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]

[ 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.

[obdure]

I should have recorded it.

[ To send to whom? Jacopo doesn't really have close friends even though he's making some progress with Maria... And Adolphe claims to have no connections.

He guesses??? It'd be for himself? Vera and Rocco come from behind him and gently butt their heads against the back of his knees, guiding him to walk into the bedroom while keeping Adolphe's hands captive. ]

It was very funny.

[chrysanths]

... Don't record it.

[ Embarrassing. But also he's... getting pulled over to the bedroom... with Jacopo...???

?????? ]

Uh. Jacopo. Your dogs...

[obdure]

They can tell it's bedtime so they're preparing.

[ These spoiled doggies that like sleeping near people... Jacopo lets him go. ]

All right... Let's try to reach some kind of compromise.

[ Harold is already on the bed, a loaf on the edge, big eyes shifting attention between both of them. ]

[chrysanths]

... We take turns on who sleeps on the bed?

[ Is that the sort of compromise there is? Adolphe wouldn't dare bring up sleeping on the bed together though. ]

[obdure]

Right, since the only other option would be to share the bed.

[ Which is big enough for two people and probably the dogs. He brings it up easily because they're not considering that option. ]

[chrysanths]

[ hate how adolphe easily agrees with absolutely not considering that option

maybe they should get locked in together that would be funny (what about the aftermath) dont worry about it ]

Yeah.

[ Hm. ]

Alright. Fine. You take the bed today, and I'll take it tomorrow.

[obdure]

We have a deal.

[ Okay, maybe they should get magically locked in? The dogs for some reason look very, very sad about this... If Adolphe tries to leave the room, they will try to block him or bring him back........

They are so, so, sooooo sad.... ]