He nodded solemnly, a silent affirmation of all the thoughts of horror which were pulsing their way through his friend's brain. Yeah, it was shit. Minimum wage was pretty shit all around. Cringe be damned, the twitter people were right. Manuel's expression more or less maintained itself as he was interrogated (definitely not as intense as that, but this was Johnny, so it just felt that way by default. Rolling with it as usual, he grinned and gave a small scoff. His tone was lowered back to bro's ears only.
"Eh, not this time. Loss streak on my part. Not really into anyone lately anyway..." ...Why was he thinking about her, right now?
Another bout of pleasant conversation was erupted by a sound that was now familiar to him despite him having heard it less than five times: staff bathroom door opening. SHit, manager, manager, look busy, how, how- uh- lean off table- looks sus- find other spot- customers- serve- Emma???
His eyes swivelled around in their sockets and landed on a specific order being upped, and order he remembered as the Emma table's. Completely disregarding the fact he wasn't their waiter (their actual waiter would probably feel relieved anyway), his rapidly formulated plan was sprung into action as he picked the tray up and bustled it riiight over to Draken-whatever's table. Down it went on the table, completely normal waiter activities, completely normal in the eyes of the now-starting-to-be-kind-of-weird manager who kept staring at the new kid.
"Heeeere y'all go."
Wink.
Anotheeeerrrrr expert play by number 5.
Shakes 'n' Bakes
February 1st - Open
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LYourLocalAutist
- Posts: 288
- Joined: Sun May 19, 2024 2:50 pm
- Location: IN YOUR HEAAAAD IN YOUR HEAAAAAAAAD ZOMBIE, ZOMBIE, ZOMBIE-E-E
The V9 Children themselves:
The Machininst - Raya Loux The Petite - Sylvie Rattray-Aubert The Forlorn - Céline Sharpe The Tough Guy - Manuel "Mañana" Hernández And here's outdated info about them plus where (not all of) their relationships are: viewtopic.php?t=9024
The Machininst - Raya Loux The Petite - Sylvie Rattray-Aubert The Forlorn - Céline Sharpe The Tough Guy - Manuel "Mañana" Hernández And here's outdated info about them plus where (not all of) their relationships are: viewtopic.php?t=9024
Emma didn't say much to Riley, until their food came from Manuel himself. Emma grinned when she saw him cover their food to their table. Riley got herself a set of 5 mini pancakes with Nutella and strawberries with her small lavender-colored milkshake with whipped cream and sprinkles.
Emma's french toast was a tricked-out mesh of colors and flavors that also in the style of a 50's sundae.
Emma tried to make sure that Manuel's manager wasn't being eagle eyes onto him, so Emma can share a talk.
"Manuel, what are you doing here? Since when do you work here?" Emma managed to do a subtle whisper to Manuel, hoping no one else heard.
Emma's french toast was a tricked-out mesh of colors and flavors that also in the style of a 50's sundae.
Emma tried to make sure that Manuel's manager wasn't being eagle eyes onto him, so Emma can share a talk.
"Manuel, what are you doing here? Since when do you work here?" Emma managed to do a subtle whisper to Manuel, hoping no one else heard.
Johnny nodded his head with a tight-lipped smile. After some of the horror stories Manny shared about Mona, he could hardly blame the guy for being in no rush to dive back into the dating game.
From the look of things they were both at risk of entering Valentine's Day as singles. Not like that'd be the end of the world or anything, Johnny tried to not take this kinda thing too seriously. That right there was a slippery slope that led to you sitting in on pick-up guru livestreams - no bueno, por favor.
Still, this was going to be their last Valentine's Day... As in their last before they all graduate and go to college and stuff, obviously. Point being, it'd be nice to spend his last high school V-Day with someone special, y'know?
Only question then was who... Well, maybe who not to start with, the list being pretty long at this point. He had his fair share of exes - Rita, Ivy, Maggie to name a few - and folks who already turned him down, so he could probably rule 'em out.
Then there were the girls who were already hooked up with someone, like Marcy and... Clarissa? She and Michael were dating now, right? Which was good! He still remembered their date pretty fondly, even if they mostly spent it doing car talk instead of any couple stuff. For a girl he only ever went on a single date with, they hit it off pretty well - maybe too well, depending on how you look at it. Nowadays the thought of going out with her felt weird, like dating your best friend or step-sister or something.
Probably for the best. After all, he was Johnny Benowitz! She deserved better.
Anyway, he finished his bagel with a couple more satisfying noms, before washing it down with a glug of coke. Hmm, was a little flat. Ah well, it was the novelty that counted.
All the while, he couldn't resist peeking over his shoulder to see what Manny and Emma were up to, lips wrapped around a metal straw to slurp away some more.
