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]

Well, they're going to be herbs now.

[ It was decided! All the dirty dinnerware and cooking ware into the sink, then the doggy dinner is set.

It has only been a couple of minutes, but he had been thinking... A lot... Debating with himself... Over this... So much in those minutes... As he stands by the front door get the dogs. He hasn't left yet because he's still thinking.

He could use the time to progress on side projects and other important matters, but he walks back into the living room space and raises his voice to be heard. ]

Adolphe! If you're not going to knock out right away—we can watch a movie or something!

[ should he wait for an answer... maybe for a minute or two? (Why is he nervous?) Then he'll go get the dogs and finish up washing the dishes. ]

[chrysanths]

[ Adolphe was, in fact, going to knock out right after doing his night routine. He tries to give his answer in less than ten seconds, so-- ]

Which movie?

[ He calls out from the bathroom. So that's a yes, even though he's not sure if he can stay up throughout it... ]

[obdure]

[ oh.... uh.... that's good. it isn't a no? but then he catches himself like why does he care so much. it's casual. ]

We can see what's on Netflix when you're out. I'm going to get the dogs.

[ He didn't decide because he didn't want to have expectations. Now he has to think about movie choices as he climbs down the stairs to let the dogs in. The dishes after getting a good rinse are put into the dishwasher because he actually uses it... Then he washes the dog food bowls in the sink.

When he's done he guesses he will sit on the couch and start up the smart TV. The dogs are chilling, though Vera and Harold will go into the bedroom because they know Adolphe is back. ]

[chrysanths]

[ Adolphe comes back in leisure clothes--t-shirt and sweatpants. It's whatever. I'm assuming that Vera and Harold are always following him. He sits on the couch too, looking at the smart TV in wonder. Wow. This is the first time he's ever seen one function apart from display TV screens that are out there by now. ]

Did you see anything that catches your eye?

[obdure]

[ Yeah. The dogs will gather where the people are... Rocco and Olive have already dragged their dog beds close to the couch so they can lounge, too. Vera will do the same once she realizes they're here to movie watch. Harold hops onto the couch, though.

Jacopo is going through the selections. ]

A couple of movies came out for streaming recently, so I was looking through them... [ He's the type that watches documentaries and docuseries... Or classics, but he isn't the only one here. ] Got a preference?

[chrysanths]

I'm fine with anything as long as it doesn't have frequent loud sounds.

[ So... probably no action, thriller, and horror.

He pets Harold in the meantime. Fluffy puppy... ]

[obdure]

[ goddamn those are the genres I know most about uh

Harold enjoys getting pampered and Olive will nose Adolphe's knee. Pet me, too. ]

Comedy...? Romance? Romcom, maybe. Dramas... I guess we can also watch an episode for a series.

[ squints Vincenzo, Bridgerton specifically S2, Challengers, idk you can also pitch some ]

[chrysanths]

[ You know what. I think they should watch Vincenzo. Adolphe looks at the little preview images of the series that are on the screen and is distracted by petting Olive too.

anyway here's the episode text summary ]

What do you usually like watching?

[obdure]

Mostly non-fiction and classics...

[ Which isn't really fun to watch with other people. It's nice for idling listening while doing mindless things.

Jacopo lands on Vincenzo and the premise does interest him because he's Italian. ]

Let's watch this one.

[ And the first episode is wild? I hope that Adolphe doesn't mind that Jacopo comments here and there because he is a commentator at a home theater. It's mostly how Vincenzo's Italian isn't too bad, structures of the mafia at the start, romanticizing the mafia in media tangent, Chayoung and her father being a mess... Etc.

He'd shut up at an actual theater. I hope he finds it annoying, but some of it is insightful at least for Italy and what he knows about law from real estate side of things.

Oh, the dogs every once in a while will want pets... Thank you. ]

[chrysanths]

[ He flinches a little when there are gunshots, cars blowing up, and fire being everyone, but the dogs are a very good distraction so he'll give them a lot of pets. The flinching eventually stops with each time there's something like that on the screen, so he ends up watching the rest of the episode normally.

There was one thing that made Adolphe laugh a little though. ]

Casanova surname... that's amazing. People really bought that.

[obdure]

I would perish if people called me Mister Casanova.

[ Jacopo does think it's funny even if it's debauchery of his mother tongue. He can't blame them, though. Languages can be hard. They're settled on the credits and he will pause it before it starts automatically playing the next episode.

