11918/Home by the C -- is for coffee

Home by the C -- is for coffee
Date of Scene:	08 July 2022
Location:	Star City Coffee
Synopsis:	Phoebe is cramming before going to the Home by the Sea tomorrow night. Zatanna and Angelo Tampambolos show up at random, Jason comes to check on her, and Gabby arrives and confirms that Phoebe will make her sad if she goes it alone.
Cast of Characters:	Achilles, Phoebe Beacon, Zatanna Zatara, Jason Todd, Gabby Kinney

---

Achilles has posed:
    Law Enforcement has a habit of drinking the most bitter, bad tasting, and STRONG coffee. But Angelo has not adopted that habit. I mean when on the job, he'll drink whatever caffeinated beverage is put before him. But he has a habit of learning where he can get a -good- cup wherever he spends any time.

    He has begun spending more time in Gotham than usual of late, courtesy of visits to an enchanting friend. And so it is that he opens the door to this particular coffee shop, savoring the rich smell of the brew within before stepping aside and holding the door open for Zatanna. He even makes a flourishy gesture for her to go in before him. All with an amused smirk on his face.

Phoebe Beacon has posed:
    STAR CITY COFFEE.

    It wasn't the most secure location to study. The music was the color of taupe, utterly unoffensive and mellow. The barristas at the bar serve up everything with a smile. There were hipster-lites and teenagers abusing the internet to surf for thing their parents had blocked at home, some doing homework, others doing research of a different sort.

    In the back corner, by a definitely-not-doing-anything-in-this-weather fake fireplace, a young woman had a pile of old looking books in front of her. She had a pair of orange-rimmed acetate glasses perched on her nose, and notebooks and sketchbooks in front of her. Most just assume she's a college student working on some sort of summer coursework, and definitely not a young mage who is concerned with not repeating the mistakes of others.

    There's a half-eaten hummus-and-tomato sandwich in front of her, along with a cold cup of coffee.

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
Not in the habit of frequenting coffee shops in Gotham, Zatanna raises her chin regally, then inclines her head like true royalty for his gallantry, refreshing and old-fashioned as it is. Stage clothes are where they should be, in her dressing room. She wears high-waisted, wide-legged pants and a short roomy jacket in her customary black.

A little fizz of magic in the vicinity has her sweeping the coffee shop for its origin. She stops on the sweet face behind the orange rimmed glasses.

Would Phoebe want to kill her if she knew what she was thinking? Or would she get an A-1 exhibition of an eye roll? Whatever the case, she keeps it to herself and nudges Angelo.

"Look!" she murmurs. "Will she think we are following her? Or did you know?" Shrugging, "Let's order."

Jason Todd has posed:
If the individuals who know each other in the shop are not actually stalking each other, the explanation of what Jason was doing as he fairly surfed through the door right behind Angelo and Zatanna has to be a story for ages. What a perfect coincidence. Really.

He falls into line waiting his turn to order, keeping to himself. Because, c'mon. Who doesn't know who Zatanna is? He's just trying to play it cool. Because he doesn't do high strung or fanboy.

Just ask him how he handled being gifted a supernatural pineapple in the Addams Family Funhouse in Fuc... Low Bottom, PA. Totally not high strung.

Eventually its his turn to order and he gets the strongest, darkest coffee they offer. And then he adds three espresso shots for good measure.

Once his Death Drink is in hand, he turns to make his way toward Phoebe; clearly the Lady of the Hour. "Hey. Just happened to be rolling past. You okay?" The concern in his voice is sincere as he looks to her.

Achilles has posed:
    Angelo is -quite- happy to be the anonymous one in the shop. His eyes flicker over towards Phoebe, and both eyebrows go up. "Well, I would call that a fateful surprise. Let's not encroach unless she seems to want us to." he suggests to Zatanna. But of course, he held the door for Jason too... because of the whole, surfing behind Zatanna on his way inside. Courtesy. Gotta love it.

    But then he moves into the line where he ponders what he plans to order. Something simple, or like total hipster insanity.

Phoebe Beacon has posed:
    Phoebe had noticed Zee and Angelo coming in, and had lifted her book -- fit with a paper cover announcing that it was "FIT FOR CRIME - A GOTHAM HISTORY OF FASHION". She lowers her head, a record of deeds for a particular British piece of property in front of her on her WayneTech(TM) tablet, and she quietly reaches over to close her notebooks when Jason wanders over.

    She looks up at him, and her eyebrows draw up, her face goes neutral, and it's a perfect 'what do you think' expression.