From the look of things they were both at risk of entering Valentine's Day as singles. Not like that'd be the end of the world or anything, Johnny tried to not take this kinda thing too seriously. That right there was a slippery slope that led to you sitting in on pick-up guru livestreams - no bueno, por favor.
Still, this was going to be their last Valentine's Day... As in their last before they all graduate and go to college and stuff, obviously. Point being, it'd be nice to spend his last high school V-Day with someone special, y'know?
Only question then was who... Well, maybe who not to start with, the list being pretty long at this point. He had his fair share of exes - Rita, Ivy, Maggie to name a few - and folks who already turned him down, so he could probably rule 'em out.
Then there were the girls who were already hooked up with someone, like Marcy and... Clarissa? She and Michael were dating now, right? Which was good! He still remembered their date pretty fondly, even if they mostly spent it doing car talk instead of any couple stuff. For a girl he only ever went on a single date with, they hit it off pretty well - maybe too well, depending on how you look at it. Nowadays the thought of going out with her felt weird, like dating your best friend or step-sister or something.
Probably for the best. After all, he was Johnny Benowitz! She deserved better.
Anyway, he finished his bagel with a couple more satisfying noms, before washing it down with a glug of coke. Hmm, was a little flat. Ah well, it was the novelty that counted.
All the while, he couldn't resist peeking over his shoulder to see what Manny and Emma were up to, lips wrapped around a metal straw to slurp away some more.
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lanzandpine
- Posts: 41
- Joined: Tue Feb 18, 2025 6:29 am
The lightest, faintest clacking.
[David Whitehead enters the pregame scene for the first time.]
What a refreshing, familial sound, a homely feeling. A nice morning, too. The Las Vegas February seemed to be quite kind. David only had a blazer on, a bright blue shirt and white long-sleeve underneath it. He stopped walking to look at the time on his phone. Around an hour and a half had passed already. He did have a nice, filling breakfast today – some toast and an omelet with tomatoes (he used 4 eggs, as he usually does), a familiar and calming meal. Yet David still felt himself peckish. He supposed that it was only natural. Waking up early just to walk around places that aren’t so picturesque and breathe in the air that isn’t so clean certainly invites hunger. Still, he couldn’t help himself; there was something about this city and about this routine that soothed him, like an ointment soothes a burn. And he certainly couldn’t help himself but feeling like some beautifully unhealthy food.
David put his poles back in his hands, a low hum leaving his lips, and continued walking. What should he treat himself to today? Fast food was always a fit option, if not at all perfect. The signature taste of the frozen patty, the corporate sauce and the pickles — by Jove, the pickles — was one that was just as appalling as it was attractive. But no, his stomach felt like something else this time. Another hum escaped him, one that didn’t fit the natural smile on his face. He looked like a cat bathing in the sunlight – satisfied, untroubled, steeped in a constant daily joy. But even felines have to make decisions sometimes, as would David as he stopped in his tracks.
He wasn’t quite sure whether he had already seen this place somewhere. It certainly looks and sounds common. It’s called Shakes ‘n’ Bakes, a name with such a familiar ring to it that David swore that at least 30 more stores of the same name and appearance could be found on the Strip alone. But that was not necessarily a bad thing. He felt a deep rumbling in his stomach, akin to the call of a siren, and before he even knew it, he had begun walking to the entrance. A comfort can certainly be found in these kinds of places, and that was, at times, far more valuable than anything a five-star restaurant with a 47-page menu could provide (except for the feeling of being safe against food poisoning). David could already feel the warmth of the food, the bitter-sourness of the drip diner coffee, the rattling of the dishes and the cheesiness of the aesthetic. All of this held such a beautiful, familiar comfort – the arche of a good life. Just one more step, and he would be welcomed into the breakfast bosom…
The first thing he heard as he entered the diner was the music. Yes, this was certainly homely, certainly inviting. David immediately picked his direction and went for quite the horrifying spot – the counter seats. It was as if those plastic, red stools called to him with how little hesitation he had in his choice. What an absolute lunatic, he thought to himself about this David fellow. Well, he was planning to simply eat something and go back on his walk, after all, not sit around taking in the atmosphere, as attractive as that prospect was. David sat down, leaning his poles against the counter, quite unconsciously wearing a relaxed smile on his lips all the time. Who knew that someone is able to smile in the morning in this world? David immediately thought of getting a nice, big omelet, covered with bacon and topped with just one (he was, after all, just a little hungry, not ravenous) and a coffee. He wondered if the creamer’s any good.
[David Whitehead enters the pregame scene for the first time.]
