[ Unfortunately it does just seem casual but it's not like the effect it has is lost on her... sorry baby ]
I'm afraid I'm a bit tied up until I finalize this delivery.
[ She's smiling though. Coming over to him, and setting the boxes down. If he opens them he'll find a range of small bite-size desserts like walnut cookies or mooncakes. ]
[There's two wolves in Sett. Unfortunately, one of those wolves is sitting on the other one's head. The smell of the treats takes him back before he even opens them up.
Mooncakes... she remembered his favorite.]
You know, I've got a new set of jasmine leaves if you fancy some tea.
It is your right as the business owner to partake in the things you buy, of course. But I'm glad. Next time, I'll add more to the package with the non-seasonal pastries.
[ She looks gently amused-- a pretty common expression on her face, honestly. Of course with them both at the counter the other cats are starting to come over, interested; she casually stops one from putting its head into the box by gently scritching under its chin. ]
And how are things with your friends?
[ She doesn't exactly know who "the guys" are, but. ]
[ She hums, gently massaging the cat's cheek with her thumb as she purrrrs and stretches out beside her. Peony turns her gaze to the cat instead, still smiling. ]
I'm glad things are going well, then.
Though it seems like there's something you'd like to say to me, Brocade.
[The cat stretches out, making BIG air biscuits with their paws. For a long moment, the silence may not be noticeable, not with the heavy rumble of happiness lazily wiggling for Peony.]
[Normally he'd have laid his hand over hers. It tenses a little on the counter, and then goes to tend to the kettle. A timer sets, even as a delicate, flowery tea scent fills the air.]
[ Ah, he's searching. Well, it's not a feeling unknown to her, even if his obvious disappointment feels a bit odd in her chest. She leaves off petting the cat, delicately removing her gloves so she can come around the counter and start placing the pastries in the display fridge (where the cats can't get them).
She supposes she can indulge him this once. ]
I've been well. The shop has been busy in the evenings, but I suppose that's to be expected with schools beginning to start up again. Children do love to stop by for a treat on their walks home.
The farm I source my blueberries from had a weak harvest this year so I had to narrow down my summer menu, sadly.
[It doesn't actually take long for that odd little thread of tension to settle. They had been working together a while in the marriage and the patterns are still there. Brocade's big, but there's never a collision.
The clink of the fine cup - plum blossoms and vines twist along the edges of it, before he pulls the steep and adds a dollop of honey.]
The cherries were fine, but those were never as popular. Fortunately the strawberries also did well, so I had more than enough to fill in the gaps on that front, and explore a few mixed drinks besides.
[ It is somewhat comforting, going back to old patterns, not even minding the way his tail brushes against her as she finishes up. She glances at the cup with a pleased hum, gently shooing a cat or two off the counter so she can get his larger cup down for him as well. ]
[He laughs, and sets his own latte down, the rich smells of cream and vanilla bean coming from it are a subtle partnership with the strong coffee aroma.]
Y'know, you should come by more often. Just you know, t'catch up some.
[He scoops up another cat who is now attempting to try out the EMPTY pastry box. Which will absolutely not stand up to her ROUNDNESS. He just puts her on his shoulder. She seems content with this change of scenery.]
I really gotta come up with cat safe treats one of these days. Customers are the worst about denyin' em.
Re: [ Ruan Mei ]
I'm afraid I'm a bit tied up until I finalize this delivery.
[ She's smiling though. Coming over to him, and setting the boxes down. If he opens them he'll find a range of small bite-size desserts like walnut cookies or mooncakes. ]
Re: [ Ruan Mei ]
Mooncakes... she remembered his favorite.]
You know, I've got a new set of jasmine leaves if you fancy some tea.
Re: [ Ruan Mei ]
[ Idly lifts her hand for a cat to rub against as it hops onto the counter, interested in the boxes :o ]
Re: [ Ruan Mei ]
[He'll sign the receipt in. A bit. For now, he goes to put fresh water on.]
How's the business? The flyer program work out?
