hot-coffee-cold-eyes-heated words

April 29, 2011

Setting

<NIGHT> cafe://Polychrome v2.0 - Navy Pier - Grand and Lake Shore
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The Polychrome 2.0 is a serious upgrade in both style and function. Gone is the soft-industrial warehouse look, the walls repainted from their worn brick color to a more warm rich red adobe. The walls are adorned with old Sci-Fi posters and paintings by independent local artists.
The entire cafe is situated around a circular bar-like counter in the very center of the room which, in turn, surrounds the chrome and copper homemade monstrosity Frankenchino machine the only surviving relic of the previous Polychrome. Frankenchino billows steam and froth from it's masses of pipes and valves, the temperature and levels of fluids measured by gleaming old fashioned pressure gages and controlled by a plethora of levers and turn-gaskets. Comfortable high backed chromed stools with leather upholstery orbit the counter, which through it's thick Plexiglas surface into it's refrigerated interior can be seen sandwiches and pastries and other snacks in refrigerated. Above the counter is an outfacing circle of LCD TVs showing various feeds off the Internet.
Circular segmented couches surround low black coffee tables around the cafe, each one having a computer monitor on a swivel in the center and a cordless keyboard and mouse and allowing the patrons full and free net access. In one corner there are more dedicated semi-private computer terminals at high-mounted and a kiosk where one can rent a laptop. Another corner sports an Internet jukebox which has been built into the body of a full sized Robby the Robot replica. Another corner has a small stage from which patrons can enjoy independent bands or poets on certain nights. The last corner is set up with merchandise such as books, magazines, shirts, mugs and gadgets.

Cast

Citlali
Javier
Dylan
Dimitrie
Alexavier
Etienne

Scene

Isabel takes the coffee and has a small sip. "Oh really? So are you two trying to work things out now, and try to make it work out better?" She looks down at her watch, "Oh look at the time, I need to head off to meet someone." She takes a big sip of her drink before she slowly stands, "I will meet you back at the house later.

Isabel turns and heads out of the shop, giving javier and citlali a wave as she heads out the door.

Javier is sitting at the table drinking his Mocah. He watches on as Isabel leaves and now waits for Citlali to join him.

Citlali gets her caramel mocha and two filled pastrie croisants and walks easily over to Javier to slip in at his side and kiss his cheek

Dylan enters and heads for the counter. He's dressed in crisp jeans and a navy blue t-shirt under a flannel shirt that is unbuttoned and loose. His expression is relaxed and faintly sardonic as he enters but upon seeing, scenting and metaphysically sensing the area, as is his habit, his eyebrows shoot up and his expression becomes a bit more careful. He steps aside as Isabel leaves and he gives Javier a deep and respectful nod from across the room, held for just a second longer than a casual, human gesture. As he approaches the counter, dark eyes scan the inhabitants of the cafe a bit warily. If he's breathing in a bit deeply, it could perhaps be mistaken for a cold, rather than someone scenting the air, trying to track down a particular odor.

Etienne grins at his friend as he takes the napkin from him then wipes the milk from his upper lip. "well, I'm sure you could do without me, but I don't want to do without you." he winks at Dimitrie then picks up another brownie.

Again the man chuckles, though his eyes are caught by the woman leaving and then the young man that enters. Dimitrie's blue eyes watch the man and the way he moves, the nod that is given to Javier. A small shake of his head is given to himself as he returns his attention to Etienne. "You know, I've never had pizza?"

Javier wraps an arm around Citlali "I wonder what Isabel had to tell me." He shakes his head "Isabel is taking the term always leave them wanting more just a tad too far."

Etienne waits until he's swallowed before he answers Dimitrie. "Never?" he shakes his head then looks at the rest of the brownies as if he's lost his appetite. "I don't think I'm hungry anymore." The glass of milk is finished off and he rubs the napkin across his lips.

Dylan orders a cup of coffee, still looking around and his eyes narrow finally when he settles on Etienne and Dimitrie's table. His nostrils flare and his eyes are unfocused briefly before he blinks and those eyes get very wide indeed. He pulls in his beast, trying to dampen and hide his power and half-turns without entirely looking away from them. He pays for his coffee, black, hot, no cream or sugar and starts to walk towards his own table, suddenly plodding a bit, as though he weighs more than it looks like. Or like he's trying to look like something he isn't. He glances towards Javier's table again and if the one he picks is moderately close to it, that surely must be coincidence.

