2024-12-02 - Casual Hang Out at the Coffee Shop

Diana Le Roux blinked into the sunlight as she stepped onto the street from the administrative building where she'd been completing onboarding paperwork all morning. She rubbed her eyes and yawned as she approached a map in search of life force.... caffeine.

It was early afternoon, and the park was buzzing with tourists and locals enjoying a day of fun and entertainment. "Bless," Di whispered as she found the closest coffee shop on the map and made her way in that direction. She was dressed simply in just a pair of black jeans and long sleeve black top. Her hair was pulled into a neat bun at the nape of her neck, and her makeup was done in a pretty but flattering way appropriate for her new employee ID picture. Said ID hung from her jeans pocket, alerting all that yes, she worked here. The bell dinged as she entered and her blue eyes narrowed in desperate search for the words iced coffee.

Theo is somewhere. Oh hidden in the books on the second floor. He's obviously doing research of some kind. Likely looking for ideas for his next performance. When he finds what he is looking for there are two books in his hand as he makes his way down the stairs. He had not gotten to his coffee yet as he had been eager to find these books. He is pleased with his soon to be purchase.

He's got a gray sweatshirt on, blue jeans and white runners. Pushing his curly hair back so he can see as he begins to make his way to the check out to buy the books and to order a coffee for himself and probably a muffin. Giving up nods to those he recognizes. Diana gets a second look but she doesn't look familiar to him. The younger man simply smiles at her. Then he speaks. When he does it is with a North Carolina drawl, "Hey, you are looking lost? Maybe I can help?" He did notice how shiny the ID is, letting him know she must not have been here long and he is leaning to get a better look. "Diana? I'm Theo." His hand comes out to shake if she wishes to do so.

Diana's gaze shifts from the menu to the boy beside her, looking at him almost quizzically. "Oh!" She blinked. She was sure she did look lost, but she wasn't. "Oh, no. I was just trying to see if they had something that wasn't completely loaded in sugar," she tskd. It did exist, but they were in a theme park, and the majority of what was on offer appeared to be indulgent.

She places her order for her iced coffee as Theo says her name. She shoots him another look, her brows furrowing as she looks over his features trying to place him. 'How did you know my name?" She asks, shaking his hand while confusion still reigns supreme on her features. "Mind reader?" She was an illusionist, after all. "What gave me away?" she glanced down her body and then spotted the glint of fresh lamination. There it was.

"I tend to get the chai ice tea latte." Theo offers helpfully.

Hands go up in a surrender, "Nope, not a mind reader." He does point at her new shiny badge, "That one. Also how close the new employee office is from here I just made an educated guess. But if I am totally wrong you can tell me. I won't be insulted. But if you are new, Welcome to Spellbound. Finding everything okay?"

"You're not wrong at all," Diana said, offering a warm (for her) smile. "So far, yes. The maps posted throughout the park are a life saver," She chuckles. "I wasn't expecting this place to be this big! Or this busy..." It really as remarkable. Diana leans into the bar to place an order for Theo's chai tea latte on her tab. "My treat," she insisted.

"How long have you been working here, Theo?"

A bit of surprise registers on Theo's face when she picks up his drink. He does lean in to pay for the books he had in his hand and there's an exchange done of money and a bag to put the books in.

"A year and change. I came in with the second or third wave of employees?" Brows coming together to try and remember. But a lot of life has happened since then.

"You are right. It is a big place and can get lost. Thankful we have the ferry system and go carts. It makes life easier."

"Ferries and go carts certainly help," Diana agrees as she moves down the counter to claim her black coffee. She then moves to the station with the sugars and milks to doctor it up. "A year and change," she echos. "A veteran, considering this place isn't much older than that. What advice do you have for a newcomer?" She asks. "Other than learning the ferry and go cart routes." It was still taking her forever to get anywhere. Of course, navigation would come with time.

"Become friends with August." Theo suggests. "He's one of the ferry captains and he will def entertain you. He entertained me and he let me even sing along with the music he was playing on his boat. Made the drive.....uh...ride go quicker. I enjoyed it."

He picks up his chai tea latte iced when it is ready as he looks around the shop. "You got a few minutes? Want to take a seat and carry on the conversation?"

