Bean Scene Cafe
Bean Scene is a small coffee shop and cafe that caters primarily to a younger crowd. The cafe has always been at least a year late in joining any given fad, and in the past it's been done in western-style, set up as a beatnik hangout, a go-go disco, a fern bar, and once even attempted to cash in on breakdancing. A plaque has recently been placed above the door, and says, "No fad is dead until it appears to Bean Scene".
Case in point, the cafe has a grungy feel to it.A grey brick facade has been placed over the walls, the flooring looking more like a worn down metal grid, complete with old sewer grates every few feet. Tables and chairs set about the cafe are quite casual in appearance, made of metal meant to look rusty and splattered with multi-colored paints. Metal street signs hang from the wall amid images of garage bands. Behind the counter is a black chalkboard displaying the available items and costs.
It's still fairly early in the evening, just coming up to seven and Michael's sitting in the now somewhat quiet coffee shop, he flicks through the newspaper with obviously waning interest, a cold cup of coffee in front of him.
—
You would think, after everything that ended up happening in this coffee shop, that Ivan would steer clear of it for a little while.
Well, you would be wrong. How can a young, ambitious politician turn down the possibility of merging business and caffeine so beautifully? With a cup of joe warming up his hand, the man is humming to himself peacefully as he inspects the 'cork board' set up for bulletins and flyers and the likes. A second later, he is putting him a glossy, eye-catching poster, depicting a ferris wheel behind the reddish sunset. It reads 'Come One, Come All in Celebration of Unity Day - Live a Little, even if you're not Living!' in large, bold letters, followed by smaller font handling the details of the event and displaying the mayor's official seal in the bottom corner.
—
Michael puts down his paper as he notices someone putting something on the board, once he's risen from his seat he heads to the board looking at the flier for a moment his arches an eyebrow to Ivan. "They're having a parade?" His tone's neutral, although there's the slightest hint of surprise to his tone.
—
Ivan has two tacks in between his lips, and it is from this stock that he pins the laminated paper up with, the smuggest of smiles on his features. "Mhmm. Yes, they are. The mayor figured it would foster an air of peaceful coexistence." Only after this is offered does the man glance Michael-wards. "What d'you think, eh? S'it straight?"
—
Nodding Michael barely glances at the flier. "Yes, it looks fine." He turns his attention to Ivan. "Really? an air of coexistence?" He shrugs very slightly. "Perhaps, I may have seen stranger things, but I wouldn't be too certain."
—
Ivan curls his lips upwards, finding himself adopting a rather wry attitude. "Certain? Ah, there's no certainty in this world, sir. But all you can do to implement change is start, somewhere, no matter how small it may seem. I think it's the best move the mayor can make, really. Changes to a cultural attitude have to start at the top, and then trickle down to work in conjunction with the masses."
—
Sighing slightly Michael studies Ivan for a moment. "I see… The mayor should learn time heals wounds, and breed familiarity. That should be the salve for our current issues, patients and a willingness to bring…. trouble makers on both sides to justice." He sighs a little. "Still I'm sure that someone has this all very neatly planned out."
—
Ivan returns the inspection, looking faintly unimpressed. "Naturally. But time without initiative breeds nothing. Homosexuality is not a new issue, and due to their so-called 'patience', they have not been afforded full rights. And, frankly - we do not have the time to allow decades and decades of acclimation to occur. Not with the rise of radical vigilantism from both walks of life." After this, the man proceeds to scratch the back of his neck and, reluctantly, take a sip of his coffee to await Michael's rebuttal.
—
Laughing Michael studies Ivan. "And when the almost inevitable attack occurs at the parade? And then the retaliation? No, if the 'top' intends to inspire change then it should create laws, not parades." He shrugs a little. "There is no quick way to end persecution. You can't stop a man from hating you, but you can bring about laws to make it harder for him to lynch you."
—
Ivan smiles thinly. "Ye of little faith, huh? Well, can't say I blame you. I just hope that one day, it doesn't have to be this way." Another sip of the coffee is imbibed before he moves to throw the disposable cup in the trash with a sigh. "I hope you'll come out and enjoy the festivities while we all can, sir. I suppose I ought to get going, however. Although, if you'd like to further debate the merits of this approach, I would suggest attending the open city conference. Make your reservations at the town hall. I look forward to meeting you again, sir." And with a broad smile, the young man starts to head off, unless stopped.
—
Bowing slightly Michael smiles slightly. "The name's Michael Isonzo." He pauses a moment before continuing. "I have faith, I've just seen enough to believe… people want tomorrow to be the same as yesterday.. So you reach those who won't remember yesterday." He chuckles a little. "Change doesn't come from the top, it comes from the children." He shrugs. "But then I could be mistaken, it wouldn't be the first time."
—
"I agree. Change comes from the children. And if the children see a conscious effort from authority figures, promoting peace and coexistence…if the children can have positive connotations to the vampiric issues…well. That'll change everything." Ivan looks ahead, fiercely determined, with the fire of youth encouraging him. Beat. "Heh. Mr. Isonzo, it has been a pleasure. I'm Ivan. Ivan Fontane. Good night to you." And, the man is out!