Citlali chuckles and offers Javier an egg steak and cheese croissant "You know she always tries to top from the bottom Jav. With her the news could be anything"

A hand reaches out to brush fingers along Etienne's cheek, a look of concern on his face, "Are you unwell Etienne?" He looks to the plate full of brownies but then his attention is caught by the moving Dylan, seeming to have caught that change in power of the man, a curious frown given then a shake of his head as he returns his attention to Etienne, "Do you wish to return home?"

Etienne blinks up at his friend then he looks toward Dylan when Dimitrie does. But he doesn't seem to be bothered by the stranger that has walked by them when he looks at his friend again and shrugs. "If you want to leave, I'm ok with it."

Javier takes a bite of the croissant and then nods his head to Citlali "I am still trying to figure out Isabel style." He then notices Dylan at the table and says to him "Hey Dylan… how are things?"

Dylan gives Javier another one of these deep nods and glances towards the Rex. "Ah. Hi. And good? Kinda?" He looks back towards Dimitrie and Etienne's table, obviously distracted. He scoots his chair a bit sideways until he can see both Javier and the pair of them. Remembering his manners, he turns his head to give Javier his full attention for a moment. "And thank you for asking. I hope you and yours are well?" And another nervous sideways glance.

A smile is given and as he continues to feel a gaze upon him, Dimitrie looks over in Dylan's direction. He considers him for a few moments before speaking, "Is there something I can help you with?" His words polite, yet his blue eyes hold power in them as he speaks.

Citlali nods in agreement with Javier and takes a bite of the croissant herself "Isabel is a frustrating creature Jav, frustrating but quite useful" then looks at dylan and over to dimitrie and ettienne before giving Dylan a curious inquiring look with a raised brow "Nothing to complain on in our neck of the woods"

Etienne looks at Dylan again when Dimitrie speaks to him. Etienne edges closer to Dimitrie as attention seems to be directed at them. His hand drops below the table as he stares at the others.
"Every thing is fine with us Dylan. I am not sure that is the case with you?" Javier now takes a sip from his drink and then says "If there is some thing I can help you with let me know."

Dylan takes a hasty drink of coffee and looks down as Dimitrie looks towards him, apparently finding the space between the man's chin and chest a polite place to focus his attention while he replies, "Ah. No. Sorry?" He glances back to Citlali and Javier and shakes his head slightly. His expression is a bit tense but also faintly set and stubborn. "Ah, that's good. the nothing going on part that is. And I'm just getting coffee. Figured I'd be around a few … people." There is a faintly dubious qaulity to that last word as he glances towards that distant table again and then back to Javier.

A soft sigh is heard and Dimitrie places his hand on Etienne's shoulder, "Come Etienne, I suddenly seem to have lost my desire to be here." He rises to his feet and helps pull out Etienne's chair then gathers the left over brownies. A slight frown is given to Dylan as he turns to head out the door and into the night, his arm around Etienne's shoulders in a protective and possessive manner.
Citlali snickers "Everyone who walks on two legs is a person, regardless of anything else. We all have to live and find our own places"

Etienne frowns at Dylan then stands when Dimitrie suggest that they leave. "sure," he tells his friend softly and slides his arm around Dimitrie's waist as they move toward the exit.

Javier shakes his head to Citlali "I think it is more then that. One is comfortable around their own. And while we are not exactly what Dylan is used to… we sure are close." He now looks to Dylen "If Citlali does not mind you can join us. Though do understand we are not going to be here for too long, just came for snacks."

Dylan catches those frowns and takes another drink of coffee, trying to look like he isn't at all tense. And failing. He breathes a very quiet sigh of relief and then looks towards Citlali and Javier, nodding at the Raj's words. "Pretty much. I've never seen one of, ah, those guys who was quite so …ah… amped up. It's weird being the one who may be on the menu. Don't much like it, I think. And yea, it's better to be around our own kind. Or our allies."

