Tragetea Averted - Teanie Teas is open again!

[lookprofessor]

Who: Luke Triton, [Open]
When: July 25
What: Teanie Teas is open for business! Again! Luke's spent most of the month fixing his little shop up....and July 25th is the grand re-opening!
Where: Teanie Teas
Warnings: None so far

Luke has spent most of his time, now that he's out of bed and feeling better, cleaning up his tea shop. It's taken the better part of the month, but by the last Saturday of July he's ready to reopen. The shelves have been re-stocked, the tables have been re-set with the same mismatched china. All in all, the shop looks almost unscathed. The shop's young proprietor looks a bit weary, but it doesn't stop him from waving at any passers-by just the same.

"I've just made a fresh pot of tea, if you'd like! I thought I'd give samples out, since the shop has been closed so long. And free puzzles, too. Everyone likes solving puzzles!"

Not everyone, Luke. But go ahead and offer, maybe one person would like to work on your puzzles.

[ooc: people are free to swing by any time during the month of July. Starting July 12, Luke will be in the shop most days cleaning up, restocking, fixing broken china, and otherwise getting the shop back in order. You can catch him at any part of the day, before work or after, or even after the shop is open again! It's a free-for-all!]

Comments

July 13, Closed to Mayu Nozaki

[lookprofessor]

It's only Luke's second day back at the shop, and he's struggling. He'd wanted to call Mayu, but he's managed to keep forgetting. He'd thought of going to the gym, but the idea of the long walk made his side hurt before he even tried it. As such, contacting the judo instructor inadvertently fell by the wayside.

Even still, the young apprentice is trying to clean up Teanie Teas the best he can. Today he's working on the broken china. The shelf where he stored a lot of his extra cups and saucers must have been frozen, as there was a lot of broken glass on the floor near it; the wood itself is splintered down the middle.

Wearing gloves at least two sizes too big for his hands, Luke is trying to gather the larger pieces in hopes of salvaging a few things. The work is tedious and painful still, with bending and twisting and lifting still difficult, but he's doing the best he can.

The shop is obviously closed, but the front door is unlocked. Someone looking to come and chat with the pint-sized apprentice wouldn't have a difficult time getting in to do so.

[gammavirginis]

"Hi again," Porrim said, noticing the little boy waving down new customers. "I'm not sure about everyone liking puzzles, but I'll certainly take a free sample. Why has the shop been closed down?"

[lookprofessor]

"Hi, Miss Porrim."

Luke waves. "What sort of tea do you like? I'll make you some!"

A pause as he considers her question. "Oh. Um--the shop was closed because of those spirits. The shop got frozen...and then it all melted so then it flooded."

[gammavirginis]

"My, that does sound like a problem. Well I'm glad it's all sorted out now. Do you have chamomile?"

[lookprofessor]

The bigger problem was that Luke couldn't really move around well enough to fix the shop, but that's another story entirely.

He's carefully moving around the shop, filling the kettle and then placing it on the stove, then walking to a row of shelves and considering the canisters in front of him.

"I have chamomile. Do you like plain chamomile, or do you want a chamomile blend? I have lots of kinds!" Luke gestures to the shelves in front of him, indicating that this is what he's referring to--several canisters of chamomile tea, and several blends of herbal tea with chamomile in them. He's proud of his collection

July 13, Closed to Mayu Nozaki

[nrgsvr]

Mayu didn't have the energy to do much after the ordeal with the spirits. He wasn't sure if it was possible to recover from the emotional scarring. He still had physical wounds. He wasn't the only one.

He had to leave the house, though. The mood was suffocating. He figured he would check on Luke, or try to. His student was younger, and one of the few people in Genessia from a world without supernatural horrors.

It helped that the door was unlocked.Once inside,he noticed the small boy struggling to clean up the wreck of a tea shop. Those pieces of glass looked dangerous.

"You shouldn't push yourself."

[lookprofessor]

Startled, Luke jumps, bumping his head on the shelf he's partially under, letting out a surprised yelp. "Ah--ow!"

A moment later and he carefully gets to his feet, using the gloves to brush small bits of glass from his pants. He still moves with the stiffness of someone who was hurt, but a bit of color has returned to his face. Luke meticulously removes the gloves he's wearing and hobbles over to Mayu, eyes wide. Almost panicked.

"M-Mr. Mayu!"

Luke is all of one third of Mayu's size, at best--he stays a few paces away so he doesn't need to look directly up. "I--I'm sorry I didn't call! I was still in Nova City 'til a few days ago, because the doctor said I couldn't go yet. When I got back, I thought I'd just check the shop and look--" He gestures vaguely at the broken glass, the tea leaves, the stains all over the place. His shop has seen better days. Someone tends to prattle when they're nervous.

