[Open Thread]

[rigsthegame.livejournal.com]

Character(s): Mr. Hanekoma. Open to anyone who wants to join
Content: The Paixao branch of WildKat Coffee is open for business. Feel free to stop on by!
Setting: WildKat Coffee, corner of H5
Time: Throughout the day
Warnings: None.
Note: This will be party style, so feel free to start your own threads, and Mr. H will jump into them. Also, if you want tag other people's threads, since this can be a great chance to meet someone new!



Wiping down the counter of the newly opened Paixao branch of WildKat coffee, Hanekoma looked around to do one last check that everything was in order for a new day of customers. So far business hadn't exactly been booming, but even if he met one new customer Hanekoma was willing to call it a good day.

After all, the more people he met, the more his world expanded, and the more he understood the events that surrounded him. That in mind he moved to the door, and flipped the sign to 'Open.'

Comments

[mustcatchme1st.livejournal.com]

Being bored was about the worse condition Zack could be in. It's given birth to more posts on the SOLDIER bulletin boards than they had Dumb Apples in Banora. On top of that, Zack knew that if he stayed around the hotel doing nothing, he'd start to imagine his friend in all manner of torture; it was hard enough watching it the first time around, he didn't need to embellish on it. Five years was no joke.

This was the only reason he could think of why he was standing outside this seemingly new establishment with Reno in tow. It looked interesting enough and the trip could yield some information. And he did recall promising to take Reno out for a few drinks. He just hoped they served something stronger than beer here.

"Heya~!" Zack called out to no one in particular, absentmindedly holding the door open for Reno to pass through.

[theansweris4.livejournal.com]

As far as Reno was concerned, it wasn't particularly likely that a coffee shop would have anything particularly alcoholic, but hey, free drinks were free drinks the world round and what they were... didn't really matter as much as the 'free' did.

Besides, places like this were excellent places to pick up on rumors, and maybe one might hold a clue as to where Cloud had run off to.

"Nice place," he commented as he stepped inside.

[rigsthegame.livejournal.com]

Hanekoma turned with a grin to his first customers of the day, easily recognizing one as the interesting young man he'd spoken with over the journals. Both men's vibe showed Mr. H they were not from this world, and he had a sneaking suspicion that he was very familiar with their backgrounds already, though he'd rather get to know the men personally, rather than rely on stories that could be taken out of context.

Waving to the two men he said, "Hello gentlemen, welcome to WildKat coffee, have a look at the menu and see what I can get for you." A sign on the counter listed every conceivable way one could make coffee, and a couple ways that no one had probably ever heard of. Interestingly enough, the kind they wanted somehow ended up on top of the list. Also, yes Reno, there was Irish Coffee to.

Once the men had time to consider their orders Hanekoma leaned on the counter and said, "Now I spoke with Reno on the journals, but I'm afraid I don't know you're name boss." Mr. H extend a hand to Zack and said, "My name's Sanae Hanekoma, at your service."

orz || s-so sorry for the delay .__. ;;

[mustcatchme1st.livejournal.com]

"Yeah," Zack answered, would have been grinning at Reno if he wasn't busy taking in the decor of the place. "Too bad we didn't have anything like this down in Sector Seven. Aerith would have loved it."

Studying the menu, Zack was excited to see that the place served Irish Coffee. Alcohol was alcohol, whether it was delivered through amaretto, whiskey, or vodka and at this particular moment, Zack wasn't exactly choosy. He absentmindedly added that any alcohol, unless it was designed to knock out a tonberry out in five seconds flat (those things were freaky, regardless of whether they were part of his summon creatures or not) would probably serve in only giving him a taste run.

Zack grinned and held up two fingers. "Two Irish Coffees, please. Easy on the coffee and extras on the kick, if you get my drift." After placing their orders (and if Reno raised any complaints about having his choices taken away from him, well...Zack was doing a fairly good job of playing deaf), Zack leaned forward, warmly grasping the offered hand. While the shake was enthusiastic and firm, Zack was careful about restraining his strength.

"I'm definitely no boss," Zack grinned warmly at the other man. "I leave that type of hard work for the big wigs with too much time on their hands. Zack Fair, former SOLDIER First Class at your service. Oh hey, guess that makes me a freelancer now, huh Reno?"

[theansweris4.livejournal.com]

"She wouldn't've been th' only one," Reno answered absentmindedly. Hell, if they'd had one in Sector Seven he'd have gladly stopped by, even during his pre-Turk days. Provided he could manage to scourge up the gil, of course. But those days were long since past and not really worth the time it took to remember them besides.

