Roland Crane (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
adregem) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
voidtreckerexpress2020-11-03 02:01 am
adregem) wrote in voidtreckerexpress2020-11-03 02:01 am
the voidtrecker cafe is now open? ☕ a november catch-all!
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! ]
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! ]
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Listening to Roland, it doesn't sound unreasonable to hear about them in sauce. Tidus rests his elbows on the table with a slight thoughtful frown, his cup put down but his fingers still holding on. ]
You can get small ones, like this? [ He lifts his hand but needs a moment to make an accurate size- forefinger and middle crooked together. ] And then some of them can be this size - [ he flashes a palm ] or about the wrist. Depends what you get! Not a lot people like them - they're like squid or octopus. They're kinda rubbery.
[ Ah- realisation flashes over Tidus and he looks at Inigo. ]
You've never been around the sea, right? A lot snails have these big shells... but they all live in the sea!
[ Actually- ] What do snails look like to you?
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But it's still Roland. And considering some of the things Inigo has seen from the older man, he's very willing to believe he'd be worried about whether he was or wasn't being polite over eating snails.
But in the middle of his thoughts this whole snail discussion catches him off guard. Especially that last part Tidus says. What? ]
Snails don't live in the sea! [ He even makes A Face as he says it, like Tidus is trying to convince him the sky is actually green. ] You can find them everywhere on the land! Especially after it's been raining, but sometimes also just regularly among the plants.. I remember Frederick throwing a huge fit when a bunch of them had eaten up the cabbages on the palace grounds!
[ And it's not like that was in the middle of the sea. ]
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Thankfully, their discussion on snails now, wasn't as high stakes. ]
Hm. Maybe Tidus is speaking of something closer to sea slugs? But the ones on earth don't look anything like snails. In fact, they don't even have shells. That might be different than what we're used to seeing, Inigo. Wow. As big as your whole hand...That, that actually sounds scary.
[ Which isn't really, not to Roland who's fought gross slimes and skeletal demons with soft bodies in the second world. No, it just sounds gross. But he'll do with the word play. ]
But what you're saying now definitely sounds like the ones I'm more used to. The garden variety snails can also make great pets for kids, you know. [ Even if they are pests. Or food. ] Like beetles. Heh. Maybe that's what you need to order next. An extreme food crate with a bunch of exotic treats. Make a challenge out of it.
[ A mild suggestion as it comes from him, calm and collected. But hey, why not? ]
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So, what, are you from an Earth too? Are you his great-great-great-great-great-great granddad now? [ Inigo, he's looking at you. Yeah you!! ] How come it's so unbelievable we have sea snails? I know what slugs are - and I know about sea snails too! And shellfish! And crabs!
[ Is he really being treated this way?? Like he doesn't know what he's talking about? But if they're going to sit there in their mutual understanding of what the sea does and doesn't home -
Tidus raises his last oyster up, pointing it at them. ]
You two don't even know what chocobos are! Yeah, that's right- [ he'd been looking between them, but Tidus goes right back onto his pal. A taunt as he confirms: ] I brought up the chocobos!
[ Groan all you want, mister!! Tidus isn't going to care! ]
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[ And so the circus begins. Because the moment Tidus starts getting more huffy about this, of course Inigo immediately gets huffy too - in equal measures. And poor Roland is once more trapped here with two overly dramatic teenagers..
Arguing about snails and wildlife, of all things. Inigo doesn't even have the time to feel glad that his and Roland's worlds actually have something in common, since he's immediately full on distracted by this! ]
I've just never seen a single snail swim before! And!! [ He puts down his fork on table. But dramatically so. Just enough so it makes the kind of sound that rings out. ] Something tells me you're trying to overcompensate with your-- your giant chickens!
[ Bringing up his arch nemesis, the chocobos, is a low blow, dude! ]
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[ oh oh oh oh-! ]
Cuter than your dragons!
[ YEAH HE WENT THERE!!!! ]
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Inigo may just be outright slamming his hands on the table now. ]
You take that back! [ Don't insult his literal god with your freakish chicken beings!! ]
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Yes, he's used to it.