One hand comes to rest against his side, the other balled into a fist. "'m sorry I didn't call, Mr. Mayu." His voice gets quieter as he looks away, uncertain. "Are...are you okay?"

[nrgsvr]

Mayu kneels down near Luke, making sure he's not on top of broken glass. He looks the boy over, to make sure he didn't miss any pieces.

"I understand.You're hurt. You need help," Mayu responds. Honestly, he doesn't think Luke is in any condition to do any work. He contemplates what kind of favor he could do for Masayuki, to get his help.

"I haven't even checked the gym. I kept it closed when this..." he continues, with a shudder. "Horror happened. Not okay."

He sees no reason to say otherwise.

[lookprofessor]

Up close it's clear that there's no missed glass on him, but it's also clear just how bad of a beating Luke had taken. He was lucky he hadn't been drained by the spirits and was just left for dead by them. His memory of his wrrival to Nova City and the evacuation center are fuzzy, but he knows that there were stitches and intravenous fluids and needles and lots of time in bed with a nurse watching him nervously. It's been half a month but his size hasn't done Luke any favors--he isn't like the walking dead, but that's not saying much.

"I...I'm okay. I'm not sure how I'm going to fix the shelves b-but--I just.." Luke wobbles slightly, feeling Mayu's shudder through the hands on his shoulders. "I couldn't sit in my flat anymore alone. I couldn't."

It suggests that he might have been bored or lonely, but the hint of panic in Luke's expression says otherwise. He wasn't lonely, he was scared, and the only solution that was immediately available was to leave.

Since Mayu's kneeling Luke can inch closer, frowning. "Did you g-get hurt too?" Somehow the apprentice has been spared the details of the drained persons, replete of emotion and morality. He doesn't even know that's the result of what happens with the spirits. He still thinks they attack violently and move on.

[mamizou_futatsuiwa]

Despite the dismal state of the business it seemed at least one person had decided they wanted a cup of tea. Perhaps it was some insensitive businessman who wouldn't even care when they saw a kid working hard to clean up their own damaged business. Blah blah, just get me tea kid! That sort.

But it wasn't an obnoxious voice that called out to the tiny owner as the door closed. "Goodness, it seems perhaps I've picked a poor time. Should I come back later?"

Though she'd been out of the public eye for so long, Mamizou was not gone. She had merely been keeping to herself!

[lookprofessor]

Luke is fairly pleasant--anyone who comes to the shop must want tea. And he loves tea, and the person coming must love tea, so...

He carefully steps off the stepladder, eyes wide. He hadn't seen Mami in months. The apprentice looks worse for wear since their last interaction: his movements are the sort of stiff that comes after an injury. He's tired. Drawn. The cheerful face is there, somewhere--and there's a flicker of cheer at the familiar face.

"Miss Mami!"

[mamizou_futatsuiwa]

It was the woman's reclusive nature, as well as a bit of shame for allowing herself to be tricked by some simple-minded spirit, which had seen her keeping to herself. But there's only so much moping she could manage. Even with things going wild around her, she had still kept up her little hermit act, but it couldn't last forever. She liked the humans around her too much to just abandon them.

Any thoughts of simply leaving vanish from the woman when she sees how difficult it is to get off that ladder. "Despite what everyone might believe, I am not gone. I merely had a thing or two to think about. It looks like I may have spent too long with that, though." The state of the building, as well as the boy himself, spoke to that. "Do you need any help?"

[lookprofessor]

"I...was sure you'd gone home, nobody had seen you..."

A pause as Luke blinks, tilting his head. "Oh--no, I'm okay. Most everything is back in place now. The shop is open today, too."

He tucks his little stool--an everyday accomplice in his business, as Luke can't reach a darn thing without it--into a little nook in the row of shelving and hurries over to her. He's tempted to grab her and drag her over to a table to sit but instead just gestures to an empty spot.

"What sort of tea do you like? I'll make it for you!"

Luke even pulls the chair out for her, the movement awkward and stiff. Just because he's uncomfortable doesn't mean he won't be a gentleman.

Or try.

[whiteas]

After Luke left that hot cocoa and was just generally thoughtful despite the thing with Roman, Weiss had decided to stop by once she heard it was reopen. She'd given herself enough time to at least manage to start acting normally again, even if it still hurt, and Luke had been kind to her.

