Tadashi held the door open for Honey and Go Go as they reached the cafe, Honey nodding politely as she ducked through the small doorway. Tadashi made a mental note to try and convince his aunt to get that fixed. Of course, it didn't really help that Honey was so tall- or that she decided to wear heels, which made her almost as tall or Sasquatch or Bigfoot. Tadashi kept that to himself, seeing as it was a bit rude. It was kind of funny though, seeing two totally different girls being best friends.
"Wow!" Honey breathed as Tadashi awkwardly pushed passed them to get to the counter, "This is so cute!" Go Go nodded, her brown eyes lazily drinking in the details. The walls were all a deep green, with wall dividers sitting between tables for more privacy if you wanted. Paper lanterns decorated some of the tables, flickering behind the thin paper screens. The tables by the front were carefully clustered together, made of a brown oak wood with deeply etched grains swirling on the surfaces. Menus sat in little dispensers at each table, alongside little salt and pepper shakers. Honey picked one up, turning git over in her slender fingers carefully.
"Oh, it's so cute, Go Go, look!" Honey shoved it at Go Go, who took it from her, inspected it, and shrugged, placin git gently back down on the table with a soft clink. They were shaped like small cats, one paw sculpted to scratch at the air. They were all pained white with brown spots, the pepper shakers painted like black cats with startling green eyes.
"That was my Aunt Cass's idea," Tadashi called to them, and he grinned that crooked smile of his when they turned in unison, walking slowly up to the counter. Tadashi was standing behind the counter now, slipping on a blue apron around his waist. A pad and pencils sat on the countertop, some of the pages filled with messy handwriting. The girls watched as Tadashi slipped off his cap, letting his hair free to stick out almost straight in that weird style boys sometimes had- it wasn't exactly long, nor short, so it kind of just ended up sticking out a bit from his forehead like he was wearing his baseball cap. Honey glanced down at the pad, eyeing the handwriting curiously before picking her head up.
"Does your aunt like cats?" Go Go asked. Before he could answer, a small "Meow! sounded, and Go Go jumped as a rather large, rotund animal hopped up on the counter. Its fur was white with brown patches- the same as the shakers, Go Go realized- and Tadashi laughed as it perked its ears up, rubbing it fur against his chest. Tadashi ran his fingers through the animal's fur.
"Honey, Go Go, meet Mochi," Tadashi introduced the cat, who purred loudly, ears rising and falling with each heavy breath. Honey reached out tentatively, drawing back before her fingers even grazed his fur. Noticing this, Tadashi gently pushed the cat towards them, and Mochi cocked his head at them, licking his lips at their confused faces.
"What's it want?" Go Go sneered, hunching her shoulders.
"Go Go!" Honey scolded her friend, jabbing gear sharply in the ribs. Turning back to Tadashi, she smiled, "He's so cute!" Tadashi jutted his chin at Mochi.
"You can pet him, you know. He doesn't bite," Tadashi explained, and he swiped up the pad and pencil, getting out from behind the counter. "Now if you excuse me, I've got work." The two girls were taken by surprise. Tadashi grinned as Honey gestured to the diners, "You work here?" He nodded.
"Who do you think runs this joint?" he joked, tucking the pencil behind his ear. It was always funny, seeing his friends reactions to this joke. Of course, this wasn't really his restaurant. Aunt Cass was the one who actually owned it- he just worked here. Sometimes his little brother ran shifts (or at least tried to), but he was usually off doing who knew what, so Tadashi took it upon himself to do most of the work. Not that it wasn't fun, but sometimes he felt it was a hassle. Go Go crossed her arms, snapping her gum in an accusatory manner, if that was even possible.
"You're kidding." she said. Tadashi sighed, running a hand through his hair. A bell on the front door tingled to signal new customers, and Tadashi glanced over his shoulder to see a gaggle of girls waltz in, laughing at something on their phones.
Tadashi groaned. Customers like that were definitely a handful, so it as always best to serve them as soon as possible. Seeing them somehow reminded him of when Aunt Cass had first opened the cafe- he'd run around trying to serve everyone tea, crying when she told him to go back into the house and go to bed. A soft thump signaled Mochi jumping to the floor, and Tadashi peered over honey's shoulder to see the cat disappear back up the stars to the living space he had set up earlier that year with his aunt and brother.
Finally he focused his attention back to the girls, who were standing there awkwardly, looking at their surroundings. A low din in the cafe only managed to echo the awkwardness.
But Tadashi could only guess that's what happened when you first met people. Sighing, he finally said, "Can I take you guys to a table, get you something to eat?" Honey broke out into a broad grin, clapping her hands excitedly. Go Go nodded, shifting her weight as she stood there.
