1 ; video/action

[eyeforaneye]

(video: @s.uchiha)

[ The video opens to a view of a simple sign in the quarantine’s common language, a dark green background causing the white lettering of “The Coffee Shop” to really pop alongside a graphic of what appears to be some kind of mermaid or siren. Why does this feel like copyright infringement. ]

It’s my understanding that there aren’t many places like this here. [ So comes the voice from behind the camera, view panning to the right and left to showcase the street he’s on and make it clear just where this particular shop is. Only then does he move forward, the small store’s bell jangling as he steps into what can only be described as an immaculate café, the specials written neatly on a chalkboard in Japanese characters on the counter, booths and tables lining the walls, and plants placed stalwartly in the windows like leafy guardians. ]

So it should receive more business. Now that you’re aware, consider spending your extra money here. [ As he finally turns that camera around, revealing a dour young dark-haired man in all his glory. ]

If you need more information, I suppose it can’t be helped. I’ll address concerns.

(action)

[ Feel free to stop in! Expect a quiet one-armed man behind the counter cleaning an already spotless work station in his down time. ]

Comments

[ action ]

[supersweet]

[ Miss Jones had stopped for a coffee (and Jon gets to pick a treat for acing his maths test), so while she's glancing over the menu, Jon heads over to where all the cakes and treats were displayed, pressing his fingers to the glass. Trailing his finger down the glass, he finally comes to a decision. ]

Hi, Mister! Can I have the cheesecake?

[eyeforaneye]

[ He looks up only briefly when the bell rings, repositioning himself in front of the register while awaiting the woman's decision... but the boy speaks first. His brow raises, looking quickly from the woman and back to him. ]

For the listed price. [ A not-so-subtle "pay first". ]

[supersweet]

[ Jon fishes through his pockets and holds it out with a cheeky grin. Then his eyes rove over to Sasuke's missing arm. ]

You should get a metal one. That's what everyone does.

[eyeforaneye]

[ That gives him pause momentarily before he plucks the payment from his hand, receipt returned before he's then moving to plate the requested cake. ]

"Everyone"? You think that?

[supersweet]

It makes the most sense, right?

[ Metal arms are cool, after all. Jon's eyes go big at the cake and he takes it gently. ]

[eyeforaneye]

If it were capable of what my first arm was capable of, perhaps. Otherwise, to me, it's more likely to just get in the way.

Is that all that you'll have?

[supersweet]

[ Jon ignores the last question. ]

What could your first arm do? Unless it shoots lasers, it's not the same as a metal arm.

[ Laser arm sounds cool though. ]

[eyeforaneye]

[ He is slowly realizing how incredibly out of his element he is, staring at Jon as if that'll somehow get him to rescind the question. ]

... it doesn't shoot lasers. Are you aware of where the eating utensils are located within the store?

[supersweet]

Over there.

[ Jon points it out easily before getting back on track. ]

So? What does it do?

[eyeforaneye]

[ Deflection: unsuccessful. ]

Your curiosity is far too overboard about this. Some people might consider the loss of an arm to be something personal.

[supersweet]

[ Jon considers this while he listens to Sasuke's heartbeat. It didn't sound upset or panicky. In fact, it was very even. But some of his exuberance settles into a quiet thoughtfulness most kids his age wouldn't have. ]

You don't have to tell me if you don't want to. Sir. But there are options for you. It's probably hard working in this place with one hand, right?

[eyeforaneye]

[ Sasuke stares right at him, unblinking, not sure what tactic to approach this with now. ]

"Options"? Are you saying you think I should quit because this may be difficult?

[supersweet]

No. Quitting's for losers.

[ He grabs the fork and digs into it happily. ]

But there's nothing wrong with making it easier too.

[ After a beat, he cuts his cake into half and then pushes the half to the side. Satisfied, he starts eating his half. ]

[eyeforaneye]

[ Quitting is for losers. Finally, something to agree on. ]

Convinced though you are that I've made a decision without thinking it through, I've considered the possible challenges. I'm taking it on anyway.

[supersweet]

That's cool too.

[ Jon accepts that easily. It's the superhero way to do things. He finishes his half and passes the plate (with the unfinished half) to Sasuke. ]

Here.

1/3

[eyeforaneye]

2/3

[eyeforaneye]

3/3

[eyeforaneye]

... what are you doing?

[supersweet]

[ His response is guileless. ]

Giving you a piece! Since you talked to me during work and all. And . . . it's nice to talk to someone who doesn't, y'know, talk down at you.

[eyeforaneye]

[ Ah. He knows the feeling. Here he fixes him with another long look, something inside of him sighing in resignation.

Thank god it doesn't show on the outside. ]

Fine. I get it, but I can't eat that.

[supersweet]

Why not?

[ Then his eyes bug out. ]

Are you allergic to cake??

[ The horror. ]

[eyeforaneye]

Allergic? No.

I hate it. [ HATE ]

[supersweet]

But. . . you work in a coffee shop.

[eyeforaneye]

Working in a coffee shop does not preclude me from hating cheesecake.

[supersweet]

Yeah, but it's still weird.

[ He's not expecting a deep love for the job, but why work in a place where you don't like the food?? ]