Practice makes perfect!

[bufubulous]

Who; Yusuke & Haru
What; Practicing cafe skills!
Where; Noble District at the cafe
When; Mid-February
Warnings; None, but would update if something came up



There was, in Yusuke’s opinion, nothing quite like the thrill of discovering and learning a new form of art. Especially in areas he had very little to no prior experience in, so focused on his own. But in getting to know Haru better since her arrival, he found himself becoming quite drawn in to learn more about her own creative endeavors and encouraging her sometimes uncertain forays into them. The cafe being one such exciting project, allowing him to enjoy the often missed excitement of a collaborative project. Helping with the colours, the accents, making sure the overall aesthetic fit Haru’s own while being stylish and well coordinated to those entering.

Really, they both had their own individual way of looking at things and seemed to balance it all out rather well. Keeping it from getting a bit too loud and over the top, while also colourful and fresh.

And after their last conversation, Yusuke had found himself growing a little more intrigued with the other aspects of the business. They had found some books on latte art to study, and talk of lattes had also eventually turned to other decorative things sold at cafes like the treats to go with them. Cupcakes, for instance, seemed a nice starting point as well. Yusuke having had to admit he’d never really tried baking before for obvious reasons, though fascinated by the idea.

So that was how they found themselves in the cafe, with plans to start practicing both before the opening day rolled around.

Baking with Yusuke, Haru would find, was an odd experience overall. The teen was honest when he said he didn’t have much experience outside general meal prep, and his ideas for flavour combinations could be a bit… adventurous…? Probably due to having to get creative with limited ingredients in the past. Still, they eventually had a batch of cupcakes in the oven and had settled at the counter to practice lattes until the cupcakes were done and cooled enough to ice.

“So… If I read the book correctly, the milk should look somewhat similar to wet paint after steaming it?” He mused, rather intrigued by the idea that milk could take on such a consistency and look. At least, he supposed as he dashed some flour off of his sleeve, he would know what to expect it to look like. His eyes turning back to the books spread out across a clean space of counter, he leaned over to look closer. “Then we can try pouring it into the espressos? Oh. We should make those first, I presume.”

Honestly, it was debatable if either of them had thought of just how much caffeine and sugar they might both consume over the course of the afternoon between the practice lattes and cupcake icing.

Comments

[haruine]

"I try to not get too wrapped up in looking at the downside of things," she said with a little smile that held just a hint of sadness. The last time she'd allowed herself to get wrapped up in the downside of things she'd isolated herself for a few weeks. It'd been directly after the death of her father and she'd let her head fill with all sorts of terrible thoughts then. Thoughts that she was most certainly better off not revisiting. "I'm glad you're realizing that! Maybe it'll help you to cook a bit better for yourself." Though she couldn't help but wonder if that was just wishful thinking on her part. He'd still have to take time away from his art to go cook and she could swear there were times where he truly did just forget that time moved. Besides, actually cooking a meal would require more than cupcakes and caffeine. Now she wondered if she shouldn't be worried he might end up just cooking nothing but that on repeat...

She tried to watch his movements as carefully as she could though she was fairly certain she lost him somewhere along the way. Her eyes furrowed up and down as she leaned in to look down at the art he'd made.

"Well...it's...got at least some sort of shape to it!" That was the best attempt at positivity she could muster. It wasn't horrible, but he was right that the technique would be something that would need to be worked on. "What were you going for?" He could just claim abstract was precisely what he'd intended to start with and she'd believe him. Honestly, after having watched him she had absolutely no idea how one was supposed to make an actual image. Clearly it was some sort of magic that people figured it out. Still...well, she did want to try herself. Though she was hesitant she picked the metal pitcher up and the second cup she'd left for herself and gave it a try.

The first pour spilled down it a little as she angled the cup a little too much and she blushed ever so slightly. Then she began to try to form a heart. Which came out distinctly like a few lumps of slightly runny foam rather than anything resembling a heart. Lumps with a strange line over them from where she tried to end the design. "Oh dear. You're right. This is definitely going to need practice..."

[bufubulous]

“I believe it is far easier to get lost in the downsides than it is to focus on the potential positives, so it’s a particular kind of strength to be able to do so.” He responded with a gentle tone, knowing what she meant all too well. It was frustrating, though, regardless of the outlook one chose to take, that one could be faced with such things in the first place. Yusuke does tilt his head slightly, expression slightly comical in a sheepish kind of way as she expressed her hope that he learned to cook a little better for himself. “Perhaps I shall, should I find myself with the ingredients to do so. The creative side to it is most enjoyable.” He responded, though it was never a sure thing with him, considering she was right. He would have to learn to take time away from his art a little more often, and it was far too easy to miss the passage of time! And… she should definitely be worried about him defaulting to caffeine and cupcakes once he got really good at them. It’s a slippery slope! But perhaps with a little luck he could be enticed to learn more different (and less sugary/caffeinated things).

