~CAFE PARADISE~ Open and Accepting

[Adrian Seidelman]

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx𝔅𝔢𝔩𝔱𝔥𝔞𝔩𝔰𝔞𝔯 𝔏𝔲𝔠𝔦𝔬 ℨ𝔞𝔟𝔞𝔱𝔦𝔫𝔬
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xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx𝔅l𝔦𝔫𝔡 𝔄𝔰 𝔗𝔥𝔢 w𝔦𝔫𝔡

███ ▌▌ C r yxxxo u txxxf o rxxxh e l p .xxxB u txxxr e c e i v exxxn o n e . ▌▌███

Blindto put it bluntly Kaegen was as dense as a fencepost. After all he hadn't even noticed the fact that Zabi had been rubbing his forearm. Zabi rubbed people's forearms like that when he was interested in someone. Though then again Zabi hadn't even realized it either. Feeling the hand on his shoulder he smiled wearily and wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes. "T-Thanks Kaegen...I really appreciate it.." He whispered before feeling the large hand become removed from his shoulder. Pulling the hood up over his head he sniffled a bit and gently touched the back of his head, only to have him flinch and whimper a bit, tears streaking down his face again. He shut his eyes tightly and furiously rubbed them away. Sighing lightly he brought his feet back up on the seat and hugged them quietly, hiding his face slightly. Wanting Kaegen to come back so that he wouldn't be alone. His eyes were still shut as he sat there quietly. A heavy sigh escaped him as he rested his chin on his knees. His head started veering off to the side as he started to doze off, though he quickly regained himself and sat up quickly, putting his feet on the ground he rested his hands on the table and sighed a bit, lowering his head a bit.

Blindhe tried to focus on something else. Something that would get him thinking and not make him want to pass out. So his thoughts reverted to Kaegen. He didn't know why he was thinking so much into this. After all Kaegen was probably one of those AMAZING straight guys that everyone liked because he was such a positive and happy person. Not to mention that the guy was always willing to help someone out no matter what. That man was just amazing. Big strong hands and arms. Obviously a tall man. Zabi had a thing for tall man, but then again pretty much everyone was taller then Zabi. But he couldn't help his short, feminine body. He didn't like his small and pathetic body, but at the same time he liked how much attention he could get with his small pathetic body. Though then again he didn't like being called a little kid, after all he was getting close to his mid-twenties and people were still thinking he was some junior high student. Sighing lightly at that thought he went back to thinking about Kaegen. The sweet, innocent man. He felt so safe in Kaegen's arms, even if they didn't know anything about one another, he never actually trusted anyone other than Samius, and for the man to gain his trust that fast despite everything, was weird and foreign and he didn't know what to do about that. He didn't know what was up with Kaegen that made him like him so much. After all Kaegen was completely different from the other men and women that he had been with. Kaegen was a country bumpkin, sweet as pie, but a little dense and not too bright. But what that man lacked he made up for it in how real and innocent he was. This Kaegen was not going to be good for Zabi, definitely now. How was Zabi supposed to keep up a reputation as a slut and an a-hole if he was getting smitten with some nice country boy. Then he might actually think that it was a good idea to tell people that he really did donate to charities, and that he was actually a good guy and not some completely polluted rich boy.

Blindzabi's thoughts were immediately thwarted when someone said hello, introducing herself as Meagan. He smiled faintly and introduced himself as well. Though what she asked next caught her by surprise. "So Zabi. Kaegen tells me that you bonked your head. Do you mind if I take a look? I'm studying to be a nurse." He continued to smile faintly and he pulled down his hood. "Umm...Sure that's fine. Just be careful it hurts a bit.." He said as she started to examine him. She did end up touching him causing him to grimace a bit before sighing. "So did something happen to you to make this bump bigger than what it should. You should maybe get it checked out." Zabi played with the sleeves of his shirt not knowing what else to do as some random girl checked him out, though he imagined that there were a couple of people staring at him. He really didn't mind at all. So rather he just sat there. "Oh Ummm...I slipped this morning and banged my head. I was taken to the hospital then, but they said I would be fine, just take some ibuprofen and get some rest. But this time around I have no clue. I hope I don't have a concussion I would hate to miss anymore work.." He said with a sigh. He really didn't want to miss any of his job. After all they were going to be starting to learn a new sheet of music, and he really wanted to finish off the book that they were reading in literature. She was talking again he could hear that but his mind was elsewhere. Though he imagined she was talking about how he should get to a hospital and the like. He really just wanted to lay back and relax. But he couldn't because he was getting examined. He didn't know how to get home and he was all alone in a place that he liked, but he didn't have anyone here to help him around.

