No Strings || Open

[Vega Starling]

Honestly, nothing beat the smell of freshly baked cupcakes and coffee. For Vega it was the smell of home, away from the strict cohort where she could just relax and have no worries. It helped that she was pretty much raised in this shop also, after it all it was her mothers. Vega was always there early in the morning like this when she could get away from the cohort. Helping bake the daily pastries and got to see all the New Rome residents that made their stop there. It was routine for her. Barley talk to her mother other than to say the scones were burning or a order. They didn't talk about the cohort, mostly since her mother had no interest in her being in the forth.

As Vega flipped the sign saying they were open she took her usual to a table over on the side of the cafe. Coffee and a strawberry creme cupcake. Breakfast of champions

[Cameron James]

Early mornings in New Rome were the best time to take a jog. Cam liked getting out this early before his day could get really busy with all of the requirements of commanding the second cohort. It was also nice to just explore the roman streets. It wasn’t often you could catch New Rome before things really got busy and the streets got crowded but every once in a while you could have a good day like today to just jog and enjoy a few minutes alone. That being said he should probably pick up some breakfast and start heading back to the barracks at some point.

Slowing to a cool off speed Cam began looking around to see what shops would be open this early. Not many for sure but maybe a nice café. He was in New Rome after all, might as well enjoy the specialties. Cam walked for a few minutes and was about to give up when a small shop caught his eye as someone flipped the sign from closed to open. ’Good enough for me.’

Cam wasted no time in heading over and letting himself inside. The place wasn’t that busy but that was probably normal for his time of day. That being the case he glanced up at the menu and then stepped up to the counter to place his order. “I’ll have a macchiato and a blueberry bagel.” He said to the barista and then turned to examine his surroundings after he had paid. There was one other patron this morning sitting off to the side by herself. Cam thought that he recognized her dimly and that most likely meant she was a legionnaire. As for himself the tank top he was wearing displayed his legion tattoos and rank plainly. It didn’t really matter of course but it made it a little difficult to sneak around. Giving the girl a nod Cam spoke. “I see I’m not the only one who likes getting away from the barracks early. Morning.”

[Vega Starling]

Vega was mid strawberry creame when she heard someone else walk in.  She hadn't bothered enough to turn around, chances was one of the elderly people that came in regularly.  Her mother was working the counter anyways, since she had to return to camp Jupiter soon. Her mother still wished she would actually use her training but she tried to not think to much about all this power her mother claimed she had. That's not how she saw it, she saw it as just a part of her. She could have been born a mortal and been the same, but no, she was born into the world of demigods and overbearing parents.

She was pulled out of her thoughts when she hear someone next to her talking to her and turned around. The boy she recognized, mostly due to her mother. She knew everyone who was in the second, mostly her cohort pride and all but still, she knew them mostly since her mother would point them out when she was in training. Who he was though, she had no clue, "Morning as well." she said, taking a sip of her coffee before laughing "and I wouldn't say I like it but the shop would be in trouble if I don't make the muffins. Shes not very good at knowing the different between a cupcake and a muffin at all." she said nodding towards her mother with another smile "What are you doing out of the barracks this early?"  She noticed his marks and thought of her own hidden under her long sleeve shirt. Marked and branded as a legionnaire.

[Cameron James]

Cam glanced back over his shoulder giving the lady behind the counter a friendly smile. He hadn’t noticed before because he hadn’t been paying attention but now he could definitely see the family resemblance which meant the girl was at least a second generation roman. That was something he was still getting used to, how some of the legionnaires had actually lives and families here apart from the legion. Here he had a prime example though. “I see. Well in that case I guess it’s good you can help out.”

Turning back to the girl as she spoke again Cam decided to answer her question casually. He could have pulled rank and told her that it was none of her business but that wasn’t really his style. They were away from the barracks, off duty and as far as Cam was concerned military formalities could be done away with for a while. “I like to get away every now and then. Early mornings before things really get busy usually work the best. I saw the café and thought I would stop in for a little breakfast.”

He glanced around again taking in the little café. It was nice and he imagined it would make a good retreat from life in the barracks. “I guess there’s not much reason to ask why you’re here.” He said with a chuckle. “At least I’ll know of a place to come if I need a snack after my morning runs.”

[Vega Starling]

Vega laughed slightly at the boy, whipping cupcake icing off her face as she did.  Probably wasn't very legion like to be covered in cupcake but, she digressed. Like she cared what the officers thought of her anyways. She held her own as a warrior and thats all they needed from her. For the glory of having a stick up your butt or something like that. She understood what he meant by get away from a bit. She did as often as she could. Out of Camp, out of New Rome. Just, out of her life. Often they were midnight flies but still whenever she could get out she would.