What a refreshing, familial sound, a homely feeling. A nice morning, too. The Las Vegas February seemed to be quite kind. David only had a blazer on, a bright blue shirt and white long-sleeve underneath it. He stopped walking to look at the time on his phone. Around an hour and a half had passed already. He did have a nice, filling breakfast today – some toast and an omelet with tomatoes (he used 4 eggs, as he usually does), a familiar and calming meal. Yet David still felt himself peckish. He supposed that it was only natural. Waking up early just to walk around places that aren’t so picturesque and breathe in the air that isn’t so clean certainly invites hunger. Still, he couldn’t help himself; there was something about this city and about this routine that soothed him, like an ointment soothes a burn. And he certainly couldn’t help himself but feeling like some beautifully unhealthy food.
David put his poles back in his hands, a low hum leaving his lips, and continued walking. What should he treat himself to today? Fast food was always a fit option, if not at all perfect. The signature taste of the frozen patty, the corporate sauce and the pickles — by Jove, the pickles — was one that was just as appalling as it was attractive. But no, his stomach felt like something else this time. Another hum escaped him, one that didn’t fit the natural smile on his face. He looked like a cat bathing in the sunlight – satisfied, untroubled, steeped in a constant daily joy. But even felines have to make decisions sometimes, as would David as he stopped in his tracks.
He wasn’t quite sure whether he had already seen this place somewhere. It certainly looks and sounds common. It’s called Shakes ‘n’ Bakes, a name with such a familiar ring to it that David swore that at least 30 more stores of the same name and appearance could be found on the Strip alone. But that was not necessarily a bad thing. He felt a deep rumbling in his stomach, akin to the call of a siren, and before he even knew it, he had begun walking to the entrance. A comfort can certainly be found in these kinds of places, and that was, at times, far more valuable than anything a five-star restaurant with a 47-page menu could provide (except for the feeling of being safe against food poisoning). David could already feel the warmth of the food, the bitter-sourness of the drip diner coffee, the rattling of the dishes and the cheesiness of the aesthetic. All of this held such a beautiful, familiar comfort – the arche of a good life. Just one more step, and he would be welcomed into the breakfast bosom…
The first thing he heard as he entered the diner was the music. Yes, this was certainly homely, certainly inviting. David immediately picked his direction and went for quite the horrifying spot – the counter seats. It was as if those plastic, red stools called to him with how little hesitation he had in his choice. What an absolute lunatic, he thought to himself about this David fellow. Well, he was planning to simply eat something and go back on his walk, after all, not sit around taking in the atmosphere, as attractive as that prospect was. David sat down, leaning his poles against the counter, quite unconsciously wearing a relaxed smile on his lips all the time. Who knew that someone is able to smile in the morning in this world? David immediately thought of getting a nice, big omelet, covered with bacon and topped with just one (he was, after all, just a little hungry, not ravenous) and a coffee. He wondered if the creamer’s any good.
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LYourLocalAutist
- Posts: 288
- Joined: Sun May 19, 2024 2:50 pm
- Location: IN YOUR HEAAAAD IN YOUR HEAAAAAAAAD ZOMBIE, ZOMBIE, ZOMBIE-E-E
Manuel took little notice of the diner's new arrival, his focus more turned towards trying to look busy in front of the as-of-today big man in the fuckass pinstripe shirt standing cross-armed some ways behind the counter, and this meant catering to Emma and Emma (small). Maintaining his best (which really, really wasn't that good in this scenario) smile, he employed the next part of his master plan. First, deploy the voiceline (loud):
"So, is there anything else I can get for you?"
Juuust that sound level to reach the manager's ears and probably/hopefully earn a satisfied nod at the new kid from him. Manuel wasn't turning around to check, what did you think he was, crazy? He seamlessly continued the plan in the form of dropping the second voiceline, a reply to Emma's query.
"Literally since today. Folks're tryna get me to pump up my CV." He quickly and subtly explained, still shooting no looks over his shoulder. Not to his manager, not to his friend, and not to the third fucking kid from school who'd walked in here today and positioned himself right next to his friend. No sir, too busy leaning down and trying to stall for as long as humanly possible. But in the end, that was a defender's job, and Manuel was getting unsure as to how long he could keep it up.
"So, is there anything else I can get for you?"
Juuust that sound level to reach the manager's ears and probably/hopefully earn a satisfied nod at the new kid from him. Manuel wasn't turning around to check, what did you think he was, crazy? He seamlessly continued the plan in the form of dropping the second voiceline, a reply to Emma's query.
"Literally since today. Folks're tryna get me to pump up my CV." He quickly and subtly explained, still shooting no looks over his shoulder. Not to his manager, not to his friend, and not to the third fucking kid from school who'd walked in here today and positioned himself right next to his friend. No sir, too busy leaning down and trying to stall for as long as humanly possible. But in the end, that was a defender's job, and Manuel was getting unsure as to how long he could keep it up.