Citlali nods and gestures to a seat for Dylan "Sounds like something to remember and keep in mind when dealing with others then perhaps. Though maybe next time more discreetly observing and more use of manners. There is always going to be someone above you and someone out for your neck. Even in our family I've had to learn to deal with people differently. Some people you can't beat into respect and submission, some it's the only way you're going to get it, and others…you have to talk to and sit down with to get your way. Everyone is different and responds differently to things. You have to take each person as just that, an individual to be considered seperate from anyone else….sometimes. It's something I didn't have to so much worry about in the military, civilian life is quite different though"

Dylan shrugs and says, equally quietly, "I'm nobody's meat unless the Raj orders it so. But damn. That's a big, /big/ fish in a little pond. Glad to be out from under his shadow." He doesn't seem to have a problem admitting that the vampire was well out of weight class. He nods his thanks to both and comes to sit down, giving both polite nods of thanks. "Never saw one like that before. Just the, ah, littler ones. You know, little magically, not physically."

Alexavier slips into the cafe quietly. Well as quietly as he could possibly be. The psychic artist tries to be quiet at least. He has a packpack full of art supplies and he has a sketch pad under an arm. He heads seems a bit clumsy today, he bumps into a table and then a chair and he nearly drops his stuff. "Oof." He makes his way to the counter and he takes a deep breath. "Coffee please, really sweet with lots of sugar. No milk, thanks."

Citlali shrugs "If it's food for thought, I'm not even sure he was the biggest. My point is, sometimes compassion and understanding work better then a growl and a hard fist or sharp tooth" her voice pitched low so not go beyond her table even with exceptional hearing "Not all observe the protection that being in a group provides. There is always going to be someone stronger then yourself and someone weaker. I do not rely on Javier for protection nor does he rely on me for it, but we would both die to protect each other or our own. I am more then just a woman on his arm. I'm his primary as he is mine. His bodyguard and mate. As well as third in our family"

Javier phone now rings and he looks to Citlali "Been looking to meet with this person babe. I got to go." he gives Citlali a kiss on the cheeck and now looks to head out."

Dylan gives Alexavier a 'Yo!' nod and a faint grin, recognizing him. He looks back at Citlali and says, "I didn't claim protection while he was here. And I am /more/ than capable of defending myself. But there is no shame in knowing when I'm totally outclassed." He nods towards Javier, "Like with him. Or Forest. Or any number of other people. And compassion? Um, was I rude to them?" He seems genuinely worried. "Do something that may have consequences for my, um, people?" He gives Javier another of those deep, respectful nods and says, "Good to see you again. Have a good night."

Alexavier barely catches Dylan's 'Yo!' and he gives him a little bit of a nod. And then he spots Javier as he runs out and he gives the latino a wave. He pays for and gets his drink and he turns around and looks for a place to sit. He scrunches his nose up and then he decides on something. He heads over to Dylan and he says, "Hey man. I haven't seen Cale in a while, if you happen to run into him. Just tell him I said, wassup." He takes a slow sip from his extremely sweet black coffee and nods contently at it's taste.

Citlali nods "True, you didn't, nor did I imply such. As to whether you offended them, that remains to be seen whether it has consequences or not. They did seem a bit annoyed didn't they? Are you always so quick to see insults and slights?" regarding Dylan with a raised eyebrow

Dylan nods to Alexavier and says, "Will do, dude." His expression is friendly but a little guarded. "I'll almost certainly see him in the next few days." He looks back to Citlali and regards her curiously. "Hm. No? And I didn't see any insults or slights. Well, ok, slightly. But more of it was not wanting you to get the wrong idea about me. Especially given how, ah, injured, some of my …club… are."

Alexavier accepts that, "Cool cool, And for the record. We were never anything more then friends. I don't sleep with people i'm not dating and I think he really isn't into guys. He just wanted someone to be friendly with him and be there for him if he needed it." He looks to Citlali and he says, "Sorry didn't mean to interrupt. I hope that Cale's well, give him my best. And you too dude." He seems to be more collected the more the sugar and caffiene hit his system. He looks around and heads over to one of the free couches and he sets his drink down before plopping down.

