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]

For a second the boy's head dips a little, perhaps even with cheeks glowing with very faint colour. It feels like he's a bit in the spotlight right now, even if it's just to one person who's sitting here with him, but it's still a little much for his shy heart. Not to mention that Inigo truly isn't used to talking much about personal experiences, having clammed up about himself for long enough that it feels hard to pry anything out of him by now.

But for his father? Inigo would do anything, even trying to convey experiences from his past.

"Um, basically anything that stopped by the palace.. Most were a little too complicated for me to understand, since I was still so young, but even then I really liked just watching it. Looking at the colours of their costumes, the way they spoke, how much passion they poured into it.. It really amazed me when I was a child. They seemed like heroes to me, to be able to bravely go up there on stage and do such a thing."

[adregem]

Roland might have been from a different time and place, a world more modern than what Inigo could be expecting...but there is a kindred sense of understanding that rolls off of him, naturally. Wonder sparkling in his eyes as Inigo tells his short tale, leaning in a bit closer, now resting his cheek against one hand on the counter.

He had a similar perception of actors and movie stars, at Inigo's age, first exposed to this artform. Just knowing they could be free to be who they wanted to be, acting absorbed into the roles, having fun and telling stories with words, with movement, song and dance. It intrigues him to this day. Fascinates him to the point where he's always been so attracted to the personalities who live under the limelight.

"Brave, huh?" Roland's smile is wider than its ever been. "They sure are. Can you imagine how often they have to act in front of so many people all the time, without missing even one line? It's great." But also, a mental image that occurs to him just as fluidly as theatre and acting; Roland reaches out to pinch Inigo's cheek once before his hand falls back down, rests on his lap. Gosh, can't blame a train dad for feeling this way about his grown-up train son!

"Heh. You as a kid...I bet you were real cute." He manages to say these things without sounding like he's kidding because he's absolutely not, and no one can stop him from trying to picture Inigo as a toddler, small as he's hugged by his mother. He adds more to that, anticipating Inigo's reaction. "You were never invited to act out a skit or two with the theatre companies? Like an improvised scene?"

[flatteries]

There's definitely a half-startled, half-embarrassed sound the moment his cheek is latched onto like that. Out of all possible reactions to the story he was telling, this sure wasn't one he was expecting. It leaves his cheeks a little rosy even after Roland's hand is pulled back, and not because blood is flowing to them after getting pinched!

He doesn't even know what to say to Roland's idea of his toddler self. How do you interact with your dad about things like these, Inigo has zero idea! So he's just.. carefully choosing to ignore that statement, instead focusing on the question the man asks after, which makes Inigo shake his head.

"Though even if they had, there is just no way I would have dared to. I was a very shy child." You know, as if he still isn't a shy child in very many ways.. Though he's definitely better than what he used to be like when he was younger, having had to grow up as fast as he did.

"I would often very literally hide behind my mother, especially when there were strangers around. I only dared to watch those performances since they didn't pay attention to us as an audience while they were performing a story. Not to mention that mother always let me sit on her lap."

[adregem]

His smile turns into an outright grin, too pleased at the imagery forming in his head for him to turn back now. What he lacks in the experience of actually watching his adopted grow up, Roland tries to make up for it in the mind, allowing himself to immerse in what Inigo offers him freely. There, with eyes wide open, he sees an innocent kid, latched to his mom, staring with wonder at stage plays and thespians filling their court. Almost like a movie reel playing on repeat, though Roland finds he can relate to it too, in his own way. A kid looking to their mom for support, when he was smaller, more prone to attracting the wrong kind of attention.

Those were better days really, compared to the horrors they'd both be facing in the years to come.

"I knew it." He says, definitively. No questions to be had about it, just the truth of the matter as it spills from his lips. Hands that warm the emptied mug of his drink come back to pinch both Inigo's cheeks now, gently, not enough to cause him pain or discomfort. Affection spewing forth Roland because the paternal feeling comes so naturally to him, he doesn't know how else to put a stop to it; doesn't even know when it turns on or off with Inigo around. "I knew you'd be super cute. You're older than Will, but I think I could have juggled two of you."

(Nevermind that he could barely be a father to one-

- no, not the time for reality. No time for that now, in this perfect enclave between kindred spirits looking to repair families they could not fully save or have.)

He doesn't let up on the pinching.

"What about puppet theatre? I always found that gave the best of both worlds. Performing, while hiding backstage. Wanna try it sometime?"

[flatteries]

Inigo would whine more at Roland's continued pinching of his cheeks, but something stops him. The other's words, more specifically. It's said almost casually, like it's just a normal thing to say, but-- I think I could have juggled both of you.

