[Open to All! Use as a meeting place, you do not have to interact directly with Jounouchi]

[donguri]

A year ago, if you had told me I would be an apprentice pâtissier training under a former French mercenary, I would have thought you completely insane. Of course I also would have thought you were insane if you had told me about the war against an invading alien forest and the small role I played in the victory against said forest. But this is where I am, and that is what I've been through.

And I'm happier than I was a year ago, for the most part. I have a better sense of who I am and what I want in life. A stronger moral compass, a better understanding of loyalty, and a few friends that I can actually call friend and mean it.

Oren fusses with last minute details in the kitchen while I see to it that the front of house is set in order. Making sure all the displays are well stocked, but not cluttered, that the glass cases have been cleaned properly. I also assist the maître d'hôtel in his duties, making sure the front-end staff are ready for the day, and helping them out where I can.

I adjust a floral display on one of the tables, and direct a member of the waitstaff to a bit of smudging on one of the chairs, on my way to unlock the doors. I set the open sign in place on its hook beside the door outside and turn to gaze out over the outside dining area. It's a bit too chilly for guests to be dining outside, but the place is still immaculately tended to as if it were the middle of summer.

Charmant is open for business.

Comments

[Set after Haruto gets closure in the Wizard/Gaim crossover]

[shabadoobie]

I may have already found a resting place for Koyomi, but I grew fond of wandering the world - it grows on you, seeing new places and new faces. Solitude in the midst of many bright hearts. So sometimes, I still go wandering. Not without warning my new family at Remnants where I'm going, of course. I've learned that they care about me, and like to know where I'm off to. It reassures them, probably like I'm reassured by the familiar weight of my ringbelt on one hip.

I heard about an extraordinary patisserie here in Zawame City. It was quite the drive, but my bike's sturdy, and I took my time, resting often. The trip was enjoyable.

Charmant. The exterior of this lovely shop is just as exquisitely cared for as I've read that its delicacies are crafted. I neatly park my bike, leave my helmet on the seat, and walk inside, smiling at the tiny chime of the door's jingle bell. I seat myself, near a window where a strong sunbeam can join me at the table, and peruse the small on-table advertissements until the waitstaff brings me the menu.

[donguri]

My apprenticeship does not require me to assume wait staff duties, but when I'm not in the kitchen assisting Oren or perfecting my own craft, I like to help out. I'm proud of the work we do here, of both the small part I play in crafting Oren's masterpieces, as well as the few offerings I create that he deems worthy enough for sale under his name.

A few early customers start filtering in, and I move about the shop, asking if anyone needs anything, how they are liking things. I take compliments, especially those on my own work, with great pride, though I don't quite have Oren's full flare at it.

A rather tall gentleman with reddish hair walks in and moves to sit at one of the small window tables. The rest of the waitstaff is busy, so I fetch a copy of the day's menu - fine thick paper in off white, with gold leaf lettering at the top and fine ink work for the menu items beneath - and move to greet him.

"Bonjour. Welcome to Charmant."

[shabadoobie]

The waitstaff is prompt, and courteous. I smile up at my waiter contentedly, nodding a small greeting in return.

"Bonjour," I reply, taking the menu. It is itself a work of art; with presentation like this, I am all the more eager to taste Charmant's sweets. "A glass of water to start?"

[donguri]

I nod at the patron and then move off to fetch him his water and give him some time to look over the offerings on the menu today.

He's not a usual guest, and there's a feeling about him that is different from those that have lived in Zawame their whole lives. Either he's just especially well traveled, or he's from out of town. Or possibly both.

He's handsome, at any rate. I may spend a few extra moments glancing over at him before I return with his water. It never hurts to look.

"Find anything you like?"

[uchuukitaa]

Wait - is that -?

"Oi, Haruto!!!!!!!"

[shabadoobie]

The voice is familiar, the volume slightly less so - I'm used to being hailed at this volume from a little bit further than across a shop - and the grin is infectiously catching. Gen waves widely at me as soon as he spots me, and with one hand I gesture for him to come over and join me at my table.

It takes me another moment or two to swallow my bite of cream cake and clear my mouth to speak. "Gen!"

[uchuukitaa]

I bound over to Haruto's table, hurdling a chair and two dogs on the way, and plop down next to him. He's eating, but I know the bonds of friendship can cope with that!

"Hi, Haruto! I'm here on holiday! How're you doing? What brings you to Zawame?"