The Cephalo Diaries 2017

"..This is a family friendly city, mom. Literally the worst that could happen is that you could accidentally pick a restaurant aimed at little kids." A group of five green inklings, one of which too young to have a kid form, stood in the middle of the sidewalk, in the heart of Cephalo City. "I mean, even Komu's too old for that. Don't worry about it, just pick a restaurant or whatever. Send me a text with the name of the place, I'll be back with you guys before you know it." The guy who had spoken up so far, broke off from the group hesitantly. 

"Sleak, are you certain about this, we'd rather wait until you're back.." The older lady spoke up, the one the guy had been talking to before. 

"Seriously, it's fine, Cephalo's like the safest place I can imagine. I'll be back in a jiffy!" He gave a quick wave, before he finally ran off. 

A younger girl in the group looked betrayed as he just ran off like that, almost as if she, too, had wanted to get away. "..Well, I suppose we'll have to just find a place then. This street seems like a good place to start!" She eventually stated, walking into said street. She was followed by the remaining three inklings. 

Though the street she had led them into served mostly to invoke complaints from the woman. "Too loud." "Too rowdy." "A fast food place? No." "Oh! A quaint little cafe, how about that?" 

"That seems like a decent place, does it not, dear?" The man finally spoke up. He looked at the girl, seemingly pleading to her to go along. 

"Y-Yeah mom, come on, there's plenty of room inside, I think there's even kiddie chairs for Komupakt and.." 

"I wanna sit in an adult seat!" The younger squid piped up. 

"Okay, well, Komu can sit right next to me, then. Well, you guys find a place to sit down, I'll go text bro." The girl stepped out for a moment, leaving the father, mother and younger kiddo to.. well, accost a member of the staff. 

"Ah, pardon, young lady. Is there a table free with five seats?" The man asked, looking at a waitress.

Another day, another dollar!
Victoria had just finished delivering a hot drink and scones to a table when she saw the family of four come through the doors. And then one stepped out, so she just had to keep in mind to grab four menus as she finished making sure her current client was settled well. Torch gave a bright, welcoming smile as she approached the trio, couldn’t make time to give a proper greeting so she hoped the friendliness was good enough..  but.. five? Guess they’re expecting someone else. “Oh yes of course!” The orange inkling quickly made her way around the counter by the entrance, collected four regular menus and a kid’s menu, and began walking further into the cafe, “right this way~ I hope this table’s alright for you. If you’d like, I think there’s a booth available too, ah..” she placed the stack of menus neatly on the current table, “either way, my name is Victoria, I’ll be your server today.” She gave a small bow, “and, I’ll be back around to get your orders eheh.. please enjoy!” And with that, Torch left them to their devices. Probably off to get several glasses of water for them.

Sleak's minor errand was to get the heck home and clean up the mess. Though his apartment was nowhere near as bad as an average student's place, his mother would have a heart attack if she saw his weapons and other turf gear just laying around. As such, when his phone notified him of an incoming text message, he opted to continue cleaning up rather than immediately read it. He was in a rush, after all! 

"Ah yes, thank you, this should be fine." The man replied to the waitress, seemingly cutting off his wife. 

"Bit rude to just walk off like that.“ 

"Mom, she's clearly busy." The girl said, approaching the table. "We're not alone in this cafe. She said she'd be back, didn't she?" She lifted the little kid up onto a chair and sat down next to him. 

"She didn't even give a proper greeting." 

"That's likely because I approached her, dear. Please calm down." 

The girl in the group sighed. It was all just typical to her.. She picked up a menu and gave the kids menu to her little brother. "We're having lunch, right? Not just drinks?" The father nodded. "Alright, then I'll text bro to ask if I should order for him." As the girl took out her phone and began swiping, the older two inklings each took a menu and looked at the options. The kid had wide eyes at the menu in his hands.

Victoria moved briskly to the back, no time could be wasted here! She made note of the area as she passed through, making a mental checklist of what had to be done on the way back.
Being to place down more wrapped utensils on the tables...including the family she was serving now, fuck.
Having the tray of lightly iced waters, Torch weaved her way back to the family, asking her other clients how they were holding up— and she had to be back for them later. Why do they always want ketchup with their paninis??
“Alright, here we are!” The orange waitress began placing the glasses before each seat, and did the same with the utensils right after. Holding the tray flat against her torso, she asked in her sweet friendly tone, “Are you all ready to order, or do you need a little more time? —oh, wait a sec.” she maneuvered the tray to the side a little, enough to stick her hand in her apron pocket and retrieve a small packet of crayons, and gave it to the smallest squid, “here ya go, big guy. Sorry about that!” Ah yes. Forgetting to place the utensils back, forgetting to give out the crayons, and forgetting to ask what drinks they’d like to start off with instead of immediately bringing out the waters. These are only a few fumbles normally made by this particular waitress.. but her hospitality usually made up for it, at least, so it seemed with her other clients in the past. She could only hope it’d be the same here.

Sleak's little sister began to get annoyed. Two texts that have remained unanswered. What was Sleak even doing...?
Answer: Discovering his laundry pile being higher than he remembered. Of course he had no time to just bring it to a Laundromat or anything, so instead of he opted to dump it all in a box that.. he.. had no idea what to do with. Until he decided 'screw it' and ran out the door with it all... Texting Shiro while running, begging her to allow him to store a box for a short while. Cue one confused octoling.

 
Ice water? The man raised an eyebrow, but made no comment. The little squiddo, however, was overjoyed with getting crayons. He stared at the packet as if it was the best thing ever. 

"Well, I believe we'll need more time to decide what we'll eat for lunch.. but I would like to start off with a nice cup of coffee. Black, please." The man eventually stated. The kid, however, had taken out the crayons and was already defacing the kids menu, being the closest thing to draw in. 

"Make that two, though I'd like a bit of creamer." The woman chimed in, giving a stink eye to the iced water. The girl, on the other hand, just rolled her eyes. 

"Well, I should be good with three glasses of ice water, don't worry about it. And I bet Komu'll be fine, though.. uh.. well, I think that kids menu might be a casualty of his artistic sense, huh, bro?" That got a smile and a nod from the little guy. "Ahaha.. sorry bout that." The mother clearly disapproved of the girl's apologizing. They're waitstaff, what are you doing. Noticing this, however, the father just rolled his eyes, which fortunately for him was unnoticed by the woman. "..Also, I noticed you have ham and cheese croissants and I am not gonna wait for bro to show up first." The girl looked at the waitress. "I would like one of those, thank you."

haha oh boy. Yeah that water wasn't the way to go was it.
Torch used the same hand to retrieve her notepad and pen, trying to ignore her flub ups. But nope, don't let it phase you, it was just another mistake! that's all. And they've got water in case something isn't all that great right and- "aw don't worry about it, we've got plenty! He could take his masterpiece home if he wants to~" Multitasking at its finest: panicking while jotting down orders and responding to a conversation. "Just uh, hope it's still legible. I can get another if you'd like eheh.. Nice choice on the croissants too! One of my personal favorites in the morning. " After finishing up the note she dropped the notepad back into her pocket and held the tray in a better grip, "alright, I'll bring these all out in a bit!" With another friendly smile and a nod, she was off.

What is in the box, Sleak.
Nothing important, Shiro.
Oh come on Sleak, you're trying to hide it in my house, what is in the box.
It's just some clothes, Shiro.
Sleak, are you hiding your dirty laundry.
No, why would you think that, Shiro.
I CAN SMELL THE SWEAT, SLEAK.
PLEASE SHIRO I HAVE NO OTHER OPTION.
WHAT IS GOING ON SLEAK. 

Anyway, back to the family ordering lunch. "Great! You hear that, Komu? You can draw all you want and we'll take it home, mom'll probably hang it on the fridge!" The girl said, eyeing her mother. With a smile. 

"We will? Weren't you planning on staying here, in Cephalo, hmm?" A look of betrayal. Dad, how could you. Mom is literally sitting there, and she's got her eyes wide open. I can see the anger. 

"...I was.. thinking of it.. Maybe?" DAD, I DON'T LIKE BEING THROWN UNDER THE BUS LIKE THAT. 

"Absolutely not! We're just here to visit your brother! I'm not leaving you here in this.." 

"Safe, family friendly city?" The man chimed in. "The worst that could happen is that she gets a higher education.. And that's only worst because I'll have to bankroll it, hahahaha!" A rather painful laughter, nobody chimed in. Well, the kiddo was smiling and laughing, but that was because of his fine piece of... art. Much green. Very Artistic. Oh, now some red. Ahaha, excellent drawing. Wow. 

"Great, so my options are go home and be forced into further education or stay here and be forced into further education, huh?" She took a sip of the iced water. One sip down, three glasses to go. 

"You could try a job? Ah, your aunt Zee might have something suitable, you could probably intern for her for awhile.." 

"Thanks, but.. I'd.. rather find my own way, mom. Besides, aunt Zee is... on a level of eccentric that I'm uncomfortable with." To put it mildly, thank you, but there was no way she was going to say that about her mother's sister.

