2026-09-03: A Butler's Struggles
- Log: A Butler's Struggles
- Cast: Kasumi Yoshizawa, Kazusa Motojima, Ryuji Sakamoto
- Where: Le Chat Marron
- OOC Date: September 03, 2026
- IC Date: Friday, January 04, 2013
- Summary: Kasumi has a coupon for the hot new butler Cafe, Le Chat Marron, and asks Kazusa to go with her. Kazusa, reluctantly, agrees. They happen to get the mysterious 'Satoshi' as their server, who, for some reason, is especially nervous around them. Will he be able to hold it together?
(|============================== Le Chat Marron ==============================|)
-========================================================= Tokyo/Akihabara ====-
Take a left off the streets of Electric City, then down a stairway, and you'll
find a door with a frosted glass window labeled 'Le Chat Marron'. On the side is
a menu stand listing the seasonal offers and any specials.
Inside, one will be greeted by a cozy but elegant cafe setting with a vaguely
European Old World feel. The white walls are accented by dark wood wainscot half
panels, above which are framed posters of turn-of-the-century lithographs from
European artists such as Jules Chéret, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Alphonse Mucha.
There's a bar against one wall, with various bottles set against a mirrored
display. Lighting is kept bright enough to portray the place as elegant, while
also being dim enough to feel cushy.
You'll be attended to by a butler of your choosing, though who is available
largely varies from day to day. Unlike many cafes, the butlers may be female or
male, and their theme, while in keeping with the general turn of the century
European feel, can run the gamut otherwise, as will their quality, acting, and
ability to speak English (or any other language, for that matter). Really, it's
more likely you'd be here for the desserts, savory snacks, teas, and fancy
drinks (non-alcoholic, as this is an all-ages cafe!) than the butlers, but there
is a certain appeal to being called 'ojou-sama', 'danna-sama', or 'bocchama'. If
your butler is particularly good, you just may feel like a member of the upper
class!
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
Earlier that morning... Kazusa would get a phone call from Kasumi.
"Hi, Senpai. How has your winter break been?" She pauses for a second for a reply. Her phone quality is staticy. Kazusa can surely hear some busy feedback in the background, as Kasumi lets out a little laugh. "My house has been so busy with my extended family around. I kinda need to get out of the house... Would you like to go out to lunch with me, Senpai? I got this coupon for a new butler cafe in Akihabara, and it wants you to bring a friend, so..." She trails off, awkwardly. "S-so, yeah! I'd really like it if we could meet up in Akihabara for it..."
Later, the two arrive at the new butler cafe in Akihabara. Kasumi's dressed in an outfit fit for winter, with eggshell white ribbed sweater and a red skirt, along with black leggings underneath.
As they meet up in front of the cafe, Kasumi offers a bow in greeting. "Thank you for doing this with me, Senpai. I really appreciate it." She says with a smile. She leads the way into the establishment, to wait near the entrance to get seated. "Have you ever been to one of these cafes before? I thought it might be something you'd be interested in, after peeking into... Well, you know." She lowers her voice. "Your Atelier?"
<Pose Tracker> Kazusa Motojima has posed.
Kazusa stares at her phone for a moment as the caller ID pops up, and sighs as she slides her finger on the screen to answer the call. "Yoshizawa? Have you been icing your back?" How has her Winter Break been?
Not one of her best, but... "It's fine," she says flatly. As for extended family... She actually likes her extended family, the rare few times she gets to see them.
But her father makes everything awkward and contentious.
"Lunch? At a butler cafe...?" She frowns. She's never been to one, and generally doesn't like being publically visible in Akihabara, but... that's one of those things other girls do, right? Surely that has to be 'acceptable'... But she won't comment on Kasumi calling her a friend. It's not like she's got a giant list herself.
Not real ones, anyway.
But she can relate to wanting to get out of the house, even if she doesn't say it. And she's still concerned about what Kasumi shared after the Winter Dance. Kazusa sighs. "Fine. If you really don't have anyone else to go with you, I'll go."
She shows up in a bright pink dress with a red jacket worn over it, black leggings, and ankle boots. "You don't have to bowl, sheesh," she says while crossing her arms. "... but you're welcome, I guess." There's a quick shake of her head. "No, I haven't."
