This is a fanfiction the story line and characters are not mine. I do write spoilers as conversations between my character and my friend in this fiction. updates may be varied as it depends on what's going on in my life on when I'm able to write. Hope you like it!

My p.o.v.

I wasn't surprised to find the place empty as I wait for my coffee. I sit in the far corner that faced the entrance but had some privacy.

Rubbing my face I opened the file, the front page was general information that just about anyone could find on anyone...except me. Back home I never used my real name online and when you googled me I just didn't exist. You could find anyone else in my family including my little siblings and niece and nephew but technically I didn't exist.

"So how the fuck did they find this on me? They would have had to contacted someone who knew me." I mumble knowing full well with my softer voice not many would hear me even sitting next to me.

Looking closer at the writing I realize it is handwritten which was different from Nikki's as hers was printed off a computer. It had my birthday and the year but when I looked at my name seeing my middle name was missing completely.

My birth place was also listed as my only living place unlike Nikki's which had elk.

"Holy shit they barely knew where or who I was but this is insane…" talking to myself as I look at the next page that held all my pen names, what was my favorite animal and my hobbies.

Looking through it further I see they somehow knew I was into witchcraft which only two people knew about in my daily life. Then it hit me the lady must have been using scrying to know all this. There was no other way.

The next page makes me freeze as it shows coding, flipping through the rest. I noted this was a different handwriting more feminen. I recognized the coding as it was the same type of coding that I used with a pen pal some years ago.

When my coffee is set in front of me I jump, normally I was more aware of the people around me but with how tired I was made me not notice things.

"Here you go, whoa that's some serious coding! Are you a special agent or something?" the guy questions peering at it tilting his head.

As I quickly cover the papers back up I answer. "No. Just a hobby. Thanks for bringing me my coffee."

At his expression I felt a bit bad for being rude but damnit I wasn't a morning person and was fucking tired. "Sorry, just grumpy."

He smiles nodding. "All good sorry for being nosy."

He walks away and I go back to looking at the pages, Nikki's didn't have the coded pages so that meant whoever this was knew it was something I would be able to figure out.

It chilled me with how well this person seemed to know us and spied on us without us knowing. It deeply unsettled me.

"Good morning! May I get a black drip coffee to go please?"

A loud cheerful voice says gaining my attention. Some guy was looking too cheerful and when he glanced my way I knew he'd try to socialize.

"Nope." I mutter chugging my coffee down and putting the papers back, I'd figure them out later it was time to get ready for work now.

As the guy starts walking towards my table I stand and grab the file darting out the side exit into the gift shop and go through that to get back to the lobby.

I quickly go back to the room and grab my new ID's and such I almost decide against taking my phone but decide to anyway just in case Nikki tried to get a hold of me or something. I just put it on mute knowing my watch would screen the calls for me.

"Yo I'm headed to work, I'll sign the papers after so let the front desk know so we don't get charged for another night. Just ask for a late checkout." I whisper to Nikki who I knew had woken up from me moving around.

She groans which knowing her meant ok. I tie my hair back and head out the door once again feeling slightly better seems the coffee started kicking in.

As I walk I look at my phone, flipping through all the pictures. I know I'm only torturing myself but at the moment I didn't care.

The family pictures we took last fall make me feel home sick. 'What if we never go back? Will I have to make it seem like I died? Or would it be better for them to have hope I'm coming back home? Would that be cruel of me?' I put it back in my pocket shaking my head of the dark thoughts.

"Stop it. There's no reason to think like that..yet. There could still be a way back home. But if there is, will I take it? Could I leave Nikki on her own? Fuck shut up brain. This will be a fun adventure, this is insanely awesome. How many people would give everything to switch places with you. Make the most of it while you can. You'll eventually go back home." I tell myself slapping my cheeks.

The pep talk didn't really help but I knew my mind was a dark place that was a constant battle to make anything light.

I used the keys Zashi gave me to open the store, I had been surprised but also knowing him this wasn't his passion. The radio show was, so him being so carefree about who runs the coffee shop wasn't so surprising.

