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Jeremiah Hamilton:
The cafe was bustling on this particular Thursday evening, the stage taken up with a collection of drawings and paintings from local artists and a table nearby for patrons to put in bids on the pieces. A placard on the table stated that all proceeds would be going to the Attic Youth Center and gave some details on the work that the Center did for the city's queer youth.
Jeremiah was on site as he often was, dressed up a little more than usual in black slacks, a wine-dark dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up neatly to the elbows (handily revealing the tattoo sleeve on his right arm) and black dress shoes. He was working his way through the tables, greeting the patrons therein with a warm smile and making sure they were enjoying themselves.
Aya Jabir:
Aya had come to the Green Room dressed in the fine yet modest fashion styles and attractive makeup that are a defining part of her public image. On the way in, socializes with others who'd come to enjoy the art. After looking at the placard, she made her way to her own table, ordering a particularly strong coffee for an evening event.
Jeremiah Hamilton:
Jeremiah perked up a touch as he spotted Aya laying claim to a table, allowing himself a quiet chuckle as his recent conversation with his cadremate and newly-begun studies of fate and coincidences had decided to merge on this particular evening. He continued his way around the room rather than beelining for her, however, offering the Plain a warm smile. "Good evening, and welcome to the Green Room. Enjoying yourself so far, I hope?"
Aya Jabir:
She looks to Jeremiah's approach and smiles when he arrives. "Good evening, thank you. Yes, this has become one of my favorite places to come for coffee and tea. I actually was not expecting this event tonight; I am not much of an art collector, but I would not mind making a direct donation to the Youth Center."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Glad to hear it. We do our best to take care of our regulars." He said with a smile. "Jeremiah Hamilton, by the way, master of the house as it were."
"It was a bit spur of the moment, I'll admit, but the work the Center does is something I'm proud to support. A direct donation could definitely be arranged."
Aya Jabir:
She lowered her head and placed a hand over her heart, "Aya Jabir, pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. Hamilton. I too am pleased to aid the community however I can, especially in a time of such dire need for a group so subject to discrimination and mistreatment." The caring activist conveyed all the empathy in person that her speeches and writings did for her elsewhere.
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Pleasure to meet you as well, Miss Jabir." He echoed the same motion, then gestured towards a chair at the table in a 'may I?' sort of way. "Here here. I volunteer at the center regularly myself, paying forward the kindness I was shown when I was in a similar situation."
Aya Jabir:
"By all means, please." She nods and gestures to the chair as well. "You were in a similar situation, you say? That must have been very difficult, and you've certainly come quite a way from there, given your current position."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
He slid easily into the seat, rocking his hand in a so-so fashion. "I was in college rather than my teens, but I was effectively disowned by my family after I came out and was left clear across the country with very little of my own. I had help from friends and other folks to keep me upright, and being able to do the same for others now is a good way to honor that."
Aya Jabir:
Aya listens to him, thoughtful. "I've never been in a situation where I've lacked for means, but I would like to build a world where that is an impossibility, for all of us, because we all look out for each other." She shakes her head, "It's all too easy to say that someone else's situation is not one's problem, to keep walking, look away. Indifference kills about as much as malice, and can be just as harmful to a community."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Agreed. I'll fully admit I had a 'fuck you all, I have mine' mindset for a good chunk of my 20s while I was chasing a music career in LA, but I eventually had a big wake-up moment that made me realize that my selfishness was causing more harm than doing me any good. The world is broken in fundamental ways, but there are things we can do to help mitigate that and make life easier for all of us."
Aya Jabir:
"Life does have a way of teaching deep lessons," She let out a sigh to emphasize, "often in rather shocking ways, as I was. It's almost like trying to decipher the thoughts of an alien, to think how I used to when I didn't know how precious and fragile life is."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Right? Trying to get back into that mindset, even temporarily, feels like it's impossible at this point."
Aya Jabir:
She's looking at him with curiosity, the gaze getting a little intense as she continues conversing. "But, I hope you don't mind a shift in topic, I have to compliment you on your tea selection and the quality of your coffee. Do you offer Turkish coffee?"
Jeremiah Hamilton:
Jeremiah sat up a little straighter on reflex as her gaze turned towards the aura around him, eyeing Aya curiously for a moment before smiling a touch at the question. "Not yet, although we're looking into it. We source everything through a local distributor to cast a wide net of varieties, and that's one we've had requested."
Aya Jabir:
"I look forward to it. It's extremely useful for when I need to take on extended meditation; unsweetened, cardamom and salep with a sweet dessert and I can keep myself awake for hours."
She looked up and rolled her eyes, "I do a lot of all-nighters, I can get a bit obsessed when I'm doing any writing or research."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Salep...not familiar with that one off-hand, I'll admit." He filed that one away for later research, nodding with a knowing smile. "Know how that goes. If I get stuck into a composition hours can go by without me noticing."
