[Hymn #43] [Movement] ~Smorzando~

[nightcrossed]

[It's around closing time at Cafe Demois and if any of the remaining customers were taking note, one of the waitresses was not being her usual polite and proper self. Actually, she was being especially quiet. Had she looked anyone in the eye recently or asked if they needed another cup of tea or a coffee? Well, probably not.

In fact, Tear had been scrubbing on the same table for precisely twelve minutes and eighteen seconds. There was the lingering issue of the recent disappearances of several friends to be sure, but there was also that... Well, at least with a little time, she could only assume the latter would simply go away.

She is obviously preoccupied with her thoughts. The table, on the other hand, is a gleaming piece of work. It probably hasn't been this clean in months, if ever. Interrupt? Yes / No]

Comments

[apurposetolive.livejournal.com]

...You...do realize you've been scrubbing the same table for over ten minutes, right?

[a-severed-fate.livejournal.com]

....

[Can we make that fourteen minutes and nine seconds? It sure seemed like she had forgotten something recently. And she had: Replying. Realizing that someone was talking to her, she finally stopped what she was doing, although she was not being particularly attentive and hadn't bothered to look up.]

You were timing me.

Was the food not to your liking or are you waiting for part of your order?

[apurposetolive.livejournal.com]

Look, if I were timing you, I'd know exactly how long you've been at it. I don't.

Neither. I was just concerned.

[a-severed-fate.livejournal.com]

[Tear sighed. She really didn't want people worrying about her and didn't think they should have to. It was a waste of time. She left the cleaning rag on the table, straightened, and folder her arms, finally casting a glance in Luke's direction.]

I'm fine. I've just had a lot to think about recently.

What about you?

[Changing the subject was always worth a try.]

[apurposetolive.livejournal.com]

Eh. Been getting by.

What's been on your mind?

[Sorry, Tear, that won't work this time.]

[a-severed-fate.livejournal.com]

[Darn you, Luke fon Fabre. You're supposed to be an idiot. Still, it's going to take a little more prompting if you really expect her to talk.]

I heard you recently got a new co-worker.

[Um. Yeah. That's one way of putting it. She is looking elsewhere as she says that. The question goes unanswered.]

[apurposetolive.livejournal.com]

Don't even remind me of that! Why didn't you tell me how much of a jerk he is?!

[a-severed-fate.livejournal.com]

[Tear scoots back a step, but her expression doesn't change.]

He may not be the most pleasant individual, but I found him mostly tolerable. For some reason, however, he seems to have established an immediate disliking towards you.

["For some reason"? The problem was pretty obvious. But as for Tear, it looked like she had two redheads angry at her now.]

And besides. You didn't believe me.

[allnaturalmagic.livejournal.com]

[Terra had been lingering at the cafe, not really wanting to leave - and she couldn't help but notice how the waitress seemed to be cleaning the same table over and over again.]

Ah... miss? Are you okay?

[a-severed-fate.livejournal.com]

... ...eh?

[Tear jolted to attention, flushing in embarrassment and dropping her cleaning cloth in the process.]

Yes! I'm absolutely fine! There's nothing wrong!

[She said these words with forceful conviction before composing herself and retrieving the cloth, continuing at a more usual tone.]

I'm sorry. I must not have been paying attention. Can I get you anything?

[allnaturalmagic.livejournal.com]

[Terra steps back in alarm]

I... I'm fine, but... perhaps you should take a break?

[a-severed-fate.livejournal.com]

[Tear sighs. She wasn't trying to frighten people off, and yet somehow, her conflicting thoughts and emotions were resulting in something like this. Maybe she did need a break, if only to help her sort things out and compose herself so she wouldn't suffer another outburst.]

Yes... that might be a good idea.
I do apologize, though. My reaction was entirely inappropriate. I've had a bit too much to think about lately, and as a result, I don't seem to have been paying attention to my surroundings.

[allnaturalmagic.livejournal.com]

There's no need to apologize. I've had a lot on my mind, as well... I can understand.

[a-severed-fate.livejournal.com]

About the recent disappearances...?

[allnaturalmagic.livejournal.com]

Yes, as well as... some memories.

[sortavaluable.livejournal.com]

You all right? You're looking pretty out of it.

[a-severed-fate.livejournal.com]

[She jumps a little before she manages to catch herself. There are way too many redheads around these days, but it's a really good thing Zelos isn't Asch coming to yell at her for tricking coaxing him into taking a job as the other assistant blacksmith. She still seems just a little on edge, though.]

...yes, I'm fine. I must have been lost in my thoughts and therefore lost track of time.

Is there anything I can get you?

[sortavaluable.livejournal.com]

...Right. []

I was just leaving, actually, if you're sure you're okay. []

[a-severed-fate.livejournal.com]

I'm sure I'll be fine as soon as I find an appropriate distraction. It's likely that I am simply overthinking matters that can't be helped in the first place.

[halberdvshield.livejournal.com]

...Is there something wrong with the table, miss?

[a-severed-fate.livejournal.com]

... [Uh oh.]

I...

...was hoping to return the table to its original pristine condition.

[halberdvshield.livejournal.com]

It seems rather pristine as it is. Overscrubbing it will simply cause damage.

[a-severed-fate.livejournal.com]

...this is very true.

To think I almost made an amateur's mistake, and at my place of employment no less...

[halberdvshield.livejournal.com]

You'll simply need to be more attentive in the future. As it is, there doesn't seem to be any damage to the table this time.

[a-severed-fate.livejournal.com]

[Tear let out a small sigh. The last thing she needed was more people getting angry with her - especially her own manager screaming about a damaged table.]

Yes, that's good. Thank you for informing me.

It's been a long day, so perhaps after getting some rest I'll be able to resume my duties in a more responsible fashion.