theserenebean

[theserenebean]

gotta close now, thanks everyone for coming <3

[theserenebean]

Water and wanted dead or alive

"Great choice," Angel writes the order down, even though April has already gone to the back to make a sandwich. Leo gets started on preparing a tea.

"It'll never not be weird to be that we have a sandwich called Water," Angel admits to you. "Fire or Void sound like decent sandwich names. Earth is a bit weird but it works. But Water? That shouldn't be a sandwich. The thought of wet should not be linked with a sandwich. Right?"

"I think it's definitely worse that our drinks have murderous names like Wanted Dead or Alive," Leo counters.

Angel turns to engage him in conversation, then her face falls flatly.

"Dude, what are you making? Wanted is a smoothie."

Leo looks down at the tea he was about to pass across the counter. "Oh. Then what did I make?"

Angel shakes her head and gets your smoothie started, just as April returns with your sandwich.

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Fire and a Mountain Punch

"Fire!" Leo happily holds a finger up, "Is a sandwich!"

"Got your Mountain Punch," Angel slides the drink across the counter. "Your sandwich will be right up."

Leo hurries back to watch April make Fire while Angel takes over the register.

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All three phones chime; they've gotten a message from 07 Mikey

Leo and April gather around Angel's phone to watch together.

The camera is pointed at Donnie, who holds a latte in one hand, an espresso in the other.

"It's not a big deal either way. Which one do you want? Hey. Why are you filming this?"

Mikey giggles from behind the camera. "I got my own, you just gotta try to espresso."

Donnie's eyes narrow suspiciously. "Why? Is Jones working today?"

"No, it's not Jones," Mikey whines. "Just try it Donnie, pleeeease?"

Donnie sniffs it suspiciously. "What's in it?"

"It's coffee."

"Yeah, but what's in it that you're not telling me?"

"You gotta taste it if you wanna find out."

Exasperation and amusement are warring across Donnie's face. Curiosity finally wins out. He takes a small sip.

His face scrunches up in disgust, and he holds the cup as far from himself as he can. Mikey is giggling uncontrollably. After a moment of recovery, Donnie starts giggling too.

"What's in that?"

Mikey is laughing too hard to respond.

"We gotta get Raph to try this," Donnie stands up.

"Dude," Mikey sobers just enough to find his voice, "Do you wanna die?"

"He'll think it's funny. Come on, let's wake--"

The video ends.

April shakes her head, fighting an amused smile. Leo sheepishly covers a smile.

"He thought Jones made it?" Angel is torn between smug and offended.

"What's their Raph like?" Leo asks shyly. He can see his own brothers acting pretty much exactly like that, but he's heard of other Raphs and Donnies who wouldn't find it so humorous.

"Don't know," Angel shrugs, "They don't talk much about him or Leo."

Leo's heart sinks just a little; he knew they didn't talk about him much, but it still hurt to hear.

"I think we're about to find out," April announces. A moment later, Angel's phone dings.

"There it is," she agreed. "I'll never get used to you being able to do that." With no further preamble, she presses play.

"Why are we filming? You gonna send this to your co-workers?"

"Just the ones working tonight," Donnie comes into the shot as he scoots a little closer to Raph. "We told you about teenage April, and Angel."

"And Leo," Mikey adds from behind the camera. "Or well, a version of Leo."

Something in Raph's face changes. "You got a Leo working there now?"

"He's really young," Donnie explains. Then he looks directly at the camera. "They're all very small children."

Angel makes an indignant noise and April rolls her eyes.

"Just try the coffee!" the camera bounces chaotically as Mikey gets anxious for action.

"Alright, okay, I'm going to. Don thought it was gross?"

"But he didn't throw up."

"But he only took a small little sip."

"So you only have to take a small little sip," Donnie replies. "If anyone has to drink the whole thing it's Mikey, he ordered it."

"Bro, you already know I'm not throwing up," Mikey drawls confidently. "It isn't even that weird. Y'all weak."

"Hey, I haven't tried it yet," Raph protested, holding it up to his lips pointedly. Looking at the camera, he took a large gulp.