Ketchup, refill, pastry, and starter order. she could only hope that one of these customers would be ready to check out soon..
Torch was zipping around the cafe, grabbing the condiment from the rack, grabbing a new cup of juice for that one refill, and sent the orders to the back. Getting the ketchup and refill was an easy trip, just dropping it off and- oh look that other guy wants the check after his pastry! yessssss..
Another trip to the back for the check and oop there goes the coffee! The orange blur grabbed the fresh brew and poured the two cups, accompanied by a tiny pot of creamer- no way was she going to guess just how much creamer a customer wants. Setting it all on a tray, Victoria made her way back to the family. "here you are; two cups of coffee, and here's the creamer, miss~" She placed it all neatly on the table, before flipping the tray under her arm and facing the young girl, "And your croissants should be out in a moment, I'll be back to check up on ya!" Aaand there she goes again. Mildly hoping that this would also be enough time for them to get their orders straight for their lunch... drown the cusses.. droowwwn the cusses..

Thanks Shiro, I'll pay you back!
Damnit Sleak, my house is gonna need quarantining after this.. agh, he's already off.
And yes, off he is, finally having dumped his load of laundry at Shiro's, now all that remains is.. uh.. right, get back to his family. But first, phone!.. Wait, what. 

"It's ma'-" 

"Thank you miss, this looks excellent. We'll be ready to order in a moment, I hope, haha.." AND CUT OFF YET AGAIN. The man seems to want none of this nonsense today, and takes a sip of his coffee. The woman, begrudgingly does the same, though not before putting in exactly two teaspoons of creamer. What the heck, lady. 

"Ah, a message back from.. What." The girl eyed the waitress as she walked off. "...Hoboy. Would've been better if he hadn't said a thing at all." 

"What was that?" 

"Ah, nothing important, mom. I got his order." It contains kicking his ass later. Yeah. She couldn't possibly do what he asked since the girl he's asking her to avoid is possibly THEIR WAITRESS. 

Speaking of Sleak, what was he doing now? Well, frantically texting, of course. Asking a certain orange waitress if she is at work today, and if yes, if there's a family of four green inklings... And if yes, to avoid them at all costs since that's his family and all. And send. Oh, a message back from Elle saying.. oh shit. OH SHIT.

Ma'am. right. Probably should have read by now that this was that kind of elder... welp. No turning back now, she was already off getting that check and pastry, as well as the order and checking up on the remainders of her clients.. Too much going on for one of two waitresses right now. But hey, just gotta do.. Soon enough Victoria managed to check that one person out with their pastry to-go. And it didn't seem that the others needed anything at that moment so all that was left was the croissants! Acquiring the plate, she made it back to the family's table, gingerly setting it down in front of the girl, "There we go, careful though, they're still a little hot.." Torch backed up, giving enough space to not seem intrusive in their, personal space. "So ah, would you still like a little more time or..?" She looked to the parents, brown eyes attentive to them.

Why isn't Torch responding, oh cod why isn't she.. Ohhh, she must actually be at work, unable to check her phone.. which means.. aahhh, Elle's text pretty much confirms Torch is actually their waitress.. What would the odds be that there's two orange waitresses who happen to be named VICTORIA OH COD IT IS DEFINITELY HER SCREW THE RULES- And off he went, using a Beak-On to super jump to parts unknown. 

Meanwhile, his family was in fact considering ordering. "We should be good, I just got a text back from brother that he would like a.. okay, never mind, fairly sure that he typo-swyped. Unless you actually have a.. 'Victory Meat Design' on the menu, haha..." The girl stared at their waitress. "I'll text him back." 

"It sounds like a fancy name for a sandwich. Speaking of, I would like one of these BBQ Chicken sandwiches. Seems interesting." The man spoke up. The woman frowned as she looked at the menu, still, though.. "A bagel. With some butter. And for my son, a-" 

"Ahh, that chocolate croissant looks good doesn't it, Komu? Yeah, please add a chocolate croissant for my little brother here. I'm sure he'll like it." The girl spoke up, suddenly, interrupting her mother. "Yeah yeah, you can also have a bite of my croissant, just wait until it's a bit cooled off, okay?" The father nodded at his daughter, getting a scoff from the mother. Complicated relationship there. Definitely. "Ah, and a.. Sleak, can't you reply normally.. ah!.. er.." Oops. "...Brother says he'd like a breakfast sandwich. Cheese, bacon.. and ah.. Hang on, sorry, maybe you can translate this?" The girl held her smartphone up towards the waitress, hoping she'd come closer and read the message. ELLE PLEASE LET TORCH KNOW SOMEHOW WHO YOU ARE WITHOUT LETTING MOM KNOW I KNOW HER - that was all the message said.

We should be good
On that cue, Torch dig out her pen and pad from her apron pocket, ready to jot down the order- wait. She glanced at the girl with a bit of confusion. Victory Meat Design? What? Never mind, the parents seem to have something, so she shifted her attention to them, quickly making notes of the sandwich and bagel with a smile and nod. Admittedly, she had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing at the fact the mom just keeps getting interrupted today! Though she did end up smiling more warmly and letting out a little aw when the girl said she’d share with her little bro.. so cute..
Torch looked to the girl again, seems she’s ready again-? Sleak? The waitress couldn’t help but blink, another bit of confusion. Was that a slip up or.. She quickly glanced at the rest of the family, trying to recompose with a smile. Well.. they were all green.. But. Okay. That aside. This.. brother, wanted that breakfast sandwich, right? Okay. Just. Work time. She began writing down the order when.. she was prompted to translate something? They didn’t have any foreign words.. “ah.. sure let me...” yet she looked at the message anyways. And you just might see her pupils shrink as she made the connection.
“Ah... right! Okay! Ham and egg. Goooot it.” Seemingly writing down the rest of that, Torch gave the family one more glance, very lost in the moment of thought until she slammed herself back into reality, “alright I’ll be back with your food.” One more smile and she dashed off, a bit more quickly this time, heading way back to drop the orders and make a pit stop at her locker... Of course she would never have gotten these until later but more of a heads up would have been real nice.. 

sugar honey iced tea, slick...... better get your ass over here quick

She just had to say something back, maybe to relay that she got the message. Maybe for other reasons. But for now, she was a sitting duck. This was her table to serve, she couldn’t just switch. Welp.. time to get back out there.

... oh no. OH NO. OH NO. WRONG FAST FOOD STORE. SHIT. AND NOW I HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE BEAK-ON TO RECHARGE, AGH.
Sleak slapped himself in the forehead. He sprinted towards the cafe. His side-adventure of going towards Shiro had brought him towards the completely opposite side of town and now this, agh. No, no, everything should be fine as long as Elle got her the message.. right..? RIGHT? 

"Yeah, sorry, my brother has a tendency to screw up his typing when he's in a rush.." Elle smiled at the waitress. 

The father simply nodded. "That's fine, no hurry, young lady. We have our drinks." Another eyeroll from the mother. 

Elle decided to take a bite of her croissant- DELICIOUS. HODAMN. Augh and she promised to share with Komu.. "Here you go, lil bro, take a bite." She stated, defeated. The little inkling took no moment to try a bite and.. STOLE ANOTHER BITE CAUSE APPARANTLY HE ALSO THOUGHT IT WAS GOOD, another betrayal, all the men in her family have betrayed Elle, they are the worst! 

"So, any news on where your brother is right now?" The man asked, eyeing Elle. 

"Your son sure is taking his time. And his manners, even over texting.." The woman shook her head. 

"Oh, so he's our son when he's doing good, but mine when he's flaking on us, huh? Hahaha.. Well, sounds like full custody is for me, hahaha!" 

"..Dad, he's an adult, who moved out. I don't think either of you have custody over him anymore." Elle said, with a smirk. Hoboy. Families.

Sigh.
Might as well do her rounds on the other clients. One seemed to be almost done, and the other.. completely lost looking for her. That one’s checking out. Torch briskly made her way over. Yep, asking for the check, as expected.
While performing her tasks however, she had her mind going through the new information learned. That was Sleak’s family. And he wanted her to avoid them for some reason. She could only imagine why #sarcasm.
Well, the sister didn’t seem bad at all. And the little one, how could he be any trouble? So likely the parents? Mostly the mom. She managed to go on and check out one, and check up on her other client before she heard the bell. One order was ready. Nope it turned out to be two! Victoria grabbed ahold of her trusty tray again, placing the bagel order with a little bowl of butter along with the chocolate croissant, and off to the uh, Disyne family.
Hoo boy, now that she thought about it more, this isn’t the best first impression is it.. “Alright we have the bagel with butter...” she placed the plate and then the bowl in front of the mother, “aaand the chocolate croissant!” Placed that one in front of the little one, before returning her tray to her torso, “the sandwiches should be ready soon, didn’t want to let these sit ahah.. ah, anything else I can get for you in the meantime?”

OKAY JUST ONE MORE STREET TO RUN THROUGH, just.. waiting for traffic.. UUUUGH could this day be ANY WORSE! 

"Not a problem, miss. I would like a second cup of coffee, if you don't mind." 

"Hm. Another one for me, too." The woman said, while frowning at the bagel. 

"I'm good, thanks. I think I'm gonna check outside for a moment, though, see if Sleak's on his way..." She eyed the waitress for a moment. "Maybe he'll see me and realize it's here, y'know. Be his beacon or.. torch or something." She held one of the croissants and got up. 

"..Well, his food isn't here yet, so he doesn't have to rush.. But it would be nice if your brother could at least join us for the lunch he set us up for, haha!"

“Absolutely!” She beamed at the request. “Ahah.. good idea- er, sure thing, not a problem,,” she stepped back, trying to come up with the words for a response to Elle’s statement. Didn’t sound like she knew him or anything, right? Torch set off again, making a mental checklist once more.. low key hoping she wouldn’t have to focus on the odd situation at hand. Food, client, coffee.. food, coffee, client? She’ll figure it out..

