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

[chrysanths]

[ Hm.

Adolphe lies down on the couch. His head lands right on Jacopo's lap. Oops. Well, whatever. He tries to scoot a little down so that he can stop doing that to him though. ]

The couch is mine now. Go take the bed.

[obdure]

[ He sits up straighter when Adolphe's head is basically on his lap, then less on his lap. ]

This is you trying to stake your claim?

[ THIS IS HIS PLACE THIS COUCH WAS NEVER YOURS ]

[chrysanths]

Yeah. Good night, Jacopo.

[ He lies down on his side. Bye.

He feels like he needs to be stupidly stubborn to get his way when it comes to Jacopo. Please go sleep on a bed. He's begging. ]

[obdure]

[ Starts manhandling his side to get him to sit back up. If it feels ticklish, that isn't his fault or his intention. ]

[chrysanths]

[ Oh, that feels. So weird. Also people touching him over there? Why would they?? Adolphe jolts a bit out of surprise, but he continues to stake his claim on the couch. ]

[obdure]

[ Well, he will keep trying to jostle and force him back up even if it feels weird for him? That just makes it easier for Adolphe to not SINK into the couch? Up up. ]

[chrysanths]

[ No?? Let him stay on the couch!! But no, he actually ends up falling off the couch and onto the floor. Oof... ]

Why do you make this so hard.

[obdure]

[ Leans forward to hover over him. ]

So little in life is easy. [ YEAH? ] You'd rather roll off the couch onto the floor than sit up?

[ The four dogs will DESCEND onto Adolphe because he's DEFENSELESS on the floor. ]

[chrysanths]

You shouldn't have—

[ And now he's being attacked by the dogs aaaaaaaaa there's some protests, but a little laugh here and there. Stoooopppp ]

[obdure]

[ Well, Jacopo watches this happen.

The dogs are snuggling, nosing, and slobbering over him. ]

[chrysanths]

[ Jacopo... your dogs... Adolphe can't even manage to say that out loud. He feels so loved—in fact, more loved than he has been in his entire life. That's sad, but a dog's love is pure.

But even after that. ]

I need a napkin...

[obdure]

[ He loves you, Adolphe. He just doesn't remember or know it.

When the dogs are done in their frenzy, they kind of rest themselves against or on him... Jacopo will get up and get Adolphe a paper towel, though. ]

[chrysanths]

Thanks...

[ He will at least wipe the slobber off his face and just stay on the floor with the dogs. ]

... Are they usually this friendly to visitors?

[obdure]

They're friendly... But this seems targeted, in my opinion.

[ You can do that while he takes a photo of this in his phone. ]

You're not much of a visitor at this point.

[chrysanths]

[ Adolphe doesn't think Jacopo is taking a photo, so he doesn't say anything about it... ]

Well, just... someone who isn't you.

[obdure]

[ He sends the picture to Adolphe's number so he can see it later. ]

If they weren't friendly, I wouldn't have them out in the yard for customers to pet. But, again, they're manipulating you for more affection since they've noticed you'll be around.

... The walks also help.

[ At this point they give pleading eyes to Adolphe to walk them when they get a feeling Jacopo is late or busy. ]

Are you planning to take the floor now?

[chrysanths]

[ Adolphe doesn't immediately check his phone when he hears the vibration. Yeah. Not feel. Hear. ]

Yeah, I'm gonna take the floor if you don't take the bed. Right, guys?

[ He pets the dogs... ]

[obdure]

[ Jacopo crosses his arms before clicking his tongue for the dogs' attention... Says something in Italian and points to Adolphe...

And the four dogs securely bite into his clothes wherever, then start trying to drag him to the bedroom. Even little Harold.

Since three of them are large-ish, Adolphe will actually be dragged a decent amount. So funny. ]

[chrysanths]

[ Adolphe is so surprised by this, but he doesn't abruptly move because he doesn't want his clothes to tear. What's with this force? Command?? ]

Why do you have a specific command for this...

[obdure]

[ The dogs are pretty good at not ripping Adolphe's clothes, gentle but with enough security. ]

A specific command to fetch?

[ Jacopo just slyly smiles and waves at him as the dogs bring him into the bedroom. While he knows it won't stop Adolphe because the dogs will let go when he's in the bedroom, this is sooooo funny. ]

[chrysanths]

You're so...

[ Honestly, this situation is so baffling that he can't help but to laugh out of incredulity. Adolphe waits until the dogs let him go though. He doesn't want to forcefully pry himself from them... doggies ]

[obdure]

[ They do let him go and look like they're expecting praise. They get one from Jacopo who's leaning against the doorframe. Bravo bravo. ]

You're going to finish your sentence?

[chrysanths]

You're so extra.

[ That's what they say, right? Adolphe has never been one to keep up with trends.

Anyway, Adolphe gets up and ruffles Jacopo's hair so bad. ]

[obdure]

And you're having fun.

[ Wait he can read the body language as Adolphe approaches him and he's about to evade and escape, but it's too late.

STOP... STOP!! TAKES HIS HANDS. STOP. ]

[chrysanths]

Yeah, I am actually.

[ He stops trying to fight Jacopo's hands after his own are grabbed. ]

But you did too, in watching the dogs drag me off. So I'd say that we're even.