Rise & Shine Espresso

Rise & Shine Espresso
moonstraw city

On a corner, Rise & Shine Espresso is hidden away in a Moonstraw building. It's just down the street from St. Mungo's as well as the Museum of Magical History. It's a cute little spot full of healing and arts students alike. Most of the baristas are also university students, making it a place just bustling with fresh adults.

Ivanna Tolstokozheva

second year healing student
ateleia

Messaging Dmitri was one of the most difficult things she has ever done. It might be a result of some sort of burnout between her various responsibilities, but she has been struggling for the solution to a specific problem for ages. It's uncommon for her to have so much trouble especially so much trouble that she would reach out to someone and certainly someone she is as unfamiliar with as them. To say this situation has been of some frustration to her is an understatement and she is currently buried in her course supplies at one of the booths in the corner of the cafe, not wanting to wait for Dmitri even if she knows that realistically she will not solve it before they come. It would give her some sort of relief if she might just do this herself and get it over with. A frustrated sigh later and her head is falling into her hands. It's just in time to catch the door jingling, causing her head to shoot up to notice them walking through the door. "*Over here!*" she calls in Russian, standing slightly in her seat and raising her hand to wave. It's difficult to hide the stress on her face, but a small smile does form out of politeness.

Dmitri Romanov

healing student at st. mungo's
paintedred

Dima is glad to have heard from Ivanna again. They had high hopes for a friendship after that encounter, but was worried that because of their busy schedule, they would not be able to put enough time or effort into actually making it happen. Luckily, they are free today and more than that, Dima is grateful that she had messaged about *studying* in particular. Firstly, if this goes well, then perhaps they could suggest studying together more often. More importantly, Dima flounders in most social interactions so at the very least they have what they have learned in school to fall back on during this particular meeting. It is comforting to hear the Russian amidst the quiet buzzing of the café. Dima has not had anyone speak to them in Russian in a while, especially now that Valik is at Hogwarts. Ivanna's company is definitely welcome and just hearing her speak makes them feel a lot less lonely already. "*Hello!*" they greet, taking the seat across her. "*Were you waiting for very long? I'm sorry if you were...*" They rub the back of their neck awkwardly, though they're pretty sure they aren't too late.

Ivanna Tolstokozheva

second year healing student
ateleia

A brow lifts as she hears their greeting, head falling down on top of one of her hands as she watches them sit down across from her. Sitting down creates a less exaggerated difference in size between them, which empowers her and creates a more comfortable environment for them. Smiling, she answers. "*I haven't been waiting. I believe you're on time, actually.*" Her eyes glance down at her thin wristwatch, which her sister gave her for her nineteenth birthday, to catch the time. A dozen hands whirl around the little trinket, but she appears to understand it just fine as she gives a small nod. "*Just on time,*" she adds, dropping her hand down on top of her things slowly as to avoid making even the smallest noise. Ivanna scrambles for something else to discuss before jumping into it, unsure of if that would be disrespectful to them or if filling it with frivolous conversation would be even worse. A weird exhale and she sits straight up in her seat, pushing her hair behind her ears before getting the itch to just pull it up. "*How were classes?*" Ivanna decides that will hold over the conversation for a polite yet short enough amount of time. While listening for their response, she turns into her bag to find a scrunchie for her hair.

Dmitri Romanov

healing student at st. mungo's
paintedred

Dima had assumed they would be jumping straight into the problem, and it pleases them when she asks about classes instead since that seems more indicative of a real friendship forming between them two. "*Classes are fine*." they reply. "*They are difficult, but manageable as long as I set aside enough time to study.*" Which Dima has been able to do. It is not that Valik had been taking up so much of their time in the past, but after having had him in the apartment during the summer, his absence makes Dima feel lonelier than they had ever felt in the past living by themselves. It's strange, but at least studying keeps their mind off of it and is productive as well. They were not aware they had missed their little brother so much, as if they had been repressing these feelings so as to not get immensely guilty and return home to Russia. It is much better that Valik is with them now though, they think, and that being said, Dima makes a mental note to insist on him visiting this weekend. Hopefully he will not be too busy. "*And how are your classes?*"

Ivanna Tolstokozheva

second year healing student
ateleia

"*Good. Good.*" she acknowledges that she's listening as she tugs her hair into a ponytail. It requires a few tries considering she's never been great with her hair. "*My classes are fine too.*" It's all she wants to say on the matter at first, but then it becomes obvious to her that she shouldn't have gone down this road if she wasn't willing to create some mimic of a true conversation at the very least. "*Well, you know, my sister has four little babies and she has me babysitting them from time to time because they're... busy. My classes are easier than that,*" she says, a little amused with herself as she smiles at them. A slightly horrified expression grows on her face when she remembers their mutual followers, but she tries to go flat to hide any of this. Is it weird and stalker-ish to mention such a thing?

