It was a particularly gloomy day in Tokyo; the sky was dull steel in colour as the rain cascaded down from the heavens with an almost unreasonable force. As a result, the interior of Cafe Mew Mew was shimmering from the moisture evaporating off of the many customer's umbrellas and coats. It was easy to tell that many of the customers had ducked inside to shelter from the unruly elements; they laughed cheerfully and enjoyed their pastries and drinks as the rain hammered against the windows. However, this just meant that the cafe's waitresses were forced to work even harder than usual.
'Nyaaa, why is it so busy?!' exclaimed Ichigo, pushing her crimson bangs from her face in exasperation. The high number of customers meant that she was rushed off of her feet even more than she usually was. It was half past four, and Ichigo did not know how she was going to survive the final half hour. Retasu was more of a hindrance than a help, her clumsy nature and innate nervousness causing her to drop plate after plate, which only meant they had more mess to clean. Come to think of it, Purin wasn't helping much either. Her 'performances' were often too wild, and despite her enthusiasm and eagerness to please, she ultimately caused about as much damage as Retasu. Zakuro's icy demeanour only intimidated the customers, sending them scurrying to the other waitresses with their tails between their legs, and as usual, Minto refused to lend a hand, claiming she was working by ensuring that 'the tea was brewed correctly.'
Ichigo was currently navigating her way around the crowded shop floor, two trays balanced precariously in her hands. She really didn't feel up to working today. She had had the worst night's sleep of her life, as Shirogane had made them search for Mew Aqua into the early hours of the morning. She fully understood the importance of locating the source of the Mew Aqua, but all the personal sacrifices she had to make had taken their toll on her, leaving her exhausted and short tempered. It was all she could do not to burst into tears, she was so frustrated. She finally reached her intended table, and deposited the goodies with a dejected 'Enjoy your meal!' She turned away and sighed as another impatient customer waved their hand in the air to summon her.
'I'm coming...' She muttered as the waving became more persistent. Attempting to sound cheerful, she chimed 'How can I help you today?' Her voice must have been off slightly, as the customer threw her an odd look before ordering a tea and chocolate chip cake. Ichigo nodded and managed a small smile as she turned away from the girl. She really was bone tired. Glancing at the clock, she was relieved to find there was only fifteen minutes until closing time. She could deliver this one last order and then start the cleanup, and then she would be gloriously free from this pink walled, candy dotted prison cell. Ichigo usually loved the design of the cafe, but her black mood was tainting her opinions, and today it just seem sickly sweet and oppressive.
She scowled to herself as the rain howled and whistled against the window panes. She blamed her cat DNA for her foul mood. It was only to be expected that she would hate thunderstorms, and the thought of venturing outside in one was putting her teeth on edge. Nonetheless, Ichigo would have to brave it if she wished to leave this ghastly cafe. She seized the tray carrying the cake and tea, and her mood lifted infinitesimally. After she delivered this, she wouldn't have to face anymore dratted customers. No more fake cheeriness and plastic smiles; she would be able to go home and wallow in her self-pity. She turned on her heel, tray expertly balanced, and sped eagerly towards the waiting customer...perhaps a little too hastily...
She didn't notice the puddle of spilled soda until it was too late. As if in slow motion, she saw her feet slip from under her and the china shatter against the pale wooden floorboards as she fell to the ground with an undignified 'hhmpf!' A searing pain shot up her arm as she attempted to regain her composure. The entire cafe had frozen as they observed the spectacle she had made of herself. Ichigo dazedly looked down at her arm, dimly aware of the scarlet blood that was steadily trickling from an angry ragged slash. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she angrily pushed them away as she hauled herself into an upright position, ignoring Retasu and Purin as they attempted to assist her. Clutching her arm to her chest to stem the flow of blood, she completely abandoned the mess on the floor as she fled through the kitchen past a startled Keiichiro and Ryou and into the back room.
Huffing angrily, she gingerly moved her arm to inspect it, and winced as she surveyed the mess it had made of her flesh. The long wound was vicious and jagged, and it was so deep it looked as though it might need stitches. I hate needles, she thought to herself disconsolately. Her inner musings were interrupted by the noisy arrival of her blonde, and at the moment, very angry boss.
'What the hell are you doing you idiot? You just made a huge mess all over my cafe floor and then just left it! I don't pay you to slack off Strawberry! Get back to work right now!' Ryou yelled, his cerulean eyes sparking with anger as he observed the small red headed girl's back. Her shoulders began to shake, and her eyes flashed dangerously as she whipped around to face him, cradling her injured arm to her chest. 'That's it,' she hissed, her voice menacingly low, 'I've had enough.' Ryou blinked and then snapped 'Enough? Enough of what you baka?'
Her chocolate eyes flattened as she spat 'Enough of this cafe, enough of your ungratefulness. Do you have any idea how hard I work Shirogane? And for what? I get no appreciation. I've had enough, I can't take this anymore. I quit.' Ryou's brow furrowed as he absorbed what she was saying. He snorted and said in a slightly warmer tone, 'You can't quit stupid, what about the Mew Mews? You're our most valuable weapon, you don't have a choice.' Ichigo's eyes widened in disbelief and dismay as Ryou's words sliced her to her core. 'A weapon?' She murmured. 'That's all I am to you, isn't it? A mutated science project who you think you can order about? Well guess what? You don't own me.' Her back stiffened as she looked him directly in the eye and stated bluntly, 'I'm leaving and I'm not coming back. Goodbye Shirogane.' With those words she fled into the rain, leaving a stunned Ryou in her wake.