beck vaughn

Elaine did her best to avoid the napkin but it hit her arm. She stuck her tounge out. “I didn’t realize right away – sorta lost in…” she motioned to her notes “Note taking. My brain decided to take a back seat to what was going on around me I guess.” Elaine explained. She stood up and hugged her friend. “You’re always staring.” she teased, “Least you’re not staring at my butt.” She said with a playful wink.  Once they let go of one another she picked up her stuff moving to sit across from Beck. Sure, she most likely should have asked but — eh. Beck was her friend she’d be fine. “What are you doing here?”

“Sorry for having eyes...?” Beck pursed her lips, blinking her eyes in a faux confused look. She moved a few of her things out of the way to make room for Elaine on the table. “I’m drinking coffee. And people watching. And ignoring this hangover.” Taking a long drink from her cup, her eyes scanned the room again. Beck hadn’t been expecting to meet up with anyone at Traceless today, but Elaine’s company was always welcome, and Beck knew that she sometimes unintentionally avoided her friends. So it was nice to see her. She sunk back into the seat, kicking her feet up onto one of the chairs across from her. “What surprisingly intriguing but horribly niche and virtually unheard of topic are you taking notes on today?”

Luca unbuttoned his suit before sitting down with his cappuccino after a long day. He had one arm bent and resting against the back of his wooden chair as he took the cafe in. It was another bustling day at Traceless which was a comfort. He enjoyed the things that stayed stable as much as he did those that sparked change. He was just moving his hair out of his face and wondering if he should get a hair cut when he caught the eyes of the person beside him. “Don’t even sweat it,” he said with a shrug. Luca was glad he had finally acclimated to more human ways of speaking. It had been awkward there for awhile. “What were you thinking about? Perhaps the happenings inside your mind are more interesting than what’s around here.” 

Beck chuckled, one of those chuckles that only comes through as an amused breath through the nose and the slight crack of smile. “Wouldn’t you like to know?” She teased in a tone that was half snarky and half sweet, sizing up the man sitting a few feet away from her. He seemed a little...large and odd but she didn’t get any strange energy from him. She smiled. “The woman behind you,” Beck gestured to a shaggy brunette a little beyond the man she was speaking to, “don’t make it obvious, but what do you think she’s thinking about?” She said in a low, mischievous voice. 

“Well that’s just shitty. But hey, you’re always welcome in my bakery so long as you don’t try and like.. Destroy the merchandise.” Oskar joked, before pushing the box a bit closer. “You can have as many or as little as you like. I won’t be offended either way.”  The Fae eyed her curiously as she talked in a way that reminded him of his college philosophy classes. “I try not to be full of myself because that kind of makes me seem like a prick. But I’m sure I do it from time to time. Hence the Oskar’s dozen. Clearly.” He grinned, interlacing his fingers together before setting them on his lap. “So how long ya been in Traceless?”

“Why would I destroy the merchandise?” Beck joked back, giving him a look that suggested she might very well destroy the merchandise. She gingerly took a donut from the box and took a slow, savory bite. “Cheers.” She said softly, grinning at him through the bite. “For what it’s worth, I’ve met a lot of self-obsessed pricks. And I don’t really get that vibe from you, so you can have your Oskar’s dozen.” Beck assured. She studied his face for a moment before answering his question. “A long time,” she shrugged, “but I live in London. Never lived in Traceless, but I’ve been coming here a while. I know your bakery. I just didn’t know it was, y’know, you.” 

Allie let out a silent laugh as she heard Beck’s voice, realising that the woman had finally noticed her sticking her tongue out. The other had been in her own little world, she got that, but it was always fun to mess with a friend. Deciding without too much thought, the witch picked up her mug which was full of chamomile tea today, and her bag which had been over the seat beside her, and made her way over to Beck’s table, plonking herself down heavily on the seat opposite. Picking up her phone, the woman quickly tapped a message, before turning it around. You sure you weren’t just staring at me ‘cause I’m the prettiest blonde in this joint?