Dmitri Romanov

healing student at st. mungo's
paintedred

"*Four*?" they repeat rather incredulously. Their cousin has four babies too and it is truly mind boggling to Dima that anyone could want that many children. It must be so difficult to manage. They know that they come from a family of four siblings, but their parents did not handle that well (they did not handle that *at all*, one could argue) and even so they were spaced apart in age and that seems easier to take care of. "*Sorry, my cousin... She also has four babies. It's odd to me that someone would want four children. And all at once too!*" Dima frowns just considering it before realizing that they are talking to someone who might not share similar beliefs. "*I'm sorry if you like children.*" They laugh nervously, looking a bit embarrassed. "*They can be cute, yes.*" They concede this much, but little else. Dima loves their siblings but would never want children of their own. They're tired and they've done enough parenting for a lifetime. "*It's nice of you to be babysitting for your sister. It would be difficult to go through that without much support.*"

Ivanna Tolstokozheva

second year healing student
ateleia

Ivanna finds this poor acknowledge of the fact that they are discussing what is *clearly* (at least to her) the same four babies quite astounding. For a second, she considers letting this be. Her family was not necessarily *nice* to the Romanovs and she wonders if that should mean she should stay away except she's hardly responsible for any of it. Polina certainly should stay away though, she thinks. Thankfully, she is not her sister. "*We're both discussing the Empresses. Aren't we?*" she decides though it isn't much of a conscious decision. It's more of a carefully worded blurt of thinking, not wanting to have to sit on it much longer. Ivanna reaches the conclusion that she might regret it, but there won't be much to regret considering the fact that they hardly see each other. In order to see them again, she had to go out of her way and fight every instinct and every muscle in her body to find a reason to be near them again. It's a little ridiculous, but she appreciates the comfort that they bring her off of being Russian alone. "*I don't understand it either. Children are fine in small doses— and maybe even cute, but the snot and dribble says otherwise.*" If she had not been so utterly wrecked by the decisions that adults made throughout her childhood and therefore did not want the same responsibility, then babysitting would have convinced her that having children is not worth it off of appearances and constant oozing alone.

Dmitri Romanov

healing student at st. mungo's
paintedred

"*The empresses... Ah.*" Dima is one for thinking out loud and once the connection is made, their brow furrows as they process this information. "*You are Polina's sister, then?*" Of course, Dima would know if she were a Romanova, so that is the only option. Ivanna has been nice to them so far and had she been planning something sinister in true Tolstokozhev fashion, then surely she would not have disclosed her identity so carelessly. That, and Vasya would not trust her to babysit the kids. When Dima processes this, they come to the conclusion there is nothing to worry about in this friendship. It does not bother them, they decide. Instead, they laugh a little nervously and continue with, "*So you know I am... a Romanov. I'm a bit embarrassed – it's not a big deal because I'm not very close with my family. Vasya just checks in from time to time.*" Their heritage is an awkward subject to bring up with their classmates and other peers at healing school. A couple of them had found out a year prior and had badgered them incessantly with questions about what it must have been like growing up royalty. "*Have you known since we met?*"

Ivanna Tolstokozheva

second year healing student
ateleia

Ivanna dreads admitting this to them or else she would have messaged them the moment she noticed this shared connection between the two of them. "*Not a Tolstokozhev by blood, but we're sisters nonetheless.*" Somehow that has served to bring her some comfort throughout her adolescence and even into her adulthood. Still she doesn't understand how the face in the mirror came out of Ukraine. Ivanna had thought that finding this information of where she was adopted from would have solved these issues, comparing her appearance to her peers at Koldovstoretz, but it didn't. How Polina could seriously believe she is from Ukraine is mind-boggling. "*We weren't necessarily raised together either.*" Again, an important form of distancing that somehow helps her heal from her parents' wrongdoings as well as her sister's participation in all of it. A small smile forms, pulling up higher on the left side of her face and is therefore clearly forced. "*I haven't. I don't know the Romanovs by heart, but the surname followed by a few familiar followers was enough to reach the obvious conclusion, right?*" Ivanna laughs halfheartedly before lifting up her empty coffee and cursing at the fact that she can't busy herself by drinking it. "*It's not that important. We don't really... have to discuss it. Do we?*"

