Chapter Text
The next day had passed after that, it was a normal sunny day and Coil pretty much had nothing to do. He’s done with his daily gym, doesn't have a boxing match to do today, and since his friends did miss him sometimes, they decided to all go out together.
And well, what better place than Thieves’ Rest?
The three had originally gone out to eat breakfast, but obviously Skateboard slept in like a dumbass when he was the one who even planned the whole thing, so now they’re eating lunch.
Sitting in a corner booth next to the window, their usual spot Slingshot would reserve for them, the three were talking together and eating between topic switches. At least Boombox and Coil were, Skateboard was speaking with his mouth full.
“You seen the look on his face, man?” “Ohh, that’s sick.”
Skateboard and Boombox spoke to each other with full glee, one rambling while the other just added on and expanded the endless conversation topics they’d have. The two would occasionally pause to take a bite of their burgers or a snatch of each other's fries, since they each got different types to try together.
Coil had finished his own meal Skateboard ordered for him long ago. It was almost turning to 1 PM, the group having been here since 12. Not that Coil had anything to do, but really, what's so fun about sitting in one spot just eating?
He cracked his knuckles in boredom, eyeing the place in silence as Skateboard would sometimes, unawarely, hit him in the face with exaggerated hand gestures to get his point across with Boombox. He looked at Slingshot who was currently scolding one of the staff, notably one with long, pink horns that extended upwards in a straight curve.
He couldn’t really hear them from where he was sitting, only making out the words “sleep” and “stop”. Uninterested much, he looked away to analyze the state of the café.
It was relatively empty with only a few people conversing at their tables, still carrying the calmness of the whole design and aesthetic of the place. Even with the warm lights off, the sunlight bursting in from the big front windows made it naturally relaxing to stay in.
Coil took a breath in. The decor was also nice, a fresh look to settle in with the new year and all. Either fake or real, vine plants were strewn over the wooden walls and shaped in a way that was almost ethereal. All the plants were nice, too. One was on the table.
He grabbed it with a lazy hand, looking over it as he slipped down. It was a long stemmed plant with multiple white flowers coming down from it in an almost straight line. The petals themselves were shaped and resembled that of a bell.
And with his canine urges he simply couldn't control, he brought it to nose to test if it was real or not. And almost automatically, his head instinctively tilted at the scent. It was real, for sure. It smelled really nice.. Coil wasn’t one for flowers though.
“Yo, what’re you doin’?” Skateboard poked at Coil’s cheek with a curious look, leaning over the table to reach him. He had noticed Coil’s tendency to act distant and not participate in group-talks unless it meant shit-talking someone like he was the Phighting version of PackGod, and he’s tried to make sure to include him so he doesn't feel left out.
“Nun’. Just wondering what this is, I’ve never seen ‘em.” Coil replied, putting the pot back as he shifted to lean on the table again. And every attempt of Skateboard’s had failed, coming to terms that Coil was simply wired that way and let him do his own thing.
“Oh woah, that’s rad.” Skateboard, having just noticed the pot of flowers, leaned over the table to examine it too. One of the staff workers that the three were sure would take care of the plants, was Vinestaff. Apparently she was Slingshot's way-older sister. How old did he say she was, like, 35?
“..I think that one’s called a foxglove.” Boombox butted in, the two looking at him with confusion. “What, you know your flowers now?” “Tell me more, dude!” Skateboard cut Coil off with eagerness, interested. Coil huffed out a laugh in amusement.
“I’m not too sure guys, but Vine was telling me all about it when she was making these pots.” Boombox gestured to the flowers, a smile on his face as the two gave him the floor to talk about them.
“She said it mostly came in.. I think yellow, pink and white colors? I’m not too sure. But Vine said it came from Celtic folklore with the Christians.” “No way.” Coil snickered at Skateboard’s reaction, before stopping as a thought came up. Flowers had meaning, right? That’s why people liked them?
“Wait, so what do they symbolize?” Coil asked with a headtilt, crossing his arms. Boombox had to pause to remember Vinestaff’s ramblings to him the other day, before continuing.
“She told me they meant secrecy and ‘the magical’, don’t know what that means.” “..Oh.” “They were used for healing and protection.”
Coil thought that over as Skateboard bugged Boombox for more, probably only nagging so he could get to listen to Boombox talk more like the gayass he was.
Huh. Foxgloves were the name? He liked the sound of that. Maybe he could get that for someone. Or never. He scoffed at that thought, I don’t need anyone anyway.
His thoughts were disturbed as the sound of the register was heard. The other two turned to look as well, Skateboard popping a fry in his mouth as he turned with Boombox.
The same employee that was scolded by Slingshot was there, working it over and checking the bills inside. Maybe something happened in the back of the café that resulted in the scolding, he did seem mad. Coil spoke up in boredom.
“You guys ever wonder who that is?” “Dude, that’s Sling’s bro.” Skateboard whipped his head around to look at Coil, almost dumbfounded that he didn't know about his existence.
“..Hah, Slingshot? Havin’ a brother? Totally.” “Dude I ain’t jokin’.” Coil’s smirk dropped. Boombox turned to look at the two, speaking. “He’s kind of an introvert, that’s maybe why you don’t see him a lot, he’s my best friend though.” “Yeah man, he just doesn't come to our table cause Sling does. He’s Boom’s second fan.”
“Hey! And who’s my first fan for my music?” “Me bro, duh!” The two laughed. Coil only stared at them both as he narrowed his eyes. So Slingshot was a middle child, no wonder. That’s what he assumed at least, the guy at the counter looked young. Or is that just how he appeared? Nobody believes Coil when he says he’s 20 anyway, you don't see young adults more jacked than body-builders.
Coil held back a laugh at himself for the exaggerated comment he made, like he isn’t in the welterweight class for boxing. You know what? Looking again, he did look like he could deadlift at least five of him.
“What’s his name again?” “Shuriken.” Boombox answered. The sound of that name just screamed East-Asian. “Oh yeah, definitely Thieves’ Den.” “Yep.”
He barely looked like Slingshot, though. I mean, hey, not to be racist, he’s black himself, but the only similarities they had was the eye shape and kind-of their eyebrows. And the eyes were typical for Asian people.
Their eyebrows on the other hand? Both of theirs were naturally mad-looking, like they constantly had a stick shoved up their ass.
..What gear was Shuriken, anyway? There’s no gear by that exact name. Coil, ironically, recoiled in his mind.
What, is he gearless??
He was gonna get up and ask him directly, the reason being his boredom and curiosity getting ahead of him, but not long before the two brothers started talking again as ‘Shuriken’ took his apron off. He must be clocking out shift, then.
Hm. Another time, it seems. Maybe he’ll have another victim to ragebait, too.
Brushing it off, he went back to listening to the two talk and looking out of the window on his side. People walking by, cars driving past, and the sunlight.
The wind was calmer than last night's, back at Playgound. He looked down to observe his bruised knuckles, not having treated them yesterday due to exhaustion. He flexed his palm, before crossing his arms to hide them away. He’ll have to bandage up soon.
And well, speaking of regions. He was running out of crystals. He’ll need to go to Blackrock tonight, it seems.
Wonder what they had in store for him now.