(no subject)

[empyrean_mirror]

Who: Kaveh and YOU
Status: Open
Where: Surasthana Cafe on Eltrut!
What: The grand opening of a book cafe.
Warnings: God I hope not.



[Kaveh hasn't talked much about what he's been working on for a few months now, because he wanted this moment to be a surprise (and because he didn't want to be scolded for overwork). It has finally paid off, now, with the grand opening of the Surasthana Cafe, just in time for the deep end of the fall season. The cafe is cozily furnished and warm, the smell of lovingly brewed coffee floats through the air, and soft music plays from Mehrak.

Kaveh isn't expecting a huge rush on any given day--this was done for his own sake more than anything, but now on weekday afternoons, the little book cafe can be found and people can stay a spell, enjoying expertly made coffee drinks and some light reading in a ridiculous plant paradise.

If you have any requests for new kinds of books, or wish to purchase various accessories, stop by the front counter! The owner is happy to accommodate you, after all.

ooc: you may also treat this post as a mingle and toplevel accordingly, just mark if you are doing so! Otherwise, Kaveh will be coming for you!]

Comments

owner's trophy husband (open top level)

[indispensable]

A) in his natural habitat

[Honestly, Alhaitham didn't think that Kaveh would actually go through with this despite his off-handed suggestion and goading a while back... but given how much Kaveh likes to keep himself occupied he supposes he shouldn't be too surprised. But he will admit that his senior has managed to strike a good balance between making this a space that works for the both of them—Alhaitham gets his corner for books and Kaveh gets to putter about as well as tinker, all while enjoying the beverage that they both love.

Needless to say, its to basically nobody's surprise that Kaveh's oft-talked about reclusive husband is present just about any time Kaveh is around too. But where Kaveh is busy attending to customers and busying himself with all manner of things Alhaitham has made himself comfortable on the nook that was specifically made for him in mind, wiling the time away with reading the books that he brought over from their library at home.

Feel free to come and pester him. Or not. While he very much would prefer not to be disturbed, being out in public like this means that he's just as exposed to the whims of the other party as any other person... though in the same vein nothing will stop Alhaitham from ignoring anyone who he deems as not worth its time.]

B) exercises for a healthy mind

[If ever asked Alhaitham has many complaints to make about this place, but truly the chief among them is the fact that there is somehow still nobody around to play chess with.

—well, okay, saying that there isn't anyone is a bit of a stretch since there's the likes of Gale and Cid and occasionally Heizou, but three people is still not a lot in the grand scheme of things. By now, its gotten to the point where Alhaitham has to find some new way to engage himself with this, because at the end of the day there is so much mental stimulation that books can provide him for all that he loves reading, and Kaveh can never stay still long enough for a proper game.

Thus, this leads to the current situation: Alhaitham, sitting on the long bench by the large window that looks out into the water, with the gnome chessboard set placed next to him. The pieces have been arranged to follow one of the hardest chess puzzles that he'd gotten from a book that he's been working through, though while he'd done so Alhaitham was already figuring out the solution in his mind.

...and said solution is one that he proceeds to do now, as he methodically goes through the steps that he'd formulated in his head. The last step ends in a checkmate victory, as these things often do, and Alhaitham exhales loudly as he studies the board once he'd done. So much for those hard chess puzzles.]

C) catnaps ahoy

[With how cozy the cafe is and with things set up in a way that'd please Alhaitham more than others, it doesn't take very long for the man to eventually doze off... especially not when the warm afternoon sun had come up to hit him in just the right way.

But Alhaitham, being how he is, never makes it easy for anyone else that isn't his husband. So while he has indeed dozed off, he'd done so while having leaned back on his chair with his legs stuck out, head tilted just a little to the side as his arms stay firmly crossed over his chest. His eyes are of course closed, but with the earpieces that he has on him it wouldn't be too surprising for people to assume that he's simply vibing in his own space within the confines of the cafe.

Now, the only question left is if anyone would be bold enough to try and wake this giant sleeping housecat... not that Alhaitham will ever agree to the assumption of being regarded to a housecat. He is very much not one, thank you very much.]

