[Not since his sensei's--not since he lived in Madarame's place has Yusuke found anywhere quite so comfortable, that felt quite like home, as Leblanc. He might cite the atmosphere, the reassurance of seeing Sayuri on the wall to greet him when he enters, but it's more likely that Akira and the others have made this place a haven, away from a world where they all don't quite fit in.
As such, Yusuke never passes up the opportunity to go, especially not when Akira's the one extending the invitation. Just seeing the text made his heart soar!
...Is that a slightly over-exuberant reaction? Hmm. Oh well. Yusuke, as expected, spends little to no time overthinking it. He has more important things to spend his time doing, after all.
Currently, he's sitting in one of the booths, watching Akira curiously with his hands resting on his lap. The aroma of coffee and curry... it's making him feel hungry... Maybe he should've hopped off the train even earlier than he did so he would have a little extra money... it's not proper to simply allow himself to be treated all the time, even if the food offered is extra or not.
Either way, he's waiting for food before he inquires what Akira wanted his opinion on, that or for Akira to say it himself. Finally a chance to return the favour though! Akira is always offering him opinions and advice that, in Yusuke's experience, are very precious indeed.]
[it's not as if akira is entirely surprised that yusuke came at his request—but it's pleasant, no less. for all the ways that he can be eccentric and a bit hard to grasp, he's kind and reliable. he's incredibly trustworthy...
(and of course, the promise of food and coffee always works; befriending a literal starving artist sure can be a thing sometimes.)
but since he's the one who asked yusuke to come, he's already accounted for the fact that he should probably eat. so this one is his treat. he'll bring over a small plate of curry and a cup of coffee before sitting down across from him.]
...I want you to try this coffee blend.
[it's a really simple request, and one that comes without very much explanation. but the fact that akira is asking means there's a reason. he makes coffee frequently enough to help out—there are definitely motives to having yusuke try this coffee specifically that stretch beyond just a kind gesture to treat him.]
I took care of the curry too. [so he can just eat it and see if the coffee has the right flavor to complement it well.]
[So is this what he wanted an opinion on? Yusuke looks down at the coffee with interest (even though his stomach screams curry!!!!!! demandingly at him). Out of deference to his leader he'll move for the cup, curling his fingers around it.]
A new blend of yours?
[He'll take a curious smell of it first, wafting it under his nose. It'd be only right to sample the coffee with all of his senses, for Akira's sake!]
[maybe he should have waited for yusuke to sample the coffee first, but since they're meant to go together, he really didn't think about that way.]
Yeah. Boss says I still don't have enough depth to my flavors.
[and obviously, for a guy like akira—used to excelling, it's a bit frustrating. he wants to do a good job since sojiro is definitely one of the best adults in his life and someone he wants to do right by. but akira tends to enjoy his own coffee well enough to know he's not a great judge of it.
however—]
You have a good sense for these things. [he knows how much yusuke enjoys sojiro's coffee, so akira thinks he can get an honest opinion this way.]
[Yusuke looks at him for a long moment before he smiles, cup still in hand, held close to his lips.]
I'm honoured. I'll give you my honest impressions.
[He's very pleased Akira trusts his opinions. He won't let him down, even if he has to critique his coffee!! At the very least, he's confident he'll be able to do so. He spends plenty of time here indulging in the coffee, after all, so he raises the cup to take a sip, mulling over the flavours.]
[it's a very simple thanks, especially when he has no idea what yusuke will think of it.
but it's fine. even if it's terrible, it'll give him reason to keep trying until he gets it right. he knows that it's probably not the worst, but he wants to make something to be proud of and that the people around him will like.
he's kind of waiting in anticipation, but there's no reason to rush yusuke at all, so he'll... keep waiting for that opinion in the meanwhile.]
[Yusuke's even closed his eyes in concentration...]
I see what the boss means. You are the younger Leonardo de Vinci, while boss is more like the de Vinci already beginning his work on the Mona Lisa.
[He cups his chin with his free hand, frowning in thought.] Boss's coffees that were similar to this were a little richer... I believe. But. [He goes to take a taste of the curry and nods in satisfaction.] They still pair together well.
[yusuke really has a gentle way of being honest sometimes. akira knows that plenty of times... he can be kind of inconsiderate with his honesty because he just lacks the social grace to see a problem with it. but then he waxes poetic about coffee, not disagreeing with sojiro's assessment while still...
well, in a way, it seems like he's trying to mind akira's feelings. he doesn't mind the blunt honesty, of course, but there is something a bit endearing about that. he nods in response, listening to the criticisms, but still... kind of pleased that he doesn't seem to completely dislike it, either.]
