agora | THROUGH A FRACTURED EXISTENCE, TO THE RHYTHM OF ETERNITY.

THROUGH A FRACTURED EXISTENCE, TO THE RHYTHM OF ETERNITY.

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

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[ He breathes out a sigh of relief when Jacopo takes it away. ]

I wasn't glaring. I was trying not to swat it on reflex.

[ So he had to freeze up like that? He really didn't have to, but he did. ]

Sure. You looked very, very focused. Either way, you succeeded.

[ He still thinks it's an intense look, but he sends the butterfly off. When it flutters away, he gently pats Adolphe's shoulder. There, there. ]

You don't like bugs? Or did it just take you by surprise.

[ There's something like a scowl on his face. It's not a full one, but it's there. ]

Do you like things suddenly coming up at your face? I don't.

The dogs do it to you all the time when you're on the floor at whatever capacity.

[ Whether sitting or unfortunately laid down, they do just bum rush with all their energy. Maybe it isn't so at Adolphe's face because they're trained, but they do bombard.

People walk past them, which has Jacopo gently take Adolphe's hand and move them along the spiral path down. He positions himself toward the inner side where all the butterflies and birds would be.

It doesn't impede on Adolphe's view. He can see all of the manmade nature and its beauty, likewise be able to see anything come toward him. ]

[ All of it is a sight to behold. Adolphe looks around while being gently led around by Jacopo. It's amazing how nature can look like, and for some reason it reminds him of something he saw in Jacopo's cafe... ]

... It's nice scenery.

[ He glances over at him. ]

[ They can look out and in the descent see the spiral path on the other side. It's dotted with people and children in the distance, all enjoying the day like them. There is an abundance of plants and flowers, the sky is without a single cloud, and the light blooms the colors around them.

Jacopo doesn't quite notice the number of butterflies that have landed on his hair. It's maybe two to three, the rest he can see he gently ushers away. ]

It is nice.

[ He doesn't get it... He has visited the zoo more than once before and been in this dome more than once, but everything seems much more vivid. How can scenery he has already seen be different?

Did he not appreciate it before? That might be it. He was with people he was trying to network with. He was distracted, focused on so many other things.

But not now. He's here to enjoy himself and he can't help but smile in the face of beauty—soft, gentle, and with nostalgia he shouldn't have. Maybe the hand in his is what helps him... Not that he realizes he's still holding on. ]

I've been here before, but something feels different. Maybe it's the good weather—or I'm in a good mood.

[ He turns to Adolphe to check on him and make sure he's feeling comfortable, especially now that he isn't getting assaulted by bugs.

His smile stays, though upon seeing him he feels strange... "It's because of you" invades his mind and heart like a virus, but he forces himself not to say it. That's just insane. ]

To come to the zoo with a bad mood... sounds like a day wasted.

[ Well, Adolphe isn't in a foul mood. On the contrary, his mood is great. It's easier to smile, enjoy himself, and take in the view to appreciate what is around him. His view always felt so narrow--focusing on a single thing just to get through the day. It's a wonder to him now, to have his viewpoint expand to take in all this.

It's nice--what Jacopo says echoes in Adolphe's mind. It really is nice out here. Adolphe looks comfortable, marveling at the sights. ]

So, why not both?

[ Jacopo had always avoided being face to face when Adolphe smiles... Because he had a feeling that something in him would change, like everything else in his life ever since Adolphe showed up in his cafe. It felt like he would stop being him—that everything that he built up would not make sense or fit anymore.

And he's right. It changes him in a way he wished it didn't. Like how Adolphe's presence changed his lifestyle and peace in a way he didn't want, but he can't go back to how it was before. Even if Adolphe were to leave some day, he would remember how things were when he was here... And the imagination of his smile would make something warm swell in his chest.

He had come to like this peace they have, but these complicated and twisted feelings could change that, too. ]

Thank you—for inviting me.