D) wildcard

[Feel free to hit me up on the Workship CR post, PM this journal or the discord server if you want to plan or have something else entirely in regards to this log/top level. One is also free to assume him being around the shop most of the time in the threads with Kaveh.]

b lets fucken GO chess time

[tabiya]

[ a desire for knowledge and a desire for quiet had been at war in xehanort's mind since pretty much the moment he'd arrived. the town proved preferable to the ships - the constant smell of the ocean soaked into the wood and the squawking of gulls made him dizzy with deja vu - but scala, while populated, was never so full of bustling activity as eltrut was.

his chest ached. everyone felt so much, here. the people who had come from other worlds, those he could only assume were locals, or close to it, it was all a bit overwhelming.

so seeking a moment's reprieve, xehanort had dipped into the cafe. he'd ordered a warm, sweet coffee, not a fan of the bitter edge. and as he received the drink, murmured a thanks, and turned around, the familiar checkered pattern caught his eye. in the sun, by the big window.

his chest ached for a different reason, now. but he approached anyway, as if drawn in by a magnet. ]

Hi. [ he doesn't like how small his voice sounds, and he takes a stubborn sip of his coffee before addressing alhaitham again. ] Do you play?

B

[telepathicignorance]

(So how desperate are you for an opponent, Alhaitham?

Because Sidestep is really just here cause they were missing the coffees they used to get at home, and they aren't planning to stick around but then they see that guy from before sitting at a chessboard and ...look. They don't have to know or like someone to have fun beating them at chess--because they're cocky enough to assume they'll win--their opponent just needs to be able to actually play.)

So do you actually want to play with people or is this strictly a solo chess game?

c is for cat

[empyrean_mirror]

[It's absolutely not a surprise to Kaveh that Alhaitham has fallen asleep--in fact, he'd almost designed with the man's penchant for naps in mind. So it's also no surprise that he comes over to drape a blanket over the man after gently rescuing his book to set on the table near him. Shadowlily, of course, is happy to take up position in her Favorite Dad's lap.

The only thing that's left is an indulgence mostly for Kaveh, pushing the man's fringe back and pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead. Surely this is not playing with fire.]

B

[scooba]

[Freminet was never good at chess. He wasn't smart enough nor did he understand the rules. He usually saw Father or Lyney play but that was the extent of his knowledge. He never bothered to learn as he would much rather swim in the ocean or fix machines in the House.

That said, now that he had all the time in the world, he could spend some time on this hobby. Or at least, that was a passing thought in his head as he saw Alhaitham looking at the chess board.

He wasn't too sure what he was doing but...he couldn't help but look at him as he was curious to see what he was doing.]

C, what if housecat + stray?

[astudyinviolet]

[ Despite all the sleep he's been getting, Sherlock still hasn't formed anything resembling a sleep schedule. This is a different day than when Kaveh caught Sherlock napping in his cafe. This time, he has a bag with a few of his good dream aids inside. Only a few as he's testing if maybe some have more strength than others should he fall asleep and thus might help in case he cannot find someone to answer his MANTA Board request. He probably was going to ask Alhaitham about something completely unrelated when he came across him appearing to be asleep, intended to wait nearby with his own task, and then fell asleep himself.

No, Sherlock's still not having a peaceful sleep with this combination, but Alhaitham has his earpieces to drown out any whimpers or mumbling. They can catnap together for a bit. ]

A because c-c-c-combo breaker

[spectacleofphantasmagoria]

[Of course Lyney would want to investigate Kaveh's new business, which also means inevitably running into Alhaitham. Honestly, he'd be more surprised if the man weren't here, given that the cafe has 1) books, and 2) Kaveh. So of course once he sees the man in question, he makes his way over to him.]

I must say, this place is certainly something special! Did you also have a hand in its design?

A

[deepstar]

[ Kaveh had pointed out Alhaitham earlier and had thought to mention notes. Notes that Claude would be very interested in. For his own needs, of course. Any information he can get his hands on so Claude can begin to piece together the mystery of this place. Consider himself very interested!

However, Kaveh had said that his partner - husband - is a prickly person. Well that hasn't stopped Claude before. Not about to now either. Though he's not about to just take a seat and start to make demands. Claude is somewhat more of a gentleman than that. He's going to try to appeal to him first.

Then ask if he can get a transcript of those notes.

That's why he's asked Kaveh for Alhaitham's preferred beverage and might be setting down a cup of it in front of the man. While carrying tea for himself and taking a seat across from him. Sure, it's a little obvious but - ]

Hope you don't mind sharing your space.

[forwearemany]

(Consumption of organic fuel sources is not within their platform's capabilities. They have no use for visiting a cafe. They also utilize more efficient methods of data transfer than reading paper transcriptions... except this is no longer the case.

Consensus: They must seek alternative methods of acquiring data.

Thus, Legion has come here to purchase a reading pass.)

Greetings.

[empyrean_mirror]

[Give Kaveh a minute, he turned to greet the new customer and nearly dropped a mug. Actually he did drop it. Mehrak saved it. Everyone say thank you Mehrak.]

