the voidtrecker cafe is now open? ☕ a november catch-all!

[adregem]

Who: Roland Crane x OTA!
Where: Various places, specifically/primarily: the Kitchen and the Gym.
When: Spanning most of early Imagination, from Imagination 1-12 (pre-mission weeks).
What: Join the train's resident president as he explores various degrees of hobby-making, training, and whatever else comes between work and sleep.
Warnings: Self-indulgent Barista!Roland as the primary prompt. No apologies given!!!


01 - good to the last drop?
It's your sense of smell that's engaged first. Walk upstairs unto the second floor of the Kitchen, and it's impossible to miss. Its wafting aroma may even reach below the floor, enticing you to come up out of curiosity. For those who come from Earth in particular, it's a smell that feels fond and nostalgic, invoking busy work days and people-watching by busy tables.

Almost true to the designated name of the month, there is an invitation to be swept away by the roast of coffee beans stirring the imagination. The air around here is unbelievably fragrant, almost sweet. And the amateur roast master for as long as supplies last is a dutiful figure - Roland Crane, in a simple polo shirt and an apron tied to his waist, standing behind the steel counter with an open crate of supplies from his recent purchase at the store. The communal coffee maker is there too, but his spread is more meticulous this time around. Two bags of coffee beans labeled 'hazelnut creme' and 'dark arabica' to one side, with batches already ground up. The portable grinder is small, but it matches the moka pot for espresso. Hot water already reaching the boil, with bottles lined up like they're ready for service: a couple of syrup selections, bottles of milk, cream, sugar, then finally the hero of the month: honey in various containers.

He's reading a book from the counter, head tilted down, but don't let that stop you from approaching. He's got something brewing, in more ways than one. In fact, as soon as he notices you, he'll offer a small smile, abandoning the task of reading altogether as he goes for his tools. Cups and mugs within reach, but he'll pretend to write something on them with his pen. An inside joke that may or may not connect, but he commits to the immersion anyway:

"Hey, welcome back. Don't worry, I remember you. And what you ordered last time. Heh."

Kick back. Relax. Have a cuppa of honey and coffee and let Roland the barista hear your tales of woe. Or joy? Whatever you're willing to share. He'll listen. He's got the experience, trust him.

(The tip jar to the very end of his work station is absolutely fake.)



02 - a moving target.
[ At the Gym, some time before mission information goes up and Roland heads straight into his usual business mode, you will find him with his pistol. But for those who have seen him in action already, there's something decidedly different this time around. The gun in his hand, although already more futuristic and magical in its design, is looking more spruced up. An extra barrel that makes it bulky, and the muzzle shaped odd. There's something there that was not there before.

And the only time you will see this for yourself is when he takes a deep breath...and aims at the makeshift targets from a distance. They're staggered, purposely left in random formations. When Roland shoots, his left hand holding the trigger, the usual sound of a gun firing filling the car...Until it stops and suddenly a grappling hook comes out instead. A weird combination, but it fires just as fast as the bullets and there's a struggle to reach the farthest dummy.

Unfortunately, it doesn't quite catch. And so Roland retracts it back, the fiber cable making a sharp whizzing sound as it returns to the gun. ]

[ He sighs. ] This is going to take some getting used to before I even think about making new moves.

[ Approach him here, for training, and he'll be a happy partner. ] Say, got something small I can use to try and grab with my new toy, here? I promise I won't break it. [ Roland nods, jokingly but also, how could he lie to you with such an earnest face? ]



03 - Wildcard!
[ For anything else you may want to do! Am on Discord < Titallenial#7701 > for plotting ideas. Am always open, and will follow your lead! ]

Comments

coffee!

[myblueskies]

"I never ordered coffee before." Romeo looks confused but he's also grinning. Because this is so cool! Roland has everything you need to make coffee and it smells so tasty in here! Even though actually Romeo isn't a big fan of the taste of coffee. He likes the smell though, it smells like home. Like Elfnein's temple. Elfnein drinks coffee so much that the smell permeates almost every memory he has and makes him feel safe.

"I'm glad you remember me though, mister Roland!"

[adregem]

Was Romeo old enough to drink coffee...?

Nevertheless, Roland smiles at him and shakes his head, though he does get to work and starts brewing something up for him just in case. He has the perfect recipe for someone like Romeo, who seems to be quite sprightly and friendly whenever they meet. He also won't bother to explain the joke there either, how could he with Romeo's genuine enthusiasm?