"Of course!" Honey said, "We'd love to!" Nodding, Tadashi ushered them to a seat by the window, light streaming in through the glass. Golden lettering was painted on the inside of the window, and Tadashi noticed Honey marveling at the glitter painted on each word. Flipping the pad open, he said, "So, ladies, I'm Tadashi, I'll be your server today-"
"Dude, really?" Go Go popped her gum in disbelief.
"It's protocol," Tadashi stated before continuing, "So, what can i get you?" The girls picked up the two menus that sat on the table, their nails clicking against the laminated surfaces as they flipped through the pages. Tadashi glanced quickly over at the group of girls that and come in- they were eyeing him quizzically, on elf them looking rather annoyed. He ignored them, turning his attention back to his friends.
"Uh, I'll have some fish and chips," Go Go said, closing her menu, neary slamming it onto the table as she did so. Honey purse her lips, scrutinizing each item before folding git up, saying, "I'll have some cheese blintzes. With green tea!" Nodding, Tadashi wrote each item down carefully, making sure his handwriting was legible. Aunt Cass was always complaining about how his handwritten got sloppy when he rushed, so he did his best to humor her. Being the only one who cooked didn't really help either, but Tadashi knew he himself was not a good chef, so he left all the cooking to her.
"Alright," Tadashi said, "I'll be back soon. Sit tight." He felt multiple pair sod eyes boring into his skull as he went back tot eh counter, and he knew that group of girls was still looking at him. Honey and Go Go probably were too, but he knew they were only trying to be polite. As soon as he got behind the counter, he tossed the pad on the countertop, cracking his knuckles as he yelled over his shoulder.
"Aunt Cass! We've got an order!" His aunt appeared from the stairs, hurriedly brushing her short brown hair. It was messy and in her face, but Tadashi thought it suited her. She was an 'in your face' kind of person, after all.
"Woo! I'm up, I'm here!" she said, pinching Tadashi's cheek as she joined him, slipping on a blue apron for herself. "What's up?" Tadashi slid the notepad across to her.
"My friends came over," Tadashi said, "And they're hungry." Cass smiled at him as she scanned the paper.
"Your handwriting has definitely gotten better," Cass joked, making Tadashi grin. There was a pregnant pause before Cass added "Who's Honey and Go Go?" Tadashi felt his cheeks turn red, and he rubbed the back of his neck. He wasn't really sure why he was getting so nervous though- the three of them had just met, so of course, it was going to be a little awkward, but this awkward? Tadashi let out a sigh, jutting his chin at the table by the window.
"My friends," Tadashi said, "I met them at orientation and we decided to stop here for a bite." Cass struggled to spot them, finally asking, "The tall one and the short one?" Tadashi nodded.
"Honey and Go Go, yes," Tadashi clarified, "Now let's feed them before they decide not to come anymore, yeah?" Cass ruffled his hair, swiping the notepad and disappearing to the kitchen.
"Whatever you say, college man!" Cass yelled loud enough for a few of the diners to hear, nods of approval vein sent Tadashi's way. Tadashi returned the sentiment, ducking down to grab a rag and started wiping down the wood. It was already clean, but now that he didn't have anything to do, he may as well make himself look busy, He could smell the food being made, the spun dog cheese sizzling as it melted. The smell of codfish wafted to the main dining area, tickling Tadashi's nostril. Saliva pooled in his mouth, which made Tadashi realize that he hadn't eaten anything before orientation.
A plate of donuts sat in a glass display case on the counter, and Tadashi felt his fingers crawl across the polished table to lift the cover, gently placing it down to reveal the donuts in all their glory. His stomach rumbled as he eyed them, a wolf getting ready to jump on a deer. Should I….? Tadashi thought, hesitating as he reached for one. He looked around. People are not paying him any mind. Honey and Go Go were, however, returning glares from the other table of girls. Well, really just Go Go. Honey was trying to hide behind her menu, hunching her shoulders until they touched the tips of her ears. He thought for a minute that he could hear words being exchanged, nasty tones being uttered, but he wasn'st really sure. He eyed the donuts almost lustfully once more.
Then Tadashi grabbed one. He swiped it off the plate, careful not to disturb the other donuts that sat there peacefully, and took a bite. His mouth sang praise as crumbly bits of dough and chocolate collided with his tastebuds, and he swallowed gratefully. Ravenously, he took another bite, revealing in the way the chocolate went down his throat.
"I saw that, young man!" Tadashi froze, and Aunt Cass carried out a platter with two plates on it, handing it to him, "What did I say about eating the merchandise?" Tadashi gave her a sheepish grin, crumbs falling onto his chin.
"Eat enough to get big and strong?" Tadashi said through bites of dough. Cass scowled, unable to help the smile playing on her lips. Nodding, Tadashi swallowed the last of it, taking the tray from his aunt.
