( SEMI-CLOSED ) optimizing team purrformance

[maskreant]

WHO: AKIRA KURUSU AND FRIENDS
WHERE: Catmosphere Cafe! And elsewhere.
WHEN: All over September
WHAT: Catmosphere interviews, some of the logs I promised people. If you want to plot with me or plan something out, hit me up on discord (hei#2323) or plurk (halloway)!
WARNINGS: Cat puns...


prompts below

Comments

INTERVIEWS

[maskreant]

placeholder once i have this organized...

DAVE STRIDER

[maskreant]

[ Akira has welcomed Dave and went over the job description as usual! Nothing big. They're in a separate little room, but now he goes to the door to open it for Dave's interviewer.

Chestnut, a female cat, comes in before hopping onto the table. She stares at the stranger for a second before licking her paws. ]

This is Chestnut and she'll be interviewing you today, too. We believe that cats, if not all animals, are sensitive to moods. If you're nervous, she'll be nervous and everything in between.

[ FIXES STACKS OF PAPERS. ]

All right. We'll start with a scenario. Chestnut swipes a customer's cup off a table and the cup cracks into one million pieces. The customer is obviously distraught, even if they don't need to clean the mess themselves. How will you: 1) calm Chestnut, 2) calm the customer, and 3) clean up one million pieces.

[parodeity]

[ dave reaches out to pet chestnut if allowed? ]

I mean, first off I could probs catch the cup if I were in range [ super speed ] but I'd probably laugh it off and tell the customer cats are just like that. I don't think Chestnut would be that fussed? If she ran off I'd go check on her, though. Cleanin' shit up ain't hard, just grab a broom and go to, you know?

[maskreant]

[ Chestnut allows. You may pet her. Akira is very interested in something though, it's probably the wording. ]

... What's your range?

[ Is Dave not only an artist, but an acrobat or something?? ]

[parodeity]

I'm really fast. So...if I saw it falling, I could probably catch it?

[ HE PROCEEDS TO PET THE CAT ]

KONKONKONKON

[maskreant]

It's good to see you, brother... I knew you would show your worth.

[ But back to business! They're also in a secluded room in the cat cafe for the interview. There are refreshments and some snacks, so help yourself. Otherwise, he lets in Mugi, a male Japanese bobtail cat, and instead of settling on the table, he's pacing around underneath. ]

This is Mugi and he'll help interview you today. [ How? Akira doesn't explain. Instead, he's reading the stack of papers— ] As part of the interview, you must get him to kiss you.

[ SIMPLE ENOUGH? Mugi seems restless though. ]

RYOJI MOCHIZUKI

[maskreant]

[ Akira has held onto Ryoji's application despite everything, but it doesn't mean his friend get a pass on the interview. Like the others, they're in a room somewhere in the cat cafe and he invites someone else to join them.

The great Mona Lisa appears! Not only is her gait graceful, she also waits for him to pick her up and place her on the table... Like a treasure. ]

This is Mona Lisa and she'll help me see if you're a good fit. [ She staring at him without blinking right now. ] As a part of this interview, we'll give you a scenario. Take as long as you need to answer.

[ I hope he's ready. ]

Mona Lisa decides to help you in your plans to save the world by convincing the other cats not to abandon Earth just yet. It seems to be successful, but the cats' concerns are tied to the low adoption rates. The Mona Lisa tells you that they need to up the number so every good kitty finds a good home. How would you go about that?

[ A lot of that was unnecessary, to be honest. ]

[appraiser]

[ How has nobody stolen Mona Lisa yet, what a beautiful cat, one who would likely get adopted right away just by parading about the windows to the cafe, but then who will draw in the customers? He reaches over and strokes Mona Lisa as he ponders over the question; already he wants to adopt her. ]

...How many cats are legally allowed on one premises? I could clean out our basement.

[ They have a good home! And every cat is a good cat. Ryoji laughs, but a more serious answer follows so that he doesn't get booted out not even a minute into his interview. ]

I think cats being able to choose their homes and people is just as important as people choosing their cat. You have a good thing going here where people get to meet the cats and seeing whether they get along, but that time is so short... If something like a week of fostering could be possible, then new owners will get to learn the responsibility of taking care of a living creature, instead of thinking a cat is self-sufficient and doesn't need love and care and attention, little more than a stuffed animal to be neglected after the initial magic wears off. Besides, after living together for a week, not falling in love with the cat is inconceivable. [ He stokes Mona Lisa's face with his thumbs. ] I bet this pretty lady here can worm her way into somebody's heart in no less than two days.

[maskreant]

[ The reason why the Mona Lisa is still around is because she's not up for adoption!! But she does have a lot of admirers. She's grooming her paws, but does look at Ryoji every time she receives praise and some pets. ]

No more than a dozen cats for a reasonable size space. [ Giving Ryoji a Look though. ] Don't make our house into a cat house.

[ They're going to adopt some puppy. He can feel it, but they need to get a hold of themselves. The house is a mess of college misery? ]

It's a lot of commitment and investment on the person's part if we implement a mandatory fostering system before adoption, but that is needed for anyone to bring in any animal to their home. [ Akira scribbles something on Ryoji's resume before asking: ] Can you make the Mona Lisa come give you a kiss?

[ Not you kiss the cat. ]

YUSUKE TEA CEREMONY AND FURNITURE SHOPPING

[maskreant]

[ They've survived a week without personalization in their room just for this exact day. It's time to visit the Nihoncha and then check out some more house decor. Akira is dressed well, actually wearing the shoes that came in the box from Retrospec, but... He's starting to wonder if this is too casual for a tea ceremony?