Does Roland really mean that? Inigo can't help but worry he's reading too much into it, but just those words are enough to warm his heart. Just the thought of Roland including him so naturally with his actual son, his biological one. The one he's known for much longer than the kid he only met on the train a few months ago. Like Inigo really is part of Roland's ideal fantasy of having a renewed life back home.

He's entirely unable to put his appreciation for it in words though, so instead it only transfers to a blush on Inigo's cheeks as he speaks up again.

"Puppet theatre? Don't you think I'm a little too old for that now, father?"

See, now it's easy to assume the blush is just since he's embarrassed about that, and not because he's incredibly touched. Nailed it.

"I-- I mean, I did it a few times with Owain, but that was just since there weren't many better ways to entertain the young children!" You know, in the middle of a post-apocalyptic hellscape where everyone was slowly dying and turning into zombies.

[adregem]

He makes a dismissive sound, light and airy. Roland lets up on the pinching only when he speaks, back to leaning his elbow on the counter once more. But now his cheek rests on his palm too, easygoing in front of Inigo now that they've settled into their discussion.

"Hm. I don't think you are. If you're too old for it, what more me, right? Heh." See, he'll give you that easy win! Low hanging fruit for teens to enjoy! But he's having fun with the idea, recalling just how much he was able to flex his imagination when he did it as a kid.

"But I mean it. I don't see why we can't enjoy it as grown-ups. Why not? It'll just be your hands and voice on stage too. Hey, we can even make our own! Have you ever tried making puppets using socks?"

Yes, because he has no skill in sewing, doesn't have the dexterity and gentle fingers Inigo naturally has as someone more creative than he lets on. But sock puppet theater? Now that's an idea he could get behind. Roland's eyes slowly widen in mirth, already considering what sort of items they need for it, how to acquire them.

[flatteries]

"Well.."

Inigo isn't too sure how to feel about all this. He sure isn't initially as enthusiastic about the idea of sock puppet theater as Roland is, but..

That's exactly the thing. Roland is excited about it. And not even just a little bit, oh no - the light in his eyes, the way he talks about it. It's not something he's never seen from Roland before, but it still feels relatively rare enough to treasure it.

So in that case? Of course Inigo will go along with this. It takes a moment of staring at the other, but then he continues: "W-Well, I'm still.. practicing sewing.."

So that's a no, but more a 'not yet' than a firm no.

"I've started trying to sew some cute little dresses for Jumblie, since I thought she might like them. But it's still harder than I thought it'd be."

He raises a hand, rubbing the back of his head. Thinking.

"But maybe sock puppets would be easier..?"

[adregem]

"You are?"

If Inigo thinks his initial reaction to sock puppets was enthusiastic, hearing more about Inigo's exploration into the exciting, colorful new world of needle and thread earns him an even more heightened feel. As soon as Tidus mentioned that he was trying to get Inigo into more hobbies, Roland found himself on the lookout for what might help him explore new passions. Expand his horizons.

"Is it - are you working on dresses right now?" Roland asks earnestly, leaning closer in. The sock puppets are of course, still on his mind, but this is taking precedent quite fast. Creativity isn't something he has in droves, so when he knows someone can play the role of an artisan, it's his sincerest pleasure to see them work. Or see what they've come up with.

"I'd love to see them. Maybe I can help. Or you can teach me again."

[flatteries]

If something could make him even shyer on the spot, his cheeks even redder, it'd be Roland's enthusiasm. Not that it's a bad thing, it's just that Inigo doesn't know how to deal with it. He may even be leaning back a little when Roland leans closer - though not far enough back to seem like he's trying to get away from the other.

"Y-- Yes, I am! Though I'm getting the feeling your expectations may be a bit too high.."

But it's far beyond Inigo to deny his father anything, so he lifts his hand, and a moment later he's pulled what he's been working on out of the Arms Band he wears on his finger. It's definitely a higgledy-sized sundress, though obviously a first attempt at one. Functional, but the cut isn't perfectly even, and it seems to be sown out of tiny patches of fabric with different patterns rather than one big piece. Like a quilt.

"The train only gave me tiny pieces when I bought fabric, so I've had to try and make do.. But it definitely doesn't look nice enough yet to give to to Jumblie. She deserves the best!"

[adregem]

"What are you talking about? This is amazing. Wow."

He swivels on his seat to study the patchwork more carefully, his hands lifted from his lap to try and get a closer look. It's rough in the edges but there are no frays in the fabric, and there's a delicateness to the way each portion was selected, one color masterfully bleeding into the next pattern in a way that fits. It's nothing polished for certain, but Roland can appreciate it for its charm nevertheless. The small dress in Inigo's hands was made with love, with a concern for what looks good. He's never seen such a kindness granted higgledies apart from Aunt Martha, the grandmother of all higgledies.