But would she be into it because of her Atelier? Kazusa drops her voice to a hiss. "H-hey, don't mention that in public. And what would give you that kind of idea anyway!?"
<Pose Tracker> Ryuji Sakamoto has posed.
Le Chat Marron is busy today. Despite most of the tables being occupied, the atmosphere is calm and pleasant as each guest enjoys their tea. The sound of classical musical radiates through the air as each of the staff swiftly moved around the space.
It was very fancy.
It looked very well rehearsed in fact.
Satoshi aka Ryuji is assigned to a new table. No surprise there when they were having so much turn over from customer to customer. Days like this were great for business but they really started to wear you down as you were forced to play a very specific role no matter the audience. Thoughts like this occupy Satoshi's mind as he deliberately makes his way to Kasumi and Kazusa's table. He coughs into his hand as he finally looks up and sees the two girls. His eyes go right to Kazusa, opening wide as that cough goes into a very slight choke. After a wheez, the butler smiles awkwardly. "P,Pardon me, Madame...I am Ry--SATOSHI your humble servant."
To be fair, Satoshi's outfit was very well put together, hiding most signs that he was Ryuji Sakamoto. He had a brown wig, tied into a ponytail, which framed his slim face. His black suit was well pressed. The biggest thing was Satoshi walked with a slight limp like Ryuji....evidently because of a "war injury" according to the lore one could look into.
Still....it just had to be Kazusa. Also Yoshizawa?! Geez she's going to think Ryuji is lame! Great.
Satoshi tries to remain calm but he wasn't prepared for this to be the day when he dealt with people who knew the real man behind the character.
"H,how may I serve you today?" Satoshi smiles, feeling the sweat drip from the side of his face.
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
"I have, Senpai." As much as Kasumi can, with how busy the holidays get for her. "I'm feeling alright. Thank you for worrying about me." She says, unsure herself if she's being earnest or not.
"I'm glad to hear that." Kasumi says. She might share similar feelings but in the reverse. Her family's lovely, but her extended...
It must be something girls do with friends! Kasumi's overheard some of her classmates talking about their respective trips after all.
"Thanks, Senpai." Kazusa can hear a visible sigh of relief. She'd really hate to go alone. It'd be far too embarrassing...
Kasumi chuckles a little awkwardly as Kazusa chides her for bowing. She's not going to change, so... "But it's polite to." Kazusa says she hasn't, and Kasumi thinks a little on that. She supposes it's against Kazusa's image... "Then it'll be a new experience for us both."
Kazusa drops her voice to a hiss, and Kasumi lets out a little giggle. She was teasing there. "You had all sorts of anime figurines in there, didn't you? And a bunch of games." She's referring to the workshop, probably.
Ah, and their waiter shows up! Kasumi offers a smile! "Hello! It's good to meet you, Satoshi-san." She then looks down to look through the menu, letting out a hum. "Oh, I don't know... I'd like some black tea please, and... Oh, I don't know. What do you suggest as a dish?" She asks, looking back up to the young man.
<Pose Tracker> Kazusa Motojima has posed.
"Good," is all Kazusa says to Kasumi's reassurances she's been icing her back.
Kazusa huffs. "It's polite but if you're just inviting 'a friend' then it's not a big deal, right?" she didn't cal;l Kasumi her friend though--that was Kasumi's word! But it'll be new for them both. "I suppose so."
"Yeah, I didn't exactly get to explore a lot of my Atelier, you know. I was a little 'preoccupied'?" Kazusa replies with a hiss. She got a look on the way out, but she wasn't in much of a state to really appreciate it.
Kazusa accepts being seated easily enough, looking around the restaurant. "You didn't say it would be this nice," she mutters. Well, she still did light makeup to make herself look presentable, at least.
'P-Pardon me, Madame...'
Kazusa was seated with her legs crossed at the knee, and she glances up as the waiter approaches. Ah, the 'butler' of the 'butler cafe'. She frowns as she studies 'Satoshi's' face. "... have we met?" she asks, eyes narrowed. She looks through the menu. "What do you recommend for green teas here?" As for what to get, Kazusa skims ahead. "... we could split a pastry or something."