I'll have to keep working on it then. [he smiles a little; it's back to the drawing board and testing another brew, but—] Thanks for giving it a shot.
Of course. I'll gladly continue to sample any more cups you make.
[Though Yusuke might destroy his stomach doing so...
He's not thinking of that right now. Rather, it's fine so long as he takes small sips of every single cup!! Akira's likely got this under control anyway, where Yusuke isn't thinking of it.]
[at the very least... akira really did think ahead for that. loading up yusuke on that much caffeine seems too harsh, even if he also does his best to keep yusuke well fed.]
I'll brew less for the test batches. I think I have some work to do. [akira is definitely a bit of a perfectionist in this way—he wants to make it a cup of coffee that can be appreciated.
even if yusuke seems to appreciate it already, and even if he knows he can't match sojiro's skill, he wants to improve anyway.]
[Yusuke wears a satisfied look, nodding his approval like Akira just chose the right option. There should be musical notes popping up around his head, honestly.]
Speaking of, it's very quiet besides us two here. I'm surprised no-one else is here yet.
[He frowns, tapping his finger against his chin. THIS ESTABLISHMENT HAS SUCH QUALITY AND CLASS AND SAYURI'S ON THE WALL WHERE THE HELL ARE THE CUSTOMERS.]
[akira definitely gets that sense that what he said pleased yusuke enough; it's good to know he's at least getting a decent sense that he's understanding yusuke a little more each day when they can hang out like this.]
I guess it's tough sometimes when it's tucked away in a quiet alley.
[it's not like akira is surprised by that, since leblanc is hardly ever busy. but he can get why yusuke would feel that way when the quality of what sojiro offers is really quite incredible.]
I don't mind if it's just like this, though. [hanging out with just yusuke, it's quiet—but it's pretty nice too, he thinks.]
[Yusuke's frown eases off into nothing and he starts rummaging for the usual art supplies and sketchbooks that explain where his money evaporates off to.]
If the business here ever picked up, it would mean I couldn't spend as much time here. Someone else might even take my seat away from me long before I got here... [THAT WOULD BE TERRIBLE]
[HE'S IMAGINING IT. Don't put ideas in his head. He's thinking now about having a spot that everyone knows is his and people coming to actually play along with his modeling or his using them for certain atmospheres that don't actually exist.]
...Anyway, it would be troublesome if we had to find another place for our meetings. Places where we can actually speak about such important matters.
[they can't trust ryuji in places more public than this]
It's fine, Yusuke. Even if it got busy down here... the attic is always safe.
[they don't have to worry about that. there will always be a spot for yusuke and the others in his room.
they can trust in that much, to be sure.
in the meanwhile, akira brings over more coffee, the sample size much smaller, though different than his first cup. he's doing his best here—he'd really like to be able to make a brew that would impress sojiro.
[of course, yusuke would ask something like that—but akira doesn't really seem to mind. he's been learning the different types and experimenting with the blends to see what he can do.
so he'll nod before offering a pretty simple explanation.]
It's a blend of Jamaican Blue Mountain and Ethiopian Arbigon—one for a sweetness, one for the acidity. [it's a simple explanation, so he's not sure he can sell yusuke on it, but it's fine. he kind of just hopes the flavors will actually work enough to sell itself without being too flat or bland.
[Yusuke hums in interest--it's much like learning about other methods of painting, except this is coffee. Different types of coffee, different methods of brewing, and Akira's letting him peek into that world a little.
Sure, boss may know more, but it's something to learn from someone also still learning!!]
I see. Then, I'll partake. [He's going to have a sip.]
[if nothing else, it's nice to see yusuke taking an interest in it—he's usually so absorbed in his art that there's hardly even room for anything else. when it's like this, it feels like yusuke is expanding his horizons and growing a bit.
which is undoubtedly a good thing, because it means he'll be able to expand what he can do with his art and the inspiration it requires, too. maybe right now it's just coffee, but it offers a lot of potential, even if akira's not sure where that will lead yet.
for now... well.
he's watching with intent, curious to see how yusuke will react to the coffee. it's quite a process, but even still—maybe if he keeps up like this, his own ability will improve and he'll make a worthwhile brew of his own? who knows.]
[Akira's a special case, as well—he wouldn't show such interest unless Akira was involved in it. Certainly he enjoys boss's coffees, but it's not Akira and therefore he's less inclined to ask or pursue questioning further.