Aya Jabir:
"It is a type of flour made from the roots of certain kinds of orchids," She says, filling in a bit more information. "Recently, I've been up late enough occasionally that I go roaming about trying to find coffee and end up finishing some waffles just before morning prayer."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Ah...interesting." He nodded, smirking at the not-so-subtle hint. "I do know a good place for those. Big fan of the tiramisu ones."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
Valeria leaves the kitchen with a smile on her face, waving to someone in the back. She's just clocked out and has thrown her apron over her shoulder while carrying out a plate of food. She eyes her now boss and the famous Aya across the way, silently gesturing if she's allowed to come over and join.
She's dressed in black slacks, black non-slip shoes, and a black shirt with a rainbow Love is Love on the front.
Aya Jabir:
"I'm a bit more interested in cobbler waffles, myself. I love apples." She looks over and spots Valeria, then looks to Jeremiah and nods to signal she's fine with Val coming over.
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Those ones are good too. Everything she makes is fantastic, honestly." At Aya's nod Jeremiah motioned Val over, giving her a warm smile. "Hey. How did day two in the kitchen treat you?"
"Aya Jabir," he motioned between the two women briefly, "this is Valeria Rolan-Ruiz, one of our new hires."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
She approaches, sitting down. Next to Jay and across from Aya.
"Day two went pretty good. Didn't almost run someone over today so that's good! And I didn't forget cheese again...so progress!"
She nods her head, trying not to fangirl.
"Hello again, Miss Jabir. Amazing as always to see you!"
Aya Jabir:
She chuckles to Jeremiah and nods, "Oh, we've met before," She looks to Valeria, "It's great to see you again, as well! And working here now? I'll have to keep an eye out for you in the future. I hope things have been going well for you."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Good. Glad to hear it. Michelle mentioned that you were settling in pretty well."
"So I see." Jeremiah replied with a grin, looking between the pair. "Just hired her on earlier this week."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"I'm trying my best. Can already tell the work environment is way better than the last spot. And the hours are wonderful, thanks Jay."
A smile. "I hope to see you around too, but I'm a chef so will probably be sticking to the back. Maybe on breaks?"
Aya Jabir:
"You never know." She let out a soft chuckle, "I do seem to have a good sense of timing lately, and find myself in good company. I've already encountered you twice now."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Very welcome. I strive to make this as good a place to work in as to visit, and you all help with that as well."
"Happy little bit of kismet indeed." He nodded, looking to Aya. "Funnily enough, a friend of mine just mentioned you last night as someone to talk to. Said she ran into you on a bit of a graveyard walk."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Well from first impressions, you're doing a great job."
A small laugh.
"I am a 6 foot tall muscled as fuck woman so...kinda easy to see me in a crowd. I think the only place I stick out more is in gymnastics itself. Everyone around me is like...5'1 at most."
Her eyebrow raised at the graveyard comment.
Aya Jabir:
"Then I'll feel blessed that you are so easy to find whenever I might need to," she laughed as well. To Jeremiah, there was a small 'ahhh' as she recalled, "Yes, I think I know who you mean. We had an enjoyable conversation."
With Val's eyebrow raise, she looked between them, "It's good for the soul to take time to ponder mortality, and I often reflect by visiting the grave. Life, like all precious things, holds great value in its scarcity."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"She said as much as well." He nodded, looking to Val at Aya's explanation to see her take on it.
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"I am amazingly easy to find like 90% of the time, especially cause my face is all over the internet. But eh, its whatever. I don't mind being well known."
She leans back in the seat, then remembers she made herself a meal and goes to start.
"Tell me about it. Almost bleeding out does one hell of a thing on your priorities."
Aya Jabir:
"Certainly. There's a reason that Death as a literary or mythological figure often appears as a teacher; educates us on what we value most and what matters least." She shook her head, "I don't think I would be nearly as motivated a person as I am now if not for my own brush with it."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Car crash, myself. I'm lucky I'm able to walk, let alone have all of this." He motioned around at the cafe briefly, giving a solemn nod. "Rough as it was I'm thankful for it on some level, since it opened my eyes in ways that wouldn't have happened otherwise."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Gunshot wound." Her hand naturally goes to her sternum.
"Dangerous world, huh. Hopefully not everyone's gotta go through that to be a better person."
Aya Jabir:
She looks between the both of them and sighs. "Indeed, a very dangerous world. I am very glad you are both here with me, though." To Jere she says, "As beloved as Enlightenment is, all too often it finds a companion in Suffering."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Glad to be here as well, and in such good company besides." He gave a small but warm smile, nodding as Aya continued. "True. Sometimes it takes going through the crucible to come out wiser on the other end."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
Val got distracted by her meal and was in the middle of her bite, quickly swallowing it down and covering her mouth with her napkin.
"Very much. I'm glad I'm still here. Guy is the best and I'm so glad he was there."
