occasionally subtle
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EXPECTATIONS
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@reese-suzuki
AGENT FILE 0716 [CONFIDENTIAL]
NAME: Reese Suzuki AGE: 27 DATE OF BIRTH: May 8th, 19-- PRONOUNS: he/him STATUS: ACTIVE, Field Agent for the American Secret Service
INFORMATION: A fledgling field agent for the A.S.S. Reese started out as an informant in the field, however after incidents in 1957 and again in 1961 (Case files [REDACTED] and [REDACTED]) following Agent Mega (Agent File [REDACTED]), Reese was promoted to field agent in his own right.
OOC INFO:
[A familiar face walks into the cafe, one that hasn't been there in a long time. Thea isn't alone though, a man in a little nicer coat sits down at a table, watching her like a hawk. Thea doesn't seem to mind, walking up to the counter with a smile.]
@martin-thea
Reese was still behind the counter as usual, wash rag over one shoulder as he double checked the cleanliness of the mug he'd just pulled out of the washing. He didn't quite startle at the sight of her walking up, but he didn't look at ease either.
"So, who's the lucky man?" He winked, putting on an easy smile. Falling back on old habits and training to try to glide him through this interaction. Act personable, act friendly, let the other person fill in the blanks and do all the talking.
If this person also worked at Chimera, then he'd have to work double time to keep his cover, and acting the part of the friendly barista might be his only way out.
Reese had spent several days after his encounter with that mysterious "O" character doing as much research and recon surrounding his theory on which building he suspected to be at least part of Chimera, if not a base for them in it's own right.
Had this been years ago, he would have just stopped at retrieving this information, and reported back to the A.S.S. to hand it off to a field agent. But now...
Well now he was deep in the belly of the beast, wearing the full face and body covering of a security guard's uniform, marching about and attempting to gather as much information about this particular base as he could. Notably, discovering that what he'd located above ground was barely covering the tip of the iceberg of the actual site itself, and the further he went into the labyrinthian building, the deeper he was driven below ground.
Eventually, this little rabbit hole dig of his lead him down into what looked like their prison and holding cells (the fact that Chimera had an onbase detention center sent shivers down his spine about the fact "O" knew he was investigating here in the first place) and he checked through them. Any enemies of Chimera might be allies of his after all.
His musings on who might look worth jailbreaking ended the second he landed on a familiar (if much more gaunt and worse for wear then he'd last seen the man) face.
"Mega?"
@reese-suzuki
Curt was not doing well. But, at least he isn’t dead.
He’s sitting against one of the walls, knees pressed against his chest. Head resting against. He’s thinner, considerably more thinner since they’ve last seen each other. Not the well-muscled man in his prime, or the rounded-out figure when he got back into spying.. Rather, a bit more hollowed out. Cheeks a bit more tighter in skin. His eyes are emptier when he stared anywhere. Lips cracking. Hair unwashed.
His head is idly staring at the cell bars, which is how he immediately spotted the man. A familiar man.
Shame washed over him, his hands shifting to cover his head the best he could as he looked away. He knew who that was. And, maybe if this was earlier in his capture, he would be overjoyed at the recognition. At who it was. But, it seemed to be the case of Curt giving up on himself. Evident a bit more by some discarded food tray across the cell he’s kept in.
“Why are you here? Did somebody sent you?” He mumbled. Voice crackling slightly as he spoke. “You shouldn’t be here, really.”
Reese watched the man in stunned silence for a few moments before finally bringing himself to respond. The shock of finding the man here giving way again to the precarity of the situation.
"No no, I came on my own, recon mission. I didn't even know you'd be here, what are you doing here?"
He fiddled around quickly, checking his pockets for keys, or at least something to pick the lock with.
"Nevermind that actually, lets get you out of here."
Curt didn’t look over at first, seeming to be happy with just sulking. Or, not really happy, but opted to do that instead. It takes him a moment to really react, but when he does his movement is slow. Sluggish, even.
His head raised, glancing back to Reese.
“CHIMERA isn’t something to easily mess with. Why would you come alone? This is— Do you have anyone for backup if you get caught out? Anyone to call for help?”
He shuffled, knees pushing to lay flat on the ground and a hand combing — Or attempted to comb, as it got stuck halfway — Through his gross hair.
“I don’t need your help. I don’t need anyone’s help. Get out!”
Reese nodded with the questions Curt initially had about his plan, a solid line of questioning in all honesty, but didn't quite answer them.
"If I divulged what the backup plans were while we were still in here, they wouldn't be effective now would they?"
His face scrunched up the slightest bit in confusion at Curt's reaction though, watching the man he knew (if only briefly) act nothing like himself.
"The hell's gotten into you? Don't you want to get the hell out of dodge, get home safe?" Reese studied him closely for a few seconds, before cracking a smile. "Besides, last time you saved my ass, my turn to settle that score. Now get up."
hyyy is this blog okay with rpying with other saf oc ? someone who might be some kind of Chimera agent ?
OOC: hiya! Yes lol but would just ask to shoot me a dm first to jsut establish who your oc is and how they'd interact together :D
Reese had spent several days after his encounter with that mysterious "O" character doing as much research and recon surrounding his theory on which building he suspected to be at least part of Chimera, if not a base for them in it's own right.
Had this been years ago, he would have just stopped at retrieving this information, and reported back to the A.S.S. to hand it off to a field agent. But now...
Well now he was deep in the belly of the beast, wearing the full face and body covering of a security guard's uniform, marching about and attempting to gather as much information about this particular base as he could. Notably, discovering that what he'd located above ground was barely covering the tip of the iceberg of the actual site itself, and the further he went into the labyrinthian building, the deeper he was driven below ground.
Eventually, this little rabbit hole dig of his lead him down into what looked like their prison and holding cells (the fact that Chimera had an onbase detention center sent shivers down his spine about the fact "O" knew he was investigating here in the first place) and he checked through them. Any enemies of Chimera might be allies of his after all.
His musings on who might look worth jailbreaking ended the second he landed on a familiar (if much more gaunt and worse for wear then he'd last seen the man) face.
"Mega?"
@reese-suzuki
Curt was not doing well. But, at least he isn’t dead.
He’s sitting against one of the walls, knees pressed against his chest. Head resting against. He’s thinner, considerably more thinner since they’ve last seen each other. Not the well-muscled man in his prime, or the rounded-out figure when he got back into spying.. Rather, a bit more hollowed out. Cheeks a bit more tighter in skin. His eyes are emptier when he stared anywhere. Lips cracking. Hair unwashed.
His head is idly staring at the cell bars, which is how he immediately spotted the man. A familiar man.
Shame washed over him, his hands shifting to cover his head the best he could as he looked away. He knew who that was. And, maybe if this was earlier in his capture, he would be overjoyed at the recognition. At who it was. But, it seemed to be the case of Curt giving up on himself. Evident a bit more by some discarded food tray across the cell he’s kept in.
“Why are you here? Did somebody sent you?” He mumbled. Voice crackling slightly as he spoke. “You shouldn’t be here, really.”
Reese watched the man in stunned silence for a few moments before finally bringing himself to respond. The shock of finding the man here giving way again to the precarity of the situation.
"No no, I came on my own, recon mission. I didn't even know you'd be here, what are you doing here?"
He fiddled around quickly, checking his pockets for keys, or at least something to pick the lock with.
"Nevermind that actually, lets get you out of here."
Reese looks down at the radio in his hand, hand shaking ever so slightly at O's blatant mention of his boss and knowledge he shouldn't have. He's doing everything he can to keep his hand from shaking. Wondering how the hell he can even manage to recover this, with how royally he's screwed up. 'You sound strangely confident for taking shots in the dark.' He'll just have to pivot then, pulling out a paper map and a few other utensils, beginning to work on locating where the other broadcast was coming from. He can make himself useful and get some kind of information at least.
@reese-suzuki
You might be in the dark, I have a torch.
Or well, flashlight, since you're American.
What's up with that? Torch is clearly a much better word for it.
He remembers having the same discussion on one of his early missions with Curt
'It lights up in a flash, flashlight is much more effective. Otherwise it sounds like you're just waving a flaming stick around.'
Reese was half paying attention to the conversation, becoming more and more focused on pinpointing the building this broadcast was coming from.
'I think where I am is plenty illuminated, you just seem to be a blind spot.'
Oh you're trying to find me, aren't you? It's been a while since I've had guests. Honestly, how much is Cynthia paying you for this?
Reese paused for a second at the mention of his plan, glancing back at the radio again, before deciding to continue triangulating on his map.
'If you know her so well, then I think you should be able to answer your own question.'
I know she likes spoiling her agents with gadgets and luxury suites almost as much as she likes scolding them but you don't talk like an agent.. maybe an informant or a scientist or just a rookie..
Which makes the fact that you're talking to me all the more impressive, feel free to give yourself a little pat on the back.
Just a little bit more time. He was so close just a tiny bit longer.
'While I do appreciate the compliment, I don't believe taking advice from the other side is recommended. Tell me though, what does an agent sound like? In your all knowing opinion of course.'
More brash, less... less like he knows he's in danger.
You're not wrong about the all knowing thing. I also know what you're trying to do. I took the liberty of calling room service for you. Good day!
Reese nodded initially.
'Thanks for-' and then he paused, going stock still.
'Wait you did what now?!'
He'd just finished the map, narrowing down to what looked like two neighboring buildings, but he could do some digging to figure out which one it actually was. For now, he shut off the radio and packed up all of his equipment as quickly as he could.
Wouldn't do to have someone walk in on all this.
He rushed out the door, not wanting to wait around and find what this mysterious "O" had called for him. Only to open the door to a banana split being wheeled up to his room.
Not what he was expecting. Huh.
