That's Amore {Kallie}

[Valen Blackthorne]

Perhaps this was a bit of a long shot?

Valen had never really been nervous about much in his life, both with a body and before then, but this was as close to 'nerves' as he had ever felt before. He was pretty shameless, didn't get fazed by too much...so he could play this cool, take it in stride and just be rather direct, sort of. The past few meetings with Kallisto had been...well, anything but dull, and he had an idea in mind now that things were a little calmer after that vampire attack. He was rather proud of himself for not having gone back outside after all of that to finish the job and rid of the bloodsucking creature for good, even with as tempted as he had been. He was pleased to hear from her later that evening after she got home...and it had become something of a regular occurrence to text back and forth, more so than before.

While he normally worked the evening shifts at the bar, he trusted his staff well enough to handle it all for the evening. Alice and Marcell were pretty great, they could take care of things and make sure the place didn't burn straight down to the ground while he was gone. He could stop in before leaving for the evening, just to make sure they really were all prepped for the night, then get a move on, unless...this evening really didn't go as expected. He wasn't going to be the guy who didn't take no for an answer, but he could be very persistent at least. First off, he had to see what Kallie was even doing later today...and hope there was room for what he had in store, which...wasn't anything to be labeled, it wasn't really anything at all...just...show her a nice place that she might not have seen before here in Valhaven just yet.

Walking down the few blocks it took to get to the uptown region of Valhaven, Valen spotted the Strongbrew Cafe and felt a huff escape his lips. That wasn't nerves, was it? He wasn't really sure what it felt like, but he pushed it aside before sauntering his way inside, the smell of coffee was overpowering, but at least it didn't smell bad. Judging by the small crowd, he really was happy to see this place booming, just as successful as his own he had to assume, it brought a tiny smile to his lips as his blue eyes shifted around the room before landing on the blonde he had been seeking behind the counter. Moving forward in her direction and tapping a small fist against the counter in a knocking fashion, Valen couldn't help the amusement to his tone. “Coffee to go?” Of course he didn't plan on sticking round here long, but just long enough to spill out the words he wanted to say...the plans he really hoped wouldn't fall through. “Say...Kallie...how much of Valhaven have you actually seen since getting here? Been busy with this place and what not...have you even gotten a chance to really explore?”

tagged; kallie | wearing; casual somethings for now | location; cafe (downtown later) | notes; jumpin' right to it!

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[Kallisto Motte]

The cafe had been booming with business, Kallie was honestly surprised with how things were going. She was incredibly thankful that help came when it did. Mari and Max had been wonderful to work alongside. With the season getting colder and christmas around the corner it seemed more people were looking for a warm drink while out shopping. Hot chocolates were now on the menu, something she couldn’t resist having herself on a break.

Thankfully the cold weather had meant Kallie could get away with wearing scarfs and long neck jumpers over the days it took for the vampire bite to heal. She was still bothered by how the evening had gone down, but she’s not seen that vampire since so she had some hope he’d left town. Either that or someone she cared about found a way to make him disappear. She tried not to dwell too much on the thought. She was to learn from the mistake and keep persevering onward.

Tray in hand she carefully placed the freshly baked cookies into the glass display beside her counter when she heard the bell of the door go off. The room filled with his scent and knew exactly who it had been before the knock at the counter came. The smile on her face grew as she stood herself up from a crouched position. Still keeping a tight grip on the now empty tray she gave him a short nod. “One coffee coming right up!” She spoke in a cheery tone she liked to use around the coffee shop. They’d not really ran into each other since that night with the vampire, but they’d spoken over messages. Kallie was starting to enjoy seeing his face show up.

Placing the tray down out of the way she went off to make him a coffee. Behind the counter had been a rather small work space, enough to maybe fit two people. Not being too far from Valen when he started to talk again she tilted her head to glance back at him. A thoughtful look crossed her face while the cup filled. “Good question. I’ve been out jogging so sort of know my way around, but I guess I haven’t really explored anywhere.” Hearing the final whirling of the machine she put her attention back to the cup, taking a lid ready to place onto it. “Why? You own another business that I don’t know about?” She couldn’t resist throwing in a little banter. Kallie could tell something was up with him, but unsure of what exactly.

Made by Rora of Valhaven ♥

[Valen Blackthorne]

With something of a plan in mind, Valen made his way through town to the Strongbrew Cafe, sincerely hoping that Kallie would be open to the idea of allowing him to show her around, it was a nice gesture is all. Consider it him being extra neighborly. There was a feeling of slight discomfort on the inside though, a feeling he didn't really know at all, that alone was slightly disturbing as well. Ignoring that for the moment, Valen just moved his way into the cafe and strode right up the counter. Given the fact that he had been recognized for what he was before...he had to assume that surprising Kallie would never happen, but he could play along a little bit. Tapping his fist against the counter and hearing her rather cheery tone in reply...it brought the small smile that had been on his lips to widen a bit more. It was a nice tone to hear, especially when directed at him, even if it could just be regular hospitality she used for everyone.

It was just...nice.

As she worked on that coffee to go, Valen was quick to throw the question of exploration of Valhaven out there, listening to what she had to say, giving the occasional nod to show he had been paying attention, though regardless of her answer...he had a plan in mind. The slight banter-ish comment coming his way brought a small sound of amusement past his lips, leaning against the counter a bit more in a relaxed manner. “No, no, nothing like that. I might have a lot of time on my hands...but if I had another business...I'd hardly find any room for sleep or anything else...human.” He teased slightly, ready to jump right to it and just...lay out his game plan for the evening, inwardly somewhat clinging to a shred of hope that she'd agree and they could go out. It wasn't like he was asking for much...just a chance to bum around town really, it really was for her own good more so than his own.