    She grabs her tablet, and types into it:

    <I am a horrible human being and poison to those who care about me. Good to see you not in the pros. of elec. bad guys.> she types in, and gives a shrug.

Gabby Kinney has posed:
Jason's wasn't the only bike that pulled up outside, though the other that does swing in off the street is less. Uh. Tough. The Honda Street was definitely more the 'trekking' sort and less the 'bad ass super fast' sort. Even if it was pretty fast.

And easily recognizable.

Gabby glides in parking it quickly only to hop off and head into the shop herself. She's dressed up a bit, for her, in pleather pants and boots, and an actually stlylish sleeveless shirt. Someone clearly took her shopping. This wasn't her usual mishmash of clothes and t-shirts. She was no longer an entry in that Gotham crime of fashion book.

The familiar bunch here, and a few unfamiliar faces, get a broad grin alike even as she heads for the coffee counter. "Heyhey, random party or what?" She greets cheerily. Her gaze rakes over the menu and she whistles low to herself. "Death Wish Coffee? Gimme a cup of that! Cream and sugar, please."

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
The quick close of Phoebe's book intrigues the magician who does not give in to her desire to snoop. Drink in hand, she went classic and tall and unfortunately now has to forego the pleasures of real milk. Back to analogue, she thinks and says aloud, smiling with a very small trace of apology, "We were not on your trail, Phoebe. Random is the day."

With a smile and nod to Jason who she knows from seeing him at the Wayne Mansion, she claims a chair. Before sitting she introduces herself to Gabby, "I feel like I know you from someplace. I'm Zatanna and this is my friend, Angelo." Introductions done, she pulls out a chair and sits down.

Jason Todd has posed:
Jason Todd sees the brows raise. He frowns at the response. "Oh, I know that isn't the truth, Phoebe. Trust me. I know all about being poison and a bad human being. Not saying you can't be down. But you've got a -long- way to go before you sink to my level." There's an uncharacteristic smile of encouragement to the woman. But truth, too, in his mind anyway.

A glance toward Zee and her friend, "Zatanna. Nice to see you." A nod toward the man, "Angelo. Hey. Jason." He moves to drop into a chair at the table. Because he's inviting himself to join Phoebe's little party now.

Achilles has posed:
    Deciding on a French Vanilla latte' with a double espresso shot, Angelo figures he'll be climbing the walls with his claws for a few hours. He gets the drink and approaches the table just in time to be introduced... right as he was getting a foam moustache. He wipes his upper lip with his free wrist and gives an awkward grin.

    "Nice t'meet you all too. Always good getting to know Zatanna's friends. I'm totally new to all of the stuff here." He grins to Phoebe and adds, "Well, most of this. Heya Phoebe. Sorry if we're cramping your style." he adds. His voice sounds like he is about fifteen words away from losing an English accent.

Phoebe Beacon has posed:
    A very unorthodox and sudden party. Phoebe sinks down a little in her chair, her dark eyes going wide as she gets a sort of thousand-yard stare, opens a paint program and writes 'AND THIS IS GABBY' with an arrow pointing to Gabby. NOt that everyone doesn't know each other at least passing familiar, but she takes a deep breath, motions around to everyone, and gives a small shrug -- what are you aaaall doing here?

    Which is a silly question. They're getting coffee.

Gabby Kinney has posed:
Gabby Kinney offers over the proper amount for her drink only to take it in both hands letting it warm her fingers. Even if it was warm outside, riding on a motorcycle did tend to leave the fingies a bit chilled. Even the half-gloves she wore couldn't completely rid her of the chill so the coffee suffices to do that nicely.

She too turns toward Phoebe's table to regard her friend with a look of concern. Before she can say anything properly however, she flashes Zatanna a smile in greeting. "Yeah, I think you were helping port us out of a place once during some trouble." Honestly it was all starting to blur together for her lately. She'd been so, so busy.

"I'm Gabrielle Kinney. Gabby for short. Nice to meet you all," she offers while inching dangerously close to Phoebe's chair. To lean in and give her a one armed hug. "I seem to remember someone telling me not to go off dying on my own... but forgiving me for it when I did. If you can forgive, so can we."

Jason Todd has posed:
Jason Todd looks to Gabby, another he knows if just a bit peripherally. "Hey Gabby. Nice to see you again." He falls silent to take sip of his heart attack in a cup. A grimace. It's bitter and tastes more like caffiene than coffee. It's perfect.