Dmitri Romanov

healing student at st. mungo's
paintedred

Dima listens carefully to her explanation. They know it may be an uncomfortable topic but they feel they are entitled to some sort of explanation given the history between their two families, so they had to get it out of the way. The explanation she has just given suffices already, so Dima sees no need to press further especially now that it's evident this *is* a touchy subject. They don't blame her. From what they know of the Tolstokozhevs, it is more than justified. "*We don't. It's irrelevant to what we're meant to do today and also to us in general.*" Dima says, dismissing the topic entirely. They are not particularly in a hurry to shift the focus of the conversation, but they can tell that it could be uncomfortable. It's not like Dima enjoys talking about their family history anyway. "*Speaking of what we're meant to do... What lesson are you having difficulty with?*" Dima, admittedly, is not naturally very intelligent but they *are* a hard worker. *That* is what has gotten them this far in healing school, and they believe that makes them a good person to ask for help from because occasionally when people are too intelligent they fail to understand the frustration that accompanies not immediately *getting* the subject matter. "*I will try my best to explain.*"

Ivanna Tolstokozheva

second year healing student
ateleia

Ivanna appreciates the swift change in conversation as well as their attempt to get to the reason that they're here. It's best things remain focused on academics, she decides. "*I don't know how to-*" A few fingers curl and find their place in her temples as she tries to put the issue nicely and in straight Russian.

After the matter is settled, she sighs and slides her belongings into her bag. Ivanna would appreciate not staring at them for at least one second of the daytime. To think that the time she gets to spend not studying is instead spent serving alcoholics at the bar is quite upsetting. It's more upsetting when considering she isn't even that good at it. Compare that to how Dmitri navigates around their own academics with this focus that seems so secure and so... focused. Ivanna isn't sure she's ever been that focused on one issue at a time and just watching them assist her through the matter at hand made her a little jealous, but there's no point in envying them when she knows that there probably isn't *that* much to envy about their story. The Romanovs have all led insane lives, she remembers. "*Thank you,*" she tells them for what she believes to be the third or fourth time. Her eyebrows raise and shoot down quickly in recognition that she might've repeated that one too many times. "*It was nice that you spent your time coming over here for me, and you were actually really helpful.*" She smiles. While she had hoped that they would be, her expectations for the quality of help others provide her with is *actually* quite low.

Dmitri Romanov

healing student at st. mungo's
paintedred

It was refreshing discussing their studies in Russian, honestly. It makes Dima inclined to suggest that they study together more frequently, but their attempt to is cut off by Ivanna thanking them for having helped. The gratitude is much appreciated, but it's unnecessary. They enjoy helping people. "*It was nothing.*" they tell her, "*I was glad to have an opportunity to spend time with you... I had been meaning to reach out about it, but a few days after meeting you some complications arose with my family. It was nothing, really. Typical Romanov stuff.*" There is no need to go into detail about the whole safe house situation that only ended up lasting a day. They make a face nonetheless. It was an inconvenience, and it proved to be unnecessary. "*But I was not allowed to communicate with anyone for a bit, and then so much time had passed already... I was embarrassed. So thank* you *really, for reaching out.*" They pause, before turning a bit red. "*I mean, obviously I'm sorry that you had difficulty with your studies. I'm not glad about that.*" They laugh nervously, then continue. "*I just meant that it's a pleasure to spend time with you, and that I had been wanting to.*" Dima is embarrassed now, of the belief they might have overdid this whole ramble.

Ivanna Tolstokozheva

second year healing student
ateleia

When they dismiss the importance of this, she doesn't feel particularly compelled towards continuing to treat it as one especially considering that was quite embarrassing in the first place. It brings her some comfort to know that they don't frown down at her for wanting their assistance. However, this turns into a conversation about wanting to spend time with her and she can't hide the expression of overwhelming surprise that comes onto her face. While they continue, the surprise vanishes as she has to laugh just as nervously at their own embarrassment. "*We can study together more often. Usually you won't need to assist me through my studies,*" she promises, smiling politely. "*It will be the only opportunity you have to spend more time with me, and I wouldn't mind that at all. So, we should.*" Her smile widens, not finding herself to be too cocky in this matter. Dmitri seems so interested in starting some sort of friendship with her that she must admit that she finds spending time with them to be quite enjoyable. It's difficult to find that in other people, but they exemplify it so well. "*Would that be fine with you?*"

Dmitri Romanov

healing student at st. mungo's
paintedred

Dima smiles, glad that their invitation has been received well. "*Of course it would be fine.*" the say, "*And I would not mind assisting you if you need it. I know you said that it won't be an usual occurrence but... Yeah. It would be fine, if ever. I don't mind.*" They want to be sure that Ivanna is aware that today was not a bother and that she can continue to go to them for help should she need it. "*Are you very busy outside of classes?*" they ask. They were about to ask if she would like to do non-academic things because that seemed like the polite thing to do, but Dima is a fish out of water in most situations that are wholly apart from academics. They are awkward and can never find the right things to talk about, so they're relieved that for now it seems the time spent between the two of them is to be limited to studying. That is already a bonding experience in their books, and hopefully when the two are closer, they will be less apprehensive to spend time with her elsewhere. Ivanna is lovely; of course Dima wants to be able to reach that point in the future.

