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Lucy grumbles as she pokes at a salt shaker.
No one has been in the cafe for hours. Even the agency hasn't stopped by or called for any coffee or sweets.
Curse Ranpo for doing his job for once.
Lucy huffs again and her head hits the counter.
“Lucy?”
She shoots up and blinks at the young boy who's smiling at her.
“Kenji?”
“Hiya Lucy! Are you doing alright?” he asks, tilting his head.
“Yeah, just bored,” she says, waving him off. “Wait,” she narrows her eyes, “what are you up to?”
Kenji holds up a wicker basket. “There's a pop-up market for local crafts and farmers! In my village, we always had the trading market up and I wanted to see the city's version.”
Lucy nods. “That sounds fun. Bring me back a souvenir.”
“Why don’t you come with me?” Kenji says with a bright smile.
Lucy blinks. “Really?”
“Of course! You're bored and we're friends!”
Lucy sits up quickly. “Wait here I have to change out of my uniform!”
“Ok!” Kenji replies, smile never wavering.
Lucy darts off and quickly gets changed. She hops out of the bathroom with her bag swinging behind her. “All ready!” she says swishing the skirt of her dress. It's a simple white dress with ruffles, perfect for a day out in town.
“That's a cute dress,” Kenji remarks, eyeing the poofy sleeves.
Lucy nods and steals Kenji's straw hat, placing it on her own head. She places a hand on her hip and flips her hair with the other.
Kenji claps at her display. Lucy laughs and ushers the boy out of the door. “Come on, let's go!”
The moment they step outside the door Lucy pauses. “So where are we going?”
Kenji laughs. “I’ll lead the way!”
“Alrighty then,” Lucy says and links their arms together.
── ⋆⋅𖤓⋅⋆ ──
Lucy blinks at the stalls lining the street. “Wow,” she whispers. “I haven't seen anything like this since I left my hometown.”
“Did your town have markets?”
“Well, I lived in an orphanage on an island town off of Canada. We had markets for the fishermen and some of the farmers. My orphanage used to sell handmade crafts that we made. I only got to once, it was fun.”
“I would love to get some fresh seafood but I don't know how to cook it. My village isn't near the sea so it was rare.”
Lucy hums. “I know some seafood recipes but mine are all from the west.”
“That's alright!” Kenji replies. “I would love to try some food from your country!”
Lucy smiles. “Why don’t we cook together sometime? I’m sure you can teach me some recipes.”
Kenji gasps as a giant smile forms on his face, nearly vibrating in excitement. “Can we do it right after shopping?”
Lucy looks around. “I don't think there are any fish stalls?”
“Can we cook together more than once?”
Lucy adjusts Kenji's hat on her head and nods. “I guess we can.”
Kenji’s smile nearly blinds Lucy with how bright it is. If she could compare the boy to anything it would be the sun, warm and full of life.
He happily pulls her forward towards the stalls, she only stumbles once and quickly rights herself.
He’s extremely strong at the moment, she needs to get some food in him.
The first stall they stop at is filled with ceramics. Lucy inspects a bowl patterned with pink roses. Kenji pokes her and she turns as he shows her a bowl with a gray tabby cat painted onto it. They even have ears added to the bowl.
Lucy takes the bowl from Kenji and flips it over to note the price. She smiles at the owner and hands over the money.
“You don’t have to do that,” Kenji says when they leave.
“Oh relax, I still have all my savings from the guild,” Lucy reassures.
“Oh,” Kenji whispers and frowns. “Then why do you work at the cafe?”
“I enjoy it,” Lucy says and looks away.
“Oh, you enjoy being near us!”
“Huh?” Lucy asks, a blush forming on her face.
“The agency!”
“Ugh,” Lucy huffs, “just don't tell anyone.”
Kenji laughs and looks around the many stalls. “Ooh that one has honey!” he says and claps his hands together.
Kenji pulls Lucy over to the stall and begins to show her the different honeys made from different flowers and some that have flavorings added. He strikes up a conversation with the owner who shows off a wallet filled with photos of bees.
Kenji nods in intrigue as the owner explains the personality and names of all the different bees.
Lucy buys several jars of honey while they are talking and finds herself now in need of a larger bag.
She taps Kenji on the shoulder and directs him over to a stall that has several clothing items and bags.
She smiles and nods at the owner as she runs her hand over the cloth of the patchwork bag made of many different kinds of cloth. However, something in the corner of the stall catches her eye.
Lucy stares at a white suit. It's beautifully created and obviously lovingly stitched together. She could add any undershirt with it.
“That would look good on Atsushi.”
Lucy nods at Kenji. “It would but I was thinking more for myself.”
“You like suits?” Kenji asks.
Lucy nods. “I enjoy all types of clothing.”
Kenji picks at his thumb and tilts his head. “Can I ask you something?”
“Of course,” Lucy says and motions for him to continue.
“Atsushi once told me you weren't really a girl? What did he mean by that?”
Lucy rolls her eyes. “I can't believe he’s telling people that.”