He kept moving anyways, knowing far better than to accept food from the enemy, but still felt bad for wasting the offering nonetheless.
Reese looks down at the radio in his hand, hand shaking ever so slightly at O's blatant mention of his boss and knowledge he shouldn't have. He's doing everything he can to keep his hand from shaking. Wondering how the hell he can even manage to recover this, with how royally he's screwed up. 'You sound strangely confident for taking shots in the dark.' He'll just have to pivot then, pulling out a paper map and a few other utensils, beginning to work on locating where the other broadcast was coming from. He can make himself useful and get some kind of information at least.
@reese-suzuki
You might be in the dark, I have a torch.
Or well, flashlight, since you're American.
What's up with that? Torch is clearly a much better word for it.
He remembers having the same discussion on one of his early missions with Curt
'It lights up in a flash, flashlight is much more effective. Otherwise it sounds like you're just waving a flaming stick around.'
Reese was half paying attention to the conversation, becoming more and more focused on pinpointing the building this broadcast was coming from.
'I think where I am is plenty illuminated, you just seem to be a blind spot.'
Oh you're trying to find me, aren't you? It's been a while since I've had guests. Honestly, how much is Cynthia paying you for this?
Reese paused for a second at the mention of his plan, glancing back at the radio again, before deciding to continue triangulating on his map.
'If you know her so well, then I think you should be able to answer your own question.'
I know she likes spoiling her agents with gadgets and luxury suites almost as much as she likes scolding them but you don't talk like an agent.. maybe an informant or a scientist or just a rookie..
Which makes the fact that you're talking to me all the more impressive, feel free to give yourself a little pat on the back.
Just a little bit more time. He was so close just a tiny bit longer.
'While I do appreciate the compliment, I don't believe taking advice from the other side is recommended. Tell me though, what does an agent sound like? In your all knowing opinion of course.'
Reese looks down at the radio in his hand, hand shaking ever so slightly at O's blatant mention of his boss and knowledge he shouldn't have. He's doing everything he can to keep his hand from shaking. Wondering how the hell he can even manage to recover this, with how royally he's screwed up. 'You sound strangely confident for taking shots in the dark.' He'll just have to pivot then, pulling out a paper map and a few other utensils, beginning to work on locating where the other broadcast was coming from. He can make himself useful and get some kind of information at least.
@reese-suzuki
You might be in the dark, I have a torch.
Or well, flashlight, since you're American.
What's up with that? Torch is clearly a much better word for it.
He remembers having the same discussion on one of his early missions with Curt
'It lights up in a flash, flashlight is much more effective. Otherwise it sounds like you're just waving a flaming stick around.'
Reese was half paying attention to the conversation, becoming more and more focused on pinpointing the building this broadcast was coming from.
'I think where I am is plenty illuminated, you just seem to be a blind spot.'
Oh you're trying to find me, aren't you? It's been a while since I've had guests. Honestly, how much is Cynthia paying you for this?
Reese paused for a second at the mention of his plan, glancing back at the radio again, before deciding to continue triangulating on his map.
'If you know her so well, then I think you should be able to answer your own question.'
Reese looks down at the radio in his hand, hand shaking ever so slightly at O's blatant mention of his boss and knowledge he shouldn't have. He's doing everything he can to keep his hand from shaking. Wondering how the hell he can even manage to recover this, with how royally he's screwed up. 'You sound strangely confident for taking shots in the dark.' He'll just have to pivot then, pulling out a paper map and a few other utensils, beginning to work on locating where the other broadcast was coming from. He can make himself useful and get some kind of information at least.
@reese-suzuki
You might be in the dark, I have a torch.
Or well, flashlight, since you're American.
What's up with that? Torch is clearly a much better word for it.
He remembers having the same discussion on one of his early missions with Curt
'It lights up in a flash, flashlight is much more effective. Otherwise it sounds like you're just waving a flaming stick around.'
Reese was half paying attention to the conversation, becoming more and more focused on pinpointing the building this broadcast was coming from.
'I think where I am is plenty illuminated, you just seem to be a blind spot.'
Personal Notes
Holy shit. Contact worked. There's something here, I mean I don't yet have confirmation but it seems to be Chimera. I mean who else would have this kind of security and encryption on communication channels?! Okay I just have to play it safe, gather intel, and then notify boss later. When I have something substantial at least. Just don't get caught. That's all I gotta do.
Personal Notes
It's been a week since "Thea" had last shown up here at the cafe. Nobody else has seen her, or heard anything for that matter, and it isn't exactly easy to ask coworkers about a particular customer without coming off as strange.
Been doing some research though, Barb's training has been helpful on that front at least. There's been a massive power drain recently in this city, and it's been pretty constant, that was what got me deployed here in the first place, but recently it's been getting worse in more pronounced spikes. I think I managed to trace it back to the exact district block, its still a large area to cover but its something.
There's also some strange frequency broadcasts around that area. It's in short bursts and doesn't have much of a range, so I'll have to move closer to really do anything with it (which is risky, but who doesn't like a little risk for their reward), but maybe I can tap in. Just to see what it is.
Maybe it's what I'm looking for.
[Thea enjoyed her time outside of Chimera. It was the closest thing to freedom she felt nowadays. She knew deep down that she was probably still being watched, but if she didn't think about it, she could pretend that her life was still normal for a little while. Here she was. Sitting in a coffee shop. Drinking coffee. Like normal people do. Working on blue prints for a new project. Like...well Thea was never good about being normal.]
@martin-thea
Reese had just finished off the last of the rush hour orders, towel thrown over his shoulders as he carefully washed and cleaned out all of the attachments to the espresso makers. When the Agency pitched this barista job to him as a way of staying undercover, they definitely failed to mention just how much work went into brewing a single order (why are people so allergic to ordering just a black coffee?!) but he always was a quick learner. Drying his hands off, he took another once over of his uniform, making sure the apron and its nameplate were both in order.
"Ollie" read back to him in friendly cursive chalk, pinned right over his heart where a breast pocket would be. Oliver Johnson, not his first pick for an alias, but it worked well enough that nobody seemed to notice. He took a deep breath, making sure to keep in character for the role. The job was just something to pass the time, keep appearances up in town so to speak, while he followed up on various leads. Something about one of Chimera's satellite bases being nearby, but never verified by a trusted source.
Quick surveillance and recon mission, that was all he got sent out on now. He preferred it that way, especially after....
He cleared his throat, noticing a peculiar newcomer to the shop just ahead, her coffee cup nearly empty, but that wasn't what drew his eye. No, there was something she was working on, spread out on the booth table in front of her that peaked his curiosity. He knew the distinct color and patterning of blueprint paper anywhere, most of his job was just knowing to identify and memorize anything on it after a few seconds of looking.
He drifted over with a fresh pot of coffee in tow, keeping an eye open for any other customers walking through the door, before carefully moving just in front of her eyeline, not wanting to disturb her, especially not startle her. Carefully, he refilled her cup for her, already taking mental notes of just what she was working on, and the complexity of it (just as a mental exercise, just to keep his mind sharp and nothing more).
He waited until she'd taken notice of him before speaking. "Sorry to disturb you ma'am, just noticed your cup was running dry. Need anything else? Our pastries are just to die for, and an absolute bargain to get."
[Thea folds the paper as soon as she notices him come over though not before he notices that the blueprint is for something vaguely mouse shaped.]
Uh no, no thank you. The coffee is just fine.
[She was never trained on how to keep her cool...Chimera might want to add some more modules to their onboarding with how much Thea's eyes are darting around the room now. Granted, prior to the incident she wouldn't have been as jumpy.]
"Alrighty then, let me know if you change your mind though."
He keeps his calm, to the world all the kind and caring employee making sure everyone's order is correct, but he takes note of where she's looking. Less on the particular locations and more on the fact she's nervous enough to feel the need to be looking anywhere but at him. Could just be any old techie making sure nobody steals their work before they patent it, but with the other information he's got about the surrounding area...
Well it never hurt to check things out first would it?
"I didn't startle you did I? Sorry about that, terrible manners. I'll head over to tend to the other tables then, my name's Ollie, just holler it if you need anything!"
He waved with a kind smile before heading off to refill cups at other tables. Keeping his appearance every part the normal service worker, and watch her from that distance. Particularly seeing if she pulls that blueprint back out. If his suspicions were right, all he'd need would be a quick glance at a company logo anywhere on the page.
If it was real, and a lead simply stumbled on his doorstep, well that certainly would be something for him to write home about.
[She nods politely at the server as he heads off. Thea is smart enough not to pull the blueprints backout, granted, she was stupid enough to bring them out in the first. She sighs, wiping her face with her hand. It's mostly healed, but there is clear evidence of scar tissue poking out from the fingerless gloves she wore. Her leg bounces, the nerves getting to her.]
[She quickly stands deciding to take her coffee to go. This was a mistake She picks up her satchel bag and heads to the door. On her way out, a metallic glint of a pin on the bag catches Reese's eye. It could be a trick of the light, but it looked very familiar.]
He noticed her leave and waved politely as she went, masking the disappointment from his face at her leaving so soon.
"Thank you for stopping by, come back soon!" He called back in a jovial tone, just as he does for every customer. Hopefully his forwardness hadn't scared her off. Oh Cynthia would never let him hear the end of it if he did.
The pin does catch his attention, but he knows better than to give chase just to see it again. Besides, the next wave of customers is starting to trickle in, and he needs to keep this job as long as he can.
[Thea does indeed come back soon. The next day in fact. Earlier in the morning, this time. Hopefully early enough that they don't have to deal with that barista again. God, that was embarrassing. The higher ups would have her head if they found out. She walks up the register, ordering a small black coffee and that she plans to sip and sulk before going back to hell. She sets her bag down next to her, a hand instinctively over it.]
