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

[flatteries]

[ Thankfully Inigo knows by now that Tidus is just trying to tease him when he's asking questions like that. As if Inigo would ever lead him into anything unsavory! The mere thought alone! No, instead the playfulness just makes him laugh, especially once Tidus actually does cover his eyes. ]

You know, I'm starting to get the odd feeling you don't trust me or something. [ Said just as playfully, of course. Especially since Tidus will now have no choice but to let Inigo lead him while he can't see a thing.

And he's careful enough about it. First leading him by hand, but once Tidus is inside, there's a bit more careful navigation involved to keep him from bumping into the table, so Inigo instead grabs Tidus's shoulders to push him in the right direction. ]

Here, sit down. And still no peeking! I'm watching you!

[ There's a gentle push on Tidus's shoulders as if to encourage it, and Tidus will find that yes, Inigo is indeed guiding him to actually sit down on a seat rather than letting him drop to the floor as a prank, before it sounds like Inigo's voice is being thrown in a slightly different direction. ]

What do you think, Roland, can he open his eyes yet?

[adregem]

There he is, man of the hour.

[ Roland brightens into a smile as soon as he sees Tidus, eyes covered and led to exactly The Spot as planned. There's nothing to be wary of at the moment, but the obvious chuckle hiding behind Roland's words might be enough to tip Tidus off to...something? Roland maneuvers around one particular side, bending to fix things (?) and rummage through (???) items on the table, but will otherwise remain opposite of where Tidus was sat. After a few seconds of mysterious activity, Roland beckons for Inigo. ]

I think we're just about ready, yeah. [ So join him over on this side, son!! For maximum dramatic effect, as one would have it. ] Do you want to do the honors? [ The big reveal, Roland would be hinting at Inigo, without giving too much away. ] Sit tight and we'll count you off, Tidus.

[ Regardless, he's ready to reveal it together with Inigo too. ]

[blitzcheer]

I trust you! [ --he says, with all the tone of someone forced at gunpoint to say it, eager to please. Trying to be careful of where he walks (is there a small rise where the doors go? he doesn't want to trip!), but keeping a good hold of Inigo's hand. ...as if the other guy would let him go in the first place.

But wow, manhandling us bro?? His hand does drop some when his butt finds the soft padding of the seating, thankfully not the floor; the motion tempting him to open his eyes, but also not intentionally. Tidus manages to stop himself though, put his hand back. This is haaard. Haard!

And when he hears Roland speak up- ]

Oh no, he's here now? What is this, an intervention?

[ You will never get Tidus to stop, whatever it is!! And is it Roland that inspires impatience in Tidus, or just his own inability to be patient in the first place? His mouth a line as he makes small noises. ]

Counting? Count what? [ He'd make an auditing joke here if he wasn't getting all excited. ] If this turns out to be a joke, you guys...!

[ Don't do this to his soft heart!! ]

[flatteries]

[ It's when Tidus says the word he in that specific tone that Inigo can't hold back his laughter anymore. It's short laughter, but very genuine amused as it bursts out of his mouth. He, as if Inigo was leading Tidus into a beartrap just because he happens to be in the same room as Roland. So typical. Less helpful is the fact that he doesn't even say anything out loud, he just laughs. Very omnious in the face of Tidus's many questions, clearly.

At least Inigo's hands will now leave Tidus - for once, look! - so he can join Roland when the other guy beckons him over, leaving Tidus there by himself, carrying the responsibility of making sure his eyes remain covered without anyone watching him for a second. ]

Alright!

[ Inigo will do the honors. He smiles at Roland, widely, as if to say 'thanks, dad' without actually saying it out loud and giving Tidus more fuel to deliver peanut gallery commentary on. ]

Get ready! Three, two, one.. [ There's the sound of something being pulled away. ] Okay, now you can look.

[ And if Tidus does open his eyes, he'll see that the whole table is filled with various seafood dishes, the smell probably hitting him now they're no longer covered. There's grilled oysters, seafood paella and fish tacos, all in very generous amounts. ]

Surprise!