“Actually, I know a few good places around here that might be worth seeing, get you a little more acquainted with the town...more familiar with the ins and outs and all that junk. I'd be more than happy to show them to you...” Shrugging his shoulders a little bit as he spoke, Valen seemed rather nonchalant about it all, and what was exactly the vibe he wanted to put off. He didn't need Kallie, or anyone else, getting the idea that he really did look forward to getting out once in awhile, and with a pretty girl on his arm, that sounded almost...perfect, didn't it? “I figure after this I'll have no reason to call you New Blood anymore, you'll be just as acquainted and informed as the rest of us here.” Throwing a rather cheeky grin onto his face, staring at the blonde, he wasn't going to jump the gun...but if he had to predict how this was going to go, he had to assume she'd say yes. They were on fairly good terms anyways, but if she truly didn't trust him at all...she could by all means say no, but considering how they had been talking a bit more here and there – a lot more – as well as the last situation they were involved in with that vampire...he couldn't see her turning him down.

Though the option was always there, regardless of what his assumptions would be.

tagged; kallie | wearing; casual somethings for now | location; cafe (downtown later) | notes; I adore this thread already.

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[Kallisto Motte]

Listening to him tap against the counter, Kallie wondered if he often did that to fill the silence or was it just something to fill his mind? She was tempted to ask him but refrained from doing so. It seemed a little too personal for a quick coffee run. Maybe if they had more time she might have been brave enough to pick his brain. She sure wanted to, wasn’t every day one would meet a demon who had formed their own body. She couldn’t imagine what he’s been through to get to this point in life.

When he countered her joke with more serious talk and a slight hint of teasing, she couldn’t help but smile. Hearing that he did seem to do some more human things only brought more curiosity. Again, not the place for her to delve into this. Kallie held her tongue for now. She knew there was a time and place for such matters. “You say that now, never thought about partnering up with someone on a business?” She raised a brow at him. Kallie was new to business, and her cafe was more like a whole family run operation. While not thinking about partnerships for herself, she wondered if Valen had broached the thought himself.

Carefully placing the cover over the top of the coffee she wandered back over the counter. Standing adjacent to him while he spoke about showing her the town, Kallie smiled. She already knew the answer in her head almost immediately. This didn’t feel like other times they’d spoken, Kallie couldn’t be certain though. It felt like more. She remained silent, the smile still on her face while she waited for him to pay for his coffee. Maybe she liked teasing him with a delayed answer. Finally he brought up her nickname and a huff of amusement escaped her. “Well if it’s for the sake of upgrading my title from New Blood… sure” She couldn’t hide the grin, Kallie hadn’t been asked out before. Even if it was to flesh out the local town some more. Nothing serious right? Just two friends actually making plans to hang out. “Name the time and place.”

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[Valen Blackthorne]

“I haven't thought about that before...never really found anyone who could...catch my interest.” Until now, right? Shoving that thought aside and spitting out what he wanted to say, so casually too, Valen just waited a bit eagerly to see what she would say. He tried to keep cool, and shadowing how he felt was very easy for him to do, on most days. Feelings weren't exactly something the demon was familiar with, aside from the typical dark stuff like vengeance, anger, all that good stuff, this...nervousness? Happiness? They weren't things they were supposed to be in his structural make up of any sort. It probably wasn't even supposed to be in his vocabulary, unless he was taking happiness away from someone...he truly was a black sheep, but he was really enjoying his life now.

Something about this...made it even better.

Of course she commented on the nickname, he had expected her to, only to accompany her words with a small breath of amusement coming from him in return. “It just means I'll need to come up with something better for you,” He was thoroughly pleased that she seemed alright with the idea though. Fishing out his wallet and paying for the coffee – his grand excuse for being here – he offered the blonde a small smile of appreciation, for both the coffee and to humor him with this...night out of sorts. “How about I meet you here, say about...seven...” Picking up his coffee and taking a quick sip, he started his retreat, having gotten out the place (to meet) and when, but he quickly stopped in his stride, turning quickly to face Kallie once more. “And be sure to dress properly, we'll be doing a fair bit of walking but...it might also get chilly...keep that in mind.” He informed before going back to his retreat, so far things were going as he wanted them to, he just hoped the trend continued.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was almost seven, Valen didn't want to be too early, but he also didn't want to be late. He wanted to be right on time to meet up with Kallie and then get this show on the road. Walking to downtown Valhaven wouldn't take any time at all, the two little 'sub-areas' of the city were fairly close together, just...one half was a little more upscale, perfect for your daytime crowd, while downtown certainly was the nightlife scene. He hadn't been wrong about it being fairly chilly, but it wasn't unbearable at the very least. Things were looking to be pretty great this evening. He wondered just how great Kallie would be looking as soon as she showed...that would certainly add to how wonderful things were steering so far. A small smirk pulled at the corners of his lips at the thought as he pulled out his phone to check the time as he approached the cafe. A minute until seven, that was good enough for being right one time.

Perhaps he was in a bit over his head with all of this, but even he couldn't admit that it was anything more than just...getting to spend some time together, as friends, and he was doing her a service by showing her the little ins and outs of the town, if she ever did want to really go out sometime of course. There were several little hole in the wall places, much like his bar, or her cafe, that needed to be discovered...it made Valhaven's small town charm that much more appealing. Pocketing his phone, as well as his hands, Valen could feel that weird irritation of nerves from earlier, wanting them to just stop...but they likely wouldn't subside at all this evening. In the end...he was sure it would be worth it.

tagged; kallie | wearing; >>dis snazzy ensemble<< | location; cafe (downtown shortly) | notes; I'm melting.

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