a catch-all for the next two weeks

[lasthugs]

WHO: Cass and YOU
WHERE: at the café, mostly, but also around;
WHEN: the latter half of November (11/15 ~ 11/30)
WHAT: Tadashi's disappeared and life is lonely, but life must go on. Also, Thanksgiving.
WARNINGS: will get marked in the threads

[A - open prompt; at the café]
[Hours at the café go the same as usual. The same coffee, the same snacks (although she does add things here and there to match the season and to have something new to serve), music playing softly in the background, and Cass moving around busily with her other employees. They're slightly short-handed with Kaneki and Tadashi not around, but that doesn't mean business has to slow down. She appreciates the business, to be honest.

And Cass smiles brightly as ever as she turns around at the bells on the door announcing the arrival of a new customer, calling a cheerful,] Welcome! I'll be with you in just a second.

[Regular customers get friendly chatter as always. There's still leftover pumpkin spice if you want some, yes. Are they preparing for Christmas? Of course! But not immediately. For those of you who want a place to study, the upstairs loft provides a nice, quiet place with plenty of tables and armchairs to sit at.]

[B - mostly open; around thanksgiving (a delivery)]
[Are you a friend of Cass, Hiro, or Tadashi? If you're a family friend, then a few days before Thanksgiving she's coming around with an assortment of pies. A knock on your door, a ring of the doorbell, and she smiles at whoever opens up for her and holds up the basket full of them.]

I thought I'd make some, for the holiday. Would you like some for you and your housemates?

[C - wild card! choose your own adventure, or a plotted out thread]

Comments

A!

[khajidont]

[Tadashi's gone.

Tadashi's gone, and his absence is a huge, glaring hole in their lives, the subject of nothing but anxiety and worry and, at least, of hope; it ain't over 'til it's over, after all. Jaime had his own little freak-out about Tadashi's absence already, one that's best suited for being done in private, because he's got family here who are missing him more.

And the best thing he can do, especially for Tadashi, is check up on Tadashi's people, make sure that they're okay. He's spoken to Hiro, he's going to be texting Gogo, but of course Cass is on that list too. He arrives in the evening after class, bulky backpack slung on one shoulder (his mother is getting on his case about that across dimensions; he can practically hear her telling him that it's bad for his back), and gives her a cheerful wave.

He is very, very concentrated on not just asking her how she is, so instead, he just pleasantly says,] Hi, Cass! Busy day today?

[lasthugs]

Jaime!

[Cass is on the other side of the café when he enters! She'd just finished cleaning up a few tables so her arms are laden with empty, dirty dishes sitting on a tray. It sure looks -- and is -- heavy, but she still manages to flash him a smile and get one arm free to wave at him. It sure is nice to have a visitor, and it's more than great to be able to see that yet another of her favorite faces is still here.

She sets the tray in the kitchen before making her way over to him, wiping her hands on her apron on the way.]

Of course we're busy! No matter what's going on, nobody stops needing to eat. Did you just get out of class?

A - 11/16

[akito]

[ Akito had promised Hiro he would visit the café the next day before work and Akito is not one to break a promise - especially not one to a friend. If Hiro is awake and up for a proper visit, he'll go see him but if not he'll do as he said the night before, which is to linger at the café until he has to head off to work.

Either way, it's a good chance to meet Hiro's aunt. As unfamiliar as he is with meeting a friend's guardian (it's only happened once in his life that he can recall), he isn't nervous. He's much more interested in meeting the woman who raised his friend, because maternal figures are a strange and mysterious thing in his mind. ]

There's no rush, miss Cass! I'm not in a hurry.

[lasthugs]

Oh?

[When she says a second, she means a second. A tray of dirty dishes handed off to whoever's in the kitchen cleaning and one leaving customer waved off, Cass quickly makes her way over to the new person.]

I didn't realize you knew my name. Who might you be, good stranger?

A-ish;

[alcheregis]

[ Haen had seen the sign for hiring in the window on one of her visits to the cafe, and while she was not a regular, she'd been in a few times and felt that the atmosphere was definitely something she enjoyed. So she'd put in an application and, lo and behold, she'd been hired on. Now she'd shown up at the noted time to get the general orientation and training with Cass. ]

Hello! I'm right on time, actually a little before, that's just good manners you know, not all good manners is being stuffy and boring, not that you're boring or anything, nothing like that. So what's the first thing I should be looking at? Unless it was the uniform, because I've gotten that part down-- which, obviously, you can see since I'm wearing it. So perhaps the second thing, then.

[lasthugs]

[How this is a rare sight for a Lucky Cat Café team member: a chatterbox. All the other people Cass hired were quiet at best and angry at worst; she didn't mind that one bit, and she doesn't mind this, either, smiling despite raised eyebrows at the newly arrived worker.

