hugtopia_logs | Affurgato Mingle: July edition

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Affurgato Mingle: July edition

♥ Who: Open to all
♥ Where: Affurgato
♥ When: This week
♥ What: An open mingle at the restaurant which is... mysteriously celebratory!
♥ Rating: who knows, probably PG/13ish?

Regulars of Affurgato might notice things have spiced up a little bit in the last several days; the decor is a little brighter, the staff more upbeat, and the food, while tasty as ever, is a little different. The restaurant is advertising a summer menu of slow-cooked BBQ sliders, sweet potato fries with honey butter dip, grilled pineapple and watermelon slices, and warm peach cobbler with ice cream. The prices are slightly more premium than usual, but ooh, doesn't it all smell worth it? Newcomers might even get a discount, if the right elf twin gets their bill. But how do you know which one's the right twin? ...Yeah, good luck with that.

For this week, the menu will include two curious additions as well: a Thanksgiving-esque meal including fresh slabs of turkey and stuffing, flavoured with bacon grease, and a slice of rainbow layer cake. The cats are very attentive, especially to recognizably good tippers, and there's a display sign outside the door with a doodle of a binicorn in flashy sunglasses shouting the words "ONE YEAR MORE, NERDS", which might be weird to those who know that Affurgato opened about six months ago. Ah, well.

Also noteworthy is the fact that an actual, tangible magical bicicorn will be running around for the first 45 minutes of every daily shift that the restaurant is open, trying to scoop people up onto his back and deposit them in front of the shop. You're here now, so you might as well get a meal, right? Don't question it.

Come one, come all! Enjoy some good food and the company of your neighbours, maybe visit the elves and see what's up.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Hmm! He straightens up in his seat as he looks up to Honerva with bright, excited eyes. ]

I eat anything!! Feeling kinda hungry now though, so maybe something heavy? But I really can eat anything!! Whatever you think will be filling!

[ And by anything, he means literally anything. This is a kid who's eaten uh. A finger. But Honerva probably doesn't need to know that... yet... ever... who knows. ]

Well, if it is a more filling meal you prefer, then I can recommend our special that's just for this week. It is the sliced turkey and stuffing, which comes with a rainbow cake dessert as well.

[ And if that doesn't sound like enough, there's plenty of additional sides listed from the more 'seasonally themed' foods, but it's nice to recommend the more celebratory meal. ]

Drinks are far more customizable, if you have a preference there.

[ The word special makes his eyes glimmer in excitement, just like how people flock towards the 'limited edition' or 'seasonal' products! Plus, he doesn't think he's ever tried turkey before, so why not?! Rainbow cake's just a cherry on top that makes him even more excited! ]

I'll have that, then!!! Do you guys have rice too?

[ Not that he'll die without it, just asking in case! That's always the easiest way to get one full. Drinks though... he doesn't have a preference for that, so: ]

Something refreshing, I guess?! I'll go with what you recommend!

It was being prepared for a spicy soup this month, so we may have some to serve, unless you'd like to have that.

[ Mostly they focused on the specialized orders when preparing, so it helped to know which other ingredients might be popular as well.

As for his drink... it always more difficult to give recommendations this way, but she thinks of what she's ended up falling back on for others. ]

Would you like iced tea, perhaps? Raspberry has been a popular flavor.

Will that mess up your daily ration for the ingredients? [ If that's something that they do? ] If so, don't worry 'bout it!!

[ Raspberry iced tea!! Fancy... ]

Yeah, sure! That sounds yum!! Hehe, just talking about all these makes me excited already.

I'll see what they have to say about it.

[ Potentially not likely, but worth a shot, in any case. ]

Looking forward to it that much should make the meal even more satisfying. Be mindful not to feed the cats if they should try and beg for anything, though.

Thanks, Honerva-san!!

[ Oh! A very good warning, because he might just if she didn't tell him no. He raises a hand to something like a salute with a 'yes, Ma'am!!'. The cats don't seem to be paying much mind to him anyways with them so cozily pressed against the windows. Maybe they will later when the food comes. Which is also okay, he doesn't mind enjoying the view without having to interact!