"Sorry Aunt Cass," Tadashi said, getting out from behind the counter, "It won't happen again, I promise." Before Tadashi had a chance to get even a few steps away from the counter, Aunt Cass suddenly grabbed a few napkins, plunking them down on the tray. Tadashi swayed from the force of her banging, the tray wobbling a bit in his hand. A second later she came back, tossing three donuts along with the rest of the food.
"They didn't order donuts," Tadashi pointed out, giving his aunt a puzzled look.
"They seem like nice girls," Cass said, "besides, if they made friends with you they're gonna need all the sustenance they can get, know what I mean?" Tadashi rolled his eyes as she imitated a Southern twang, wiggling her fingers before sending him back to his friends. Laughing to himself at her antics, he walked carefully through the tables, sighing as he finally reached Honey and Go Go.
"Ugh, why can't those girls just leave us alone?" Go Go muttered under her breath, Honey eyeing the food from behind her menu as Tadashi held the tray above his head, carefully placing each dish on the table. They settling with a deep clunk, steam rising from the plates. Still glaring at the table of girls, Go Go nabbed a fry from her plate, munching on it quite angrily. Since she wasn't chewing her gum anymore, Tadashi assumed she threw it away. He cocked his head at Honey, gently giving her her own plate, nudging it against the menu.
"Honey Lemon?" he asked, "Are you okay?" The girl blinked in surprise, and he could se it took her a minute to process that he was indeed talking to her. Immediately, she turned on her usual megawatt smile that she had been wearing all day.
"Yeah! I'm fine!" she said, trying to change the subject, "This looks delicious!" The tone in her voice had changed. There was a crack, and he thought it looked like she was trying her best not to break out in tears. Tadashi shifted the focus to Go Go, who looked ready to rip someone to shreds.
"Go Go, is everything okay?" Tadashi whispered, crouching down slightly so he and Go Go were eye level. Sure, it was kin dog awkward, but it didn't help that she was just so incredibly short. Go Go scowled, drumming her fingers on the table.
"Go Go," Tadashi repeated, "if something is happening you have to tell me as a staff member." Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Honey was still hiding behind her menu. Glancing back at the table of girls next to them, he saw them burst into peals of laughter, one of them sending a nasty glare their way. Tadashi nodded in their direction.
"Did they say something to you?" Tadashi demanded. Go Go was taken aback slightly by the harshness that crept into his tone.
"Well, we were just sitting here waiting for you and they just plopped themselves down and started glaring. One of them was talking obnoxiously loud about…." Go Go trailed, her eyes going to Honey Lemon warily.
"About what?" Tadashi prompted. Go Go sighed.
"… they sent some obvious remarks towards Honey. In Spanish."
"….Spanish?" Tadashi asked. Go Go nodded, and both heard Honey whimper behind her menu. Tadashi reached over and rubbed her back, trying his best to console her.
"Yeah…see, Honey Lemon is of Spanish heritage- so that means she understood it."
Tadashi let out a slow whistle. That didn't sound good. Or nice. or both. Why would anyone curse someone out for their heritage, of all things? Or anything? Sometimes it amazed him, how cruel people could be. He kept rubbing Honey's back, her shoulders beginning to jerk with sobs.
"Geez, Honey," Go Go clicked her tongue, shaking her head with disdain at the girls, who simply giggled. Tadashi pursed his lips, furrowing his brow. Realizing he still had Honey's green tea on the tray, he slammed it down on the table along with the extra donuts, some of the liquid sloshing over the side of the cup. Carefully, he plucked Honey's fingers from the menu, sliding it out of her hand. He was aware of their snickers once they saw her tears, her glasses fogging up. Heaving a heavy sigh, he glanced around for his aunt, but she was in the kitchen, having started to clean dishes.
I'll have to tie care of this then. Tadashi thought, biting his lip before, going to grab his notepad, winking at Go Go as he passed them, approaching the table of girls.
Immediately, they all smiled at him- somewhat lustfully, Tadashi might have added. Gulping, Tadashi glanced back at Honey and Go Go, who watched him with concern.
"Hello ladies, I'm Tadashi, I'll be your server today," Tadashi introduced himself, sounding like nothing had happened. "What can I get you today?"
"You can get me a glass," said on elf the girls, leaning forward across the table, "because I just found myself a tall drink of water. Right, girls?" Tadashi scratched his head, putting on what he hoped was a puzzled look.
"Really? Because even though blood is made of seventy percent water, if you were to actually drink any of mine, that would be considered cannibalism. And that would send you to jail." The girl blinked in astonishment as Tadashi went on, "Unless of course, you're trying to get me to join your legion of the undead, which doesn't exactly sound all that great." Tadashi grinned as he heard Honey and Go Go laugh- a little too loudly, it seemed.
"Excuse me?" the girl spat, jeering at Honey and Go Go as she yelled at them, "You put him up to this, you witch!" Honey widened her eyes, unsure of what to do. Tadashi could see her eyes screaming for help. Go Go rolled up the sleeves of her coat, jumping out of her chair.
