[OPEN] In Black & White

[topgun_textiles]

Characters: Butlers Ramza, Kanji, Naoto and YOU!
Location: Bloody Butler Cafe
Rating: Varies. This will mostly be completely silly.
Time: June 19th, All Day
Description: New faces among the butlers!? Seems like one or two of them owes a couple of favors. Take a break from your Gala preparations and grab some lunch or coffee, and a little company...


Nestled away in Death City were partner cafes, one Maid and one Butler not far from each other. With BREW inviting and dismissing, the staff frequently changed, disappointing and yet enticing the clientele who missed their favorites but looked forward to new faces and an all new favorite.

The decor was what you could expect from the Bloody Butler, modestly lit and appearing for all the world like a dining room in a fancy mansion, tables and comfortable chairs set up for singles or groups to come together and enjoy a little break from the day. The paintings on the walls were various plays on the glamorous life, but if you looked closely some of them looked like the late Shinigami had placed himself in famous works of art, like the Mona Lisa with a skull mask among other whimsical works.

But among the paintings, fresh and fragrant flowers in vases lining the walls and in centerpieces at each table, glittering chandeliers and the light and lofty mood-setting music playing over the speakers were well-dressed individuals moving along from table to table, stopping to chat. Most sat with the visitors in rapt attention, chatting away. The menu fare comprised of light and sensible meals, or more specifically things that can be picked up with a fork or spoon by the butlers and fed to you if you request it, and rich, sinful desserts that can be treated just the same.

It all begins with a warm greeting the moment each customer steps in, for it's customary to treat each visitor like royalty.




[ooc: Don't forget to tag yourself in! This is also open for Sugata, who just found work at the Bloody Butler alongside Ramza, to make a thread as well if they'd like. Butlers will each make an thread for themselves, and will attend to each visitor who tags into their thread or comes in to poke fun at their well-dressed friend. Can't pick? Well, you can stop in for lunch now and dinner later. Nobody'll bat an eyelash for your sudden interest~]

Comments

The "Bocchama Butler", Sugata Shindou

[peacocked]

Sugata found himself unable to escape the little nickname Tiger and Jaguar used to call him back home. The manager took one look at him and gave the role without a second thought. But that was the least of his worries. He wasn't exactly afraid of messing up on an order, or anything to that nature. Because that stuff he could do. He was proficient enough and could be fast on his feet when he needed to be. But it was the dealing with girls part that had him slightly worried.

He knew what to do with Wako and a couple of the girls back home, but the girls here aren't anything like Wako. Or the girls from home for that matter. (Well, no. To be fair, there were a FEW that he could just easily slip into his comfort zone and flirt with.) But he was a Shindou, and he was supposed to meet his issues or dilemmas head on. Shindou's don't run away when things get to crazy. Or at least this Shindou didn't. This was his first job after all, he has to do his best!

[morecowbell]

She could have holed herself back up in her apartment but she needed to get out and do something besides training, music practice and work. There was also the current money problem so she didn't want to tempt herself by entering any shops or even just window shopping. Window shopping could really be hazardous to one's purse.

It seemed like a place where one should dress up a little so she came in a pink blouse and short skirt and waited to be seated in Sugata's section. For the first time she actually felt a little under-dressed next to the impressive decor here, it felt like she was at some grand ball. It wasn't a long wait before she was ushered to a fancy table. Nanami glanced about the place taking it all in while waiting for her service when she caught something a little bizarre on a nearby wall. Was that a painting of The Lady of Shalott wearing a skull mask?

[peacocked]

It is a good thing she didn't hole herself up in her room! When he spots Nanami he makes his way over to her quickly. Before he reaches the table he has his little notebook out waiters and waitresses use to jot down peoples orders. Not that he can actually use it properly with his arm still in it's cast. But, he's been able to use the table without people/management getting upset over it.

"I'm glad you were able to make it Nanami-hime." He had been so used to saying it to the other customers that it just... sort of slipped out with her.