[ He lets go of Adolphe's hand, then runs it through his own hair. It disturbs the butterflies he didn't know were resting on his head.

GOING TO WALK AHEAD. COOL OFF. COLLECT HIMSELF. ]

We're almost to the bottom.

[ Adolphe isn't sure why Jacopo said that, because... it's not like he would be leaving, right? That's the sort of thing you say at the end. But then Jacopo lets go of his hand, the butterflies scatter and Adolphe feels like he's being left behind. He catches up quickly. ]

What's at the bottom?

[ He asks, despite the fact that he'll see it for himself very shortly. ]

[ Is there a rule for thanking someone? Does it have to be at the end of an experience? Can't it be at the beginning or the middle when you find that youre happy or you're having such a good time? Goddamn??? Let him live?????

Jacopo isn't leaving! He's just ahead for a single moment to make sure he's not making a weird face, or that his face isn't hot and flushed, just anything that would be weird right now. There's no push or distance added when Adolphe catches up. See? He's here still and walks by his side. ]

We passed by the waterfall, so you should be able to guess there's something like a small pond down there. A couple of semi-aquatic birds at that... It's picturesque, worthy of photos.

[ Adolphe really didn't need to ask because one more revolution and they're at the bottom. It is cute floor space with a pond and a bridge, again a lot of nature down here. ]

There are also giant pelicans.

[ Like pelicans if they stood on a rock would be the same size as a man. Kind of terrifying. One is perched right by the bridge to cross............. it is jamming the flow here. The people are concerned and don't want to cross, so they're stuck crowded at the bridge's mouth. ]

They're evil.

[ SAID SO CASUALLY. ]

[ It is to Adolphe's limited experience!! Letting him not live emotionally seems to be his thing, so we are on track. ]

Are they really...

[ Adolphe looks eyes with one, wondering if it's just needlessly aggressive and evil like Jacopo said or just wants somem affection. What are your secrets, giant pelican. Do you wish to be petted. ]

Yeah. These old dinosaurs are plain evil.

[ This bottleneck stays crowded, but people are slowly trying to pass despite the chance of this pelican nipping at them. Jacopo keeps close, though his opinion and attention stays on the pelican.

A father crosses before the rest of his family to test its temperament... The pelican doesn't do anything. The father comes back to get the rest of the family, allowing himself to be in the back, and the pelican quickly nips at him with its long beak.

The mother and child were able to cross the bridge, but they must watch the father stumble and fall face first onto the bridge. He gets help from people immediately in front of the line to cross the bridge. ]

See?

[ Humorous at the same time, but now it's their turn to cross. ]

Oh.

[ This would usually mean Adolphe would leave it alone. That would be most sensible. However, sometimes he can't give a fuck about staying reasonable. Maybe he should have taken his meds. He really hasn't for a while now...

So he also tests the pelican's temperament, holding his hand out. It's his left hand. If it tries biting tell me how hard it bites. ]

[ Birds are full of wonder and evil... People have already called for a keeper to come and guide the bird further away from the bridge, but they are too early for that.

He expects them to just hurry along, but Adolphe does this and perplexes both him and the bird??? ]

What's wrong with you?!

[ The pelican is about ready to chomp Adolphe to teach him a lesson, but Jacopo grabs his left hand instead and quickly drags him so far so fast. Through the bridge, further out, so far away from that pelican.

It does try to snap at their legs as they went, though. Nearly missing, but if they tumble then they can tumble. ]

[ He hasn't taken his meds for a while. That's what's wrong. Adolphe is dragged away by Jacopo and just... lets himself be dragged, really. His head feels so fuckin empty right now.

His left hand feels like a hand-shaped wall. It doesn't respond when Jacopo grabs it, nor is it something you can squeeze without feeling like you would possibly break it in your hands. There is no comfort that a hand brings with this one.

