Work Text:
Wake up, get ready, walk to work, set up the tables, and smile wide (even if it’s 8.30AM and you’re barely awake).
Oh, and say “Hi” to the stupid-looking cat outside — he insists he’s not a cat, but that’s a story for another day.
That’s Lucy’s morning routine, and she’s grown to like it. Compared to the strictness of the orphanage and the lifelessness of the Guild, this is far better.
Café Uzumaki is cosy, her colleagues are nice, the regulars (in other words: the detectives) are strange despite their reputation, but tolerable. The pay will never amount to the Guild’s salary, not even close, but it’s good enough.
Lucy is serving coffee when she hears a series of chimes. Maybe Atsushi and Kyouka are visiting, or perhaps someone made a bet with Dazai, she thinks.
“Welcome, come on in!” greets Lucy with a smile, as she turns to see Ranpo at the door.
Ranpo is a regular. The man next to him is a different story.
“…Table for two?” Lucy speaks slowly. She’s not timid nor meek, just surprised.
Her suspicions are confirmed when Ranpo says yes, follows Lucy to a table, and calls his companion over.
“Ed, c’mon!”
Damn. Out of all times, why now? Not out on the street or at the mall, but during work. Now, Lucy wouldn’t say she’s ashamed of the job…
But to reunite with an old coworker (who’s probably making millions a year) while she’s waiting tables? Asking for their order? It hurts her pride a bit.
Then again, it’s Poe. Chances are he’s just as horrified as she is.
“I’ll have the espresso,” Poe says and puts down the menu.
Ranpo, without glancing at the menu, states his order. “One brownie, please.”
“One brownie, and a cup of espresso…” Lucy repeats, “your orders will be ready soon. Please wait.”
As she leaves to take more orders and wait for theirs to be ready, Lucy can hear Poe and Ranpo’s conversation in the background. It’s buried under the sound of coffee machines and strangers chatting, but she can make out bits and pieces of it.
“She’s working, Ranpo…I’d rather not intrude.”
Casually, Ranpo replies, “She’ll have time when she gets here, most of the customers are leaving soon.”
“But what if she doesn’t—“
“Doesn’t recognise you? Now you’re making excuses. Did you see the face she made when she saw you?”
“…I do. She seemed startled.” Poe notes.
“And kept staring at you like a fish.”
For better or worse, Lucy couldn’t hear Ranpo say that last part. She’s too busy listening to someone’s order.
Poe hesitates, then says, “I suppose I could try, but I don’t know how to start…”
“Now that is your problem. You have about 5 minutes.”
Just as Ranpo predicted, 5 minutes and 47 seconds pass, and Lucy is at their table. Slowly, as if waiting for something, she places the orders on the table. As she’s about to leave, Poe speaks up — and it’s been a while since she heard his voice.
“Lucy, right?”
A pause.
“Yeah.” Lucy’s mouth feels dry. “Um, been a while, huh?”
“Yes, it has. Have you been doing alright?”
“I’d say better than before. Um, I heard you’ve been writing a new novel. How’s it going?”
Lucy can’t see Poe’s expression behind his hair, but judging by the silence she assumes he’s confused.
She adds, “Atsushi told me about your visits.”
“Ah…that makes sense. I’ve finished the first draft, but there’s still a long way to go.”
“I’d love to see how it goes!” Lucy says, holding the serving tray to her chest. “Anyways, I’d love to stay and chat, but I have to bring some empty cups to the back. I’ll see you around?”
“Yes, please go ahead. I’m sure we’ll meet some other time.”
After an exchange of goodbyes, Lucy leaves and disappears into the sea of staff walking around the café.
Poe enjoys his coffee while it’s still hot, occasionally bringing up his book and other things. He likes telling Ranpo about his recent purchases, so he can watch the detective freeze at the large number. He tries to keep it to a minimum though, to maintain the effect.
Lucy is wiping down a table when she hears a series of chimes. Briefly glancing at the door, she spots Poe walking away through the glass window. She smiles to herself.