<Pose Tracker> Ryuji Sakamoto has posed.
"Oh, Our petite sandwiches are impeccable today, madame." Satoshi mentions to Kasumi when asked about something to eat. He keeps himself from staring which makes him look more suspicious.
"Very well, Black Tea for you."
Slowly, Satoshi's attention goes to Kazusa, feeling the MOST nervous around the so called mean girl. It was just gonna be a pain if she knew this secret of his as well. His life could just be over.
When asked if she knows him, Satoshi almost feels his leg trick, making the butler stumble slightly before catching himself. SHE KNOWS. Crap.
Wait. No. She's asking. So that means. "No. I'm afraid you are mistaken, madame.. aheh."
Satoshi straightens up once more at the question. "Green teas, we have a few types listed on the menu depending on quality and blend. The one I recommend is Special blend here. It is popular during this time of year and should be to you liking.." The butler seems competent enough, when he isn't looking gobsmacked between the two girls. Maybe he was new....then again. It was heard this was one of their more popular Butlers. The so-called Satoshi.
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
Kasumi gies a confused look. It was the coupon's words, really... She just doesn't really have a lot of other friends. "Sure, but you're still my Senpai, Senpai."
Kasumi tilts her head at this thought. She's a little surprised to hear that Kazusa doesn't know what her own atelier is like... Interesting to think about!
The two look around, and Kasumi chuckles a little in her seat. "Me neither... It's very elegant. I'm surprised it isn't more... Garish."
"Petite sandwiches?" Kasumi repeats, wondering aloud. She doesn't sound so sure at first, until Kazusa suggests a pasty. "Ah, that's a great idea! Let's get some cake and macarons!"
Ah!! Then, Kazusa asks directly about wondering if she's seen the butler before. "Senpai! I don't think you can ask that!" She chides. "I think it's like a fantasy..." She trails off, as Kasumi starts staring at the boy's face too. The name's on the tip of her tongue... "Satoshi-san, could you give me a smile?" She asks, having a distinct feeling on who the butler is.
<Pose Tracker> Kazusa Motojima has posed.
"You can just say thank you, it's fine."
Kazusa has a feel for what was in her Atelier, she just doesn't know it inside and out.
But she does agree, as Kasumi looks around. "Yeah, it's pretty tasteful. So this might actually be an okay experience..."
Petite sandwiches... also good, though Kazusa's hoping for an option to cheat a little. Splitting a pastry means they both soak up the calorie hit, right?
They're in a brutal sport, after all... at least as far as their appearances are concerned.
Yes, Ryuji. Kazusa is absolutely the last person you should let know your dark and terrible secrets. It's not like you already know one of hers, right?
She arches an eyebrow as she sees Satoshi's reaction. "Geeze. I was just asking a question. No need to get so worked up over it." There's even an eye roll. Oh, there's the mean girl we all know and ~~love~~ ~~tolerate~~ ...
She glances at Kasumi as she says not to ask. "Why not? Even if it's... someone's fantasy, he's still a normal person, right?" But Kasumi asks to see that smile... and Kazusa looks, too.
But she still has her own order to give. "The Special blend..." Kazusa finds it on the menu and studied it. "Mmm. Then let's try that. And we'll do cake and macros. Please bring an extra plate so we can split it."
<Pose Tracker> Ryuji Sakamoto has posed.
"Thank you for your kind words. We strive to create elegant unforgettable experi--" Satoshi's eyes catch Kasumi constantly peering over at him. "ahem--experiences."
"Very well. Black Tea, cake, and macarons." Satoshi repeats back, looking back at Kasumi and trying to remain in character despite wondering if his friends are gonna hear about this embarrassing job.
Satoshi jolts back alert when Kasumi suddenly asks him to smile. Does he have a distinctive smile or something? Crud.
Thinking quickly, Satoshi keeps his expression neutral, offering only a very slight smirk as he adds. "I'm afraid such an act would be very unbecoming of me, madame. Perhaps another time."
Satoshi winces when he sees that look and hears Kazusa's comment. He almost feels himself groan, knowing he is totally right to not want her to know this about him.