Ellecant is standing right there, the cafe is RIGHT THERE. "... So, what's the situation?“ 

“I'm going to kick your ass. But I think mom hasn't noticed. You know, it would've probably been a better idea to not say anything, right? Now you got me and your girlfriend on edge." 

"She's.. Not my girlfriend." Sleak.. Hesitantly noted. They.. Weren't going out. But having someone say it like that.. 

"Aagh, then what is the point of this all, she might as well just be a waitress you happen to know! I'm going back inside. You're paying for another order." Sleak sighed, before following his sister inside. 

"Ah, finally here, son? Apparently you're only my son now, so you'll have to find a new mother, haha!" 

"Don't be rediculous, Jeraffic." The woman said, after cutting the bagle in small pieces. She continued by putting a little bit of butter on each piece. 

"Well, guess I'll have to put myself up for adoption, then." Another eyeroll from the lady, after Sleak's comment. I'll explain later, he texted Elle. He also texted a single message with the word sorry repeated over and over to Torch. His frantic swyping caused some of these repeated words to be the wrong one. Like story, or dirty, or study. Just an awkward swype here and there. "Just had to deal with a friend for a bit. Owns a weapon store, asks me for notes and all that. Long story." He finally sat down, in between his sister and his father.

Coffee, client, food, then coffee! Again. It had to be brewed anyways, others wanted caffeine and well, it got empty! Still, it gave just enough time for this waitress to get that last client of hers checked out.. which means she’d have to be on the lookout for any more coming in. Food, coffee pot, check. Yes, it was enough time to get those last two orders ready and on the counter.. might as well wait for the coffee.
Torch glanced over at the family table. Was Elle able to.. ah, yes she was. Five heads. One of them which was about to get smacked. Later though. Because the coffee was done. Two sandwiches. She could balance them on one arm, right? Right. She’s had to do four once so this was fine. And with the coffee pot in the other, The orange waitress weaves her way around the tables to the current family..
“Oh there’s number five!” Boy was she getting the hang of the happy waitress act, “glad you could join your family here, they’ve already ordered something for ya~” and with that, Victoria placed the coffee pot down, grabbed ahold of the balancing plate and set the sandwich orders down before the father and Sleak. “Anything else I can help you folks with?” She asked, while pouring the coffee.

"Another portion of ham and cheese croissants please." Elle immediately spoke up. A Head Shaken, a tale by the mother at the table. 

"N-no, aside from that, I think we're good?" Sleak said, looking at his parents, the little squiddo making a mess of himself and the chocolate croissants. Buddy you're like 9 years old what are you doing.  And finally looked at Elle. Who just stared back at him. And if looks could kill, Sleak would've died then and there, most likely. "Yeah, looks like we're good, ahahaa.." He rubbed the back of his head while looking at Torch, with a face that seemed to say 'please don't kill me'.

Boy was he lucky she’s the one working right now or else she’d have a look that would match his sister’s. Alas, she could only give a friendly sweet smile. “Alrighty then! I’ll be back with those croissants, and hope you enjoy your meals~” Pick up the pot, and she was off again. Just her luck another couple of customers walked in so even after dropping off the order, Torch went to the front to greet them and show them to a table. At least she gets her exercise here.

"Thank you..." Sleak just said and.. started eating his sandwich. The mother just rolled her eyes as she continued to very slowly down her bagel and take a sip of her coffee. The man of the family seemed to just.. enjoy his chicken sandwich. The look on his face showed he was pleasantly surprised with this. The squiddo was covered almost head to toe in chocolate. Well, okay, it was nowhere near that bad, but Elle seemed to be fighting his face with a napkin for that reason regardless.
Of all the places to pick.. Oof. Sleak really should've.. like.. maybe walked them to the next street or something. He hadn't even realized it was this street they were pretty much next to.. Well, meet the family, Torch. It was likely obvious that he wouldn't have cared as much if it was just his siblings, or even his dad.. but.. He looked at his mother.. And frowned. If anything, he was quite sure she would've already realized his problem was with his mom meeting her like this.

Don’t make the same mistake again..
Victoria made sure the guests were settled and wrote down their drinks to start. She’d get those, then Elle’s food, and back over to the group. Good plan, good plan. But of course initiating it would be the next part.
She thought this phase was over, but it came right back to her.. She tripped on her own feet while carrying the drinks. Luckily Victoria managed to catch herself on time, enough so there were only a little spillage of the tall glass of lemonade. Not a big deal! But damn if that wasn’t embarrassing.. Maybe she was distracted. Knowing now that her friend and his family were likely watching. Especially the mother. How was she supposed to play that off?
Yet despite the thoughts, she chose to push them aside and just keep working right now. There was no time to waste, and definitely no room for mistakes, now that she performed that beginner’s trip.. All the while the guests seemed to be understanding of it. Telling her not to worry since, hey, it happens. And their drinks were still intact so good save! The waitress retreated to the back to clean off her tray, and picked up the now ready ham and egg croissants. She made her way over to the family table once more, setting the plate in front of Elle with a smile, “there ya go! And how are we holding up?” She stepped back on the question, folding her hands behind her back.

The father of the family was still pleasantly surprised with his food, enjoying it with each bite. The mother had finished buttering up her final piece of bagel, and stuck it on her fork, intending to eat it next. The youngest son had no more chocolate on his face, and had in fact restarted his work on his artistic version of the kids menu.
As for the other two siblings, well.. Right before Victoria returned to the table, Elle turned to her brother. "So, Sleak, you've been in Cephalo for, what, two and a half years. You uh.." Oh, the waitress is here. 

"I think we're doing fine?" Sleak turned to look at his parents. His father nodded, his mother scowled. Good enough. "Yeah, looks like we are." 

Elle looked at her plate of croissants. "Doing much better now, heee.." She smiled.. a smile that, as she turned her gaze from her plate back over to her brother, slowly became a smirk. "Buuut I was about to ask my brother what he's been up to here in this city." She leaned backwards. Sleak paused moving his fork, with a bit of sandwich stuck to it, as it had been pierced through slightly before.. and eyed Elle. He knew this behaviour. 

"Well, I suppose I'll tell you later. I kinda.. want to finish eating this before it gets cold." He stuck the bit in his mouth. And almost instantly regretted it. "...what about a girlfriend, bro?" She paused. "..or a boyfriend, I don't judge." Ah, that dreadful smirk. And with food in his mouth, Sleak was pretty much stuck with just.. STARING AT HER. "..Ahaha, but sorry, sorry, I'll wait until we're home before I grill you on that." Elle said, turning her head to the waitress. "We shouldn't keep you from your work with small talk, miss, sorry 'bout that!" 

"..Perhaps you should return in a bit. I'm fairly sure we'll require the bill in a moment." Their father finally spoke up. He, too, smirked.. but why..?

Well at least she had the luck to have one person answer and not all of them with their mouth full. She only meant to stay for another second, ready to let them know to just flag her down if they needed anything else, but then Elle spoke. Did she want her to stick around for some story time? It’s not like she didn’t know the reason already. So Torch began stepping back, “Ah, I’ll just leave you to-“ And then Sleak answered. Well it would be kinda rude to just walk away so she’d just have to wait for an openi- ...hahahawhat. She was at the same state, stuck staring at the green girl.
what are you doing..
She had to keep up the act though. I mean, how many times have people not hit on her?? ...Given they were likely tipsy but still, she. She could pull it off, right? Sorta anyways. That smile faltered. And her eyes averted to any other direction when the girl ‘apologized’, “oh- no! Ahah, it’s okay! Really uh..” Oh good! A distraction! “Yes! Of course, um.” She realized that had pointed to the father, as if literally redirecting herself. She returned that hand quickly behind her back. Idiot. “Just flag me down when you’re ready.” Another smile, though with a touch of awkwardness, and their orange waitress briskly walked off again.

As Victoria left, Sleak was basically left there to ask his sister "What the hell was that?", but he already knew the answer. 

"Just teasing you, bro. It's not like it's the first time.. Though.. That green color on your face, that's a first." 

"That's! Just! I'm embarrassed by you, obviously!" Sleak almost yelled.. Though his voice had been raised. 

"Pff, sure you are." Elle smirked still. Though the smirk once again became a smile as she took a bite of her croissant. 

Excellent, "Haha, I think she seems nice. Maybe you should ask her out, though.. It might be a bit awkward to ask a waitress out." Jeraffic shoots, and Sleak just sat there with an open mouth. 

"Are you trying to set your son up.. With WAITSTAFF?" The mother of the group had a look of disgust on her face. "You know he can do better than that! He is a top ranker in turf war, for crying out loud!" Sleak stared at his mother, uncomfortable at.. Whatever this was. 

"You're being unreasonable, Materiel. I recall you were unemployed when we got together?" 

"So what? I want the best for my sons. She is obviously not nearly that!" Sleak stood up, and walked outside saying nothing. Ellecant stared at him.. And shook her head, before following him outside. 

"Well, I suppose you are happy now?" Jeraffic stared at his wife. 

"What happened to you.." 

".. Sleak, hold u- oh." Elle had ran after him, only to find him standing literally in front of the next store. They shared an awkward moment, in silence.