Yes, he's going to live with it. This is just how it seems to be and that's a fact he's long accepted. Now, for this oyster...! ]
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MAKE ME.
[ And here it comes: the come at me hands and gestures. TIDUS IS ON FIRE. COME ON, COME ON, COME ON- ]
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But he's too far gone. That insult cut just a bit too deep, and Inigo's entire world is now Tidus telling him to come at him.
So he will. ]
You're going to regret those words!
[ He grabs the last oyster right before Roland's hand reaches it, and slings the shell in such a way in his hands that the last piece of tantalizing oyster meat flies right out, smacking Tidus right in the forehead with a wet slapping sound. ]
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And the realisation gets Tidus to gasp, even after the fact. The wet patch left on his forehead once the food is gone. Staring wide-eyed at Inigo in disbelief -- a state that lasts only those first few seconds before Tidus grabs the closest fistful of paella and chucks it into an explosion of rice and else right at Inigo. ]
This is how you have a real food fight!
[ Said, as Tidus is grabbing another lot to rain on the guy. HE'S NOT RELENTING YOU CAN'T MAKE HIM! ]
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[ Do you know how close Roland was to that piece of yummy oyster just waiting for him? Despite the ongoing food war raging in front of him, Roland looks utterly disappointed that he couldn't get to it faster than Inigo, retracting his hand and looking at it, empty. Oyster-less.
:( ]
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He's not sure why he's not angrier, but it may have to do with the sadness of losing his favorite oyster... ]
Hey.
[ Nothing. ]
Hey.
[ Still nothing. ]
Guys! Stop it! Don't play with your food! Come on!
[ Let's see where that gets him. ]
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The first two times Roland speak up go unnoticed too. It's only that third time that finally manages to get through to Inigo, and it's like it freezes him on the spot. His arm still has a handful of paella in it, readied in a throwing position, but he doesn't throw it.
Instead his cheeks - even under all the bits of food - rapidly start to grow red as he realises just what he's been doing right in front of his train dad. ]
F-Father, I..
[ He stammers, looking for an excuse as he lowers his arm. Even though he's aware Tidus has all opportunity to throw even more food at him right now. ]
He told me to make him! [ That's an excuse, right! He was challenged! :( Dad, pleaaaase. ]
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adultsteens, Tidus's throwing hand a sticky mess of what was supposed to be sauce. For consuming.But he doesn't care, and he was happy enough to ignore Roland until Inigo stopped. A handful held, he looks between the pair, and - what's with that genuine look of embarrassment etching itself onto Inigo's face? When Tidus looks brighter, happier than ever. Like the two of them are throwing snow than good food.
He told me to make him! ]
Yeah? So? [ No shame here. What there is, is a look lingering on Roland, and...
He plucks bits of rice from his riceball in the other hand, and starts to throw the bits at Roland. ]
What'cha - [ flick ] gonna do [ flick ] about it?
[ And he hurries up- ]
Daaadddd?
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Flick.
Flick.
Flick.
Roland is keenly aware that every grain of rice that is catapulted his way meets its mark. He has rice on his nose, his forehead, his hair, his bangs, his cheeks. He's being pelted without remorse. He absolutely knows Tidus is trying to rile him up. Listen to that lilt in his voice! Tidus is getting better at actually getting the appropriate reaction from Roland.
But now that he has come to terms with the oyster's final farewell, Roland is back to his usual self. He knows just how to handle this. Forget that he doesn't quite cut the picture of a stern disciplinarian at the moment. Sssssh. ]
Glad you asked. For starters, why don't I make you both apologize to each other. Right now.
[ Yeah, he's looking at both of you. Sorry, Inigo, but fair is fair. ]
Inigo, you didn't have to throw the first clam. [ Pun intended. He switches to Tidus. ] And you made it worse by retaliating.
[ He sighs, shakes his head. ]
Honestly. Food fights in the quiet car. That was a really good oyster, too. Come on.