"If you will excuse me, I will get your order. Please excuse me." The butler begins to walk away, with that unusual limp....Another clue presents itself when the Butler thinks he is out of eye sight and scratches his wig, revealing some blonde hair peaking out from under the wig cap.
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
Kasumi has a different theory. She just really likes cake.~ "Oh! Two cakes, please?" She says, beaming. Should Kazusa stare at her incredously, she'll give a sheepish smile. "I'll still split one with you, Senpai.~" Talk about a bottomless stomach...
Don't worry, Ryuji. Kasumi isn't the type to spread rumours. Kazusa's the one you need to look out for.
"Senpai. Don't be rude." Kasumi chides Kazusa lightly, with a giggle. "I'm sorry, Satoshi-san." She says, earnestly. She won't press on the smile anymore. She really can't quite see Sakomoto-senpai taking a butler job either, so... That's that answered!
Now, the limp is curious. Must be a character choice?
<Pose Tracker> Kazusa Motojima has posed.
Kazusa sighs as Kasumi asks for a second cake. "Yoshizawa-san, it doesn't do any good to split one if you just order a second one."
Kazusa got out of the rumor-spreading game, thankyouverymuch.
"I'm not being rude," Kazusa says defensively. "I just asked a question and he got all out of sorts. I'm just trying to ensure we get good service."
Speaking of. "Hey, he didn't read my order back," Kazusa notes with a frown as Satoshi walks away. "He'd better remember my tea and the extra plate..." She watches him go, and notes both the limp... and the shock of blonde hair. "Hmm. He's wearing a wig," she comments quietly, to Kasumi. "See the blonde hair?"
<Pose Tracker> Ryuji Sakamoto has posed.
After a few moments, Satoshi returns with silver cart with everything on it. The wig has been fixed for now but the clues were starting to come into view.
First, the plates and cups are placed down on the table with a rehearsed elegance...though anytime Satoshi meets eyes with one of them, his character slips and something trips. One time it's putting down a plate too hard. Or something getting tipped over and needing to be fixed with a bow and apology.
The extra plate is already accounted for.
Next, the tea is poured for each of them. Somehow, Satoshi does some cool move where he pours both cups at once, crossing his arms as he does so. It is another thing that just came from the repetition of working here....plus as far as Satoshi was concerned, he might as well try to look cool doing something this lame.
Next two pieces of cake are set out. It is Strawberry shortcake, the so called cake of the day. Finally, a small portion of assorted macarons are placed between both girls.
With a slight expel of air, Satoshi bows upon completion of what was ordered. "Please, enjoy, madams. It is my pleasure to see to your experience here."
Satoshi smiles....fakely. It is clearly something he practiced to look completely unlike anything Ryuji Sakamoto does. It might look like a grimace or like he is summoning his vampire fangs. It looks just dumb but it is clearly supposed to be a smile...you might guess.
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
"Sure it does, Senpai.~ I get one and a half.~" Kasumi replies, clearly very proud of her math here. Seriously, her calorie needs are just different from Kazusa's.
"By trying to interogate the waiter's identity, Senpai?" Kasumi replies. "I think Satoshi-san is supposed to be one of the more popular ones... I don't think you need to worry."
Kasumi, unfortuntely, does take a look back to see the wig... And the bleached blonde hair underneath. "Oh! I think I know who it is..." Kasumi exclaims, then covers her mouth with a hand. Sorry, Ryuji... You just got found out...
'Satoshi' returns and his act seems to be breaking apart... With each clack, Kasumi dismisses it with a "It's alright!" and a glance towards Kazusa...
"Woah!" Kasumi claps a little as 'Satoshi' does the cool little move in pouring the tea. "So cool!"
Still... Once Kasumi made the connection, she just couldn't stop thinking of 'Satoshi' and 'Sakamoto-senpai' as the same person, and so... "Thank you, Saka-toshi-senpai!" She blurts out a bizzare combination of both identities. Crud.
That smile is very well done though. It's really impressive.
<Pose Tracker> Kazusa Motojima has posed.
