Diego and Lana in: "Like Coffee and Cream"
((Backdated a touch.))
Lana: *sets her latte back down on the coffeehouse table, playing with the handle of the mug thoughtfully* It's not that I don't think someone can become the "ideal person" over time, through shared experiences. But with that mindset, the potential exists in a multitude of individuals--there's just some chance involved, some luck and some effort.
Diego: *takes a long sip from his own coffee, holding it aloft thoughtfully* But it stands to reason that if one believes in the idea of an "ideal person" over time, then the investment needed to create that ideal relationship remains even if the relationship itself is dissolved. No matter how many other people you meet, you have already put time and love into one person, and they are like the perfect cup of coffee - *sip* - incomparable.
Lana: Not necessarily. It would take time to get used to a new partner, and there may be some things you won't forget about your last--there's no arguing that... But you brew that coffee again. It may not be the exact same taste, but that's not to say it's any less enjoyable. *frowns slightly, down at the coffee, in thought* I suppose there are even those who enjoy the change of flavor.
Diego: *brings his mug to his lips and tilts his head back, draining it at a go before setting it down* When one partakes of that perfect cup, I agree one may search again, and again, in pursuit of that experience, that same nirvana of togetherness. But in time, I believe the experience will assert itself as perfect. Nothing again will ever compare. Eventually, one is happy with just that experience.
Lana: *glances up at him, studying his features for a moment before breaking into a soft smile* ...Is that how you see it. And so far--if I my ask...
Diego: *crosses his arms, bringing one hand up to his visor to rest his finger there* I came to that conclusion a long, long time ago. I haven't been looking for the same buzz for years. I have a new relationship, but it is very different... in all ways except for its transitory nature.
Lana: *picks up her latte, about to drink but stopping when she realizes his meaning* Ah--your adopted daughter. I don't see how that's transitory at all. The relationship between members of a family are permanent, whether the individuals be related by blood or not.
Diego: *flags down a barista, who brings him another cup of coffee and takes away his used mug* That is true to a degree. *picks up the coffee, pouring in a pinch of sugar and stirring it with his finger before sipping*
Lana: *raises an eyebrow, finally taking another sip of her latte* But...?
Diego: *gestures with his mug* It is different for siblings, but you are nearly your sister's mother, too, so you may understand better. *tilts his head back slightly, speaking in low tones like a conspirator* They will always be family. But a time will come when a daughter will find someone else... *grins, but it's ironic* And then she is theirs, and not her father's.
Lana: *winces slightly, her voice soft* ......Well. That may be true, but... *glances down, blinking quickly* Believe it or not, it's something I've had to come to terms with in the last few years. Though perhaps not to the same degree, admittedly.
Diego: It is not upsetting. *takes a long sip* I would have been upset about it, like finding grinds in your cup - but my filter is better now, and I understand the way of things. I have been given times of happiness, and that will sustain me for as long as I can keep the reaper pinned down.
Lana: *is quiet for a long moment*
Lana: ...I wonder how many hearts you've inadvertently stolen, through this story. *with quiet amusement* It's rather ironic, if you don't mind me saying.
Diego: *sips, saying nothing for a long time. Then he puts the mug down and looks at her* It's not something I share with many. I've told Pearl, but I don't think she understands. I don't think I would have told you, either, if you weren't the other person who knew Mia best.
Lana: Of course. *smiles softly, shifting her cup on the table* ...Thank you. I don't believe I've had a conversation like this for quite some time.
Diego: *waves his hand* Please. We've known each other for seventeen years. If we couldn't talk over coffee, it would be a dark day.
Lana: Has it been that long...? *turns her head slightly, glancing out the large main window of the coffeehouse in contemplation. Outside, it's a rather chilly March afternoon-it looks like it's about to flurry, or drizzle* ...Hmm, I suppose it has. *with a slight laugh* You've changed more than I.
Diego: *he watches the turn of her face, the curve of her neck going down into her shoulders, and he leans forward, resting an elbow on the table and his chin on a hand, grinning* Well, now, I wouldn't say that.
Lana: *doesn't notice, of course, but turns to look at him with some humor* Really? In what ways have I changed--and more significantly than you?
Diego: A man just has certain standards he measures by. It is not for women to know. *sips*
Lana: *seems doubtful rather than insulted; she shakes her head, laughing* Perhaps you haven't changed very much after all.
Diego: It is only natural for you to think so. *takes another sip* You are, of course, a changed woman in many ways. That you came around to something resembling an older state of mind isn't surprising. Who knows? It could just be me doing it. *grins* How I must affect you.