"I think it'd be hard to forget you, Romeo." The moka pot is already boiling, espresso mixed with water, diluted in preparation. "Even though you've never had coffee, do you want to try a recipe from my new book? I used to have it often, where I came from."

2~

[unfavorableinstigation]

[Nita approaches with - seemingly - nothing more sophisticated in hand than something that looks like a lance.]

I think I've got something sturdy enough here, though-

[And here she gives a rather impish-looking grin.]

Given it's a linear-accelerator, probably best I don't fire anything.

[adregem]

Hey, Nita.

[ He tilts his head in quiet study as she approaches. ]

Is that...a spear? Err, no. A javelin?

[ Not something he was expecting to use for grappling hook practice, at the very least. ]

coffee

[blitzcheer]

"Have I ever told you you can be a dork, Rol."

Tidus's is a drier greeting compared to the richer aromas taking home in the upstairs, only missing the wood panelling and the soft tunes from a radio somewhere to complete the illusion of a coffee shop. But hey, Roland's working with the best he can, and whatever aesthetic is truly being aimed for, Tidus slips elbows full onto the counter, arms folding over one another.

"Can I ruin your roleplay for serious talk? --oh, but, I'll have whatever smells best."

Because come on, he is not going to pass up on some good coffee for serious talk.

[adregem]

Roland is already quick on the draw despite the quip from Tidus, hands moving to the espresso brewing and then the jars of honey that he's opened up to study prior. Different consistencies meant different textures! And the recipe - tried and tested from Evermore itself, the first of his experiments. His own cup was already half-empty, so it must be good.

"Thanks, I'm glad you think so highly of me." He says just as dryly, lopsided smile on his face while pouring the dark liquid, almost straight up black, as the first layer of the mug. He doesn't empty it out though, and moves to something else now - milk, not from the stores, but from the meal kit itself. Surprisingly efficient. The heavy cream that he's whipped comes out of hiding and he dollops it after dousing the coffee with the runny honey. It looks more like a dessert than a cup of joe, but that's how it was made to be.

"Order up for a Mr. Tye-dus?" Roland jokes as he slides the cup over to him gently, not ruining the layering. "What's wrong, then?"

1

[flatteries]

It would be so, so very helpful if Inigo had any idea what this was referencing.

But of course he doesn't. His one time spent in a modern world was spent within a completely frozen and empty city. How is he supposed to know what a barista is? And so the moment he walks in and Roland says that, Inigo glances over his shoulder like the other guy may be talking to someone else - despite the two of them literally being the only two people in the carriage right now. But surely this can't be about him, right! He has no idea what Roland even means!

At the sight of a total lack of other people though, Inigo glances back at Roland, looking so confused.

"I..." What does he even say!! "I would be very concerned if you wouldn't remember me, Roland!"

[adregem]

Roland is stunned as he is incredibly, highly amused at this reaction. He stifles that chuckle that threatens to break his smile out into a wide grin, and shakes his head, beckoning Inigo with a hand to come closer.

"Heh. It's a joke." He explains jovially. "Back home, when you come to the same cafe often and get the same order, the nicer servers tend to remember who you are and what your drink is. Have you ever had coffee, then?"

An understandable question to ask, not really knowing what the halidom has and what it doesn't. He looks eager to serve, though. Hopes he'll like what he makes from behind the counter.

3 THIS IS MY WILDCARD PLAYGROUND

[flatteries]

Sometime before Roland decides to get deep into his coffee shop roleplay, on the first day of the month, Inigo seeks him out. Most likely in the library, if he's spending a moment there to get his thoughts sorted out after the usual busy platform days filled with new people and packages. It's one of those places Inigo is sure he can find Roland most of the time, after all.

And he really is intending to seek out the other. It was Roland himself who told him, after all. That it's good to rely on other people more. And while Inigo sure isn't in the mood to cry in front of everyone again, considering the mixed results that had last time around, he's at least trying to not keep it all to himself.

(Maybe it's the encouragement from Jumblie, the warmth in his heart telling him to seek out what soothes the hurt. And Roland-- Roland has always been one of the few things that felt like instant balm to the soul, as far as anything could at a moment like this.)

Though Inigo tries to look reasonably calm, and partially succeeds, there is still something definitely looking a little off about the boy as he stands next to the table Roland is sitting at.

"Roland, I.. um. Forgive me, today must be pretty busy." He did hear the system announce that Roland had packages waiting for him earlier too, after all. "But would it be okay if I took up a few moments of your time? Or.. well, maybe more than just a few moments.."

