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! ]
no subject
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! ]
no subject
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.
no subject
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!
no subject
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!! ]
no subject
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.
no subject
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. ]
no subject
--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!
no subject
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... ]
no subject
But once he's had a moment of eye contact with Tidus, confirming his gratitude was properly transmitted, Inigo instead starts to act like a puppy who thought its owner was never coming back home after walking out the door. Which is to say that he immediately scoots over until he's pressed side to side with Roland, hooking his arm with the man's. Whether it's affectionate or to keep him from leaving all the same is anyone's guess, but Inigo is being clingy and affectionate anyway. Now his dad decided to stay here, he has to stay here. Or Inigo will cry.
Nothing else fazes him much in the face of that terrible possibility - not even this dessert question, apparently. ]
I can go quickly make some. [ NOPE, ROLAND. NOT YOU. KEEP SITTING THERE, OLD MAN.
Unless Tidus had something hiding in his band, which is a possibility Inigo wouldn't be too surprised about either. Which is why he looks over at Tidus, because this is now a discussion and planning session the two teens are having, okay. If they include Roland, he may just try to sneak out again. ]
1/2
[ Said so put-upon. Ugh! Fussy fussy fussy. But it's playful in its own sulky way, as Tidus keeps standing with that announcement of dessert. He's the host now, announcing to his two guests the last of the menu. Whose confusion is positively the point and the fun of it.
'I can go quickly make some.' ]
Nooo no, no you don't. [ No times for looks here, Inigo, with a finger pointed his way to keep him in place. Before he takes back his arm, rolling up the sleeve with his arms band on his wrist. ]
Dessert's on me.
[ And his hands come down, hovering above the table and the silence of anticipation surely filling the room. What will come out? What will it be? Tidus wearing a smug expression and with his focus leading him to close his eyes...
...
...
... Tidus's face turns into a frown... ]
no subject
Aha! Took me a sec to remember a flavour. [ Also, doesn't help he has so much junk in the band. Nevertheless, Tidus takes off the lid with a small metal handle on top. The two may need to raise themselves some to look inside, but Inigo might have some idea already what it is before... ]
Honey and currants!
[ Ice cream. Thanks, Irivar. ]
no subject
He gathers a look of intrigue towards Tidus, then a side glance to Inigo, before he lifts himself up a little bit on his seat, peering inside...
The sweet smell wafts through his nose immediately. His eyes widen at the sight he didn't expect to come out of Tidus's snack stash. ]
Wow. You have ice cream in there? [ He glances up at Tidus while taking a seat back down. He may or may not have pulled said pup up with him during his exploration of the cold treat. ] Where in the world did you get it? On the onboard shop?
no subject
Never trust it when Tidus takes that long to do anything. He's probably going to pull out something ridiculous to pull a joke on Roland, Inigo thinks.
But no, it seems that the other's intentions were honest after all. Because Inigo does recognize that container when it shows up, even when Roland still seems confused. It's been a while, but-- ]
We bought a whole bunch of things back on Irivar. [ He explains. (And yes, he didn't let go of Roland, so he was just slightly dragged up and put back down without doing as much as batting an eyelash.. What an obedient little pup..) ]
Some practical things, but also a lot of snacks, and-- [ He stops mid-explanation to Roland, now suddenly looking at Tidus instead. ] I figured you had already long eaten this!
no subject
[ Because he did that already and that tub is all gone!
But now- Tidus huffs, and he gets back onto his feet, a bothersome huff leaving him as he has to squeeze himself out between table and seat. ]
Ugh, I don't have any spoons. I'll go get them- you two wait. [ Actually- let him take that plate Roland was about to. ] You finished, Inigo?
[ Wanna pass him yours? ]
no subject
And if these two are busy discussing ice cream and how many snacks are left from that trip, worlds away by now, Roland looks up at Tidus and asks just before he leaves for utensils - ]
Do you carry a list of your snacks in there? [ In the floating magical hammerspace that's supposed to awaken potential and house and transport weapons but is now being used as your snack pantry, no biggie!!! ] Are they organized for easy access? So you can remember faster, the next time you get food. Other worlds might have other snacks you'd want to sample, after all.
[
Audit is lifeThis isn't a nag, okay! He just wants you to have a nice clean snack hidey hole so you can cram more food in there for later. He says this in good humor at least, and doesn't even attempt to try and take the utensils from the other car himself. It seems the moment has passed and it's back to their usual; a wonder, really, how naturally it settles among them. ]no subject
(Not to mention that Inigo has absolutely zero idea of what an acceptable amount of ice cream to eat in one sitting is.)