The V9 Children themselves:
The Machininst - Raya Loux The Petite - Sylvie Rattray-Aubert The Forlorn - Céline Sharpe The Tough Guy - Manuel "Mañana" Hernández And here's outdated info about them plus where (not all of) their relationships are: viewtopic.php?t=9024
The Machininst - Raya Loux The Petite - Sylvie Rattray-Aubert The Forlorn - Céline Sharpe The Tough Guy - Manuel "Mañana" Hernández And here's outdated info about them plus where (not all of) their relationships are: viewtopic.php?t=9024
Emma and Riley had their plates be set down in front of them at their table by their waiter Manuel. Manuel asked them if there is anything else that they would like, though it was good to get some extra maple syrup in there. "Some extra syrup for us." Emma said, until she noticed that Manuel was making sure that the manager wasn't eyeing him. Around the same time, another guy who looked like he attended high school also entered the diner.
Manuel whispered to Emma that he just started this job, so she couldn't blow it for him unless he decided to quit out right. It didn't sound like Manuel wanted the waiter job. His parents must have arranged it for him. "It could've been worse. They might have forced you to work elsewhere in Strawberry Letter Pavilion. There's Walmart to worry about." Emma said, making sure that her voice was in a whisper to match Manuel's tone.
"Get us that syrup, so you can keep your job. I tip you something extra, if it helps." Emma did want to be generous. Her silence on Manuel working at a diner job while wearing the most goofiest outfit possible was also golden.
Manuel whispered to Emma that he just started this job, so she couldn't blow it for him unless he decided to quit out right. It didn't sound like Manuel wanted the waiter job. His parents must have arranged it for him. "It could've been worse. They might have forced you to work elsewhere in Strawberry Letter Pavilion. There's Walmart to worry about." Emma said, making sure that her voice was in a whisper to match Manuel's tone.
"Get us that syrup, so you can keep your job. I tip you something extra, if it helps." Emma did want to be generous. Her silence on Manuel working at a diner job while wearing the most goofiest outfit possible was also golden.
HMMmm. Didn't seem like there was anything interesting going on at Emma's table, granted he could barely hear a word. Either way Johnny's attention swiftly returned to his coke float, grabbing a spoon to scoop out a mouthful of half-melted ice cream. Mmm, now that's more like it.
He found himself returning to his previous train of thought, pondering over who else in his class was at risk of being dateless come Valentine's. Sylvie? Naah, she'd been eyeing Claude for a while. Besides she was just a little too, uh... Youthful, y'know?
What about Stella? No wait, didn't she already have a boyfriend? Maybe? Hmm...
Was Joanne dating anyone at the moment? He could never remember... Something to look into, maybe.
There was of course the little voice that kept whispering at the back of his head. One of those annoying little intrusive thoughts that wouldn't go away...
He was only thinking of girls, so far. What about...
His eyes drifted - as they occasionally did - to the large mural of 50's movie stars on the far end of the diner. A holdover from Shakes 'n' Bakes' past, the big centrepiece being a startlingly accurate recreation of Marlon Brando as Stanley Kowalski. Broody eyes, tight-fitting t-shirt, ripped muscles...
Johnny coughed and sputtered, choking slightly on his drink. He thumped his chest and glanced to the side, finally noticing that another of his classmates had arrived. "W-went down the wrong pipe!"
He found himself returning to his previous train of thought, pondering over who else in his class was at risk of being dateless come Valentine's. Sylvie? Naah, she'd been eyeing Claude for a while. Besides she was just a little too, uh... Youthful, y'know?
What about Stella? No wait, didn't she already have a boyfriend? Maybe? Hmm...
Was Joanne dating anyone at the moment? He could never remember... Something to look into, maybe.
There was of course the little voice that kept whispering at the back of his head. One of those annoying little intrusive thoughts that wouldn't go away...
He was only thinking of girls, so far. What about...
His eyes drifted - as they occasionally did - to the large mural of 50's movie stars on the far end of the diner. A holdover from Shakes 'n' Bakes' past, the big centrepiece being a startlingly accurate recreation of Marlon Brando as Stanley Kowalski. Broody eyes, tight-fitting t-shirt, ripped muscles...
Johnny coughed and sputtered, choking slightly on his drink. He thumped his chest and glanced to the side, finally noticing that another of his classmates had arrived. "W-went down the wrong pipe!"
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lanzandpine
- Posts: 41
- Joined: Tue Feb 18, 2025 6:29 am
A soft, fluffy (and oily) breakfast omelet with cheese, topped with crispy, greasy bacon and pan-fried sausage, with fresh tomatoes — cherry tomatoes would be perfect — adding a beautiful, healthy red color to the platter. A mug of coffee and two spoons of sugar, with just the right amount of blessed 100% United States of America creamer. Perhaps just a bit of toast would work quite well, with butter. Yes, the sacred recipe for a good morning. One look at the menu was enough to send David into breakfast delusions. He didn’t even get to order anything yet, but he already felt like he was having the meal of champions.