He sets it down, face carefully blank. There's a stretch of silence as they wait for his reaction.

"Is this your plan to get Don to quit coffee?"

Mikey is laughing so hard, Donnie has to reach across the table to end the video for him.

April and Angel chuckle lightly and go back to their tasks. Leo forces a laugh, too, trying to pretend the glaring absence of a fourth brother didn't completely distract him from the rest of the video.

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A portal appears in the middle of the shop, and the rise turtles stumble out

"Leo," Raph pushes himself to his feet, looking around, "Where did you take us?"

"Sure doesn't look like the center of the maze, Donnie observes.

"I wanted pizza!" Mikey waves his arms angrily. "We were this close to getting pizza, twice!"

Leo waves his words away. "But my brother, why would you want plain old Hueso pizza or pretentious maze pizza that was supposed to the best ever, when instead, you can have," he gestures grandly around them, eyes flicking as he takes in his surroundings. A note of uncertainty creeps into his voice. "Coffee? And sandwiches? At a clearly superior establishment which I brought us to? No danger mazes here."

He slumps back into a chair, arms crossed behind his head. At the counter, Leo winces just before he hears the whoopee cushion.

His brothers stare, unimpressed, as Leo's eyes widen in horror and he pulls the offending prop out from under him.

"Well at least we can still get some--holy sine over cosine what is this menu?!" Donnie stares at the menu above, looking scandalized. Behind the counter, Leo manages a nervous noise. April steps up to help.

"I'm sure you guys have lots of questions--"

"Is there anything edible available at this establishment?"

Mikey pushes Donnie out of the way, eyes shining. "I wanna try one of everything! Wait. Where are the prices?"

"Everything comes with a price," April recites, "But--"

"How do you ruin coffee? How can you possibly ruin coffee? Please tell me you at least have flavorless juice!"

"I apologize, please forgive my tasteless antisocial brother--"

"Apologize and Forgive coming right up," Angel hollers.

"Wait," Mikey panics, "I didn't--ah, can we make those espressos?"

"Done."

"No!" Raph slides Mikey and Donnie out of the way. "No espressos for these two. Can we just start our order over?"

"You want to Begin Again?" April checks.

"Yes, please."

"As an espresso or a latte?" Angel asks.

Raph blinks. "Latte?"

"Ooh, I'll take Run Away, as it comes," Leo raises his hand to be seen beside Rapg.

"Good choice for you," Angel quips.

"Sandwiches!" Mikey pushes his way back up front. "We need sandwiches!"

"Flavorless juice!" Donnie insists.

"Two orders of Small Surprises to share," Leo says easily.

"Ooh, Wind with extra vinaigrette."

"Where are you reading? Raph doesn't see sandwiches."

"Hey, did anyone catch what she said about the price?" Leo cuts in thoughtfully.

"We can't always guarantee what it'll be," Leo speaks up.

For one blessed moment, there is silence as all four brothers blink disbelievingly at him.

"That's a terrible business model," Donnie says flatly. "I'll take two Fires. And we should get The End of All Things."

"You have chaotic tastes," April observes.

"I do," Donnie agrees mournfully, "Which is why I need my flavorless juice to--"

"I'll try Wind, I trust Mikey's taste," Leo interrupts. "Hey Raph, what do you want to eat?"

"Uh, I'll take Fire too, and we should get Void for April and Water for Dad. But can we go back to the espressos?"

April checks over the menu. "There is no Going Back. Did you want Change Your Mind?"

"Yes!"

"As an espresso, right?"

"... What."

"Mountain Punch for April!" Mikey pipes up. "And Only Dreaming for Dad, he does not need caffeine."

Angel sets the last drink on the counter. "Apologize, Forgive, Change Your Mind, and Mountain Punch--espressos. Begin Again and Run Away are lattes, Only Dreaming is of course the only smoothie, I got three Fires, two Winds, Void and Water, two Small Surprises, The End of All Things and of course," she gives Donnie a look, "One Flavorless Juice. Y'all understand there's a price for all this, right?"

"Just tell us what it is!" Mikey shoots back.

"We can't do that," April says flatly.

They stare at each other for a moment.