Blindwhen he started getting his focus back he noticed that Meagan actually wasn't talking to him but rather explaining to Kaegen about what had happened to Zabi, which only made Zabi blush faintly. Though what made him blush more was the fact that Meagan said that Kaegen was going to drive him home. Not that he minded of course he would rather Kaegen drive him home rather then someone that he didn't know. When Meagan left he sat there quietly, his smile fading a bit as he continued to play with the sleeves of his sweater. Though hearing Kaegen made him jump a little before smiling faintly and took the glass that was handed to him, wrapping his slender fingers around the glass, he held it gently waiting for Kaegen to let go. "T-Thank you Kaegen." He whispered before taking a sip of water then placed it on the table gently, with a light thunk. He was nervous around Kaegen and he didn't know why. Sighing lightly he kept his hands gently wrapped around the glass, curling and uncurling his hands enjoying the feel of the cool water while he smiled gently. Though when Kaegen apologized his brows furrowed slightly in confusion for a few moments before relaxing and smiling a bit. "You don't need to apologize Kaegen...It was an accident and nothing more. Nothing to be sorry about.." He said before giggling a bit and shook his head. He started trailing a finger around the rim of the glass. "Thank you Kaegen...I wouldn't want some stranger driving me home...But your not a stranger..So thank you.." He whispered still smiling softly. He winced a bit before smiling again. "Did you bring the ice pack?" Taking another sip of water he closed his eyes.

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[SoulDiamond]

♦♦♦♪♪♫A voice and Hand

that can soothe and heal

but are bound

by limited freedom

Was it foolish to ⒲ish

that they can ｒeach

Ⓨou?♪♪♫♦♦♦

It did please her a bit to hear him snicker at her thoughts of possiblity killing the guests at the formal party with the very glass they sip that expensive bubbling drink. She almost scoffed at the mention of a "red faced psycho woman" comment. Oh, that wouldn't been fun wouldn't it but she couldn't do that. Oh no, she could never do such a thing. That would be too selfish of her and she rather not deal with the grand problems that would grow from such a tactic. She only mumbled,"The psycho woman is well locked up and leashed...like the well-breed dog she seems to be." Yes, she wasn't even human. A dog just for show trained to do trick and please the crowd. She would be scolded and put down if she did the wrong thing. She must act well to others and keep the family safe. This dog was well-groomed and feed well, giving lots of attention and items. Items, however, are not a replacement for love. And she wasn't a dog who couldn't take care of herself or make descision...

She listen to his suggestion but it didn't bring up her appetite. She took the menu and looked over it,"Then take your break..." Her voice was distance,"If I had the choice I wouldn't be here but at some bar to get something hard...Unfortunatly, there is always someone around who is willing to get a good story about someone up there with money." Her eyes went over the menu,"It is like the cockaroach that refuses to die...Simply annoying....Maybe something bitter sweet will do..." She stopped for a moment and looked at him,"Care to order something for yourself? Why not try something you haven't tasted."