He glances to Phoebe offering a nod of agreement to the sentiment Gabby voices. It's a fair assessment.

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
Zatanna sips watching the others quite happily as she sees a visible demonstration of Phoebe's place in the world. Gabby and Jason's clear regard for Phoebe, leaves her more optimistic than she has felt of late. Inwardly laughing at herself, she leans a bit toward Angelo as if to share it.

"Did we interrupt, Phoebe?"

Phoebe Beacon has posed:
    Phoebe breathes out in a quiet sound, and then she brings her left hand up. She turns a camera on her phone, setting it awkwardly. Gabby would see that the cracked screen has a background image of Some Dork Who Might Be Phoebe holding up a baby Idu Lion-King style, and allows the one-armed hug from Gabby, though she earns an exasperated expression.

    She begins to sign, slowly, and the camera reads it out loud.

    <Interrupt fine. Studying house tomorrow. Demon name study. Want correct name>

Achilles has posed:
    Once more, Angelo is happy to -not- be the center of attention. He sips his caffeinated beverage once more and steps off to one side. He's not encroaching, or so he hopes. But he is there... in the background. That's where he prefers to be. Not like a ninja, more like... the supportive big brother to most folks who just steps in when needed, but is otherwise not really given any attention.

    But Zatanna leans his way, and he smiles to her. Rather than some overly affectionate gesture, he just gives her a wink before turning to observe the others.

    But then he notices the phone, and inclines his head, "Phoebe. Would you like me to help you replace that phone? I am sure you could transfer all of the files and photos to a new one."

Gabby Kinney has posed:
Gabby Kinney squeezes the hug one more second before letting go. There's a knowing grin at the little sigh of exasperation from Phoebe so she backs off. Only after firmly letting her know she was loved darnit. With that done she stands again, flashing a warm grin toward Jason. "Hey Jaybird, been awhile. Hope you're doing good?" Absently she reaches up to twirl a length of her hair around a finger.

Angelo likewise gets a nod of greeting and a grin. "Nice to meet you. Don't think I've had the chance before. I'm usually all over the place." Her eyebrows narrow a little as her attention shifts back to the phone.

"The same one as before? Maybe we ought to back off on the demon stuff just for awhile."

Jason Todd has posed:
Jason Todd watches as Gabby shows some PDA to Phoebe. Better her than him. Probably. He hasn't got anything to really contribute to the conversation. His extent of experience with demons goes only as far as one Demon's Head and Lazarus Pits, ghosts trying to look into the left ear hole of Red Hood's mask and supernaturally appearing pineapples. Compared to some? He's got a PhD in demonology with that resume.

In all present company? He's really just the punchline.

Phoebe Beacon has posed:
    Phoebe looks over to Angelo, and gives a s light wince. <Phone gift.> is the answer he got, and she shakes her head, and then she continues.

<Demon has cousin mine. Demon sealed part way. Need finish seal.> she signs again, and then she reaches for her piles of books, and opens them up.

    Zatanna might recognize thebooks as something that was recovered from Phoebe's home village. The text inside the thick pages of the tomes are written in Heiroglyphic, and Phoebe opens her notebook, showing the detailed notes she was taking.

    <Wish coffee worked.> she adds, with a very grumpy expression.

Achilles has posed:
    Nodding his head, Angelo winces a bit, "I know a guy who can fix the screen then?" he asks / offers. But then he turns his green eyes towards Gabby and gives a friendly nod. "I tend to get around also." And something tells him that this is not the time to flash his Federal Agent badge. It's the wrong city for all that. Plus, he doesn't really want to be pushy like that. He would -much- rather just get to know folks right now.

    "Phoebe. I know that I am not really skilled at much anything that can undo demon curses, but if I -can- be of any help.. you know that I would be happy to."

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
It is so like Angelo to offer help. With a small shake of her head to him, she murmurs, "Later." Since Phoebe has been back in her life, or rather once the possee ousted Phoebe from her hiding place, Zatanna has had to relearn a certain brand of patience around her -letting Phoebe go her own way while she silently looks on with her heart in her mouth.

At least, she is now sharing what was behind her escape. Zatanna can live with that. She looks on with real interest at the hieroglyphics, scanning them rapidly, her eyes stopping on a particular cartouche. "Is that the name?"

Gabby Kinney has posed:
Gabby Kinney lets out a sigh of annoyance at the mention of demons having people. "Darn demons always being demony. I mean. Most of them. I've known some that were just annoying and not..." Her hand waves absently in the air searching for the proper word. "Effective."