It’s like she was on autopilot. Victoria tended to the new table, grabbing a couple of their orders and brought it back to the kitchen to be made. Even cleaning around the counters a bit, trying her best to keep her mind busy from what just happened.
Of course, that failed. Geez, were they really trying to set them up? The tone was familiar. And don’t think the father’s smirk went by unnoticed. What were they thinking??
Seeing the table’s order wasn’t ready yet, she headed even further back, checking her phone.. though she was still engulfed by her thoughts. Torch didn’t want a repeat of when they first met.. The planted thoughts to begin making them believe there was something there.. No. They were just friends! Sure she might’ve been lying to herself but how could she know those other thoughts were real or a result of the first time? She was happy just being friends...
Finally she registered the text message. Snorting at the wall of “sorry” and the few variants. It was sent a while ago, not just now. So... likely at the start of this ride. She began typing in a reply but.. closed the screen and tossed it back into her locker. She’ll send it later, if she didn’t have the chance to speak in person first. ...boy a splatmatch sounded real good right now. Wonder if there’s any underground matches going on.. With that, Torch returned to the dining area, delivering the orders to the new table.

Two siblings outside. Two parents, and the final sibling, inside. "She's off in her own goddamn world. And it all revolves around her. Can't believe we both came out of.. That." Sleak said, breaking the silence between the two. 

"Yeah, I guess we should count ourselves lucky that we got dad's intelligence, huh." 

"Pff, heh, yeah.. How is Komu doing, by the way? Kiddo is already 9 years old, but.. Well.." Sleak looked away. "..I dunno. When I was 9, I was learning about weaponry. You were practicing with a stick, pretending it was a roller, heh.." 

"I guess he's doing good.. 9 year olds are still little kids, Sleak. Technically, I still am. He's not as vocal as we were, but that doesn't have to mean anything." Elle replied. 

"True.. I'm just.. Concerned. Dad's doing his best, but I know he's got his hands full with work.. She is the only one who's there for him. Well, and you now." 

"Not for long. Camp might have been crap, but I got a new plan." 

"...I only have one bed." 

"It'll just be for a little while!" 

"Coddamnit, sis.. But fine.. I'd be hypocrite if I would try to change your mind.. I can't guarantee anything though, you can crash on my couch for now, but we gotta find you your own place. You may have to find a job." 

"Pff, I'll just play local turf, you said the standards here are lower than in Inko, so even I should be able to win around here." Elle boasted. 

"...you do realize the reason Torch is a waitress is because local turf pays out close to nothing? She was a high ranked player in Inkopolis, from what I heard, she scored higher than me in overall statistics." 

".. Oh shit."

Meanwhile, back in the cafe.. Nothing much happened. Jeraffic finished his coffee and jis sandwich, and looked outside. From where he was sitting, he could just barely see Ellecant standing there. Not Sleak, but considering she seemed to be talking to someone, he figured Sleak was just out of sight. Material was in the progress of finishing her coffee. She had not spoken a word yet. Komupakt was still playing with the crayons. The menu did not look like one anymore. 

"Think I should just tell them about Torch. Put mom on her stripes." Sleak spoke, leaning towards the entrance and spotting his father spotting him. "Dad would like her. Fairly sure you would, too." 

"I dunno, feels like that'd be too aggressive a move. Might be better to ask dad to come alone later." 

"Hmm."

Just these two tables.. these two and maybe she could clock out for the day. And then go kick ass. Maybe. After cleaning up the counter again, Torch checked on the newer table. What did they want? Just some desserts to go— ohh.. right she should probably offer the same thing to Sleak’s family over there. To go. That mom didn’t look too happy to have stood for as long as she did. And frankly, Torch wanted to boot them asap. What better way than the kind waitress act? Of course she’d only have to endure it if it didn’t work. Bringing the check and last orders to the back, Victoria used the waiting time to get back to the family table, “Hey~ want me to get that bill for ya? And um, perhaps any desserts to go?” She smiled.

Jeraffic looked at the unfinished plates of two of his children. "..Yes, the bill seems like a good idea. I don't think desserts are necessary, thank you." At that point the two siblings re-entered the cafe, noticing Victoria standing there, Sleak glanced over to Elle, who replied to his glance with a shrug. 

"..Yeah, you know what, screw it." Sleak came closer to the table, now more in earshot of them. An eyeroll from Elle, who followed him. "Say, Victoria, would you happen to have played turf in the past?" He looked straight at his mother when he sat down, however. "Cause your name reminds me of something." 

Materiel looked at her son, who looked straight at her, with a confused look. What was he..? "..Wait, but.. Did Elle tell you her name?" Jeraffic looked at his son. "..Because.. you weren't here yet, when she introduced herself.." 

Sleak continued staring down his mother. "No. Elle did not." What Elle DID, however, was sit down and looking at what was left on her plate, finishing it slowly as this situation unfolded.

“O-oh I can get some boxes for those too if you’d like- ah,,” yes she heard the siblings come closer then, returning her hands behind her back. Torch blinked at the question. Why was he asking this??
Cause your name reminds me of something. 
Yep she began panicking at that. Had he actually figured out more of her past bad habits?? Though even that, she thought, was putting it lightly. The girl only continued to watch and listen, given that it seemed she had a little time to think. And hearing the father’s reaction.. maybe it’s not code red. Sleak wouldn’t totally out her... in public anyways.. about a situation like that.. Maybe. Who knows really.. people react differently.
Taking a silent breath in, Torch answered as modestly as she could manage. Gosh how much she would’ve loved to boast if she weren’t under her circumstance,, “yeah, I have, um.. mostly as a solo player or a free agent but uh..” She looked to Sleak, brown eyes really searching for the purpose of the question. He knew this. Why was he asking now? “Why do you ask?”

"Because my d e a r  m o t h e r seems to be looking down on 'simple waitstaff'." Sleak replied, still staring at his mother, who had now rolled her eyes. 

"Sleak, are you.." Elle looked at her brother, her plate now empty. "..." She looked at her mother, at Victoria.. "...what are you doing..?" 

"...I am, while of sound mind and knowing full well this is not the right place to do so, finally, in the 19 years I've been alive, telling my mother how fed up I am with her nonsense." 

Jeraffic had been looking at Sleak and his wife for the past few moments, switching gaze between the two every so often. "...son.."

"No, dad. I'm sorry that I'm involving you, but I'm sick and tired of this nonsense. I've been an S+ ranker in the past, well, whoop dee doo. Level 50? Not the first, not the last. Right now? Right now I'm a nobody, I'm pretty much anonymous in Cephalo City. And since I haven't been in a proper match since the big shots in Inkopolis decides to change the rules, I'm actually currently completely unranked. Wouldn't be surprised if I got to Inkopolis and was told I'm as stale as months old water." He finally changed his gaze for a moment, looking at his father for a bit while giving that speech. But he ended on looking at Torch.
"Victoria over here has also been an S+ ranker, and from what I gathered, she hit level 50 around the same time I did. I think." He looked at her questioningly for a moment, then shrugged, before turning to his mother. "...And what's funnier, dad over there has never even touched a turf war weapon. Yet you married him? Such strange standards you've set up." He shook his head. "I'm the only child you actually want, yet you've driven me away. Good job." Elle basically sat there dumbfounded, while Jeraffic simply sighed. He wasn't about to scream at Sleak for this.. Materiel seemed surprisingly calm, despite what had just happened. Before she could speak up, though, Sleak once more turned to Torch.
"...Yes, it would be great if you could box this. I've lost my appetite right now, so I'd like to take what's left home." He looked at his father. "Elle can stay at my place for a while. I'm heading there now. Come by later, I'm thinking you could meet a friend of mine." He looked at Torch for a moment, then at his mother. "..." But spoke no word. He just shook his head, before standing up and turning away.
"I'll pay you back later, dad. I need fresh air stat. Sis... could you pick up the meal once it's boxed?" And walked off.

Right at the 'dear mother' cue, Torch averted her eyes. Different code red. Family Feud. oh boy was the only thought in her mind as Sleak went through his spiel. Sadly she'd have to agree with some points, considering she would have the same story..
Towards the last portion she looked to him again, seeing what else he would say- oh he was already looking that's not embarrassing at all,,,
Hitting level 50 around the same time? Torch could only give an awkward smile and a shrug in return. Likely, maybe. She'd have to check back in her books for that one. And maybe, maybe if she weren't in this situation. If she weren't their current server and perhaps a random NPC, she woulda yelled DROP THE MIC
Alas, the orange waitress, her face slightly matching her ink, only stood there, piercing her lips to the final blow. "uhh, yeah, ssure thing." She nodded to the boxing request. ...Welp, she caught that message. Guess she has another place to go after work. Torch watched as Sleak walked away. Just what in the world did she get herself roped into...
"I'm totally gonna need a couple matches tonight.." She murmured, followed by clearing her throat and returning her attention to the table, "I'll uh, get these out of the way for you.." And she began stacking the remaining plates, holding them in one hand, then Sleak's plate of leftovers in the other, already heading off to complete the task..

"...right then." Ellecant's phone vibrated in her pocket a few times. Likely her brother, who just went out of sight of everyone. "Looks like I'm living in Cephalo from now on, eheh.." 

"You're not going to stay here, young lady." Materiel looked straight at her daughter. "Cephalo City seems to have a bad influence on people." 

Elle looked at her. But rather than having a surprised or confused look, she simply had a single eyebrow raised. ".. Looked more like a good influence where I was sitting. Sleak finally discovered he had a spine to talk to you with." 

Jeraffic was looking at Elle at this point. He simply put his hand in front of his eyes, seemingly knowing full well what was coming. 

