(no subject)

[encouragetomorrow]

[She'd gotten a letter from Yukiho about a part-timer. It had amounted to a lot of sisterly teasing, saying the new guy was going to replace her and make better sweets and if he did well enough she intended to give him Honoka's room. Even knowing she was taunting her, Honoka had just about immediately closed up her own shop, told a few close friends she'd be gone for a week or two, and headed back to Caldera.]

[When she arrived, Yukiho was at school and her parents were both running errands, leaving her alone in her home and parents' shop, potentially with a part-time worker she'd never met. She loitered in the shop lobby, whistling.]

Hello~o? Is anyone here?

Comments

[cyborghands]

[Helping out at a sweets shop in an unfamiliar city wasn't exactly a future Takeshi had ever particularly envisioned for himself, but at this point his life had already taken a number of unexpected twists. The owners had been kind enough to take him in and let him earn his way, and he was grateful for that. He'd always been a quick learner, and though he had helped with making sweets a number of times now, he tended to try and take on cleaning and menial tasks rather than work in the kitchen when he could. He still didn't trust his strength, and he couldn't wear his gloves when cooking. He was afraid to even handle the more delicate sweets, if not break their cooking equipment on accident.]

[Fortunately at he moment he was just minding the shop until the owners came back. He could handle customers easily enough, most days.]

[So when he hears someone enter, he pauses in busying himself with tidying up and steps out to greet them. A Houndour tags along at his heels and promptly sits when he stops, her tail wagging as she stares up at Honoka.]

Welcome. How may I help you...?

[He trails off slightly, because. She looked familiar, somehow.]

[encouragetomorrow]

[A positively huge grin spreads across her face, and she gives Hongo a very solid once-over, her hands on her hips. Stepping right up to him, she holds out a hand for him to shake.]

You must be the part-timer!! I'm Honoka, the older daughter of the owners of this establishment.

[cyborghands]

[He blinks, taking a moment to catch up to the fact this wasn't just a customer. Ah. That explained why she looked familiar.]

[It was easy enough to smile in return to a smile like that, and he even takes her hand without hesitating- though his grip is very light.]

I've heard a little about you. I'm Takeshi Hongo, it's a pleasure to meet you.

[Apparently she'd heard about him in some respect. Hadn't she been staying in Union...?]

I take it your family told you I was here?

[encouragetomorrow]

[Her grip in return is firm, but still a young girl's. She grins crookedly at him.]

Nice to meet you, Mr. Hongo. Or-- can I call you Takeshi? And yeah, Yukiho sent a letter.

[cyborghands]

Takeshi is fine. Your parents are out right now, but I think they should be back soon if you want to wait for them.

[Because it wasn't like she came home just to meet him or anything like that. Ruriko stands back up so she can sniff curiously at Honoka's shoes.]

[encouragetomorrow]

[She starts, and turns toward Ruriko.]

Oh, hello! I guess you must be a friend of Mr. Takeshi's!

[She glances back at him.]

Yeah, I'll wait. Are you manning the shop by yourself? Do you need help?

[cyborghands]

[Ruriko looks up and her tail wags excitedly at the attention. He chuckles softly.]

Her name is Ruriko. I am, but it's fine- it's been quiet, and you must have had a long trip. I should be asking you if you need anything.

[encouragetomorrow]

[She crouches down and reaches a hand out for Ruriko to sniff at.]

Hello, Ruriko!

[Shakes her head at Hongo, smiling.]

I'm fine! I've made this trip quite a few times now.

[cyborghands]

[She promptly does, and gives her hand a lick.]

You should at least sit down, I can get you something to drink.

[He turns to head toward the kitchen. Ruriko looks between them, gives Honoka one more quick lick and bounds after him. From behind it's a little easier to see some small scars around the back of her neck.]

[encouragetomorrow]

[Puppyyyyyy. She pets her gently and then lets her bound off after her trainer, getting up and meandering after them She sees the scars but isn't sure it's her place to ask, so she stays quiet.]

I mean if you insist, I won't say no.

[cyborghands]

[She wouldn't be so nice if she knew what you've done.]

[He pauses in the doorway to the kitchen as if distracted by something. Ruriko goes still with her ears perked, but she's looking at Takeshi.]

[It only lasts a moment before he turns to face her, but his smile isn't quite as big.]

I do. What would you like?