With that stated she shifts her weight to lean to the side,ending up propping her elbow on Jason's shoulder like an arm rest. She was still standing which put that at perfect height. It's seemingly done without really noticing, though she does turn to him to remark, "I dunno about you, but I'm kind of crap with this magic stuff--That's my sister's gig. But if you need some fighting type, just point me in the right direction. I'm good with face stabbings." A gesture is made with her coffee-weilding hand like a little Psycho-knife cutting motion finished up with a sip of her coffee and a wistful sigh.

"You and me both, Pheebs. If caffiene worked I would be SO happy."

Phoebe Beacon has posed:
    Phoebe just tuuuuuurns slowly and looks at Gabby leaning on Jason. She presses her lips together a moment, straightens up, and decides to let that one just... be. Gabby can handle Jason. She's pretty sure she could handle any one of the Bat Family.

    <Have brother who can fix screen. busy mad at me.> she explains with a dry note to her smile, and then she leans over in the notes, and then shakes her head.

    <That is the family memeber who wrote the spell in 3080 BC. A H M S K T. The Other One had the name.> she flips another book backwards, this was smaller and leatherbound, and she brings up the name. It was written in a seal, so that it could not be used.

    Volroxach.

Jason Todd has posed:
Jason Todd listens to the supernatural talk. It's well above his paygrade, no question. As Zatanna finds something of interest, it is of idle curiosity to him. He almost leaned forward to try and see what was so fascinating. Except he was now an arm rest for a half pint dervish threatening to slit peoples throats while holding a cup of coffee.

His almost interested gaze shifts from the supernatural stuff in the books toward Gabby. And. Well. Eye level for him is probably not the best place on her he should be looking. It only takes a half second for his lizard brain to figure that out. And associate her disapproval with that throat slitting motion of just a moment before.

He lets Gabby use his shoulder, because it wasn't doing anything else. And he just nods in agreement with her. It's safer. "... I get what you mean. I can punch, stab or shoot. But this.. "

Tell them about the pineapples in the 'fridge Jason!

Achilles has posed:
    3080 BC. That was ancient even when Angelo was born. But he has dealt with Egyptian stuff a time or two. It happens when you are related by blood to two different Olympians. So he leans in a bit to look at anything he is allowed to look at.

    "Phoebe. Forgive me." he says softly though. "I don't like feeling like I am being pushy. But I have this uncontrollable urge to help people I care about. I don't really mean to be a pushy idiot. The idiot part comes naturally though. But seriously, if any of my experience with events of history can help... I'll gladly tell you whatever I know about any of this. But I will also stay away if you prefer me to."

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
Hiding her reaction behind a sip of hot latte, Zatanna nods, repeating the name softly to herself. Zee is aware of the little eddies between the others, neither really following them or knowing what is behind them. She smiles distractedly in Gabby's and Jason's direction. Her attention is focused on what is coming. Again, typical of Angelo, he offers his help. "I hope you are there, Angelo."

"When, Phoebe?" The how and the protections needed aren't coffee shop talk to the magician used to the weird secretiveness of witches and their ilk. "Have you planned it out? You know, I will be there."

Phoebe Beacon has posed:
    Jason should totally tell them about the pineapple in the fridge.

    And what happened to the beer.

    Phoebe shifts her weight, and looks to the assembly.
    <Owe you so much already, A-T. Support is invaluable.> she replies in sign, and then to Zee, she purses her lips <Tomorrow, mission, workshop. Confirm name. Summon. Bind. Send back to Hell. Will not repeat other mistake.> Phoebe signs, and at 'other mistake', she looks over to Zatanna with a dark expression, and then she shrugs, and tilts her head back.

    <Could bless bullets. Holy Electric Taser Rounds, Batman>

    Yes, there is a specific sign for Batman.

Gabby Kinney has posed:
Gabby Kinney leans forward to examine the book as well which might given poor lizard brain Jason the entirely wrong thing to look at. At least she seems oblivious to it while she regards the heiroglyphics. "I feel like trying to say it out loud, but I *do* know enough of magic to know you don't wanna do that without meaning to." Her brows furrow in a little frown as she considers it all with another nod.

"Oh, Rien magiked my claws so they're effective against the supernatural now, too," she adds to Phoebe who hadn't been around during the time it happened. "So I *can* help out with the hitting stuff more. Just let me know," she adds with concern.