Which is why she's carrying Frost in both of her arms since she figures that Frost probably missed Luke too.. particularly since she's kind of been hogging all of the little dog's attention to help herself feel better.

"I suppose I can try a puzzle."

[lookprofessor]

Luke is quickly bending behind the counter, looking for his puzzle book, when it clicks that he recognizes the voice. He snaps up, eyes wide.

"Miss Weiss!"

Puzzles later--and this is Luke we're talking about here! He hurries over to her, movements just restrained enough to hint at the still healing injury hidden beneath his sweater.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry--I didn't recognize him right away...when I did he'd been walking with me for a while and when I tried to get away he just walked faster--"

Oh. Clarification would be better, but Luke is talking about his encounter with Torchwick, how he would never have done what he did of his own accord. If he'd stated with the information it might have made more sense.

"I'm so sorry! He just kept walking with me and I..." He was scared. That's the real answer.

Luke swallows, hesitant to reach out and pet Frost or meet Weiss' gaze. Instead he decides a swift change of the subject might be in order, and folds his hands in front of him. He hiccups nervously. "...um...do...what sort of puzzle do you like?"

[whiteas]

Weiss listened to his frantic stammering. It didn't take her long to figure it out, what with that very, very nice present. There wasn't anything else Luke would need to apologize for unless something else had happened. Honestly, when it'd happened, Weiss had been furious. She.. may have taken it out on Luke a lot more than she should have. It was fear, honestly. Luke was her friend, and knowing that Torchwick had been that close to him, close enough to have him deliver a message to her and she couldn't do anything about it..

It made her feel helpless. Just like she had when she'd been captured, when Blake had been killed in front of her. All she was doing to move forward and keep fighting and she kept losing. She kept needing to be saved, then she lost someone close to her and almost as if Torchwick knew it was the best time to try to break her, he went after someone close to her. He didn't hurt Luke, he just made it clear that he could have. He could've taken another thing from her, and she wouldn't have been able to do anything.

Fear had made her let that attitude of hers out, had made her much angrier than she should've been with Luke. It wasn't his fault but now he was apologizing and blaming himself for not recognizing the man whose fault it was. When he tried to turn it back to puzzles, Weiss shook her head. She would go back to puzzles in a minute. This was important. She knew who really needed to be apologizing here.

"It's not your fault, Luke. It's not technically mine either, it's Torchwick's, but I shouldn't have yelled."

That wasn't much of an apology, but it was the best she could do. Weiss took a deep breath. Maybe she should've stuck with the puzzle conversation.

"He keeps taking things from me, and when he was that close to you just after I lost Zuko, it wasn't the roses. It was that he could take away people I like any time. He can take people away just as much as this world can. So yes, I was upset and rightfully so, just... not at you."

[lookprofessor]

Luke shrinks away from her, folding slightly into himself and avoiding eye contact. He's older, technically, but he's still a kid--and after everything that had happened with the spirits, being cornered by Torchwick was terrifying.

"I d-didn't recognize him straightaway. He kept f-following me...and when I did recognize him, he said I was going to you anyway, so if I could bring the flowers..."

It's more his body language than his explanation that gives away what really happened. Both arms are wrapped around his chest, fingers splayed to try and cover his side. The nervousness suggests just how scared he'd been of the wanted man. Luke knew, from what he'd been told, that Torchwick was dangerous. He knew that the man was someone to be avoided. He just hadn't done it--and because he hadn't been careful, Weiss was upset.

Luke takes a little step away, looking back at the counter as if something there might save him. "You don't have to do a puzzle, Miss Weiss. I've caused enough t-trouble. But I've gotten better at making coffee!"

A task! Let him go do the task!

[wizard_redfive]

Dairine had been walking through Genessia every day, trying to get used to the city's layout since her arrival. It was a much bigger city than the town Paradisa had, so there was a lot of ground to cover. Still, she had passed by the Teanie Teas shop before.

Today, though, she is surprised to see the shop open and a young boy waving at her. It strikes her curiosity, and hey, she hasn't gone into many of the shops yet, so why not?

So Dairine slows down in front of door, hands in her pockets. "I guess I'll bite. What kinds of tea do you have?"

[lookprofessor]

Luke smiles politely, tipping his hat.

This young boy is a bit of an expert, and he's always happy to share his knowledge. Luke's small, and his accent gives away that his hometown is clearly British in origin, but he's more than eager to share his tea. He even opens the door for Dairine, the smile wide as he waits for her to enter.

"I have all sorts. What sort of tea do you like?" The young man tilts his head, thinking. "I have black teas and green teas, and all sorts of tea blends, too--and I can make blends of things you might like together, also. So really, whatever you feel like you might want."