Kazusa huffs quietly at Kasumi. "You know they're going to be watching our weight again when we get back from break, right?" It's not like she doesn't have calorie needs, either!
"Excuse me for being curious," Kazusa retorts. "But fine. I'll just... try to go with it." But Kasumi declaring she knows who it is gets her to lean in. "Okay, spill." She glances oer when Satoshi comes back. "... tell me after he leaves again."
Kazusa watches Satoshi with a critical eye. She's mentally cataloguing every slip, every plate placed too hard, or tipped over. But then he does a double pour, which is actually a little impressive (though Kazusa would never say that), and she frowns instead.
He's doing such a suave move after being nervous setting all the plates out? She cant get a read on his character. And with the limp... "So, Satoshi-san. How did you get the limp?" She's actually asking politely this time. And about his character, even!
There's definitely no ulterior motive there.
But she resists the urge to facepalm as Kasumi mixes the name up. Well, that confirmed that. Kazusa reached out for her tea cup, gripping it decliately as she takes a poised sip. "Mmm. This is a good blend, Satoshi-san." She glances up. "... you really should just relax. Neither of us came here to cause trouble for you, you know. All the clumsy moves don't suit your character."
It's a criticism, sort of, but it's also acknowleding what she suspects the character is supposed to be and maybe encouraging him to play into it?
Is she helping???
<Pose Tracker> Ryuji Sakamoto has posed.
The butler stubs his toe on the cart when Kasumi says 'Sakatoshi', prompting a silent curse from the servant. He sighs wondering if the jig is up. Even if the school knew, he could live with that somehow. He wonders if Ren is going to find out....No, Ren was fine. Guy seemed to just kinda pulled along by his own current. It was Ann...It was Makoto...It was Yusuke, Haru, and Futaba...But most of all, Ryuji dreaded that stupid -cat- finding out.
'nyeheheheh, you really are good when you're subservient, Skull'
Satoshi snarls silently when he thinks about that dumb feline's shit eating grin. It was gonna suck SO DAMN MUCH.
But Kazusa's words sort of snap Satoshi back to reality. He smiles for real this time. "Very well, madame. I thank you for your understanding."
When asked of his limp, he doesn't miss a beat. "I'm afraid the story of my war injury would be too gruesome for you, madame. However your concern is noted."
There is a bell and Satoshi bows slightly. "I'm afraid I must go attend to another table but I will be back when I can. Please enjoy your tea and thank you for your patronage."
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
"Senpai, my break days are different from yours." Kasumi replies. "I'll be burning it off later." Despite everything, she really does take her training seriously.
Kasumi...really doesn't want to spill Ryuji's secret to Kazusa. She has to keep trying to focus on not spilling the secret...
She does, at least, smile as Kazusa doesn't get mad... And maybe even gets interested in the scene!
Although, fate has caught up to the present. Kasumi winces as Reyuji stubs his toe. "I'm sorry, Senpai..." She says, cringing with herself. "We won't tell anyone..."
Ruji retreats, and Kasumi scrunches her face up. Crud. She really didn't mean that... But, at least... "Thank you for not being mean to Sakamoto-senpai about it, Senpai."
<Pose Tracker> Kazusa Motojima has posed.
Kasumi does, at least, commit to burning off the calories later. "Good. The last thing you need is to give the coach another reason to give you trouble." That's definitely not her showing concern for Kazusa in a tsun way or anything, right?
The Demon Queen would surely be disheartened to know that Ryuji feared a cat more than her.
But when Ryuji--Satoshi--manages to snap back into character, there is a small, brief smile on Kazusa's lips as well. "Of course."
But an old war injury. There is a part of Kazusa that wants to point out that Ryuki is only 17 at the oldest, but instead she brings a hand to her mouth. "Oh, my. A war injury... how terrifying." Wait, is she starting to play along now, too?
She sits back, still holding her tea cup delicately. "I don't know what you're talking about," she says with a smirk. "Our butler clearly introduced himself as 'Satoshi.'" She watches him as he tends to the other table for a moment. "... he's not half bad when he gets out of his own way, though."
But from there she'll move to discussing lighter topics with Kasumi, and enjoying both the cake and the macarons. It's not a bad way to pass the time, all told.