"August," Di repeats. "I suppose transportation workers could be the best allies to have in a place like this," she chuckles, then nods. "I have all afternoon. My first official day isn't until tomorrow. The only things on my itinerary are my final costume fitting and unpacking my apartment... not that there is all that much to unpack. Most of my belongings will arrive next week."

Angel enters the cafe library with a wary gaze and sullen expression. Is it because it is obvious that she has just finished a long run - her skin shining with sweat, shorts and tank top in a Michigan December - or is it because this place is full of civilians doing...civilian things. Probably the later. The tall woman strides over to the counter with a purpose and a steely gaze. "Water. Just water" is her order, which suggests the metal bottle attached to her belt is empty. She too wears an ID, hers on a lanyard around her neck. The name upon it is 'Angel Blake'. Area - Security. Photo - as if she was getting a mugshot after a murder.

Theo moves to find a seat for himself and Diana. A new to him person comes in and he's studying her. Not in a creepy way but more of trying to figure out if he knows her. He doesn't wear his name tag when he is not performing so no badge here. It likely stays in his pocket so he can come and go to different places such as his apartment.

"You do know that this place has tunnels right?" This question is aimed at Diana once he finds his seat. He calls out in Angel's direction, "There's room here if you'd like to stay awhile!"

Di's head turns when Angel enters the cafe. She wasn't checking her out either but unlike Theo, a look of shock and horror washed over Di's pretty features. "It's freezing out there! How are you just in a tank top?" she blurts. Was it fridged? Maybe not. But Diana grew up avoiding winters entirely. Las Vegas didn't exactly have a reputation for white Christmases.

"I didn't," Diana admits. "All I really know about this place is it's new, and they were hiring performers. Everything else happened so fast. I didn't even know Michigan had Islands," she admits with a laugh. "Yes, please, join us and get something warm."

Were those two people talking to her? Angel looks around to make sure she is the target of their exclamations, though a big hint is that no one else is wearing a tank top and a pair of shorts. Her first instinct is to take her leave from the invitations but then she remembers she's not supposed to be doing that anymore. This is obviously what civilians do...talk to strangers. Taking the bottle of water, and paying for it, she heads on over to the young couple. "I was exercising" is her deadpan explanation to Diana about how she is not freezing to death. And the cafe is heated, so she'll be fine.

Angel pulls out a chair and sits down with the others. A momentary expression of disbelief that she did something like that without being given permission. "Angel Blake" she informs the pair in case they hadn't seen her ID. "Diana" she nods in greeting to the woman also showing off her pass. The other young person though... Angel drinks a mouthful of water, pacing her need to slake her thirst. "Employee?" she asks of Theo.

"Yeah, there are tunnels that is where wardrobe is." Theo points at the map that Diana has. "It should show you somewhere there I think. If not there is a lot of helpful people about that can direct you where you need to go."

When Angel decides to join them and introduce herself to them Theo smiles at the older woman. He is one of the younger employees. "Hey, I'm Theo. I do Storyteller's Corner at Lamplight Amphitheater Maybe you've been there?" This directed to Angel in case she's not entirely new. He looks at Diana, "You are welcome to come. My performance is right before the fireworks."

Diana nods, though her blue hues stay fixed on Angel as if trying to assess if she's all there in the head. "I will never understand people who opt into running for fun. Don't get me wrong. Good for you. I, I have to ask... do you know it's optional?" Is Di joking? Hard to tell for sure.

When Angel guesses her name right, Di's full lips fall open. "Mind readers. All of you." She shakes her head and takes a sip of her coffee. "I have my work cut out for me."

She makes a mental note of where Theo works. It would have been her very next question. "Sounds delightful. What kind of show is that one, Theo?" Di asks. "I am a new hire," she tells Angel. "I just picked up my ID. I'm an Illusionist and magician. I'll be mostly focused on adding atmosphere to bars and restaurants via close-up magic but eventually am hoping to headline my own show."

"I've been to the Lamplight but I don't think you were performing. I've done a couple of perimeter checks of the park. Get myself orientated to all the locations where there may be trouble." Angel replies to Theo before she ponders a moment before admitting. "Didn't notice any of the shows. Not my job to watch the performances." Another mouthful of water. "I've only been here a few days too. Work first. Then...whatever the other thing is."