"You won't disappoint me any further, young lady. You're not staying, that's the end of it." 

"Oho, I'm afraid I've got many more disappointments in me. The only place I'm not staying in, you see, is this cafe." She stood up.. Before pausing. "Soon as our waitress comes back with Sleak's meal. Kinda forgot about that for a moment." 

"Who do you think you a-“ Materiel cut herself off at this point, looking at the incredible shit eating grin on Ellecant's face. Almost daring her to finish the sentence, but in the mother's eyes more a clear indication not to. 

"Oh gee, I dunno. The girl you've been steadily disappointed with, the girl you've been trying to control, the girl who seems to finally, FINALLY found a more permanent method of being free of the gilded cage you've tried to build around her." Ellecant simply spoke, lacking the intention to wait any further for her mother to finish the sentence.

It was all fairly quick. Probably even quicker with the fact that Torch saw the light: her shift almost ending. One bill and dessert drop off here, and one bill and boxed food there.. except, impeccable timing, she had to arrive just as Elle was answering her mom..
“Ah, your bill, sir.” Torch made a beeline to the father and handed the receipt over, having no intention to be caught up in this round of spitfire. As soon as the receipt was in his hands, Torch stepped to Elle and handed the boxed food, when she was done speaking of course. “And, here’s the leftovers.” She tried to smile, being polite, but it only came out more sympathetic instead.

"Excellent, thank you! Dad, see you at Sleak's place later. Bring Komu if you want to." Elle waved at her father before walking off, just like that. "Ah, thank you.. Er, pardon me, but.. well.. What's the usual tipping rate? Sleak mentioned something about it being different over here, and I don't want to be rude." Jeraffic spoke. 

"How about none at all?" His wife piped up, now somewhat more clearly upset. 

"..." Jeraffic looked at his wife. Then back to Torch. "So, what is it, 5 percent? 10? 20?"

Torch seemed to look at the mother at the same time the dad did, and returned to their exchange like she had said nothing at all as well, “ah, thank you, it’s uh, 15 percent here.”

"Alright.." Jeraffic took a moment to calculate ... by taking out his smartphone and using the Calc app. "Well, thank you for your hard work.." He proceeded to hand Victoria the amount on the bill and 15% tip.. rounded up. "We should be going, however.. I hope you have a nice day." He stood up, followed immediately by his wife.. who proceeded to try to get a distracted Komupakt's attention. When she failed to do so, Jeraffic attempted and seemed to immediately have better success. 

"Goodbye!" Little Komupakt shouted, giving a small wave to their waitress as the trio left the cafe.

“You too, sir! Uh, thank you for dining with us!” She called a bit awkwardly. Just, whew, finally that was over.. Oh, the little one. She waved back at him with a smile. He, was adorable. Seemed much nicer than her brothers. With a final breath out, Torch resumed her duties, which wasn’t long before she completed her shift.. 

——————————— 

Walking and texting! Don’t do this at home. It was well after her shift at the Melanin had ended and Torch was wearing her turf gear now. Much more comfortable.. and she was simply too lazy to change out of them after she’d let off some steam. 

Hey, uh. It’s not too late to come by, is it? She sends the message to Sleak... as she’s already walking up to the door.

In Sleak's apartment, there was a plate on the kitchen table with crumbs, and an empty box next to it. Someone definitely ate the leftovers... A folded-up blanket laid on the couch, with a pillow on top. Elsewhere in the room was a large plastic bag.. filled with dirty laundry. One can only imagine how that conversation with Shiro went. A splat roller was standing up against the wall, next to a Krak'on Roller. Sleak sat at the table, writing down something.. a list of things to get, it seemed.. He only paused his writing because his phone vibrated. A text message from Torch. "Ah.." He texted back- 

No! Not at all! In fact, dad should be swinging by any moment now with Elle's luggage. Where are you at? 

Elle? Yes, Ellecant had also arrived to the apartment- the leftovers were an obvious sign of that. But where had she gone? Ah, a flushing sound answered that question.

Oh sweet, she has time to settle instead of straight into the meet n greet
~Where are you at? 
Torch paused. And decided to press the buzzer instead. ...if he didn’t come fast enough she would begin to continue pressing it annoyingly.

The door bell? Hm, that's curious, Jeraffic may've called to say he was coming over, but he had barely left the hotel when he did so. Sleak raised his eyebrow. He eyed his phone.. And sighed. "Hey Torch, long time no see." Sleak finally spoke, as he opened the door. But it was actually his dad!.. No, it was obviously Torch. "Was that the doorbell, bro? Dad can't already be here, can he?" A familiar female voice came from the bathroom, over the sound of gushing water.

“Oh, yeah, been a long while. How’ve ya been, slick?” Torch wasn’t expecting an answer, but she stopped herself shot from saying anything else when she heard Elle, “oh- I... didn’t think your sister was here.” She put a hand to her mouth. Welp. Elle seemed pretty chill but this was kind of bad first impressions all over again to her.

"You did technically see her leave after me, didn't you?.. Come on in." Sleak opened the door to the rest of the apartment, and closed the front door after Torch. "Naw sis, it's just our waitress, apparantly she does delivery, too."

Troch shrugged, following him in, "I thought she was with your dad for her luggage or something!" defensive, defensive..
She opened her mouth to have some kind of quip to the waitress comment.. but gave up on the thought. "sorry, didn't bring any cheese croissants.. I coulda brought something if you guys really wanted though.." Torch tossed her pack to the side somewhere, "though it prolly would've been cold by now.."

"Now that's a shame.." Elle stood in the doorway of the bathroom, looking slightly disappointed. "They were so good.." 

"And no, Elle came straight after me. I at first had texted the address, but I opted to staying outside the cafe.. Dad's basically sneaking her luggage here. Mom apparantly doesn't agree with Elle staying here, but at this point it's 3 to 1."

"Figured as much.. Well uh.. Since you're living here, guess you'll get more opportunities for those croissants then! hehe," Torch held an arm, "But uh, nice to meet you outside of a waitress/customer setting! It was uh.. a little unexpected heh.."

"Aww, you gotta let me know your schedule so that I can pop in when you're working!" Elle said, fairly enthusiastic. 

"...and you gotta let me know your schedule so that I can prevent her from doing so." Sleak added. "..Anyway, less formal situation. Elle, Torch, good friend of mine, actual name Victoria. Torch, my lil sis Ellecant, aka Elle."

"yo." she raised a hand as her greeting. just a reaction to the introduction, "I really don't mind though," She lowered said hand, now gesturing with it, "Just woulda been nice to meet when I wasn't working first.. now It's whatever~"

"Well, yo back to you then." Elle said, raising her hand for a moment. "Well, Sleak never warned me about having friends in a cafe, so no blame lies with me." 

"Whose choice was it anyway? If it's you or Komu, I would've expected the fast food place across the street.." Sleak responded. "Mom. Ironically, the place she picked for us to come together is the place she's finally driven us apart."

“So she’s.. always been like that?” Context clues, yes. “I mean, not just ‘protective mother’ instincts or something?”

"Somewhere, in the back of my mind, I far off remember a time when she wasn't like that.. VERY far off. So far, that I wonder if I didn't imagine it." Sleak shrugged. 

"Well, as far as I can remember, she's been a bitch." Elle noted. "Always forcing me into things, not letting me decide.. If it wasn't for dad, I might've ended up her personal doll or something." 

"Hmm, you thank dad, but not me? I'm hurt." Sleak stuck his tongue out. "But yeah, mom has very much not been into Elle's decisions."

Torch chuckled at Sleak’s tease. But the thought stuck to her.. Personal doll. that sounded very familiar.. Except her parents simply weren’t around enough to make her outright rebel them in their face- “How’s Paisley?” GJ Torch you totally dropped the subject. “Uh.. I mean. Sorry. Just, what you said reminded me of her..” she rubbed the arm she was holding, “Ahah, and this is assuming you were even acquainted. Sure you went to the same camp.. I’m assuming..” She couldn’t look anymore, choosing to avert her eyes to the side, and her orange cheeks showing just how embarrassed she was by the sudden question.

Sleak raised an eyebrow. "Paisley? Your cousin? How wo-" He paused as he realized she asked his sister. Who was just staring with her mouth wide open. "Uh.. Uhm. I think okay? I kinda left in the family weekend, and as far as I know, she.. Uh.. Didn't?" Elle just stood there fairly uncomfortable. "I uh.. Didn't think I'd run into someone who knew anyone from camp. I.. Hung out with her once, during a really shitty event.. That lasted for.. Months." While she was looking in Torch's direction, it was clear she was staring at something else.

She knew Paisley didn’t leave. Hell, she was with her little cousin that day. What Torch didn’t know what that Ellecant did leave.. So the girl was back to square one in terms of really making sure the little devil was okay. Torch managed to look back to the girl with the last few lines, “sorry I guess I just needed a second affirmation- uh..” she noticed the stare, and leaned toward Sleak murmuring, “shit did I trigger a ’Nam flashback...”

....Maybe. The sheer boredom of waiting for so long on some dumb event to end.. And then everything afterward... "..Let's.. let's not talk about camp." Elle snapped back to reality as Sleak said that. "Hard to believe you actually met Torch's cousin, though, whew. What are the odds." 

