𝐊𝐈𝐒𝐒 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐀 𝐅𝐈𝐒𝐓

where: java joes who: open to anyone !

a rare day off was in store for lizzie today. java joes was the last place she usually visited on days off as... well, who wanted to visit their place of work on their day off? but she was craving a large caramel macchiato right now and it wouldn't let up. so, she rode her skateboard on over to the cafe and waltzed in, a smile on her face when she noticed cat behind the counter. "you look so happy back there," she joked, bounding behind the counter with a look over her shoulder to make sure no one was really paying her any mind. she could get in trouble being behind here without being in uniform, but she wasn't about to ask cat to make her anything as the girl kind of looked ticked off. "maybe i should stay and cause a little trouble?" she flirted, a grin on her face, mischief clear in her gaze as she picked fun.

they've just about forced on their customer service smile when they realise it's lizzie bounding through the door. facade dropped, the witch lets out a despairing groan. "please tell me you're here to save me. or just put me out of my misery." pinching the bridge of her nose, she grimaces. "if you mess with me today, i will sneak old salmon bagel chunks into one of your pockets. and you won't find it in time." they're kidding of course. mostly. pushing themself up to sit on the back counter, cat makes space for lizzie to potter about and serve herself. "so what are you doing here anyway ?? just can't bear to go a day without jj's ??"

Seeing the barista put together what looked like two drinks, he smirked again and nodded in thanks. "That's what I'm counting on. Late nights at clubs, you'd think I'd never be exhausted from it but age hits us all at some point." Taking a sip from his coffee, he sighed in enjoyment and licked his lips slightly. "Perfection in a cup. You have a real skill for this." Taking another long sip since it was hot, he pulled out his card and tapped the reader with it. Looking behind him, he didn't see a line so that definitely would help the young one ringing him up. "What else would you recommend as a drink?"

the bitter liquid saps some of the irritation from her system, replacing it with an easy contentedness. taking another sip, a half-smile tugs at the corners of their mouth. "gotta have a talent for something, right ??" sure, they preferred the idea that they were a good potion maker...or herbologist...but top notch barista was what paid the bills. "mm, if we had a liquor license i'd say an irish coffee - hair of the dog is good for any late night recovery." the witch murmurs, abandoning her cup on the counter. "but since we don't...we got these new guatemalan beans in. real rich chocolatey flavour. or a ginger & citrus tea blend is good for a natural herbal boost."

LOCATION: The Blue Commons or some shop STATUS: open (@tsstarters)

shopping was as much a habit as getting her nails done - it was ingrained in her routine, not a want but a need. and while everwood was no cosmopolitan hub ( certainly not comparable to the likes of new york, milan, paris, london ) there were a few staple boutiques that she trusted to have quality pieces. perusing the rails, river is eyeing up a particularly figure hugging dress when the blonde asks for her thoughts. "the pink, unequivocally." manicured hands take the two shirts in question and hold them aloft in front of the other woman. "the pink is warmer, brings out the colour in your cheeks. this..." nose wrinkles, head shaking. "this is going to wash you out."

LOCATION: whatever bar / club suits your muse. STATUS: open (@tsstarters)

purgatory is a regular haunt of hers, for both business and pleasure. the dark corners and throbbing bass are enough to disguise what it's best used for - jae's collections. but for once, her deal with the other vampire is far from her mind, instead she's focused on enjoying herself, embracing the night. with the last of her wine drained ( their signature blend of b positive and a full bodied red ) and a slight buzz in her system, river heads to the bar for a refill. she's waiting to catch the eye of a bartender when the woman besides her poses her question. languid frame turns, eyes unabashedly drifting down the caramel contours in a heart shaped face to the curves of the woman's body - before rising back to meet her gaze. "well aren't you generous." tongue clicks, scarlet lips spreading into a bemused smile. "i'll take another red. and a name."

Ryder was up early after a long night at Purgatory, yawning in his jacket as he tried to keep himself from falling asleep on his way to work. That's when his bright hues went over the coffee shop he passed by. He knew he'd need caffeine even if it barely affected him. Stepping in and waiting in line, he rolled his eyes at all of those sugary drinks people were ordering. Just because something was non-fat didn't mean the sugar wouldn't affect them...and their vitae. Once he got to the counter, though, he heard the young woman's words and shook his head. "I'm all good without the sweets and pastries. I'll take the biggest black coffee you can muster with 4 shots of espresso. This bitch is tired." Ryder said with a chuckle, pulling out his wallet from his totebag.

one of the perks, besides getting paid, of working at java joes was the free coffee. it made a shift like this a lot more bearable with a little caffeine boost. so when the guy in line orders what sounds like essentially a heart attack in coffee form, they can't help but want to make one for themselves. "that..." the witch nods slowly, pleasant surprise clouding their features. "that's the drink." grabbing the cups, she works quickly at the machine, pouring out two sets of the four-shot espresso. placing one on the counter in front of him, they take a sip of their own - the heat of the liquid burning the tip of their tongue. "if this doesn't perk you up, nothing will."

for any of the other customers she'd had, the answer would've been an automatic no. get what you're given and be happy about it - or don't bother. but hazal was different, the kind of person she'd always be willing to go the extra mile for. even if that mile today meant a bit of avo on toast. "think we've got some sourdough in the back, that okay ??" cat quirks a brow. to be fair to the high priestess, the option sounded far more appetising than what was an increasingly more stale bagel alternative. soft hum leaves her lips at the question, teeth gnawing on the inside of her cheek. "uh - i've got a break in fifteen...that or i clock off at 6." half smile cracked at the teasing, the brunette shakes her head. "please take any opportunity to save me from retail hell."

a slight exhale of relief leaves her lips when she registers who is facing her. finally, a friendly face. "nor-" a wry smile tugs at the corners of their lips as they reach for a cup to start making the order. "you can have anything you like." the machine hisses and steams as she pulls together the coffee, bright eyes darting to the clock on the wall. turning back to her friend, she plants the cup down in between them. "eh, it's like an hour till close. you can have the scone half off. we just have to chuck 'em if they don't get sold today anyhow."

The scratch of the nail file against the acrylics on his own hand were soft, articulate and filled with precision. He'd been doing this for many years before coming to Everwood, wanting to have sharp nails to keep himself safe. Sure, his ex hated it, but this is why he fully embraced it now. Weapons, that's what they were.

it's a weekly - if not daily - habit of hers to make a stop by beautello and have her nails done. she doesn't feel complete unless the full set is perfectly polished and sharpened, just another piece in the pristinely put together puzzle. suffice to say that since he moved here, she's probably not gone a week without crossing paths with ryder and his nail file.