And so do muses if they like to eat too! This diner seems to have a very HUGE menu with a large variety of dishes! Let's bond over food stuffs! ➢ 05. SICK DAY: Either your muse or my muse is sick. Who's taking care of who? ➤ 06. SEVEN MINUTES IN HEAVEN: Our characters are stuck in a closet and can't get out until there is some kissing, so they better make good use of those seven minutes... DON'T YOU DARE JUDGE ME. ➢ 07. SCHOOL: High school never ends! Or any type of schooling really. So whether it's in class or in the gym, let's try to endure mandatory education! ➤ 08. SURVIVAL HORROR: That old mansion/creepy town/underground science lab/zombie infested city ain't going to be survived by itself. Grab your medicinal herbs and shotguns, let's survive the horror. ➢ 09. WILDCARD: Let's make up shit.

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OPEN THREAD

[infusion]

[It so happens that on a dark and stormy night in a city, (somewhere, anywhere really), someone may spot a beautiful gilded wooden door nearby wherever they are. Side of a building? In an alleyway? Near a dumpster?? Usually, it appears somewhere that's out of sight and out of mind, where the majority of people can't see it. The door looks warm and inviting and it's just a secret begging to be opened up so you can find what lies within...

❂❂❂

... It's surprisingly normal inside; a surprisingly normal cafe actually. The interior is a warm mixture of red brick walls and sleek wooden floors and tables, along with comfortable looking sofa chairs and a large couch with a coffee table to accompany it. The ceiling is decorated with colorful hanging lanterns that cast interesting shadows on the walls and floors. A large black bookshelf sits next to the counter where there are various books and novels that have an age to them from past readers and customers. Behind the counter is the usual machines, bottles of syrups, jars of coffee beans, and teas that scream, "WE ARE A GODDAMN CAFE." The black chalkboards aligned on the wall are strangely empty except for a lavishly illustrated logo which can only be the establishment's name.

❦ THE MIDNIGHT GRIND ❦

There's no other way to say it. This place is cozy.

It's empty right now, but soon there's a shuffle in the back and a young woman (she could be anywhere between 18 to her late 20s really; hard to say) with dark curly hair tied up into a ponytail walks out with a step ladder and a box of colored chalk, calling out to the back.]

Oren, I'm telling you, gluten free is in right now! You probably wouldn't be able to tell the difference between that and a regular waffle-... Oh!

[Iona Jacqueline Oakes finally notices the customer that's come in tonight and she beams, giving them a wave. She's an energetic, bouncy sunbeam of a person and it can be seen from her looks and the way she happily makes her greeting.]

Welcome to The Midnight Grind! First time here?

[onoir]

[ Diarmuid has a feeling he's not supposed to be here.

True, Ai'd told him to have a look around town while she spent time with Lien for the night, and true, it'd started to rain without much in the way of preamble— but he regrets it right away when he pushes past the heavily-gilded door and stumbles into a place that feels like... well. Something more than normal.

Brushing some residual water from his bangs, he confirms that his civilian clothes aren't dripping everywhere before he opens his mouth. ]

...I apologize for the interruption. [ why is he apologizing already, why ] And it is, but—

[ Right, he has no money. ] —I'll be fine standing here until the rain stops. Again, my apologies.

1/2

[infusion]

[The young woman is sitting on the steps of the ladder, trying to choose some colors for the menu and it takes her a second glance (and that weird pulse in her arm that occurs when something or someone "unique" enters) to take a good look at the newcomer.]

That's fine! Since you're new, the first cup of coffee or tea is on the house-...

[infusion]

[Whoa, hold up.

This man is... Well. 10/10. Five gold stars. Perfect scores all across the board. If Iona wasn't a witch, she has a feeling she would have knocked over the ladder she's sitting on now and fallen backwards at the sight of this man because here stood a living definition of breathtaking.

... And thankfully she's had experience with that. Iona's brows furrow and she looks at Diarmuid and then glances at the back where there's another certain someone. And then back at Diarmuid. And then at the kitchen. She takes a deep breath, tossing her chalk aside and hopping off the ladder, muttering to herself:]

Lord, give me strength.

[Anyways, she's going to make some coffee for him anyways. A cup on the house has always been her policy for new customers and she isn't going to hesitate now.]

If you need to, it's okay to hang your coat over one of the chairs. Don't worry about the mess. This is a place to rest up after all!

[She's a sharp and snappy one, this person...]

[onoir]

[ He hears the mutter, and instinctively draws a hand up to his face, brushes a finger across his curse mark. This was a bad idea— he wouldn't forgive himself if he made trouble for his Master?!

So. Despite her insistence, he answers with a shake of the head, feet planted near the exit. ]

I couldn't trouble you.

[ Mr. Earnest. But after a beat, he seems to consider the rudeness of just...standing there... so he shifts to remove his wet coat and tentatively reaches for a chair to hang it on, as suggested. ]

—But if you'll let me, I'll hang my clothes. Thank you.

[timecoded]

[ ... Weeeeeird.

