Chapter Text
Seattle, 2023
A city of fleeting memories. A place where those young and old strive to find what fulfills them. It is a time where society doesn’t know what it truly wants. It is a moment where values of the past are beginning to change. Labels and terms of the past being washed away as new norms are forged in favor of equality. Acceptance is an uphill battle and identity is just within their reach.
Many who have lost their way turn to their screens to find their way and the world continues to speed up with every coming day. While they may regain their footing, it is uncertain whether or not they find themselves on the same path they started.
Others, however, seek answers in a different way. Bittersweet comforts on a stormy night. In a scarcely known coffee shop that rises with the moon. They would find comfort with a warm drink in their hand. These are their stories.
Welcome to Coffee Talk.
April 21st, 2023
“Well, this certainly isn’t what I expected,” The Barista grumbled as he looked down at his phone. Whether he had a name or not was unknown by the customers, but here, he was only known as Barista. He opened his BrewPad app to see that it was completely empty. Apparently, when he got his new phone, a lot of the information was wiped out.
“Well, I should be fine. At least the supplier didn’t screw me over this time,” He said. His rack was full of the normal things he used. Coffee, tea, green tea, chocolate, milk, ginger, mint, honey, lemon, and cinnamon. He recently added blue peas to his menu and was currently considering another herb, but he had yet to decide on one.
Barista smiled as he heard the door fly open and the sound of bells ringing. He turned to see a familiar green-haired fairy walking in the shop. She was wearing a green hoodie over her white undershirt and wore brown pants and blue shoes.
“Evening, Barista,” Freya said with a chuckle as she sat down. “How’s it going?”
“They’re going as good as they can, I guess,” Barista replied with a small frown. “I got my new phone, but it wiped out all my BrewPad info.”
“Ah, that sucks,” Freya’s smile didn’t fade. “I hope you don’t need that to make my espresso.”
“Please. With how often you come here, I don’t think I’ll ever forget your order,” Barista rolled his eyes as he went over to the machine. As he weighed the coffee beans, he started to talk again. “How have things been going with your new book?”
“Please don’t bring that up,” Barista was focused on his puck prep, but he could envision the face his regular made. “I’ve hit a complete roadblock. I just can’t find anything to inspire me right now.”
“Maybe you should go on a trip,” Barista recommended as he watched the cup fill up with the dark brown liquid. As soon as it was done, he gingerly picked it up and put it on the counter in front of Freya. “One triple-shot espresso for my most valuable customer.”
“You better believe it,” Freya smirked behind the cup as she took a sip. Her eyes widened and her smile broadened. “Now that’s what I’m talking about.”
“Glad you enjoy it,” Barista said. Although he was a humble man, he appreciated it whenever his customers complimented his work.
“Pretty empty today, huh?” Freya looked around and frowned.
“It’s usually like this when I open. You should know this,” The barista raised an eyebrow.
“True,” Freya shrugged as she took out her phone. Barista did the same and saw that he had a notification on Tomodachill. He opened in and rolled his eyes.
“Really?” He muttered to himself.
“What’s up?” Freya looked up from whatever she was doing.
“It wiped out my Tomodachill account too,” Barista said.
“How does that even happen?” Freya asked.
“No clue,” Barista replied as he started to make a new account.
“Well, it’s not like you’ve ever cared about social media anyways,” Freya shrugged her shoulders once more. “I mean you look at it, but you never post. I mean your profile’s as empty as Silver’s, and he’s an alien!”
Like father like son, I suppose, Barista thought to himself absentmindedly as he put the phone in his pocket. Before he could say anything else, he perked up as heard the door open again.
“Ah, Mr. Hyde,” Barista smiled warmly at the vampire. “It’s been a while.”
“I suppose it has,” Hyde said as he sat down two seats away from Freya. His appearance hasn’t changed all that much. He still had the same hairstyle, the same amber eyes, and the same pale skin. It was to be expected, considering he’s a vampire.
“How are things in LA?” Barista asked.
“Could be better,” Hyde shrugged before putting his elbows on the table. “I finished a few shoots last week and decided to make my way here for a bit.”
“Anything to do with Gala?” Freya had a teasing smirk on her face. Hyde just rolled his eyes.
“It won’t work out,” Hyde grumbled. “Gala’s too… compassionate for someone like me. I would only drag him down.”
“You’ve been friends for decades. I don’t think he feels the same way,” Barista pointed out.
“That’s different. A relationship is more…” Hyde trailed off as he tried to find the word. “Involved.”
“I guess,” Freya raised an eyebrow. “But—”
“Freya, I don’t think it’s the best idea to push him right now,” Barista interrupted. He had an idea of what Hyde was thinking, but he knew that Hyde never wanted to say it himself. He was afraid of losing Gala. With both of them having such long lifespans, there was plenty of time for something to go wrong and Hyde didn’t want that to happen.
“Fine,” Freya said with a disgruntled look. “Has anything else been new with you?”
“Not really,” Hyde shook his head. “Barista, can I have a Jahe Tubruk?”
