THROUGH A FRACTURED EXISTENCE, TO THE RHYTHM OF ETERNITY.

[bitemark]

IL MATTINO

Il Mattino is an Italian cafe sidled between a bookstore and a jewelry boutique in small but popular business district, just a downhill walk from the local non-denominational Christian church and residential area. The ocean is less than a ten minute drive away and within view in the distance. The area is cool even when the sun is at its apex at noon with a tinge of sea salt in the breeze.

The cafe itself is medium-sized with plenty of light let in with the large storefront windows. The decor is simple, but accented with key decor with wheat centerpieces and plants. There are some trinkets that are displayed that may look out of place, like atop the charging counter there's a sliding puzzle painted in pink, orange, yellow, blue, purple, and all shades in between.

The cafe specializes in coffee and brunch, though pastries are sourced from local Italian bakeries in downtown Little Italy.

While the establishment has two floors, the cafe takes up the ground floor. There is a yard for some reason, but that's because there are four dogs. They're kept separate from the cafe to make sure patrons are not disturbed, but people are free to go outside to pet them. Reviews have mentioned the owner lives on the second floor and the dogs' names are Harold, Olive, Vera, and Rocco.

DRINKS ✦ FOOD ✦ all sorts of pastries available

Comments

[obdure]

[ you really could just freeze rice into meal portions very convenient for solo living

Raises an eyebrow as he finishes his plate, then gets up to serve himself more. ]

Why wouldn't I be fine with leftovers?

[ He eats them when he does have them... When he does cook, which he does. Just nothing over the top, usually. ]

[chrysanths]

[ my college living strats ]

... I can't help but to think that when the food I keep seeing from you has good quality to it.

[ Yeah. Yeah....................... Sorry. Adolphe's food standards are on the floor. He just needs sustenance. ]

[obdure]

[ HE'S ALSO A SUSTENANCE GUY... CAN THEY BOTH GET IT TOGETHER ]

I thought I mentioned I don't normally cook anything extravagant.

[ He's back with his second serving of risotto and seafood, eating at a regular pace. Just hunger. ]

[chrysanths]

Mentioning it and seeing it in action are completely different things.

[ When he sees Jacopo get another serving, he suddenly wants some more too, so he gets up to serve himself some more. He goes back to the table. ]

[obdure]

You'll see it eventually, so don't get too used to this.

[ They won't always have time to have good meals!! Or will they because you know what... ]

It is nice to have a warm meal after a long day, though.

[ To eat with someone, too. He doesn't want to admit that it would be nice to do this more often. ]

[chrysanths]

... It is.

[ He smiles a little. The only thing that's satisfied after eating for sustenance is his stomach, and there's really no joy in it. It's been a while since he felt that eating was an enjoyable activity, also with someone. ]

But is that a suggestion?

[ He's only a little teasing. ]

[obdure]

[ Sips his water, then pointedly: ]

Is it a suggestion?

[ Rounds back that teasing to Adolphe, but then he catches his smile. It's nice. ]

[chrysanths]

I don't know. That's why I'm asking you.

[ :)

He eats some more risotto. Mmmmmm. ]

[obdure]

[ ARE THESE... PUPPY EYES... ]

[chrysanths]

[ No................................................... I think his pride would die if he even tried to use them.

It's just a casual redirection of "I know what you're trying to do" sort of thing. He continues to eat his food. ]

[obdure]

It depends if there's interest.

[ you want to go in circles as they keep eating risotto and seafood ]

[chrysanths]

That's why I'm asking you if you're interested.

[ binch........... ]

[obdure]

I suppose I wouldn't be against it.

[ no u. eats a spoonful to quell the tiny embarrassment. ]

[chrysanths]

Alright. How about we do that at least once a week?

[ Start off small, no expectations. ]

We can take turns in cooking something that's more than just sustenance, like this risotto. Maybe every Sunday? The cafe is closed on Sundays. Or just whenever we feel like it, but Sundays should be the designated day.

[obdure]

[ A snort... He's trying to remember the last time he ate a meal with someone that isn't just business or networking... Was it college? Even if he doesn't talk to his college friends as much anymore, they're fond memories. ]

Look at you, a man who blatantly claims to hate talking to people... Making little dinner plans.

[ A small smile. Even if his words feel patronizing, it rings... Empathy because when had he invited people himself? He never reached out, either.

Maria is more recent, though barely counts when they went out for dinner once. ]

Every Sunday. [ Like a promise. ] And then some, if it ends up being that way.

[chrysanths]

... I'm not taking back my words regarding comfort. You...

[ Hm. ]

You don't feel like most people. For example, not many would choose to give shelter to some random homeless guy on the spot. Inviting someone to your home... there's a certain level of trust that's needed to invite someone, let alone having them stay.

[obdure]

You should just go ahead and call me stupid and insane.

[ Adolphe.... ]

[chrysanths]

... I can't really judge that since I'm benefitting from what you did, but I get the feeling that you don't normally do this for others.

[ So he was thinking... ]

So... maybe I'm just lucky to look like this, since it apparently reminds you of someone.

[obdure]

[ He listens and is just like... This continues to sound stupid and insane, even if Adolphe is right that he benefits from it.

A sigh as he runs his hand through his hair, though it doesn't stay slicked back. ]

No, I don't do think normally. I really thought we met before.

[ Somewhere he can't put a finger on. ]

Well, we're here now and you'll need to deal with me. Lucky you.

[chrysanths]

Lucky me.

[ He says in a neutral tone without sarcasm or dryness. ]

It's the other way around, isn't it? I'm the newcomer here.

[obdure]

[ me rereading what I wrote like why did I write this half asleep or was this the iPhone autocorrect

He gestures with a wave of his hand as he leans back into his seat. ]

You may be, but you seem like the type to live quietly. Like if I don't actively interact with you, I'll barely notice you're there aside from the fact you're using my bed.

[ In the sense that he'll notice things are different because he isn't sleeping in his own bed. ]

[chrysanths]

Well... you wouldn't be wrong.

[ He's completely right, actually. Adolphe just lives quietly... He cleans up after himself but sometimes leaves a s mess to clean later like unmade beds and whatnot. He's just more diligent here because he needs to keep himself occupied or else. ]

I wouldn't want to leave a shared space messy. To keep it clean beforehand prevents costly mistakes down the line.

[ Having to hire pest control, etc ]

[obdure]

I'd also start complaining if things around here became messy.

[ Or like messier than usual. Jacopo knows that sometimes his place can be chaos when he's crunching through things. ]

Don't make yourself too sparse. We are friends now.

[chrysanths]

[ Friends, huh. Adolphe looks thoughtful. They sure are friends now as said before, but it's not like he would know how friendships are supposed to work. He hasn't had a single one in his life. ]

You want to hang out more often?

[ Is that what it is? Adolphe feels like he won't mind. Actually, that reminds him. ]

And why did I send you my resume again...

[ If Jacopo isn't going to do anything with it. ]

[obdure]

We could, when we find the time... [ Quietly, ] I'd like to get to know you.

[ Sips his water like it'll cover up what he just said. ]

I was going to offer sending it to my connections to see if they know any openings that would suit you, but since you wanted to take a break I'm just sitting on it.

[ He respects your wishes to be unemployed. ]