Reese had been on break out back behind the shop because it was a quiet day, so when he returned to the front and saw that same mystery girl from the day prior sat at the same table she was when he'd first spotted her, well he couldn't help getting excited at that now could he?
He knew better this time around though, staying right where he was behind the counter, letting her relax in the shop and look on from afar. He could be patient, that was easy.
Seeing she had her bag with her, he snuck a glance over to it, wouldn't hurt to check that theory he couldn't shake from his head from the other day as a good starting point.
[Thea couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched. She shivered, trying to focus on her coffee. Her hand shifted as she held the bitter liquid to her lips, the pin reflecting in the light of the coffee shop more. There was no mistaking it this time. To anyone who didn't know any better, the pin was innocuous, just there to keep the fraying strap in tact, but Reese did know better. It was Chimera's logo.]
Reese let his attention drift to what little other customers there were in the shop. He got confirmation of the pin, confirmation that the intel he'd been given about this particular area was right. Sure the pin on its own wouldn't be nearly enough proof, but it matched with the complexity of the blueprints she had with her the other day? There was no mistaking it. Chimera is here. So he continued to wipe down the counter, give her time to get used to him first. Well that was until the baker in the back had informed him they just finished the next batch of pastries, and to start making room.
Routine work, seperate out the older and hardened ones to hold aside for later. Mostly to donate to shelters later, the boss here was unusually good on the whole "pay it forward" idea, and Reese certainly appreciated it.
He took one strawberry scone out of the stack, wrapping it instead in wax paper and setting it on a plate with a syrup pot. Was this plan stupid? Absolutely. But it was worth a shot. keep up that caring and oblivious employee persona.
Counting out the other patrons of the shop, he pulled out three more of various flavors and set them out on the counter, before beginning to hand them out. One to each person, explaining to them quietly it was a promotional effort. (Surely his coworkers wouldn't get on him too much on it, he picked the best looking ones anyways).
Finally he got to Thea's table, setting down the original strawberry scone in front of her.
"Sorry to be a bother, we're doing a promotional offer of our scones, so this first one's on the house. I'll get that coffee refilled for you if you want." He smiled his best customer service smile, waving quickly before heading off to do just that. Taking barely any time to return with that refill.
"Hope everything is to your liking ma'am!"
Oh! Um...
[Even without the blueprints, the woman seemed more jumpy than most, bouncing in her seat slightly when he spoke.]
Thank you.
[She looked down at the scone as her coffee was filled...well, it was free, and it was already here...guess it couldn't hurt to try. She checked the time. 15 more minutes of freedom. She bit into the scone, savoring the taste. When "Ollie" returns she nods. She doesn't look up at him. Maybe if she didn't acknowledge the embarrassment of yesterday, he wouldn't either.]
It's very good, thank you.
He smiles, genuinely this time with a nod.
"I'm glad you like it! They're even better when they're fresh."
No need to go too indepth yet, or pry deeper. Just a regular customer and their friendly server. Thats all this is. So he returned back to his spot at the counter with no more fanfare than a polite wave goodbye. Keeping an eye on the time and the door to see when she'd leave.
His only gripe with this waiting game being that hes unable to put a name to a face, but he supposed that would be resolved by making sure he stays by the counter and is the one taking her order next time.
Hopefully there is a next time.
[Thea gets up quarter til 8, packaging the rest of of the scone and putting it in the bag before heading out.
There is indeed a next time. The very next day, Thea is back inside to order, this time getting another strawberry scone with her coffee.]
Reese had made sure to take his break early that day, ignoring the way his knees would protest this idea later in favor of making sure he was at the front counter for when this mystery person appeared once again. And his gamble paid off as he saw her walk through the doors.
"Greetings, welcome back!" He chirped happily, putting on his best charming smile for this encounter. "I see you liked that scone yesterday huh? I told you they were good." he winked, but rung up her order quickly. Filling up a cup of coffee for her as he continued to speak.
"The scones are just cooling in the oven now, if it wouldn't trouble you, could I get a name for the order? Just so I can call it for you when they're ready?"
[Thea blinks.]
Um, yeah sure. You can put Thea on it.
[She shifts awkwardly from side to side.]
"Thea, lovely name." He smiled, before handing her the coffee. "I'll call you when your order is ready." He paused, noticing how she seemed nervous, or at the very least out of it. "Unless you need anything else?"
Hm?
[Thea's cheeks go bright red.]
Oh, no, no, nothing, not at all I'm great.
He nods, seemingly taking her seriously. Before pausing with a slight look of worry on his face.
"Oh no, you're 'great?' But I thought you told me your name was Thea!" Reese sighs dramatically, before cracking a goofy smirk her way.
"Sorry, I couldn't waste a good set up like that."
......
[Thea laughs awkwardly at the bad joke, the pink shade now spreading across her face. She quickly takes her spot at her usual seat.]
Reese watches her curiously as she walks off, taking mental notes of that last reaction.
Was that what he thought it was? Is she interested in him?
Surely that's what that was, wasn't it? He wasn't sure how he felt about it, falling fast was never his speed. But he could certainly use it to his advantage. It would make information gathering easier.
As he pondered it, the oven timer went off, and before he knew it he was calling Thea back up to the counter to pick up her scone.
He would have carried it out to her like he had in the past, but with how he'd gotten her name for this, it'd be suspicious if he didn't follow through with calling her up. So he pulled her order out to plate it, wrap it up nicely in tissue paper, and set it out.
"Thea! Your order's ready!
[Thea felt like she had waited an eternity, her heart pounding. She kept mentally reprimanding herself. For fuck's sake one compliment should be making her feel this way. She can't be that desperate. When her name is called, she quickly shuffles over to the counter, ducking her head as she takes it.]
Thanks, uh, Ollie.
Reese smiles and nods, handing her the pastry.
"No problem! Please let me know if there's anything else i can get for you!" He chirps, before returning to his general duties of keeping the counter clean.
'Ollie' had gotten lucky in that a few other customers had gotten Thea's same idea and also ordered scones ontop of their usual, so his manager hadn't chewed him out for the "free sample" stunt. But he definitely shouldn't try anything else drastic like that for a while.
But at least the person he wanted to see is still here. And it seems to be she just gave him an in to focus on for information.
[Thea sat down in her usual spot, sipping the coffee and nibbling on the pastry. She was there longer than she normally would be, stalling having to go into work today. The closer she got to finishing Owen's body, the closer she got to having to face what she's done. After a while, she goes back up to the counter.]
Could I, uh, could I have another to go?
@reese-suzuki
Reese was so lost in his own thoughts he almost missed seeing her approach entirely. Keyword being almost, and he just barely managed to collect himself back together at the sound of her footsteps walking towards the counter.
"Hm? Oh yes, of course I'll get it right out for you."
He quickly boxed one up for her to take and handed it over.
"Come again soon!"
Thanks, I will.
[But she didn't. Thea wasn't back the next day. Or the day after that. Or the day after that.]
Reese had waited at the little shop day in and day out for Thea to return, waiting nearly a week with not a single hint as to where she'd gone. It was odd, she'd built up a habit of coming in practically daily, and suddenly vanishes.
Was it something he did? Did he spook her off?
Was his cover blown?
Surely not, he hadn't given anything about himself at all other than his cover name. Something was definitely wrong with this situation, he had a gut feeling but he just wasn't sure what it was. Not yet.
He was gonna have to do some digging then. Hopefully he'll find something he can use.
[Thea enjoyed her time outside of Chimera. It was the closest thing to freedom she felt nowadays. She knew deep down that she was probably still being watched, but if she didn't think about it, she could pretend that her life was still normal for a little while. Here she was. Sitting in a coffee shop. Drinking coffee. Like normal people do. Working on blue prints for a new project. Like...well Thea was never good about being normal.]
@martin-thea
Reese had just finished off the last of the rush hour orders, towel thrown over his shoulders as he carefully washed and cleaned out all of the attachments to the espresso makers. When the Agency pitched this barista job to him as a way of staying undercover, they definitely failed to mention just how much work went into brewing a single order (why are people so allergic to ordering just a black coffee?!) but he always was a quick learner. Drying his hands off, he took another once over of his uniform, making sure the apron and its nameplate were both in order.
"Ollie" read back to him in friendly cursive chalk, pinned right over his heart where a breast pocket would be. Oliver Johnson, not his first pick for an alias, but it worked well enough that nobody seemed to notice. He took a deep breath, making sure to keep in character for the role. The job was just something to pass the time, keep appearances up in town so to speak, while he followed up on various leads. Something about one of Chimera's satellite bases being nearby, but never verified by a trusted source.
Quick surveillance and recon mission, that was all he got sent out on now. He preferred it that way, especially after....
He cleared his throat, noticing a peculiar newcomer to the shop just ahead, her coffee cup nearly empty, but that wasn't what drew his eye. No, there was something she was working on, spread out on the booth table in front of her that peaked his curiosity. He knew the distinct color and patterning of blueprint paper anywhere, most of his job was just knowing to identify and memorize anything on it after a few seconds of looking.
He drifted over with a fresh pot of coffee in tow, keeping an eye open for any other customers walking through the door, before carefully moving just in front of her eyeline, not wanting to disturb her, especially not startle her. Carefully, he refilled her cup for her, already taking mental notes of just what she was working on, and the complexity of it (just as a mental exercise, just to keep his mind sharp and nothing more).
He waited until she'd taken notice of him before speaking. "Sorry to disturb you ma'am, just noticed your cup was running dry. Need anything else? Our pastries are just to die for, and an absolute bargain to get."
[Thea folds the paper as soon as she notices him come over though not before he notices that the blueprint is for something vaguely mouse shaped.]
Uh no, no thank you. The coffee is just fine.