Not really knowing what to do to open a cafe I just begin to put down chairs and re-wipe the tables and clean the display shelves before heading to the back to prep stuff for all the food and start baking the pastries that were on the menu.

A knock on the back door surprises me and wiping my hands on a towel from the dough I had been kneading I open the door seeing a delivery man.

"Oh you're not Mr. Yamada...you the new manager?"

Tilting my head I smile at him feeling in a good mood since baking and cooking always put me into better moods. "Uh sorta, he just hired me yesterday so I'm still in the learning phase. I'm Sarah."

I shake his hand and he hands me a clipboard. "Well Ms. Manager in training I'm Banzan, I deliver all the meat products from the local butcher for you every Monday and Thursday mornings around this time."

I nod looking over the receipt as he brings it all in and I make a little check next to each product making sure I got everything I was supposed to.

"Mr. Banzan? This box isn't on the receipt, chicken patties? I don't believe we sell those here." I called as he was walking away to put away his cart.

He turns looking confused. "May I?"

I hand him the clipboard and he double checks before grinning. "You're right, my apologies. Nice catch."

Once I double check everything I copy the receipt and sign the paper for him.

I quickly switch out the muffins in the oven for the cinnamon rolls now that they had risen before going into the fridge. Seems Zashi's parents had never wanted anything frozen so there was no freezer.

Once done with that I get back to the kitchen to finish making the rest of the pastries and bakery goodies. In between I put the ones that were done into the display cases.

Glancing at the clock I see it's six thirty when we open at seven. So I begin to grind the coffee beans starting fresh pots for the people who dined in and just wanted plain coffee's not the fancier ones.

As I pull the cupcakes out of the oven I hear the bell ring as someone entered and I swore I had locked it back up after I came in.

Peeking through the service window I see Zashi putting his sunglasses on top of his head looking around. "Whoa! This place looks immaculate!" He sniffs the air before bending down to the displays. "And smells good in here! Great job Ms. Manager!"

I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding before smiling. "Thank you, I was just guessing at what to do."

He looks at me guiltily. "Sorry bout that but it looks like everything is pretty much done. Have you worked in a cafe before or something?"

I walk to the front wiping the frosting off my hands onto a towel. "No, I've always wanted to own one and run one though. It was my dream for a long time but it was made clear I could never do it. No experience, no training and never enough money. It took me years to save up for a house."

He rubs his chin looking at me which makes me uncomfortable so I inspect the frosting on the cupcakes.

'Could be better, I never was much of a decorator that was always sis, I'd bake she'd decorate.' I muse to myself.

"So if I pay for the training and classes would you be interested in taking the place over? Mom would want this place to keep open and it's not my passion. Tell ya what if Ma decides she likes you I'll let you have the business on two conditions. I get to continue using the upstairs for my show and get to eat at a discount along with the parents."

My mouth drops as I whirl around to face him. "I couldn't this place is yours! Your mother should never have to leave it to some stranger."

He laughs waving me off and the timer in the back makes me drop the topic and run to the back so the cakes wouldn't burn.

Before I could talk to him again he had opened the shop and the first customers were already in the door.

They were an elderly couple who made me feel like hugging them from how adorable they were. It was my goal to be old and have silver hair and spoil the neighborhood kids like I was their grandma or something.

Zashi went upstairs seems it was Friday and it was his all day show leaving me to run the front of the shop as well as the back.

"Welcome here are some menus, please take your time with them. May I get you anything to drink to start?" I ask, smiling and handing them some menus.

The lady looks me up and down in what seemed to be a criticizing way. "You're new. Where did that bum find you?"

My smile became forced at the insult but she was a customer so I had to play nice. "I'm sorry Ma'am but will you please not talk of my boss so rudely? I am new, this is my second day. Now may I get your drinks or would you just like some water while you decide?"

The man pats his wife's hand as he apologizes to me. "I do apologize dear, my wife just is in a sour mood. It seems our son was supposed to be joining us this morning. Two coffees with cream would be wonderful please."

I nod looking at them. "I'm sorry your son stood you up, that was very rude of him. If it helps my parents regularly stand me up so I know it's not a pleasant feeling. I'll get those coffees for you."