"Mm, pretty good, I think. There were, what, 12 people at first? Hard to miss someone if there's barely anyone else around." Elle noted. "Like, at some point after I joined, there was almost nobody there. So I've kinda been there like months before things started properly, which.. ironically, wasn't the worst part? Just when they were intending to start training properly, all sorts of things happened that resulted in training getting canceled pretty much.. You can get away with a lot if there aren't many people there, but soon as the people got there, stuff got more strict, and thus, more boring.. And yet, I still haven't had a single day of proper training." Elle sighed. "So let's.. please.. not talk about camp. I'm here now. I gotta make new plans."

Geez that sounded even more of a mess than Paisley was making it to be.. but it seems then the girl was able to either keep up or do something with herself to not complain so.. looks like she got that second affirmation after all. “Sounds like a.. well, plan, eheh,” Torch was holding her arms at the elbows now, leaning against.. something. Couch? Wall? Something. “Bare with me, I’m not great with conversations.” She gave a smile, though it was more apologetic.

"Well, we could talk with our weapons.." Elle eyed Torch.. and then looked away. "But uh, I'm both recalling that Sleak told us you're a former S rank and also the fact that I've yet to win a single match of anything, so the .. er.. 'conversation'... would likely go over my head, so to speak." 

Sleak chimed in, "That and there's only like a 50/50 shot that even I can win against Torch solo. Kinda depends on the mode. If it's Turf, easy. If it's splatmatch.. well, might be a bit of an issue." ending on a smile towards Torch.

Torch returned the smile, briefly, for it gained a bit of a smirk after. “more of an issue you mean” she turned back to Elle, “I’m that aggro player that keeps the heat off of everyone else on my teams. Or..try to anyways.” She jabs a thumb in Sleak’s direction, still wearing the small smirk, “QRSJs can be a real pain to that.”

"Hey, I try not to. I Quick Respawn, sure, and I may Super Jump to the Beak-Ons I've undoubtedly left behind, but at least..... er... I think I just disproved the point I wanted to make there." Sleak looked sideways.. "But I'd def win in turf if it were 1 on 1. Splatmatch, I'm.. okay fine, I'll admit it, I'm fairly sure I'll lose that. Torch is a decent hunter, while I mostly rely on getting the drop on someone.. which is easy to do with good Beak-on placement."

She sputtered a giggle at his attempt, making her lose that smirk altogether. “A thank you~” Torch dipped her head a bit in some sort of bow, “yeah coverage isn’t my forte. Unless I’m covering for myself.” She paused, gaining another question, “say um. Ellecant? Are you willing to try out the local matches here? They’re a whole lot easier than in Inkopolis!”

"Yeah, well, that is the one difference between you and most of my victims. It's easy to get the jump on someone covering the area in ink. But you.. Are just.. No longer there." Sleak shrugged. 

"Easier? Well, if that's the case, I'm definitely interested. I like playing turf, but it's just.. Really hard to get into." Elle replied to Torch, ignoring most of what her brother was spouting.

“I suppose it’s not a strong interest for everyone eheh..” Torch rubbed her arm, slightly worried over a little things at that moment. Did she understand her correctly? Was she accidentally pushing it on her? She went to that camp to get better, right? So she couldn’t be pressuring per say.. “Then again, I am talking from the killer’s stand point.. not a lot of aggressive players here to combat, so they’re easy pickings.. I refuse to be the hunted.” She nodded to her own statement, low key answering Sleak as to why she was ‘no longer there’ those times.

"Well, in Inkopolis everyone's so competitive. I thought I'd get into it naturally, but.." Elle looked away.. "Of all the matches I've played, I've been dead last. I've technically 'won' a few, but.. If you score less than the lowest of the opposite team, it's obvious that you got carried.. I can't call that a win. So when dad suggested the camp, it seemed like a good idea, you know.. Get some good practice in, train with others.. Of course, that didn't actually happen.." Elle sighed, and decided to sit down at the table. "So now I'm here.. And if it's really easier, then maybe this is the step down I need to get better?"

“Stepping back to move forward..” Torch mused, “hey, it’s starting somewhere!” Much like herself, but she wasn’t about to open that can of worms.

"Well, it's not that much a step back. She has a former top ranking brother with his own arena to train her in.. A brother who has a friend who can maybe help with that.." Sleak paused to look at Torch, as if to say that an obvious hint requires not to be more obvious.. "And also more.. Uh.. Selection in weaponry.. Choice of new gear before it becomes public.." 

Sleak looked at Elle. "Real talk, you're actually pretty dang well off now. Your only issue should be lack of living space." 

Ellecant looked away after he said that. "W.. Well, at least I got your couch..?"

“Oh. Yeah I’d help! I just didn’t think...” she trailed off, scratching behind her head. The rest of what she would say might have been deduced, but even stopping there made sense. Just. Shut up, Torch. Shut up and nod along because what he was stating was pretty true too. “Couches are comfortable... can, be comfortable. ...no air mattress, slick?” She looked over to Sleak.

"None whatsoever. I never thought I'd be hosting someone for longer than maybe a single night. And honestly, my couch ain't that bad, I've slept on it." Sleak looked at Torch.

"ahaaah.. right." Torch looked away, orange growing on her cheeks. Boy was she making a fool of herself right now lol

"... So you have once stayed the night, got it." Elle stated, bluntly. "And you mentioned she wasn't your girlfriend, bro?" 

"I!" Sleak was pretty green on his cheeks now. "It was late! I slept on the couch! We just got back from a lunar eclipse and I suggested pizza! That's all!" 

"..That's not a no. You just avoided the question." Elle stared at Torch and Sleak, looking at one, then the other, switching repeatedly as she continued. "Are you sure you guys aren't like.. Dating at least?" Oh hey, the doorbell.

The accusation!! Her face was only getting more orange.
that's not a no.
That's not a no! What. what could that mean? No they weren't.. no... And she had to drop the last question. Talk about saved by the bell.. "GEtting it!" Much like her playstyle, Torch zipped from that spot to get to the door, taking the few moments to calm her face down and open the door. "Oh." no she didn't think this far ahead.
"Hi! uh. want some, help with that?" Her eyes shifted down to the luggage.

Sleak pretty much just stood there getting more green by the second, and as the doorbell ran he too felt like it was a 'saved by the bell' moment.
Except it wasn't. Because Torch went there first. And thus he was left with Elle, who was displaying the biggest smirk as she looked at him. "That's probably dad." OH COD IT WAS DAD WASN'T IT YEAH IT WAS. 

And Jeraffic stood there for a moment, his face starting at confusion, then questioning.. For a brief moment a smirk.. But then worry. "..That uh.. That would be great.. Uh.." He looked at the open inner door.. "Uhm.. I didn't.. Try to hook my son up with his girlfriend, did I? Because that uh.. Would be fairly awkward."

He could probably see the physical cringe when he said that. Not out of disgust but, utter embarrassment. "...no, sir, assuming that I am his, uh, g-girlfriend is a tad bit more awkward I think um." She tried to give a friendly smile, but with the growing orange on her face it only looked like a nervous one instead. Torch quickly grabbed for the bag and stepped aside to let the man in.

Jeraffic paused for a moment trying to parse all this.. Even if she denied it, one would have to be blind not to see something going on. As she stepped away with Elle's stuff, he couldn't help but smile. Ah, to be young and in love again. Wait, he wasn't that old. Ah well.
As Torch re-entered the main room, she'd not find Sleak anywhere in sight. She would, however, find Ellecant still seated, somehow remained in place despite that her ass had been thoroughly laughed off, and it was getting further away with the second as she was still laughing. Well, hypothetically at least. In reality, her tuches was still in the correct place. "So, what happened in here?" Jeraffic asked, before looking around. Not a bad place, for a guy to live on his own. Even got his dirty laundry bagged and ready to be taken to a washer, it seemed. 

"Oh you know, teasing the lovebirds." Elle smirked. "Thanks for bringing over my stuff, dad. I.. Really didn't want to face mom after everything."

Laughing. Torch had an idea what it was about and she wasn’t ready to face it. Though her prior attempt to escape it was futile too.
lovebirds?
“We’re, not-“ Torch started, but couldn’t find the rest of the words to finish it or defend it. Besides, it seemed there was an opening to finally leave the subject. Hopefully, anyways. “Er, speaking of. I’m not sure where your brother’s gonna want this so I’m gonna drop it over here..” Torch moved with the luggage, parking it beside the couch and then she realized. Her eyes glanced around. Shit, she was alone with these two. Sleak, you fucker.

"Well, that's understandable. If anything, I'm concerned about what might happen if she knew that I've brought your luggage. To her knowledge, I am only meeting with the friend Sleak invited me to meet. She's really not going to like this.." Jeraffic replied, to Elle's comment. "Which, speaking of.. I presume is you. Pardon for the scene in your work place. Materiel hasn't always been like this.. I am Jeraffic Disyne. Father of.. Well, I was gonna say these two troublemakers, but where did Sleak run off to?" 

"His bedroom. He couldn't stand my further teasing, it seemed. Or heck, maybe he assumed Torch here would join him." Elle stated, with a smirk. 

"Torch? Wasn't her name something longer? Uh.. Oh, I'm sorry, I can't recall it. I try to be friendly to staff, but.. Every store has different employees.. And.. Well, had I known you were acquainted with my son, I would've done better to remember. My apologies."