[She was never trained on how to keep her cool...Chimera might want to add some more modules to their onboarding with how much Thea's eyes are darting around the room now. Granted, prior to the incident she wouldn't have been as jumpy.]
"Alrighty then, let me know if you change your mind though."
He keeps his calm, to the world all the kind and caring employee making sure everyone's order is correct, but he takes note of where she's looking. Less on the particular locations and more on the fact she's nervous enough to feel the need to be looking anywhere but at him. Could just be any old techie making sure nobody steals their work before they patent it, but with the other information he's got about the surrounding area...
Well it never hurt to check things out first would it?
"I didn't startle you did I? Sorry about that, terrible manners. I'll head over to tend to the other tables then, my name's Ollie, just holler it if you need anything!"
He waved with a kind smile before heading off to refill cups at other tables. Keeping his appearance every part the normal service worker, and watch her from that distance. Particularly seeing if she pulls that blueprint back out. If his suspicions were right, all he'd need would be a quick glance at a company logo anywhere on the page.
If it was real, and a lead simply stumbled on his doorstep, well that certainly would be something for him to write home about.
[She nods politely at the server as he heads off. Thea is smart enough not to pull the blueprints backout, granted, she was stupid enough to bring them out in the first. She sighs, wiping her face with her hand. It's mostly healed, but there is clear evidence of scar tissue poking out from the fingerless gloves she wore. Her leg bounces, the nerves getting to her.]
[She quickly stands deciding to take her coffee to go. This was a mistake She picks up her satchel bag and heads to the door. On her way out, a metallic glint of a pin on the bag catches Reese's eye. It could be a trick of the light, but it looked very familiar.]
He noticed her leave and waved politely as she went, masking the disappointment from his face at her leaving so soon.
"Thank you for stopping by, come back soon!" He called back in a jovial tone, just as he does for every customer. Hopefully his forwardness hadn't scared her off. Oh Cynthia would never let him hear the end of it if he did.
The pin does catch his attention, but he knows better than to give chase just to see it again. Besides, the next wave of customers is starting to trickle in, and he needs to keep this job as long as he can.
[Thea does indeed come back soon. The next day in fact. Earlier in the morning, this time. Hopefully early enough that they don't have to deal with that barista again. God, that was embarrassing. The higher ups would have her head if they found out. She walks up the register, ordering a small black coffee and that she plans to sip and sulk before going back to hell. She sets her bag down next to her, a hand instinctively over it.]
Reese had been on break out back behind the shop because it was a quiet day, so when he returned to the front and saw that same mystery girl from the day prior sat at the same table she was when he'd first spotted her, well he couldn't help getting excited at that now could he?
He knew better this time around though, staying right where he was behind the counter, letting her relax in the shop and look on from afar. He could be patient, that was easy.
Seeing she had her bag with her, he snuck a glance over to it, wouldn't hurt to check that theory he couldn't shake from his head from the other day as a good starting point.
[Thea couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched. She shivered, trying to focus on her coffee. Her hand shifted as she held the bitter liquid to her lips, the pin reflecting in the light of the coffee shop more. There was no mistaking it this time. To anyone who didn't know any better, the pin was innocuous, just there to keep the fraying strap in tact, but Reese did know better. It was Chimera's logo.]
Reese let his attention drift to what little other customers there were in the shop. He got confirmation of the pin, confirmation that the intel he'd been given about this particular area was right. Sure the pin on its own wouldn't be nearly enough proof, but it matched with the complexity of the blueprints she had with her the other day? There was no mistaking it. Chimera is here. So he continued to wipe down the counter, give her time to get used to him first. Well that was until the baker in the back had informed him they just finished the next batch of pastries, and to start making room.
Routine work, seperate out the older and hardened ones to hold aside for later. Mostly to donate to shelters later, the boss here was unusually good on the whole "pay it forward" idea, and Reese certainly appreciated it.
He took one strawberry scone out of the stack, wrapping it instead in wax paper and setting it on a plate with a syrup pot. Was this plan stupid? Absolutely. But it was worth a shot. keep up that caring and oblivious employee persona.
Counting out the other patrons of the shop, he pulled out three more of various flavors and set them out on the counter, before beginning to hand them out. One to each person, explaining to them quietly it was a promotional effort. (Surely his coworkers wouldn't get on him too much on it, he picked the best looking ones anyways).
Finally he got to Thea's table, setting down the original strawberry scone in front of her.
"Sorry to be a bother, we're doing a promotional offer of our scones, so this first one's on the house. I'll get that coffee refilled for you if you want." He smiled his best customer service smile, waving quickly before heading off to do just that. Taking barely any time to return with that refill.
"Hope everything is to your liking ma'am!"
Oh! Um...
[Even without the blueprints, the woman seemed more jumpy than most, bouncing in her seat slightly when he spoke.]
Thank you.
[She looked down at the scone as her coffee was filled...well, it was free, and it was already here...guess it couldn't hurt to try. She checked the time. 15 more minutes of freedom. She bit into the scone, savoring the taste. When "Ollie" returns she nods. She doesn't look up at him. Maybe if she didn't acknowledge the embarrassment of yesterday, he wouldn't either.]
It's very good, thank you.
He smiles, genuinely this time with a nod.
"I'm glad you like it! They're even better when they're fresh."
No need to go too indepth yet, or pry deeper. Just a regular customer and their friendly server. Thats all this is. So he returned back to his spot at the counter with no more fanfare than a polite wave goodbye. Keeping an eye on the time and the door to see when she'd leave.
His only gripe with this waiting game being that hes unable to put a name to a face, but he supposed that would be resolved by making sure he stays by the counter and is the one taking her order next time.
Hopefully there is a next time.
[Thea gets up quarter til 8, packaging the rest of of the scone and putting it in the bag before heading out.
There is indeed a next time. The very next day, Thea is back inside to order, this time getting another strawberry scone with her coffee.]
Reese had made sure to take his break early that day, ignoring the way his knees would protest this idea later in favor of making sure he was at the front counter for when this mystery person appeared once again. And his gamble paid off as he saw her walk through the doors.
"Greetings, welcome back!" He chirped happily, putting on his best charming smile for this encounter. "I see you liked that scone yesterday huh? I told you they were good." he winked, but rung up her order quickly. Filling up a cup of coffee for her as he continued to speak.
"The scones are just cooling in the oven now, if it wouldn't trouble you, could I get a name for the order? Just so I can call it for you when they're ready?"
[Thea blinks.]
Um, yeah sure. You can put Thea on it.
[She shifts awkwardly from side to side.]
"Thea, lovely name." He smiled, before handing her the coffee. "I'll call you when your order is ready." He paused, noticing how she seemed nervous, or at the very least out of it. "Unless you need anything else?"
Hm?
[Thea's cheeks go bright red.]
Oh, no, no, nothing, not at all I'm great.
He nods, seemingly taking her seriously. Before pausing with a slight look of worry on his face.
"Oh no, you're 'great?' But I thought you told me your name was Thea!" Reese sighs dramatically, before cracking a goofy smirk her way.
"Sorry, I couldn't waste a good set up like that."
......
[Thea laughs awkwardly at the bad joke, the pink shade now spreading across her face. She quickly takes her spot at her usual seat.]
Reese watches her curiously as she walks off, taking mental notes of that last reaction.
Was that what he thought it was? Is she interested in him?
Surely that's what that was, wasn't it? He wasn't sure how he felt about it, falling fast was never his speed. But he could certainly use it to his advantage. It would make information gathering easier.
As he pondered it, the oven timer went off, and before he knew it he was calling Thea back up to the counter to pick up her scone.
He would have carried it out to her like he had in the past, but with how he'd gotten her name for this, it'd be suspicious if he didn't follow through with calling her up. So he pulled her order out to plate it, wrap it up nicely in tissue paper, and set it out.
"Thea! Your order's ready!
[Thea felt like she had waited an eternity, her heart pounding. She kept mentally reprimanding herself. For fuck's sake one compliment should be making her feel this way. She can't be that desperate. When her name is called, she quickly shuffles over to the counter, ducking her head as she takes it.]
Thanks, uh, Ollie.
Reese smiles and nods, handing her the pastry.
"No problem! Please let me know if there's anything else i can get for you!" He chirps, before returning to his general duties of keeping the counter clean.
'Ollie' had gotten lucky in that a few other customers had gotten Thea's same idea and also ordered scones ontop of their usual, so his manager hadn't chewed him out for the "free sample" stunt. But he definitely shouldn't try anything else drastic like that for a while.
But at least the person he wanted to see is still here. And it seems to be she just gave him an in to focus on for information.
[Thea sat down in her usual spot, sipping the coffee and nibbling on the pastry. She was there longer than she normally would be, stalling having to go into work today. The closer she got to finishing Owen's body, the closer she got to having to face what she's done. After a while, she goes back up to the counter.]
Could I, uh, could I have another to go?
@reese-suzuki
Reese was so lost in his own thoughts he almost missed seeing her approach entirely. Keyword being almost, and he just barely managed to collect himself back together at the sound of her footsteps walking towards the counter.
"Hm? Oh yes, of course I'll get it right out for you."
He quickly boxed one up for her to take and handed it over.
"Come again soon!"
[Thea enjoyed her time outside of Chimera. It was the closest thing to freedom she felt nowadays. She knew deep down that she was probably still being watched, but if she didn't think about it, she could pretend that her life was still normal for a little while. Here she was. Sitting in a coffee shop. Drinking coffee. Like normal people do. Working on blue prints for a new project. Like...well Thea was never good about being normal.]