Lana: My, and I see your habit of jumping to such flattering conclusions hasn't diminished any either. *smiles, taking another sip of her latte*
Diego: I should hope not. *pauses, considering where to take the conversation as he swirls the coffee in his hand*
Lana: I remember the first time you tried it on Mia--the first time that I saw, of course. *laughs lightly, tilting her head slightly again* Did she ever learn how to respond to it, outside of becoming flustered or coming to physical blows?
Diego: *looks out the window, his face level and serious* Well, now, I would hate to imply that my kitten never learned to use anything besides her claws... *looks back and grins* She never quite grew out of that, no. It became harder over time to get her to do it, though.
Lana: And so it became something of a challenge, hmm...? I remember. *some small memory comes to mind again and she smiles, glancing over to Diego contentedly* I really should visit Kurain one of these days. It's always been something I've kept putting off, though I don't have a single excuse for it now.
Diego: How right you are. *lifts up his coffee and gulps it, draining half the glass before setting it down* What would the trip be for?
Lana:: *at the action, she momentarily becomes aware that whereas she's still on her first cup, he's gone through.... four? five? --and it's just unnerving enough that she needs to pause to consider his question* ...Just a visit, I suppose. As I said, I've never made the trip, never spoken at length with her sister. It's more for my peace of mind than anything, I suppose... but I feel as though I owe it to her.
Diego: *nods, in understanding* Would you say anything to her, if you had the chance?
Lana: Do you mean through the "spirit channelling" technique? *glances off to the side* No. Call me old fashioned, but... even if it is effective, I'm not exactly comfortable with the idea. I've made my amends and my apologies to her the old fashioned way; I don't see any reason to vary from that manner.
Diego: *grins* My question is for the sake of rhetoric.
Lana: Ah. Well, in that case--yes. I don't think someone can leave the world so abruptly without those around her wanting some last chance to speak with them, making some attempt at a farewell, some attempt at closure. *her eyes are sympathetic when she glances over to Diego* ...Do you disagree?
Diego: It is to each to decide how they say goodbye. *picks the cup up again, drains it to the dregs, and flags down the barista again* Each of us must filter out our sorrows, and each of us must empty ourselves of regret and loneliness. It is not for me, of all people, to disagree with anyone else.
Lana: *looks for a moment as though she is about to ask a question-- but apparently it's against her better judgement--she merely nods along instead* ...Poetic, as usual. I suppose you're right.
Diego: Ha! Just one of the privileges of my sex, I should think *another cup is brought to him, and he sips from it* How is your sister? I trust she is re-acclimating well.
Lana: *raises an eyebrow slightly at his first comment, but nods* She's doing well. I would have figured that she'd look forward to moving out, but Ema is enjoying her time at home. Perhaps it's because of the limited options available to her.
Diego: I'm sure she's just missed you. A woman's heart is a tender thing, and the depths of its love are not easily plumbed. *sip*
Lana: *the eyebrow raises slightly again* Well, regardless, I'm happy she's home. *takes a final sip of her latte, finishing it off* How is your daughter doing? Pearl... is a freshman at your school, correct?
Diego: *nods, suddenly sober, his grin falling away from his face* She is. My little girl has grown up quite a lot. *fingers the rim of his cup, not partaking of the drink* She had her first kiss recently. That was an interesting talk.
Lana: *her expression softens* ...How did it go? I remember a similar experience, and a similar conversation with my sister... which probably was not that similar to your situation, upon reflection.
Diego: The kiss? Poorly. She was very upset that one of her most special memories had been squandered on a farce. *sips from his coffee* She places a lot of value on her own romantic notions. She was mine before I knew her.
Lana: Mm. And did her father confront the squanderer? *glances briefly over to the barista, who doesn't seem as poised to offer her a new cup to drink-- just as well, as she isn't that interested in having another one*
Diego: No, he did not. She already hit the kid. *sip*
Lana: Ah--well. *laughs a little* Good for her.
Diego: *swirls his cup, gazing off thoughtfully* I suppose. She's the only person I know who can punch out a Kitaki and walk away from it. *grins* Oh, my, did I let that slip? Do pardon me.
Lana: *pushes her mug to the side, resting her elbow on the table and her head on her hand* Seems like there's even more of a familial resemblance there.
Diego: *takes a sip as she's speaking--his eyes go momentarily wide as his brain seems to grind to a halt, and though he does not spit out the coffee he does set it down before swallowing with an effort. An image of Viola Cadaverini in a summer dress goes through his head* That isn't funny.