A snort of amusement for Diana's words. "I don't run for fun. I run to stay fit. And also to learn the best paths through areas if I need to move in a hurry. Figure out where the chokepoints are. Best vantage points and ambush spots." All the usual things that people at theme parks think about. A shake of her head. "Not a mind reader...ID reader. Welcome to the Park." A nod about Diana's role here. "You want to show us some tricks now?" she asks, deadpan but interested. A curious look at Theo. "Your job is to tell stories?"

"I do martial arts with my roommate." Theo offers. "I'm trying to incorporate that in my act to." He picks up his cup of chai to start to drink from before he answers Diana. "I do singing and storytelling. Sometimes other performers join me to act out a part of the story I am telling. My goal is to keep people's attention so they will stay for the fireworks after. Warm up the audience so to speak. I mean unless they are there just to see the fireworks and I can hope they are entertained by what I am presenting."

At the talk of illusion Theo says, "I know how to do that a little bit, still learning it, isn't one of my stronger things." He looks confused by Angel's comment. "Other thing is?" Not certain he understands what she means. He does turn to look at Diana when Angel asks for tricks and then he's back to looking at Angel. "Yes, a variety. Sometimes they are folk, other times mythology and even fairy tales where I get to dress up like a Prince and be called Prince Theo."

Diana sips her coffee as Angel explains the finer points of her specialty, reacting with a shrug of her thin shoulders when Angel snorts a laugh at her comment about running. "You poor dear," Di fusses and raises her coffee to her lips again. There is a sly glint in her icy blue eyes at the challenge to mystify then and there. "What's your favorite color?" She asks, a grin working it's way across Di's features.

"Sounds like an exciting job, Theo," Di says, having a much easier time wrapping her mind around his profession. "We'll have to come watch your show sometime. But if you pick a princess, I look great in jewels," she winks.

"Martial arts? Maybe we can spar one day. Can never know enough ways to defend yourself." Angel approves of this aspect of Theo's life. As for what the 'other thing' is. "Whatever the other thing is that isn't work" she hopefully explains. "I recently left the military, so every day was work. Now...now I'm not sure what to do with myself sometimes."

A wry smile at the thought of Prince Theo. And then Diana is offering herself as a Princess and Angle offers a, "She's not wrong. Definitely princess material. Though, if you ever need a wicked old stepmother queen... I'll try and find someone for you." A quirk of a brow at Diana's question. "I hope the trick isn't that you're going to guess my favorite color after I tell you." A rolling tap of her fingers upon the table. "Black" Angel finally decides.

"I will totally pull you in to play the Princess." Theo assures Diana. "But I'll let you get settled in first. Wouldn't want to overwhelm you and that is easy to do. Believe me you I felt like I went through some panic attacks when I first arrived." He actually is wearing a copper bracelet on his wrist. A gift from his roommate. "This was given to me. It is suppose to keep me grounded and calm during my performances." A smile when Angel speaks up about martial arts, "I have a good teacher. You should look him up. His name is Jett. He's one of the operators at Midway. Also my roommate."

Theo makes a soft ah sound when there is a clarification of what other thing is. "So no hobbies, Angel?" He glances around, "If you like to read here is a def good spot to grab some books."

Diana beams when Angel agrees and then shakes her head. "No, no, no. There can be more than one princess. Or, if you just think playing a villain is fun, which I agree, we'll still keep you hot," she winks. "I'm sure it's a big adjustment coming here from the military."

Her nose wrinkles when Angels says black. "I just want you to remember, you chose this," she tells her. "May I?" Diana slides Angels water to her, glancing up at Theo as he shares more about his experience. "It is an overwhelming environment. I've been here mere hours and can already see that." She picks up a spoon and taps the side of the water bottle. Like magic, a black cloud starts to form in the center, and the water looks as if ribbons of black smoke are dancing. Diana didn't have anything in her hand other than the spoon. "It shouldn't stain your teeth." Shouldnt.

"Jett? Okay, I'll keep an eye out for him. Though I have noticed there are a fair few 'warriors' on site. At least performing as them. I should check out how they would go if they were needed for the real thing" Angel muses, doing her best not to cause anxiety to her companions or anyone listening in. "Hobbies? No, sorry. No time for hobbies. Any you would recommend?"

A worried expression for Diana. "Me...hot? Hmm...do you normally wear glasses?" Angel has to ask as her water is taken away. She watches with interest as black starts to infect her water. A tilt of Angel's head beefore she asks, "You turned water into coke? Impressive. Bourbon would have been better" she smirks back at the illusionist cum princess. A shrug at the teeth staining. "I've drunk worse. And, yes, civilian life is a big adjustment. So much...freedom. Yet so little discipline. I'm sure I'll get the hang of it."

