girlybruiser | 𝓵𝓪𝓫𝔂𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓱𝓾𝓶 ❀ 𝓲𝓷𝓫𝓸𝔁

I'm still getting my degree for business management back home. There's a lot of paperwork and other things that go into running a business.

[ But as she looks around her cafe, lush with greenery and the cozy ambience, she smiles to herself.

Her chest swell with pride, too. ]

But to be able to sort of jump in and do it here... it's been my dream to run a cafe with fresh food and drink that makes people happy.

Mh-

[ An empty mug's eventually set aside, Catra's expression one of just... uncertainty. Like the notion of following a dream like that, or the dream being to make people happy feels unfamiliar.

The initial urge to smirk or say something snarky gets pushed away, then her eyes trail off. ]

Doesn't seem like you need much paper here, right?

Which is sort of nice! Not that I would do the same back home; I understand how important it is to follow the regulations for operating a business serving food and drink.

[ And not cut corners like her father had done with Okumura Foods. She has much to make up for and she's glad it's worked out in this world. ]

Do you work here, Catra?

Is it? Sounds like made-up rules. A lot of effort to just run a good place.

[ Not that she's saying this place is good. Or... not that she's saying it directly. Her gaze keeps on drifting, lingeering on that fluffy canine with a quiet curiosity. Perhaps amusement. ]

Not really... Sometimes I do quests.
I can take care of myself just fine-

[ By a certain definition of fine, certainly. She pushes that instinctive defensiveness away. ]

What do you think of this place, anyway?

This reality, you mean?

[ She quiets for a brief moment, mulling over her answer. It's not the first time she had been asked, but the question posed reminds her her stance hasn't changed much in months.

Especially with what the Labyrinth put her through in the summer. All the illusions she was forced to endure and over? ]

It's a strange world, for certain. I understand for many it's freedom or a new chance at life.

[ But- ]

However, I do think there's some caution needed.

[ Eventually, those mismatched eyes return, the slight frown on her lips perhaps indicative of how she feels already. ]

Probably, we don't even know why we're still here.

[ Her tail thumps to one side, legs drawing up so her arms can wrap around them. ]

Would you leave, if you could?

[ Haru's brows furrow somewhat, but her expression remains neutral even as her answer is probably much quicker than what Catra may be anticipating: ]

It would be hard to say goodbye to the friends I hold dear to me.

[ And the prospect of her memories being taken from her. Maruki, Neil, Dolph, Owain, Chihaya... and everything she's experienced with Akira, all gone in the blink of an eye.

It's daunting, certainly.

But there's a steely resolution in Haru's large, brown eyes, drifting somewhere else for a moment.

To home. To Hyodo Mariko. ]

I have things I must finish back home.

[ She lets that linger in the air, before returning the question: ]

What about you? Do you want to leave?

Things like?

[ Aw crap. Who could have forseen her overly personal questions being used against her. Catra's ears twitch, and there's a strange pressure of her definitely watching Haru for a long moment, like she's taking something in.

Then a sidelong glance that falls away, arms pulling her legs slightly closer. ]

I don't know... I'd rather not have to decide.

[ There's a pause, lips parted, debating what she's going to say next. ]

... This place sucks.
But it's better here.

[ What a fun atmosphere they're left in, awkward silence that seems to fill the corner. ]

[ It's then her expression falters as Mari-san's image presents itself clearly in her mind's eye.

Have you forgotten you work for the most powerful woman in Sapporo Central?

A sharp tone that actually digs like a blade into the poor, frightened man. Haru almost winces thinking about it all over. It's been months, but it's fresh in her mind. ]

I need to help someone. I've heard from a friend I'm able to do so, but it's my future that I haven't experienced yet.

[ Her expression falls again, this time sympathetic for Catra's sentiments. ]

Better than home? You wouldn't be the first to say so. I think that's okay to admit.

[ She's curious, but the explanation's starting to sound like situations and words she's unfamiliar with. There's a hint that even if she had the details it wouldn't mean anything. So, Catra stores that away for later.

Her tail twitches, a small, slightly more intuitive grumpy thumping behind her as it curls and taps between their chairs, and she lets out a sigh that's almost a groan. ]

It's a low bar.
But... I guess all the more reason to try and enjoy this, right?

Even if this place makes it hard.

[ She shifts, finally sliding to her feet as more customers come in, giving Haru a quick glance. ]

Anyway... I'll let you get back to your cafe.
Uh.
Thanks-

[ It's the same agitated movement Mona does when he's feeling a particular way. Haru surveys the behaviour quietly, but tries to offer a small smile and push aside the future with Mari-san. ]

My friend told me a long time ago when I first arrived to try to find ways to take advantage here.

[ Maruki had been surprised she had taken it to heart, but it's felt like such an important piece of advice she's carried forth with her in this strange reality. ]

But we can take it at our own pace, right? You as well.

[ Haru pushes back her chair to get up, pulling it back towards the table it belongs to. ]

Thank you for stopping in. Please feel free to come by again!

Yeah, suppose so.

[ She starts, pausing just on the edge of that invisible barrier between where they were sitting and the rest of the cafe's crowd, turning back to give Haru one last glance, a bit softer this time. ]

Maybe. Might see you around-

[ And with that she's off. She'll definitely see the space-cat around sometime, probably stuck to the side somewhere, lurking. ]

𝓵𝓪𝓫𝔂𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓱𝓾𝓶 ❀ 𝓲𝓷𝓫𝓸𝔁

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bless Haru and her patience for this cat

she tries ♡

Fin! This was cute