[adregem]

[ Oh, don't give him that kind of reaction Tidus. You might hurt Roland's feelings! Or so the joke goes. Truthfully, and perhaps obviously if one knew Roland well enough, he was in jovial spirits as Inigo reveals the surprise in a flourish - the smell of freshly cooked seafood filling the air of the closed quiet car immediately. To add to it, Roland joins in on that 'surprise' Inigo exclaims, though more subdued. Not lacking in mirth though, his eyes raking over the spread with a hint of worry.

He wasn't the best cook or guide, but he hopes their taste testing did the job of passing Tidus's standards. The fish tacos were at the center of the entire arrangement, made certain since - ]

Your comfort food, with a bunch of other delicious goodies from the sea. Your two chefs will eagerly be awaiting your compliments...if at all, heh.

[ Roland turns to look at Inigo, as if to tell him in silence - Good job. We did it. Though for the actual eating bit, Roland will leave Tidus to decide what might be underseasoned, what might be overcooked. The paella was the worst, hardest part. They didn't have the right pan for it, and had to make due. ]

Dig in? Or, better yet. Dive in.

[blitzcheer]

[ Peanut gallery commentary is his life, Inigo.

But there was a whiff of something already coming under Tidus's nose. Was that the room though, or was that his imagination? Someone's had dinner without him, and does Tidus need to be reminded of food right now? He hasn't eaten yet, and he hopes whatever this is doesn't take too long.

Because his mind doesn't figure for a second what it is until the call is made, and Tidus is allowed to uncover his eyes. Blinking away where his lashes were pulled own and seeing... a sight that needs a second or so for his brain to figure out. Despite how familiar it is, homely.

Despite the fish tacos right there. Did he tell someone? Who? Are they actually fish tacos?! (Yes, Roland's clue of who went completely over his head.) ]

I... what's this for? [ There's so much, and Tidus looks between the two. Lost. ] Is there fish in the fridge?

[ Please wait for Tidus.exe to boot back up. ]

[flatteries]

[ Through some sort of miracle Inigo isn't worried for once. Roland may be, worrying about the quality of the food and all, but Inigo just seems giddy. And just that, genuinely so, without trying to hide anything else under it. Giddy enough that he puts away the sheet that had been covering the food and starts gently nudging Roland, pushing against his arm as if to get him to just sit down too. It's time to enjoy Tidus's reaction, dad, come on!

Even Tidus's confused, half-processing look just makes Inigo laugh as he, at least, does bother to sit down. Elbows lean on the table on a rare empty spot near the edge of the table, chin resting on his hands. ]

Uh, it's for you?

[ Okay, Inigo knows Tidus must have figured out that much already, but he can't help but jokingly say it anyway. Seriously, what kind of initial question is that! ]

And perhaps you happen to have a friend who knows how to make fish tacos. And perhaps you happen to have another friend who took along a few fish from Irivar. [ IT WASN'T ONLY BEARS, OKAY. Just. Mostly. ] That, and some points go a long way.

[ He grins. ]

So, are you just going to stare, or are you going to try eating any of it?

[adregem]

[ Aha! That reaction! Tidus is completely taken in shock, and it's enough for Roland to smile widely, enjoying and reveling in the success.

He takes that cue from Inigo and plants himself down on the seat so they can get settled; his position sandwiched between the wall and him. His arms are crossed, though only lightly. Stifles a chuckle when the two banter quickly, about who this is for, about having fish in the kitchen to make this all for their favorite ace blitzball player. He thinks Inigo's said enough about it, but he does add a little bit more just to emphasize how this was a spread just for him. ]

The food's fresh out of the kitchen, so it won't grow cold just yet. I hope I was able to teach Inigo the right way to make the wraps, too. Just like you showed me. [ Look, is Roland offering his hand in a high five? To Inigo?? He must be pretty proud of this accomplishment of not destroying the kitchen...almost! ] The rest of it came from a meal kit, but I know the fish tacos had to be a must. Can't have dinner without your comfort food, y'know?