But geez, sitting in a fancy cafe like this makes him feel weirdly... excited. He's now one of the cool kids too! All these time he's always opted for family restaurants for how affordable they are, but he begins to see why people like sitting around in this kind of space. It's relaxing and quiet, people like Fushiguro probably will enjoy reading books over here. Definitely not a place for someone so loud like Yuuji... Must be nice once in a while, though. ]

You're welcome. I'll check on that for you, then.

[ He wouldn't have to wait too long for the cats' interest at least; one in particular seems to be paying more attention to him, even with his lazing behavior. ]

[ The cat that he saw at the entrance finally looks his way after spending the whole time warming himself up against the window. What a handsome cat! ]

Hello again!! You bored? Wanna play with me?

[ He leans forward, sitting sideways on the chair so he can face the cat proper. Slowly, and carefully, he extends an arm so he can give the new friend a nice scritch! ]

Sorry I've got nothing on me! But you can sit on my lap if you want? I think I give pretty good pets!!

[ Ever since Hummy happens he just assumes he can talk to animals... Then again he had always talked to animals like they could understand him since forever. It gets like this even more now. ]

[ Depending on the animal, they may have more understanding than some may think. Or they might recognize when an opportunity rises to have their needs met. Body language says a lot more, as Kova sniffs at Yuuji's hand, ears twitching lightly but allowing him to scritch, making an inquisitive sound in greeting, 'Mrow'? but he's had time to observe him while peacefully sunning to seem amenable enough.

After observing them get acquainted for a moment, as promised Honerva for the moment leaves them to it, to see to the manner of his meal and of course plan the arrangement in regard to what they discussed about the bill. If he has a more positive experience, he's more likely to return; she understands that much about this sort of business, too.

His order is brought to him quickly enough; if he's observant enough he might be able to tell that while Honerva does bring him the tray, she's not quite holding it; it floats slightly above her hands. ]

[ Yuuji continues to shower the cat with pets and gentle touches, sometimes leaving the feline alone when it's on the move. It's relaxing just looking at the cat doing their own thing, it feels as if the time stops as he watches the tiny adventures unfold, like he's sucked into a different world.

The observation makes time fly and before he knows it, a couple of minutes have passed. He's snapped back to reality when he senses a gaze and someone approaching, and of course it's none other than Honerva. That's real fast! ]

...? Eh?

[ Hang on a second. He rubs his eyes, tilts his head, and squints to make sure he isn't seeing things. Hohou. That's... hm. Familiar.

When she's finally right before him, he can see that it's indeed not his imagination, and so he asks, straight to the point: ]

Honerva-san, do you use magic?

That is correct. I hope you were not too... alarmed.

[ Even if 'alarmed' did not seem to be what took place there. Honerva gently sets the tray down on the table, the aroma from the tasty turkey and bacon meal catching the cat's attention, his ears and tails perked from his position from when he'd finally allowed himself to park on Yuuji's lap. ]

No, Kova.

Mm-mm! I didn't expect it, but we all come from different worlds after all! [ He tilts his head a bit to look at Honerva. ] That's neat, though! What else can you do with it?

[ Oh. Now he knows the cat's name! But also, the way the cat perks makes him realise that his meal's being targeted! He laughs a little. ]

I've never kept a pet before so I dunno but... can Kova eat these? There are some human foods cats can't eat, right?

... Quite a few things. It depends upon the necessity.

[ Which probably seems vague, but it's one thing to utilize a magical ability for usefulness and another to list further details on how varied her prowess was with a stranger, albeit a very friendly one. ]

And yes, there are certain foods not suitable to cats, which is why we warn against feeding them yourself, as tempting as it may be. He gets his own share at the appropriate times. I admit that he's a little used to my previously encouraging others to feed him, but it is better to follow these rules while we're open.

I see!

[ Which is fair! Yuuji gets the memo and doesn't ask any further than that. He gets it — after all, he was told not to talk about what he's doing to 'normal people', just in case. He wouldn't have minded telling Honerva about what he's capable of with a certain amount of touches, having already seen her being a magic user herself, but they can always talk about this another time. ]

Ah, gotcha. Don't wanna get him sick here too, yeah? Wonder if there're any vets 'round here... [ Gently, Yuuji runs his fingers on Kova. ] Sorry, Kova. You'll get your share later, so you gotta wait for it, yeah? [ He looks up at Honerva then. ] Is he your cat from back home? What's his breed called? [ Yuuji's never seen such a pattern on a cat before! ]

Yes he is, though the specifics of his breed and home planet would have little relevance here. He is a cat, much as any other.