Citlali looks up at the artist for a bit as she regards him and nods her head. Then snickers and shakes her head softly "To some your attitude of not wanting to seem weak could be perceived as a challange to them." then chuckles "Fuck…and my family think I'm cranky. I'm Citlali"

Dylan nods to Alexavier and says, "Fair enough. I'll tell him. Have a good one, dude." He turns back to Citlali and grins broadly, "Oh, I think they're right. You're cranky. But then again, so am I." He holds out a hand to shake. "Dylan. Pleased to meet you."

Alexavier flips open his sketch pad and he pulls out a pencil and he goes to work starting to draw a picture. The people around him probably would not know that he doesn't know the man that he is drawing but they may recognize Charley. He takes a deep breath and works on getting the pose right. Leaning forward he takes hold of his coffee and sips it quickly before putting it back down and going back to his drawing.

Citlali chuckles and takes the hand firmly "Yeah well…suppose I am but being a girl in the military in my line of work you kinda had to be hardass. Nice to meet you Dylan. As for your club?Sure not all of them are fighters and yes there were a few that were chewtoys for ones like that man who got you rattled, but there are unusual ones in every group that have their issues that make them seem broken. Hell even one of ours, best damn sharp shooter and she served in the military but she's going thru PTS and acts like she's a lil kid. Doesn't mean she's not useful to us, drives me up a frikkin wall most of the time but she's not dead weight. Anyone can be broken Dylan and anyone can be built back up, but not everyone responds to something the same way. You try to over compensate for your weaker counterparts and to some they'll back down to others they'll respond in kind and get in your face for it. It's the tecnique used that makes the difference, a lesson I had to learn recently myself. I had to come to terms with the fact I could growl and beat our lil sharp shooter in an attempt to show me respect and acknowledge my rank and all it would do is breed more rebellion in her, like a spoiled brat child. Personally I have no patience for such. However with her I had to take a different route and sit down and have it out verbally with her instead."

Dylan shrugs and suddenly goes absolutely cold towards the other shifter. "When I want your opinion on how to handle business in my group, I'll ask. Until then, I'm not interested in lectures from strangers about topics that they shouldn't even know about. All you're doing is confirming that some people were best cast out because they obviously couldn't keep our business to themselves and couldn't be trusted." He stands and nods. "Have a good evening, Citlali. And say hi to your little friends for me."

Unlike most normal humans, Alexavier really isn't overhearing the conversation that the two shifters are having. And he's not even a normal human. So he doesn't really get that there is anything going on between the two of them. Yay for normal senses.

Citlali chuckles and shakes her head standing up and taking a step toward him "Think what you will, but Isabel and Jav have known one of yours since before they /were/ one of yours" then narrows her eyes "Now let's get one thing straight…I know nothing of any inner workings of yours. I know how your group has been and I've seen recently new ones that are more willing and capable of standing up and fighting. Nothing else. I haven't talked with anyone from your club. So don't go getting pissy with me. I been around this city for a long time. I know how your club was and I've seen an influx around, nothing more. There weren't many before willing to stand up for themselves in public, now there are. I haven't heard word. one. About anyone being cast out, much less anything else about your club. Yours and mine have an alliance, it serves us both. I was making generalizations. Not lectures. If I wanted to lecture, I'd do it another way. Personally I've learned in dealing with the diversity of my own family here that there is strength even where there seems none. The trick is to find that strength. You though bucko, need to work on your manners or someday they will come bite your ass." her gaze firm and voice low almost a whisper to not be overheard by anyone save the man she's talking to.

Dylan shrugs at her. "You want to break the alliance and peace, feel free to jump in, Princess." He doesn't seem particularly impressed by what he perceives to be Citlali's continued lecturing. "If not, mind your own damned business and I'll stay out of yours." He purposely turns his back on her, walking slowly towards the door.

Alexavier lifts his gaze up towards Dylan and Citlali as there conversation gets a little bit roudy. He furrows his brows together as the tension rises. He takes a deep breath and just watches the two interacting and then adverts his gaze down to look at his page. Yes, he isn't getting involved in this one.

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