Rhea swears she was supposed to be at a bar right now (she's certainly dressed for it). That's where she was headed to, at least, and this is. Definitely not a bar. She has half a mind to turn around and walk back out, but you know what? This place looks so cozy, and honestly? She'd only thought to go out tonight because what else would she do? Literally nothing. She has nothing better to do than go out and drink and roll her eyes at skeevy strangers. Maybe a low-key night at a cafe would be a nice change of pace.

She's still a little skeptical, though, when she walks up to the counter and is greeted by the alarmingly bouncy and cheery lady. Alarmingly. ]

Uh... Yeah. By the way, Midnight Grind totally sounds like it could be a nightclub. Just saying.

[infusion]

[Huh. Well, she's gotten ruder comments before, it comes with the job. She's sketching out a waffle drawing on one of the chalkboards before looking at Rhea and raising a brow at her outfit. It's cute, but not cafe material. If Iona wasn't behind the counter and greeting customers, she'd probably lounge on one of the couches in sweatpants right now (and consequently get lectured by Oren).

Of course, she'll reply sarcastically.]

Can't imagine why. Doesn't remind me of anything untoward.

Anyways, first cup of coffee or tea is on the house. Any preference?

[timecoded]

[ Rhea bites down on her lip; that was her honest attempt at humor, but she knows it came across rudely, especially considering how Iona responded. So she looks down, hands clutching at her phone which she's set down on the counter. ]

Um. Coffee, I guess.

[ Caffeinated drinks don't tend to do much for her, but she can pretend. Like she does with alcohol. ]

[pragnanz]

[ pretend that i have more than 3 icons and pretend that i didn't take this opportunity to do this

Anyway. A man walks into The Midnight Grind tonight, a man in a full-blown three-piece suit that looks as expensive as the gloves he peels off from cold hands; a rich man? Possibly. Someone important? Debatable, since he seems comfortable enough with how utterly soaked he is and offers Iona, for all intents and purposes, a friendly smile. ]

Well. I should hope so, otherwise I'd have to doubt how capable I am of remembering things.

[ Just answer the fucking question, Claude.

Despite his...nonanswer... he seems to think it's enough, and motions towards the nearest chair in mild questioning. ]

Would you spare a chair for someone in need?

[infusion]

[Iona is someone who is familiar with wealth. Her grandmother was a woman who learned over her many years how to acquire, keep, and maintain it after all and she made sure her grandchildren wouldn't have to deal with annoying things such as having no roof over their heads or not being able to have a new closet of the latest fashions. (She and Solomon made Berna swear off buying new clothes though; there was only so much they could wear within a year and not have others check it off as a rich matron's eccentricities).

That said, Iona is here to work and The Midnight Grind is neutral ground as far as she's concerned. She nods and smiles a the new customer before answering his question.]

Help yourself!

[Man, it must be pouring out there. Iona is quick to make her offer.]

Looks like you could use a hot drink. Coffee or tea? First one's free for first timers!

[pragnanz]

Tea, thank you.

[ A beat, and he reconsiders. ]

—Actually, surprise me. Or should I say 'what's good'? I should be taking advantage of your offer, after all.

[ That last bit comes with a wink, lips twitching upwards while his chin settles on a propped arm. Coming in here was a whim, but he's already satisfied with his decision and therefore decides that he'll stay until the rain tapers off. ]

[withvirtue]

[ Karen, I've got a feeling we're not in Hell's KItchen anymore.

Because while the joints around the neighborhood do have their charms, this is almost far too charming. Karen was just making her way home back from work, or maybe she wasn't, because home isn't necessarily her favorite place to be, nowadays, but she certainly wasn't expecting such a fancy-looking door by one of the alleyways. In retrospect, she probably shouldn't be trying to walk through doors when she doesn't know where they'll lead her to, but in this case? It kinda pays off. This place is really... adorable. Which is an adjective she hasn't used in a while. She walks up to the counter, glancing around, because she can scarcely believe this place is real, but hey. ]

Hey, uh, yeah, first-timer over here. By the way, the whole gluten-free thing? Don't really get it.

[infusion]

[Uh oh. Iona's not getting vibes from this new person. This happens every once and a while, a normal finding the cafe due to dumb luck, but the best way to play it off is just to welcome them in, like anyone else. Iona gets off the ladder and welcomes the customer politely and replies to her remark.]

Gotta think of that darn celiac disease that a lot of people seem to have these days. That and it cuts down carbs without getting rid of it completely. Either way, it's still delicious food stuffs.

[Cue a casual shrug.]

Anyways, you're new so that means, free first drink of coffee or tea. What'll it be?

[withvirtue]

Wow, that's nice of you guys. Sure, I'll take a free drink. Coffee, please.

[ She pulls the straps of her purse up on her shoulder, continuing to glance around a little bit. ]

How long have you guys been in business? I swear I didn't know a place like this even existed. It's pretty nice!

[hadninelives]

[Wendy's just walking down a street, minding her own business (mostly), when something pings her witch senses. She follows the feeling to a door. A very interesting door, with an aura that practically screams OPEN ME.

So she does. (Curiosity, cats, it's a thing...)

Inside is the cutest little coffee shop she's ever seen. It reminds her of her sister's house, in a way. It just has that same eclectic, cozy feeling. Wendy strolls inside, wondering why she's never heard of The Midnight Grind before, because this is definitely her kind of place.

