(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

[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?