@martin-thea
Reese had just finished off the last of the rush hour orders, towel thrown over his shoulders as he carefully washed and cleaned out all of the attachments to the espresso makers. When the Agency pitched this barista job to him as a way of staying undercover, they definitely failed to mention just how much work went into brewing a single order (why are people so allergic to ordering just a black coffee?!) but he always was a quick learner. Drying his hands off, he took another once over of his uniform, making sure the apron and its nameplate were both in order.
"Ollie" read back to him in friendly cursive chalk, pinned right over his heart where a breast pocket would be. Oliver Johnson, not his first pick for an alias, but it worked well enough that nobody seemed to notice. He took a deep breath, making sure to keep in character for the role. The job was just something to pass the time, keep appearances up in town so to speak, while he followed up on various leads. Something about one of Chimera's satellite bases being nearby, but never verified by a trusted source.
Quick surveillance and recon mission, that was all he got sent out on now. He preferred it that way, especially after....
He cleared his throat, noticing a peculiar newcomer to the shop just ahead, her coffee cup nearly empty, but that wasn't what drew his eye. No, there was something she was working on, spread out on the booth table in front of her that peaked his curiosity. He knew the distinct color and patterning of blueprint paper anywhere, most of his job was just knowing to identify and memorize anything on it after a few seconds of looking.
He drifted over with a fresh pot of coffee in tow, keeping an eye open for any other customers walking through the door, before carefully moving just in front of her eyeline, not wanting to disturb her, especially not startle her. Carefully, he refilled her cup for her, already taking mental notes of just what she was working on, and the complexity of it (just as a mental exercise, just to keep his mind sharp and nothing more).
He waited until she'd taken notice of him before speaking. "Sorry to disturb you ma'am, just noticed your cup was running dry. Need anything else? Our pastries are just to die for, and an absolute bargain to get."
[Thea folds the paper as soon as she notices him come over though not before he notices that the blueprint is for something vaguely mouse shaped.]
Uh no, no thank you. The coffee is just fine.
[She was never trained on how to keep her cool...Chimera might want to add some more modules to their onboarding with how much Thea's eyes are darting around the room now. Granted, prior to the incident she wouldn't have been as jumpy.]
"Alrighty then, let me know if you change your mind though."
He keeps his calm, to the world all the kind and caring employee making sure everyone's order is correct, but he takes note of where she's looking. Less on the particular locations and more on the fact she's nervous enough to feel the need to be looking anywhere but at him. Could just be any old techie making sure nobody steals their work before they patent it, but with the other information he's got about the surrounding area...
Well it never hurt to check things out first would it?
"I didn't startle you did I? Sorry about that, terrible manners. I'll head over to tend to the other tables then, my name's Ollie, just holler it if you need anything!"
He waved with a kind smile before heading off to refill cups at other tables. Keeping his appearance every part the normal service worker, and watch her from that distance. Particularly seeing if she pulls that blueprint back out. If his suspicions were right, all he'd need would be a quick glance at a company logo anywhere on the page.
If it was real, and a lead simply stumbled on his doorstep, well that certainly would be something for him to write home about.
[She nods politely at the server as he heads off. Thea is smart enough not to pull the blueprints backout, granted, she was stupid enough to bring them out in the first. She sighs, wiping her face with her hand. It's mostly healed, but there is clear evidence of scar tissue poking out from the fingerless gloves she wore. Her leg bounces, the nerves getting to her.]
[She quickly stands deciding to take her coffee to go. This was a mistake She picks up her satchel bag and heads to the door. On her way out, a metallic glint of a pin on the bag catches Reese's eye. It could be a trick of the light, but it looked very familiar.]
He noticed her leave and waved politely as she went, masking the disappointment from his face at her leaving so soon.
"Thank you for stopping by, come back soon!" He called back in a jovial tone, just as he does for every customer. Hopefully his forwardness hadn't scared her off. Oh Cynthia would never let him hear the end of it if he did.
The pin does catch his attention, but he knows better than to give chase just to see it again. Besides, the next wave of customers is starting to trickle in, and he needs to keep this job as long as he can.
[Thea does indeed come back soon. The next day in fact. Earlier in the morning, this time. Hopefully early enough that they don't have to deal with that barista again. God, that was embarrassing. The higher ups would have her head if they found out. She walks up the register, ordering a small black coffee and that she plans to sip and sulk before going back to hell. She sets her bag down next to her, a hand instinctively over it.]
Reese had been on break out back behind the shop because it was a quiet day, so when he returned to the front and saw that same mystery girl from the day prior sat at the same table she was when he'd first spotted her, well he couldn't help getting excited at that now could he?
He knew better this time around though, staying right where he was behind the counter, letting her relax in the shop and look on from afar. He could be patient, that was easy.
Seeing she had her bag with her, he snuck a glance over to it, wouldn't hurt to check that theory he couldn't shake from his head from the other day as a good starting point.
[Thea couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched. She shivered, trying to focus on her coffee. Her hand shifted as she held the bitter liquid to her lips, the pin reflecting in the light of the coffee shop more. There was no mistaking it this time. To anyone who didn't know any better, the pin was innocuous, just there to keep the fraying strap in tact, but Reese did know better. It was Chimera's logo.]
Reese let his attention drift to what little other customers there were in the shop. He got confirmation of the pin, confirmation that the intel he'd been given about this particular area was right. Sure the pin on its own wouldn't be nearly enough proof, but it matched with the complexity of the blueprints she had with her the other day? There was no mistaking it. Chimera is here. So he continued to wipe down the counter, give her time to get used to him first. Well that was until the baker in the back had informed him they just finished the next batch of pastries, and to start making room.
Routine work, seperate out the older and hardened ones to hold aside for later. Mostly to donate to shelters later, the boss here was unusually good on the whole "pay it forward" idea, and Reese certainly appreciated it.
He took one strawberry scone out of the stack, wrapping it instead in wax paper and setting it on a plate with a syrup pot. Was this plan stupid? Absolutely. But it was worth a shot. keep up that caring and oblivious employee persona.
Counting out the other patrons of the shop, he pulled out three more of various flavors and set them out on the counter, before beginning to hand them out. One to each person, explaining to them quietly it was a promotional effort. (Surely his coworkers wouldn't get on him too much on it, he picked the best looking ones anyways).
Finally he got to Thea's table, setting down the original strawberry scone in front of her.
"Sorry to be a bother, we're doing a promotional offer of our scones, so this first one's on the house. I'll get that coffee refilled for you if you want." He smiled his best customer service smile, waving quickly before heading off to do just that. Taking barely any time to return with that refill.
"Hope everything is to your liking ma'am!"
Oh! Um...
[Even without the blueprints, the woman seemed more jumpy than most, bouncing in her seat slightly when he spoke.]
Thank you.
[She looked down at the scone as her coffee was filled...well, it was free, and it was already here...guess it couldn't hurt to try. She checked the time. 15 more minutes of freedom. She bit into the scone, savoring the taste. When "Ollie" returns she nods. She doesn't look up at him. Maybe if she didn't acknowledge the embarrassment of yesterday, he wouldn't either.]
It's very good, thank you.
He smiles, genuinely this time with a nod.
"I'm glad you like it! They're even better when they're fresh."
No need to go too indepth yet, or pry deeper. Just a regular customer and their friendly server. Thats all this is. So he returned back to his spot at the counter with no more fanfare than a polite wave goodbye. Keeping an eye on the time and the door to see when she'd leave.
His only gripe with this waiting game being that hes unable to put a name to a face, but he supposed that would be resolved by making sure he stays by the counter and is the one taking her order next time.
Hopefully there is a next time.
[Thea gets up quarter til 8, packaging the rest of of the scone and putting it in the bag before heading out.
There is indeed a next time. The very next day, Thea is back inside to order, this time getting another strawberry scone with her coffee.]
Reese had made sure to take his break early that day, ignoring the way his knees would protest this idea later in favor of making sure he was at the front counter for when this mystery person appeared once again. And his gamble paid off as he saw her walk through the doors.
"Greetings, welcome back!" He chirped happily, putting on his best charming smile for this encounter. "I see you liked that scone yesterday huh? I told you they were good." he winked, but rung up her order quickly. Filling up a cup of coffee for her as he continued to speak.
"The scones are just cooling in the oven now, if it wouldn't trouble you, could I get a name for the order? Just so I can call it for you when they're ready?"
[Thea blinks.]
Um, yeah sure. You can put Thea on it.
[She shifts awkwardly from side to side.]
"Thea, lovely name." He smiled, before handing her the coffee. "I'll call you when your order is ready." He paused, noticing how she seemed nervous, or at the very least out of it. "Unless you need anything else?"
Hm?
[Thea's cheeks go bright red.]
Oh, no, no, nothing, not at all I'm great.
He nods, seemingly taking her seriously. Before pausing with a slight look of worry on his face.
"Oh no, you're 'great?' But I thought you told me your name was Thea!" Reese sighs dramatically, before cracking a goofy smirk her way.
"Sorry, I couldn't waste a good set up like that."
......
[Thea laughs awkwardly at the bad joke, the pink shade now spreading across her face. She quickly takes her spot at her usual seat.]
Reese watches her curiously as she walks off, taking mental notes of that last reaction.
Was that what he thought it was? Is she interested in him?
Surely that's what that was, wasn't it? He wasn't sure how he felt about it, falling fast was never his speed. But he could certainly use it to his advantage. It would make information gathering easier.
As he pondered it, the oven timer went off, and before he knew it he was calling Thea back up to the counter to pick up her scone.
He would have carried it out to her like he had in the past, but with how he'd gotten her name for this, it'd be suspicious if he didn't follow through with calling her up. So he pulled her order out to plate it, wrap it up nicely in tissue paper, and set it out.
"Thea! Your order's ready!