Beck grinned kindly at her, shaking her head a bit to snap back to where she was. “Hey love.” She said gently as her friend sat down across from her. Closing her laptop so she could see Allie better, Beck read the words on her friend’s phone and laughed. “Actually, the blonde over there in that corner is pretty peng. You might have some competition.” Beck nodded to a spot behind Allie, nudging her leg under the table. “I don’t know how you exist off of the caffeine levels in tea.” She grimaced, taking a large gulp of her triple-shot latte.

Sensing only that there was a little unease rather than anything malicious from the other, Chloe smiled back. Sharing smiles was just one of the best things in the world, wasn’t it? “Oh? Tell me what I can do to help! I’m happy to do whatever it takes to lend a hand.” Chloe got a lot out of helping other people. Perhaps it was selfish, but she genuinely thought she got more benefit out of helping people than the actual people that she assisted. That warm fuzzy feeling that came from doing good in the world was the best in the world. She hoped other people could experience that too because it felt so warm and pleasant.

Beck held the other woman’s smile, her eyes widening just a little bit, as she gently put her hands on the table and slightly leaned towards the girl. This was getting kind of funny. It was also cute that some people were genuinely this good to others. She’d never admit that she was slightly envious of it, even if she thought it to be naive. “Okay, well, I made these bracelets,” Beck cooed, gesturing to a couple of small, beaded bracelets on her wrist, “and I was giving them to my friends. But, truth be told, I don’t really have many friends. And I made too many. I guess I miscounted or something.” She fiddled with the bracelets, looking disappointed. “Would you take one? It would really help me feel better, and I want someone to have it.” Beck slipped one bracelet off her wrist and held it out to the other woman. 

Oskar noted how Beck seemed to be rather fascinated with his donut, grabbing the box that he’d brought with him off of the other seat at his table before leaning over to place it on her table. “It’s an Oskar’s dozen.” He grinned at her, chuckling softly to himself. “Okay, it’s a baker’s dozen but I’m trying to see if an Oskar’s Dozen takes off. Probably won’t though. It’s not cause its a ‘I’m full of myself’ thing. It’s a… ‘I wanna leave my mark on the world’ kind of a thing. Probably a dumb way to do it but.. Eh.” Wait, hold on. Had she said she’d never heard of him before? “Have you not… Lived here long? I’ve been here for thirteen years and I’ve owned a bakery for six years now here in Traceless. All You Knead is Loaf?”

Beck tried to hide a smile as he placed the box onto her table. She looked at the box, then slowly up at him as he spoke, almost asking permission with her eyes. She didn’t need permission but, she kind of did. “Oh,” she pursed her lips, “the bakery. Yeah, I know it. Wasn’t really allowed anywhere near sweets growing up. Ballerina and all that. Strict mum. But I do know it.” Beck still couldn’t shake the guilty feeling she’d get buying sweets, so she typically only ate them if someone gave them to her. She didn’t know if she’d ever actually been inside of a bakery. “But yeah,” she continued, hoping he would not inquire further about that, “kind of a dumb way to do it. And I think the ‘I wanna leave my mark on the world’ thing is inherently the ‘I’m full of myself’ thing. Just disguised as outward goodness instead of inward fulfillment by acknowledgement. Which is okay. Everyone’s a little full of themselves.” Beck said matter-of-factly, grinning and raising an eyebrow. “I think you could think of something cooler. Although Oskar’s dozen does roll off the tongue.”

“Nice to meetcha, Beck.” Oskar awkwardly got up off the chair he’d been sitting at, using the hand that wasn’t holding onto a powdered donut to shake her hand. “Yeah, no. Not my thing. Especially because of that.” Oskar grimaced before sitting back down in his chair. “Not convinced about what, me?” He awkwardly sipped at his coffee, trying to not look at anyone now. “Promise I’m not here to creep on anyone. I’m too busy enjoying the hell out of this donut.”

Beck chuckled, and looked between him and the donut, glancing back and forth a few times. “Hmmm,” she shrugged, “I guess your alibi checks out. Only because I know the donuts are amazing.” She slowly began to submit herself to the pleasant social interaction. Beck takes a second to allow herself to just talk, and not play her fun little games with people. But she was in a decent mood that day, and this guy was just a little bit funny. “So...? I’ve never seen you here before.” She looked at him expectantly for an explanation.

