[@Satsuki] [@Raijinslayer] 

Mitch nodded at the naga and turned his focus away. He was having quite a time people watching as the cafe filled up, what with a trembling coffee boy, an impish (well, probably an imp) kid flirting with everything that moved, and a whole host of others sharing the space. An easy grin settled on his face as he stood, feeling like a part of the community, although he was nothing but a newcomer, an outsider to this incredible little town he'd stumbled across.

[color=00a651]"Good morning, what can I get ya?"[/color]

Mitch had almost lost track of why he'd come in the first place, and the sight of who he believed to be the owner behind the counter wasn't helping. He was a centaur, probably a llama, shorter than Mitch (but then again, few people weren't) with soft brown hair and a friendly air to him. Mitch would be lying if he claimed not to be attracted. Ever smooth and polite, however, he recovered flawlessly and offered a hand, dipping down a bit in greeting. 

"Hello! Well first and foremost, I wouldn't mind something hot, cider if you have it." He chuckled, glancing around casually. "Otherwise, I'd like some help, if you'd be so kind to oblige me. I'm new here, just got in this morning, and I kinda need a job and a place to sleep. Starting fresh, you know." Another chuckle, then he cleared his throat, regaining his professionalism. "Anyway, would you happen to know any places hiring? I've got lots of retail and technology experience, but I can do pretty much anything, if that helps at all." he smiled, as if hoping it would improve his chances. Simon shook the hand, giving a smile before checking the coffee maker one more time.

[color=00a651]"Oh, a newcomer? I do have cider actually, though it'll be a moment while it warms. As for the other part, you may want to check the Willow Estate Apartments. They usually have some vacancies. As for a job...mmm...well, if you're good with tech you could always ask Anna over at Nerd's Paradise. She doesn't really sleep so I don't know if she actually NEEDS help, but...that's one place."[/color]

The centaur's eyes roamed to Albert as a thought went into his head. The Corner Garden Cafe had four total employees, including Simon himself. The llama turned around again and poured out several cups of coffee, placing one in front of Mulivon and staring pointedly at Ian.

[color=00a651]"You pay first."[/color]

The llama cantered back over to Mitch, running one hand through his hair as he started warming a pot of cider as well, mentally ticking off if he had taken care of all the current waiting orders. Sophie had left the cafe, the head dress girl had her order, Oerba was sipping her cup, and Ian's order was waiting for payment. Satisfied, Simon leaned onto the counter, giving another smile to the man.

[color=00a651]"Alternatively, if you can make coffee and take orders, I can give you a test run and see how you handle the job. I think I'll be needing another morning person to help us."[/color]

Mitch nodded. "Willow estate, Nerd's Paradise, right..." He grabbed a napkin and jotted down the name, tucking it into his pocket. "Thank you very much. And don't worry, I don't mind waiting." He smiled wide at the developing smell of cider, a warm sweetness that brought a flood of fond memories back to him. He waited patiently while the owner took care of his other customers, every the patient man. His mind wandered to his more recent memories, good and bad. In either case, a twist of dread grew in his stomach, like a causeless guilt, and he shook them from his mind.

The centaur came back, with a charming smile and a very generous offer. Mitch took a moment to think it over. Actually, scratch that. More like ten seconds. "Hey, I would be thrilled at the chance!" He exclaimed, dipping his head in thanks. He returned the other's smile and for a moment, was nothing but optimistic. Then, of course, a realization came crashing down on him, one that he couldn't just hide-not just morally, but legally as well.

His face fell into an awkward, downcast look, and he lowered his voice, leaning over the counter a bit in hopes he wouldn't be heard by anyone else. "Well, there's just one thing. If I could speak to you privately when you're available, you'll see what I mean..." If this alone was enough to make him look suspicious, he wasn't hopeful for how Simon would take the information he needed to give him.

Simon quirked a brow, handing over a mug of warm cider as he gave a frown.

[color=00a651]"Hmm...alright. I'll probably be busy for the rest of the morning, so come back later and we'll talk."[/color]

Mitch gave a nod, taking his cider and walking over to an unoccupied window table, sitting in the warm sunlight streaming in. The centaur rubbed the back of his neck, but opted to not worry about it until he heard what the problem seemed to be. The boy seemed to go from optimistic to crestfallen in a single step. But Simon had made it a habit to not make judgements until he knew the entire situation. He headed back to Ian, placing both hands on the counter and giving the imp a friendly, if firm look.

[color=00a651]"Now, about paying for your food."[/color]