♦♪♪♫♦♦♦♪♪♫♦♦♦ąmora♦♪♪♫♦jasmine♦♪♪♫♦ηakiri♦♪♪♫♦♦♪♪♫♦♦♦

[kawaiicherub]

"The Nicest Guy You'll Ever Meet" Kaegen Rafalski
OC Kaegen Rafalski (c) by kawaiicherub. Drawn and colored by kawaiicherub. This is my ART do NOT steal and pass it off as your own



Kaegen stared at Zabi wondering if perhaps he had heard wrong. So Zabi was okay in Kaegen taking him home after all? And what's more, he didn't think of Kaegen as a stranger. That actually brighten Kaegen's day a whole lot and he grinned broadly before frowning when Zabi had asked him if he had brought the icepack. Right! He was suppose to be bringing an icepack for Zabi but got sidetrack by Megan when she insisted in seeing Zabi. In fact, Megan had been the one to bring the icepack and Kaegen looked around to see if she had set it down somewhere. He found it on the trolley nearby and took the glass of water out of Zabi's hands to give him the icepack. "Here ya are. I hope ya don't mind waiting til I finish mah shift." Kaegen looked around the cafe, seeing how busy it was starting to get. He really needed to get back to work before someone decides to throw a fit about him not doing his job. He hated to leave Zabi alone though with no one to keep him company while Kaegen worked.

"Well, gotta get back ta work. I'll be sure to check up on ya." Kaegen patted Zabi's shoulder briefly before getting behind the trolley and set out to do the task that he was suppose to have done hours ago. He worked quickly filling up the napkin dispensers which didn't take that long and he was soon through before he knew it. Pushing the trolley back to the kitchen Kaegen put it to the side and was about to start on something before he was called away by one of his coworkers. Someone hadn't shown up for their shift and there were tables that needed to be cleared away and wiped down. Kaegen was thrilled to accept this task for that meant he could keep an eye out for Zabi to make sure he didn't get too lonely sitting out there by himself. Taking the empty boxes off of the trolley he had been using and crushing them, Kaegen went out to the back and tossed them into the dumpster then proceeded in taking away the mountain of dishes, cups, silverware and other things that had piled up on the tables. It was startlingly how wasteful rich people were and Kaegen wondered why they even bothered to place an order in the first place if they weren't even going to eat half of what they had ordered.

By the time Kaegen had cleared five tables his trolley was completely full and he returned back to the kitchen to hand over the dirty dishes as well as dumping out the liquids of all the half finished drinks into a medium sized bucket before handing the cups over. He went back to the dining area and started where he had left off. He glanced up over at Zabi and saw that there were a couple of young obnoxious guys that were messing with him. Apparently, they found Zabi's blindness rather amusing and were teasing him. One of them had flipped Zabi's hoodie off and when Zabi tried to knock the hand away they all laughed at him when he had missed. Another had a cup in their hands and with a wicked grin they splashed a bit of water on Zabi's outraged face. Kaegen didn't bother to think when he went to go confront them, taking long strides with his hands balled up into tight fists. "That's enough." he said in a sharp tone of voice. Giving the two guys a hard look, Kaegen crossed his arms as he spoke coldly to them. "If the two of you don't scramble on outta here Imma calling the manager and have the both of y'all kicked out for harassing another customer, especially when that other customer is "Blind."

Kaegen continued to give them a hard look when they tried to threaten Kaegen and they ended up backing off when they saw that he wasn't fooling around with them and so they left grudgingly out of the cafe. Shaking his head in disgust he turned to Zabi leaning forward slightly. "You okay? Sorry that I didn't get to ya in time when it began. I tell ya, those type of people really get mah blood a-boiling! Can't believe they would be picking on a blind person. Lil snot nosed bastards is what they are." he growled. If that was one thing he couldn't tolerate was when people like those guys that threw their weight around and act like the world was under their control.