He tastes carefully, swirling and sipping and (even though he's not a connoisseur of coffee or otherwise) considering it with a solemnity that somebody else might side-eye him for.
At last, he nods with a smile.] I enjoy this blend. The taste lingers, but there's certainly a sweetness to it.
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As such, Yusuke never passes up the opportunity to go, especially not when Akira's the one extending the invitation. Just seeing the text made his heart soar!
...Is that a slightly over-exuberant reaction? Hmm. Oh well. Yusuke, as expected, spends little to no time overthinking it. He has more important things to spend his time doing, after all.
Currently, he's sitting in one of the booths, watching Akira curiously with his hands resting on his lap. The aroma of coffee and curry... it's making him feel hungry... Maybe he should've hopped off the train even earlier than he did so he would have a little extra money... it's not proper to simply allow himself to be treated all the time, even if the food offered is extra or not.
Either way, he's waiting for food before he inquires what Akira wanted his opinion on, that or for Akira to say it himself. Finally a chance to return the favour though! Akira is always offering him opinions and advice that, in Yusuke's experience, are very precious indeed.]
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(and of course, the promise of food and coffee always works; befriending a literal starving artist sure can be a thing sometimes.)
but since he's the one who asked yusuke to come, he's already accounted for the fact that he should probably eat. so this one is his treat. he'll bring over a small plate of curry and a cup of coffee before sitting down across from him.]
...I want you to try this coffee blend.
[it's a really simple request, and one that comes without very much explanation. but the fact that akira is asking means there's a reason. he makes coffee frequently enough to help out—there are definitely motives to having yusuke try this coffee specifically that stretch beyond just a kind gesture to treat him.]
I took care of the curry too. [so he can just eat it and see if the coffee has the right flavor to complement it well.]
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[So is this what he wanted an opinion on? Yusuke looks down at the coffee with interest (even though his stomach screams curry!!!!!! demandingly at him). Out of deference to his leader he'll move for the cup, curling his fingers around it.]
A new blend of yours?
[He'll take a curious smell of it first, wafting it under his nose. It'd be only right to sample the coffee with all of his senses, for Akira's sake!]
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Yeah. Boss says I still don't have enough depth to my flavors.
[and obviously, for a guy like akira—used to excelling, it's a bit frustrating. he wants to do a good job since sojiro is definitely one of the best adults in his life and someone he wants to do right by. but akira tends to enjoy his own coffee well enough to know he's not a great judge of it.
however—]
You have a good sense for these things. [he knows how much yusuke enjoys sojiro's coffee, so akira thinks he can get an honest opinion this way.]
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I'm honoured. I'll give you my honest impressions.
[He's very pleased Akira trusts his opinions. He won't let him down, even if he has to critique his coffee!! At the very least, he's confident he'll be able to do so. He spends plenty of time here indulging in the coffee, after all, so he raises the cup to take a sip, mulling over the flavours.]
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[it's a very simple thanks, especially when he has no idea what yusuke will think of it.
but it's fine. even if it's terrible, it'll give him reason to keep trying until he gets it right. he knows that it's probably not the worst, but he wants to make something to be proud of and that the people around him will like.
he's kind of waiting in anticipation, but there's no reason to rush yusuke at all, so he'll... keep waiting for that opinion in the meanwhile.]
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I see what the boss means. You are the younger Leonardo de Vinci, while boss is more like the de Vinci already beginning his work on the Mona Lisa.
[He cups his chin with his free hand, frowning in thought.] Boss's coffees that were similar to this were a little richer... I believe. But. [He goes to take a taste of the curry and nods in satisfaction.] They still pair together well.
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well, in a way, it seems like he's trying to mind akira's feelings. he doesn't mind the blunt honesty, of course, but there is something a bit endearing about that. he nods in response, listening to the criticisms, but still... kind of pleased that he doesn't seem to completely dislike it, either.]
I'll have to keep working on it then. [he smiles a little; it's back to the drawing board and testing another brew, but—] Thanks for giving it a shot.
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[Though Yusuke might destroy his stomach doing so...
He's not thinking of that right now. Rather, it's fine so long as he takes small sips of every single cup!! Akira's likely got this under control anyway, where Yusuke isn't thinking of it.]
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I'll brew less for the test batches. I think I have some work to do. [akira is definitely a bit of a perfectionist in this way—he wants to make it a cup of coffee that can be appreciated.
even if yusuke seems to appreciate it already, and even if he knows he can't match sojiro's skill, he wants to improve anyway.]