Ivanna Tolstokozheva

second year healing student
ateleia

Their comment about them not minding floats past her head. If anything, it isn't received well considering she prefers to do everything independently and doesn't want to be thought of as someone who needs assistance especially not in areas she's supposed to be skilled in. It's all too frustrating, but she knows better to argue and instead bites at the fleshy interior of her mouth as she stares at them. "*I'm working most evenings,*" she tells them, only afterwards noticing that that isn't a true answer to their question. "*So, yes, but lunchtime is fine for me. If you're interested in studying at 2am, then that would be fine too.*" Her smile is stupid, knowing how ridiculous of an idea that is. Most libraries around here are closed by then and she isn't sure she would want them coming over to her place just yet (let alone at 2am). Regardless of how innocent their interactions have been, there's no point in giving them any ideas. "*We will figure something out. Maybe it will be another six months.*" Ivanna laughs. In reality, it would be rather unfortunate because their company is quite calming and she is of the belief that there is a strong possibility of a friendship between them one day. So, while she usually wouldn't care about going six months without seeing or hearing from someone, she really doesn't want that to happen again.

Dmitri Romanov

healing student at st. mungo's
paintedred

"*You work at night?*" they ask. They wonder what she does but she would have mentioned it by now, so they don't pry beyond that. She can share if she wants to. "*If you would like to study later at night, you can come to my apartment. It's a five minute walk from the hospital.*" Any connotations that offer might have completely fly over Dima's head. They do not mind having people over, and now that Valik is at Hogwarts, the flat has gone back to being the designated place to crash for Dima's friends who are too tired to properly apparate home. "*It must be tiring to balance school and work.*" they muse out loud, "*And yes, we will figure something out. My schedule is more flexible.*" Most of Dima's time outside of school is spent studying, after all, and in general they manage their time wisely. "*It will not take six months this time. I wouldn't want that.*" They would want to see her again sooner and they almost verbalize this explicitly, but they believe the implication suffices especially when they have already clearly expressed prior that they enjoy spending time with her and would want to do it again.

Ivanna Tolstokozheva

second year healing student
ateleia

As if reading their mind, she answers, "*Bartending.*" Ivanna isn't spectacular at it, but the place she snatched a position at just so happens to have low standards. It's a little embarrassing telling people her place of employment, so she leaves that information out. From experience, she also finds it easier to not acknowledge the offer to come over to their place. While she has no qualms about admitting she wouldn't feel comfortable just yet, that would also require her acknowledging that this is strictly a friendship and she will not tolerate them thinking otherwise. Just the thought of that makes her turn inward and frown. "*It isn't terrible. Staying busy is what lets me stay afloat!*" Ivanna smiles, reaching her hand out and gently tapping the table between them. Her bracelet dings the table and she pretends not to be startled by it, lifting her hand and sliding it along her thigh instead. "*I wouldn't want that either, but things happen. I wouldn't want you to worry about it either. So, what time do you need to be out of here?*" Remembering what they said earlier, she knows not to apologize for taking up their time.

Dmitri Romanov

healing student at st. mungo's
paintedred

"*Bartending.*" Dima repeats, but there's no judgment in their voice. It's just as if they are saying it to remind themselves and take note of this in case the information might come in useful in the future. "*It is good that you like staying busy. I don't think I would be able to stay as on top of things as you are.*" Ironically, maybe it would have been within their younger self to manage so many things and commitments at once but since moving to Moonstraw City they have allowed themselves to relax more. It has certainly give them a clearer perspective that they should not have been responsible for so many things at that age, and since then they have actively tried to not take on too many things at once to the point that they've forgotten how to be that degree of multi-functional. It's fine; they are much happier now, and Dima decided a long time ago that that's what matters more. "*I won't worry about it.*" They sound rather sure of themselves. They are a worrier by nature, but they are more confident in their ability to schedule another hangout between the two of them, especially now that they have a better idea of Ivanna's schedule and also what it is like to be around her for extended periods of time. "*And I still have a lot of time. I didn't know how long we would take, so I managed to set aside my afternoon for this.*" Setting aside time to help someone is so important to Dima, so of course they would try to do so for others. "*Do you need to go?*"