The synthesis between the 50s and the 80s in this establishment really made it easy to lose yourself in this modern, damning comfort. David looked around the place. The uniforms certainly fit this aesthetic quite well, even if worn by such a tall, almost imposing figure. For a moment he wondered if he actually recognized them, but he waved that thought away quite quickly. Even if he did, it should come as no surprise — the world is smaller than we think it is. Besides, it seemed that he could finally order something. David looked at the waiter behind the counter with a smile, quite quickly ordered what he wanted and mumbled a very subtle “thank you”. Truly, the counter seat was the perfect decision, so full of life, so full of… various smells, too.
The man next to him fell into a fit of coughing. David gave him a glance, not furtive at all. Immediately, his eyebrows were raised, an even bigger smile adorning his face. What is that? Last time he checked, they were in the 2020s. Frankly, David thought that hairdo was, at this point, kind of cool, but still, what is that? Right, Las Vegas, of course. ‘Whoa mama’.
“You alright?” David asked the pompadour-man. His smile was in no way supposed to be mocking, rather the opposite; he thought that this was quite the lovable appearance, no matter how clichéd and dated it is. Well, it shouldn’t come as a surprise, this whole establishment was clichéd and dated, perhaps even more than that slick hair and sideburns and varsity jacket. For a single, short moment, he swore that he had seen this person around somewhere already. But then he remembered that this was their dear Las Vegas, NV, and that there surely was no shortage of these appearances.
The synthesis between the 50s and the 80s in this establishment really made it easy to lose yourself in this modern, damning comfort. David looked around the place. The uniforms certainly fit this aesthetic quite well, even if worn by such a tall, almost imposing figure. For a moment he wondered if he actually recognized them, but he waved that thought away quite quickly. Even if he did, it should come as no surprise — the world is smaller than we think it is. Besides, it seemed that he could finally order something. David looked at the waiter behind the counter with a smile, quite quickly ordered what he wanted and mumbled a very subtle “thank you”. Truly, the counter seat was the perfect decision, so full of life, so full of… various smells, too.
The man next to him fell into a fit of coughing. David gave him a glance, not furtive at all. Immediately, his eyebrows were raised, an even bigger smile adorning his face. What is that? Last time he checked, they were in the 2020s. Frankly, David thought that hairdo was, at this point, kind of cool, but still, what is that? Right, Las Vegas, of course. ‘Whoa mama’.
“You alright?” David asked the pompadour-man. His smile was in no way supposed to be mocking, rather the opposite; he thought that this was quite the lovable appearance, no matter how clichéd and dated it is. Well, it shouldn’t come as a surprise, this whole establishment was clichéd and dated, perhaps even more than that slick hair and sideburns and varsity jacket. For a single, short moment, he swore that he had seen this person around somewhere already. But then he remembered that this was their dear Las Vegas, NV, and that there surely was no shortage of these appearances.
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LYourLocalAutist
- Posts: 288
- Joined: Sun May 19, 2024 2:50 pm
- Location: IN YOUR HEAAAAD IN YOUR HEAAAAAAAAD ZOMBIE, ZOMBIE, ZOMBIE-E-E
Woahkay, extra syrup. Something to keep the man(uel) busy, very efficient. He nodded, maintaining his smile, and sought to lean backwards and straighten his posture to head out and fulfil that order— only to be brought right back down by a sudden whispered response on Emma's part. Ah, well. If it looked like they were still talking, it still looked like Manuel was working. He began to nod along with Emma's whispers, his arms still raised, and he held the notepad and pen but wrote nothing down. He shivered slightly at the mention of Walmart, and recognized the woman's point; at least he wasn't in true wagie hell. Here, at least, the smell was food and not linoleum and baby powder.
He also nodded, albeit with more conviction, at the mention of a tip. He'd, uh, forgotten those existed, even as many times as he'd given them out when he himself went out to eat. A small grin spread across his face. Sure, there were several classmates present— but it looked like their zipped lips were all but guaranteed. "Right away, Miss." He spoke, standing straight back up, giving one of those two-fingered casual mock salutes before turning right around and marching off to collect return with the prize.
...Only to run right into his bro coughing his brains out.
"Shit- uh- you good?"
He quickly pulled up to check on him, as was a totally normal waiter activity (though he hoped that no one else nearby had caught the s-bomb he'd dropped). His hands hovered around, unsure where to go as Johnny thumped his chest. Looked like he had this under control himself, anyway. It was then that he noticed the person sitting next to Johnny. It took him a moment to recognize him. Manuel was close to a lot of people, but some people's names slipped even his mind, even if he could tell they went to the same school. Or at least looked the age to do so. A realization hit him, though, as he made a last check on Johnny to make sure he was fine— it didn't really matter who the other boy was was, when he was in here, he was a customer. And Manuel, at the moment, was a waiter. Right, smile back on, keep the work flowing.