...If you have time for that today.
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[That's why he brought, like, his bag with his sketchbook and other supplies in it...
Hey, if Akira was all right with him camping in Leblanc all day, he was certainly not going to pass up the opportunity.]
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[he appreciates it! after all, it's really not all that often that akira asks for help, but it's the sort of thing he'll trust yusuke with anyway.
not that he thinks the others would give him a dishonest opinion, but yusuke just has a good palate for this sort of thing.]
The booth's all yours today then, unless you want to go upstairs.
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[Yusuke nods once, leaning back in the seat as though to prove just how much he's made his mind up about being here.]
Besides, unless you're upstairs as well, there's not much reason for me to go there.
[What would he sketch or stare at up there... Morgana? Nah. Well, he could, but still, he'd much rather spend his time gawking at Akira apparently.]
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[it's fine, if yusuke wants to gawk at him, akira won't be mad about it. besides:]
It's better down here with company, anyway.
[and yusuke's company is always good company! eccentric company, but it's endearing in it's way, so akira is totally fine with it.]
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Speaking of, it's very quiet besides us two here. I'm surprised no-one else is here yet.
[He frowns, tapping his finger against his chin. THIS ESTABLISHMENT HAS SUCH QUALITY AND CLASS AND SAYURI'S ON THE WALL WHERE THE HELL ARE THE CUSTOMERS.]
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I guess it's tough sometimes when it's tucked away in a quiet alley.
[it's not like akira is surprised by that, since leblanc is hardly ever busy. but he can get why yusuke would feel that way when the quality of what sojiro offers is really quite incredible.]
I don't mind if it's just like this, though. [hanging out with just yusuke, it's quiet—but it's pretty nice too, he thinks.]
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[Yusuke's frown eases off into nothing and he starts rummaging for the usual art supplies and sketchbooks that explain where his money evaporates off to.]
If the business here ever picked up, it would mean I couldn't spend as much time here. Someone else might even take my seat away from me long before I got here... [THAT WOULD BE TERRIBLE]
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I guess Boss wouldn't like it if we had a reserved placard for you and your art supplies, either.
[he chuckles softly as he works on making a small cup of coffee for yusuke to try.]
Hm. Business isn't booming, but it's fine this way. [he much prefers yusuke being in that spot, anyway.]
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[HE'S IMAGINING IT. Don't put ideas in his head. He's thinking now about having a spot that everyone knows is his and people coming to actually play along with his modeling or his using them for certain atmospheres that don't actually exist.]
...Anyway, it would be troublesome if we had to find another place for our meetings. Places where we can actually speak about such important matters.
[they can't trust ryuji in places more public than this]
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[they don't have to worry about that. there will always be a spot for yusuke and the others in his room.
they can trust in that much, to be sure.
in the meanwhile, akira brings over more coffee, the sample size much smaller, though different than his first cup. he's doing his best here—he'd really like to be able to make a brew that would impress sojiro.
(and... yusuke, and everyone else too.)]
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Perking up, he focuses on the coffee Akira brings over, inclining his head. Aha, a new blend for him to try. First, though...]
Can you tell me about this blend?
[He asks with interest... sell it to him, Akira. Show off your coffee knowledge.]
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so he'll nod before offering a pretty simple explanation.]
It's a blend of Jamaican Blue Mountain and Ethiopian Arbigon—one for a sweetness, one for the acidity. [it's a simple explanation, so he's not sure he can sell yusuke on it, but it's fine. he kind of just hopes the flavors will actually work enough to sell itself without being too flat or bland.
it's a work in progress, for sure.]
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Sure, boss may know more, but it's something to learn from someone also still learning!!]
I see. Then, I'll partake. [He's going to have a sip.]
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which is undoubtedly a good thing, because it means he'll be able to expand what he can do with his art and the inspiration it requires, too. maybe right now it's just coffee, but it offers a lot of potential, even if akira's not sure where that will lead yet.
for now... well.
he's watching with intent, curious to see how yusuke will react to the coffee. it's quite a process, but even still—maybe if he keeps up like this, his own ability will improve and he'll make a worthwhile brew of his own? who knows.]
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He tastes carefully, swirling and sipping and (even though he's not a connoisseur of coffee or otherwise) considering it with a solemnity that somebody else might side-eye him for.
At last, he nods with a smile.] I enjoy this blend. The taste lingers, but there's certainly a sweetness to it.
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