[It's Saturday night at the Midnight Grind, and a busy one at that. Michael's second night on the job has gone smoother than the first; not that his first night was a failure, but he was still trying to learn where everything was, the items on the menu, how to prepare the items on the menu, and the faces and names of regular customers.
Granted, he hasn't become a master of any of it overnight, but tonight is an improvement. For a shy young man, he still gives the impression of being an easygoing, polite employee. He can't outshine Iona in the personality department, but he's at least hopeful he's making a decent first impression.
When there's a lull later in the night, he manages to catch Iona behind the counter.]
You weren't kidding when you said it was going to be a busy weekend. I think I need to buy more comfortable shoes.
I think that might be his idea of efficiency, which is drilling it into my head until I get it right.
[at least it seems to be working. He already has so many drink recipes memorized, it's ridiculous.]
Well, Oren's been pretty thorough so far. I guess what I've mostly been wondering if you think that the customers will take to me, being a new face and all?
[Aaaah, you're gonna make him blush again; Michael wonders if he can mentally WILL IT AWAY...]
I'm just being... polite. [He idly washes out a coffee cup that needs rinsing in one of the sinks, for no real reason.] Besides, how can they think Oren is too overwhelming? I'd figure girls would be all over him, considering how he looks.
Oh they're definitely all over him. I mean why wouldn't they? But unfortunately, they treat him as if he's on another level they can't reach and they're kinda right. I mean, he's not available. [Being her golem for the time being and all.]
You though. [She points at him and nods knowingly.]
You're approachable. That is KEY in attractiveness. And you're not cocky, overconfident, and you try your best. [She says all of this while gesturing with her arms.]
That way, people go, "Oh, he's dependable. He's refreshing."
[So, there are two ways that he can take that. One, very flattering. Two, he's just the silver medal.
If he were the more prideful sort, Michael might actually be offended. But that's not his personality at all, and instead he does find it flattering, but even more embarrassing with Iona just listing all these attributes off like it's nothing.]
"Refreshing", huh? [Yup, drying off that coffee cup and putting it back in its proper place, now.] You might be overstating things a little though; I'm sure they're just being... civil. [Yeah, that's it, all the girls are being civil to him.]
[He looks at her, as if trying to prove a point that no, he's totally not shy! What are you talking about.....]
You say that kind of thing to any guy, I'm pretty sure he'd be a little shy or embarrassed about it.
[Which is... not at all true. Michael had always been a little naturally shy, but after the accident with his sister, it only accentuated this aspect of his personality, making him more withdrawn that he would normally.] But still, I'm glad you can see I'm trying my best. I want to add to productivity, not be a hindrance.
Believe it or not, when I first started up this place a few years ago, it was kind of hard to build a customer base. I mean, it's not conventional to begin with since the door can be hard to find.
And on top of that... Witch? Cafe full of sweets and delicious drinks? I had a lot of the, "You're not doping or fattening us up are you?" questions.
Oh of course not! Not now anyways. From what Berna told me... Oh, that's my grandma by the way-- From what she told me, that was probably something done by ancient witches, but you wouldn't know because they're dead.
[Iona shrugs.]
Proving that cannibalism does not support a healthy magic body system. People just ask just to be kind of annoying anyways.
Make sure you get some really good rest! You deserve it.
[And Iona made sure he worked at peak hours instead of past midnight because...]
After midnight tends to be the time I get really weird customers, just so you know. I didn't want to put you into that sort of situation that abruptly.
Michael + Iona; workin' and drankin'
Granted, he hasn't become a master of any of it overnight, but tonight is an improvement. For a shy young man, he still gives the impression of being an easygoing, polite employee. He can't outshine Iona in the personality department, but he's at least hopeful he's making a decent first impression.
When there's a lull later in the night, he manages to catch Iona behind the counter.]
You weren't kidding when you said it was going to be a busy weekend. I think I need to buy more comfortable shoes.
you don't have to go work, work, work
[Although, "easy" with Oren is him monotonously telling Michael to repeat steps again and again, especially if one step went wrong in making a drink.]
Once you're done here, every Starbucks in the country will want you, aren't you glad?
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[She's right, though. He'd make a great Starbucks employee at this rate.]
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[Current customers have been served already and so she takes the opportunity to lean against the counter with a big sigh.]
Are they any questions you have about the Grind that Oren hasn't answered yet? We can afford a break, so I might as well fill you in.
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[at least it seems to be working. He already has so many drink recipes memorized, it's ridiculous.]
Well, Oren's been pretty thorough so far. I guess what I've mostly been wondering if you think that the customers will take to me, being a new face and all?
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And besides, you're sweet. The girls definitely appreciate you when Oren is too overwhelming.
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I'm just being... polite. [He idly washes out a coffee cup that needs rinsing in one of the sinks, for no real reason.] Besides, how can they think Oren is too overwhelming? I'd figure girls would be all over him, considering how he looks.
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You though. [She points at him and nods knowingly.]
You're approachable. That is KEY in attractiveness. And you're not cocky, overconfident, and you try your best. [She says all of this while gesturing with her arms.]
That way, people go, "Oh, he's dependable. He's refreshing."
Yeah. Refreshing! [THUMBS UP AT MICHAEL]
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If he were the more prideful sort, Michael might actually be offended. But that's not his personality at all, and instead he does find it flattering, but even more embarrassing with Iona just listing all these attributes off like it's nothing.]
"Refreshing", huh? [Yup, drying off that coffee cup and putting it back in its proper place, now.] You might be overstating things a little though; I'm sure they're just being... civil. [Yeah, that's it, all the girls are being civil to him.]
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[Although she wonders if he was like this before he withdrew from his family.]
It's not a bad thing you know. Besides, right now you're clearly trying your best. I think almost everyone can see that.
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You say that kind of thing to any guy, I'm pretty sure he'd be a little shy or embarrassed about it.
[Which is... not at all true. Michael had always been a little naturally shy, but after the accident with his sister, it only accentuated this aspect of his personality, making him more withdrawn that he would normally.] But still, I'm glad you can see I'm trying my best. I want to add to productivity, not be a hindrance.
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Well, I DO like embarrassing people with nice words. Keep it up and you won't hear the end of it from me.
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[Aaaah, so embarrassing...]
A-anyway, your nice words get you pretty far. Everyone here loves you.
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And on top of that... Witch? Cafe full of sweets and delicious drinks? I had a lot of the, "You're not doping or fattening us up are you?" questions.
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[It sounds too... stereotypical.]
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[Iona shrugs.]
Proving that cannibalism does not support a healthy magic body system. People just ask just to be kind of annoying anyways.
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So then... you're saying you're not planning on cooking me alive?
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Not quite yet. I'll keep the plan on the back burner for now.
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[He smiles but then leans on the counter, exhaling.]
I'll be sleeping well tonight after my shift is over, that's for sure.
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[And Iona made sure he worked at peak hours instead of past midnight because...]
After midnight tends to be the time I get really weird customers, just so you know. I didn't want to put you into that sort of situation that abruptly.
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"Weird", how?
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Lizard people.
[There is no humor in her voice.]
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Wait, what?
[That is the only legitimate reaction to that, Iona. Plz to be explaining.]
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[IONA THAT DOESN'T EXPLAIN ANYTHING]
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So after midnight, you get lizard people who like ordering garlic noodles?
[He looks directly at her.]
Are you messing with me again, Iona?
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LATER THAT NIGHT...
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1/2
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wow i thought i hit post comment
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