She laughed slightly "Yup, I'm here every morning before training and drills. and every weekend afternoons." she said nodding and smiled "So please feel free to stop in any time. I'll sneak you some free food." Anything to bring in business, her mother would love that. It's been slow here lately and she wants more legionnaires around. Not that she did. "I'm Vega by the way. Fourth Cohort." she said, nodding her cup at him like a introduction.

[Cameron James]

Cameron smirked at her when she laughed. Apparently he had hit pretty close to home with his comment about getting away from the barracks. That was fine. No one could be focused on their duties all the time, not even him. Granted his off time was generally spent in New Rome exclusively but it usually offered all the distraction that he either wanted or could afford with his duties. Besides, he did like it here most of the time.

What she said next made the smirk fall away from his face however. "I'm afraid legion rules prohibit an officer from accepting hands outs." He said seriously. "It might start a rumor that the Centurions can be bribed." He held his rigid stance for a moment longer but eventually he relaxed letting his face return to his easy grin so that she would know he was only kidding. "Of course if I ate them here before you started getting busy in sure no one would find out. I'm Cameron, eh Cam, one of the Centurions of the Second. It's nice to meet you Vega."

[Vega Starling]

The girl had to admit, he had her fooled with the  serious tough guy act. Vega thought he was serious about regulations and whatever that he was talking about. Great. Another stick in the mud that didn't know there was a world outside the legion.  She'd rather die than think like that. To never think outside the legion. She felt relief wash over her when she shifted tones. That just saved this coffee from going to waste.  "That is a excellent theory. Besides I think old Ms. Ana would keep your secret, she can't see or hear anymore anyways. Last week she came in and asked for new candles" she said laughing. 

"Nice to meet you Cam- SHHhHHH" she said waving her hands around frantically before peeking back at her mother. Not a peep. She breathed a sigh of relief, that could have been a train wreak. "don't let her hear you. You'll never leave if she does." she said in a hushed whisper, eyeing between the two. "She was in the second and it's her pride in life, you do not want her to find out. You'll get stuck hearing all her old war stories from the titan war, and although it would give my ears a break I don't wish that upon anyone."

[Cameron James]

Cam chuckled. "Hopefully you got her straightened out. I would hate for her to get home and be trying to light one of bagels on fire thinking it was a candle." He was glad Vega seemed to be relaxing around him. To say she felt a little guarded when she had initially started talking to him was an understatement. Now it seemed that she had deemed him worthy of opening up a little which was good. She had a pretty good sense of humor when she wasn't worried that he was going to go all order and discipline on her.

Of course when Vega started shushing him and waving her hands around Cam's eyes went wide with surprise not really knowing what was going on. Fortunately when she explained that her mother was from the second and would likely talk his ears off with war stories he understood what had gotten her so excited and once he understood he couldn't help but have a pretty good laugh at her reaction. He didn't particularly mind war stories but could certainly appreciate the warning. If he didn't want to be here the rest of the day he would have to keep his mouth shut, at least about his involvement with the second cohort.

"Point taken." He said as his laughter died away. "Besides, while it's good to remember the past it's probably a better idea to keep your eye on the future especially when it comes to well...that." He grinned at her as he purposefully refrained from mentioning the word cohort just in case her mother was paying attention. "What do you think?"

[Vega Starling]

Vega let out a small smile and a breath when he seemed to understand her need for him to saying nothing about who he was. Her mother was putting it the nice way, a maniac. She shook her head and smiled at Cam when he didn't say the word. What did she think? Vega suppressed a chuckle at that. "I think that is all I've heard my entire life. Was that I was destined to be there, that I was her pride just under her time there." she said shaking her head before taking a sip of her coffee. Her mother meant well, she knew that but she was so, intense. Just like camp. They were too focus on linage and being remembered, they cared nothing about living a life. She grew up watching demigods from the Legion never coming back. She didn't plan to be one.

"I care nothing about past of future. I just focus on the hour I am in and take it by then."

[Cameron James]

Cam chuckled. He had expected as much from this one. She certainly wore the look of someone who got tired of all the background work and politics that was behind the legion. Admittedly Cameron couldn't really get into it much himself but he could understand how it was important. Some people really bought into the whole idea of things being hereditary and having a name that stretched back hundreds or thousands of years was something they were proud of. He had even seen it on some of the football teams he had played on in the past. Legacy was important. It gave people something to fight for and inspired them to do better. It wasn't everything though and it wouldn't make someone a better soldier or help them survive when times got hard. There were some in the legion who could stand to remember that.

Voice turning a little thoughtful for a moment Cam was very careful in how he responded hoping that she would at least keep an open mind about what he said next. He wasn't trying to scold her after all. "That's a pretty grim outlook on things there Vega, to not have any concern for the future. Why else would we be doing all this if not?" His tone softened again and his smile returned. "Or maybe you have greater aspirations than just being a career soldier? The best café owner in New Rome maybe?"

