(no subject)
Title: Anniversary Surprise - Part III: Herbal Heaven Tea Shop
Author: Raya
Theme: OTP (Optional: Tea)
Genre: General / Romance Fluff
Version: Manga (post StarS / pre Crystal Tokyo)
Rating: G
Couple: Usagi x Mamoru
Word Count: ~1,424
Disclaimer: My one true pairing (Usagi and Mamoru) sprang complete from the mind of Takeuchi Naoko, and they still belong completely to her. These little chocolate simulacrums, however are mine! *hugs the chocolate protectively to her chest*
Canon, spelling, grammar, and punctuation corrections are appreciated. So is constructive criticism and general comments. Please let me know if you see something that you like or that should be corrected. Thanks! - Raya
Anniversary Surprise - Part III: Herbal Heaven Tea Shop
Mamoru quickly held the door open for Usagi with one hand while he steadied her with the other. His pregnant wife laughed up at him as she hurried into the cafe. “Hurry, hurry!” she exclaimed as she moved out of his way. “We almost made it,” she said as she shook the raindrops from her clothes with one hand.
“Welcome to our shop!” two voices chorused, one bright and cheerful and the other more subdued. Usagi looked towards the counter and smiled at the two women who were looking at her. Then, her azure eyes glanced around the store.
“A tea shop,” she gasped in delight. “Look, Mamoru, it's an English tea shop!”
He smiled at her as he watched the older woman round the counter and bustle towards them. The grey haired woman looked a little odd in her Victorian dress, but the smile on her round face was bright and inviting.
“Welcome to Herbal Heaven,” the older lady said as she stopped next to them. “A tea service for two?” she asked over a rumble of thunder.
“Actually...,” Mamoru began, only to be cut off by Usagi.
“That sounds lovely! Do you have little tea cakes, too? Oh, you do!” Usagi stepped closer to the counter and greedily eyed the delicacies that were under the glass. Suddenly, her smile faded, and she looked uncomfortable. “Um, I'm sorry to ask this, but do you...” She shifted from foot to foot as her face flushed, and then tried again. “Can you please direct me towards...”
“The restroom,” the older lady interrupted, her smile becoming sympathetic. “Of course, ma'am, it is right through here.” Usagi handed Mamoru the picnic basket and gave him an embarrassed smile before she turned to followed the woman towards the back of the store. He nodded, his gaze loving and amused as he watched her leave.
“Would you like to sit here where you can watch the rain?” a soft voice asked. Mamoru looked towards the younger server as she politely showed him a table for two set in the window. The Victorian costume did not look quite as strange on her more youthful form he noted. “Or would you prefer to be further inside so that the lady does not catch a chill?”
“The window seat will be fine,” he replied as he moved towards her. Moments later, he was comfortably seated at the table, the picnic basket set on the floor beside him and a piece of parchment paper listing the daily specials in front of him. He noted that the handwriting was easy to read in spite of the grandiose decorative flourishes. He perused the strange looking English names trying to guess what they were as he waited for his wife to return.
“Ah, here you are, ma'am,” the older server said cheerfully as she escorted Usagi back across the room. “Your husband has secured the best seat in the house.”
“Thank you,” the blonde replied as she slipped into the empty chair.
“Certainly, certainly,” the server replied, still smiling. “I know how it is. You are all fine, happily going about your business, and then suddenly the little one moves just so and you have to look for the nearest store.” Mamoru noticed that the younger server's face was growing quite red with embarrassment. “I am very glad it was our little shop that caught your eye.”
“Actually, we were getting out of the rain,” Usagi confessed as she leaned towards the older lady. Another rumble of thunder rolled through the air, and a flash of light lit the sky outside.
“Then even better,” was the bright reply. “You have grand luck! Not only are you dry, you were close to a restroom when you needed one.” Usagi nodded in response as she looked out the window nervously.
“Now, perhaps a cup of hot tea to warm you up? A plate of watercress sandwiches to snack on? What can I get you?”
Usagi looked towards her husband uncertainly, and then beamed as he nodded just slightly to show that she could have whatever she wanted. “Well, we just finished lunch, but some tea would be nice. Only, do you have any without caffeine? The doctor told me to avoid that if I can.”
“Of course!” the server replied with a motherly look. “All of our herbal teas are caffeine free.” She shook her head suddenly. “But not all of them are safe for expecting mothers. Do not worry, though. Nadeshiko is very familiar with all of their properties. She will make you an excellent cup that you will not need to worry about.” All five of them jumped as a particularly loud clap of thunder sounded.
“Per-Perhaps it would be better if you moved to this table over here,” the server said as she noted the uneasy expression on Usagi's face. She gestured to a four person table further into the shop.
Usagi looked out the window, and then shook her head. She knew that she was safe inside the shop. There was no reason to be afraid. Before she could respond verbally, however, Mamoru agreed and stood up. Usagi looked at him in surprise as he bent down to retrieve the picnic basket and then held his hand out to her. Frowning a little, she slipped her hand into his and let him help her up.
“Now, that's better,” the older woman said as they settled themselves at the new table. “Where were we? Oh, yes. Nadeshiko will make you a tea that is safe to drink Would you like a scone or a small cake to go with that? A cookie, perhaps?”