I wondered who their son was and secretly wanted to kick his ass. There was only so little time to enjoy your parents in life.

I bring them their coffees with a little cup of cream and some cubed sugar. Before giving them space to think on their order.

As I was stocking the display case with the cupcakes I see the couple put down their menus and I set the tray down on the counter walking over with a notepad.

"All set? Or need some more time?" I question giving them a smile noting their coffee was needing a refill.

"Yes I'd like some miso soup." the gentleman says making me mentally slap myself.

I forgot I was in japan so no wonder Zashi had given the case a strange look it was all americanized.

The lady points to the case. "I would like to try that brown muffin. Is it one of those american chocolate muffins?"

I nod feeling dumb. "Yes Ma'am, they are."

She purses her lips making a comment. "American food is so fatty. Are you from America? I don't remember seeing any of those on the menu."

I rub my arm. "You would be correct Ma'am. I just moved here and this was my first morning opening on my own so I made what I knew how to."

I felt so fricking dumb at just making American foods when I was in Japan. Hopefully this wouldn't bite me in the ass.

"Well at least you tried, your boss should have trained you properly before leaving you on your own like that."

She looks away and I take that as my dismissal, I bow my head. "I'll get started on your order. Thank you for your patience."

I quickly get the miso going and as it cooks I run out refilling their cups before finishing stocking the cupcakes.

I quickly warm her muffin and plate his miso before bringing it out to them. As I set their plates down the bell chimes.

"Welcome!" I call turning my head to see FatGum walking in.

I was glad that Zashi's mom had made the door bigger and had tables suited for taller and bigger guests.

"Morning to ya I thought I would bring you the papers so you wouldn't have to go to the trouble of coming by. Also to try your food." He greets grinning, holding up a file.

I return his smile and walk over. "Thank you, you didn't have to. I was planning to come by though. I don't have the payment on me, I can have Nikki bring it if you want."

"Why don't you have a seat and find something you'd like. It's on me seems you went through the trouble of bringing it to me." I say motioning for him to choose a table.

"Oh I couldn't.." He tries to say but I refuse to allow him to deny it.

So I gently push him towards a table I feel he'd be more comfortable sitting at. "Pish posh. Not accepting no for an answer. I know for a fact you're hungry now sit. What are you drinking?"

I didn't even realize how I had struggled at first to push the giant man because it became so easy.

FatGum looks over his shoulder and down at the small girl who pushed him like he was nothing forcing him to walk or fall over. "Uhh some green tea please."

Once I make sure he's sitting and comfortable I go into the back to start some Takoyaki batter knowing he liked it even if it wasn't on the actual menu. I also text Nikki to bring the money to the shop explaining he had come here.

Her response made me roll my eyes

You sure he didn't just want to see more of you ( ͡ ͜ʖ ͡)

Anyway I'll bring the money, then I'll let you kids have fun

Ignoring her jab at me I go back out to check on the couple and get Gummy's order of Yakizakana and rice.

As I turn to walk into the back I see more customers walk in and quickly greet them and get them seated and take their orders.

I moved as quickly as I could while being efficient as I didn't want to make any mistakes in cooking any of it. I use the handwritten recipe book I find in a drawer under the counter.

As things cook I check on the customers making sure no one needed refills or anything else. I see Gummy looking tense for some reason so I sit across from him.

"Hey, long night? You look tense," then it hits me he may feel self conscious eating in front of people from people insulting him. "If you'd like there's a table in the back if you are uncomfortable out here."

From the blush and the slight nod I knew that I was right. Smiling at him I lead him to the table where he visibly relaxes. "Thanks, sorry bout this."

I pat his shoulder now that I could reach it. "Hey no reason to be sorry, I get it. No stressing or judgment allowed back here."

I say stirring the soup for one of the customers. His fish finishes so I plate them. I had given him a big helping of fish and rice as I never wanted to let people leave hungry.

"Here you go I'll be right back gotta deliver this." I say holding up the bowl of soup.

He nods, smiling and beginning to eat.

I deliver the food and the older couple look like they needed me so I go over. "Would you like

anything else or would you like your bill?"