Roland almost grins in how pleased this made him.

"To be honest," He adds, as he moves about to look at the little thing in other angles. "The only expectation I have from you is that you're enjoying yourself, doing all these new things. Are you?" Roland glances up, makes a gesture to borrow the dress so he can see it even closer. He's thoroughly impressed and it's not a fact Roland is trying to hide. Not even his earnest words that may not mean anything to Inigo, but they don't lose honesty regardless. Roland just wants Inigo to be happy, and that's truer than it's ever been before. Even with things like this; in making small dresses for a gifted higgledy.

"Anything that comes from your hard work is already the best. Jumblie's going to look the belle of the ball. I just know it."

Coming from him the way that it does, Roland already thoroughly believes what he says. (He does make a mental note to look into helping Inigo out here, either by buying better material, or maybe even a small sewing machine? He could branch out! He's definitely creative enough.)

[flatteries]

Inigo can feel the tips of his ears getting so incredibly red and hot at all this praise. Perhaps he should be used to it by now - after all, Roland saying nice things about him is nothing new. And yet, the longer he stares at his father admiring the little dress, the more embarrassed he can feel himself get.

It takes just about all he's got to try and formulate an answer to the question Roland asks.

"Ah, well.." It's a good question, after all. Is Inigo enjoying himself? It's something Tidus spoke of before, after all, wanting to help Inigo find hobbies, find ways to enjoy himself..

"I do like sewing so far.." He sounds honest about about that, though a little shy. But his voice trails off in a way that implies there's a little more, and he dares to only peek over at Roland as he continues. "It's just.. I feel kind of bummed when the end result isn't as good as I wanted it to be."

Especially when he's making something that he's planning on gifting to someone else. He really wouldn't want to give them anything but the best - even when the recipient isn't a person, but a higgledy.

[adregem]

Roland nods in wizened empathy. "I know that feeling. It does get frustrating when what you see in your head isn't quite what comes out, huh?" He's no craftsman, but he's a writer, a lawmaker. He has his own passion projects growing up that fit the bill of not exactly staying true to the blueprints he lays out. So even as he admires the dress, he lowers it to offer Inigo a look that screams how much he gets it. Said dress is returned to its owner with feathered grace, laid out unto Inigo's waiting hands.

"I guess the only advice I can give you is to keep going. When you practice and hone the skill, you'll eventually get so good that suddenly, the dress you want Jumblie to wear is precisely the dress you've made at that moment. Does that make sense?"

He resumes the easy flow of conversation, encouraging Inigo while relaxing in his presence, leaning back an elbow on the edge of the counter. They should do this more often, talks over tea or coffee and getting to know each other in simpler ways. Moreso now that he's discovered Inigo's latest attempt at a new hobby, one that he seems to like! He could definitely buy him something, for certain...

[flatteries]

"Yeah," he says, nodding while he takes the dress back from the other. A moment later it has already disappeared back into his Arms Band. "I think that makes sense."

Although he wonders how long it'll take him to reach that point. Or if he'll ever reach it in the first place. With how little confidence Inigo has in himself, it's easy to feel like he'll never be as good as he wants to be. But even so - he's not going to give up just yet. He wants to keep trying first, if not just for Jumblie's sake.

Having finished his drink, Inigo puts down the mug, giving the older man a small smile.

"I guess I should get going again for now. I can't hold up the whole.." He started so confidently! But remembering modern words is hard, and he vaguely waves his hands, as if they'll make up for his clumsiness in the words he speaks. "The whole.. coffee.. place.. shop? Either way, there's bound to be more customers!"

Don't think he's forgotten the roleplay!! It's something that seems to make Roland happy, so there's no way he could ever full on forget it.

He stands up. "Have fun, father. I'll see you later today for dinner?"

[adregem]

Roland shakes his head, the smile on his face ever-present. Inigo would never hold up anything, and if he had been in the mood for it, Roland would have gladly closed up his "shop" to spend the rest of the day with Inigo. But for now, he lets him go and takes the emptied cup, hoping he hadn't injected Inigo with too much caffeine all in one go.

He stands when Inigo does, hand on his hip. "Yes sir. I'll be there."

Inigo's constant checking up on Roland has paid in dividends when he says what he does with such natural casualness, finally born only out of habit more than gentle prodding. He nods to him before taking his place back behind the counter.

"Thanks, pup. Go on, now."