"Last I checked, witches had warts," Go Go said, "which even your foundation couldn't cover up apparently." Tadashi widened his eyes at Go Go- he knew she was spunky, but was that really necessary?
Unfortunately this girl thought so.
One minute she was glaring angrily, the next minute she had jumped up from her seat and charged at Honey, who squealed and ducked under the table, Go Go leaping in front of her. Tadashi grimaced as the girl started flinging vile names around- all of the to horrible to repeat or even say in the first place.
Then he realized that this was the same girl from orientation. This was the girl who was gossiping with her friends and sending shady glances Honey's way when he had decided to sit with her that morning. Shit, Tadashi thought, grimacing as the girl turned on Go Go, customers glancing over to see what was wrong as they began to get louder.
"I see no reason why he would be hanging out with such an ugly girl!" the girl spat at Go Go, "If he's with anyone, it should be me!" Tadashi blinked, his face paling as Go Go rolled her eyes.
"Please," Go Go blew a raspberry, "Have you looked in a mirror lately?"
That's when dishes went flying, breaking free from the table that he decided to intervene. Go Go and the other girl were almost on top of each other, throwing punches that would have put a WWE fighter to shame as Tadashi lifted the tiny girl off the other, kicking and clawing at the air as he lift dyer like Rafiki did Simba in the Lion King.
"Tadashi!" Go Go growled, "Put me down!"
"Okay, but you have to stay put," Tadashi scolded her, "Please don't beat up other customers! Aunt Cass would have a fit if she found out I let this happen!" The other girl sneered and grinned smugly, picking herself up off the floor. A look of triumph was plastered on her face as she crossed her arms, eyeing Honey venomously as the tall girl decided it was safe to climb back out from under the table.
"Yeah," the girl said, "wouldn't want to cause a scene now would we?"
That's when Tadashi snapped. Glaring ferociously, he turned on her, staring her down.
"Get out of my restaurant."
"Excuse me?" the girl said, "Me? What about them? The… the hobbit over there attacked me!"
"As a customer, you ave the right to eat here," Tadashi said sternly, "But if you start harassing the other customers, especially customers that are my friends, then I do not want people such as you to come eat here."
At this the girl scoffed, Jutting out her hip, she blew at her bangs, the bracelets around her wrists jangling like in an annoying Christmas carol. Tadashi kept his gaze cold, shoulders heaving heavily with each breath he took.
"As if I would get kicked out," she said, "Do you know who I am?"
"It doesn't matter who you are," Tadashi shook his head, "If you disrupt other diners I want you out of my restaurant."
"Then kick them out too!" the girl points an accusatory finger in Go Go and Honey's direction, "isn't it fair?"
Tadashi sighed. This was going to be harder than he thought. And just where was Aunt Cass? She couldn't possibly still be cleaning up, could she? Tadashi cracked his knuckles.
"This is a family owned, family friendly establishment," Tadashi explained to her, "now, if you disturb the peace in my restaurant, I reserve the right to throw you and anyone in your party out."
"As if," he heard one of her friends scoff. Another one of them was busy clicking away on their phone, not even paying attention.
"Did you not hear me?" Tadashi barked, his chest filling with some sort of bravado, adrenaline seeming to course wildly through his veins- which thankfully caught the group's attention. "I want you all out! Now!" There was dead silence as they slowly complied, the girl flipping him off as she went.
"Whatever," she snorted, "We didn't even want to eat at the stupid cafe. It's ugly. Come on, girls!"
"Yeah?" Tadashi yelled, "Well, we don't have time for your stupidity. And please, let the door hit you on the way out!"
Tadashi sighed, placing his hands on his hips a he turned back around to face Honey Lemon and Go Go. Both girls were a bit tentative to look, their mouths agape with shock and awe. Tadashi shrugged, going to help Honey sit down, Go Go just plopping herself down silently.
"You okay, Honey Lemon?" Tadashi asked, his whole demeanor having changed.
"U-Uh-huh…" she nodded, pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose. Nodding, he did the same with Go Go, who just stared at him, shoving a new piece of gum in her mouth to chew on.
"Alright," Tadashi said, "so, while you guys, uh, eat, I'll go grab a mop and clean this up….." Embarrassment flooded over him as a few other diners gave him nods of approval, and as he came back with a mop and dustpan, clapping suddenly erupted, taking the young man by surprise.
Quickly, he managed to clean up the mess before his friends had finished eating and gone home, Honey and Go Go thanking him profusely for what he had done.
The next morning, as she open up shop, Aunt Cass was confused as to why so many of her customers were asking for her nephew to serve them their food. Tadashi grinned, deciding to let slip past the incident. It was better to keep his aunt guessing than to start freaking out.