Lana: But it's true, isn't it? I'm hardly part of the gossip "grapevine" and yet I've heard plenty of what you've done in the last few years-- *tilts her head* even outside of your trial records.
Diego: *leans back in his chair, his expression blank* That does not reflect on Pearl's proclivities.
Lana: I should hope not. *after a moment, a thought seems to dawn on her and her features shift to momentary surprise* If you thought I was insinuating such and took offense, I apologise. ...No, I don't think there's anyone out there, man, woman or child, who has such propensities as you.
Diego: *stays blank for a beat, and then breaks out in an utterly tremendous grin* Better protection for a woman's heart to think so. *flags down the waiter* I trust you won't mind me getting the bill?
Lana: I don't mind--thank you for the coffee. *reaches behind her chair, for her coat, and rises to stand*
Diego: *he knows how much the coffee is before the waiter even leaves to retrieve the bill, and leaves enough to cover it and a tip as he rises to his feet* I want to thank you for the conversation, Ms. Skye. It's been entirely too long.
Lana: *offers up a soft smile as she turns to head to the door* It has been--and the conversation was a pleasant one. We should keep more in touch.
Diego: *steps past her and holds the door open for her, speaking in a low tone as she walks past him* I think so. *his voice drops even further* Don't hesitate to ring me up, either. There's nothing that upsets me more than a dripping kitten uncared for.
Lana: *stops in midstep for just a moment as she processes the meaning behind his words-but in the next moment she's walking out of the coffee shop again with a stolid face, after having punched him solidly in the gut*
Diego: *he doesn't double over, but he holds his stomach with his hand and takes a moment to catch his breath before laughing at her retreating back, a controlled chuckle that can't get very high* Kittens in the rain! In the rain!
Lana: Do you say. *glances back to look at him, with a rather prudish amusement on her features* Good afternoon, Mr. Armando.
Diego: Ring me up and we'll arrange your visit to Kurain. *he straightens, now, letting his hand drop into his pocket. And the grin is back, the laughter gone, and it's hard to put a name to his expression*
Lana: *nods, offering him a smile and a brief wave as she departs, making for her car*
Diego: *raises a hand in return, then lets the door swing shut behind him and heads in the opposite direction, toward his bike. He's still grinning, and there's a certain affection in it* Fiery-tempered hellcat. No wonder they got along so well. *the grin creeps even wider* Good thing she hits like a girl, too.
Lana: *sets her latte back down on the coffeehouse table, playing with the handle of the mug thoughtfully* It's not that I don't think someone can become the "ideal person" over time, through shared experiences. But with that mindset, the potential exists in a multitude of individuals--there's just some chance involved, some luck and some effort.
Diego: *takes a long sip from his own coffee, holding it aloft thoughtfully* But it stands to reason that if one believes in the idea of an "ideal person" over time, then the investment needed to create that ideal relationship remains even if the relationship itself is dissolved. No matter how many other people you meet, you have already put time and love into one person, and they are like the perfect cup of coffee - *sip* - incomparable.
Lana: Not necessarily. It would take time to get used to a new partner, and there may be some things you won't forget about your last--there's no arguing that... But you brew that coffee again. It may not be the exact same taste, but that's not to say it's any less enjoyable. *frowns slightly, down at the coffee, in thought* I suppose there are even those who enjoy the change of flavor.
Diego: *brings his mug to his lips and tilts his head back, draining it at a go before setting it down* When one partakes of that perfect cup, I agree one may search again, and again, in pursuit of that experience, that same nirvana of togetherness. But in time, I believe the experience will assert itself as perfect. Nothing again will ever compare. Eventually, one is happy with just that experience.
Lana: *glances up at him, studying his features for a moment before breaking into a soft smile* ...Is that how you see it. And so far--if I my ask...
Diego: *crosses his arms, bringing one hand up to his visor to rest his finger there* I came to that conclusion a long, long time ago. I haven't been looking for the same buzz for years. I have a new relationship, but it is very different... in all ways except for its transitory nature.
Lana: *picks up her latte, about to drink but stopping when she realizes his meaning* Ah--your adopted daughter. I don't see how that's transitory at all. The relationship between members of a family are permanent, whether the individuals be related by blood or not.
Diego: *flags down a barista, who brings him another cup of coffee and takes away his used mug* That is true to a degree. *picks up the coffee, pouring in a pinch of sugar and stirring it with his finger before sipping*
Lana: *raises an eyebrow, finally taking another sip of her latte* But...?
Diego: *gestures with his mug* It is different for siblings, but you are nearly your sister's mother, too, so you may understand better. *tilts his head back slightly, speaking in low tones like a conspirator* They will always be family. But a time will come when a daughter will find someone else... *grins, but it's ironic* And then she is theirs, and not her father's.