[ NEVERMIND he has not forgotten the original offense - yes that was the original offense and no one can tell him otherwise. ]
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thirdfourty party to all of this might find it hilarious. There's Tidus, looking like he's having the absolute time of his life, still pelting Roland with rice grains as if the other isn't trying his best to somehow take control of this entire chaotic situation.And then on the other side there's Inigo, looking like a child who just saw their favourite plush toy drop and sink into the water. Like his world is ending. His expression devastated, his shoulders sagging like the scolding is working right away. Knowing Inigo - and the way he looks right now - he is only moments away from tears.
(Not to mention all three of them are just covered in food right now. It looks ridiculous.) ]
I.. I'm sorry, Tidus, for letting myself go.. [ And it doesn't even sound like the kind of reluctant apology you'd have to force out of a little kid. No, this sounds very much meant, even though Inigo is looking down rather than staring at either of the other two. ] And I'm sorry, Roland, for ruining the dinner..
[ It's as if he didn't just witness Tidus openly defying Roland. Like it's just a valid option he could take to. But there's just no other way for Inigo. There's nothing that quite gets to him the way paternal disappointment does, considering it feels like it pushes right into the bruise of what Chrom told him right before he showed up on the train.
Inigo doesn't say anything else, just sits down, head bowed. He'd find some excuse to leave the quiet car, but it's impossible with Roland sitting right next to him, right between him and the exit. ]
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But no. Less damage would have been done if someone punched Inigo in the face and broke teeth than a scolding coming from Roland. And is it because it's Roland specifically?
Tidus looks between them, though lingers the longest on Inigo. A noise of exasperation leaving his mouth as he opens it, turns his frown straight onto Roland. ]
Seriously, man? What's your problem? You wanted that oyster that bad you had to ruin our fun? We were messing around. It was a good time.
[ Now Tidus is folding his arms, refusing to sit down. Just so he can have that extra height as he looks down on Roland!! ]
Is that what you wanted?
[ And his pointed look over to Inigo is brief, meant only for Roland to understand. Look, he's not calling out how Inigo is being too directly here. He knows it'll only make Inigo feel worse! ]
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My problem is that honest hands cooked and made this food. [ For you. ] We...we worked hard on it. With the recipe and everything. It's not about the oyster.
[ And this isn't certainly what he wanted, but what else is he to do when they continue on, wasting precious resources? More than that...a gift? But maybe that's where he's wrong, so Roland shakes his head and stands to his full height too. ]
Listen, it's your feast to enjoy as you please. You're both old enough that I shouldn't be asking either of you to apologize like you're children. [ He takes his plate, utensils crossed over the other, and makes a move to open the booth door to leave. ]
I'm not here to ruin your fun. [ He nods to Inigo once, then to Tidus before heading out. ] Thanks for letting me join you for a bit. It was delicious, Inigo. Good job. I'll catch you guys later.
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Especially when every single one of Roland's words feels like a hammer slamming down straight onto his heart. Right, he is old enough. He shouldn't be acting this way. He shouldn't be wasting things. Inigo can't even say anything in return, since it's true, words weaving right into the tapestry of his own insecurities and worries.
It's only at those last words that Inigo finally manages to look up, rather than staring down and waiting for the void to swallow him up. His gaze ends up aimed at Roland, eyes wide, panicked, and growing moreso by the moment when he notices the other having stood up and grabbed his plate. ]
N-No!
[ He glances quickly between Tidus and Roland, like a panicked dog that has no idea of what to do. ]
Don't go, I.. I'll make another meal! I'll fix it! [ Inigo isn't crying just yet, his panic too real for it, but his eyes are starting to get a bit hazy. At some level he's probably aware that he's being too desperate, too pathetic, especially right in front of Tidus
's salad, but he can't help it. It's like the words flow right over into memory in his mind.You're both old enough that I shouldn't be asking--
--serious for once! Honestly, I'm disappointed.
He stands up, but doesn't make a full on move to follow. ]
I really am sorry!
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And then Roland stands up. And then Roland starts to leave, after saying all that? After UPSETTING INIGO'S SALAD? Oh no, oh no no no.