Achilles has posed:
    And there is an idea. One could almost -see- the light bulb igniting over Angelo's head. He smiles, mostly at the idea of needing blessed whatever. He happens to have access to some unique material items. "Phoebe. What would you say to an old short sword. One made of celestial bronze... which tends to mimic the properties of whatever a target might be vulnerable to. Silver. Cold Iron. You name it. When the blade strikes... -if- the target needs something blessed, silver... or whatever, my blade can cut it."

    He pauses and adds, "I would be happy to be there to use it. Or to loan it to you or anyone you want to have access to it. And the best part is... it cannot -possibly- be stolen because I can summon it back to myself at will."

    Another pause and he adds, "And I an give it to you right now if you like."

Jason Todd has posed:
Jason Todd just keeps his eyes on the book that he can't read and really understands little off. Particularly after the person attached to the elbow on his shoulder talks of begin able to now stab the supernatural.

There is a smirk at the comment about taser rounds followed by a dark grin. Remembering back to a busy night not long ago. Regarding the taser rounds, he nods, "Well that could help. At least if you want me to be very effective against demons or anything.." he shrugs, sipping at his coffee again.

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
There is an answer. Arm Phoebe and stand by her side. Zatanna's blue eyes widen and she looks at Phoebe, waiting for her response. Now, she turns to look at Angelo. His offer of a weapon tells her that he has been practicing since their last conversation and attempt to enlarge the scope of his abilities.

Eyebrows raised, she looks first at Angelo, then Jason and Gabby. "It sounds rather like a plan."

Phoebe Beacon has posed:
    <Could do. Bless metal. Make into the round. Or wiring. Either way, bad day> Phoebe gives a wry smile to Jason, and she takes a breath, and weighs the option Angelo is giving her.

    <Do not know how sword. Stick girl. Honor to be by you side.> she signs, and she gives a soft bleh expression, and she looks over everyone over her books, and she tilts her head back <Tomorrow house. Then demon. Then quiet.>

Gabby Kinney has posed:
Gabby Kinney raises a hand at Phoebe's remark of not knowing how to sword. "I'm not the greatest and I was taught on Japanese swords, but I do know 'how to sword'," she states mimicking the phrasing used by Phoebe's ASL translation program. It was at least helping to speed up the whole talking situation.

Perhaps mercifully she steps up to her full height so she's no longer using Jason as a prop rod freeing him of the obligation. "Though I think the more the merrier whe it comes to watching each other's backs," she adds with a little shrug. "And my weapons come pre-installed." Her coffee cup lifts to sip and she can be heard muttering, 'Cuz no one lets me use my guns anymore.'

Jason Todd has posed:
Jason Todd doesn't move even after Gabby removes her elbow from his shoulder. Where would he go? He looks to Zatanna. "If it's a plan, I'll be there and offer any help I can." He looks to Phoebe with a nod of affirmation.

Just before he sips again at his coffee, he murmurs quietly, "..they don't like me to use my guns either. Still do."

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
"Sleep at Shadowcrest tonight, if you'd like. We can portal and pick everyone up from there. Again, if it suits your plans, Phoebe." She finishes her rapidly cooling coffee and looks a question at Angelo.

Phoebe Beacon has posed:
    Phoebe gets a flat expression.

    <I don't care if you use guns. I care if you get your souls dragged to Hell tobe tortured for all eternity, which is why I did it the first time alone.> she types in this time, but still gives a Very Flat Expression.

    And then she breathes out, and closes her books up as she looks to Zee.

    <I'm expected back for check-in, but thank you. Breakfast tomorrow.>

Gabby Kinney has posed:
Gabby Kinney steps over to Phoebe again to give her a more solid hug from behind. Just around the shoulders. "Phoebe... I've been to hell. I've lost part of my soul. And I've been tortured before." The cheeriness was gone and replaced only with a quiet, serious tone.

Releasing her hold she stands again leaving room for Phoebe to move off if she needs to. "That isn't going to stop me from doing what needs to be done. Especially if it's to help out a friend in need."

Jason Todd has posed:
Jason Todd shrugs, eyeing his now empty cup. "I've been dead, too, Phoeb's. You need my help, hell or demons or fucking juggalo clowns. I'll be there." He sets his cup down on the table. ".. hate those clowns."

Phoebe Beacon has posed:
    <Not on my account, you've not.> Phoebe signs quickly, and then she reaches out, then there's a touch of her hand against Gabby's hair -- and now it's Bright Shamrock Green. There. Payback for all those hugs and harassment.

    And she reaches over, and she punches Jason in the shoulder.

    <No Clowns.> she agrees, and she takes a breath.

    ... it was a start.