[Thea felt like she had waited an eternity, her heart pounding. She kept mentally reprimanding herself. For fuck's sake one compliment should be making her feel this way. She can't be that desperate. When her name is called, she quickly shuffles over to the counter, ducking her head as she takes it.]
Thanks, uh, Ollie.
Reese smiles and nods, handing her the pastry.
"No problem! Please let me know if there's anything else i can get for you!" He chirps, before returning to his general duties of keeping the counter clean.
'Ollie' had gotten lucky in that a few other customers had gotten Thea's same idea and also ordered scones ontop of their usual, so his manager hadn't chewed him out for the "free sample" stunt. But he definitely shouldn't try anything else drastic like that for a while.
But at least the person he wanted to see is still here. And it seems to be she just gave him an in to focus on for information.
[Thea enjoyed her time outside of Chimera. It was the closest thing to freedom she felt nowadays. She knew deep down that she was probably still being watched, but if she didn't think about it, she could pretend that her life was still normal for a little while. Here she was. Sitting in a coffee shop. Drinking coffee. Like normal people do. Working on blue prints for a new project. Like...well Thea was never good about being normal.]
@martin-thea
Reese had just finished off the last of the rush hour orders, towel thrown over his shoulders as he carefully washed and cleaned out all of the attachments to the espresso makers. When the Agency pitched this barista job to him as a way of staying undercover, they definitely failed to mention just how much work went into brewing a single order (why are people so allergic to ordering just a black coffee?!) but he always was a quick learner. Drying his hands off, he took another once over of his uniform, making sure the apron and its nameplate were both in order.
"Ollie" read back to him in friendly cursive chalk, pinned right over his heart where a breast pocket would be. Oliver Johnson, not his first pick for an alias, but it worked well enough that nobody seemed to notice. He took a deep breath, making sure to keep in character for the role. The job was just something to pass the time, keep appearances up in town so to speak, while he followed up on various leads. Something about one of Chimera's satellite bases being nearby, but never verified by a trusted source.
Quick surveillance and recon mission, that was all he got sent out on now. He preferred it that way, especially after....
He cleared his throat, noticing a peculiar newcomer to the shop just ahead, her coffee cup nearly empty, but that wasn't what drew his eye. No, there was something she was working on, spread out on the booth table in front of her that peaked his curiosity. He knew the distinct color and patterning of blueprint paper anywhere, most of his job was just knowing to identify and memorize anything on it after a few seconds of looking.
He drifted over with a fresh pot of coffee in tow, keeping an eye open for any other customers walking through the door, before carefully moving just in front of her eyeline, not wanting to disturb her, especially not startle her. Carefully, he refilled her cup for her, already taking mental notes of just what she was working on, and the complexity of it (just as a mental exercise, just to keep his mind sharp and nothing more).
He waited until she'd taken notice of him before speaking. "Sorry to disturb you ma'am, just noticed your cup was running dry. Need anything else? Our pastries are just to die for, and an absolute bargain to get."
[Thea folds the paper as soon as she notices him come over though not before he notices that the blueprint is for something vaguely mouse shaped.]
Uh no, no thank you. The coffee is just fine.
[She was never trained on how to keep her cool...Chimera might want to add some more modules to their onboarding with how much Thea's eyes are darting around the room now. Granted, prior to the incident she wouldn't have been as jumpy.]
"Alrighty then, let me know if you change your mind though."
He keeps his calm, to the world all the kind and caring employee making sure everyone's order is correct, but he takes note of where she's looking. Less on the particular locations and more on the fact she's nervous enough to feel the need to be looking anywhere but at him. Could just be any old techie making sure nobody steals their work before they patent it, but with the other information he's got about the surrounding area...
Well it never hurt to check things out first would it?
"I didn't startle you did I? Sorry about that, terrible manners. I'll head over to tend to the other tables then, my name's Ollie, just holler it if you need anything!"
He waved with a kind smile before heading off to refill cups at other tables. Keeping his appearance every part the normal service worker, and watch her from that distance. Particularly seeing if she pulls that blueprint back out. If his suspicions were right, all he'd need would be a quick glance at a company logo anywhere on the page.
If it was real, and a lead simply stumbled on his doorstep, well that certainly would be something for him to write home about.
[She nods politely at the server as he heads off. Thea is smart enough not to pull the blueprints backout, granted, she was stupid enough to bring them out in the first. She sighs, wiping her face with her hand. It's mostly healed, but there is clear evidence of scar tissue poking out from the fingerless gloves she wore. Her leg bounces, the nerves getting to her.]
[She quickly stands deciding to take her coffee to go. This was a mistake She picks up her satchel bag and heads to the door. On her way out, a metallic glint of a pin on the bag catches Reese's eye. It could be a trick of the light, but it looked very familiar.]
He noticed her leave and waved politely as she went, masking the disappointment from his face at her leaving so soon.
"Thank you for stopping by, come back soon!" He called back in a jovial tone, just as he does for every customer. Hopefully his forwardness hadn't scared her off. Oh Cynthia would never let him hear the end of it if he did.
The pin does catch his attention, but he knows better than to give chase just to see it again. Besides, the next wave of customers is starting to trickle in, and he needs to keep this job as long as he can.
[Thea does indeed come back soon. The next day in fact. Earlier in the morning, this time. Hopefully early enough that they don't have to deal with that barista again. God, that was embarrassing. The higher ups would have her head if they found out. She walks up the register, ordering a small black coffee and that she plans to sip and sulk before going back to hell. She sets her bag down next to her, a hand instinctively over it.]
Reese had been on break out back behind the shop because it was a quiet day, so when he returned to the front and saw that same mystery girl from the day prior sat at the same table she was when he'd first spotted her, well he couldn't help getting excited at that now could he?
He knew better this time around though, staying right where he was behind the counter, letting her relax in the shop and look on from afar. He could be patient, that was easy.
Seeing she had her bag with her, he snuck a glance over to it, wouldn't hurt to check that theory he couldn't shake from his head from the other day as a good starting point.
[Thea couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched. She shivered, trying to focus on her coffee. Her hand shifted as she held the bitter liquid to her lips, the pin reflecting in the light of the coffee shop more. There was no mistaking it this time. To anyone who didn't know any better, the pin was innocuous, just there to keep the fraying strap in tact, but Reese did know better. It was Chimera's logo.]
Reese let his attention drift to what little other customers there were in the shop. He got confirmation of the pin, confirmation that the intel he'd been given about this particular area was right. Sure the pin on its own wouldn't be nearly enough proof, but it matched with the complexity of the blueprints she had with her the other day? There was no mistaking it. Chimera is here. So he continued to wipe down the counter, give her time to get used to him first. Well that was until the baker in the back had informed him they just finished the next batch of pastries, and to start making room.
Routine work, seperate out the older and hardened ones to hold aside for later. Mostly to donate to shelters later, the boss here was unusually good on the whole "pay it forward" idea, and Reese certainly appreciated it.
He took one strawberry scone out of the stack, wrapping it instead in wax paper and setting it on a plate with a syrup pot. Was this plan stupid? Absolutely. But it was worth a shot. keep up that caring and oblivious employee persona.
Counting out the other patrons of the shop, he pulled out three more of various flavors and set them out on the counter, before beginning to hand them out. One to each person, explaining to them quietly it was a promotional effort. (Surely his coworkers wouldn't get on him too much on it, he picked the best looking ones anyways).
Finally he got to Thea's table, setting down the original strawberry scone in front of her.
"Sorry to be a bother, we're doing a promotional offer of our scones, so this first one's on the house. I'll get that coffee refilled for you if you want." He smiled his best customer service smile, waving quickly before heading off to do just that. Taking barely any time to return with that refill.
"Hope everything is to your liking ma'am!"
Oh! Um...
[Even without the blueprints, the woman seemed more jumpy than most, bouncing in her seat slightly when he spoke.]
Thank you.
[She looked down at the scone as her coffee was filled...well, it was free, and it was already here...guess it couldn't hurt to try. She checked the time. 15 more minutes of freedom. She bit into the scone, savoring the taste. When "Ollie" returns she nods. She doesn't look up at him. Maybe if she didn't acknowledge the embarrassment of yesterday, he wouldn't either.]
It's very good, thank you.
He smiles, genuinely this time with a nod.
"I'm glad you like it! They're even better when they're fresh."
No need to go too indepth yet, or pry deeper. Just a regular customer and their friendly server. Thats all this is. So he returned back to his spot at the counter with no more fanfare than a polite wave goodbye. Keeping an eye on the time and the door to see when she'd leave.
His only gripe with this waiting game being that hes unable to put a name to a face, but he supposed that would be resolved by making sure he stays by the counter and is the one taking her order next time.
Hopefully there is a next time.
[Thea gets up quarter til 8, packaging the rest of of the scone and putting it in the bag before heading out.
There is indeed a next time. The very next day, Thea is back inside to order, this time getting another strawberry scone with her coffee.]
Reese had made sure to take his break early that day, ignoring the way his knees would protest this idea later in favor of making sure he was at the front counter for when this mystery person appeared once again. And his gamble paid off as he saw her walk through the doors.
"Greetings, welcome back!" He chirped happily, putting on his best charming smile for this encounter. "I see you liked that scone yesterday huh? I told you they were good." he winked, but rung up her order quickly. Filling up a cup of coffee for her as he continued to speak.
"The scones are just cooling in the oven now, if it wouldn't trouble you, could I get a name for the order? Just so I can call it for you when they're ready?"
[Thea blinks.]
Um, yeah sure. You can put Thea on it.
[She shifts awkwardly from side to side.]
"Thea, lovely name." He smiled, before handing her the coffee. "I'll call you when your order is ready." He paused, noticing how she seemed nervous, or at the very least out of it. "Unless you need anything else?"
Hm?
[Thea's cheeks go bright red.]