Elaine had been in desperate need of a coffee; she had a big day coming up this week. Some royals, fate who she couldn’t remember right now, were coming to gather some information on the happenings in the far reaches of the realm. They weren’t seelie or unseelie but something else entirely, but the Court Library was expansive and had lots of information hidden in its depths. Not everything, not even by a long shot, but she guessed they figured it couldn’t hurt to check the Court library too. She clenched the hot beverage between her fingers and took a seat lost in thought as she went over what her and Claie would need to prepare for them.

Grabbing a pen out of her purse she started to write down some notes on the proceedings. She glanced up and stared off into space – not realizing she was actually looking at someone. But when she heard the clearing of a throat she snapped out of it. Oh thank the fates, it was only Beck; Beck who she hadn’t seen the other in a week or so, her worry quickly left her body and she smiled waving. “Honestly, so was I.” she chuckled, “It’s good to see you Beck.”

Beck laughed and rolled her eyes when she realized it was her friend, their words overlapping slightly as they both noticed at the same time. “Oh, what the fuck Elaine? How are you just gonna sit right next to me and not say hi?” Beck crumpled up a napkin lying on her table and threw it at Elaine, making a fake pouty face. She was happy to see her, and used to running into familiar faces at Traceless. “And actually, I was totally staring.” She blew Elaine a kiss before getting up to hug her.

He hadn’t meant to stare, really he hadn’t. But he’d been eating a donut and sipping on coffee when he’d noticed someone that seemed to be… Looking at everyone else? And then her gaze found his and he was soon choking on his coffee. With another cough, Oskar sat up straighter, waving his hand dismissively. “No, no you’re fine. I was just drinking my coffee and then I noticed you people watching so I guess I started watching you people watch and then you saw me watching you and now,” A gasp for air. “Now here we are! Hi! I’m Oskar Lopez.”

Beck stared at the man silently for a moment, a slightly amused expression on her face. She could tell he was a bit uncomfortable and she wanted to make him a bit...more so. For entertainment’s sake. She studied his face. Why were people so blabber-y? One moment after it became awkward, she broke into a smile. “Beck.” She said warmly, holding her hand out just far enough so that he’d have to get up if he wanted to take it. “And good to know you’re not some creep who stares at people in coffee shops. Y’know it’s a lot weirder when men do it.” Beck teased, nonchalantly sipping her coffee with her other hand. “Although I will say I’m not completely convinced.”

Viv blinked a few times, the words registering to her ears and she perked up a bit, “Oh yes, sure. I’m so sorry,” she spoke, trying to muster a pleasant smile through the exhaustive fog in her brain as she scooted her chair up a bit. When she figured it was enough for the woman to pass, she sat up a bit taller in her chair. Even though just gripping her mug she could tell her coffee had gone cold, she took the last few remaining sips to shake away what she could of her tired state. Looking over to the woman again, Viv couldn’t help but laugh at herself as she shook her head. “That honestly does not surprise me. I guess that’s better than snoring,” she shrugged, grabbing a napkin from the table and blotting her face. “Was it noticeable at least?” she asked with a friendly smile, grateful that the woman had at least told her rather than letting her be in her ignorance. 

It seemed like the woman barely scooted her chair up, and Beck chuckled through her nose. Thankfully, Beck was small and squeezed through the inch more of space, throwing her bag around the back of the chair she’d found. “Eh, a bit,” Beck replied nonchalantly, taking off her coat and draping it around the chair as well, “A guy that just left took a picture of you. So I had to tell you. Y’know? Couldn’t have you out here looking stupid. Girl code or whatever.” Beck laughed like she’d just told a funny joke. Beck couldn’t help but mess with people - it was like a terrible itch that needed to be scratched. She had standards though; she kept it harmless. Usually. She turned to looked at the woman directly in the eyes. “But you look great now babes.”

The brushed-off reaction made Chloe even more insecure than she had been just a moment ago. She had not taken this as a rejection from conversation entirely, but now she had to change gears if she wanted a nice conversation. “That’s good, then. I’d hate for you to be having a hard time finding anyone if there’s anything I can do to help.” Rubbing at her neck, she wracked her brain for a nice way to redirect the conversation. “Uhrm. Well, what is happening with you, then? We don’t have to talk about an imaginary problem. How are you?”