[Vega Starling]

Vega laughed full heartedly when he said about her plans for the futures. She knew he plans, though they weren’t seen as very common goals for a roman elite soldier. “Its not grim to me” she said simply, still smiling as she took a sip of her drink, a far off dreamy look in her eye. “I’m just too focus on being happy with my current life to be one of those people who stress about tomorrow”

Her plans for life were simple, she wanted to live. She wanted to get out of this drab demigod town “No, I don’t think that will be me. I want to get out of here, travel around and see the world. Monsters or not I can’t stay here forever.” She said, leaning forward on her hand before looking over at her mother, covered in sweat and smiles. She knew her mother meant well, and that she wanted Vega to be the best she could. “I never thought about taking over this place.” She said simply, guilty slightly pulling over her. Demigods were both the loneliest and kindest souls she knew, she wanted freedom but she was also all her mother had. “But like I said, ill figure that out when the time comes. What about you mister Centurion. Whats your plan in life?”

[Cameron James]

Vega's response surprised him a little. Cam found it interesting that there was no part of the Roman life that the girl held to even staying here and working with her mom. That was fine of course. The legion life wasn't for everyone and she certainly didn't have to have her entire life mapped it at this point. Still, he didn't miss that look of guilt that had crossed her face when she said it. He thought that nagging concern for her mother might prove a little harder to shake than she might think but only time would tell. Vega seemed pretty determined after all.

"For me? I suppose I'll put in my time here and then find my way to college. Probably not here though." He chuckled a little embarrassed at himself wondering if his plans sounded any more sure than Vega's did. "After that I suppose I'll come back. If they still need me I'll join back up with the legion. There's always a need for soldiers and if I can help then I don't mind. I guess that makes me a career military man but the need is there."

[Vega Starling]

Vega listened to him talk about his future, and slowly let herself tilt her head.One phrase caught her interest. but the need is there. "Well that seems rather pointless. Rome is always going to need solders, they have since the first century A.D. But that doesn't answer what you want to do." She said before looking at her cooling coffee. "If you only ever do something that is expect of you, how will you ever know if it is generally something you want to do? You'll get caught in a endless cycle of trying to please everyone and never yourself." She knew that some people didn't think like she did, If he wanted to be a military man the rest of his life he could, but there was so much more to life than what people expected. Her mother expected her to be a great solder, her friends a baker like her mother. She? She just knew what she liked to do and what she didn't like to do. Like, Making cupcakes, Dislike, Waking up at 4 every morning. Like, Adrenaline of battle, Dislike, being expected to be on a exact formation and do as told. It was all a balancing act. "So, Is all you like to do fight or do you have other interest?" she said, giving him a playful raised eyebrow before finishing off her coffee.

[Cameron James]

Cam honestly considered what she said. He had never really thought about things that way but he could see where she was coming from. Still, this was what he knew. He was good at it. He wanted to help defend New Rome not for the glory that it could bring and not really because his commanders where telling him too. He supposed that kind of attitude was pretty common among the higher ups but it wasn't. Vega did have a valid point in all this but she was missing one thing. He really did have honest motives.

"I want to do a lot of things. I want to play college football. I want to study physical therapy, maybe some medicine. I want to go places and see things that few get the chance to see. But," He said with a small note of emphasis. "I do want to continue to serve while I can." He paused and considered her for a moment. She seemed to think that by serving here she was giving up on some of her own dreams and maybe that was true that. Maybe the legion wasn't for her but if that was the case she could serve her time and then pursue her own goals and aspirations like everyone else. "I don't think I have to give up any of those things just because I serve." He said honestly. Cam saw the legion as more than just a place to fight and maybe that was what drove him. "For me I've just found something more important to me than just pleasing myself. It doesn't mean that's wrong or that I don't take time to do the things that I enjoy like long jogs, sports, or even listening to music. It just means that I've found more here than pointless bloodshed." He grinned at her before continuing. "Surely you don't think legion is just a machine to wage needless wars. That's kind of a dehumanizing viewpoint don't you think?"

[Vega Starling]

Dehumanizing viewpoint? Vega laughed and shook her head "No its not like that, its more like breaking the molds we were born into." she said simply, looking sadly at her empty coffee mug before turning back to the boy. "We never got a say in being Demigods. Sure, we all belong to something greater than just us, but I never asked to be a hero. Never asked to have all these expectations." She didn't mean to, but she glanced at the register, her mom doing something with the register. Okay this conversation was getting too serious for Vega too quickly. Hell she hardly knew this kid, no need to spill all her self reflective troubles onto him.

She quickly shot him a smile though as she spoke "So Football huh? Never took you for a football player." she said simply before looking around the empty shop. Anything to change the topic. Her mom seemed to focus on something in the back, probably the paper. Figures. No need to deal with that this morning, she had drills soon but first things first. "I'm going to get some more coffee, want some?" she offered as she made her way over to the counter, just reaching over as she did every other morning. Most new guest thought it was strange, but the regulars just laughed and joked with her.