"You want this to go or are you getting a table?" Angel prompts.

"Oh, we have a table," Leo smirks, swirling his sword through the air. A portal appears, and Donnie and Mikey begin gathering food and drinks.

"So we're clear," Raph reiterates, "We're not stealing. Because you wouldn't tell us the price, or we would've paid."

"That's not really how it works here," Leo starts to explain, but faster than he can believe, the four turtles and all their food has disappeared through the portal. He blinks dazedly, then turns to April and Angel.

"Did they even notice they were in an alternate reality?"

"I don't think so," April replies.

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2007 Mikey enters

Leo brightens at the somewhat familiar face, even though he knows by now that it isn't really his Mikey.

"Hey, Mike!" Angel calls brightly across the restaurant. "What are you doing here on your day off?"

"I get a sick sense of pleasure from using work spaces as non-work spaces," he grins.

"That makes sense, you work at birthday parties," April observes.

Mikey laughs. "I actually am here on business this time, though. The Boss sent me."

Leo fidgets, feeling nervous seeing his little brother--or someone like his little brother--lean against the counter with a conspiratorial look around and a serious look in his eye. Did he mean the owner of the coffee shop?

"What, he didn't wanna come say hi?" Angel asks indignantly. Leo is both impressed and horrified by the casual way she talks about their employer.

"He's didn't even put the call on hold, just handed me the paper with his order and some cash! He wants double-strength Cross Strike, but I'm feeling kinda vindictive. Make it a latte instead?"

"You got it." Angel hurries off to make the smoothie. Leo gapes.

"We can't do that!"

"Sure you can, it's easy--look, Angel will show you. You just use the same flavors--"

"No, I mean, he asked for double-strength. We can't just trade it for a latte."

Mikey taps his chin thoughtfully. "No, you're right. My brother needs his caffeine fix, and I may have just thought of an even better way to break him of it. I mean get it for him, heh."

Leo leans back, feeling suspicious. He doesn't trust whatever Mikey's planning, but he does catch a different detail that throws him off enough to keep him relatively calm. "Your brother?"

"Whatever you're thinking, don't," April says firmly.

"Pesto expresso."

"What?" Leo yelps, horrified.

"I am making that," Angel declares as she sets the latte on the counter. "You guys can't stop me."

"First of all, you're both horrible," April crosses her arms firmly, "Secondly, if you do get him or anyone else to drink that you have to send us a video. Thirdly, you want anything for yourself?"

"Oh, she's good," Mikey admits, "Very good. I'll take a Berry Fondue."

[theserenebean]

What smoothie would you recommend?

"Um," Leo stiffens, shrinking into himself a bit at being put on the spot.

"Meddling Mango," Angel offers.

At the same moment, April says, "Hit and Run."

"Really?" Angel sounds surprised, but not judgmental. "I didn't take you for a cherry kid."

"My favorite is To the Bitter End," April replies, "But Hit and Run sells more."

"Huh, I haven't noticed a lot of Hit and Run orders. Nightly Vigil is pretty popular, though if you're going for blueberry, I would recommend In the Rain."

"Definitely," April agrees. "The cranberry is more subtle than you would think, and the pansy flavor is unexpectedly pleasant."

"I think it takes a lot of people by surprise." Then Angel's face lights up with understanding. "Oh, I get it, like being caught in the rain."

Leo is almost visibly trembling. "You guys just named like five smoothies!"

"Yeah, but there's an obvious right answer," Angel shrugs.

Leo's eyes burn with determination. "You're right!" He steps away to make your drink. Angel and April glance uncertainly at each other, but seem to decide to give him space.

In a moment, Leo is sliding a smoothie across the counter to you. "Kumquaterie! Because we value you as a customer and hope you come back to share company with us again soon. Have a great day, and thank you for choosing The Serene Bean!"

[theserenebean]

Stable Stance and A Better Tomorrow

"Of course," Leo says brightly, "Thank you for coming! Stable Stance..." he glances nervously at the menu behind him. "That's the, uh..."

Angel swoops into action, sliding a black coffee across the counter before Leo's had time to find it on the menu.

