Warnings: Not really many spoilers in this one, actually. Maybe characters through volume 2 and plot through volume 3?
Notes: I wanted this chapter to be longer, but it's difficult to work with a character who is in like 3 panels each volume. I can either totally make up her backstory, which is utterly unnecessary and adds little to the story, or I can make it short and sweet. Hope you guys like it. eternalsailorsolarwind: My theory as far as my intention in this fic series is concerned, is that while this past I've constructed affects Taki in his dealings and aversions with and to others, he has no conscious memory of it. I personally respect Taki regardless of this idea, though. His ability to finally put gender aside and embrace his love for Goh is wonderfully written. "When making love, there is no man, no woman. It is hot, feels good, and is messy. Feeling good is the only important thing." Excellent stuff. And welcome to my fic series, Ruusei! I'm glad you are enjoying it so far. The Mari fic was the first strong one I completed on this project, so I'm glad you found it humorous and had the same curiousity about her thoughts on her father. As for the Tsunuga chapter, I tried to convey his motivations as those of an angry and betrayed man. I went with a more random "stream of consciousness" feel with him. I guess it does feel a bit choppy, though.
Disclaimer: Yellow is owned by Makoto Tateno; I'm just borrowing it so I can make myself feel better about the plotholes...

Token

It's hard being the woman. Sometimes I feel like I'm the "token woman" in this world of men at Cafe Roost. It doesn't help that they're all basically gay, even Mr. Hatozaki, apparently. What kind of career man isn't married at his age, hm? Yeah, that's right. Then there's Kanji. The way he's always looking after Goh and Taki like a puppy makes me wonder. He's never even once tried to hit on me, either. Very suspicious. Mr. Tsunuga's the only straight one, but who wants a guy who's practically your father? Ew. His daughter sure is a cutie, though.

I always knew Taki was like that, too. I mean, come on. Two gorgeous, well-built men living together as "work partners?" And such impeccable taste in clothes. The matching earrings! It was all so obvious! Such a shame, but they do make such a cute couple. It's almost enough to make a girl go mad.

They all think I'm so naive. Like I can't see something else is going on around here. Sometimes when Taki and Goh come down for "meals" they have this sharp edge to their eyes and they get really serious. Even Kanji gets all quiet, and for Kanji to shut his mouth for anything... A woman picks up on these things.

And they never pay for anything! Every day they come and eat and drink coffee and I have never seen Mr. Tsunuga write up one bill or enter dollar amount one in the tab book. Come on, how stupid do they think I am? Very, it seems.

I don't have time for boys and their games, anyway, because right now I'm saving up for college. I bet they don't even know that about me. Some day I'm going to be a world-class psychologist! Ha! Maybe I should become a detective instead!

I heard Mr. Tsunuga used to be with the police. That's how he must know Mr. Hatozaki. Maybe Goh and Taki are undercover detectives! And Mr. Tsunuga, too! Yeah, yeah, and the Cafe is a front for foiling criminal plots! Yeah, right. But, ooh, that'd be exciting!

Whatever it is I'm not supposed to know about it so I guess it's the "dumb blond" bit for me. But that's all right. Let them think whatever they want. I'll just do my job and live my life and everything is just fine.

Mimi
8/12/06
397 words