[morecowbell]

A familiar voice grabbed her attention away from the painting and she smiled cordially at Sugata. They had only spoken a couple of times but she immediately felt at ease around him probably due to their similar upbringing. She was only slightly surprised at the fact that he tacked 'hime' onto her name since again, they didn't know each other that well but she supposed that was just what they did around here on account of the theme.

"Hello Sugata-san..." It's just now that she notices his cast, "was that there when we spoke over the network?"

[peacocked]

He glances down at his cast and nods. "Ah, yes. It was only in a sling then. But after getting it checked out once more I was told it needed to be set in a cast." He trailed off quietly. "Though, everything's fine now." Thankfully. Unless he did something ridiculous. But this is Sugata we're talking about. And even if he did do something ridiculous he would hide it immediately. ANYWAY- digressing. He offers her a smile as he looks down at her menu.

"Are you ready to order?"

[morecowbell]

"Oh, I see. Well I hope you have a speedy recovery," she left it at that. Since he hadn't gone into more detail she assumed he didn't want anyone prying and she could certainly understand. "Oh um..." She had been a little distracted by the decor in the restaurant she hadn't even glanced at the menu, "I need a little more time, do you have any recommendations?"

[peacocked]

He bows his head and murmurs a quiet thank you. After that he looks up in thought. "Well I've gotten a lot of requests for the macarons we serve. A lot have actually paired the rose tea with the rose macaron. That's been quite popular too. Of course there's also little tea sandwiches as well if you're not in the mood for anything sweet."

[morecowbell]

Nanami had opened her menu by now as he started suggesting items moving to the tea sandwiches since she hadn't really eaten lunch. "Well then, I will have the rose tea with the macaron and I would also like to try the Steak au Poivre and Manchgo-Quince tea sandwiches."

[peacocked]

He nods his head as he writes a very shorthanded version of her order. He knew what she wanted, and if the cooks had any questions about it then they could ask him. It had been a long day and he was getting tired of writing his left hand. Most of it was unintelligible anyway since his dominate hand was still in a cast.

"Of course." he pauses as he flips the notebook over and tucks it inside his apron. "I'll be back with your tea shortly." And with that he heads towards the kitchen to ready her snack.

[morecowbell]

Something about his hand writing looked awkward and Nanami wondered if he perhaps was writing with his non-dominant hand due to his injury. "Very well then," she was falling back into her old princess role quite easily here, it was something she could certainly get used to.

How very responsible of Sugata to work even while he was still recovering though. Then again, a broken bone or fracture could have him out for a month or so in that case. Nanami was doing some somewhat terrible math in her head but it was enough to give her an idea of the money problems a month out of work could cause.

[peacocked]

A month out unpaid too. He's sure if he had a job beforehand he could talk to the manager about getting disability benefits, but since he's new and can't rely on going on missions just yet, he'll buck it up and deal with it.

Thankfully it doesn't take him too long to bring her tea and macarons. He has the plate oddly situated on top of the cup, but hey it works. And his manager hasn't given him sass over it, so! "Your tea sandwiches will be out in a minute."

[morecowbell]

Someone should teach Nanami about workman's comp and all the other ins and outs of working because she was completely clueless having never considered she'd ever have to work some menial job.

Nanami simply enjoyed the air conditioning while waiting for her order to come out. "Thank you," she replied once the items were set down and immediately went to try the recommended tea. The aroma was very nice and the flavor matched it.

[peacocked]

He bows his head. "Of course."

After a quick survey of the room, he decides to linger a little longer. No one needs him, and he's sure the manager won't mind. He's done this to the other ladies here, and didn't get too much fuss about it, so! And the chef said he'd bring out the sandwiches once they were ready.

"How have you been doing today Nanami?"

[morecowbell]

Her sight line hovered just over the brim of her teacup and a little off to the side while she wondered how to tackle his question. Well if it was just about today, "just fine, I suppose."

