End of the Shift [open]

[Aiko]

Renée turned and called out to her fellow worker, “One plum paradise!” For Plum Head, she thought. Plum Head and Panda Hat: those were the names she’d given to her two latest customers. Was it really that difficult for Plum Head to come out and say the words “plum paradise”? They were corny as heck, sure, but he could at least say it himself if she was going to have to. For crying out loud! But she wasn’t angry with him; she was more exasperated with a long day at school followed by having to work the afternoon shift at the coffee house. Her tapping foot, unseen behind the counter but understood by the clack clack clack it made, kept pace with the ticking second hand on the clock.

As she waited for the order to come up, she told Plum Head the cost of his drink and held out an expectant hand.

[Naraku]

He looks at her as he sees she was annoyed with him and seem upset. Keiko steped back looking towards the floor slightly sadden. Keiko has been here for a week, and he still was being treated as an outcast. Even today had to deal with the many people who bothered him through school. But the more he thought the saddier he became causing his eyes to become watery. He had completly forgotten where he was or doing as he was fighting himself from breaking down.

[Rin]

Koneok smelled the salt of tears before she saw them. She turned to the girl and called, standing up. "Another refill, and his drink's on me." She said, handing the cashier girl the money. She then turne dto teh kid. "Hey, come over and sit by me." She said, resting a hand on his shoulder gently. 'Why was I blessed with this overly kind and caring nature?' She thought to herself, but it didn't show in the smile on her face. 'Well, atleast I cna make a friend... maybe...not...'

[Aiko]

Startled into dropping her hand, Renee wondered, Is he crying? What’s he crying for? The American’s eyes were wide with surprise, her dark eyebrows shooting up with a touch of incredulity. As Panda Hat stood and made her announcement, Ren turned to face her to see her offering money. Quickly, she put her hand back out and accepted payment for the two drinks. Checking to make sure she owed no change, she shrugged and dropped the cash in the register as Panda Hat led Plum Head away. The other worker brought them their drinks directly, so Ren had nothing to do but watch the clock.

Five… four… three… two… The bell above the door rang and the boy who took the next shift walked in. This boy was notoriously prompt, a fact that much relieved his American coworker at that moment. “Sweet, blessed freedom![/i]” she crowed in her native English, ripping off her black apron to expose her green-and-white school uniform underneath. “Home free![/i]” Of course, as fate would have it, a tie of her apron got stuck in one of braids, and she frowned as she tried to free her hair.

The boy who was about to take her place rushed over to help, but Renee turned away, preferring to work it out on her own. Overly helpful or flat-out perverted? she wondered ungraciously of her coworker, but then her hair was free and she handed him the apron. Suddenly self-conscious, she squatted down to retrieve her backpack from under the counter. I wonder if he’s been getting free shows all this time, she thought, miffed as she conspicuously reached back to make sure her skirt fully covered her butt. She stood, the backpack slung over one shoulder, and breezed past her coworkers. Ignoring Panda Hat and Plum Head, she headed defiantly out the door.

As it swung shut behind her, the bell jingled softly.

[Naraku]

He says nothing but when she reaches for him, Keiko jerks away. "um....." As soon as his drinks was sit down and the new guy came in. he reached and grabbed his drink. "I have to go... thank you." He turned and ran out the door as his eyes was still all watery. he ran out the door and towards the nearest alley running past all the people around him. Once he got to it he slide onto his butt sitting the drink down as he wraps his arms around his legs, Buring his face into his knees.

[Rin]

Koneko frowned wehn the boy race dotu of the store, along wiht the girl at the cashire. "What a bunch of...." She threw her hands in the air, said 'thank you' to the coworker, and sped out of the shop.

It only took her a moment to see the plum head. She slowly walked over to the alley he was in and leanedagainst the wall next to him. "What's eatin' ya?" She asked.

[Naraku]

Keiko looks up at her before moving his head back into his knee bring his shoulder up hiding his face completly. 'This place is no better, It may even be worse then back home.'

[Rin]

Koneko sighed when the boy didn't reply. "Either you don't like women, your scare dof them, or my panda hat is freaking you out..." She commented. "I'll bet it's the hat." She stated.

[Naraku]

"I don't care...." he lightly pouted as he pokes his eyes out from his knees an looks around.

[Rin]

"Then what's wrong?" Koneko asked... she sighed and sat down next to him and sipped her coffee. "I'mnot thta scary from not getting any sleep last night am I?' She askd, looking at him with a slightly goofy grin.

[Naraku]

He says nothing as he looks up at her before taking the cup and begins to sip.

[Rin]

Koneko sighed and took a swig of he rown beverage. "You know, I never saw a sheath liek that before..." She sida slowly. "Is it jsut for show, or do you really do stunts with it? Or fights or whatever." She asked.

[Naraku]

He looks at his sword that was now showing. "um... my father forced me in learning the ways of the old country so I had to learn how to use a sword. But he was furious at me when I paint my shealth like this."

[Rin]

Koneko snickerd. "I don't blame him, I'm nto much into all the heart sin flowers. I'm even FORCED to wear these hats when I'm in public." Koneko gurmmbled.

[Naraku]

"It has no hearts, just a few flowers and vines. It makes it pretty." He says with a smile looking down at it.