Theo has to watch this closely. He's paying attention to what it is that Diana is doing as if he could figure out what her trick is. He doesn't but he still looks impressed. "Oh wow, that is pretty great. No wonder you want to get up close and personal with your audience."

Nodding at the talk about warriors. "I think one of the pirates is putting on a class soon. Don't know who he is personally but I wonder if you could observe the class. Can't be that hard to find when the time comes." Theo picks up his cup once again to drink and then pauses when Angel asks for suggestions of a hobby. "I'm gonna try this paint class out on Wednesday. I think there are still openings. Maybe try that?" He's looking at Angel but Diana is also welcomed to this. It's not his event but it sounded interesting to him that he figured he'd check it out. "You should learn to breathe and just enjoy it." But really what does Theo know? He's only twenty.

Di looks almost offended. "I have 20/20 vision!" Of course, she does. As far as her drink? Di shrugs. It wasn't her most impressive work, but she was put on the spot. "I'll see if I can get some of that Jesus turning water to wine magic," she smiles. "Think you can put in a good word for me with the big guy, Angel?" She winks playfully.

"Pirates putting on a class," she giggles. "A sentence I didn't have on my Bingo card this year. Do they put on classes frequently for employees?" Di watches Theo as he explains his challenges a little bit further. "Breathing can be a great tool. But you may want to consider talking to a professional if your anxiety is getting in the way of your day to day life and becomes unmanageable," she says, then her cheeks flush slightly. "Sorry, that's really personal. I just mean that there is no shame in utilizing any and all tools available to you. Anxiety can be a real bitch. I struggle with it too."

"A pirate class?" Angel is trying to parse what that would involve. "Not sure if how they can say 'Yar, Jim Lad' is going to give me an idea of their fighting abilities. Unless you meant some kind of martial class." The latter idea has her nodding with hope. "If that's the case, then I should definitely check it out. Might be able to help. They might even be able to show me a few things." And she says that with a straight face too, as Angel knows there is always someone better.

"I've started doing meditation" Angel admits. "Helps to push some of the memories out of the way." A slight smile lacking in humor. "What I used to enjoy, I shouldn't anymore." Diana has her huffing with amusement once more at her celestial contacts. "I'll give it a try. Nothing wrong with having an angel on your side. Painting class? I'll think about that." It's such a strange thing for her to take part in, she doesn't even notice she's drinking her black water.

"I didn't pay attention to what the pirates were doing before." Theo admits honestly. "So I really don't know how often they put on classes. But I think this is with swords or something."

Giving a small nod when Diana speaks of how Theo should probably speak to a therapist. "I suppose. I mean if it's covered I could probably go see one. But at the moment I am having to pay for rent and food and all of that stuff."

"I appreciate your willingness to advocate for me. I am a resident of Sin City, lord knows, I need all the help I can get." And even if her name was just Angel, Di was counting that as a point in her court.

"Swords?" Di leans in slightly. "Sword fighting could be useful," she considers, the wheels turning behind those big blue eyes as she sips. She blinks back to Theo and nods. "Coverage can be an obstacle," she wishes it weren't and didn't know Theo well enough to keep pushing the topic.

"So, where is everyone living? I'm in Fox Run."

"Sword fighting? Theatrical or with the intent to harm?" Angel waves away her own question. "It's okay, I'll find out myself. I haven't had to fight with a sword for a while. I try not to let people get that close." As for whether Theo needs therapy, that's their business and Angel is going to keep quiet on that subject and drink black water instead. Is it staining?

"Hey, Satan was an angel too" Angel reminds Diana with a faint smile. "Don't we have full medical here?" Okay, she has butted in on the subject of therapy but, thankfully, Diana has another change of subject lined up. "Still determining the best location for me" Angel replies stiffly. "But I can sleep in the grounds if need be. Wherever I would be best placed."

"I am also in Fox Run." Theo says. If the map has the apartments he points where he is at. "Third floor. So if I can be of a help let me know, yeah?" This said to Diana.

"I think it is mock combat so I imagine the weapons will be made out of wood?" He didn't pay all that close to the details. There's a glance to Angel to see how her teeth are doing but it seems the black washes away after each sip.