But he is ready with that plate, and so passes it along through the Roland-Tidus human conveyer belt over here. ]
You know you're just giving him another chance to make fun of you, right?
[ WHY START ABOUT AUDITS, ROLAND. This is a hell you're voluntarily walking into, and Inigo can't help but point that out, if not just for his father's protection. ]
no subject
Inigo's right. [ And Tidus is already wearing an exasperated face of a youth being harassed by adult responsibilities! The plates are making a small stack stacked against his forearm, utensils on top. ] I got everything in bags so I don't have to write everything out! But I still, before you nag. I just don't have the ice creams in anything.
[ Judgmental!! But he's got the door open, kept so with his back slipping out first. ]
Don't start eating without me.
[ One warning, before he goes!! Have fun without him for a round or two. ]
no subject
We'll do our utmost.
[ And there he goes - leaving them to stare at ice cream that, well...has begun to sweat from the lack of preservation. Roland looks at it for a while before he turns to Inigo. ]
Should we keep it in our arms band so it doesn't melt?
[ So what if he's the kind of guy who loves his ice cream SUPER cold!!! Though the arms band doesn't drop temperature all of a sudden, just sustains it as it's put inside. A dilemma. ]
no subject
And what is that thought, you ask? Well, it probably shows in the way Inigo dramatically lets himself flop forward onto the table, cheek squished against it as his head is turned sideways so he can still look at the ice cream. (There's still some food from the disaster earlier sticking to the back of his head.) ]
Ahhh, I want to eat ice creaaaaam...
[ Like an ice cream zombie lying there on the table.
At least he's being good and not actually attempting to eat it. Tidus said they had to wait for him! ]
no subject
[ Truly, his struggles are something for the books! Roland chuckles, Inigo looking very much like an actual puppy that's pawing at a treat it can't have after its owner tells him to wait. Or to do a trick before it gets a reward. He's not here to poke fun at him though, so he'll try his best to make things a bit easier for him. As their arms disentangle, Roland leans both elbows forward, talking to Inigo this way, comfortable despite the angle. ]
Hey. I know how to make ice cream. We used to do it when I was a kid in school.
[ He's serious! ]
no subject
[ Inigo isn't moving much from his current position. He's still very much sprawled out on top of the table, but at the very least he's slightly turning his head in order to be able to look at Roland. Mostly to gauge if the other is joking or not, since he knows Roland at the very least wouldn't lie. ]
Is it that easy to do? I want more ice cream.
[ AND HE CALLS TIDUS THE FOOD FIEND.
But look, there's a difference between food in general and just loving sugar a bit too much, okay. ]
no subject
You just need a metal container with a lid, preferably one that's shaped like a sphere so you can roll it around - [ A finger goes down. ] Then lots and lots of ice and salt. [ Two fingers! Inigo is getting a real life chemistry lesson! ] You put the ice in a tub and sprinkle it with salt so that it stays super cold. Inside the metal container, you put a nice smooth blend of milk or heavy cream and your flavor of choice. [ And that's all five fingers down! ] So if you wanted to make strawberry ice cream, you mix in bits of real strawberry in the milk. The sky's the limit. The toughest part about it is the hard work you gotta put into constantly salting the ice while churning and spinning the container in the cold. But with enough rotations, the next time you open the lid, you'll get fresh ice cream ready for eating. Imagine that, huh?
[ Is this torturous for Inigo? Roland hopes not, he just wants to inspire him with maybe a new hobby to explore, or homemade ice cream on the train. An endless supply, so long as they had milk to spare! Even food fiends will be able to enjoy such a tedious task when the end result is oh so delicious. ]
no subject
Although it definitely is like torture. Imagining the lid opening to reveal delicious, delicious ice cream.. Just like what they've got here, the delicious sweet cold ice cream that he can't eat just yet...
Inigo turns back to smush his face further onto the table, whining all over again. ]
Ahhh, I want it.. Delicious ice cream.. [ Did he somehow channel Tidus? Did all the teen energy in the room pass solely onto Inigo while Tidus is gone for a few moments? Who knows, but there sure is some Teen Antics going on here. ] I'll rotate it all day, just give me ice creaaaamm...