[ His eyes brighten as he remembers something else too, glancing at Inigo in brief worry. But it's a passing feeling, supplemented when in his hand appears a salt shaker, then a pepper grinder. These two items placed in front of Tidus, though closer to the red tomato sauce that may or may not look familiar to him, nestled against the wraps. ]

Err, I brought these from the kitchen too. In case we under-seasoned. [ And by 'we', he really means, 'me.' Inigo was way more into flavoring than Roland. And with that, he thinks this set-up was pretty much complete. ]

Enjoy, pro.

[blitzcheer]

[ He's dumbstruck, though he hasn't been in this position before, from the other side. Inigo and Taiki made him food--an offering that sat on the other side of a door for a time, and then wasn't even eaten for a while after once Tidus had seen it. Didn't feel like he deserved it, wasn't hungry, would have rather starved in that pit he was happy to let himself get lost in.

It wasn't really appreciated, for what it was. And now as Tidus sees the spread before them now, he's just as lost as he was before, if with a better state a mind. He reaches to take one of the tacos, since-- he has to start somewhere, so why not the food that means he doesn't have to think? His teasing responses on reboot with other parts of his brain.

He nearly lifts the taco to take a bite, but- ]

You're both gonna eat too, aren't you?

[ It sounds almost like a plea, a hope. He's not going to eat all this himself, right?? Is everything already dished out on plates, do they need to do that first, 'cause don't think he won't start handing out plates if the foods are sitting in pans and their own serving dishes! ]

[flatteries]

[ Wow, look at that. Today the tables have truly been reversed. Tidus is the one completely dumbstruck for once, and Inigo actually raises his hand to meet that high five Roland is offering him. Look at this old man and medieval boy go. Now they are cool. Hip and happening with the kids.

And while the plea in Tidus's tone isn't missed, Inigo just grins by the time he turns his gaze back towards his fellow teen. ]

What? No, this is all yours! Make sure to eat it until the very last bite.

[ Usually that would be very genuine and meant, coming from Inigo, but there's no way he can hide the teasing in his voice. It's overflowing. The only fact that makes it believable is that the food is all out on serving dishes, but there's no way both of them would really force Tidus to eat a multiple person meal all by himself.

Besides, isn't half the joy of food the ability to share it?

But that doesn't mean he can't tease Tidus over it for a moment longer. Especially when the other guy is looking like this. ]

[blitzcheer]

[ WATCH AS TIDUS'S EXPRESSION ONLY BECOMES MORE DOLEFUL AT THE THOUGHT OF EATING ALONE... ]

[adregem]

[ Roland catches on quick to that tease Inigo sets out for Tidus, and while a part of him feels a little bad as Tidus deflates one inch of a smile turning into a frown at a time...

...He chooses to share in that mischievous spirit with Inigo, just for today! ]

That's right. If you have leftovers, you can always store it in your band for later. I think fish tacos and seafood rice would be good to munch on during a mission. It'll give you a boost.

[ TRULY A MARVEL, this partnership between train dad and son!!! ]

[blitzcheer]

[ The sad, helpless expression only grows in the tight, betrayed knit of Tidus's brow, gaze widening on Roland, that smile on his face! The both of them! Don't do this to him, don't do this!

--But Tidus is a stubborn sort. So as real as his concern is, that he'd be left eating all of this food by himself, those rolled in lips are joined in by a more complicated expression, switching from stressed, from annoyed-

He puts down the taco and sits back, folding his arms stubbornly. ]

Then I'm not eating 'til you both do. I'll walk right out. Don't think I won't! [ HE WILL. ]

So stop messin'! You have to eat now!

[ But even if there is some part of Tidus aware of them teasing him, he's more worried about them not joining in to care. He's not a show for you both to watch!! ]

[flatteries]

[ The moment Tidus's face turns into that, Inigo starts feeling a little guilty instantly. It's just instinct. But there's also confusion that comes along with it. Why is Tidus looking like that of all things? It's not like he can't endure a little teasing, so what's up!

Especially since it's not even a momentary thing. Even as Inigo listens to Roland speak, he can still see the same expression linger on the other teen's face - until it turns into something more pouty and huffy instead.

Whew boy. It's tantrum time. ]

Okay, okay! [ Why does it feel like he's suddenly being bullied into doing something he was going to do anyway. ] We were just joking, you know. You can obviously see too that this is a multiple person meal!