“Cake, please,” Usagi replied as her smile returned in force.
“Strawberry cream?”
“Oh, yes. That sounds delicious.”
“And for you, sir?”
“I will have the peppermint tea,” he replied choosing the safest sounding item on the menu that he had been reading. “And one of the chocolate cookies that I saw in the case.”
“Certainly! That will be one herbal blend tea, one peppermint tea, one strawberry cream cake, and one chocolate cookie,” the server replied over another crash of thunder. “That will be ready in just a few minutes.” As she turned to hurry to the counter, she stopped abruptly. “Nadeshiko! You startled me,” she said to the younger server.
“I am sorry, Endo-san,” Nadeshiko said softly as she backed up a step. Realizing that the young woman was holding a steaming cup of tea, Endo quickly moved out of her way. Nadeshiko slid the delicate cup onto the table in front of Usagi.
“Please try this blend,” she requested in her soft voice as she bowed to the blonde. “It is made primarily from red raspberry leaves which is very good for pregnant women.” She waited expectantly as Usagi lifted the cup and took a small sip of the hot liquid. A look of pleasure crossed the blonde's face and she quickly took another sip. Nadeshiko smiled slightly. “I also added some rosehips for Vitamin C and just a touch of lemon and honey for flavoring.”
“This tastes wonderful,” Usagi replied.
“Thank you,” Nadeshiko answered with another bow. “It is also safe for you to drink mint teas if you like. You should avoid chamomile, hibiscus, nettle leaf, sassafras, and anise teas, however. I can make a list for you if you would like?”
“Oh, could you? That would help so much,” Usagi beamed.
“Do you sell the tea mixtures as well?” Mamoru asked as Nadeshiko turned to walk away.
“I'm sorry, no,” Endo answered as she slid two plates onto the table. “But there is a shop a few streets over that carries most of the ingredients. They even have a decent packaged peppermint tea,” she added.
Mamoru nodded his thanks, and then turned his attention to the cookie in front of him. Usagi had already delved into her cake and was sighing blissfully. Moments later, Nadeshiko slid a cup of tea in front of him as well. He nodded his appreciation as she bowed and backed away.
“This was a great find, Mamo-chan,” Usagi said softly as she leaned across the table towards him. “We should come back.”
“Ami-san and Makoto-san would like it, too” he replied as he lifted his cup and leaned back.
Her face brightened as she nodded in excitement. “I shall have to bring them all here,” she decided as she, too sat back. Her eyes drifted around the shop once more. “I shall definitely have to bring them here.”
Author: Raya
Theme: OTP (Optional: Tea)
Genre: General / Romance Fluff
Version: Manga (post StarS / pre Crystal Tokyo)
Rating: G
Couple: Usagi x Mamoru
Word Count: ~1,424
Disclaimer: My one true pairing (Usagi and Mamoru) sprang complete from the mind of Takeuchi Naoko, and they still belong completely to her. These little chocolate simulacrums, however are mine! *hugs the chocolate protectively to her chest*
Canon, spelling, grammar, and punctuation corrections are appreciated. So is constructive criticism and general comments. Please let me know if you see something that you like or that should be corrected. Thanks! - Raya
Anniversary Surprise - Part III: Herbal Heaven Tea Shop
Mamoru quickly held the door open for Usagi with one hand while he steadied her with the other. His pregnant wife laughed up at him as she hurried into the cafe. “Hurry, hurry!” she exclaimed as she moved out of his way. “We almost made it,” she said as she shook the raindrops from her clothes with one hand.
“Welcome to our shop!” two voices chorused, one bright and cheerful and the other more subdued. Usagi looked towards the counter and smiled at the two women who were looking at her. Then, her azure eyes glanced around the store.
“A tea shop,” she gasped in delight. “Look, Mamoru, it's an English tea shop!”
He smiled at her as he watched the older woman round the counter and bustle towards them. The grey haired woman looked a little odd in her Victorian dress, but the smile on her round face was bright and inviting.
“Welcome to Herbal Heaven,” the older lady said as she stopped next to them. “A tea service for two?” she asked over a rumble of thunder.
“Actually...,” Mamoru began, only to be cut off by Usagi.
“That sounds lovely! Do you have little tea cakes, too? Oh, you do!” Usagi stepped closer to the counter and greedily eyed the delicacies that were under the glass. Suddenly, her smile faded, and she looked uncomfortable. “Um, I'm sorry to ask this, but do you...” She shifted from foot to foot as her face flushed, and then tried again. “Can you please direct me towards...”
“The restroom,” the older lady interrupted, her smile becoming sympathetic. “Of course, ma'am, it is right through here.” Usagi handed Mamoru the picnic basket and gave him an embarrassed smile before she turned to followed the woman towards the back of the store. He nodded, his gaze loving and amused as he watched her leave.
“Would you like to sit here where you can watch the rain?” a soft voice asked. Mamoru looked towards the younger server as she politely showed him a table for two set in the window. The Victorian costume did not look quite as strange on her more youthful form he noted. “Or would you prefer to be further inside so that the lady does not catch a chill?”