Hhhhheello? [Oh that came out as a squeak. Cough. Clear throat. Try again.] Welcome to the Surasthana Cafe. What can I help you with?

[callmekacchan]

[Katsuki hadn't noticed this place before. But honestly he couldn't say if it was because it wasn't there before or if he just never paid close enough attention.

It's worth checking out though. Maybe it could be a potential date location for him and Izuku down the road...

So he slips in and starts having a look around. It seems cozy and the coffee smells good...]

[empyrean_mirror]

Ah, welcome!

[And there's the owner, washing out a mug behind the counter.]

It's Katsuki, right? Please, take your time and have a look around.

[spectacleofphantasmagoria]

[What a cozy little book cafe! Given the popularity of detective novels in Fontaine, and the abundant cafes around the Court, it's certainly not uncommon to see patrons frequent cafes with books in hand and coffee or tea in cup. Combining the two? Why, it's sheer brilliance. Lyney has to take a look, especially since Kaveh's the one who owns it.]

[He enters the cafe and is browsing the shelves while he makes his way to the front, offering a broad grin to Kaveh.]

My, someone's certainly been busy! Look at this place, it's positively wonderful! I could see myself spending hours here.

[empyrean_mirror]

By all means, we would be glad to have you.

[Kaveh laughs brightly, knowing--and he's sure Lyney does too--that the "we" in question here is himself, Mehrak and Shadowlily.]

You might want to drag Heizou in, too. Though it might be hard to get him back out again, come to think of it.

[garudas]

[Given how fast word spreads across the crew, it's no surprise that Benedikta had heard of the café's opening. And while it will certainly not be on the grand opening day because she figures that is when the crowds will come, it will be a few days after that she makes an appearance, nosing around one corner of the café, looking around. She has a hood up that blocks the familiar head of blonde, trying to work the teacaf machine...]

Shit—

[Only for something to clatter loudly as she pulls on something else a little too hard, a (fortunately removeable) piece tumbling to the floor at her feet. And there go several eyes looking at her... and surely she has caught the attention of the café's owner by now—

These machines are out to get her!!!]

[empyrean_mirror]

[Kaveh won't say he was expecting this, because he was not exactly expecting Benedikta to come in, much less be defeated by one of Cid's machines, but--well.

He'd know that cursing anywhere.

Mehrak approaches first, though, picking up the fallen piece and putting it back in place with a cheery beep, because Kaveh figures Benedikta will feel less embarrassed by the cheery faceplate of a suitcase than him immediately coming out to help.

Make no mistake, though, he's waiting just around the corner.]

[indispensable]

I'm surprised you don't know how to use these, considering who made them.

[Hello here's Alhaitham, who also happens to not give a single fuck about subtlety. He can see that its you under that hood, Benedikta.

Anyway, here is him picking up the piece that'd rolled to his feet and then bringing it back over, using a nearby rag to wipe it clean first before he starts figuring out how to put it back where it fell out from. Just give him a second here, he'll be right back with you soon enough.]

just open to anyone

[deepstar]

[ It's not really the coffee that's brought Claude in - tea is more his speed - but rather one thing and one thing only:

books.

Yeah, back at the monastery Claude had really been big on the reading thing. There had been many hours of sleep skipped out on in favor of reading. Mostly in his younger years he had been trying to find anything that could give him an edge. Anything that could help him achieve his own goals ( something he had in common with Dimitri perhaps ).

Now he might have another reason for plucking out a book and skimming through the pages. Insight into this place and the people that call it home, be it temporarily or on a more permanent basis. ]

hehehe

[empyrean_mirror]

[Well, let the owner know and he'll make an attempt to stock teas, friend. But he's from a coffee-drinking culture, it's always going to be his truest love.

Speaking of true love, apparently a wide selection of the books here are...romance novels? The question is, is this a reflection on the culture on Eltrut, or on how many books Alhaitham collected and donated to the cafe on the subject?

And why the hell are there so many mermaids?]

Good afternoon, sir! Please let me know if there's anything you'd like to see stocked.

[Now, there's a familiar voice, huh?]

open top level

[general_affairs]

[ A business with a decidedly different atmosphere versus the rough-hewn and quaint ocean-tumbled structures around it, this one was more grounded and warm, and the redhead had paused to take a moment to look it up and down from the outside with his hands in his trouser pockets, watching a few others pass him by to poke their own heads inside and check it out.

The smell of coffee, leather, vanillin, and floral aromatics wafted dangerously--he could nod off here if he didn't mind himself. ]

A.
[ It wasn't inherently obvious how this shop made profit, but he did know a coffee machine when he saw one, even if it wasn't exactly what he was used to seeing.