[ Or Tidus would need to have Kirby levels of an ability to consume things.

Inigo is already grabbing a plate to hand over to Roland so he can scoop food onto it for himself, and when he's grabbing the cutlery, he points a fork in Tidus's direction. ]

Why are you getting so huffy about it! You tease us all the time!

[adregem]

[ That's quite a display, Tidus...Roland will pull a familiar face on him, but it's not one made out of annoyance or disbelief. He's seen strains of this before, in increments, in different scenarios, but Roland's never experienced such a fuss from him, for something as simple as teasing over food.

Roland won't question it too much. The effect is cast and he's fine letting the bit die out. No need to tug at his strings this hard, and Roland isn't the type to dare Tidus to actually try to walk out of there. Not when Inigo's hard work on the food is on the line!

And on that note; the plate that Inigo hands to him is received with some level of hesitation. Roland moves slow, putting the plate down and looking to the side where the quiet car leads back out into the hallway. As if he's glancing for an exit. This however, is an aura that eventually passes, with Roland shaking his head and taking out some cups from underneath the table, hidden under cloth. A water container follows. ]

Hm. What was that saying? If you can't take the heat...? Heh. [ He jabs lightly, the distracted lilt in his voice finally fading away. ] Anyway. Why don't you take the first bite before we start grabbing our own portions? We're no head chefs, so our honored guest's feedback is important. Right, Inigo? [ Roland smiles, and nudges Inigo with a gentle arm. ]

[blitzcheer]

[ Tidus is adamant, doesn't care about the whines that his whining gets in return. Arms staying where they are and watching them both, waiting for them to do what he says. Not caring what this says about him, makes either of them think- like he's overreacting, that of course there's too much food here for him.

It doesn't matter, until he sees the plates start going around. Then he sits himself up some, arms coming down by his sides to help him. Takes the fork that Inigo points at him if he can snatch it quick enough, just because. ]

Is this some culture thing you're doing? This better not be another joke. [ This first bite before we dish up thing Roland's talking about! But fine, he'll take the taco back up that he picked before, putting it on one of the empty plates. He lifts both close to his mouth. ]

I can chase you both through this entire train 'til you both eat!

[ Is that a threat?? But Tidus takes the first bite as asked into the soft taco, into the diced vegetables turned into a light coleslaw, the seasoned-- well, attempted seasoning of fish, or so Tidus might recognise later. But that's fish, and there's flavours, and he's chewing away anyway.

But they better not actually be waiting for him to say something and be dishing up too...!! Guuuuys! He'll watch you both grumpily until you do! ]

[flatteries]

[ ... What is up with Tidus today. Look at all the effort they put in for him, and all he's doing is throwing tantrums about it, even when they give in to his demands! Inigo truly doesn't understand it. But then again, sometimes the Ways Of The Tidus are just.. incomprehensible.

So he just watches as that fork is snatched out of his hands, and after seeing Tidus chew grumpily - while not even giving that feedback Roland asked for! - Inigo just sighs before starting to load some of the paella onto his own plate. ]

I don't think our honoured guest likes it. [ He quips, though without any real energy. Or a smile. It almost bothers a bit more on exasperated than anything else. Maybe Inigo was expecting a little too much out of Tidus's reaction in his head compared to how this went in reality. Hopefully he's at least enjoying the food..

Don't mind this pouty disappointed puppy next to you, Roland. (And maybe a bit worried. Did he just make the food badly or something? Is this his fault?) ]

[adregem]

[ Thankfully, their designated Adult is here to help this strong teen energy balance out!

Between a pouty Tidus and a pouty Inigo, Roland is just all smiles and chuckles. It falls to him to point out his dawning realization that may or may not just save the day, depending on how well he words it out. Thankfully, Roland is a confident enough man to do it without second-guessing. As Tidus bites into the fish taco and Inigo serves himself, Roland too joins in on the feast, giving himself one fish taco and a some of the baked oysters. ]

Our honored guest, I think, just wants us to eat together. [ He throws Tidus a knowing glance for a split second before he resumes to the task of serving, this time pouring everyone water. It's oddly domestic; not the first time he's felt that around either one of them, or even as they convene, all three in one place. ] No more jokes, pro. We promise. We just wanted to surprise you with this, and when I told Inigo what your favorite food was, well. We couldn't just ignore that and not make it.