The lady points a finger at me. "Little girl it is unseemly to fraternize with your boyfriend while working. Let alone be making out with him in the back."

That did it, this lady had officially gone too far. My smile was gone as my hands went onto my hips. "Listen here Ma'am say what you will of me but do not insult that hero ever again. Is that understood? He was uncomfortable out here so I allowed him to eat comfortably in the back so nosy judgemental people like yourself will leave him alone. I am engaged to another man and would never think so highly of myself that I would ever catch his attention. Now here is your bill and I'm going to have to ask you to leave now."

Her husband had gone red from embarrassment covering his mouth with his hand while she went red as well.

"My apologies...I did not know.." she started when I cut her off.

"I am aware or you would never have opened your mouth. I am not the one you owe an apology to. Next time you speak you should think about who the audience is. I will not tolerate anyone bad mouthing my customers or boss. If you complain or must bitch about someone you can talk about me as I don't give a damn."

I didn't hear or see Gummy stand and peek through the service window nor did I hear Zashi come down the stairs.

I turn to the rest of the people and bow. "My deepest apologies for the disturbance to make up for it dessert or an item from the case is on the house."

I walk to the back to get the rest of the food before it burned catching a head dart away from the window.

When I came back out the older couple were gone and Zashi stood there grinning which confused me, I had thought he would be upset.

"Good news mom likes you so the place is yours! Man I haven't seen anyone stand up to that old lady before, nice job kid!"

As I realized I had just basically tossed out his parents I about dropped the plates I was holding. "Those were your parents?!"

Several of the customers started whispering.

"So you were the one who stood them up?! That was an asshole move!" I say setting the plates down not catching onto what he had said.

"They're boring! And I had my show to host!" He whines before crossing his arms. "You did hear me say the place is yours right?"

I freeze as it clicks into my head. "I need a break…." I mutter holding my head.

Leaving things to him not caring right now I go and take a seat with Gummy in the back seems that was actually meant for staff to take breaks at anyway.

"Are you alright?" he questions pausing in his eating.

Waving him to continue eating I hold my head. "Yeah just a lot happened in so short of time it's hard to process it all. Anyway is that any good? It's the first time I've made Takoyaki."

He blinks looking at the food. "Then I must say this is the best Takoyaki I've ever had. Are you sure it's your first time making it?"

I smile glad he likes it as I nod and get a text from Nikki that she was at the back door seems she didn't want to be tempted by the pastries up front.

I stand and open the back door taking the envelope from her.

"So you and Gummy huh?"

I roll my eyes and just shut the door on her not having the energy to deal with her trickster personality right now.

Through the door I hear her hit it and yell. "Rude!!"

"Bye NIkki!" I holler back as I double check the money even though I know she'd have checked like ten times.

We both had bad anxiety about not having enough money when going to pay something.

Hearing a laugh I see Gummy laughing at us. "What did she say to make you slam the door in her face?"

I shrug. "Just her normal antics, she's a natural trickster that loves pressing buttons to see peoples reactions. I don't have the energy to deal with them."

He nods laughing as he tosses another bite in his mouth.

I smile glad he felt comfortable enough to eat around me, taking a seat again I start reading the paperwork before signing and passing the envelope to him and using the copier to make copies of the paperwork.

He hands me the set of keys a sad look in his eyes. "Here you are, I guess I'll see you around."

I take the keys tilting my head. "You aren't thinking that's it are you? Cause you're our friend now so that means stop by whenever cause you can't get rid of us that easy."

He perks up a bit at that. "Really?"

I nod standing up again figuring I should get back to work.

"Yea, Nikki and I are gonna fix the front door too. We have some tall people we wanna befriend so having a short door won't work."

"I could come and help if you'd like?" He offers standing as well.

I fix my hair before washing my hands. "Sure, I've built them before but putting it up when you're short like me it's a pain."

He laughs and waves as he takes off and I go back to working feeling lighter. Zashi whines before I remind him I can have one twenty minute break per shift or two tens so me taking it all at once actually saved him from having to come back down to take over.

The rest of the day I remain busy bussing tables, taking orders and cooking.