He isn't sure... If he should address the flinches. Fortunately, his dogs are very in tune and wanting to comfort, so each time they probably snuggled Adolphe. ]

... Are you all right?

[chrysanths]

I'm fine.

[ The dogs are sooo cute. Adolphe isn't aware that they're trying to comfort him or anything. He just petted them anytime they made any gesture that seemed to suggest it. He was just a little jumpy--nothing like blatant flinching. ]

Do you want to keep watching this? It looks like it can be funny and dramatic at the same time.

[obdure]

As long as it isn't too loud and sudden for you. I thought it was going to be more on the law side of things.

[ Which is why he was somewhat surprised by how much GUNFIRE happened, but maybe he shouldn't have been surprised. Mafia will always have guns and shootouts in fiction.

However, the guy is a lawyer? There was so much lawyer stuff? They got to know everyone in the building and IT'S A CIRCUS.

The doggies are very happy. Harold is basically on Adolphe's lap, sleeping. ]

The humor I admit is good. [ A bit funny for him because he seldom watched comedy. He's learning that it's fun. ] We can, if you're not tired. We can also continue another time.

[chrysanths]

It looks like it'll be more about law now.

[ The first episode had So Many Things. When Jacopo says the last bit, Adolphe looks down at Harold on his lap. ]

... I'd feel bad waking him up.

[obdure]

... Adolphe.

[ Gives him a flat stare. A quiet scolding. HAROLD WOULD LIVE BEING WOKEN UP.

Vera and Olive have fallen asleep, too, but Rocco is watching them both from his doggy bed that he brought over for movie night. ]

[chrysanths]

What?

[ He genuinely doesn't know why he's being scolded. ]

[obdure]

You can wake him up.

[ STOP SPOILING. Jacopo will take it he wants to watch another episode, so episode 2 here we go. ]

No appointments tomorrow?

[ Just curious in case they should be cognizant of the time. ]

[chrysanths]

Mm.

[ Adolphe takes a moment to think. ]

I don't think so, unless anything comes up last minute.

[ He wants to spoil Harold... he's never got to spoil anything in his life. ]

I really hope nothing does.

[obdure]

... A day to relax then?

[ He will be praying for that, unless Adolphe would rather be busy.

The Pomeranian is sleeby, little leggy twitching every once in a while. Since other dogs are asleep, Rocco places his head on the couch between Jacopo and Adolphe.

Jacopo will pet him first, then ruffle. ]

What are you going to do with your free day?

[ Just small talk as they watch Vincenzo suffer through shenanigans. Stoic and serious man is so harried. ]

[chrysanths]

[ godspeed song joongki ]

I'd like for it to be.

[ He looks down at the pom. So cute... Adolphe gently pats Rocco too. ]

Just sleeping would be good for now. I haven't thought much about it.

[obdure]

[ He was just t-posing so often until he needs to pull out a gun. There are thugs that are messing with them, though.

Rocco noses Adolphe's hand a bit, but not as much as the other three dogs. Just a little begging, but not too much despite the big eyes. ]

Paying back your sleep debt well. [ Good. ] I'll be out. Out of the cafe, too.

[ More work, but... This is the first time he's begrudging to go. ]

If you need or want anything, you can contact me.

[chrysanths]

[ Here comes the scene where someone gets repeatedly bludgeoned by a hockey stick. Wow! Adolphe just zones out for a bit while still petting Rocco and watching the screen. ]

I'll keep that in mind.

[obdure]

[ Rocco whines a little as he nuzzles against Adolphe's leg, then settles there content.

Jacopo frowns at the scene... Korean dramas can really be gruesome, goddamn. It doesn't make him too squeamish to not shut the fuck up, though. He makes comments, even looks up where this building would be based on landmarks and such. He will continue to trivia yap. There's a reference to the Godfather, etc.

The episode ends with a big party at the plaza, which has Jacopo's eyes raise. ]

Risky to put your face, name, and location out there, but... I guess that's the price of a bunch of hidden gold.

[ did you pass out Adolphe ]

[chrysanths]

[ Yup he dozed off and fell asleep because he hit his limit of mental exhaustion for the day. And for some reason, it felt really comfortable enough for him to do that. It's weird, to strangely feel at peace despite how none of this should be happening. He doesn't fall to the side or anything—his head is just hung as he quietly sleeps. ]

[obdure]

... Adolphe.

[ Gently shakes his shoulder.

This doesn't stir Harold awake, though the other two sleeping dogs lifts their heads and blink slowly. Movie night over? ]