“Of course,” Barista nodded his head. As he went to chop the ginger, he let nostalgia take him back. It had been almost three years since Hyde first showed up in his cafe. September of 2020 was a very eventful month, even if things only got interesting when the month was nearing its close.
“One Jahe Tubruk,” Barista said as he turned around and served the drink. Hyde nodded in thanks and took a sip.
“Just as good as I remember,” Hyde said with a small smirk. “Thank you.”
“It’s my pleasure,” Barista nodded his head. He then looked up as he heard the door open again. He saw a tall man standing at the entrance with a faint smile as he looked around. His crimson eyes were full of wisdom and his hair was completely white. He wore a suit unsuitable for the Seattle rain well. After a few seconds, he nodded his head and sat down next to Hyde.
“Welcome,” Barista said. The man looked up at him from his seat and nodded.
“Thank you,” The man said. His voice was deep, but not intimidating. Despite that, Barista felt that there was something off with the man. He had met many different people in his life, but none exuded the same type of aura as this man did. “This is a very fine establishment you have here.”
“Thank you,” Barista nodded his head in thanks. “Is there anything you would like to drink?”
“Is it possible for you to make me a Black Magic?” The old man asked. “I see you have all the ingredients you need there.”
“Of course,” Barista nodded. Luckily, he had most of the recipes memorized. Grabbing the mint and the honey, the barista was easily able to make the man’s order.
“Here you go, sir,” Barista said as he placed the drink in front of the old man.
“Thank you,” The man examined the warm drink for a few seconds before taking a sip. “Exemplary.”
“Thank you,” Barista nodded politely.
“It would be rude of me to not introduce myself after receiving such a good drink,” A smile found its way on the man’s aged features. “I am Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg, but please call me Zelretch. Pleased to meet you.”
“I’m simply known as Barista,” The man behind the counter introduced himself. “This is Freya and Hyde.”
“I can introduce myself, you know,” Freya grumbled. Hyde, however, looked at Zelretch with a scrutinizing eye.
“You’re a vampire, aren’t you?” Hyde asked.
“In layman’s terms, yes,” Zelretch raised an eyebrow as he glanced at Hyde. “It seems you are one too, but it also seems that we are vastly different.”
“So it seems,” Hyde said with a contemplative expression.
“So what brings you here to Seattle?” Barista asked. If Zelretch was indeed a vampire, he must have been hundreds of years old if he looked as old as he did.
“I’m something of a traveler,” Zelretch answered as he took another sip, closing his eyes as he enjoyed the complex flavor. “I’ve been to many places and I have met many people. Occasionally, I find myself in places like these. While this city did not seem to have anything interesting at first, I seem to have found a gem in the rough.”
“Thank you for your praise,” The barista said with a small smile.
“It’s a shame this place doesn’t have more customers,” Zelretch looked around. “It must be hard to keep yourself afloat.”
“Nah, Barista here’s secretly loaded,” Freya jabbed. “He just keeps this place around because he likes it.”
“While Freya’s claims are completely unfounded…” Barista shot a glare at the fairy, who chuckled in response, “...she is right. I do love this shop.”
“It can tell,” Zelretch said. Freya’s phone then began to buzz. She picked it up and swore as soon as she looked at the screen.
“Agh, my editor wants to meet with me,” Freya rolled her eyes. “Why is she even up this late at night? Can’t I have some peace and quiet to myself?”
“Sorry about that,” Barista said with a good-natured smile. “Good luck.”
“Sorry, but I have to go,” Freya heaved a sigh. “Thanks for the good luck. I think I’ll need it.”
Freya then stood up and hastily made her way out of the shop. Hyde then looked at Zelretch then back to the barista.
“Thank you, but I think I should head out as well,” Hyde said. “Gala’s shift is almost over and I want to be there to greet him.”
“Be safe out there,” Barista said as Hyde stood up and calmly walked out of the shop. As the door closed behind him, silence ensued. They both sat in silence as Zelretch slowly made progress on his drink.
“Magic. It’s really something, isn’t it,” Zelretch muttered as he put down the empty glass.
“It really is,” Barista nodded his head, opting to stay vague with his answers, as per usual.
“Thank you for the drink, Barista. I might have to come back another time,” The vampire smiled as he stood up. “I’ll be sure to spread the word about this place. I’m sure I can find a few people that could use your skills this late at night.”
“Thank you, but that truly isn’t necessary,” Barista shook his head. He really didn’t want this place to get more famous than necessary. If too many people showed up, he would lose track of them and their stories. That was the important part of this place, after all.
“Don’t you worry. I’m sure it will be beneficial for the both of us,” Zelretch said with a small chuckle. Before Barista could say something else, Zelretch was already out the door and out of sight. Strangely, Barista didn’t see any sign of him. He could usually see his customers through the window as they made their way down the street, but that wasn’t the case this time.
“Well, I might as well close up today,” Barista looked at the clock. It was still relatively early, but he didn’t see the point in remaining open.
“I hope his recommendations don’t cause too many problems,” Barista thought. Little did he know, this one fateful encounter would dictate his clientele for many months to come.