She sets some cake down on the table she was carrying it to before turning to face Haen, clasping her hands in front of her.]

You must be Haen! The enthusiasm is much appreciated, my dear. Why don't you come on back and I'll show you around?

A

[timecapture]

[Ever since Wasabi had brought up the cafe to Max, she had started to become a regular. Knitting lessons aside, Max liked this place (and the frankly adorable cat didn't hurt). However, she had felt guilty over not being able to find Hiro's brother. In all likelihood, he had gone home, but that knowledge didn't help much, especially considering what Hiro had told her about Tadashi.

Still, maybe someone who actually knew Tadashi was having better luck. Max entered the cafe and, after waving a shy hello to Cass (whom she had yet to properly speak to, given Max's tendency to... well, not socialize offline), Max sat in the upstairs loft, checking out knitting patterns as she thought about what she wanted to order.]

[lasthugs]

Hey.

[Cass' greeting isn't loud, but it's still unmistakably friendly. She recognizes the girl from some of Wasabi's knitting lessons, and she knows that she -- Max -- has been coming by regularly since then, too. That's great. She's more than happy to see that more people are homing themselves at her café, and she smiles down at the girl as she passes by.]

Here again, my dear?

A-nighttime

[rassera]

[Tadashi was gone, sure, but that didn't mean that Kaneda had to stop looking. His trips to Heropa were usually few an far in between, but nowadays he makes sure to stop by at least once to check up on the Lucky Cat Cafe. Not even for food, just to make sure Hiro's still there. He owed that to Tadashi at least--he'd want his hero to look after his little brother when he couldn't.

At least it made it feel like he was doing something. But checking on Hiro included checking on Aunt Cass too, who seemed to hide her worry behind her work. As a barista and hostess, she was chipper and upbeat as always, but as the days dragged into nights, when Kaneda stopped by, he could tell that it was wearing on her. He knew that feeling--he'd felt it when Ken had disappeared. And it never got any easier. So this time, as he walks into the Lucky Cat Cafe, he does the routine of checking up on Hiro before heading back down and taking a seat at the 'bar'.]

Oi, Oba-chan!

[He smiles, tilting his head towards her.]

Do you ever take a break?

[lasthugs]

Hmm?

[Cass is behind the counter, wiping down the surface as business slows down for the night. It's too late to start cooking any new coffee now, and there aren't as many people ordering food. Which is good, because nights never have as many people working, and especially with Tadashi and Kaneki gone and Hiro needing his space, Cass works the café alone most nights. Even if she appreciated the distraction the traffic of customers brought, the time to breathe was important, too. And it gives her moments like these, to pause and look up so she can chat with the boy who's been dropping by more and more lately.

Without the boy even asking, she has his favorite drink whipped up in a minute and is setting it down in front of him.]

Sometimes I do. But I like working, so not too much. Why?

Joining the A Team

[maglevflash]

[Gogo regularly visited the cafe after work for a treat and a drink before going home, but today she lingers instead, leaning against the counter out of the way of other customers. Tadashi's absence was glaring, and while she'd originally been hurt, and angry enough to lose herself for a day Gogo now is just determined.

Hiro shouldn't be alone right now, and neither should his aunt. Gogo was understanding and mourning over this once already, and knows that keeping her space just isn't going to help. What is family for if not being there?

She watches quietly for awhile, noting how much was going on.]

Would you like some help?

[lasthugs]

[All of these family friends are being so thoughtful. Let it not be said that Cass didn't notice. Of course she did! She saw every worried glance, noticed every increase in the frequency of these people's visits. Sometimes, when you spend such a long time taking care of other people, you become aware of when other people look out for you. And she appreciates it greatly.

So when Gogo speaks up and asks that question, she's prepared. She knows she isn't the only one hurting with Tadashi's absence. This is something they all share. She sets the last of the drinks she was just preparing onto a tray, holding it up with a smile.]

Would you mind? I have an oven to check on.

B- going to assume the last part of her speech isn't quite the same?

[pushtheboundaries]

[to say that Callaghan's surprised by the delivery is an understatement. he's absolutely speechless, for the moment looking like nothing so much as a deer caught in in the headlights. of all people, Cass Hamada was the last person he'd expect-

-then again, he didn't really expect Harley to hit him, but-]

Ah.

[he reaches up, rubbing his temple, briefly. have a weak smile?]

I- can hardly say no, Cass. Though this is unexpected.

yes! totally customized to him

[lasthugs]

[She's not surprised by his surprise. She would'e been more confused if he had been gracious in accepting her visit, honestly. Cass only smiles at he stares at her, then nods when he returns it. There we go. That's a good start, right?

She's relieved, if truth be told. After Alistair, then Honey, then Tadashi, she was starting to grow worried every day about who might be missing next. These things always happened so suddenly.]