He took the short walk to the other boy's spot and got his pen and pad in position, all the while scratching at files in the back of his mind to find a name while the forefront was focused on the task at hand.
"Uh, sorry 'bout that... welcome to Shake 'n' Bake, may I take your order?"
'May'. Nailed it.
He also nodded, albeit with more conviction, at the mention of a tip. He'd, uh, forgotten those existed, even as many times as he'd given them out when he himself went out to eat. A small grin spread across his face. Sure, there were several classmates present— but it looked like their zipped lips were all but guaranteed. "Right away, Miss." He spoke, standing straight back up, giving one of those two-fingered casual mock salutes before turning right around and marching off to collect return with the prize.
...Only to run right into his bro coughing his brains out.
"Shit- uh- you good?"
He quickly pulled up to check on him, as was a totally normal waiter activity (though he hoped that no one else nearby had caught the s-bomb he'd dropped). His hands hovered around, unsure where to go as Johnny thumped his chest. Looked like he had this under control himself, anyway. It was then that he noticed the person sitting next to Johnny. It took him a moment to recognize him. Manuel was close to a lot of people, but some people's names slipped even his mind, even if he could tell they went to the same school. Or at least looked the age to do so. A realization hit him, though, as he made a last check on Johnny to make sure he was fine— it didn't really matter who the other boy was was, when he was in here, he was a customer. And Manuel, at the moment, was a waiter. Right, smile back on, keep the work flowing.
He took the short walk to the other boy's spot and got his pen and pad in position, all the while scratching at files in the back of his mind to find a name while the forefront was focused on the task at hand.
"Uh, sorry 'bout that... welcome to Shake 'n' Bake, may I take your order?"
'May'. Nailed it.
The V9 Children themselves:
The Machininst - Raya Loux The Petite - Sylvie Rattray-Aubert The Forlorn - Céline Sharpe The Tough Guy - Manuel "Mañana" Hernández And here's outdated info about them plus where (not all of) their relationships are: viewtopic.php?t=9024
The Machininst - Raya Loux The Petite - Sylvie Rattray-Aubert The Forlorn - Céline Sharpe The Tough Guy - Manuel "Mañana" Hernández And here's outdated info about them plus where (not all of) their relationships are: viewtopic.php?t=9024
Emma watched when Manuel had that glint in his eyes when she mentioned giving him a tip for extra syrup. He turned and started to went over to the counter. Emma couldn't help but grin at Riley.
"Need to support your fellow bros at school-" Emma was about to say more, but she heard someone coughing loudly. Manuel had went over to check up on that Johnny Bravo wannabe and was going to be taking another order from the guy who walked in. Must be a busy day at Shakes 'n' Bakes.
"Make sure you eat small bites. I don't want to have to do a Heimlich on you when we're having breakfast." Emma warned Riley, who nodded at her. Emma did have some pieces of her french toast, while sipping some water. For a decked-out plate of french toast, it tasted mostly of cake frosting. Her shit was probably going to look like a multi-colored galaxy tonight from all of the food coloring.
"Need to support your fellow bros at school-" Emma was about to say more, but she heard someone coughing loudly. Manuel had went over to check up on that Johnny Bravo wannabe and was going to be taking another order from the guy who walked in. Must be a busy day at Shakes 'n' Bakes.
"Make sure you eat small bites. I don't want to have to do a Heimlich on you when we're having breakfast." Emma warned Riley, who nodded at her. Emma did have some pieces of her french toast, while sipping some water. For a decked-out plate of french toast, it tasted mostly of cake frosting. Her shit was probably going to look like a multi-colored galaxy tonight from all of the food coloring.
Johnny cleared his throat, flashing his classmates a fingergun each. "Nevah bettah! *Cough*"
No siree, he wasn't seeing angels just yet. Hunky angels, with chiselled abs, and firm...
Uuh, BOOBIES! Yeah! Buxom angels with big booties! Hell yeah!
Anyway, uh... That was David, right? From English class? Bruh, Manny was gonna have a hard time keeping this under wraps. But hey, the important thing was that it wasn't HIS fault! If half the school already knows about Manny's side gig by Monday, then that's just how the cookie crumbles amigo.
He took another - slightly cautious - slurp of his soda, casually flipping out his phone to check the time. Probably oughta zippo sooner or later, although...
Waiting until there was an appropriate opening, he leant over towards Manuel. "Say, what time does your shift end? Ain't got nothin' planned tonight if you wanna hang later"
No siree, he wasn't seeing angels just yet. Hunky angels, with chiselled abs, and firm...