Beck narrowed her eyes at Chloe. Why was she being so nice? Beck didn’t like people who were “too nice” - or rather, she didn’t trust them. Especially not as a member of the fae. Plus, she thought it to be unrealistic, being overtly agreeable and positive. There’s got to be something else hiding in there. However, Beck also doesn’t like to admit that she kind of enjoys people trying to talk to her at Traceless, though she does not like to show it. But this girl was...a bit much. She really seemed like she wanted to help her, though. Beck thought for a moment, and then grinned sweetly at her. “Actually,” she said coyly, “there might be something you can help me with.”

“Oh yeah, we’re living it up today,” Mike joked, glancing around the oddly quiet café with a grin. All joking aside though, it was a relief to see Beck - there had been far too little to do to keep himself occupied today. The few customers that were in the café had opted not to sit at the bar - generally a sign that they didn’t want their barista to randomly strike up a conversation - so he’d been keeping himself amused by tossing scraps of paper into a cup he’d set up behind the counter. Having someone to talk to was definitely a better option. “No prob, that’ll be £3.50. For here?” The optimism was evident in his tone. It would be fine if she was in a rush and had to head out again, sure, but he’d rather not get back to paper cup basketball if he could avoid it.

Beck smiled as she pulled out her wallet. She knew Mike was a people person, and she could hear the answer he hoped for in his tone. She wasn’t always in the mood to talk when she came to Traceless, but oftentimes she felt more comfortable when the cafe was emptier. And Mike had a kind, relaxed energy about him that always softened her day a bit. “Of course, for here,” she said as she handed him a few bills, “and the change is yours.” Beck sauntered over to the bar, setting down her bag and sitting on her knees on one of the stools. “So I have you all to myself today?” She chirped at him. “Where is everyone? Not that I’m complaining, sometimes it’s a fucking club in here. It’s nice to hear myself think.”

Okay, yes. Maybe Chloe had been staring. But only a little bit! She hadn’t meant to do anything but sip her tea (decaffeinated), and get some work done on her tablet. Apparently, that had gone out the window when she noticed that Beck appeared not-entirely-focused on the room. Chloe knitted her brow together, and recoiled a little as she initially felt like she had been caught doing something wrong. “Oh! No worries, I just- I wasn’t sure if something was wrong or not. I wanted to see if I could help you find whoever you were looking for if- I didn’t mean to presume anything! I’m so sorry.” She held up her hands, both defensive and a spluttery mess. “But- I- uhm, were you looking for somebody in particular? Or something? I’m happy to help.” For some reason, ‘Hufflepuffs are very good finders’ echoed in her head, but she did not want to say that out loud and distract from the situation.

Beck silently stared at the woman, blinking slowly as she rambled. What...what is her issue? Beck thought to herself. She couldn’t even really process what she was trying to say, and she hadn’t had enough of her latte yet to deal with it, even though she knew she meant well. “N-no, no.” Beck cut her off, furrowing her eyebrows. “I’m fine. I wasn’t looking for anyone, and I don’t need help.” She flashed her a quick, fake smile and tried to turn her eyes back to her laptop. 

( Open starter - @tracelessrp​ )

The bell above the door chimed and Mike looked up, relieved. It had been a surprisingly quiet day at the café, so he was looking forward to a bit of conversation with whoever’d just walked in. Or had it been a quiet evening? He’d long since given up on remembering just what time it was in Traceless compared to his home in Las Vegas beyond making sure that he showed up for his shift. “Hey, what can I get for ya?” he asked, all smiles.

Beck grinned immediately at the sight of Mike. She’d been seeing him there since he started working at Traceless, and he’d become one of those small comforts you get accustomed to without even realizing it. She was always a little disappointed when it was someone else working. Beck looked around, gesturing to the nearly empty room with her arms. “It’s a fucking party in here.” She joked. As much as Beck appreciated all the people who came to Traceless, she also loved when it was like this. She approached the register.  “Can I get a dirty chai, two shots, extra sweet with whipped cream?” 

Beck cleared her throat, but didn’t take her eyes off the person. “Sorry. I wasn’t staring I just, uh...zoned out.”