Surprise, [she says, in an attempt to lighten the awkwardness.]

A!

[pastdoesntdefine]

[She's not a regular. Brand new to the area, in fact, even if she is 'just visiting'. She's gotten to know some areas of Nonah fairly well now, so she's scouting out an unfamiliar neighbourhood to have a better idea of the new 'old' world she's ended up in. And since she's NOT decked out in eyecatching seafoam-aqua power armor today, it's the red hair that stands out most as Carolina enters the coffee shop.

She hasn't been in one of these since before she entered basic. Possibly back on a shore leave longer ago than she cares to think about. Pausing in the doorway, she assesses the shop with critical green eyes, before crossing slowly towards the counter when addressed by the woman behind it, expression calm and serious. ]

Thanks.. [the boards on the wall are eyed, before she regards the other woman -- the owner?] What do you recommend off the coffee menu that isn't straight black?

[lasthugs]

[Cass is used to seeing serious faces. How could she not be, with all the boys that worked here? She isn't thrown off at all by the newcomer's demeanor and steps up to the counter in her own relaxed manner, waiting patiently for the woman to finish her perusing.]

Not straight black? Well, the kids here have been getting better and better at their latte art, if you want to try a cup of that. It's my personal favorite -- but if you're feeling seasonal, we still have some left over pumpkin spice?

a) 18th

[assays]

[The café had an appeal about it that Peggy couldn't resist. Between the look and the music playing in the background, it seemed like a lovely place to get a cup of coffee in. Peggy hasn't had much of a chance to look around at places because of the way her self defence classed had taken off recently.

She waits patiently for Cass to come over to her. ] Take your time. There's no rush.

[lasthugs]

[ImPorts are just all damn beautiful people, is the conclusion Cass comes to as she waves to the sweet, patient new customer and disappears into the kitchen to drop off the dirty dishes. There's someone in there who could help clean up, so she doesn't have to worry about them once they're deposited on the counter there. A wash of her hands later, she's ready to skip out onto the floor again and come find that newcomer.]

Hello there, [she chirps in greeting.] I don't think you're a face I've seen around here before. How may I help you?

[missleadingquestions]

[Maya hadn't had the chance to meet Tadashi, but she'd fallen in love with Cass the moment they'd started talking. Cass was as good as any friend of hers now, and when a friend is in need, you help, right? Even if the most you can do to help out is just drop by and hang out.

But the first few times she'd come around, Maya'd seemed exhausted. She'd usually hit up the café after a training session with Tex, but that wasn't really the problem; she was a late sleeper and an early riser, and the time she usually spent napping in the afternoons had been replaced with a trip to the café. But once Cass had let her up to the loft, she'd been able to compromise-- hitch a nap up top and then tiptoe downstairs (after taste testing Kaneda's latest lesson, of course) to hang out with Cass.

'Hanging out', however, usually meant sneaking her way into doing some kind of chore for Cass, which is why today she's darting right past her to the back to handle some of the dishes that need cleaning.]

Gooooood afternoon, Miss Cass!

[Aaaas long as Maya acts like she's totally doing what she's supposed to be doing, maybe Cass won't be suspicious. Maybe. Totally.]

[lasthugs]

[The thing about moms, as Maya may come to learn one day, is that they notice. It didn't matter that she's only known Maya for a short amount of time; she notices the little things that shape her personality, a new detail a day, and one of the first things she'd noted about her was that undying, unlimited kindness of hers. A thoughtfulness that certainly couldn't be expected of everybody. She didn't stop Maya the first few times she snuck into the Employees Only area, and she doesn't exactly stop her this time, either.

Not completely, at least. She's still following her inside to the kitchen, though, reaching over to gently take her hands before she can get too busy with the dishes.]

Maya, [she says, smiling, and there's not a hint of upset as she explains,] you know, technically I'm not allowed to let you back here. But I appreciate the help -- why don't you put on one of the uniforms in the cubby over there so you don't get your clothes dirty?

[The uniform which, in truth, hadn't been there a couple days ago. And why is it mysteriously in Maya's size? The world may never know. Maya doesn't need to officially hire herself, but still.]

A

[megabytes]

[Megaman isn't particularly a big fan of the whole "eating" thing, but he's been stopping by the Lucky Cat at least once a day anyway. Since keeping Hiro safe means keeping his comm safe right now, it's usually best to make sure she has it if he's going to be in there with him all day. And even if he's not, he still tries to keep her up to date. He'd promised Hiro he'd make sure she didn't worry.

He's in for breakfast today, so it's probably going to be a Cass-keeps-the-comm day; he's got it safe and ready to hand over. The fact that he heads for the counter instead of the back is a good indicator that he lost the Just Eat Something fight with Hiro for the morning.]

