Chapter 14: Busy Busy I'm so Dizzy

Chapter 14: Busy Busy I’m so Dizzy

Emi was rushing to-and-fro. They were a lot busier than they were expecting to be. There were so many people that Emi was curious if there was a convention going on nearby. The café was becoming really popular and many customers came dressed in their own costumes. It made Emi smile as a child dressed as a protagonist from the show he was dressed from. They had a conversation and the child giggled as Emi stayed in character for the child.

The bell above the door chimed as Grey and Symphia walked in. Symphia was still in her nurse clothes. Her black hair pulled back into a high pony tail. Grey wore a simple suit and looked around with a confused look.

“Is it Halloween already?” He mused. “Weren’t we in the midst of September a few moments ago?”

Symphia chuckled. “The sign does say it’s cosplay today.” She pointed to a chalk board that was decorated with several cartoon characters.

“Amusing,” Grey replied dryly as he glanced at the sign.

“Welcome to Café Craze. Is it just you two today?” Emi beamed as he approached them.

“Are we required to play dress up too?” Grey mused as he looked Emi up and down.

“No. All you have to do is be covered.” Emi replied as he led them to a table.

“How are things coming along for you,” Symphia asked as she took a seat.

“Alright. Practicing at night so I don’t have power hick-ups during the day.” Emi replied. “How was your shift at the hospital?”

“Oh it was pretty normal. I helped a soccer player get an x-ray of their foot. He was so nervous.” Symphia giggled.

Emi nodded as he placed the menus in front of them. “Well here are your menus. Can I start you off with any drinks?”

“Water for me.” Grey stated quickly.

“A strawberry smoothie please!” Symphia smiled.

“I’ll be right back with those.” Emi nodded before dashing off into the kitchen.

“You two seem rather chummy.” Grey noted.

“It’s helpful for deities to be chummy,” Symphia smirked.

“For some it might.” Grey responded as he glanced over the menu.

“You can be chummy too, you know.” Symphia looked over the pictures on the menu.

“I am aware of the option.” He flipped through the menu.

“Then why do you sound…” Symphia paused, “Jealous of Emi and I being friendly.”

“Jealous?” Grey snorted. “Jealousy is not what I’m feeling. Hurt maybe. But jealousy? No.”

Symphia tilted her head as she looked at him.

“I am merely upset that he asked you how work went, but he did not ask me.” Grey explained clearly. “I have been friendly to him. I did retrieve him when Carmen kidnapped him after all.”

Symphia hummed. “That is true. Maybe he thinks you would be upset if he asked.”

“Hmph,” Grey turned his gaze back to the menu.

“Here are your drinks!” Emi smiled as he placed the drinks in front of them. He placed two straws in front of them. “Are you guys ready to order? Or do you need a few more minutes?”

Grey hummed as his eyes went up and down the menu. “A Rueben will be fine.”

“The mushroom swiss burger for me,” Symphia beamed.

Emi nodded as he wrote down their order. “Give me a few minutes!”

“He’s really growing into his own, isn’t he?” Symphia beamed. “It looks like I’m on my way to win the bet.”

Grey rolled his eyes. “There are still two days left,” he reminded, “He could kill over in a matter of days.”

“You and your dark outlook on life…” Symphia shook her head.

“It’s my job,” Grey shrugged.

“Do you enjoy that job?” Symphia mused.

“I do. Most of the time.” Grey admitted. “But there are some cases I don’t like having to handle. They get messy.”

Book 3 Cafe Party Chapter 13: Preparing

Emi the Deity

By Krissie Gault

Book 3: Café Party

Chapter 13: Preparing

Emi smiled as he sewed up the outfit he was working on. It was once again that time of year again. September. The time of year where conventions occurred. Comic books, movies, cartoons, anime, tv shows, and video games. All were given emphasis as the conventions began. Fans toured to their favorite conventions with bags packed and cameras ready.

The café was one of a kind in their state and probably in America now that Emi thought about it. So it was quite popular for people to stop by the café during this time of year. It was the café’s busiest time in fact. The café was a cosplay café after all.

Emi hummed as he added the last few stitches into an outfit. A French magical girl show was so popular recently that the boss wanted to have at least one of the servers to be dressed as one of the characters. Tiffany practically begged to be the main character.

Since Emi was a good tailor, he was tasked with making several costumes to the measurements of his co-workers. Emi beamed as he hung the outfit up. Tiffany would love it. The woman loved polka-dots. Emi stretched as he stood up. His spare study room had become his sewing room the pass month. He began plucking the various pictures of the cartoon character off of the boards. He placed them neatly in a folder that he filed under M in the filing cabinet.

He checked the custom off the mental list before humming, “Who’s next?” He shuffled papers around as he searched for the list. It was written in black ink on a napkin from the café. The handwriting was Mindy’s. It was neat and was naturally italicized. Emi found it under a notebook. It took him a few moments to remember why he had put it under such a heavy book. Then the paper nearly flew out of his grasp.

“Oh yeah, the fan,” he hummed as he placed a better grasp on the napkin. His fingers scanned over the names. The next was Stevie. Emi rolled his eyes at Stevie’s request. This was going to be fun. Some ridiculous, laughable superhero from an 80s kids cartoon. Emi would have fun with this one.

Everyone was beaming with excitement. Emi was too as he readjusted his hat. He had made his costume last year in October. He carefully handed out the costumes to his co-workers. He only had to make 10 this year. Last year, it had been nearly 20. Emi felt relieved that he could spend more time on fewer costumes this year.

He smiled as he spun around in the changing room. He was glad he chose this uniform from the series.

“Any chances of you saying that catchy motto?” Timmy popped up from behind.

Emi smiled as he turned to face him. “I don’t have a partner to say it with. I can’t do a motto without my partner.”

Timmy nodded. “Let’s go see if we have anyone dressed like that team today.”

Emi sighed as he left the changing room. “While you do that, I’m going to get the dining area ready.”

There were a few others in the café. They weren’t open yet, but the employees were already dressed in their customs and setting up with an upbeat attitude. Emi was amazed to not see one person dreading the work day. Maybe those that were dreading it took the day off.

The boss bounced down the steps. She was dressed as if she was a pop art painting. Her lips were a bright red. Her hair reminded Emi of the 1920s. Her earrings were long dangles with squares, triangles, and circles at the end.

“Emi! You’re looking well today!” She beamed. “I know we’ve worked you near death the pass month.”

Emi giggled, “The results are great so far though.”

The boss nodded. “It will be fantastic by the end of the day too. I’m really excited for the play tonight. Are you performing again this year?”

“Of course he is!” Shelly chimed in as she placed a sheet on the table. “He’s a wonderful performer. Not only does the audience like him, so does the stage.”

Emi gave a nervous laugh. “I just memorize where everything on the stage is, so I don’t eat dirt. Though I would like a hint as to what the possible play options are.” He beamed at the boss.

She giggled as she walked towards the kitchen. “It won’t be any fun if you know. Surprises are good for the heart!” She disappeared into the kitchen.

Emi tsked. “Well, it was worth the try.” He shrugged as he moved to the next table.

Shelly laughed, “The boss never reveals what the options the customers vote on until it’s time to open the vote. She likes it being spontaneous.”