[center][h3]Val O'Connell[/h3][i]Phil's Coffeehouse[/i][hr][@Fading Memory][/center][hr][i]Well, thank the universe[/i], Valeriano thought. [i]Help has[/i] at last [i]arrived.[/i] With Tobias's timely arrival, Val's eyes peered at the back entrance, and his hands began to move of their own accord, finishing the coffee-brewing process. Meanwhile, Val had switched his attention to Toby, casually observing his coworker's small talk with the customers en route to the counter. Val briefly turned to the customer at the counter and handed them the coffee he'd just made. "Enjoy."

Val greeted Tobias with a nod and flashed a slight smirk when the latter finally approached the counter. "Ah, here comes my hero, ready to save the day," Val teased, deadpan delivery and all but still readily accepting the dishes. He immediately began tapping them against the garbage bin's rim, sending crumbs and leftover bits into the trash. "Just in time, Tobes. Prolly the worst rain I've seen this week."

Miss Enfield's order earned a quizzical, squinting look from Val. Indeed it was an improbable request, even with magic at their disposal, but he simply shrugged and started the espresso regardless. First, two for Enfield, then another two — [i]Oughta make that four[/i] — for Tobias. He then lined up some milk, cocoa powder, and three cups, before he crouched down and groped around under the counter for another something.

"Semester done finally, huh?" he remarked nonchalantly from below the counter, raising his voice a tad so Tobias could still hear. His arm reappeared clutching a greenware figurine, no larger than his palm and inscribed with various sigils, and a battery. Each of these he placed beside the coffee cups, and he reemerged from below. For now, he did nothing with either and leaned on the counter, chin in his hand while he waited for the espresso machine to finish. "So, got any plans for the summer?"