Uuh, BOOBIES! Yeah! Buxom angels with big booties! Hell yeah!
Anyway, uh... That was David, right? From English class? Bruh, Manny was gonna have a hard time keeping this under wraps. But hey, the important thing was that it wasn't HIS fault! If half the school already knows about Manny's side gig by Monday, then that's just how the cookie crumbles amigo.
He took another - slightly cautious - slurp of his soda, casually flipping out his phone to check the time. Probably oughta zippo sooner or later, although...
Waiting until there was an appropriate opening, he leant over towards Manuel. "Say, what time does your shift end? Ain't got nothin' planned tonight if you wanna hang later"
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lanzandpine
- Posts: 41
- Joined: Tue Feb 18, 2025 6:29 am
Finger guns, slick pompadour, varsity jacket. He has definitely seen this person before already, somewhere. There was something too familiar about that get-up. But no matter, as long as he isn’t coughing all over the food and dying, everything’s just fine. Besides, the other waiter, of an imposing stature, came up to check on him. And take David’s order. Very well. Although he had ordered something already, it wouldn’t hurt him to get something else as well – more fuel for the body.
“Right, I had already ordered something, but…” David scratched his chin, a low, deep hum leaving him. For a moment, his eyes left the menu and he took a glance at the waiter. Now, he had before told himself that the world is small enough, but seeing at least two unusually familiar faces in the same place at the same time was a very strange coincidence. Las Vegas was a surprisingly small prison, he supposed. He was quite tall. Those striking amber eyes were familiar, too. David looked back at the menu, the question never leaving his head.
Food was more important right now, surely. Right – omelet and coffee. What else could he get on this winter morning? The omelet would surely be one greasy explosion of proteins. Maybe something as a treat, then. After all, it was a good day; David had a strangely nice feeling about this morning. He didn’t wear his blue shirt today for nothing. Something for a good day, a good morning. “May I also get one strawberry milkshake, then?” This one’s definitely a winning move. Checkmate – and a good meal was already on his way. David looked at the waiter with a smile.
Ah, now it clicked.
“Thank you, Manuel.” David felt a little satisfied at remembering the waiter’s name. Rather, his classmate’s. The quasi-Elvis next to him was, surely, another classmate. Well, it shouldn’t matter – all of them were here for something in particular. At the very least, David had a clear goal before him – eat a good meal.
“Right, I had already ordered something, but…” David scratched his chin, a low, deep hum leaving him. For a moment, his eyes left the menu and he took a glance at the waiter. Now, he had before told himself that the world is small enough, but seeing at least two unusually familiar faces in the same place at the same time was a very strange coincidence. Las Vegas was a surprisingly small prison, he supposed. He was quite tall. Those striking amber eyes were familiar, too. David looked back at the menu, the question never leaving his head.
Food was more important right now, surely. Right – omelet and coffee. What else could he get on this winter morning? The omelet would surely be one greasy explosion of proteins. Maybe something as a treat, then. After all, it was a good day; David had a strangely nice feeling about this morning. He didn’t wear his blue shirt today for nothing. Something for a good day, a good morning. “May I also get one strawberry milkshake, then?” This one’s definitely a winning move. Checkmate – and a good meal was already on his way. David looked at the waiter with a smile.
Ah, now it clicked.
“Thank you, Manuel.” David felt a little satisfied at remembering the waiter’s name. Rather, his classmate’s. The quasi-Elvis next to him was, surely, another classmate. Well, it shouldn’t matter – all of them were here for something in particular. At the very least, David had a clear goal before him – eat a good meal.
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LYourLocalAutist
- Posts: 288
- Joined: Sun May 19, 2024 2:50 pm
- Location: IN YOUR HEAAAAD IN YOUR HEAAAAAAAAD ZOMBIE, ZOMBIE, ZOMBIE-E-E
Choking Johnny, moving Emma, taking orders, oh my. It didn't bother Manuel a bit, though; situational awareness was a point guard's job. Focus on what needs to be focused at the present, and be ready to switch it up within the span of a split-second. That is the way. Even when acting the part of a wagie in some mid-budget 80s diner trying to remember the name of the kid you're taking the order of even though his order already got taken some time ago. Totally on the ball, Manuel.
Example: While Mr. Whatshisface was staring at his menu and thinking 'bout his order, Johnny addressed Manuel and prompted a turn of the head. Hanging out later? Shift ending? Ah, shit, right. Now he had to think about his jooooob whenever he considered hanging out with his bros, capitalism constantly hanging over his shoulder like a floating alarm clock. Nevertheless, he had an answer in his head and he wouldn't mind a little bro time later in the day. He returned to his semi-default casual grin and spoke back, voice still little enough not to catch any unnecessary attention. He was getting good at this "lowkey slacking" thing.