Torch turned back on cue to the father, ready to interject with a reassurance that there was no harm done -to her or at the cafe anyways- but stopped herself when he questioned the same thing she did just moments before. Which, Ellecant answered.  That fucking comment- forget the embarrassed act now! ...though, yes, it did reach her to some extent. Despite her orange face, the girl narrowed her eyes to the quip Elle made, just a flash of that bloodlust showing before she turned to Jeraffic.
Switching faces like a pro, "Oh, no worries, I get it, eheh.." She offered a better smile than the first at the door, "My name is Victoria Mai, but Torch is fine too!"

"Well then. Nice to meet you, Victoria." Jeraffic paused. "Mm, considering my son's revelation about your turf war status, should I assume Torch is a nickname?.. Perhaps, oh, let me guess.. Your orange color made it seem like a flame was moving around the arena?" 

"SO, DOES ANYONE NEED ANYTHING TO DRINK." Sleak, uh, 'asked' as he burst through the door. Well, not literally through, but it almost seemed like it. "I CAN MAKE SOME COFFEE." Looks like he was still green in his face. 

Elle seemed to be contemplating something. She had yet another shit eating grin. "Looks like my brother is thirsty."

“Aheheh, something like that!” Though she’d change colors often to match the team she was playing for.. suppose her default color added on to how she earned her full nickname too. But if only for a moment, she was beginning to relax. They were finally stepping away from the pairing topic and into a different conversation, right?
If only. Torch jumped upon Sleak’s entrance, eyes wide like a deer in headlights. And accompanied by Elle’s quip? She could only facepalm. “dammit, Sleak..” she murmured.

Sleak paused. Standing there, slowly turning to his sister. His father, in the background, trying his hardest not to burst into laughter. "YOUUUUUUUUU." He paused. His demeanor changed. His face regained it's normal color and in fact Sleak displayed a soft, gentle smile. 

This, in turn, creeped Elle out. For good reason. "..uh.. Sleak?" She could feel her own heart beat in her throat. 

And in the in the calmest voice possible, he finally stated. "..you can find your own place to stay at." The voice sounded so kind, it was almost as if he did her a favor by denying her the place on his couch. 

"ACK!" Ellecant stepped back. "Ah, n-n-no, Sleak, bro, come on.." This just caused their father to lose his cool and began laughing.

Torch traveled to her spot again, peeking in between her fingers to make sure she wouldn’t trip. She was unwilling to witness what may happen next.
..uh.. Sleak? 
Was that uncertainty she heard? Torch looked up enough to see properly, so her hand was still covering her mouth as she rested her chin on her palm. Well he recovered fast.. wish she had the same ability..
SNRRK-- Stifling a laugh to his verdict, Torch had to clamp her hand harder over her mouth. And her reaction only made her sputter a giggle or two, trying hard not to laugh despite their father totally giving in. Sure he might be kidding. But that reaction was great.

"There we go. That should be the end of it. Now then, to re-iterate my question.. Coffee, anyone?" Sleak asked once more. 

"Y-you.. you are kidding, right? Sleak? Bro?" Elle pleaded.. 

"Hahahaaa.. Yes, please, that would be excellent." His father replied, mid-laughter. 

"...no seriously, you're just joking right?" Elle, please, this is your own fault. Sleak only looked at her. Once. And then walked over to his kitchenette.

She had to inwardly breathe a sigh of relief, hope this really was the end of it.. she didn’t know what she would end up doing if it continued.. she couldn't help but snicker to the lack of response to Elle's question. Coffee... "uh.. could you just gimmie hot water?" she called out after.  Torch pushed herself off of her leaning spot to get to her bag, opting to grab her tea bag pouch and bring it to the kitchen.

"Hm, don't feel like coffee right now? Well, okay.." Sleak looked at his water cooker for a sec. Looks like for the first time in ever, it was going to be used for something other than 'just add water' meals. He filled the device with fresh water, before letting it boil. Meanwhile, his coffee maker began it's process with a hellish grinding noise, the cue that the beans were indeed being ground. Which was frankly curious, as Sleak had yet gone without response from his family.. But it seems they had unspoken cues, as his father nodded at the grinding sound, indicating he was definitely in for coffee. 

"Hmm, no coffee for you? Perhaps we shouldn't tease the lady no more, Ellecant. It would be rather awkward to have a tea drinker in the family, hahaha.." Jeraffic seemed to like his poor joke. Elle.. Elle was still contemplating the reality of being thrown out. Or not. He was kidding, right?.. Right?

“Oh, for sure!” Torch called back on Jeraffic’s...joke. Playing along only because it was in her favor.. and she was out of their faces for the time being. Once she reached the kitchen, she set down her pouch to fish out a tea bag, “I just need something to calm me down than have me wired..” she seemed to be speaking more to herself.

Torch's reply to Jeraffic only made the man bellow out louder in laughter. Oof. "Now I'm glad I got my sense of humor from both of my parents combined. One without any humor, one finding the dumbest of jokes hilarious.. the combination is a fortunately perfectly normal sense of humor." Sleak spoke, as he put down three mugs.. Three? Perhaps Elle had not responded in favor of coffee. 

"SLEAK, COME ON, I CAN STILL STAY HERE, RIGHT?" And theeeeeere's the charisma break Sleak had been waiting for. Elle had rushed.. well.. into the opening of the kitchenette, staring at Sleak, with teary eyes, almost crying. 

This caused Sleak to turn to Torch. "What do you think? She deserve a second chance, despite her obnoxious teasing?"

She looked to Sleak when he asked, then looked over to Ellecant. She studied the girl for a while, purposefully taking her time to ‘make’ a decision. “Man, I don’t know...hmmmmmm...” totally milking it out before finally shrugging, “why not. Could always get her back in the uh. training.”

"Ah yes, training, good call." Sleak eyed Elle, while holding his hand up to his chin. "Say, Torch, how available are you tomorrow morning? If we start early, we can definitely get Elle into proper shape." Elle looked wide-eyes at this.. Yesssss, he wasn't going to kick her out! A smile grew on her face, though.. Early? She looked away from Sleak and Torch, thinking about that. It was that moment that Sleak looked at Torch and winked at her. "Yeah, I bet we can start at like 6 am, if you're free. Wake up at 4, get some breakfast in, then a jog to the warehouse.." Hearing this, Ellecant seemed to.. Slightly panic again. He wasn't throwing her out, but it seemed he was throwing her into the worst training regime ever! Jeraffic meanwhile sat down at the table. He wasn't exactly following the conversation in the kitchen.. But he was aware that Sleak was teasing back.

how early are we talking?
Is what she would have asked if she didn’t catch the wink, making a silent “ohh” as Sleak continued. “Y’know, that sounds perfect to start off with! I think I’m plenty free for that.” Torch folded her arms, glancing at the girl, “gotta do a lot of warm ups too before she even touches the weapon.”

"Hmmhm.. Though.. Then again.. doing warm ups WITH the weapon.. y'know, extra weight, she DOES have a roller of her own." Sleak nodded towards Torch. He then leaned over and eyed Elle. 

"Aw, come on guys, I know I need training, but that's ridiculous.." Elle said, with a bit of a squeaky voice. 

Sleak stared at his sister for a moment. "..Then drop the nonsense, sis."

Torch hummed in agreement, “true, true! That adds a lot more possible drills too..” She paused on Ellecant’s plea, looking to Sleak for his take, then back to Elle with a half shrug and a face that said ’take it or leave it’.

Ellecant looked at the two before dropping her head. "Fiiiine, ughh. I was just having fun. I missed having fun, okay?" She grouched her way out of the kitchen, muttering something about her brother and his girlfriend being no fun at all when they gang up on her, seemingly oblivious to the fact that the two could still hear them as well as the fact that she definitely started it.
Sleak just shook his head. Before turning his head to the coffee machine, which let out an all important beep to let the green inkling know the coffee was, in fact, done. With a satisfying click sound, so did the water cooker informed Torch that it was done boiling water. Before Sleak did his routine with the milk and the sugar, he slid over the third mug to Torch.. Then began pouring in the coffee.

All Torch could do was let out a long breath through her nose, in response to the audible mutters. Don’t let it get to you...The click had her snap out of the thought, as well as the mug being slid over. “Ah, thanks..” And Torch went to work, pouring the water, and dipping a teabag into the hot water. She merely leaned over the counter, watching herself bounce the bag around in the water, almost as if she were mesmerized by the action.

"Sugar?" Sleak looked at Torch. "..Or milk? I mean, I dunno what you put in your tea.. but it's here for the coffee so." 

"You still need that to drink coffee, son? Pfff.." Jeraffic shook his head, but the smile on his face indicated a different tune. Though, not like Sleak and Torch could see it from the kitchen. Sleak obviously just rolled his eyes at that response, and started walking out of the kitchenette with the cups of coffee.

"hm?" Torch snapped out of her trance, "oh, good question uh-" She paused at Jeraffic's comment. Suppose a long time coffee drinker should have the taste buds for black coffee.. but she personally couldn't see anything wrong with light n' sweet. Eventually the girl made the decision to take the milk, suddenly craving the mixture when it was offered, and made her way over to join the rest of them.

"So.. Then.. What now, son? Exchange back stories? Turf war strategies? Not that I can talk about that, my strategy was to get children who can do it for me, hoho.." Jeraffic please. 

"Well, I'd like to hear mom apologize to Torch, but the chance of that happening is smaller than the oceans suddenly receding." Sleak piped up. 

Elle just looked away.. Until she suddenly turned to her father. "What is gonna happen with Komu?" 

"Hm? Well, she dotes on him, though in her own off-handed method.. He'll be fine, but I wouldn't be surprised if he would leave home fast as well." Jeraffic replied.. 