She smiles back at the greeting and makes her way over.]

First time, but probably not the last time. Just please tell me it's not all gluten free?

[infusion]

[Iona has to laugh at the newcomer's question. She climbs down from the ladder, shaking her head. (Her arm pulses. She's similar, but different. So business as usual.)]

You're not that lucky. Today's special are late night waffles with fresh berries and cream if that's your thing. First drink for a new customer is free though.

[hadninelives]

In that case, I'll take a cup of tea. And I'll probably end up ordering some late night waffles eventually, because that sounds delicious.

[Wendy checks her aura out of habit. Yep, definitely magic. Not that she's surprised by that. She would have been more surprised if there hadn't been magic.]

How long has this place been open?

[loyal_subject]

[A bookbag does not make a good umbrella. At all.

So when the sudden deluge catches Waver out in the side-streets of Fuyuki city, he's grateful for the welcoming-looking door. It strikes him as being in a weird place, in a blank alley with nothing on either side or across from it, but he's in no position to argue. Whatever it is, as long as he can wait out the rain-

Stepping inside, he's pleasantly surprised. He'd not expected a goddamn cafe in such a place. His eyes gravitate towards the books then the couch before the lady appears.

In the face of that sunny personality, Waver mentally takes a step back. He just wants to quietly wait out the rain, really.]

Yes, first time. [And that name for the cafe gives him a mental pause, as his mind digs up a second innuendo. (Excuse him for being a teenager.) It... looks totally normal in here, though.]

[Combing his fingers though his damp hair and trying to shake off some of the rainwater before coming further inside he adds,] What's on your hot drinks menu?
[Because you don't have a menu up, he has to ask...]

[infusion]

Oh, wow. It still hasn't let up out there??

[Look, the name was actually Oren's idea not hers!!! That's her first reaction when she sees the soaked Waver. Her drawing of waffles on the chalkboard is completed so she climbs down and grabs one of the towels from the cupboard. She walks over to offer the towel to him.]

You're new, so your first drink's free. We can make any kind of coffee or tea. Or any drink really! Ah, within reason though.

[Thankfully, Berna was generous with providing ingredients and stock for their cafe (and using magic, they're able to preserve things for a long time) so they were able to get some pretty unique products.]

Let me guess though... Book bag... [Iona snaps her fingers.]

Student, duh. Coffee might be your jam right now.

[loyal_subject]

Thanks. [He really appreciates the towel, and uses it to dry his hair as best he can. Damn, long hair. But he's too lazy to change it.

Faced with the option of 'anything (within reason)', his mind goes blank. So he's rather glad when her deduction brings him back to coffee.]

Yah, it has been. [Out of necessity.] I don't suppose you can make anything that tastes like coffee, but isn't either sickeningly sweet or it's-been-in-the-pot-for-twenty-hours bitter? [There's only so much bitter he can take, hence a penchant for lattes.]

[bed_head]

[Oreki likes the atmosphere once he steps inside. The place murmurs 'cafe', even if the door was in a weird place, and it'll be a good place to wait out the rain.
Nodding to himself at his success of conserving so much energy by finding a place to wait on the first try, he comes further in.

And then he gets greeted by the energetic person on a stepstool drawing a waffle on the chalkboard. A waffle, and no other menu.

He nods slowly. Yes, his first time here.]

Do you have a written menu?

[infusion]

[Huh. A kid. And probably not magic at that. Still, a customer and Iona gestures towards one of the seats, inviting him in.]

We're kind of working on that. It's always been a work in progress, but tea and coffee's a never changing constant.

[bed_head]

[How long have they been going without a menu? He shrugs. She's got a point, but it's a waste of energy to go through the process asking after every drink.]

That's true. A black coffee then, Master. Whichever blend is your most bitter.

[And he makes his way over to a table to sit down, pulling a paperback from his school bag.]

[effet]

[ A day after Iona's meeting with Claude, yet another wet rag of a man stumbles into the Midnight Grind: his expensive three-piece suit is scuffed from where he's clearly fallen many, many times, his tie mostly undone and teetering precariously around his neck, medium-length blond hair disheveled and falling over his face (most likely slicked back before the elements and he himself got to it).

Blinking water out of his eyes, he looks down at the ruined mess of his outfit (his father'll have a row, not that he'll ever find out if Gus can help it) and heaves an exaggerated sigh...

...but wait, there's a cute girl talking to him right now?! His expression immediately brightens, and he opens his arms as if going in for a hug. ]

—'demoiselle! Of course it is, I wouldn't forget such a pretty face!

[ That's as formal as he gets, really. His face splits into the dumbest grin, ever. ]

[infusion]

[She had been sitting at the counter with some open books and taking notes on several pieces of paper when she hears the door open (another day of rain??) and looks up to see a soaked customer enter her cafe; she gives her usual greeting although she's mildly surprised by his reply.

Anyways, the floor's getting all wet and she stands up giggling lightly.]

Thanks for the compliment, but I think you need a towel and a hot drink, sir. Will that be coffee or tea?