"Oh, right, plain," Leo recites to himself under his breath, "Because it's stable. Plain coffee. And A Better Tomorrow is... a sandwich?"

"Dessert," Red prompts.

"Kahlua cake?"

Angel hands you a blueberry muffin, giving Leo a quick pat on the shoulder. "You'll get the hang of it."

[theserenebean]

We Are Open!

if you saw this on the wrong blog, no you didn't

Tales Leo is at the counter, shoulders square, nametag visible. Angel leans against the counter behind him. 2012 April is next to her, folding napkins into various star shapes. Don't Stop Me Now plays on the radio

[theserenebean]

closed for the night

[theserenebean]

It's been a slow evening. The baristas are chatting

"It was hard adjusting," Sydney idly wiped the counter she'd already cleaned four times. It was too early still to descale the coffee machine. "Really I think I still haven't adjusted."

"I kinda get what you mean," Mikey was doodling on a napkin. "I thought it would be way more fun to have a human job, be out in the sun and around people. But it's weird."

She nodded. "It's hard to connect with people when you can't tell them."

Keno leaned against the counter, arms crossed. "You gotta tell somebody some time, don't you? I mean, everyone finds their people."

Mikey laughed. "It's worth it sometimes, but it's a pretty big risk, you know."

"It's not just that," said Sydney. "I lost my whole world, the person I used to be. Now I can't just pretend like things are the same."

Mikey hummed, his hands slowing as his face fell.

Keno straightened up purposefully.

"What's the worst combo we could still sell?"

"Pesto espresso," Mikey answered immediately.

Sydney and Keno both gave him horrified looks.

[theserenebean]

Hi everyone! Loving the music choices. I'll have an order of Small Surprises, please. Is it alright if I stick around to do some homework, too?

"Of course, stay as long as you want, and let us know if you have music requests," Keno invites as Mikey makes your drink. "Just don't sit there," he points to the third table along the wall to your left. "That's where we put the whoopee cushion today."

"I don't think you're supposed to tell them that," Sydney says uncertainly.

Keno shrugs, grinning crookedly. "Guess I've never been much for rules."

[theserenebean]

Just a Pressure Point today please

Keno gives you a nod and turns to make the drink. Mikey offers a warm smile, then follows Keno to the back.

The music changes to True Colors.

Sydney busies herself with wiping the counter.

Keno returns with your drink. "Glad to see you here today. Enjoy."

[theserenebean]

I need a Hit from Behind

Keno makes direct eye contact with you and holds it.

"Mikey, you got it covered?"

Mikey gives a big thumbs up, and then ducks under the counter. He's gone. You look around, trying to spot him. Keno is leaning casually on the counter. Sydney looks anxious.

Is he about to hit you from behind? You twist around; he isn't there. You're about to ask Keno just what's going on here when--

"One Hit from--"

"Oh!"

Mikey's voice is directly behind you, making you jump. You whirl to face him and lean against the counter, hands still up as if to defend yourself. Mikey is innocently holding out a cup of coffee.

You accept it, deflating with relief. Behind you, Keno is laughing shamelessly and Sydney giggles softly.

"You're a good sport," Mikey winks, "Come back again soon, dude."

[theserenebean]

We are open!

Keno's got the counter, 07 Mikey and 03 Sydney hover behind him. Dancing in the Moonlight plays on the radio

[theserenebean]

gotta close and do thanksgiving prep

planning to open again Friday

[theserenebean]

2003 Donny enters

He saunters up with an easy smile, double-checking a list as he does. When he reaches the counter, his smile falls immediately. His eyes narrow, and he offers an icy greeting.

"Chaplin."

Chaplin's eyes likewise narrow, though there's an undercurrent of confusion. "Turtle Guy."

April looks scandalized. "Why, Dr. Chaplin, don't you even know their names?"

"No, yeah, of course I do. That was just a power move to assert my dominance. Leonardo."

Donny gives him a flat look.

"... Splinter?"

"Yikes," Casey says smugly.

"Well when Karai talks about them it's always Leonardo! Shredder and Stockman don't call them by name."