[Adrian Seidelman]

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx𝔅𝔢𝔩𝔱𝔥𝔞𝔩𝔰𝔞𝔯 𝔏𝔲𝔠𝔦𝔬 ℨ𝔞𝔟𝔞𝔱𝔦𝔫𝔬
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xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx𝔅l𝔦𝔫𝔡 𝔄𝔰 𝔗𝔥𝔢 w𝔦𝔫𝔡

███ ▌▌ C r yxxxo u txxxf o rxxxh e l p .xxxB u txxxr e c e i v exxxn o n e . ▌▌███

Blindwhy was it that he was liking Kaegen so much? It made him so confused, especially on the fact that he didn't even know the guy, but the guy was always going out of his way to help him. He had never had anyone go and be nice to him without having to pay for help, or unless they were just wanting something in return. At least he hoped that Kaegen didn't want anything from him like money or something like that. It would be nice to actually be able to make a friend without having to deal with people only liking him for the fact that he had money. It was like he was one of those pathetic men paying for prostitutes. He could get friends without having to buy them right? Or maybe he was just that pathetic. That thought made him sigh a bit, those empty eyes closing as he sat there quietly holding his glass. Though at least these thoughts were keeping him from thinking about how tired and in pain he was in. At least he was starting to get used to Kaegen touching or taking things away from him. Normally stuff like that would make him jumpy unless he knew Samius was here. But Kaegen seemed a decent enough person, not someone who was out to use him, which was weird and foreign, and made him slightly uncomfortable. After all he wasn't used to people just plain being nice to him, no strings attached. Even Samius he paid, but at least he knew that Samius was his only family so that man would be there for him no matter what.

Blindfeeling something completely freezing against his hands, after his glass was moved mind you, caused a shiver to run down his back as well as bringing him back to his senses. Putting the ice pack on the back of his head he winced a bit before smiling. "I don't mind waiting Kaegen. I have ways of occupying myself." He said still keeping the smile on his face as he held the icepack. His smile faded slightly when Kaegen said that he had to go however. He didn't want Kaegen to leave, even though the man had to go back to work. Nodding quietly at he was patted. "That's alright. I'll talk to you in a bit then." When Kaegen was gone the smile disappeared and a sigh escaped him. Not knowing what else to do he sat there quietly, one hand holding the ice back to his head while the other was holding his glass. Now he wasn't sure as to what to do. Usually he had a book or someone to talk to. By himself he didn't know what to do but just sit there quietly and zone out, which today seemed to be something he was extremely good at.

Blindit seemed that Zabi just couldn't get a break from having a bad day. Seemed that when one bad thing was ending and things were just starting to look moderately better something else would come to ruin it. Though most of this wouldn't have happened if he wasn't blind. In fact none of what was happening to him would have happened if he weren't blind. He hadn't heard anyone come up to his table but all of a sudden he felt the icepack leave his head, causing him to jump a little. All of a sudden he gasped and those blind eyes widened as he felt the ice cube go down the front of his shirt. "Well don't we look all pretty." One of the two guys said, smirking as the other one stood there laughing. "Go away." Zabi said plainly as he started to pull the ice cubes out of his shirt. "Aw. Don't be like that. We just wanted to come over here and make nice. Come on why don't you let us get a real good look at you." The other chimed as he pulled off the hoodie before pulling away. By this time Zabi was getting angry. His brows were furrowed and a scowl played his features as he tried to swat the guy away only to fail and hear them laughing at him.

Blindwell the guys just wouldn't let up and Zabi was wishing someone, anyone would come and help him. If Samius were here those guys would disappear and he would never have to worry about them again. "Well Charlie would ya look at that, it's Zabi. The rich and powerful whore. Say Zabi how about we take you out back and have ourselves a real party." The man had leaned in nice and close causing Zabi to slap him, at least this time he had caught the man and caused him to back up a bit. "I said leave me alone." The man known as Charlie had a glass in his hand and splashed Zabi on the face. While Zabi was trying to clean it up his wrist was grabbed tightly. "We weren't asking, and we are going to get what we want." He said grinning maliciously. "You so much as touch me again and I wi-" His words were cut off when he heard Kaegen's voice. Soon he felt the hand leave his wrist. God he was thankful to have that big guy as his friend, otherwise who knows what would have happened to him. He would probably have to do something that he didn't want to do, especially with those creeps. They put up a bit of a fight with Kaegen but in the end they back away. "Fine we are going. But Zabi mark my words you will get what's coming to you, you little slut." With that the guys left, leaving Zabi there wiping the water from his face.