[ It's not the first time she's been asked for his breed, and with her unique situation it's more complicated than it needs to be --mostly that she cannot recall, even if he is most likely the last, though other aspects yet set him apart; a little sharper and more intuitive than any other would be, for other reasons-- so she resolves this with vagueness once more. ]

Which means all the more reason to be mindful, even if he begs. He knows better, though I'm certain he can't help but be tempted by the scent of the meal.

[ Particularly one with such a generous helping of meat being denied to him at this moment, but he'd just have to make do with pets and the guarantee of his evening meal. ]

[ Yuuji listens intently, nodding along to Honerva's clear and collected explanation. That makes a lot of sense! He's pretty sure he's never seen Kova's kind in any encyclopedias or the like. ]

Alright! I'll keep that in mind!!

[ He does hope the pets he's giving Kova suffice for now! And-- right, the food! Damn, it looks so fancy. It's probably best to eat it while hot, but he feels the need to take a picture as this might be the first fancy meal he's ever had ever. With a quick movement, he takes a snap, and puts the table back to his pocket carefully not to bother Kova on his lap. ]

Ahhh... it smells so nice! [ The sweet and savoury scent from both the bacon and turkey's really enticing, he can't blame Kova for wanting a bite. But no! He can't give him a bite! This is for Kova's own good! Sorry, Kova! ] Thanks for the food!! [ Putting his hands together, he bows his head lightly, and it's time to eat! Nom. ]

Mmm!! Ifhh fhoo goofh!! [ This is it, now he knows what the gourmet reporters on TV are saying! It feels like his cheeks will drop from their respective places. He swallows it with a loud gulp, looking up to Honerva with sparkly eyes. ] It, it just melted in my mouth!

[ And he takes another bite, and two, blissfully munching them with his cheeks full. He's definitely going on a quick pace with stuffing his face, occasionally slurping the raspberry tea she's prepared. His eyes shoot open as the melodious harmony of tastiness is dancing in his mouth. ]

Honerva-san...! You're a genius...!

[ Her recommendations send him straight to the seventh heaven, hashtag blessed. ]

[ Yuuji just seems so genuinely appreciative, she can only be touched enough to favor him with a smile at his indulgence. Normally, she wouldn't linger while someone was taking the time to partake in their meals, but given the speed at which he suddenly begins to eat and the fact he still seems to be trying to talk to her keeps her near. That and, most of the other customers seem to be taken care of, as she glances to make sure no one seems to be waiting.

Kova gives a small longing mew, tail flicking in anticipation as though he were waiting for something to accidentally drop, but nothing seems to, and he remains put. ]

That so? Well... I will make certain that the chefs receive your compliments.

[ It never hurts to give them a boost, so she thinks, given how long it had taken her to be appreciative at all, so it's nice to observe in others. And ... well, it also is something of a personal boost to observe that a recommendation has gone over well, even if her ears flutter slightly with her own difficulty at accepting such praise at face value. He still has that slice of cake waiting, too. ]

[ He nods vigorously to her rhetorical question, because he wants her to know how serious about how he loves the Affurgato dish! It's so good! ]

Mm! [ And a gulp here-- gotta finish the food in his mouth before speaking. Even if he didn't earlier on. ] I'll also say it again to them directly on my way home later, if that's okay!! They've got real good hands right there! ...Tho' I guess they probably have heard that a lot before, haha!

[ He takes another chomp, already on a good way to clearing the plate completely. How does he eat so fast while also tasting every single bit of it, it's a mystery. It's almost like he literally licked his plate clean with how there are no crumbs no nothing left on the side that he's devoured. Ah, what a luxury! A satisfied smile spreads in his face as he munches away.

...Wait, speaking of luxury-- ]

That's right! Honerva-san, what should I do with the payment for today? I'll come back to pay it back the moment I get some money in, for sure, but... you mentioned somethin' 'bout holding hands?

Usually we would give you the bill, and you would be able to deduct it using the machine by door.

[ She indicates where he would use his tablet to transfer the amount. ]

But since you are a recent arrival, it is not likely you would not have any until later. You are aware that basic funds are generated through contact, are you not?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Affurgato Mingle: July edition

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