Her best attempt at positivity was still greatly appreciated by the artist, considering the lumpy-looking art in the latte he’d just poured out. “I was attempting the classic tulip shape you see on lattes. I thought it would be good to start with something simple to build up the technique! But…” He winced, “I think it looks more like some ghastly apparition, doesn’t it?” Maybe it was an omen. People read tea-leaves, right? Maybe there was something to be said for misshapen latte art!

He falls silent though as Haru takes her first try at it, watching with curiosity to see if she can perhaps be a little more successful than himself. He does very subtly grab a dish towel from the other counter to set strategically next to them as some of her cup spilled over when she adjusted the angle a bit too far. He isn’t going to draw attention to it! But perhaps the action also is a kind of drawing attention to it… The point stands that he was trying to be helpful!

As her own lumpy designed latte joins the counter next to his, he lets out a small sigh. “It truly is! I have a newfound appreciation for people who do this so flawlessly. But I’m sure they all started where we are now.” He offered, trying his own attempt at positivity! “And we do have ample time and materials with which to practice till we get better at it!” At least until the oven timer goes off, perhaps.

[haruine]

“That's...sadly very true," for a second there was a tiny frown on her face, though it quickly lifted with what he followed up with. "Thank you. I do really appreciate you saying so. I know some people can see it as a bit silly or even irritating that I try to be positive." But oh well to them. There was nothing wrong with being positive and she really shouldn't have to be worried about what others thought. Yet it was often so difficult to not take what others thought to heart. "If you do, please do show me! You could even send me a message through the relic!" And there was a 50/50 chance she'd actually see it and know how to properly respond.

"Oh! Well...it's a lovely ghastly apparition at least..." That was probably not how you comfort someone into thinking that their tulip didn't look like a mushy ghastly apparition. It was hard to deny that it did look a little bit like that though. "Perhaps it's a sign that you should stretch your artistic talent further. A tulip might just be a bit too beginner level for you." There, she was trying to find the positive side of things again.

For her part she greatly appreciates the towel that he got, it means less cleaning up to do and also, as silly as it may be, it implies they might have started to get quite a bit more comfortable with one another. "Thank you," she shakes her head at the little spill. Alas, it seemed as though that was her lot in life: spilling thing. "I bet they did! They probably were just as bad as we were." Oh she put a hand to her mouth in a tiny gasp. "Oh! Not that I'm saying we're bad! Just a bit...not amazing."

[bufubulous]

“Think nothing of it!” He grinned. After all, it was true. There was nothing wrong with a little positivity. Getting too caught up in the hopelessness of a negative thought or idea would only hinder someone by comparison. It was something Yusuke knew he sometimes got a little too focused on himself with his art, when one bad opinion planted doubt and thoughts could spin on in a negative spiral if no clear answer to improve presented itself. “If I do, I shall certainly reach out to show the results of my attempt!” He smiled lightly at the idea. Whether Haru responded with the tellphone or not, her suggestion was appreciated. Even if said results were… questionable in the taste or health department, he would be proud of the attempt and the picture would probably be well framed!

‘A lovely ghastly apparition.’ Haru’s very sweet and positive reaction should probably have been expected, and it WAS helpful! Well, at least to Yusuke it was. It was hard to say if anyone else would see it that way. Turning the cup this way and that, he observed the pattern with a thoughtful expression. “It does have a certain unique personality to it, even if it’s not as intended. Perhaps I shall draw inspiration from it later.” He mused, finally setting the cup down once he’d committed its appearance to memory. As Haru continued, though, he hummed lightly. “That is a very kind assessment. Perhaps you’re right! Maybe I just need to push the boundaries of latte art a little!” No, Yusuke, no, you don’t.

Even if their ‘team up’ was a newer thing, it really had seemingly gotten more coordinated and organized as time went on! Yusuke would agree, and perhaps they made an excellent (if slightly whimsical) team! “You’re quite welcome!” The teen responded, setting the towel nearby in case they needed it again. “Of course we’re not bad.” He agreed with a little gesture at their lattes before he continued. “We have a good foundation and have already mastered the espresso and the steamed milk! We simply need to… Refine our technique slightly!”

And hey, at least they made the best ghastly apparition latte art that Aterat had ever seen already! It meant they were ready for next Halloween.