Still, there was one redhead hovering near one of the coffee machines, looking between a few different roasts and blends of coffee. He had his hands on his hips while reading over the descriptions, and had finally settled on an option. Though there was an awkward..glance around as he tried to discern if he was supposed to just help himself, or if he was supposed to pay first, or..?

Someone might have a Reno leaning into their business to ask: ]

Am I supposed to pay here, or..?


B.
[ Alternatively, not all that pass through here were guaranteed to be familiar with machinery or how to work it. It had taken Reno a few minutes of playing with the bits and bobs, himself, before getting sussing out how to manage himself.

If someone were to find theirself struggling, they might hear a quiet snort of a laugh from beside them. ]

You're gonna get coffee all over the place like that, yo. Need a hand?


C.
[ Alternatively, if Reno never paid anything or anyone for his cup of coffee, he was at least going to hang around one of the counters, leaning over it with an arm folded atop it, bracing the opposite elbow as he held his mug up to his lips(mostly milk with the ghost of coffee haunting it, and plenty of sugar). He didn't seem to mind waiting here, watching others come and go.

Eventually someone would hassle him for money, and while ShinRa wasn't against letting Reno's sticky fingers work their magic on company dime, he wasn't apt to make off with a mug of coffee. Besides. He maybe wanted to meet whomever ran the joint.

Anyone else, of course, was welcome to chat up Reno in the mean time. ]

A

[empyrean_mirror]

Ah, just stop by the counter on your way out.

[Here's the owner, handsome and sunshiney and blond as always, with a bright smile.]

I'd appreciate it if you didn't walk out with the mug, but refills are free from the self-service machines.

ota-ish! 💙

[lecturer]

[ cyrus albright has never once been ruffled by a single moment of chaos in his life, and being transported to a strange new world sans the majority of his traveling companions is no exception. when life hands you lemons, you make lemonade, and in this case, the lemonade is the fact that there is a seemingly endless bounty of places for a wandering mind to explore. from ships to shops to city streets, he pokes in and out of everything and everywhere, and today's mission is a place that smells downright heavenly.

coffee is commonplace in atlasdam, but it's been a long time since he's been home: there's something undeniably exciting about stepping into a shop, and inhaling the wonderful scent of fresh beans, and books, just as far as the eye can see. the oncoming feeling of deja vu is so wonderful that he pauses at the door and just inhales, takes in the sights, the sounds, the smells.

and then makes his way right into the cafe itself! cyrus can be found investigating the menu - any fancier drink is beyond him, or better yet, perusing the stacks. he plucks up a novel and reads the back of it, eyebrows jumping near off his forehead, and laughs a little, then sets it down. rinse, lather, repeat - murmuring to himself, amused: ] Now, are these a symptom of the culture, or of the ownership...?

[ delightful!!

for a more open prompt, he can easily be found with a cup of coffee and a book spread open in front of him, nose burrowed deep into whatever he's doing, or taking notes in a beloved looking journal, or just enjoying the atmosphere. looking his way gets a friendly smile (if he's not buried in a book). who doesn't like a young, handsome man in a coffee shop........ ]

hello fellow nerd

[empyrean_mirror]

[Well, he won't have too long before the owner himself makes an appearance, though in this case the devastatingly handsome blond man whose appeared to reshelve some books mostly grimaces at the comment.]

It's a little of both. We stocked with what we had already first, and the local booksellers seem to be...under the impression we want this stock more than anything else. It's been a bit of a trial convincing them we want a variety of genres, but if there's anything you'd like to see, we'll do our best to get it in.

[stillarhino]

[Still trying to get a lay of the land, Beat finds himself popping his head into the newly-opened establishment. But it wasn't the allure of books that caught his eye while roaming about Eltrut. No, he didn't care for books unless it was manga or something similar. It was simply because his first order of business was learning all the food and drink spots the island had to offer.

Besides, he had worked up an appetite, running around the island all day. However, looking over the menu, his face goes from excited to confused, his brows wrinkling tightly together.]

Yo, you seriously ain't got any food here?

[empyrean_mirror]

I'm afraid not...it's just me behind the counter, and I'm not really that good a chef.

[Kaveh sighs a little bit, disappointed in himself. He'd love to have snacks, honestly, but that's more than he can handle on his own...]

If you want, I can send Mehrak down the street, the bakery down there should still have some pastries?

[The robot suitcase in question beeps cheerfully, and makes a little ^_^ face. She's a helper!]