”Oh, Lucas and Josiah… sounds about right” the officer reminded themselves, eyeing the demon-like figure near him who was talking with the kid.
Ichika wasn’t completely interested in the conversation but he was just curious. Not about what they were talking about, but about the demonic figure’s talk of the kid’s ‘aura’. If he was truly able to sense other people’s auras, he might be shocked to see Ichika’s levels.
The man turned back to the Barkeep, though.
”Do you have recommendations on drinks? Also, do you serve food here? Getting a bit hungry” the man said before downing the remaining of the Scotch.
“Well actually I have a drink named after your kind because you guys are among the few who can stomach it.” Barkeep shuffled around mixing various drinks into a glass that he handed to Ichika. “The Phantom. It’s got quite a bite. As for food, I can definitely put something together. What do you guys eat?”
(slides in)
(May I just say that reading through this and recognizing these characters is a blast)
It was at this point the door opened again, revealing a very tired, very done with life woman in black clothing. She slid into a seat in the back, nodding in acknowledgment to Barkeep once. Her hood was up, and she put her arms on the table. She rested her hand on her cheek, eyes blinking wearily.
Ichika eyed the drink a bit before answering:
”Oh, anything’ll be fine actually. Though for right now I’d like something fried or crispy” the man answered before taking a sip of the drink.
”Oh damnnnnnnnnnnn” the man laughed at the drink before setting it down.
”That is some good stuff right there”
“It’s a classic,” He nodded and turned to the woman who had just entered. “You look familiar. Did you visit the original tavern? Either way it looks like you need a drink.”
(Hinata?)
(Mhm!)
The woman looked up, and nodded slightly.
"Name's Hinata. And that'd be nice. Either a sake, or maybe something stronger."
Barkeep lit up. “Yes! I remember Ms. Hinata. Dark and mysterious in the corner sipping her sake.” He handed her a glass. “Sorry for fangirling. I’m just a fan of your story.”
Hinata gave the Barkeep a small smile, accepting the drink gratefully.
"No, you're quite alright. I'm surprised you remembered me."
"I remember most people, but not by looks, just by stories. My library is currently being expanded and my girlfriend kicked me out because I was being picky with the builders. That's why I'm her right now, to fill the new wing." He sighed and sipped his drink. It had been a while since he'd seen Rose and it was starting to bother him.
Ichika raised a brow at the woman who the Barkeep was interacting with. He laughed at his initial thoughts, taking a sip from the drink in front of him.
The earpiece he had with him started ringing slightly. He reached up to it.
”Sup… yeah, the only tavern here… just walk in, I’m at the counter…” the man said to the person on the call.
A new figure walked in, wearing a rough wooden mask with leaf and flowers on its edges. They were wearing a formal and plain white shirt with folded up sleeves, a navy-colored pair of pants with flat fronts, and a pair of black leather Derby’s. Upon taking off their mask and setting it down, it revealed that they were wearing a rectangular pair of silver edged glasses. They had short and straight chocolate brown hair.
They were also holding an amber Maine Coon, petting it while he was sitting.
”Why out here of all places? We could talk elsewhere” the newcomer said to Ichika before raising his hand, calling the Barkeep.
Barkeep scooted over at Ichika's raised hand. "Need something?" He looked up at the newcomer. "Another Phantom? I love the cat."
Ichika scooted a bit closer to the Barkeep, whispering the words:
”Get this man something non-alcoholic, please” before sitting down and nodding.
Hinata barely glanced at the newcomer, but did a double-take at the cat. Interesting indeed.
"Makes sense," Hinata said in response to Barkeep, looking over at him. "I'd be picky too."
"Non-alcoholic?" Barkeep whispered loudly. He squinted and poured a glass of ginger beer (not alcohol, it's kinda like ginger ale) "No problem. Anything for the cat?'
When the Barkeep set down the glass, the newcomer nodded in gratitude.
”Uhm… he usually eats tuna so if you have that, that’d be great” the man said, stroking the cat’s fur as it purred.
(And in case Hinata’s gonna interact with the newcomer, yes, it is who you think it is)
"Yeah, sure." He rifled through a few drawers and managed to find a can of tuna and a can opener. "I don't know why I have these but I guess you're lucky I do. I'll have some potato wedges out in a second for you Ichika." Barkeep went through a back door in search of snacks.
(Pffft I knew who it was the moment I read black leather Derby's XD I am not afraid to admit I am a huge fan of his, throwing this out there-)
Hinata sighed quietly to herself. She took a sip of her sake before standing up and making her way over to stand by the new guy.
"Hey," she said with a slight smile.
”Thank you” the new Phantom by the counter said to the Barkeep before turning to see who had called him. Upon turning his face, he nearly fell off his stool.
”Hi-Hinata?” he was surprised to see the Balance Keeper in such a place. The cat on his lap looked up and jumped up on Hinata, landing on her head.
Hinata laughed quietly at the man's reaction, smiling as she reached up to pat the cat's head.
"Good to see you too, Matthew. Surprised?" She chuckled again, in a much better mood then when she had walked in.
Nathaniel listened in on the other's conversations, still sipping whatever drink he'd been given. His crooked wings hung limp behind him, one of the tips dragging along the ground. They were lopsided enough that the other didn't reach.
”That should be quite obvious—“ the man managed to calm down to a degree before he started to chuckle.
”Yeah, good to see you” Matthew said to her with a calm smile.
Ichika looked at the interaction and smiled slightly. It was adorable, of course, seeing two important Multiverse figures talking to each other without one wanting to kill or hurt the other.
Barkeep emerged from the back with a plate of fries. "Snacks anyone?"
Hinata grinned softly, putting her arms on the bar and taking a seat.
"So, what brings you here? I don't think I've ever seen you when I'm out drinking before."
Axtin hummed, even more curious about this stranger. He had never seen anyone like him. The aura he possessed was familiar but appearance wise…? He seemed almost normal. Watching the boy's expressions shift, the demon looked at him curiously. "What's your name kid?"
"Kye Gathrodir," he nodded his head to the demon figure. "Some refer to me as the caveman, others call me the peacekeeper. However to correct that I am a peace negotiator not a peacekeeper. You may call me what you like. May I ask your name?"