Oh, no, no, nothing, not at all I'm great.
He nods, seemingly taking her seriously. Before pausing with a slight look of worry on his face.
"Oh no, you're 'great?' But I thought you told me your name was Thea!" Reese sighs dramatically, before cracking a goofy smirk her way.
"Sorry, I couldn't waste a good set up like that."
......
[Thea laughs awkwardly at the bad joke, the pink shade now spreading across her face. She quickly takes her spot at her usual seat.]
Reese watches her curiously as she walks off, taking mental notes of that last reaction.
Was that what he thought it was? Is she interested in him?
Surely that's what that was, wasn't it? He wasn't sure how he felt about it, falling fast was never his speed. But he could certainly use it to his advantage. It would make information gathering easier.
As he pondered it, the oven timer went off, and before he knew it he was calling Thea back up to the counter to pick up her scone.
He would have carried it out to her like he had in the past, but with how he'd gotten her name for this, it'd be suspicious if he didn't follow through with calling her up. So he pulled her order out to plate it, wrap it up nicely in tissue paper, and set it out.
"Thea! Your order's ready!
[Thea enjoyed her time outside of Chimera. It was the closest thing to freedom she felt nowadays. She knew deep down that she was probably still being watched, but if she didn't think about it, she could pretend that her life was still normal for a little while. Here she was. Sitting in a coffee shop. Drinking coffee. Like normal people do. Working on blue prints for a new project. Like...well Thea was never good about being normal.]
@martin-thea
Reese had just finished off the last of the rush hour orders, towel thrown over his shoulders as he carefully washed and cleaned out all of the attachments to the espresso makers. When the Agency pitched this barista job to him as a way of staying undercover, they definitely failed to mention just how much work went into brewing a single order (why are people so allergic to ordering just a black coffee?!) but he always was a quick learner. Drying his hands off, he took another once over of his uniform, making sure the apron and its nameplate were both in order.
"Ollie" read back to him in friendly cursive chalk, pinned right over his heart where a breast pocket would be. Oliver Johnson, not his first pick for an alias, but it worked well enough that nobody seemed to notice. He took a deep breath, making sure to keep in character for the role. The job was just something to pass the time, keep appearances up in town so to speak, while he followed up on various leads. Something about one of Chimera's satellite bases being nearby, but never verified by a trusted source.
Quick surveillance and recon mission, that was all he got sent out on now. He preferred it that way, especially after....
He cleared his throat, noticing a peculiar newcomer to the shop just ahead, her coffee cup nearly empty, but that wasn't what drew his eye. No, there was something she was working on, spread out on the booth table in front of her that peaked his curiosity. He knew the distinct color and patterning of blueprint paper anywhere, most of his job was just knowing to identify and memorize anything on it after a few seconds of looking.
He drifted over with a fresh pot of coffee in tow, keeping an eye open for any other customers walking through the door, before carefully moving just in front of her eyeline, not wanting to disturb her, especially not startle her. Carefully, he refilled her cup for her, already taking mental notes of just what she was working on, and the complexity of it (just as a mental exercise, just to keep his mind sharp and nothing more).
He waited until she'd taken notice of him before speaking. "Sorry to disturb you ma'am, just noticed your cup was running dry. Need anything else? Our pastries are just to die for, and an absolute bargain to get."
[Thea folds the paper as soon as she notices him come over though not before he notices that the blueprint is for something vaguely mouse shaped.]
Uh no, no thank you. The coffee is just fine.
[She was never trained on how to keep her cool...Chimera might want to add some more modules to their onboarding with how much Thea's eyes are darting around the room now. Granted, prior to the incident she wouldn't have been as jumpy.]
"Alrighty then, let me know if you change your mind though."
He keeps his calm, to the world all the kind and caring employee making sure everyone's order is correct, but he takes note of where she's looking. Less on the particular locations and more on the fact she's nervous enough to feel the need to be looking anywhere but at him. Could just be any old techie making sure nobody steals their work before they patent it, but with the other information he's got about the surrounding area...
Well it never hurt to check things out first would it?
"I didn't startle you did I? Sorry about that, terrible manners. I'll head over to tend to the other tables then, my name's Ollie, just holler it if you need anything!"
He waved with a kind smile before heading off to refill cups at other tables. Keeping his appearance every part the normal service worker, and watch her from that distance. Particularly seeing if she pulls that blueprint back out. If his suspicions were right, all he'd need would be a quick glance at a company logo anywhere on the page.
If it was real, and a lead simply stumbled on his doorstep, well that certainly would be something for him to write home about.
[She nods politely at the server as he heads off. Thea is smart enough not to pull the blueprints backout, granted, she was stupid enough to bring them out in the first. She sighs, wiping her face with her hand. It's mostly healed, but there is clear evidence of scar tissue poking out from the fingerless gloves she wore. Her leg bounces, the nerves getting to her.]
[She quickly stands deciding to take her coffee to go. This was a mistake She picks up her satchel bag and heads to the door. On her way out, a metallic glint of a pin on the bag catches Reese's eye. It could be a trick of the light, but it looked very familiar.]
He noticed her leave and waved politely as she went, masking the disappointment from his face at her leaving so soon.
"Thank you for stopping by, come back soon!" He called back in a jovial tone, just as he does for every customer. Hopefully his forwardness hadn't scared her off. Oh Cynthia would never let him hear the end of it if he did.
The pin does catch his attention, but he knows better than to give chase just to see it again. Besides, the next wave of customers is starting to trickle in, and he needs to keep this job as long as he can.
[Thea does indeed come back soon. The next day in fact. Earlier in the morning, this time. Hopefully early enough that they don't have to deal with that barista again. God, that was embarrassing. The higher ups would have her head if they found out. She walks up the register, ordering a small black coffee and that she plans to sip and sulk before going back to hell. She sets her bag down next to her, a hand instinctively over it.]
Reese had been on break out back behind the shop because it was a quiet day, so when he returned to the front and saw that same mystery girl from the day prior sat at the same table she was when he'd first spotted her, well he couldn't help getting excited at that now could he?
He knew better this time around though, staying right where he was behind the counter, letting her relax in the shop and look on from afar. He could be patient, that was easy.
Seeing she had her bag with her, he snuck a glance over to it, wouldn't hurt to check that theory he couldn't shake from his head from the other day as a good starting point.
[Thea couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched. She shivered, trying to focus on her coffee. Her hand shifted as she held the bitter liquid to her lips, the pin reflecting in the light of the coffee shop more. There was no mistaking it this time. To anyone who didn't know any better, the pin was innocuous, just there to keep the fraying strap in tact, but Reese did know better. It was Chimera's logo.]
Reese let his attention drift to what little other customers there were in the shop. He got confirmation of the pin, confirmation that the intel he'd been given about this particular area was right. Sure the pin on its own wouldn't be nearly enough proof, but it matched with the complexity of the blueprints she had with her the other day? There was no mistaking it. Chimera is here. So he continued to wipe down the counter, give her time to get used to him first. Well that was until the baker in the back had informed him they just finished the next batch of pastries, and to start making room.
Routine work, seperate out the older and hardened ones to hold aside for later. Mostly to donate to shelters later, the boss here was unusually good on the whole "pay it forward" idea, and Reese certainly appreciated it.
He took one strawberry scone out of the stack, wrapping it instead in wax paper and setting it on a plate with a syrup pot. Was this plan stupid? Absolutely. But it was worth a shot. keep up that caring and oblivious employee persona.
Counting out the other patrons of the shop, he pulled out three more of various flavors and set them out on the counter, before beginning to hand them out. One to each person, explaining to them quietly it was a promotional effort. (Surely his coworkers wouldn't get on him too much on it, he picked the best looking ones anyways).
Finally he got to Thea's table, setting down the original strawberry scone in front of her.
"Sorry to be a bother, we're doing a promotional offer of our scones, so this first one's on the house. I'll get that coffee refilled for you if you want." He smiled his best customer service smile, waving quickly before heading off to do just that. Taking barely any time to return with that refill.
"Hope everything is to your liking ma'am!"
Oh! Um...
[Even without the blueprints, the woman seemed more jumpy than most, bouncing in her seat slightly when he spoke.]
Thank you.
[She looked down at the scone as her coffee was filled...well, it was free, and it was already here...guess it couldn't hurt to try. She checked the time. 15 more minutes of freedom. She bit into the scone, savoring the taste. When "Ollie" returns she nods. She doesn't look up at him. Maybe if she didn't acknowledge the embarrassment of yesterday, he wouldn't either.]
It's very good, thank you.
He smiles, genuinely this time with a nod.
"I'm glad you like it! They're even better when they're fresh."
No need to go too indepth yet, or pry deeper. Just a regular customer and their friendly server. Thats all this is. So he returned back to his spot at the counter with no more fanfare than a polite wave goodbye. Keeping an eye on the time and the door to see when she'd leave.
His only gripe with this waiting game being that hes unable to put a name to a face, but he supposed that would be resolved by making sure he stays by the counter and is the one taking her order next time.
Hopefully there is a next time.
[Thea gets up quarter til 8, packaging the rest of of the scone and putting it in the bag before heading out.
There is indeed a next time. The very next day, Thea is back inside to order, this time getting another strawberry scone with her coffee.]
Reese had made sure to take his break early that day, ignoring the way his knees would protest this idea later in favor of making sure he was at the front counter for when this mystery person appeared once again. And his gamble paid off as he saw her walk through the doors.
"Greetings, welcome back!" He chirped happily, putting on his best charming smile for this encounter. "I see you liked that scone yesterday huh? I told you they were good." he winked, but rung up her order quickly. Filling up a cup of coffee for her as he continued to speak.
"The scones are just cooling in the oven now, if it wouldn't trouble you, could I get a name for the order? Just so I can call it for you when they're ready?"