“The window seat will be fine,” he replied as he moved towards her. Moments later, he was comfortably seated at the table, the picnic basket set on the floor beside him and a piece of parchment paper listing the daily specials in front of him. He noted that the handwriting was easy to read in spite of the grandiose decorative flourishes. He perused the strange looking English names trying to guess what they were as he waited for his wife to return.
“Ah, here you are, ma'am,” the older server said cheerfully as she escorted Usagi back across the room. “Your husband has secured the best seat in the house.”
“Thank you,” the blonde replied as she slipped into the empty chair.
“Certainly, certainly,” the server replied, still smiling. “I know how it is. You are all fine, happily going about your business, and then suddenly the little one moves just so and you have to look for the nearest store.” Mamoru noticed that the younger server's face was growing quite red with embarrassment. “I am very glad it was our little shop that caught your eye.”
“Actually, we were getting out of the rain,” Usagi confessed as she leaned towards the older lady. Another rumble of thunder rolled through the air, and a flash of light lit the sky outside.
“Then even better,” was the bright reply. “You have grand luck! Not only are you dry, you were close to a restroom when you needed one.” Usagi nodded in response as she looked out the window nervously.
“Now, perhaps a cup of hot tea to warm you up? A plate of watercress sandwiches to snack on? What can I get you?”
Usagi looked towards her husband uncertainly, and then beamed as he nodded just slightly to show that she could have whatever she wanted. “Well, we just finished lunch, but some tea would be nice. Only, do you have any without caffeine? The doctor told me to avoid that if I can.”
“Of course!” the server replied with a motherly look. “All of our herbal teas are caffeine free.” She shook her head suddenly. “But not all of them are safe for expecting mothers. Do not worry, though. Nadeshiko is very familiar with all of their properties. She will make you an excellent cup that you will not need to worry about.” All five of them jumped as a particularly loud clap of thunder sounded.
“Per-Perhaps it would be better if you moved to this table over here,” the server said as she noted the uneasy expression on Usagi's face. She gestured to a four person table further into the shop.
Usagi looked out the window, and then shook her head. She knew that she was safe inside the shop. There was no reason to be afraid. Before she could respond verbally, however, Mamoru agreed and stood up. Usagi looked at him in surprise as he bent down to retrieve the picnic basket and then held his hand out to her. Frowning a little, she slipped her hand into his and let him help her up.
“Now, that's better,” the older woman said as they settled themselves at the new table. “Where were we? Oh, yes. Nadeshiko will make you a tea that is safe to drink Would you like a scone or a small cake to go with that? A cookie, perhaps?”
“Cake, please,” Usagi replied as her smile returned in force.
“Strawberry cream?”
“Oh, yes. That sounds delicious.”
“And for you, sir?”
“I will have the peppermint tea,” he replied choosing the safest sounding item on the menu that he had been reading. “And one of the chocolate cookies that I saw in the case.”
“Certainly! That will be one herbal blend tea, one peppermint tea, one strawberry cream cake, and one chocolate cookie,” the server replied over another crash of thunder. “That will be ready in just a few minutes.” As she turned to hurry to the counter, she stopped abruptly. “Nadeshiko! You startled me,” she said to the younger server.
“I am sorry, Endo-san,” Nadeshiko said softly as she backed up a step. Realizing that the young woman was holding a steaming cup of tea, Endo quickly moved out of her way. Nadeshiko slid the delicate cup onto the table in front of Usagi.
“Please try this blend,” she requested in her soft voice as she bowed to the blonde. “It is made primarily from red raspberry leaves which is very good for pregnant women.” She waited expectantly as Usagi lifted the cup and took a small sip of the hot liquid. A look of pleasure crossed the blonde's face and she quickly took another sip. Nadeshiko smiled slightly. “I also added some rosehips for Vitamin C and just a touch of lemon and honey for flavoring.”
“This tastes wonderful,” Usagi replied.
“Thank you,” Nadeshiko answered with another bow. “It is also safe for you to drink mint teas if you like. You should avoid chamomile, hibiscus, nettle leaf, sassafras, and anise teas, however. I can make a list for you if you would like?”
“Oh, could you? That would help so much,” Usagi beamed.
“Do you sell the tea mixtures as well?” Mamoru asked as Nadeshiko turned to walk away.
“I'm sorry, no,” Endo answered as she slid two plates onto the table. “But there is a shop a few streets over that carries most of the ingredients. They even have a decent packaged peppermint tea,” she added.
Mamoru nodded his thanks, and then turned his attention to the cookie in front of him. Usagi had already delved into her cake and was sighing blissfully. Moments later, Nadeshiko slid a cup of tea in front of him as well. He nodded his appreciation as she bowed and backed away.
“This was a great find, Mamo-chan,” Usagi said softly as she leaned across the table towards him. “We should come back.”
“Ami-san and Makoto-san would like it, too” he replied as he lifted his cup and leaned back.
Her face brightened as she nodded in excitement. “I shall have to bring them all here,” she decided as she, too sat back. Her eyes drifted around the shop once more. “I shall definitely have to bring them here.”