When it tries snapping at their legs though, he maneuvers easily enough to keep himself standing and if Jacopo slips or anything, he'll help him stay up too. Adolphe isn't tumbling though. ]

That one's not meant to be in a zoo.

[ But it is for some reason. ]

[ cool, they do not stumble. Jacopo's reflexes and balance are actually quite good.

My guy... Jacopo takes him to a secluded corner (there are no corners in a circle platform) spot, a nook away from the main path meant for people to take a break in nature. There's a bench here and everything, but everyone else is focused on going back up the spiral and checking out the rest of the zoo. They can be alone for a bit.

He has never held this left hand this long before... But it somehow doesn't give him less comfort. It may not be warm or giving, but it's Adolphe's which is all that matters to him. Instead, maybe there's a different type of comfort. This hand wouldn't be able to feel how he holds it, would it? How there's more intimacy than there should be... Jacopo wouldn't need to fear how his actions are read when he holds this hand while of course to himself it feels so very obvious.

He holds on a little longer before letting go, though the incredulous and weary scowl has been etched on his face since they escaped Pelican. ]

Adolphe.

[ Scolding....... ]

What? I'm right.

[ This shouldn't be the thing to care about, but here he is. Adolphe looks down at their hands before realizing that, oh. Right. The hand that he doesn't really want to tall about. With this sort of contact, he thinks Jacopo is aware of what his hand is by now. He frowns a little. ]

[ You are so stupid. He has been aware for some time that his left hand isn't the same, but Jacopo doesn't touch on it. He lets it slip by yet again, for the nth time, because that isn't important right now. He isn't going to theorize or create conspiracies. He isn't going to make assumptions.

Until Adolphe wants to tell him or until it poses a problem, he will stay back and stay in the dark. He's focused on something else. ]

We can give a keeper our formal complaint, but it isn't about that. Most of the birds here are tame, but wild animals can still be unpredictable. You went up to it and offered it your hand? It could have attacked you. Regardless of how capable you are, I... Wouldn't want you getting injured.

... We still have the rest of the day here.

[ Hearing that immediately calms him down. His frown eases and he quietly breathes out. ]

... Sorry, for worrying you. Let's go enjoy the rest of the day then.

[ Since this scolding was seamless and effective, Jacopo stops being uppity and overbearing. The scowl tapers to concern instead.

They can go back to enjoy the zoo, but... ]

... You're all right?

I'm fine.

[ He says automatically like a reflex, but he's actually fine this time. There's nothing glaringly obvious, at least. ]

Still confused as to why they had a wild animal just out here without it being trained not to attack, but I'll let it go this time.

[ Jacopo lets a pause hang as he sifts through Adolphe's answer and expression. ]

Usually, the pelicans don't get so close to the bridge, but I still agree... They should reconsider the format if it's going to bring trouble to customers. Impulses aside, it could have crushed your hand there.

[ ... ]

You're being honest with me, right?

[ Automatic responses even if true do not inspire confidence. His tone isn't accusatory in the slightest, if anything just uncharacteristically uncertain. ]

Edited 2025-05-25 13:25 (UTC)

[ "The risk I took was calculated, but man, am I bad at math" feelings are here. He was genuinely feeling fine, but for some reason, he... doesn't feel as fine now.

Adolphe isn't sure why until he realizes that he genuinely wouldn't have cared if it crushed his hand. ]

Yeah, I was. You were successful in pulling me away that it couldn't touch me at all.

... I can see that, Adolphe. I obviously meant in other ways.

[ But he lets out a sigh, having no intention to be a bad cop in an interrogation when Adolphe invited him out on a beautiful day which they shouldn't waste.

Later, maybe. ]

If you don't feel so great, tell me. [ He comes to flick his forehead. ] Or else.

[ Lightly threatens. ]

[ Why is his forehead being flicked!! Adolphe frowns and just. Flicks Jacopo's forehead in return and starts leading him back with everyone else. They're holding hands! His right hand this time. ]

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