Re: [ Ruan Mei ]
[ She'll take a seat at the bar, watching the kettle. ]
Did the egg tarts sell quickly? I don't see any in the case.
Re: [ Ruan Mei ]
Do you still wake up with your hair all sticking up on the left?
Could you come by more often?
Is your place as quiet as mine these days?]
Usually in the first day. The butter tarts too. Might have to double the order next time.
.. I admit I might have taken one or two.
Re: [ Ruan Mei ]
Re: [ Ruan Mei ]
Hey, you're the best.
I tell the guys that too. But I still get those looks.
Re: [ Ruan Mei ]
Re: [ Ruan Mei ]
[ She looks gently amused-- a pretty common expression on her face, honestly. Of course with them both at the counter the other cats are starting to come over, interested; she casually stops one from putting its head into the box by gently scritching under its chin. ]
And how are things with your friends?
[ She doesn't exactly know who "the guys" are, but. ]
Re: [ Ruan Mei ]
Maybe there never was. Maybe he imagin- NOPE.
The cat immediately stretches their neck out and closes their eyes. Brocade considers her with ABJECT jealousy.]
Oh! Yeah, pretty good. Cashmere got a new personal best. And the night life's pretty good.
Still miss yyyyyyyyyyyyyyesterday! Yeah, still can't quite get the darts at the pub!
Re: [ Ruan Mei ]
I'm glad things are going well, then.
Though it seems like there's something you'd like to say to me, Brocade.
Re: [ Ruan Mei ]
Don't matter. It's all done, right?
Re: [ Ruan Mei ]
[ With a soft and gentle finality, smoothing her hand over the cat's head and side. ]
I enjoyed what we had, for the time we had it. I hope you did too. And I hope you find someone who can give you everything you need, and more.
Re: [ Ruan Mei ]
[Normally he'd have laid his hand over hers. It tenses a little on the counter, and then goes to tend to the kettle. A timer sets, even as a delicate, flowery tea scent fills the air.]
How are you doin'?
Re: [ Ruan Mei ]
She supposes she can indulge him this once. ]
I've been well. The shop has been busy in the evenings, but I suppose that's to be expected with schools beginning to start up again. Children do love to stop by for a treat on their walks home.
The farm I source my blueberries from had a weak harvest this year so I had to narrow down my summer menu, sadly.
Re: [ Ruan Mei ]
The clink of the fine cup - plum blossoms and vines twist along the edges of it, before he pulls the steep and adds a dollop of honey.]
Oh no. No turnovers? How was the cherry?
Re: [ Ruan Mei ]
[ It is somewhat comforting, going back to old patterns, not even minding the way his tail brushes against her as she finishes up. She glances at the cup with a pleased hum, gently shooing a cat or two off the counter so she can get his larger cup down for him as well. ]
Re: [ Ruan Mei ]
As he working up his own drink.]
Strawberries are going to be great as the weather turns too. I'm always here to taste test, y'know.
Re: [ Ruan Mei ]
Of course. You're always at the top of the list.
Re: [ Ruan Mei ]
[He laughs, and sets his own latte down, the rich smells of cream and vanilla bean coming from it are a subtle partnership with the strong coffee aroma.]
Y'know, you should come by more often. Just you know, t'catch up some.
Re: [ Ruan Mei ]
Re: [ Ruan Mei ]
[He drowns the sigh in the next sip of coffee, leaning a hip against the counter, tail flicking.]
This year I'll actually get around to offering ice cream.
[He's been saying this for years.]
Re: [ Ruan Mei ]
Re: [ Ruan Mei ]
[He scoops up another cat who is now attempting to try out the EMPTY pastry box. Which will absolutely not stand up to her ROUNDNESS. He just puts her on his shoulder. She seems content with this change of scenery.]
I really gotta come up with cat safe treats one of these days. Customers are the worst about denyin' em.
Re: [ Ruan Mei ]
Re: [ Ruan Mei ]
Re: [ Ruan Mei ]
Re: [ Ruan Mei ]
Re: [ Ruan Mei ]
Re: [ Ruan Mei ]
Re: [ Ruan Mei ]