[Thea blinks.]
Um, yeah sure. You can put Thea on it.
[She shifts awkwardly from side to side.]
"Thea, lovely name." He smiled, before handing her the coffee. "I'll call you when your order is ready." He paused, noticing how she seemed nervous, or at the very least out of it. "Unless you need anything else?"
Hm?
[Thea's cheeks go bright red.]
Oh, no, no, nothing, not at all I'm great.
He nods, seemingly taking her seriously. Before pausing with a slight look of worry on his face.
"Oh no, you're 'great?' But I thought you told me your name was Thea!" Reese sighs dramatically, before cracking a goofy smirk her way.
"Sorry, I couldn't waste a good set up like that."
[Thea enjoyed her time outside of Chimera. It was the closest thing to freedom she felt nowadays. She knew deep down that she was probably still being watched, but if she didn't think about it, she could pretend that her life was still normal for a little while. Here she was. Sitting in a coffee shop. Drinking coffee. Like normal people do. Working on blue prints for a new project. Like...well Thea was never good about being normal.]
@martin-thea
Reese had just finished off the last of the rush hour orders, towel thrown over his shoulders as he carefully washed and cleaned out all of the attachments to the espresso makers. When the Agency pitched this barista job to him as a way of staying undercover, they definitely failed to mention just how much work went into brewing a single order (why are people so allergic to ordering just a black coffee?!) but he always was a quick learner. Drying his hands off, he took another once over of his uniform, making sure the apron and its nameplate were both in order.
"Ollie" read back to him in friendly cursive chalk, pinned right over his heart where a breast pocket would be. Oliver Johnson, not his first pick for an alias, but it worked well enough that nobody seemed to notice. He took a deep breath, making sure to keep in character for the role. The job was just something to pass the time, keep appearances up in town so to speak, while he followed up on various leads. Something about one of Chimera's satellite bases being nearby, but never verified by a trusted source.
Quick surveillance and recon mission, that was all he got sent out on now. He preferred it that way, especially after....
He cleared his throat, noticing a peculiar newcomer to the shop just ahead, her coffee cup nearly empty, but that wasn't what drew his eye. No, there was something she was working on, spread out on the booth table in front of her that peaked his curiosity. He knew the distinct color and patterning of blueprint paper anywhere, most of his job was just knowing to identify and memorize anything on it after a few seconds of looking.
He drifted over with a fresh pot of coffee in tow, keeping an eye open for any other customers walking through the door, before carefully moving just in front of her eyeline, not wanting to disturb her, especially not startle her. Carefully, he refilled her cup for her, already taking mental notes of just what she was working on, and the complexity of it (just as a mental exercise, just to keep his mind sharp and nothing more).
He waited until she'd taken notice of him before speaking. "Sorry to disturb you ma'am, just noticed your cup was running dry. Need anything else? Our pastries are just to die for, and an absolute bargain to get."
[Thea folds the paper as soon as she notices him come over though not before he notices that the blueprint is for something vaguely mouse shaped.]
Uh no, no thank you. The coffee is just fine.
[She was never trained on how to keep her cool...Chimera might want to add some more modules to their onboarding with how much Thea's eyes are darting around the room now. Granted, prior to the incident she wouldn't have been as jumpy.]
"Alrighty then, let me know if you change your mind though."
He keeps his calm, to the world all the kind and caring employee making sure everyone's order is correct, but he takes note of where she's looking. Less on the particular locations and more on the fact she's nervous enough to feel the need to be looking anywhere but at him. Could just be any old techie making sure nobody steals their work before they patent it, but with the other information he's got about the surrounding area...
Well it never hurt to check things out first would it?
"I didn't startle you did I? Sorry about that, terrible manners. I'll head over to tend to the other tables then, my name's Ollie, just holler it if you need anything!"
He waved with a kind smile before heading off to refill cups at other tables. Keeping his appearance every part the normal service worker, and watch her from that distance. Particularly seeing if she pulls that blueprint back out. If his suspicions were right, all he'd need would be a quick glance at a company logo anywhere on the page.
If it was real, and a lead simply stumbled on his doorstep, well that certainly would be something for him to write home about.
[She nods politely at the server as he heads off. Thea is smart enough not to pull the blueprints backout, granted, she was stupid enough to bring them out in the first. She sighs, wiping her face with her hand. It's mostly healed, but there is clear evidence of scar tissue poking out from the fingerless gloves she wore. Her leg bounces, the nerves getting to her.]
[She quickly stands deciding to take her coffee to go. This was a mistake She picks up her satchel bag and heads to the door. On her way out, a metallic glint of a pin on the bag catches Reese's eye. It could be a trick of the light, but it looked very familiar.]
He noticed her leave and waved politely as she went, masking the disappointment from his face at her leaving so soon.
"Thank you for stopping by, come back soon!" He called back in a jovial tone, just as he does for every customer. Hopefully his forwardness hadn't scared her off. Oh Cynthia would never let him hear the end of it if he did.
The pin does catch his attention, but he knows better than to give chase just to see it again. Besides, the next wave of customers is starting to trickle in, and he needs to keep this job as long as he can.
[Thea does indeed come back soon. The next day in fact. Earlier in the morning, this time. Hopefully early enough that they don't have to deal with that barista again. God, that was embarrassing. The higher ups would have her head if they found out. She walks up the register, ordering a small black coffee and that she plans to sip and sulk before going back to hell. She sets her bag down next to her, a hand instinctively over it.]
Reese had been on break out back behind the shop because it was a quiet day, so when he returned to the front and saw that same mystery girl from the day prior sat at the same table she was when he'd first spotted her, well he couldn't help getting excited at that now could he?
He knew better this time around though, staying right where he was behind the counter, letting her relax in the shop and look on from afar. He could be patient, that was easy.
Seeing she had her bag with her, he snuck a glance over to it, wouldn't hurt to check that theory he couldn't shake from his head from the other day as a good starting point.
[Thea couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched. She shivered, trying to focus on her coffee. Her hand shifted as she held the bitter liquid to her lips, the pin reflecting in the light of the coffee shop more. There was no mistaking it this time. To anyone who didn't know any better, the pin was innocuous, just there to keep the fraying strap in tact, but Reese did know better. It was Chimera's logo.]
Reese let his attention drift to what little other customers there were in the shop. He got confirmation of the pin, confirmation that the intel he'd been given about this particular area was right. Sure the pin on its own wouldn't be nearly enough proof, but it matched with the complexity of the blueprints she had with her the other day? There was no mistaking it. Chimera is here. So he continued to wipe down the counter, give her time to get used to him first. Well that was until the baker in the back had informed him they just finished the next batch of pastries, and to start making room.
Routine work, seperate out the older and hardened ones to hold aside for later. Mostly to donate to shelters later, the boss here was unusually good on the whole "pay it forward" idea, and Reese certainly appreciated it.
He took one strawberry scone out of the stack, wrapping it instead in wax paper and setting it on a plate with a syrup pot. Was this plan stupid? Absolutely. But it was worth a shot. keep up that caring and oblivious employee persona.
Counting out the other patrons of the shop, he pulled out three more of various flavors and set them out on the counter, before beginning to hand them out. One to each person, explaining to them quietly it was a promotional effort. (Surely his coworkers wouldn't get on him too much on it, he picked the best looking ones anyways).
Finally he got to Thea's table, setting down the original strawberry scone in front of her.
"Sorry to be a bother, we're doing a promotional offer of our scones, so this first one's on the house. I'll get that coffee refilled for you if you want." He smiled his best customer service smile, waving quickly before heading off to do just that. Taking barely any time to return with that refill.
"Hope everything is to your liking ma'am!"
Oh! Um...
[Even without the blueprints, the woman seemed more jumpy than most, bouncing in her seat slightly when he spoke.]
Thank you.
[She looked down at the scone as her coffee was filled...well, it was free, and it was already here...guess it couldn't hurt to try. She checked the time. 15 more minutes of freedom. She bit into the scone, savoring the taste. When "Ollie" returns she nods. She doesn't look up at him. Maybe if she didn't acknowledge the embarrassment of yesterday, he wouldn't either.]
It's very good, thank you.
He smiles, genuinely this time with a nod.
"I'm glad you like it! They're even better when they're fresh."
No need to go too indepth yet, or pry deeper. Just a regular customer and their friendly server. Thats all this is. So he returned back to his spot at the counter with no more fanfare than a polite wave goodbye. Keeping an eye on the time and the door to see when she'd leave.
His only gripe with this waiting game being that hes unable to put a name to a face, but he supposed that would be resolved by making sure he stays by the counter and is the one taking her order next time.
Hopefully there is a next time.
[Thea gets up quarter til 8, packaging the rest of of the scone and putting it in the bag before heading out.
There is indeed a next time. The very next day, Thea is back inside to order, this time getting another strawberry scone with her coffee.]
Reese had made sure to take his break early that day, ignoring the way his knees would protest this idea later in favor of making sure he was at the front counter for when this mystery person appeared once again. And his gamble paid off as he saw her walk through the doors.
"Greetings, welcome back!" He chirped happily, putting on his best charming smile for this encounter. "I see you liked that scone yesterday huh? I told you they were good." he winked, but rung up her order quickly. Filling up a cup of coffee for her as he continued to speak.
"The scones are just cooling in the oven now, if it wouldn't trouble you, could I get a name for the order? Just so I can call it for you when they're ready?"
[Thea blinks.]
Um, yeah sure. You can put Thea on it.
[She shifts awkwardly from side to side.]
"Thea, lovely name." He smiled, before handing her the coffee. "I'll call you when your order is ready." He paused, noticing how she seemed nervous, or at the very least out of it. "Unless you need anything else?"