"We do have medical here but again I haven't paid attention if we have any speciality doctors." He's been keeping his head down and working.

"There are two apartments here." Theo explains to Angel. "Fox Run and Turning Leaf. I am certain you will be placed in one of them. There is also a roommate board if you are looking for one."

Diana can't argue that and instead just flashes her a smile.

"You are? I'm room 401. Once I'm settled, you and your roommate should come by. I love to cook and bake and am always looking for an excuse to host company," she smiles. "The rent is reasonable for what it is. Also might be a great place to get to know people."

"I've lived in barracks for a long long time, I wonder if I could get a room without a roommate" Angel dreams. "Or would it be so strange I'd be desperate for multiple roommates by the end of the week. Lights out at a set time. Communal laundry. Exercise every morning." A glance between her companions. "I wouldn't get a roommate, would I. Though it seems all the people I know are in the Fox Run. I still have some ration packs I could bring over to you, Diana. Just so you can taste imitation food and make sure to avoid it."

"We would love to come by." Theo takes the invitation for him and Jett. He makes no commentary about the rent being reasonable. He and Jett are young kids and this is probably their first big job and they are just happy to be working at the theme park.

"It wouldn't hurt to ask?" Theo offers. "I think there is a price difference between a single apartment and one with a roommate and so on." Small shrug seen as he says this.

"Yeah, you might want your own room if you intend to stick to a schedule. Plus, it sounds like you've earned the privacy." Her brow arches at the mention of ration packs. "You're joking?" She laughs, not sounding entirely sure if Angel is actually joking or not about still eating rations.

"There is a price difference," Di confirms. "But it's totally doable. All you have to do is ask and be willing to pay the difference."

As far as the neighbor meet and greet? Di beams.

"I'm old and have been working twenty years, I'm loaded" Angel deadpans. "I'm kidding. The army doesn't pay that well. I'll still look into how much it would cost to have a solo room. Then I don't have to worry about anyone tripping over the booby traps." She goes back to her water as the younger set organise a dinner date.

"I never joke" Angel says with conviction. "I have some rations. I'm not eating them. I'm not crazy. But I do have some in case things go bad."

There's a chuckle that comes from Theo when he sees how Diana beams when he accepts the dinner invite. He would text his roomie right now but Jett doesn't have a phone so it will have to wait until he goes home.

"You think something bad will happen here?" This question is directly to Angel as he looks in her direction.

Diana's bright smile Dims and concern touches her eyes. "Go bad how?" She asks as she fidgets with a discarded straw paper.

"I don't expect something bad to happen, but my background won't let me ignore that it could" Angel tries to reassure her co-workers, though she could have done it better perhaps. And probably shouldn't have continued. "There are a lot of rich people here as tourists. To some, it is a symbol of American immorality and decadence, and that's enough to consider destroying. But no one has attacked Disneyland yet, so it will be highly unlikely. We're on an island which can be a good and bad thing. Harder for people to sneak up on us. Harder for people to come help if something does happen." Another drink of water as she considers the situation. "You would probably be more likely to have a heist or hostage situation rather than an intentionally destructive attack." Everyone should feel better now.

Theo just gives a look at Angel. But he's not freaking out. He's just going to stare at her for a good long while. He has no idea in what he should say to that. So instead he picks up his cup and drinks again. His tea almost done.

Diana shifts a bit in her seat but manages to keep her cool. She sucks the last bit of her iced coffee through her straw causing it to wine. "Yeah, well, I'm glad we have trained professionals to help should the worst happen," she states. with her coffee finished and a pile of boxes waiting to be unpacked, Di sighs and slips her purse off of the back of her chair. "I should really get going. I have a lot to get sorted before starting officially tomorrow," she says as she rises. "It was really nice to meet you both."

"Okay...I should probably get going too" Angel decides, now that she's brought the room down. "I should look into the whole apartment thing. Nice to meet you both too. Enjoy your dinner get together. And don't worry about things. Princess Diana is right, there's a professional team to look after you all." And then she is off before she makes anyone cry.

Theo just stares as both women get up and leave. He shrugs and gets out of his seat. He's got to go play messenger. Throwing out his trash as he heads back to the apartments to see if Jett is home so he can pass the invitation from Diana to him. He does at least wave to the both of them before leaving. "See you both around! Bye!" And then he to is gone.