Chapter Two

[thebestseller]

[A few faint sounds can be heard over the journal- specifically, the clink of a mug as it's set down on a counter, the sound of coffee pouring into said mug, and some muttering and more clinking as something is stirred in with a spoon.]

Creamer. I can't go wrong with simple creamer, right?

[Then, there's the sound of Castle blowing on the coffee to cool it, a small slurping noise as he drinks, then a noise of disgust and a spray of coffee all over the journal page. Ewww.]

Damnit. [Castle then realizes the journal is open.] ... This thing was closed when I set it down. I SWEAR it was closed. Anyway, sorry if that transmitted, didn't mean to spit my coffee everywhere. ... Speaking of coffee, anybody know where to get a decent cup? Every time I try to make it myself, it tastes nasty, and I cannot for the life of me figure out what I'm doing wrong.

Comments

[not_nikkiheat]

I'm not sure you've ever made a bad cup of coffee, Castle.

[thebestseller]

Exactly! And it smells just fine, but no matter what I put in it, it ends up tasting like crap.

[not_nikkiheat]

How is that even possible?

[thebestseller]

Search me. And I don't exactly want to ask anybody to taste it...

[not_nikkiheat]

I'll taste it. I can handle it.

[thebestseller]

My hero.

[not_nikkiheat]

Want me to come over, or are you bringing it to me?

[thebestseller]

I'll be a gentleman and bring it to you. Where are you?

[not_nikkiheat]

How big of you. I'm in 708.

[teratologist]

I find that all coffee is vile, however if you would like some tea I have a rather extensive assortment and I am happy to share.

[thebestseller]

How could I refuse such a polite offer? If my coffee-making skills have really gotten that bad, I could grow to enjoy tea.

[teratologist]

Though it is not my own favorite, I have some teeccino, an herbal blend I am told is quite similar in consistency and taste, to coffee.

[thebestseller]

I'll have to give it a shot. If that ends up tasting nasty, too, I'll stick with tea-tasting tea.

[teratologist]

In either case I have ample stores of tea, I'm happy to share. I'm Helen Magnus by the way you are one of our newer arrivals, correct?

[thebestseller]

Thanks, Helen. And yeah, I just got here a few days ago. I'm Castle.

[teratologist]

..Castle? [And now she begins to wonder at the veracity of his statements.] Chess enthusiast?

[thebestseller]

I'll play a game every once in a while, but it's not one of my big interests. I'm a writer by trade.

[Dictated]

[deductiongeek]

Are you using the supplies in the kitchen? I made some there yesterday, and it was fine.

[Dictated]

[thebestseller]

Yup. I've even tried wishing for fresh supplies on the spot. Ground some of my own beans, in fact. It still doesn't taste right.

Re: [Dictated]

[deductiongeek]

Can I come down and take a look at it? [Because if the castle had done something to the coffee supplies Conan was going to be very angry. The fact that he could drink strong black coffee here with hardly anyone protesting was one of the few things he liked about the castle.]

[thebestseller]

The more the merrier. I'll be waiting in the kitchen.

[Action]

[deductiongeek]

[And a few minutes later Castle will see a tiny boy with glasses entering the kitchen. His gaze sweeps around the room in a quick assessment before he makes his way over to the counter with the coffeemaker.]

[Action]

[thebestseller]

[Castle spots the young boy coming in and gives him a friendly smile, but otherwise appears to be expecting someone else.]

Re: [Action]

[deductiongeek]

[Conan makes a detour to the table and starts dragging a chair over to the counter. From experience he knew that it he needed the boost to see the top of the counter. Life was hard when you were three feet tall.]

[thebestseller]

[Castle watches the child pushing a chair toward him, before his brain makes the connection.]

Conan?