[adregem]

The library indeed is where Roland's made a home for himself as soon as platform day was well and done. He's writing first on his journal before he proceeds with the rest of his day. But his thoughts are shallower this time around, which means it's easy for Inigo to break his focus and catch his attention without much effort. Besides, he knows that voice well enough by now that he's already halfway through pausing on his writing by the time Inigo is by his side.

Roland shakes his head immediately, the journal falling to a close on a particular page. "No, not at all." He's jittery. He's trying his best to remain...calm? Composed? Roland reads Inigo with a worried glance, and considering the timing of things, coming up to him now after platform...This didn't bode well, and he didn't have a very good feeling about it at all when he catches his eye. Roland stands carefully and the journal disappears into his Arms Band.

"What's wrong, Inigo? I'm free, don't worry about it."

[comefadeaway]

It was his sense of smell that was engaged, and Yoite found himself climbing the stairs curiously. He approached what was clearly meant to be the coffee bar, his hands tucked into the pockets of his hoodie where they stayed much of the time.

He was mostly looking around a bit, enjoying the smell of the coffee.

[adregem]

Roland is in the middle of grinding another batch of experimental coffee beans - more hazelnut creme versus arabica now - when he spots a new face approach...somewhat. They looked interested enough, so he sets aside the ground beans and places them in a clear jar before he engages in small conversation.

"Hey. Did you want a cup?"

[reluctantjinrou]

"Coffee?" Natsuno said in askance as he came into the room proper to see what was essentially a mimic of a coffee shop. It was incredibly curious.

He didn't indulge in coffee very often, but it had been awhile, it smelled very good and it wasn't in a can.

He approached. "Could I have a cup?"

[adregem]

"Of course. Are you a coffee drinker? Do you have a particular preference?" Roland smiles as Natsuno surveys the area he's made, wiping his hands on his apron after testing the taste of his initial brew. Pretty good - but he's always liked his coffee on the bolder side. "Though I'll have to warn you, since honey is our ingredient of the month, a lot of my recipes are gonna have it."

02

[sos_pilot]

[ Della loves testing out new 'toys', happy to help a friend, always eager to train... yeah, this is hitting all the checks. ]

Y'wanna try and see if you can grab me? Or at least the part of me that detaches.

[adregem]

[ Roland regards her with a bit of shock and apprehension. A good mix! The modified pistol in his hand is slightly lowered. ]

Della...I can't aim this at a friend.

[ That's so dangerous!!! ]

01 - wildcard version

[theturksway]

Reno wasn't usually lured in by the scent of coffee--he typically only drank it when he really needed it for the job--but this definitely smelled different than the usual fare found on the train. He was intrigued and wandered up to see what was going on. He could always grab a snack while he was checking it out, the only real reason to be in the kitchen anyway.

Except when he got up there and realized who was handing out the special brews, Reno regretted his decision to satisfy his curiosity. He stopped short on the top of the stairs. He would have hovered there in indecision for a while longer if someone else hadn't come up behind him. Reno entered the kitchen casually as if he hadn't just been debating whether to turn back around and leave, his hands in his pockets and his gait languid. He rummaged around a bit, looking for something to take with him and avoiding the coffee stand, but in truth he was watching Roland serve the other person out of the corner of his eye.

It wasn't until the other person finally left with a cup of coffee that the Turk realized he needed to get out of the kitchen before he ended up in the fire. There was no one else left to distract Roland from Reno's presence. And Reno wasn't certain he could look at Roland's dumb face any longer without wanting to punch it for no good reason other than he felt like it. Whole lotta good that would do him on a train full of saps and idiots who loved goody-two-shoes like Roland and Inigo so damn much.

Reno hastily grabbed something he could eat on the go and turned to leave. His eyes caught the coffee sitting out and lingered there for one second too long. He looked away and rolled his head to the side, an eye roll in his sockets as he huffed at himself. Right. Time to leave.

[adregem]

Roland's used to seeing things through his periphery. So even as he serves an iced version of his regular espresso coffee with just a pump or two of syrup - caramel, for this lovely train citizen - he knows that behind them stands a certain redhead. The memories of their previous encounter on Irivar remain vivid in his mind, and so does the feeling that follows it. The clash of their blades, the hatred in Reno's eyes...but more than that, the way he refused to let him and Inigo leave. The way he hurt Inigo too, and if Roland closes his eyes now he'll be able to imagine that just as starkly. The red trickling down his temple, the pain in Inigo's eyes as he blamed himself for what had happened when nothing was his fault. None of it was his to suffer.

