𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕞𝕚𝕕𝕟𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕘𝕣𝕚𝕟𝕕

[formidable]

OPEN POST It so happens that on a dark and stormy night in a city, (somewhere, anywhere really), someone may spot a beautiful gilded wooden door nearby wherever they are. Side of a building? In an alleyway? Near a dumpster?? Usually, it appears somewhere that's out of sight and out of mind, where the majority of people can't see it. The door looks warm and inviting and it's just a secret begging to be opened up so you can find what lies within... ❂❂❂ ... It's surprisingly normal inside; a surprisingly normal cafe actually. The interior is a warm mixture of red brick walls and sleek wooden floors and tables, along with comfortable looking sofa chairs and a large couch with a coffee table to accompany it. The ceiling is decorated with colorful hanging lanterns that cast interesting shadows on the walls and floors. A large black bookshelf sits next to the counter where there are various books and novels that have an age to them from past readers and customers. Behind the counter are the usual machines, bottles of syrups, jars of coffee beans, and tea blends in decorative jars. The black chalkboards aligned on the wall are strangely empty except for the special of that day and a lavishly illustrated logo which can only be the establishment's name. ❦ THE MIDNIGHT GRIND ❦ There's no other way to say it. This place is cozy. There is someone behind the counter, but depending on when you come in, it's going to be a different barista who will serve you. Or you can say hi to other customers and hang out with them! ❂❂❂ The Midnight Grind is a magical cafe with a door that appears in any location, across different universes and even time periods. It is a place to relax, eat, and drink, and collect yourself before heading back to whatever business you were in the middle of. It is run and owned by a witch named Iona J. Oakes, her golem companion Oren, and their main barista, Monts. Volunteers to help out with busy shifts are welcome and will be compensated appropriately. ➤ it's just a blur ➢ "Why'd I Wait?".

Comments

[recluserose]

[Amelia isn't aiming to maim anyone, god! But, perhaps Barton's persistence pays off because the witch sighs witheringly, sets her book on her lap, and half-heartedly offers her hand.]

Fine. We'll shake.

But you might have to wait a long while. 10 more years, give or take.

[federates]

What the hell?

[ barton's eyes widen in shock. he'd extended his own hand, then retracts it slightly just as their fingers might have touched. ]

You don't think I'm old, but I'll be ancient by then!

[recluserose]

[TOO LATE BARTON because with thin and flat lips, Amelia reaches out to grab Barton's reluctant hand and gives it a firm shake. Three even!]

Deal.

[federates]

[ !! looking like he's been burned by this betrayal. now it's his turn for testiness. while he might have protested otherwise - if she won't fight him for ten years, then that's a term he's going to have to accept. ]

Hmph... At least you have a firm shake.

What's with the ten year requirement, though, huh?

[recluserose]

Mm. Well, ten just sounded like a nice and neat number to apply in this situation.

[aka it's not that deep]

I'll keep my word though. So make sure you survive until then.

[federates]

[ barton gawks at amelia for one blessed moment of quiet. she really is just bamboozling him left and right here, it seems. and then he abruptly grins, tossing his head back with laughter. ]

Ha ha ha! [ sorry, he has a really boisterous laugh.. but he settles again quickly, smiling toothily, ] C'mon, now. I'm looking forward to it, but I can't prioritize it.

[recluserose]

Well, practice restraint then. Ten years is enough to hone it.

[But at Barton's laughter there's a ghost of a smile that dances across Amelia's mouth as she leans back in her seat to enjoy her book.]

That's one way of getting stronger after all.

[federates]

[ ... that... hadn't been the response he anticipated. barton huffs, although it's a more good-natured sound on account of his bout of laughter. he resumes tipping his chair back, balancing without much trouble, and folds his arms over his chest. ]

[ here he was about to accuse her of reading something boring... which she very may well be, but at least he's going to keep that to himself for the second. ]

I'll do exactly what's called of me. We'll see what the future's got in store, won't we?