themightybosstone | Limelight Pregaming

[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.