These flood his immediate senses so intensely that when the passenger departs from the counters and he is left alone with Reno, the smile on his face drops slowly, inch by inch, and he tries to ignore the man who may not have realized it was Roland occupying the second floor today. He'll read from his book, leaning down with both hands resting against the counter. Take the high road, let him throw his nasty looks at Roland until he gets bored. Exits too, eventually, and then that would be it. They didn't have to exchange pleasantries outside of missions, and Roland was an adult no matter how young he looked. He could play it professional but that was about it.

Except, Reno seemed to linger. He didn't storm off, didn't attack. Kept pretending to get something even though most of the snacks might have been on the bottom floor of this particular car. Roland doesn't speak though, turns his page and starts underlining things with his pen. The steam the only sound filling the space between them, awkward as it might have been but a welcome whistle nonetheless. But he won't take this momentary peace for anything but Reno wanting to make another move at him; passive aggressive this time. Trying to save face. It was a shame. Roland did like him enough to chat with him at every encounter. That was before, though. Before he hurt someone he cared about. Bullied him to the point where he broke down. He frowns deeply, no longer reading anything off of the recipe book. Just wondering when Reno would leave.

And when he finally does break character, the very hobby Roland was trying to pursue the thing that gets them to intersect, an innocent cup of frothy honey coffee sitting there for anyone to take...Who has to be the bigger person here? The guy that's rolling his eyes like a petulant child, or the guy in an apron, parading around as a barista when he's led a whole nation for almost a decade? Before Reno can well and truly leave, Roland will at least grant him this. He's not spiteful. He won't forget, but he doesn't hate.

"It's not poisoned." He says neutrally, not making eye contact, still turning pages and marking things down. "You can take it."

( for gen, senku, tidus, and some other guy )

[blitzcheer]

"Oh, you two! Good timing."

Just the pair Tidus wanted to see - you never know what you'll find in the world below where a president is cosplaying his own barista AU fic. Tidus stands on the bottom of the stairs having just come from the upper floor, and who knew he'd find them in the kitchen? Senku wants to spend more time in the kitchen after all that bear cooking they didn't yesterday?

But Tidus won't question it. He gives Gen a quick and friend "Hi!", hand raising, and then, looking to Senku, "Hey, you mind we talk about that thing you told me yesterday? About the teams? Roland's being a coffee shop upstairs - I'll drag him down."

[10billionpercent]

He definitely wanted to spend more time in the kitchen, in fact, it was keeping him busy. A busy Senku was a less destructive Senku which was good all around.

He had meat he was cutting up, again, this time it wasn't the bear meat that he'd gotten from Tidus, but some of the wolf meat he'd found in the fridge and he had a bowl in front of him that was filled with, at least, soy sauce.

Senku was in the process of nudging Gen with his elbow when they were interrupted, speaking to him softly.. "Take out a packet of chili powder for me and add it?" His hands were busy as he was cutting up the meat, and apparently, Gen was currently in possession of the arms band.

"Hey." He greeted Tidus and tilted his head slightly. He considered his question a moment.

"We just need to mix this up and put it in the fridge to marinate, and we can come right up." Senku said instead, automatically including Gen in whatever mischief he was up to, even though he may not have mentioned it yet.

coffee

[alchemists]

[ Elfnein has seen Roland around before but it's her first time talking with him. The smell of coffee was calling her, it smelled so much better then the instant stuff she drank normally. ]

Can you read my mind?

[adregem]

[ Similarly, Roland's seen Elfnein around too, but never had the chance to speak with her until now. He's very welcoming though, greeting her with a smile. ]

Heh. Unfortunately, no. It was just a joke. Part of the barista immersion experience. [ Hold on, let him back track - ] Err, the coffee serving experience, rather. [ JUUUST in case they weren't from the same world! He's learned his lesson! Roland leans one hand on his hip. ] So, what can I get you?

a moving target.

[mtsilver_conquor]

Technically, she'd just been passing through, but she doesn't mind helping out at all.

"Sure, and I think you'd have to try a lot harder than this to break Lele," Eva says with a small laugh as she unhooks the tennisball sized premierball from her belt. One tap of the central button and beam of light later, there's a very neon green porygon2 floating next to Eva. "Porygon2 shells are known to be strong."

[adregem]

Ah.

This might be Roland's first time to ever experience training with pokemon, having only heard about them, seen them from time to time, but never really interacting with them in such a manner. His eyes grow wide as Eva summons Lele, and needless to say, he's in a bit of a state of awe. They...look like something I'd watch as a kid. Almost unreal. It's a split second difference though, his finger under his chin as he leans slightly towards the Porygon2 with clear wonder. Interest.

