themightybosstone | Limelight Pregaming

Is that so? I suppose I can make some time for tea.

[ Idly lifts her hand for a cat to rub against as it hops onto the counter, interested in the boxes :o ]

Call it thanks for bringing em by.

[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?

Well enough.

[ 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.

[Things he wants to ask: How are you doing?

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.

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.

[He scoops up Everything Bagel before he can get his fat head in the confectionery box. The cat is very placidly annoyed by this, but not DETERRED.]

Hey, you're the best.

I tell the guys that too. But I still get those looks.

Edited 2024-08-05 16:49 (UTC)

-- the that I can eat them I bought them- not the, that they're the best!

I'm happy to be of service.

[ 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. ]

[It's always that way. Closed up, soft and polite. Sweet as any of the tarts. But no spark.

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!

[ 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.]

Don't matter. It's all done, right?

It is.

[ 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.

Edited 2024-08-05 19:42 (UTC)

... Yeah. I really did.

[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'?

[ 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.]

Oh no. No turnovers? How was the cherry?

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 doesn't even think about where his tail is or the familiar curl sometimes. It's just natural. The chatter comes easy.

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.

[ In the meantime she takes her cup to sit and watch him finish, politely crossing her legs. ]

Of course. You're always at the top of the list.

Hell yea I am!

[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.

Perhaps I could, if I could find the time. We'll have to see... business always picks up in the summer.

Yeahhh... Probably same here.

[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.]

I can give you the number of the local creamery I use. I'm sure they would be happy for the patronage as well.

Yeah, that'd be good.

[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.

Anything safe for the cats would be mediocre, flavor-wise, unfortunately. It would be best if you offered separate treats to begin with.

True enough I guess.

... Wait, maybe if it's bright and colorful. Or shaped like lil fish...

Limelight Pregaming

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