There is a huge admiration in her eyes, its a bit off putting. Aya may have seen it in fans before, but this is even beyond that.
Aya Jabir:
She nodded in agreement with Jeremiah and smiled to Val, "He sounds like quite a man, and I'm glad he was able to help you, too." With this, she reaches into her purse and pulls out a card, setting it on the table and sliding it to Jeremiah.
"I hope you won't mind me ending our time together, but I think I should move along for tonight; but feel free to contact me. I am very keen on arranging that donation, and payments of this sort often require paperwork."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
Jeremiah took the offered card, pulling one of his own from a slim card case in his pocket to exchange for it. "Definitely. It was a pleasure talking with you, and hope to see you again soon."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
She nods, that smile still there.
"Take care, Miss Jabir! Travel safe!"
It takes her a minute before she winces.
"Oh shit...I did the thing again didn't I. Did I scare her off?"
Aya Jabir:
"Indeed, I look forward to seeing you both again; please enjoy the rest of your evening," She says before heading out.
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Nah, you're fine." He reassured Val, chuckling. "I am happy you're feeling comfortable here, though. From what you were saying the place you worked before was pretty rough, and getting out from that sort of environment is a good thing."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Phew, okay. I don't even realize it half the time." She sighs.
"Not that I'm mad about it, just seems other people are wary about it. But yeah, last place...ugh, so glad I'm done there. Biggest appeal was I could pick my hours with everything else going on. Was just a place I could get back on my feet and whatnot. MUCH happier to be here."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Long as you're aware of it, that's the important thing." He nodded. "We're glad to have you. And if you ever have something come up that'll keep you away for a bit give me a call and let me know. I'm more than happy to be flexible when it comes to the odder parts of our schedules."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Will do, I luckily don't see too much in the near future minus training and helping out with other stuff." She shrugs.
"Big two things are uh...my dad's got a lotta doctor's appointments in the next few months, but that should be fine. And then in October I'm hopefully going to the Olympic Tryouts, so will be gone for like 2 weeks."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"No kidding..." He grinned widely. "Best of luck. Where are the tryouts?"
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"That depends on a lotta stuff. To boil it all down, I'll be competing in Antwerp, Belgium to try to get an individual spot. If I don't make it there, which I hopefully will, there will be other competitions from January all the way up to May."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Good stuff. If you need any help for travel costs or whatever let me know. It's the least I can do."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
She taps her fingers a couple times.
"I'll probably let you know closer to. Its still a fair ways off, and a lot can happen. Plus uh...few weeks prior to the tryouts, I'll probably be a bit grumpy too as a heads up."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Sounds good." Cue a curious arch of the eyebrow. "Oh? Any reason in particular, or is that something you'd keep to yourself?"
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
She bites her lip and looks around, clearly weighing it.
"Uh...lemme think...lets go with withdrawl? If you catch my drift?"
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Ah hah...makes sense, considering." He nodded, with no sign of judgement in his expression. "Shouldn't be a problem."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Just call me out on my bullshit, ya know? Shouldn't be that much of a problem. Just uh...don't wanna have to run drug tests or whatnot, ya know?"
She taps her fingers, a thought hitting her head. "Hey uh... actually a question... wait... hmm... maybe not a here question?"
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Of course." He nodded, tilting his head towards the door to the office nearby. "Shall we?"
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
"Sure!" She polishes off her meal of course having taken it on a to-go box cause dishes suck.
As he's likely noticed a few times, she gets up on her right side every time, a little limp in her step thats barely noticeable.
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"How's the knee doing, by the way?" He asked as they headed for the office, opening the door for her all gentlemanly like.
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
She entered, nodding her head in thanks.
"Uh that's...actually what I wanna chat about."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Oh?" He motioned for her to grab a seat before claiming one himself. "What's up?"
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
She sits.
"So uh...you know the whole thing, right? Broke my knee at the last Olympic Tryouts, got knee surgery."
She gestures at the knee in certain spots.
"I got a plate and 4 screws made of titanium that were holding my knee together. Problem is, with Vitae its healing naturally...unnaturally, eh, you know what I mean. Uh...talked to To-Bones, she didn't know the right thing and frankly I got no clue how your stuff works."
She takes a breath.
"Do you know the magic or know someone with the magic to get the metal outta my knee?"
Jeremiah Hamilton:
He nodded along to the explanation, eyebrows going up as she hit the crux of the matter. "I...do, but not at the caliber you would likely need. One of my cadremates does, though; I can ask her if she's willing."
Valeria Rolan-Ruiz:
She nods.
"Aight, just, as long as someone can do it, ya know? Cause its starting to be a hindrance."
She shrugs, smiling.
"Don't wanna take up too much of your time then, plus I gotta probably get home to my dad anyway."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"I feel ya. We'll see what we can do." He nodded with a smile. "No worries. Been a pleasure as always. Have a good night, and safe travels home."
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