"That's...Wow." He says. "And they'll be okay even if the grappling hook misses?" The hook was pretty sharp, regardless if it wasn't meant to do damage. Plus, reminded of his own etiquette when it comes to these things; Roland turns to Lele and nods. "It's nice to meet you. Thanks for helping me out."

02

[rieper]

[47 couldn't say he wasn't interested in the gun. Not that he hadn't ever played with a grappling hook gun before but this was certainly different in design and make. The fact that it fired as a regular pistol but then also had the grappling hook made it rather unique and interesting. Had it been in his hands the assassin probably would have spent a day taking it apart, learning its inner workings, and putting it back together again several times.

Maybe it was something useful to look into purchasing in the future. He had a plethora of weapons to chose from his own collection back on his world; the hardest part was choosing which to buy first as he earned points for it. One more couldn't hurt to add to the list of useful items he missed having easy access to.

He watched Roland from a safe distance for a while. Then,]

Practice makes perfect, so they say. [Or maybe they were just genetically created into it in his case. A beat and then he continued.] I could get you something if you need a target.

[adregem]

[ Roland turns at the sound of a familiar voice, lowering the gun back down to the ground as he nods at 47 approaching. ] Hey. How've you been? [ Their little Irivar adventure aside, Roland rarely sees him leave certain cars of the train. Will perhaps chance him by the dining car or kitchen, but nowhere else does he quite spot 47. Or maybe he didn't want to be seen at all, serious as he was? Nevertheless. ]

I'd appreciate that. What are you going to get? [ He takes his finger off the trigger before raising the gun back to chest level, muzzle facing the side. ] I had this modified recently. I knew I was going to have to practice long hours with it, but I didn't account for the learning curve on making sure the cable moves the way I need it to.

imagination 4 (pats the log THIS BABY CAN FIT SO MANY WILDCARDS)

[flatteries]

[ Usually this sort of thing may be the other way around, with Tidus dragging Inigo around to actually make the other do something or go have fun. But right now it seems like the tables have been flipped. Today there's Inigo dragging Tidus around - by holding his hand, of course, because do you really think he's going to skip out on an opportunity like that? - with a wide grin on his face. He hasn't even told Tidus where they're going, except for the fact that it's a ~surprise~.

It's already been quite a journey through the train, but as they're about to enter the quiet car, Inigo looks over at Tidus with that same grin still on his face. ]

Alright, hold on. You're going to have to close your eyes for the last part. And no cheating! No peeking even a little bit, I'll know if you're doing it!

[ Do you trust this enough to actually close your eyes, Tidus. ]

[blitzcheer]

[ Getting dragged around by Inigo? Hey, Tidus can take this. It's not happening at sleep o'clock in the morning (which is decided by when Tidus wants to be awake!!), so he's more curious as Inigo leads him, his questions along the way - 'Is this going to be safe?', 'I'm not sure about what's going on...' - more playful, teasing than honest.

But he's absolutely curious. Especially when it's in a quiet car they find themselves about to enter. And as the next instructions come, so serious! he'll put a hand over his eyes. ]

Should I be afraid? This isn't gonna involve anything weird, is it...

[ Whatever that could be. But also, please don't let him bump into anything!! ]

coffee!

[feixuehua]

It took him several tries to find his way to the kitchen, but he's becoming familiar with the layout of the train most of the time. He still bumps against people or objects in his way every now and then, but he is getting better.

But when he did find his way, and he recognized the voice by voice recognition, he is still a little far off from the counter bar, so he's searching and finding his way closer by the scent of coffee.

"Ah, do I smell coffee? Do you still make them?" He called out. "I like mine with milk and sugar, extra sweet."

[adregem]

"Hey. Look who's here. You're looking a bit more well-rested." Since the last time Roland saw the man, he was halfway passed out into a tired slumber. To no fault of Xingchen's at all; platform days were always going to be exhausting, one way or another.

Roland is actually in the middle of whipping the milk and cream in a bowl for his next cup of coffee when the order is made. He jots that down and turns the stove on for the next batch of coffee to mix in with lots of sugar and a dollop of the cream...though this is a task he abandons after setting it up to help out the longhaired man maneuver his way to the counter where the treats lay.

"Need a hand? Here, let me." Roland says nicely, a familiar scene with his arm offered to guide him, or at least, get him a better lay of the second floor.