"I'm off at five. I'll text ya."
There were many options for bro time, and he wanted sufficient time to go through all of them in his head. Car, snacks, mall, et cetera et cetera. At least thought crime wasn't a thing at work. Yet. On that note, he couldn't let his thoughts distract him from the ever-present necessity of jobbing; whatshisface had addressed him. Whirling around again with the experience of a (baller)ina, the job face had returned to the forefront along with the pen and pad. Ooh, copy milkshake. "Good choice," he both spoke and thought as he noted down the simple notation on the pad. He nodded, dropped the typical "it'll be right out", annnnd back to the great and terrible world behind the counter he now could access he went. Don't worry, he'd be back, bearing milkshakes.
Example: While Mr. Whatshisface was staring at his menu and thinking 'bout his order, Johnny addressed Manuel and prompted a turn of the head. Hanging out later? Shift ending? Ah, shit, right. Now he had to think about his jooooob whenever he considered hanging out with his bros, capitalism constantly hanging over his shoulder like a floating alarm clock. Nevertheless, he had an answer in his head and he wouldn't mind a little bro time later in the day. He returned to his semi-default casual grin and spoke back, voice still little enough not to catch any unnecessary attention. He was getting good at this "lowkey slacking" thing.
"I'm off at five. I'll text ya."
There were many options for bro time, and he wanted sufficient time to go through all of them in his head. Car, snacks, mall, et cetera et cetera. At least thought crime wasn't a thing at work. Yet. On that note, he couldn't let his thoughts distract him from the ever-present necessity of jobbing; whatshisface had addressed him. Whirling around again with the experience of a (baller)ina, the job face had returned to the forefront along with the pen and pad. Ooh, copy milkshake. "Good choice," he both spoke and thought as he noted down the simple notation on the pad. He nodded, dropped the typical "it'll be right out", annnnd back to the great and terrible world behind the counter he now could access he went. Don't worry, he'd be back, bearing milkshakes.
The V9 Children themselves:
The Machininst - Raya Loux The Petite - Sylvie Rattray-Aubert The Forlorn - Céline Sharpe The Tough Guy - Manuel "Mañana" Hernández And here's outdated info about them plus where (not all of) their relationships are: viewtopic.php?t=9024
The Machininst - Raya Loux The Petite - Sylvie Rattray-Aubert The Forlorn - Céline Sharpe The Tough Guy - Manuel "Mañana" Hernández And here's outdated info about them plus where (not all of) their relationships are: viewtopic.php?t=9024
Even after nearly choking of something, that Johnny Bravo was trying to act all suave. Emma overheard him talking to Manuel about planning on hanging out later.
Emma tapped her table when she realized that Manuel was going to get swamped. Sure, there were several other waiters working at the diner, but Manuel probably never considered the brunch crunch or rush hour. A lot of people, even tourists, were going to be crowding here.
"Stackars dåre." (Poor fool.)
She should still get her and Riley's syrup or that crusty dollar bill she had was going to be forfeit.
Emma tapped her table when she realized that Manuel was going to get swamped. Sure, there were several other waiters working at the diner, but Manuel probably never considered the brunch crunch or rush hour. A lot of people, even tourists, were going to be crowding here.
"Stackars dåre." (Poor fool.)
She should still get her and Riley's syrup or that crusty dollar bill she had was going to be forfeit.
Johnny nodded his head and flashed Manuel a thumbs up - 5pm, alright. He could vibe 'till then, maybe head home and play a bit of Gran Turismo or something.
Finishing off the last bit of melted ice cream, he reached out for the bill to assess the damage... Woof. Damn, they weren't kidding when they said egg prices were rising, huh? Looked like it was gonna be one of those years.
With a resigned sigh, he withdrew a leather wallet from his pocket and started rummaging, slapping down a Hamilton and a handful of Washingtons. That oughta cover it, along with a generous tip for a job well done.
"Keep the change - catcha later, dude" he added, sliding off the counter stool to saunter his way back outside, offering Manuel a casual finger wave on his way out.
((Johnny Benowitz continued in Devil Down in Georgia))
Finishing off the last bit of melted ice cream, he reached out for the bill to assess the damage... Woof. Damn, they weren't kidding when they said egg prices were rising, huh? Looked like it was gonna be one of those years.
With a resigned sigh, he withdrew a leather wallet from his pocket and started rummaging, slapping down a Hamilton and a handful of Washingtons. That oughta cover it, along with a generous tip for a job well done.
"Keep the change - catcha later, dude" he added, sliding off the counter stool to saunter his way back outside, offering Manuel a casual finger wave on his way out.
((Johnny Benowitz continued in Devil Down in Georgia))