Nor did he really have a complaint with Zack ordering for him. After all, they'd gone out with the intent of getting at least somewhat drunk. Going to a coffee shop to do it was a little out of the ordinary, but Reno never been the biggest fan of the ordinary. Especially in situations like this.

"Official records say you were KIA, so yeah, sounds like freelancin' t' me."

[notabattery.livejournal.com]

In his civilian clothes for once Virgil pushed open the door to the cafe he'd heard about. A lot of the people of Paixao gave him strange vibes, like they weren't all there or something, so looking for a job had been rather difficult since he didn't really feel comfortable with the natives. This place looked different from most of the shops and restaurants though and if he remembered correctly it had been opened recently by a new arrival.

He looked around a little bit, it was a pretty nice place...then again most establishments beat working at Burger Fool. Virgil crossed over to the counter, intending to greet the owner (and maybe talk him into giving him a job, Virgil figured working at a place like this would at least put him in a spot to keep his ear out for things happening around Paixao), "Hey, how's business going?"

[rigsthegame.livejournal.com]

Hanekoma looked up as the young man entered, smiling at the youthful, almost electric vibe he gave off. Although he looked like he could have stepped out of Hanekoma's own dimension, there was definitely more to this young man than he at first appeared.

Leaning on the counter he gave an amiable shrug and said, "Well, business is always good as long as there are people to drink my brews, but it seems the people here have a bit more appreciation for my coffee, which is always good. How about you boss?"

[notabattery.livejournal.com]

"Oh, I'm fine, still trying to get used to this place is all," he replied, giving a short laugh at the end. He'd been through a lot as a superhero but dimensional travel was a new one for him. "Name's Virgil by the way, Virgil Hawkins. So, what made you wanna open up a coffee shop of all things," Virgil asked after dropping his name. He'd get to 'business' in a minute, first he wanted to lay down some casual conversation and maybe learn a little more about this guy.

[rigsthegame.livejournal.com]

"Good to meet you Virgil," Hanekoma said, holding out his hand to the boy. "Well, I've always had a love for beans, and this was really the natural progression of that passion. It's my little way of sharing my love with the world, and giving them a chance to get to know me better and letting me get to know them better," Hanekoma mused, clearly pleased that Virgil willing to ask about another person's life story.

[mistress-yuuko.livejournal.com]

Business had been quiet for a few hours by the time Yuuko arrived and if you asked her about it she would just laugh and say it was fate. Her outfit was a little loud, a red mid-drift shirt with long sleeves and a white butterfly design on the back, she wore black bellbottomed jeans with another white butterfly motif down the side of the legs. Her boots made her a lot taller, not that she was exactly short without the shoes. Yuuko's hair was pulled partly into a bun with the rest of the hair flowing around her in a cascade of silky black.

She grinned like the cat that had caught the canary, "Hi~" She crossed the room and took a seat, this place felt good to her...a positive charge filled the air despite the somewhat negative atmosphere outside. She could smell coffee in the air and leaned back in the seat she had sat in, "Oh, I like this place already."

[rigsthegame.livejournal.com]

Hanekoma knew Yuuko was coming before she even entered the front door. Her vibe was one of the most unique and vibrant he'd heard in a very long time, and it seemed to proceed her like a Queen's herald.

Once she entered, it was as if the shop filled with the music of a thousand worlds, blended into a song that was somehow unique to this woman. Grinning he threw her a friendly wave, and said, "Why hello." Walking around the counter with a cup of coffee already made for her, he placed her drink down and leaned against the table.

"I'm glad it's to your liking. It's important for a business owner to keep in touch with the interests of his customers, while still staying true to his own style." Leaning back he grinned wider and said, "Though I must say, some people just brighten a room by being there."

[mistress-yuuko.livejournal.com]

Yuuko had known Hanekoma was different the moment she'd seen him over the network, however she couldn't pin it until she was actually in his presence. She watched him carefully as he approached her, he wasn't very old in appearance...but then again, neither was she. Yuuko could hear it in his voice, see it in his aura, and especially in his eyes...he was certainly far from human, not that it really BOTHERED Yuuko that he wasn't, but it was nice to know.

She grinned, "You're one to talk." Yuuko reached out and picked up her coffee mug, "I take it this is payment you promised me." Her voice was a purr, a little more serious than the happy greeting she had given. Yuuko was wild like that, appearing to jump from one mind set to another, but it was mostly to keep people away from her "true" self. Keep them on their toes and they wouldn't know what to expect.