Kenji’s eyes go wide. “Is he being rude? Should I throw him out the window?”
Lucy hums. “Maybe, but he’s just using the wrong words. I’m a woman by name alone I guess. I’m not really anything? I mostly like to dress feminine but as to my true gender, I would say I’m everything and nothing. I don’t care what people call me, I’m just Lucy.”
Kenji nods. “So you use any pronouns?”
“Yup!” Lucy confirms.
“Cool!” Kenji says with a nod. “You would look really good with that suit! It would look good with your hair!”
Lucy blushes and shakes her head softly. “I shouldn't. I would have nowhere to wear it.”
“We can throw a party!” Kenji exclaims. “I’m sure Yosano would also like to dress up.”
Lucy laughs. “In that case I’ll take it,” she says and also grabs a bag with a cat paw pattern.
She hands the money over to the owner and folds the suit. She places it on top of her other bag to cover the honey.
“Do you need any clothes?” Lucy asks as they leave the stall.
Kenji tilts his head. “Maybe but I like these.” He fiddles with his overall buckles. “I got them in my village. They're good material and serve me well!”
“That's always good, but if we’re having a party you might need something else.”
Kenji thinks for a moment and then nods. “You’ve been in the city longer than I have. Could you help me pick something out?”
“Of course Kenji.”
── ⋆⋅𖤓⋅⋆ ──
The two near the end of the market. Lucy now holds two more bags filled with food and other artisan crafts. Most of it was things Kenji had given second glances but Lucy would never let him know that.
Kenji turns and stares at the stall at the very end. Several handmade sundresses are hung out in the front.
Lucy follows his gaze. “Do you want to look at them?”
Kenji nods and the two enter the stall.
“Oh, this would look good on Kyouka!” Kenji says and holds up a dark red sundress with pink flower petals flowing down the dress from shoulder to skirt.
Lucy motions for him to hand it to her and he does so.
The dresses are each unique with a different color or pattern.
She finds a white tiger patterned one and suitably drapes it across her arm along with the dress Kenji wanted for Kyouka.
“Oh.”
Lucy turns, Kenji is holding a bright yellow sundress with a sunflower pattern.
“Oh that's cute," Lucy coos.
Kenji holds it in front of himself. “Would I look good in it?”
“Of course you would. I think that color looks wonderful on you!”
Kenji smiles. “I’m also just Kenji ya’ know. I like just being me.”
Lucy smiles softly and holds her hand out. “I’ll get that dress for you.”
“I can get it myself!” Kenji protests but Lucy has already begun to wrestle the dress from him.
“I have too much money believe me. Besides, you need to go buy that crocheted bunny for Kyouka.”
Kenji's eyes go wide and his grip loosens on the dress. Lucy takes that moment to quickly take it from him. “Oh no, what if someone already bought it!”
Lucy watches as he leaves and buys the dresses she had picked up, plus two others. Most of her clothes went down with the Moby-Dick, and she needs more summer clothes. Some indulgence won't hurt.
She places the dress for Kenji in a bag she’s reserved expressly for him.
She’s hidden it so far from the young kid. It's mostly filled with baking ingredients from his many stories of baking with his family. However, it also includes several cow-shaped crafts and a crocheted bee.
He had mentioned that bees were a favorite of his. Maybe it was only to make the honey seller smile but Lucy knows he’ll still enjoy it either way.
“Lucy!”
Lucy turns and gasps at the sight.
Kenji holds a stuffed rabbit under his arm but the thing her eyes go wide at is of the sight of the crocheted white tiger he holds, moving the stuffie so it waves at Lucy.
“Oh Kenji, you didn't have to.”
“I wanted to,” he smiles. “This was the first time I got to hang out with you!”
“I,” Lucy takes a breath. “I hope we’ll get to hang out more.”
“We can make pie!”
Lucy nods rapidly. “I love apple pie.”
“Then let's make some now!”
“Are you done shopping?”
“Yup!” Kenji tilts his head. “You?”
“Yes, I am.”
“I’ll take your bags then!” Kenji says and takes all but one of her bags. Lucy holds the bag filled with gifts away from the kid who pouts at her.
“I’m a strong lady who can carry at least one of my bags. Besides, you should eat soon. Let's go to my place, we’ll make some pie and get you some food.”
Kenji nods and does a mock bow. “Then after you my lady.”
“Thank you my friend,” Lucy says with a half curtsy.
The two giggle as they make their way away from the market.
As they walk Kenji's stomach growls.
Lucy rolls her eyes and pulls out a wrapped doughnut from the bag she carries. “I was going to give this to you later but you need one now.”
Kenji frowns. “But then I won't be as strong.”
“I don't care, I'm capable of carrying some of this. Besides, I'm your friend now. Friends do not let each other go hungry.”
“Thank you, Miss Lucy.”
“You are welcome, Kenji,” Lucy says smiling as Kenji mows through the doughnut. “I have more when you're done.”
“Really?” Kenji asks and licks the frosting from his fingers. “You're the best!”