"That I doubt." Sleak noted. "He's.. different. I wouldn't be surprised.. Never mind." He shook his head. "Not the right time, not the right place."

Torch merely watched the conversation go by, blowing her tea to cool off some and sipping every now and then. “Talking about family problems while I’m the odd one out. Not awkward at all.” Only a hint of sarcasm in that.
She set down her tea, watching her thumb idly rub the warm cup, “For the record, I don’t care too much about an apology. I’ve uh.. dealt with a lot of bad mouthing before.” She shrugged, looking back up at the trio with a small smile, “and this is over just being a waitress! It’s really nothin personal. ...I just hope this, ‘thing’ could be resolved for you guys.”

"Hm, only two ways it could really be resolved, and one of the two is unwanted by everyone." Elle noted. This got her an angry gaze from her father and brother. "What? I said unwanted by everyone, didn't I?" 

"...either way, you ARE right, Torch, which is specifically why I said not the right time, not the right place. Komu's different, but that shouldn't be your issue. Heck, it shouldn't be an issue at all. The person who MAKES it an issue is not here, right now." Sleak looked away as he spoke, anger clear on his face. "Unfortunately, Komu's also not here, but rather WITH said person." 

Jeraffic simply sighed. "Well, as long as she still perceives him as her little kid, he'll be fine. Perhaps he might end up spoiled as heck, but I'd say that's a better outcome than what we're all imagining." He shook his head. "But, the young lady is right. We're just making this awkward. I have a better suggestion. It is near dinner time." He stared at Torch, specifically. "I know we met during lunch, Victoria. Would you care to join us for dinner, as well? It's on me. And no, I'm not gonna get my wife first, so yes we could effectively eat at a fast food place."

Oof there must be a bigger wall of hate for this mom than she thought. But free food? How could she decline? “Ah, well sure, thanks! Fast food sounds really good right now ahah..” not because she totally only had a granola bar since lunch and realized her hunger just now, oh no of course not,,,

Sleak raised an eyebrow as Torch very easily agreed to his father's suggestion. That raised eyebrow turned into a suspicious gaze almost immediately afterward. But he wasn't going to ask if she ate anything today in front of his family... Well, he was. And he did. But instead of using words she could hear, it were words she could read.
A text, questioning precisely this.
"Did you even eat today?" He typed and send. 

Elle noticed her brother's awkward behaviour, but just raised her shoulders. Not her problem. She heard fastfood. "We should.. head out, then..?" "In a moment. Still got my coffee to drink. And the young lady still got her tea. Besides, we have not decided where to go yet."

She felt the buzz in her pocket, choosing to sip her tea at the moment instead. “I’ll, leave that to you guys eheh..” beggars can’t be choosers, was her mindset right then.
...Then she checks her phone. Which upon just turning on the screen and glancing at the message, her face said what she couldn’t. shit.
Torch casually takes another sip, and replies “yes...” Well. Not a total lie... she just happened to eat at a not convenient time.....

"I'm sitting in the same room as you. I saw that expression. So that's either a 'no' or a 'yes but not nearly enough'." Was Sleak's immediate reply. 

Elle now looked at the two with a suspicious gaze. But coddamnit, she just promised to stop with the jokes. "Well, I don't know this city well enough, so my first thought would be that fast food place across from where you work." She looked at Torch. 

"That is true, we have no real idea. So it'd be up to you and Sleak to decide a place." Jeraffic noted, as he took a sip of his coffee.

Readin me like a book... Torch was stuck staring at the screen, biting the inside of her lip to control her facial expressions as her thumb swished over the keypad, unsure of what to answer. She put down the phone just before Elle spoke- giving up fighting against his suspicion. “Oh, uh.. well yeah there’s that. Across from where I work uh..” she gave a small shrug, “I mean, I’m sure we’ll find something along the way! It’s not like they’re that far apart from one another..”

"Right, there's like 5 of that same franchise in that city block alone.." Sleak exaggerated. Slightly. "I also recall a decent diner with amazing burgers we could head to, though it is somewhat further away.. Eh.. probably bring Elle there one day, but maybe not a good idea for now." 

Jeraffic's reply was to take out his car keys. "We can always drive, if it's somewhat further away. How did you think I got here with Elle's luggage?" 

"Hm. I guess it IS an option, then.." Sleak raised an eyebrow.. And finally took a deep sip of his coffee.

“Oh right...” Torch responded in realization to the diner. That diner. And she blinked when the keys were brought out. “Well uh. Guess that is!” She went back to idly rubbing the cup, “...they do have pretty good burgers.” She too, took her sip of tea.

"Well, that sounds like a confirmation. Burgers at that diner it is." Sleak noted. "Wonder if I'll see a repeat of the last time, or if persuasion is unneeded this time, hm?" 

Another eyebrow raise from Elle. "You have been there before, together, then." 

"..Well, we ARE friends, and it's practically down the street from the warehouse arena, so is it that surprising?" Sleak responded almost immediately. 

"Hmph." Was all that came from Elle. "Well, sounds like an excellent option then. You had a second cup prepared, Sleak?" Jeraffic eyed his son, holding out his empty mug. 

"...Yes. Didn't think we'd be going for food immediately afterward." 

"..Well, pour it in, then, no need to waste coffee senselessly, haha!" Sleak just rolled his eyes at his father, but poured another cup for him regardless.

Torch was going to give a comment.. until he asked the question, to which she only answered with a not-so-serious glare and a sip of her tea. ..and continued to sip through Elle’s deduction. .....and Sleak’s retort. No she couldn’t give any comment to these. She might as well be digging her own grave if she did. Eventually she ran out for tea, putting down her cup in defeat. “....do I want more..” she seemed to ask no one in particular.

Sleak returned from the kitchenette at this point. "...Regardless. What are your plans, dad? Could stay with us for the rest of the evening, but we'll have to do something at some point.." He looked at Torch for a moment. "Dunno what your plans are, either. I don't exactly have any board games and it's not like I brought my consoles when I left Inkopolis.. Too late to go to the arena.." 

"Well, you have mentioned that arena quite a bit now.." Jeraffic noted. "If it is that close from this diner, we could at least go by it, see what it's like?" 

"Eh, I think it's not very interesting at this moment. It's not open to public for another while, so you'd be looking at a lifeless warehouse, pretty much. Perfect to train Elle 1 on 1, but not so perfect to show off." Sleak took a sip from his coffee.. And then sighed. "..Let's be honest. I intended for us to have a bit of a family day. Walk around town, shop a little, eat dinner eventually, then get some coffee at my house and say good night as all of you go to your hotel. I didn't exactly plan anywhere beyond that.. Never mind the fact that this entire plan fell apart, then Elle figured she'd stay at my place, and this entire incident caused me to effectively invite Torch over with zero plan aside from 'hey meet my friend who is obviously more than just lowly waitstaff'.. Obviously, my planning skills are more awkward than this get-together is."

Her mouth shifted to the side, she too didn’t know what her plans were. ..oh to go to the arena? Torch thought that would be pretty neat. Well. To fight, anyways. She could attest it wasn’t exactly a sight to see. She brought her hand up from her cup, propping her head up as she listened on.. frowning a bit at his sigh. “...theeen new plan. We eat, maybe shop. We can go to the warehouse.. Sure it’s not much but, maybe we can get Ellecant used to the place before the training montage?” She shrugged, and added casually, “or fight me, yknow, provide entertainment.”

"Provide entertainment for me and revenge for the teasing for you. I like that idea." Sleak smirked, eyeing his sister at the same time. 

"As for shopping.. I can drive you guys to and from a restaurant or.. That diner you mentioned, but I don't think I'm going to stay around long enough to go shopping with you. I do have to actually head back afterwards." Jeraffic noted. "I was suggesting checking out that warehouse since I figured it wouldn't take long.." 

Sleak paused.. "Well, could drop us off at the warehouse after eating, see the place and then head back? I think Elle, Torch and I can make our way back without driving..?"

“I don’t mind walking.” Torch picked her up back up, “and uh.. s’not like we have to shop, I was just suggesting things eheh..” and she excused herself to return the cup to the kitchenette.

"Well then! I believe that's settled, then. Finish your coffee, son, then we can leave." Jeraffic seemed about to guffaw again. 

Elle seemed less enthused. "Uuuuugh. Don't I get a say in this...?" 

"Not really, no." Sleak simply replied, before downing his cup.

Torch came back from the small task, in time to reply with a “rrrrrrrip” as she passed by them to retrieve her pack.

"Anyway, guess we should be heading out then." Sleak said, as he entered the kitchen with his mug. Jeraffic simply nodded, and Elle simply sighed. As Sleak left the kitchen, he looked at Torch for a second.. "Take two, eh?"

The girl slipped on her pack, and may have been caught a little off guard by the question, “Hm? Oh. Aheh.. yeah I suppose so!” Torch rubbed behind her neck.

Sleak grabbed his roller and put it away, then grabbed Elle's and handed it over as he passed her. She too put hers away, sighing as she assumed this meant the training was definitely gonna start eventually. "Well then.." Sleak held open the front door. "Let's go?" His father nodded and left. Elle looked at Torch, seemingly hanging back just to be the last to leave..

“Ah, right yeah.” Torch followed after, following her stomach now.

Sleak held open the door still, nodding as Torch passed by.. And looked at his sister, closing the door as she too went past. "Hey sis?" 

"Hm?" was Ellecant's only reply. 

"..Welcome to Cephalo."