Ivanna Tolstokozheva

second year healing student
ateleia

Ivanna sort of tunes out their repetition of the word, not wanting to hear any sort of judgement. She's become a lot better at turning it off and listening to herself. Others get through sometimes. For starters, Polya can be annoying. At the mention that they cleared their afternoon for *this* (for *her*), she struggles not to cringe or wince or have some sort of reaction that's visible to them. "*Did you?*" It slips past her mouth instead. While she isn't pleased by it, it's better than seeming rude by cringing at such a nice gesture. It *is* a little embarrassing though to have them do something so considerate for her, someone who they know nothing about. Her judgement is limited, but it's humiliating for her that she would cause someone to do that. It's inconveniencing, and she tries to interfere very little in the lives of others in order to avoid doing just that. "*I'm terribly sorry! I didn't know that you would do that. I have a meeting with this organization in an hour and I was just going to study-*" Ivanna would prefer to study on her own because it's primarily completing little assignments. It would be boring to be around and she wouldn't really have the heart to sit near someone mumbling over their studies. It's best she probably starts doing those things at home. "*What if we go somewhere and get proper food for lunch? I wouldn't want you to spend your afternoon alone if you planned on spending it with me, and then it wouldn't be six months, right? Or would that not count?*" She laughs, seemingly genuinely delighted by the comment though inside she's a little nervous by the suggestion. She hates putting herself out there and pushing for these things. Dima is nice though. They're terribly nice.

Dmitri Romanov

healing student at st. mungo's
paintedred

When she launches into her apologies, Dima's face very clearly furrows into a confused expression. They do not understand why she is apologizing because it was not an inconvenience. They would not have wanted to cut their time together short by not allotting enough time to spend with her, so it made sense for them to set aside the afternoon. "*I did, but it's not a big deal. There's no need to apologize because no harm was done. It was not an inconvenience either.*" they say, talking slowly and clearly to emphasize their point. "*If I did not want to make time for this, I would not have, and I was not expecting to spend the entire afternoon together. You made no such promise so you are not obligated to. It's fine. And since I got everything else done, at least now I have time to rest, right?*" They smile kindly so that she knows they have no problem with her needing to leave. "*Getting lunch would be terrific, though. I'd like that, if you're sure that the studying isn't urgent.*" The offer is welcome and they are glad she brought it up. "*If you* do *need to study, though, we can just stay here. I have my materials as well and I have been told I am generally not a bother. You can ask any of my friends.*" They chuckle a little at that last part. "*It's your call.*"

Ivanna Tolstokozheva

second year healing student
ateleia

Their words do little to comfort her, but she decides she has to accept that they're being truthful. It's pointless to stress herself out over this especially when he's insisting it isn't a bother. It's just Ivanna is usually *so good* at ensuring she's not one. Rarely, must she worry about doing something that's put her in the way. When they start their attempt at reassurance, she lets out her breathe, believing then that they won't want to eat lunch. It's a confusing, buzzing set of emotions. Ivanna wasn't built for this sort of interaction. Establishing friendships isn't her thing, and she will easily abandon her attempts should they be turned down. However, they circle around to it again and her chest tightens as she responds. "*We should go eat. I want filling food. A pastry really won't cut it.*" She laughs again, glancing over at the display of pastries near the counter. Besides, she hasn't utilized any of her budget dedicated to ordering food in about a month, so she might as well splurge and create some sort of picture of normalcy for them. "*Honestly, you don't have to come if you would rather rest. We can do it again some other time.*" Smiling nicely, she puts her last few belongings away before folding her hands together on the table. "*But my call is that we go and we hurry.*"

Dmitri Romanov

healing student at st. mungo's
paintedred

"*Alright then,*" Dima says, putting some of their own things away and back into their bag. They would have preferred getting a proper lunch anyway but that is mostly because they now know Ivanna is so busy and they want to be sure that she is resting, eating, and taking care of themselves. Dima feels very similarly about all their other friends and tends to nag them about it (gently!), which is why they are always the 'mom' of most groups they find themselves in. "*I would definitely rather come with you than rest.*" they tell her. Of course they would. Spending time with her is calming, and true, they can also achieve that sense of calm by relaxing on their own but they would definitely prefer doing it with her instead. They are smiling a little as they get up from their booth, content with this outcome of their study session. "*I know a place nearby!*" they say, waiting for her to get up as well. "*Here, follow me.*"