She let the aroma fill her senses before taking a sip, her eyes lit up a bit, and she relaxed into her seat, "Mmm~ heavenly." She sat the mug down and rested her chin on her hand, "So, Hanekoma, was it? Where should we start our chat?"

[rigsthegame.livejournal.com]

Likewise Hanekoma could tell Yuuko was far more than she appeared, just by how she moved, what she said, and the song her vibe sung. She, like himself, was someone who had traveled far beyond the bounds of her own home, and had seen things most people could never imagine. Whatever her story, it was bound to be a very interesting one.

Hanekoma was no stranger to the mercurial personalities, and some would probably claim he had one himself, although he would maintain he was always honest about who he was, he just didn't always tell the whole story. The thing was, no matter how long someone lived, they never truly stopped growing or changing with each new experience. Every event, no matter how small, had its own influence on a person, and that meant those who had experienced centuries worth of events were complicated people indeed.

Laughing amicably he nodded to her and said, "A deal is a deal, and I don't break my deals. Doing otherwise would be very bad for business I'd say."

His smile became distinctly pleased as he watched her sip the coffee. While most men would have been drawn to the features of the woman drinking the coffee, and Hanekoma acknowledged they were lovely features indeed, he got more pleasure out of the sheer enjoyment she took from the beverage. For Hanekoma, the pleasure of creating anything, be it art, fashion, or coffee (though he would argue all three were art), was seeing the pleasure and inspiration others took from it. That was how he could do what he did, and never tire of it.

"You are correct Ms. Yuuko," he said, taking a chair from another table and spinning it around so he could sit in it backwards. "As for the conversation, well how about we ask some questions to get to know each other? Ladies first, of course."

[a-spikyfriend.livejournal.com]

Now this seemed to be an interesting place. New, in fact. And that in itself was enough to draw Naja out, sniffin' like the curious mithra she could be! Besides, with the name 'WildKat' (which reminded her of the Wildcat Badges she had back home) and coffee... well, it might as well be love!

She walked casually into the building, ears twitching, nose taking in the sweet fragrance... oh, it had been a long while since she had a good cup of coffee! She missed having Abquhbah around to make it.

Naja slipped up to the counter, resting one arm across it, her mace, Morgenstern, propped against the other. A lazy grin slid over her face. "Trrruly a blessing, this place," she purred.

[rigsthegame.livejournal.com]

Hanekoma gave the mithra a welcoming smile and wave as she came in, not showing even the slightest surprise at her appearance. Her vibe was a dramatic and forceful one, shifting between a measured rhythm and chaotic beats, and Hanekoma knew he had another interesting customer on his hands. Truly this place was a wonder.

Motioning for Naja to come to the counter Hanekoma said, "Please, the only blessing is customers like yourself who appreciate the value of quality coffee. Come on over Boss and see what you're pleasure is, and I'll do everything I can to oblige you."

Next to him on the counter was a sign that listed every conceivable way one could make coffee, and a couple ways that no one had probably ever heard of. Interestingly enough, the kind she wanted somehow ended up on top of the list.

"By the way, the name's Sanae Hanekoma, pleasure to meet you."

[a-spikyfriend.livejournal.com]

"The pleasure is all mine," and she might have actually meant it. And staring at the list, her eyes widened just a fraction at finding just what she wanted. Wonderful. She would certainly become a regular here. "Naja Salaheem," she told him, for once leaving out the 'president' part that she held so dearly, even here. She was still president of Sara, wherever the hell that man took her. She'd figure it out.

Probably.

She spun a finger through the air then let it land on probably one of the strongest coffee on the list. "That would be even more pleasurable."

[rigsthegame.livejournal.com]

Grinning Hanekoma read her choice and said, "Appreciates coffee and exquisite taste! I'll have that right up for you."

Moving over to the coffee makers behind the counter he measured out the ingredients he'd need with the care of an artist selecting his canvas and paints. The actual act of making the coffee seemed to make almost no time at all, and before Naja knew it there was a steaming mug of hot coffee resting in front of her.

"There we are, strong coffee for a strong lady."

[sceadu-gemynd.livejournal.com]

By and large, coffee was not Zexion's preferred drink; his tastes tending far more to tea than to coffee. However, every shop had it's talk and it's rumors and more importantly, its allies.

Not, of course, that he planned to go as himself. That would have been foolish beyond all belief, and so he went as 'Ian'. As disguises went, it was fairly simple - jeans and a t-shirt to make him look like the average college student. As for his far-too-recognizable hair, that was pinned neatly out of his face and hidden behind an illusion of medium-length brown hair, pulled back into a ponytail.