Tidus is too dumbstruck in the moment not to instantly reach for Roland before Inigo starts his pleading, but hearing it - knowing what Roland means to him, the kind of guy Inigo is, and is Roland seriously getting upset over a few handfuls of thrown rice? - he moves forward himself without further hesitation, grabbing his arm and refusing to let go. ]
Hey! Don't just walk off after saying all that! For real, what's gotten into you? You think we're gonna enjoy anything with you leaving like that? Least talk to us!
[ And not at them. Dude, come on!! ]
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That much, he can verbalize, clearly sounding as if he's thoroughly understood things from his perspective. As if he's just telling them the sky is blue. For all that Roland's working brain might grant him, it doesn't quite connect the dots, not even when Inigo looks like he's ready to dart out himself for Roland's sake. Or that Tidus is suddenly singing a different tune.
Was he like this too? Before? He really doesn't get it. ]
I'm...pretty sure I'm at fault now. [ This, he directs to Inigo, his head in a slight tilt. Thinking. ] You don't have to apologize. [ Then, Roland looks at Tidus, and the hand that's gripped unto his forearm. ] You said I was ruining your food fight.
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It's hard enough for him to control the sheer instinctive panic Roland's disapproval and disappointment makes dawn upon him, after all. With Tidus having secured the guy from walking off on them, Inigo instead sits back down, his hands landing on his own thighs, fingers digging into them to try and force himself to keep it at least slightly more together here.
Even so, he can feel his eyes growing watery. ]
We just.. We just want you to eat together with us.
[ No matter what kind of social misunderstanding is going on here, that much is true. And Inigo knows it counts just as much for Tidus as it does for him, considering how touched his friend seemed about it earlier. ]
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--What, is Roland turning into a Senku? Ugh, it's a good thing he likes all these people (Senku included)! He's quiet to let Inigo say his piece, the hold on Roland's arm easing, if not off him yet. ]
Right! And just because you're being unfun doesn't mean we want you to go. You just gotta loosen up! You... here-
[ Sorry Inigo, but this is a time for Tidus to have some time with your pops. He leans forward, cupping his free hand between his mouth and close to Roland's hair (wherever it is in that mess). ]
You think Inigo got to do this back home?
[ He pulls back, eyes settling on Roland again; refusing to twist his head to appear any more suspicious to the other guy in the room. Instead he goes on, as if he hadn't whispered- ]
It's not like we're not 'ppreciating the food. [ But! ] It's about the company too!
[ Ah! A spark of an idea, and Tidus steps back, turning between the pair. ]
Anyway! You can't leave. There's dessert!
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The plate he tries to carry with him out of the booth slowly lowers back down to the table. Roland looks at Inigo again, then at Tidus, before his free hand, the one that isn't being held onto, rubs the back of his neck. ]
Well...If you both insist. I just don't like the idea of playing with food, that's all.
[ How could he have reacted any differently when he remembers such a reputation hovering around his Chief Consulate back home? The guy who goes around checking on curfew hours, who's gambling what, the Finance Minister has no right to be holding card games using coffers! Even Tani, as young as she was, pushed all the boring, "un-fun" stuff unto Roland so she could nab the young king to herself. Roland doesn't mind. Roland knows it's a small price to pay for progress! But also, he's used to being shooed away or leaving himself if he can't join in.
This might be one of the first times in his life that he's been asked to actually stay despite the accusation. It's another new thing to chalk up to experience. He plants himself back down on his seat, arms crossed against his chest, but looking like he's not sure of what to say next, the furrow on his brow deep and unrelenting.
At least he gets a way out when Tidus pipes up again. Roland looks to his left, and offers very little in the way of a confident answer. ]
Err, dessert? [ Inigo, listen, that might have gotten strangely tense but he's pretty sure they did not make such a thing? ] What are you talking about? We only cooked an appetizer and two entrees.
[ Unless Inigo made something without him? But the time between prepping in the kitchen to the time he led Tidus into the quiet car was too slim... ]
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