[wizard_redfive]

She notices the accent and takes note. It's not terribly surprising that a British resident would work at a tea house. His age might shock some people, but Dairine had already met plenty of younger folks capable of doing good work, herself somewhat included.

Dairine thinks about it for a moment, not being used to having so many options. Usually there is only one box of tea at her home. "Would you have any Irish blends?"

Dear Google, thank you for telling me what's different about Irish Breakfast Tea

[lookprofessor]

Luke considers her for a moment, before smiling.

"An Irish blend?" Luke turns to his shelf, considering for a moment. "Ah...where is it? Hmm." On tiptoes, he reaches, "aha! There it is." He grabs a small tin from the shelf, triumphant. With a smile, he shows it to Dairine.

"My mum likes Irish breakfast tea a lot. Nobody here seems to drink much of it, but I kept it here because it reminds me of her." Without comment, he turns to the counter and to the kettle he has that's already boiling, preparing the tea for her. When it's all been properly steeped, he places a china cup of the dark tea on the counter for her. He's humming to himself quietly as he ducks behind the counter to find milk--presumably, since that's what he's saying to himself--before placing that on the countertop as well, and then adding sugar.

"There you are, miss! Irish breakfast tea, hot and ready!" He beams. He's set the cup up in front of a stool, looking rather eager to share. The fourteen year old would give away all of his tea if he didn't have to make a profit to afford to live--his margins are already slim, after all. "Ah--all of this, and I don't think we've met before. I'm Luke Triton. It's nice to meet you!"

He tips his hat politely to Dairine, nodding his head. "I hope you enjoy the tea."

[weavemyownfate]

Some time ago, Satsuki suggested that herself and Setsuna speak over tea. Inviting her to her home seemed too personal, while just going to any old tea shop simply would not do. Thankfully Teanie Teas has finally reopened and, while the invitation did come at the last moment, it may very well work out in the end.

For a moment Satsuki considered arriving in casual attire. The idea didn't follow through. So while she isn't overly dressed like her work-uniform, it's the usual pristine kamui upon her once she steps inside with a distinct clack of her heel.

She had suggested they meet up here rather than walk together so she doesn't actually know if Setsuna is here first or not, though the thought at the front of her mind is bracing herself for how happy she suspects Luke will be to see her. Thankfully he isn't known to psycho crusher hug her like a certain other infamous bitty. On the other hand, what's the big deal? She would be pleased to see him as well.

[lookprofessor]

For his part, Luke is exhausted. So while he's happy to see Satsuki--very happy, at that--he doesn't have the energy to tackle-hug her anyway even if he were so inclined. In fact, the effort it's taken to reopen the shop has drained him quite a bit: he's actually sitting behind the counter when she comes in and reading a book in silence instead of puttering around the shop rearranging shelves and canisters and straightening up.

Regardless, he looks up and smiles widely at her arrival.

"Miss Kiryuin!"

Luke, of course, didn't know that she was okay. That she'd survived the event with the spirits, that she wasn't hurt--he'd had no contact with her at all over the last month. He looks worse for wear, still, an unhealthy-pale and exhausted, but the smile on his face more than makes up for that.

"I didn't know you were coming. I would've made sure your tea was ready, you know--instead of having to wait."

[weavemyownfate]

"Good day, Luke." Satsuki replies. There's no smile, but he may be able to tell that she's not only happy to see him, but also in a good mood. "And congratulations on your re-opening."

There are a lot of people she hadn't had contact with, and she actually regrets that she hadn't paid closer attention to a lot of the youth during this situation. That kind of chaos was something that really put a strain on her priorities, and yet- Well, never mind. She shakes her head. "I am meeting here with someone today, so I figured it would be better if we ordered together. What were you reading?"

[lookprofessor]

Luke blinks, sticking a bookmark into the pages he's reading, and then slips off his stool. He doesn't put a kettle on the stove, but he does pour Satsuki a glass of ice water and brings it to her table. He still walks hesitantly, his free arm against his side to cover the wound on his side. He places the glass of water on her table, blinking.

"Oh. Sherlock Holmes." Luke tilts his head, uncertainly. "It's a compilation of all of the stories Sir Conan Doyle wrote. I've read it before, but I've always liked them so I read them again sometimes."

As Satsuki already said she's waiting for a guest, he doesn't settle at her table and instead returns to the counter, placing a kettle on the stove but not turning it on, slipping back on to the stool with a wince. "It's hard to concentrate for too long so I don't want to read something brand new yet."