"Much nicer then the usual places to be found here," he mused as he stepped inside. It was more a comment to himself but if someone chose to answer, so be it.

[rigsthegame.livejournal.com]

Unfortunately for Zexion, Hanekoma didn't exactly rely on looks to tell him everything about a person. While there was nothing wrong with the Nobodies disguise, the way his vibe resonated hollowly and out of tune with the world around him pretty much flat out told Hanekoma this boy was not what he appeared, even if he had no real way of knowing what exactly Zexion was. Although the fact that his vibe reminded Hanekoma of Michael, the man he met when he first arrived was something worth noting.

Turning with a friendly smile Hanekoma waved and said, "Well thanks Boss, I try and take pride in my work. What can I get you?"

Next to him on the counter was a sign that listed every conceivable way one could make coffee, and a couple ways that no one had probably ever heard of. Interestingly enough, the kind he wanted somehow ended up on top of the list.

[sceadu-gemynd.livejournal.com]

Likewise, Zexion was also noticing that there was something... not quite right about Hanekoma. It was very faint, and largely hidden on the overpowering scent of coffee - one of the reasons he'd never been overfond of coffee shops - but it was still there. Not that he was simply going ask about it; that would have been rude in the extreme, not to mention hardly the way he did business. Just who and what Hanekoma was could wait.

"I'll have that one, I believe," he answered pointing to the one a line below the one he would have chosen had it not been for the oddity of a simple coffee shop in Paixao having somehow found the recipe for coffee as it had been made in Radiant garden. Oh, the option was tempting indeed, but it was a little too convenient, and so he'd take the next best option.

[rigsthegame.livejournal.com]

Of course, even not choosing the Radiant Garden blend told Hanekoma a great deal. He knew the menu put what you wanted most at the top, and by not choosing that Zexion showed he was a lot savvier and observant than the others, and that he was of a suspicious nature. Amazing what a simple choice of coffee could tell one about a man.

"Excellent choice Boss, I'll get that right for you." A few moment's later there was a piping hot cup of coffee resting on the counter, ready for consumption.

[mercurialectric.livejournal.com]

It was not often, nowadays, that Larxene went out without a specific purpose. Her face was well-recognized amongst certain parties, and she had to be careful who she was with and who saw who she was with. But she never had been one to allow anyone to limit her, and she wanted to examine the coffee shop she had heard talk of over the journals.

Dressed in a simple, pastel blue dress and sunhat, she stepped inside, heels clicking on the floor. It wasn't much to look at, but she wasn't here to examine the building. There were people here, and she wanted to watch them.

And the owner of the store--well, maybe he would prove interesting as well.

[rigsthegame.livejournal.com]

Hanekoma had to admit, he was instantly intrigued by the young woman who walked through his door. While she looked like she could be any average citizen of the city, the fact that her vibe vaguely resembled Micheal's, and now Ian's, instantly told him she was far from average. He'd be intrigued to look into her Soul, but that would be a rude invasion of privacy. Besides, it was more satisfying to learn about someone through conversation.

Still, as far as he knew, that just meant they were from a similar place, and even if he had the whole story Hanekoma was not one to condemn or judge someone, particularly not someone he had just met, and especially not a customer.

"Why hello there boss, welcome to Wildkat coffee, feel free to peruse our selection, and I'll see that we make something to your liking."

Next to Hanekoma on the counter was a sign that listed every conceivable way one could make coffee, and a couple ways that no one had probably ever heard of. Interestingly enough, the kind she wanted somehow ended up on top of the list.

[mercurialectric.livejournal.com]

Larxene was not one, like some Nobodies, to have a sixth sense about people not being what they seemed. She was, however, quick to catch onto personalities, and she smiled as she watched for the small details that could tell her more about someone. He seemed confident enough, but any businessman would be.

She glanced over the menu, finding what she wanted at the top of the list. Convenient. "Brazilian cold press, please."

Sugary sweet but bitter at the same time. It fit.

[rigsthegame.livejournal.com]

"Ah yes, a sweet blend, but with hidden depths to it," Hanekoma mused, "Excellent taste you have there." Turning back he got to work, and before she knew it Larxene had a cup of piping hot coffee sitting before her.

The problem with Hanekoma was that his act wasn't really an act, it was who he was, just presented through the lens of a humble coffee shop owner who was secretly a famous artist who was secretly a Player in the game, who was secretly so much more. There were so many layers to him, and all were technically the truth.

It made him a very frustrating man to completely figure out, even if he was very easy to get to know.

"So, what brings you to my neck of the woods if you don't mind my asking?"