Blindwhile he cleaned himself up and pulled the rest of the ice cubes out of his shirt, setting them on the table, he listened to Kaegen talk. "I'm fine.." He whispered once he was done cleaning himself off. "I'm used to people bothering me. Though Samius usually gets them to leave me alone.." He sighed a bit before doing something he could regret later on and that was wrap his arms around Kaegen's neck and hugged him. "Thanks....Your too nice of person." He whispered, actually on his knees as he was hugging Kaegen. After a few moments he finally pulled away and sat back down. He really didn't know what else to say to Kaegen, though his cheeks felt warm which meant he was blushing up a storm.

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[MadameHeart]

L i l y S t o n e w a l l

a young woman who f e a r s being alone,
c a r e s for a little sister,
and h e a r t s cranberried chocolaté

As she stood up from the sidewalk, her pocket vibrated. She pulled the phone out of the pocket just as a young man walked up to her. “I happened to see you on the concrete there,” he said, “You all right?” He had a good face, and seemed genuine on his question. Well, of course he was genuine, it’s just Lily had her fair share of morons not caring at all for her well being when they said they did. “I’m doing just fine, thank you. I just ran into the door here…” She put on a goofy grin. Just tell the truth and make light of it if you can was her motto. No use in lying and then making more lies to cover the first lie. She always thought that was an interesting snowball effect, though.

“Just a second...” She pulled out her phone and retreated to the corner next to the café. The young man waited for her by the door. “Hello,” she asked the other line, “Yes, this is she.”

That is when the world fell on top of Lily Stonewall.

Well, it literally didn’t, but one has that feeling. Bird songs disappeared, the puffy clouds turned into a dim white blanket and every single car and person suddenly just up and left the city as grey tendrils of wispy fog edged onto the alleys.

And it was all because Lily’s mum had been in a car accident and was in surgery as of this moment.

Lily hung her phone up, the soft click magically bringing the city back to life again. She remembered the fellow waiting for her; she turned and smiled at him. “Thank you,” she said as she waved at him. She didn’t like the way her voice sounded, it seemed stagnant, off.

As she stepped into the street again towards the direction of the airport, she realized that the ridiculously empty world was back.

[[Yeah, that's the end of me and Lily. See y'a guys around. cool ]]

[kawaiicherub]

"Mediocre" Erwinn Keiffer

OC Erwinn Keiffer (c) by kawaiicherub. Drawn and colored by kawaiicherub. This is my ART do NOT steal and pass it off as your own



Erwinn shook his head giving the menu a sour look. "Are you kidding me? I don't exactly have the money to spend on the insane prices on those ****** entrees." Erwinn leaned forward, his face just a few inches from hers. "You know, bout what you said earlier. You should really make some demands if people are going to be screwing you. It's only customary that you have some. I mean, s**t. Why do anything they ask if you're not going to be given something in return." He backed away from Niamh and settled back into his chair. What he just said was how he view life in general and really, who doesn't love that saying, "You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours" ? He really did like Niamh (which says a lot seeing as how he didn't find many people worth liking) but he couldn't stand the fact that she would let those rich dickweeds jerk her around.

"Why don't you give it a try? Make a demand and if it's not met...get a little bit rough. Make them squirm." he said with a wolfish grin. He placed his chin on his hand watching her. He knew she had it in her to make something of herself only thing was, Niamh didn't seem like one to disrupt the peace and ended up suffering in silence. He suppose it was admirable but frankly he thought it was idiotic and pointless way to live. He remembered seeing a lot of kids in the orphanage that he lived in do the same thing, suffering in silence and did nothing. Well, Erwinn had been one of the few that would make a stand in any way possible regardless of the consequences. Of course, Erwinn was in no sense a noble person so when he would make a stand it was for his own gain. He only looked out for one person and that was himself.