[ He sips his water before taking a stab, literally, at one of the oysters, tender meat coming out of the shell easily. ] Just consider this our shared thanks for, well. Quite a lot actually. [ And for Roland in particular at least, the grooming set that the train now has begun to carry...plus Bambosh's food. But that would be for another time, another favor. Maybe Inigo can get his favorite cake flavor out of him? ]

[blitzcheer]

[ Please, Inigo, this is Tidus's normal level of pouty pouting! Unable to read that Inigo is actually getting upset and that he isn't just being dramatic himself, but Roland gets it right. And Tidus does start to ease once he sees the both of them dishing out their food, his shoulders relaxing and his chewing less automatic.

Especially when the thanks comes, and Tidus glances away, shy, not sure what to say. He certainly never did anything to get something out of it. ]

Well... thanks. [ It's awkward to say, when he's coming off being pouty and suspicious of their tricks, but. He can't really forget to say that, can he? ] It's awkward to just sit there and eat by yourself and having people watch you. I want us to eat together, that's all!

[ He's sounding lighter for it, just reiterating what he's already said. ...if not as grumpily-toned. ]

I like eating with friends. --Inigo, you eat plenty too! [ Said as he watches Inigo portion up! ] Seafood's all about sharin'!

[ Or that's what he's saying now, as that earlier embarrassment -- for this surprise, their thoughtfulness -- starts to seep itself again into him. But he's piling up his plate too with the paella. ]

[flatteries]

[ He got that message, thanks, dad!! But he doesn't have to be so pouty about it, sheesh!!

Besides, Inigo is already doing that. Eating. Look, he loaded up his whole plate, and by the time Tidus mentions his name, Inigo just sticks a bit of it into his mouth! Though that leaves his mouth full and his speech only half comprehensible as he speaks up. ]

I bwam weatin'!!

[ Usually he'd mind his manners a bit more and finish chewing and swallowing before speaking up, but there's no way he can let this stand! What more do you want from him, Tidus!

Although he does finally realise that now he's the one being pouty, so he's slowly trying to let go of that energy. Instead try to be a bit more on Roland's calm level, somehow. (He's never going to get there.)

He finally swallows the mouthful enough to speak normally. ]

If you like eating together so much, you should have said it earlier! I'd come eat with you whenever, you know. [ Despite Inigo not always remembering to actually eat. But it's always easier to make him do stuff when it's together with friends. ] Right, Roland? You feel the same way, don't you?

[adregem]

Pup. Your mouth is full.

[ He swallows down two oysters - a taste that reminds him of special memories at home! - before he speaks, though the chiding isn't really that serious at all. It's just automatic, and he does so with a small knowing smile. ]

[ Also, speaking of seafood is meant for sharing, don't mind him as he takes a spoonful of the paella with some crawfish and shrimp bits in his serving. He has to admit but, the food isn't half bad. He'll chalk it up to Inigo's spirit of knowing how to adjust flavors, though. Roland was good at following a set of instructions to the tee, and he supposes that together, they were able to compliment one another's strengths to prepare a decent meal for Tidus.

A crackle of pepper on his plate later, Inigo addresses him and he glances over at him first, then to Tidus with the smile on his face only growing warmer. He turns back to his food, taking his time with a fork in one hand and a knife in the other. ]

Of course. There's a saying that food can get more delicious when you're with good company, after all. [ And Roland's in charge of cooking something, they're going to need all the help they can get to make that meal enticing enough. ] You should try Tidus's cooking sometime, Inigo. He's a whiz in the kitchen. You can bake bread, and I can taste test everything. Heh. [ He's probably already mentioned this to Inigo during the cooking process, but it bears repeating. Roland knows when he's impressed, and he's already told Tidus about how much he admires that hobby of his too. ]

[blitzcheer]

[ Tidus has everything set out on his plate: the oysters a crescent along one side of his plate, his one taco on the lower side, and his paella everywhere else. It's not that long ago, really, since he last had paella; the easiest recipe to make without any instructions or directions on hand, the food he offered Webs in exchange for clothes instead of the usual sweets. But this time it's a surprise he couldn't have expected, and as the smells and heat waft up under Tidus's nose, he relaxes more and more.