[peacocked]

"Just fine?" His brows quirk a little. "Well, I suppose it could always be worse. I'm glad you were able to make it, at least."

[morecowbell]

She nodded and took another sip of her tea. "There's," she paused for a moment to decide on the verbiage, "there are still some loose ends yet to be tied up from the rescue mission. So regarding your moving in I'll need a few days to get my affairs in order before you actually do so. I hope that doesn't inconvenience you."

[peacocked]

He nods his head. "Of course, I don't mind that at all." he pauses. "I'm sure Takuto will enjoy getting to spend more time with me, at least. Just let me know when everything's fine for me to move in."

[itaidakimasu]

Yako had intended to try out the Butler Cafe for quite some time, as she slowly but steadily worked her way through every dining establishment Death City had to offer. It was somewhere in the middle of the list, but hearing about Sugata's employment had bumped it up in priority, so she found herself stopping in on her lunch break soon enough. the closest she had been to a cosplay cafe before had been at her school's cultural festival, so she took her time looking around as she waited to be seated.

She's in her work clothes for once, a sleeveless button-up and knee-length skirt combination that was fairly different from the shorts and cute blouses she usually wore when her path crossed with Sugata's. She settles down at her table once she's guided there, and promptly begins studying the menu.

[peacocked]

After double checking with all the other customers on his side, he makes a beeline for Yako's table. "I hope you've been having a good afternoon Yako--." He would usually just call her Yako, but since the manager is doing a round he has to quickly slip it in. And of all the things for him to get in trouble over, he'd rather it not be that. "--hime. Do you need more time to look at the menu? Or shall I get you started on something while you look at it more?"

[itaidakimasu]

Her eyebrows raise a little at the tacked on honorific, but she lets him off with a soft, amused laugh and closes the menu, flipping it around to hand it to him. "No, I've had enough time, Shindou-kun. Thanks. I'll have the first two of each heading." Normally she might go for one of everything, but the Bloody Butler is a bit pricey, and after being in Death City for so long she has gotten into the American habit of tipping—and she wants to give Sugata a good one.

[peacocked]

He nods as he jots down something pretty unintelligible down in his notebook. If you squint at it sideways you could probably get an idea what it says, but oh well. If the cooks have an issue with that they'll ask him! Hopefully. Anyway, as soon as the notebook is tucked away in his apron he looks at Yako and smiles. "What can I get for you to drink? Anything in particular, or--?"

[itaidakimasu]

"Earl Grey?" She tilts her head to the side thoughtfully. "That will probably go well with most of the flavors." She does a little bit of culinary calculation in her head for a moment, before nodding to herself. "A glass of water with lemon too, would be good as well." Hot and cold, both mild. It's a good combination, she thinks, and she smiles up at her server-slash-friend.

[peacocked]

He makes a mental note to himself as he doesn't really want to deal with getting that damn notebook out of the pockets in his apron. "I think that's an excellent choice." He dips his head forward in a slight bow. "I'll go get your drinks then." Thankfully he's been getting better with drink orders as the day progressed. He's much quicker than he was when he started earlier in the day. Though, it does take some time trying to find the perfect balance while holding the tray one handed. He does manage to make it back to her table without spilling a drop! It took him a while, but he did it.

"Sorry for the wait."

[itaidakimasu]

"It's fine," she assures him, sipping at the water. "How are you healing up, by the way?" She wants to talk about much more than that—she's a very social girl, after all—but he is working and she doesn't want to get him in trouble. Her eyes glance over the cast, and it looks much the same as it did at the Gala. Which is understandable, but she hopes that it will come off soon. It can't be easy to maneuver in everyday life, let alone in the service industry.

[peacocked]

"It's healing up fine, thankfully." He pauses as he sets her plates down in front of her. "The doctor still says I can't do too much physical activity. So there's having to deal with the itch of wanting to go on missions and things like that." He trails to a stop. "But enough about that, how are you doing?"