"They don't call you by name, either, Chaplin," Donny's voice is dripping poison.

"Ouch," Casey's sympathy is completely overridden by his big dopey grin.

"Hi April," Donny greets warmly, talking past Chaplin and Casey. "I like your outfit!"

"Thanks! The long mask tails suit you, though I don't think they'd work for my Donatello. Do you have any questions about the menu?"

"No, I just have," he holds up the list apologetically, "Kind of a long order."

"Ah, so you're on coffee run duty today?"

"I lost rock paper scissors."

"Mikey!" Chaplin blurted. "The silly one, right?"

Donny takes a half second to give him a disdainful look, then goes back to smiling at April. "Is it possible to add strawberry to Armed and Dangerous?"

"Sure," April writes it down, "What else can we get for you?"

"I need the Upper Hand--"

"That should've been first," Casey interjects.

"Try Again--"

"What I said was, the Upper Hand should've been first.

"Nightly Vigil, Trap Door, He Who Smelt it, and can I get the Spinning Kick double strength?"

Casey whistled. "It's a good thing you got the Upper Hand before the Spinning Kick."

"Seven drinks total?" April ignores Casey's antics.

"Yep!"

Chaplin grabs the paper eagerly. "I'll make the Nightly Vigil!"

April snatches it back. "You don't get dibs when you get a customer's name wrong."

His shoulders sank. "I'll get the teas."

The three of them split up to make the drinks. Donny takes a moment to take in his surroundings, enjoying the feeling of being out in the open like this in a shop full of customers.

Well, mostly enjoying. It still makes his stomach flutter uncomfortably as he had to fight the instinct to disappear. He's probably visibly shaking, as exciting and scary and just plain disorienting as this all is.

He's trying hard not to stare at the only other mutant turtle, a huge, spiky figure quietly sipping his coffee at a corner table. He looks broody and troubled, and Donny's trying not to think about which one of them he might be.

"Got all seven," Casey announces as he places the last drink on the counter. "You want a drink carrier?"

April puts her hands on her hips. "Does he want a drink carrier?"

"Nah," Donny grins crookedly, "Watch."

He uses one arm to hold four drinks against his plastron, clutching a fifth in his hand. One drink is in his other hand, and the last in the crook of his elbow. He turns smoothly and with confidence, seeming to have the situation under control. He makes it past the customers behind him who are looking up at the menu and then--

"Excuse--"

"Oh!"

The first drink drops, lid popping partially off and spilling at Slash's feet. He had been headed for the exit as well, and backtracked a bit to see if he could talk to another mutant turtle. It had helped a lot yesterday.

Now he bit his tongue, trying to hold in his irritation.

"I'm so sorry," Donny bent awkwardly, "Here, let me--"

In his thoughtless haste to clean up his mess, he opens his arms and drops five more drinks.

Slash closes his eyes.

"Oops."

He clenches his fists. "It's fine."

"Sorry, Leo."

He opens his eyes. "What?"

"Hey, that guy was already pretty mad at Donatellos," Casey calls out. "You should run while you still got the Upper Hand."

Donny glances at the one drink he's still holding. "Do I still have the Upper Hand?"

"Donatello!" Chaplin snaps his fingers triumphantly. "Purple one is science guy!"

"Come on, you only knew because I said it."

Slash grips Donny's shoulder, making him yelp.

"Why did you call me Leo?"

He chuckles awkwardly. "Sorry Raph."

April arrives with a mop. "Donatello, why am I always cleaning up your messes?"

He rubs his neck sheepishly. "Because sound science involves trying and failing and you're a classy lady?"

"You should run."

"I'll pay you back later."

He slips out of Slash's grip, and the door is closing behind him before the bigger turtle can react. He feels the familiar fury clouding his mind, making it difficult to focus.

April is casually mopping up around him. "Well, Mr. Slash, that's the second time in a short period you've been slighted by a Donatello. What are you going to do next?"

Slash starts to scowl, but the question grounds him.

"I don't know."

That other turtle had called him Leo. Slash doesn't know much about anything yet, but if there's one thing he understands about Leonardo, it's this:

"But I'm going to need a team."