And for whatever he might know about cooking, there's no criticisms in his mind. Tidus takes a bite, and he's happy before and after it, chewing away, listening to the pair. A small chuckling huff. ]

I already offered to cook for us. Or we can cook together! Wasn't that bad when it was the two of us in the kitchen. [ And there's the spark of a memory--when he offered to cook for them...!

He lets out a small sound, lets his spoon sit on the side of his plate and puts his hand on the table, a place where his wrist can wrist. And with eyes closed, he thinks, concentrates--

and a bottle of mead appears, large and plentiful. Opens his eyes, smile spreading on his face. He nudges it in Inigo's direction. ]

With mead, just like we said. [ And said now with a knowing lilt. ]

[flatteries]

[ Maybe it's the fact that Roland isn't so serious, or maybe it's since the mood is slowly starting to become so good, but Inigo isn't immediately dragged down by the slightest sign of getting scolded. Instead it slides off him like water off a duck's back, and Inigo continues eating.

Until that bottle appears, that is. Because the moment the mead is there on the table, Inigo is all eyes for it, happily grabbing it with both hands when it's nudged in his direction. It's like he has to make sure it's really there, and it is! ]

I completely forgot you had this!

[ Look, it's been an eventful while, alright. Between that weird void storm and the heavy platforms.. But look at this happy reunion now of Inigo with the mead.

He'll be good though and put it back on the table. ]

Can we-- Can we drink some now? [ Apparently just this is enough to turn Inigo into an eager puppy. ] Or should we save it for the next time we cook? [ UGH, BUT IT'S SO HARD TO RESIST THE MEAD. ]

[adregem]

[ Roland doesn't really react to the bottle of wine that Tidus suddenly produces, though he will admit he didn't take him to be the type to drink it by choice. For some reason, he imagines Tidus to be more of a beer teen...But then again, beer would give him a beer belly, and if's a pro-athlete, the ace blitzer, he definitely wouldn't have that unless someone offered it to him. Then would he be a cocktail kind of guy, with all its flavors?

Inigo, now Inigo was more of a wine kid, right? Princely, probably goes to fancy functions if he lived in a place like Roland did...He'd take him to those for certain, since Inigo was great with people. A natural with strangers, warm and inviting. As Roland thinks, his silence is only accompanied by glances up at the quiet car's ceiling, and soft hums when his imagination reaches its peak.

Though as he takes a bite out of the paella, rice piled on top of his fork with an oyster to match as a viand, he remembers something offhandedly. Finally commenting, eyes widening in recognition of such a thing. ]

Is that a red? [ He gestures to the bottle with one hand, the other covering his mouth politely. ] Too bad you don't have a white one. Maybe a chardonnay or a pinot gris. [ Then, he smiles as if happy to share such information. ] Reds for red meats, whites for white meats and food from the sea. The best pairings.

[ Don't mind him, he will return to his food now and imagines something else.

...God, if only he didn't waste his points on those beers... ]

[blitzcheer]

I didn't bring it out to save it, [ Tidus laughs, waving his hand at Inigo and the drink. ] Open it! We said we'd eat and drink, right?

[ And they were doing one half of that now, though the cups had already been filled with water. That didn't matter, just pour that back! But in the meantime, let's listen to what Roland has to share.

Oh. Nerd drink talk!! Of course. Which gets a flat brow from Tidus (especially all those drink names....??), and then looking at that mead and. ... what does mead come under...it's yellow.... ]

Drink's a drink, right? We just got a bunch of bottles of this 'cause it was super cheap in Irivar. [ oh. Uh. ] I've got beer too, if you want that. Someone here made some, it's the stuff that was at Della's party.

[ Not that he took it from Della's party



or did he. ]