Lana: *winces slightly, her voice soft* ......Well. That may be true, but... *glances down, blinking quickly* Believe it or not, it's something I've had to come to terms with in the last few years. Though perhaps not to the same degree, admittedly.
Diego: It is not upsetting. *takes a long sip* I would have been upset about it, like finding grinds in your cup - but my filter is better now, and I understand the way of things. I have been given times of happiness, and that will sustain me for as long as I can keep the reaper pinned down.
Lana: *is quiet for a long moment*
Lana: ...I wonder how many hearts you've inadvertently stolen, through this story. *with quiet amusement* It's rather ironic, if you don't mind me saying.
Diego: *sips, saying nothing for a long time. Then he puts the mug down and looks at her* It's not something I share with many. I've told Pearl, but I don't think she understands. I don't think I would have told you, either, if you weren't the other person who knew Mia best.
Lana: Of course. *smiles softly, shifting her cup on the table* ...Thank you. I don't believe I've had a conversation like this for quite some time.
Diego: *waves his hand* Please. We've known each other for seventeen years. If we couldn't talk over coffee, it would be a dark day.
Lana: Has it been that long...? *turns her head slightly, glancing out the large main window of the coffeehouse in contemplation. Outside, it's a rather chilly March afternoon-it looks like it's about to flurry, or drizzle* ...Hmm, I suppose it has. *with a slight laugh* You've changed more than I.
Diego: *he watches the turn of her face, the curve of her neck going down into her shoulders, and he leans forward, resting an elbow on the table and his chin on a hand, grinning* Well, now, I wouldn't say that.
Lana: *doesn't notice, of course, but turns to look at him with some humor* Really? In what ways have I changed--and more significantly than you?
Diego: A man just has certain standards he measures by. It is not for women to know. *sips*
Lana: *seems doubtful rather than insulted; she shakes her head, laughing* Perhaps you haven't changed very much after all.
Diego: It is only natural for you to think so. *takes another sip* You are, of course, a changed woman in many ways. That you came around to something resembling an older state of mind isn't surprising. Who knows? It could just be me doing it. *grins* How I must affect you.
Lana: My, and I see your habit of jumping to such flattering conclusions hasn't diminished any either. *smiles, taking another sip of her latte*
Diego: I should hope not. *pauses, considering where to take the conversation as he swirls the coffee in his hand*
Lana: I remember the first time you tried it on Mia--the first time that I saw, of course. *laughs lightly, tilting her head slightly again* Did she ever learn how to respond to it, outside of becoming flustered or coming to physical blows?
Diego: *looks out the window, his face level and serious* Well, now, I would hate to imply that my kitten never learned to use anything besides her claws... *looks back and grins* She never quite grew out of that, no. It became harder over time to get her to do it, though.
Lana: And so it became something of a challenge, hmm...? I remember. *some small memory comes to mind again and she smiles, glancing over to Diego contentedly* I really should visit Kurain one of these days. It's always been something I've kept putting off, though I don't have a single excuse for it now.
Diego: How right you are. *lifts up his coffee and gulps it, draining half the glass before setting it down* What would the trip be for?
Lana:: *at the action, she momentarily becomes aware that whereas she's still on her first cup, he's gone through.... four? five? --and it's just unnerving enough that she needs to pause to consider his question* ...Just a visit, I suppose. As I said, I've never made the trip, never spoken at length with her sister. It's more for my peace of mind than anything, I suppose... but I feel as though I owe it to her.
Diego: *nods, in understanding* Would you say anything to her, if you had the chance?
Lana: Do you mean through the "spirit channelling" technique? *glances off to the side* No. Call me old fashioned, but... even if it is effective, I'm not exactly comfortable with the idea. I've made my amends and my apologies to her the old fashioned way; I don't see any reason to vary from that manner.
Diego: *grins* My question is for the sake of rhetoric.
Lana: Ah. Well, in that case--yes. I don't think someone can leave the world so abruptly without those around her wanting some last chance to speak with them, making some attempt at a farewell, some attempt at closure. *her eyes are sympathetic when she glances over to Diego* ...Do you disagree?
Diego: It is to each to decide how they say goodbye. *picks the cup up again, drains it to the dregs, and flags down the barista again* Each of us must filter out our sorrows, and each of us must empty ourselves of regret and loneliness. It is not for me, of all people, to disagree with anyone else.
Lana: *looks for a moment as though she is about to ask a question-- but apparently it's against her better judgement--she merely nods along instead* ...Poetic, as usual. I suppose you're right.