Morning, Miss Cass.

[lasthugs]

[She's seen the boy around, and a lot more lately too. She's learned his name and his face and where he likes to sit, on the days that Hiro convinced him to actually sit and eat something. Even then eating doesn't seem to be his favorite thing, so she tries to pay attention to what he actually seems to get down more easily. She never questioned that part of him, at least; today, too, she just gives him her usual smile as she wanders over, leaning slightly on the other side of the counter.]

Hey sweetie. Good morning -- did he win the argument today?

A

[justanotherlink]

[Pacifica had been told that the cafe still had some pumpkin spice lattes left, and so she'd changed her route to school to stop in and get some. But she hadn't expected to recognize the woman working there, and it through her off just for a moment, so she looked a bit flustered.]

Ah...sure. Take your time.

[She said as she came to a stop by the counter to wait, leaning slightly up on her toes to peer over it at the signs and such. She would've probably been ruder if not for her surprise so...lucky break?]

[lasthugs]

[It's Pacifica. Cass remembers the girl from the autumn festival a couple months ago -- how could she forget? She wonders for a moment what she might've done with that pig of hers, but first, she needs to get Mr Bank Teller over there his coffee so he doesn't miss his meeting. The college student upstairs is probably asleep but he came in when the café opened and has another hour until his first class, so she doesn't have to wake him up yet, which makes Cass free to slide her way behind the counter and give the little girl a smile that's probably too bright for most people this early in the morning.]

Pacifica! I got that right, right? How are you?

A, nighttime

[hypnotherapy]

[ He's sort of hovering around the cafe more often lately; he's hard to miss, what with his height and everything.

He feels like he owes it to Tadashi to keep an eye on things, anyway. So he quietly steps into taking care of some of the day to day necessities that keep an establishment that serves food running; he's no stranger to these things, anyway.

Business slows down at night, and he takes the opportunity to talk to Cass at these times. ]

Busy day today, [ like it isn't always a busy day. ] I hear all sorts of people talking about this cafe, now. You must be proud.

[lasthugs]

[Cass has taken to calling him Magic on most days. She thinks it's cute, anyway, so unless he starts making a face at her that's what she's calling him. He's tall and hard to miss but his height isn't anything new to her. She's used to it with Tadashi being such a gigantic human being. At least he'll always see her waving at him from across the room.

But in the evenings, as business slows down as usual, she passes him a mug of coffee and lifts a smile.]

It's all thanks to everybody who's helped. You too -- thanks for coming by all the time.

A! I am late to the coffee party

[kaijuustice]

[Finding good times to visit the café when either it isn't busy, he isn't busy, or it's late at night is sort of difficult, but Fred eventually manages it towards the end of the month.

Fairly early in the morning, too, before it gets too busy. Which is okay because coffee.]

Morning Miss Hamada!

[He is not in a hurry, so while she does what she does, he'll drape into a chair near the counter.]

never late to a coffee party!

[lasthugs]

Fred!

[Cass is a little surprised here. If Fred was going to show up, she was expecting dinner time, when he'd roll in and open his mouth to announce his hunger and of course she'd be happy to help him there -- but no, it's still in the AM when he comes in today, and she has plenty of time to pay attention to him. The earliest rush hasn't arrived yet, after all.

But first.]

Just call me Cass, sweetie. It's what I tell everyone. How are you this morning?

11/22; A

[superposition]

[It's Sunday, and Qubit feels like trying someplace new for lunch. There's really not much more to it. Apparently he downloaded the Lucky Cat menu a while ago and forgot about it, 'cause how else did that wind up in his files?

So yeah he goes ahead and drops in. He does use the door like a normal person, though, no sense in startling everybody.]

Oh, no, take your time. [He'll just have a look at whatever food items are on display whilst he's waiting.]

[lasthugs]

[The only thing he'd startle might be the cat perhaps, although a majority of Cass' coworkers tend to be paranoid, jumpy boys. So she appreciates the usage of the door, waving her thanks as she carries a tray of dirty mugs and dishes into the sink to be washed.

The display, despite it being the middle of the day, still has plenty of food left though there are enough empty spaces to show that it's not simply from a lack of popularity. Cass just makes tons in the morning, enough for the treats both savory and sweet to last through most of the day. Donuts do not have to be eaten strictly at 6 in the morning on a rushed trip to school. There are plenty of those, muffins, scones, and even sandwiches, wrapped nicely and kept cool though a sign taped to the glass advertises the option of hot, toasted ones, too.

It's not long before Cass appears back at the counter, leaning over the display to smile at him.] We meet again. How may I help you today?

((ooc; i know i'm SUPER late to getting back to this, and i apologize! i'm finally almost done with my finals so i'm catching up where i can, but if you'd like to drop this thread because it's too old, please feel free to!))