[kawaiicherub]

"The Nicest Guy You'll Ever Meet" Kaegen Rafalski
OC Kaegen Rafalski (c) by kawaiicherub. Drawn and colored by kawaiicherub. This is my ART do NOT steal and pass it off as your own



Kaegen had not been expecting the hug from Zabi and so when Zabi put his thin little arms around his neck Kaegen stood there feeling a bit awkward about the gesture. Not knowing what else to do, he patted Zabi's shoulder uncertainly until he sat back down on his seat. His cheeks were bright pink and he was not the only one blushing for Kaegen could feel his own face growing a bit warm. Sudden displays of affection usually did embarrass him when he wasn't prepared for them. As Kaegen looked at Zabi he couldn't help but wonder just exactly how old he really was. Maybe he had been wrong before in thinking that Zabi was older. It was quite possible that he was still in his teens. Kaegen cleared his throat and felt his face grow hotter as he noticed that there were a couple of eyes looking at their direction. Now that he had time to think about it, the scene that had just happened must have caused a bit of commotion.

Now he was at a lost for words and a uncomfortable silence came between them before Kaegen spoke up. "I can't believe that people would do such spiteful things towards ya. What do they have against ya anyway?" he asked, a tight edge to his voice. The thought of Zabi being subjected to such terrible treatment made Kaegen upset and furious. Why would anyone want to hurt him in the first place? Next time Kaegen would really let them have it. Yes he was a dense and not an overly bright person, even he knew that, but when it came to brawls he didn't need wits and usually came out as the last man standing. Only thing is, there won't be a next time. he thought to himself. After all, Zabi had Samius and Samius took care of him well enough. It was only because they had a small fight that Samius had not been here today anyway.

Well, at least Kaegen was able to be of help if even a little and the thought that he was able to have been of service to Zabi for just today made him happy enough. He smiled brightly and quickly cleaned up the melting ice that Zabi had placed on the table. "It's a good thing ya have Samius to help ya out." He wanted to add on that he was happy to have been given the opportunity to help as well out but didn't. The next time Zabi would come back to the cafe would be with Samius at his side and there would be no room for Kaegen to help out seeing as how Samius did everything for Zabi so why say such a silly thing as that? Before he left Zabi to get back to work he noticed that his hoodie was crooked and he straightened it for him. "Wait a bit longer Zabi and I'll have ya home 'fore ya know it." he said quietly before putting the hood over his head since it seemed that Zabi liked wearing it that way. A small chuckle escaped him then he left Zabi and went back to work.

Finally his shift was over and he clocked out. He said goodbye to Megan and to Eshiton and waved at Clair before leaving the kitchen and went to pick up Zabi. "Ready to go?" he asked cheerfully. When Zabi got up Kaegen offered his arm and they walk out of the cafe. Once again he was oblivious of the fact of how Zabi seemed to be pressing himself close to him, thinking nothing much of the act since it only seemed natural that such contact can't be avoided. As they neared Kaegen's truck he dug into his pockets to take out his keys and pressed a button to unlock the doors and lead Zabi to the passenger side, opening the door and realized that Zabi would not be able to get in without Kaegen lifting him up into the seat. "Zabi, Imma going to hafta left you up into the seat." he said sheepishly. Opening the door wide he moved behind Zabi, lifted him up and placed him inside.

Making sure that Zabi was settled in Kaegen went ahead and did his seat belt for him since the passenger's seal belt was messed up and had to be done just right in order to pull it down. "Alrighty, that should do it!" he exclaimed cheerfully then shut the passenger's door and headed over to the driver side. He tossed his vest behind the seats and rolled up his sleeves to his elbows, took off his tie and unbuttoned a few buttons from his shirt. Getting in and buckling himself up Kaegen started the engine and pulled out from the parking lot. "Now then, which way we heading to yer place?" He switched on the radio and rolled down the windows. Kaegen was never one to use the air condition in truck when weather was warm and pleasant like today and he loved the wind blowing in from the windows.