Diego: Ha! Just one of the privileges of my sex, I should think *another cup is brought to him, and he sips from it* How is your sister? I trust she is re-acclimating well.
Lana: *raises an eyebrow slightly at his first comment, but nods* She's doing well. I would have figured that she'd look forward to moving out, but Ema is enjoying her time at home. Perhaps it's because of the limited options available to her.
Diego: I'm sure she's just missed you. A woman's heart is a tender thing, and the depths of its love are not easily plumbed. *sip*
Lana: *the eyebrow raises slightly again* Well, regardless, I'm happy she's home. *takes a final sip of her latte, finishing it off* How is your daughter doing? Pearl... is a freshman at your school, correct?
Diego: *nods, suddenly sober, his grin falling away from his face* She is. My little girl has grown up quite a lot. *fingers the rim of his cup, not partaking of the drink* She had her first kiss recently. That was an interesting talk.
Lana: *her expression softens* ...How did it go? I remember a similar experience, and a similar conversation with my sister... which probably was not that similar to your situation, upon reflection.
Diego: The kiss? Poorly. She was very upset that one of her most special memories had been squandered on a farce. *sips from his coffee* She places a lot of value on her own romantic notions. She was mine before I knew her.
Lana: Mm. And did her father confront the squanderer? *glances briefly over to the barista, who doesn't seem as poised to offer her a new cup to drink-- just as well, as she isn't that interested in having another one*
Diego: No, he did not. She already hit the kid. *sip*
Lana: Ah--well. *laughs a little* Good for her.
Diego: *swirls his cup, gazing off thoughtfully* I suppose. She's the only person I know who can punch out a Kitaki and walk away from it. *grins* Oh, my, did I let that slip? Do pardon me.
Lana: *pushes her mug to the side, resting her elbow on the table and her head on her hand* Seems like there's even more of a familial resemblance there.
Diego: *takes a sip as she's speaking--his eyes go momentarily wide as his brain seems to grind to a halt, and though he does not spit out the coffee he does set it down before swallowing with an effort. An image of Viola Cadaverini in a summer dress goes through his head* That isn't funny.
Lana: But it's true, isn't it? I'm hardly part of the gossip "grapevine" and yet I've heard plenty of what you've done in the last few years-- *tilts her head* even outside of your trial records.
Diego: *leans back in his chair, his expression blank* That does not reflect on Pearl's proclivities.
Lana: I should hope not. *after a moment, a thought seems to dawn on her and her features shift to momentary surprise* If you thought I was insinuating such and took offense, I apologise. ...No, I don't think there's anyone out there, man, woman or child, who has such propensities as you.
Diego: *stays blank for a beat, and then breaks out in an utterly tremendous grin* Better protection for a woman's heart to think so. *flags down the waiter* I trust you won't mind me getting the bill?
Lana: I don't mind--thank you for the coffee. *reaches behind her chair, for her coat, and rises to stand*
Diego: *he knows how much the coffee is before the waiter even leaves to retrieve the bill, and leaves enough to cover it and a tip as he rises to his feet* I want to thank you for the conversation, Ms. Skye. It's been entirely too long.
Lana: *offers up a soft smile as she turns to head to the door* It has been--and the conversation was a pleasant one. We should keep more in touch.
Diego: *steps past her and holds the door open for her, speaking in a low tone as she walks past him* I think so. *his voice drops even further* Don't hesitate to ring me up, either. There's nothing that upsets me more than a dripping kitten uncared for.
Lana: *stops in midstep for just a moment as she processes the meaning behind his words-but in the next moment she's walking out of the coffee shop again with a stolid face, after having punched him solidly in the gut*
Diego: *he doesn't double over, but he holds his stomach with his hand and takes a moment to catch his breath before laughing at her retreating back, a controlled chuckle that can't get very high* Kittens in the rain! In the rain!
Lana: Do you say. *glances back to look at him, with a rather prudish amusement on her features* Good afternoon, Mr. Armando.
Diego: Ring me up and we'll arrange your visit to Kurain. *he straightens, now, letting his hand drop into his pocket. And the grin is back, the laughter gone, and it's hard to put a name to his expression*
Lana: *nods, offering him a smile and a brief wave as she departs, making for her car*
Diego: *raises a hand in return, then lets the door swing shut behind him and heads in the opposite direction, toward his bike. He's still grinning, and there's a certain affection in it* Fiery-tempered hellcat. No wonder they got along so well. *the grin creeps even wider* Good thing she hits like a girl, too.