Whatever. They're at the storefront and he takes a moment to really give the place a good look. It's really nice, but it also makes him feel like it doesn't suit him at all. Despite that, he's still anticipating the event and it's conveyed in his thought bubble as little sparkles. Quiet enthusiasm. ]

Ready?

holy crap that cat gif

[fabrefactions]

[ He's ready, but. He's also incredibly endeared by that little thought bubble with the ... sparkles. A simple, yet effective way to convey excitement and enthusiasm in a specific scenario.

Yusuke has maybe a little more of an idea of what to expect from this tea shop visit, but it doesn't stop him from looking forward to it as well. And, y'know, the chance to buy all those plants they've been considering or the past week or so. ]

I'm ready when you are.

[ Tea, and shopping. A pleasant way to spend the day.

Although for they way they're treating it, you'd think they were psyching each other up to go and get tattoos not... ... drink tea. ]

meow gif

[maskreant]

[ Stop checking out his thoughts without his permissions, pervert. Akira is also looking forward to the plants. He was never a botanist, but with Haru's consulting, they've been able to narrow down what their first few purchases should be.

... Weird. He has never been excited about greens. Tea he usually looks forward to if it's being paid for. ]

After you, my liege.

[ When fall officially hits, these nicknames of royalty will stop. For now, he opens the door for them and they're met by some employees, asking what they'd like to do. Akira asks about tea sampling and they're directed to the area where they get to watch

the grand tea ceremony.

Except it's time to sit the seiza. ]

... I haven't done this in years.

[ PLEASE, HELP. ]

why are you like this

[fabrefactions]

[You are?? Literally broadcasting them for him to see? What's he supposed to do not look at you ever until the thought bubbles go away for good?]

Thank you.

[Well, to make things fair, almost as soon as they enter the shop, Yusuke's thoughts go into overdrive. He's got a running commentary on the décor of the place going on inside the thought bubbles - the authenticity of the style and the little cups on display with their delicate paint work and colours, even if they are somewhat marred by the lack of certain colours available to their sight, and the hanging tapestries with their delicately depicted scenes and the love and devotion that went into each one--

Oh. Right. Tea ceremony.]

Sitting this way?

[Says Yusuke, sitting in seiza happily.]

We had a low table at home, so sitting in this manner was often the only way to actually sit at the table. I don't think they'll frown on you if you sit cross-legged though.

HARU, COFFEE, AND THE FATED DECISION

[maskreant]

[ After that Retrospec post, he has been worried for his friends and how much the truth weighs on their minds. It's true that they need to know, but he was hoping it could be eased in. Either way, what's done is done and he's waiting for Haru at the cafe. It's only several minutes before closing (only a couple of the cats are out) and he's left to close shop (he's a rebel and already switched the sign to closed), so it's perfect to talk about Recolle's strange wonders while they study the art of coffee.

For now, he's keeping himself busy by organizing the coffee beans they'll be using. The thought bubbles only display the different combinations and acidity predictions for each. ]

[gunsandveggies]

[It doesn't take long for Haru to show up. She's pretty tired; it's a Saturday, so she had to spend a few hours at the farmer's market, and on top of not getting much sleep in general due to all the heavy news, and the weird dream she had about some fireworks festival...

When she arrives, she hesitates from the closed sign, but still slowly pulls the door open. Like always, Haru looks for the cats first, and she gives a big smile and a "hello!" when she finds them. There's also a heart that floats from her as she says it, though she doesn't seem to notice as she's bending down to greet the cats.

Next, the boy. She looks up to find him by the coffee beans, then gives a wave while still staying knelt on the floor.]

Hello, A... [That sure is a thought bubble. Haru's seen a few around, but not quite up close like this.] - ki?

[maskreant]

[ The coffee beans disappear in his bubble as Haru speaks to him. Oh... She's here. That's good. The cats have gathered around her, tails upright and eyes inquisitive. Some are even curious about her hair, trying to reach for it with their little paws though there are many retractions. They are unsure if it's worth risking for a touch.

Akira only chuckles as he takes a short break from his preparation, giving her a small wave himself. ]

Hey. [ His thought bubble reappears, now showing a little sheep because that's what her hair reminds him of. ] How was your day?

[ While he's curious as to what she might have remembered over the couple of days, they should start off light... He's almost done setting up the coffee station, so he'll stall till then. ]

[gunsandveggies]

[Another thought bubble... Haru tilts her head, both to regard the thought bubble and to offer the cats a chance to bat at her hair. As if in response to Akira's, a bubble of her own pops up, this one of a question mark.]

Um... Sheepish? [More importantly:] What is that? Or am I just tired? [She rubs at an eye - That could be valid and all.]

CHEESECAKE WITH KOUHEI

[maskreant]

[ This was his first bundle of new Retrospec users, but he's doing his best helping them get situated and being friendly. To be told what they knew is suddenly strange, that they'll regain strange memories, powers, and maybe physical appearances is a lot for someone to stomach. He remembers several people asking if they can just ignore it, to shut their ears and close their eyes...

But he hopes that with the bad, they'll find good with their new awareness. So here he is! Visiting someone he just met so they could make some cheesecake, but he does stop along the way to bring some kind of housewarming gift alongside his little bag of cake decor. It doesn't take too long before he's in front of Kouhei's apartment door, knocking on it.

... Then checking if this is the right place. Okay. It is. We got this. ]

THANKS FOR PUTTING UP WITH ME, HEI!

[sunnyspot]

[In the beginning, of course he was startled. Faced with indisputable evidence that the world he thought he knew has had another side to it all along.... at least since Retrospec came into the picture, that is.

That aside, it wasn't all bad. Case in point: Akira, a perfect stranger, treating him like a friend and even visiting him. Visiting him! Nobody had ever visited his apartment before!

Having made sure to tidy up even more than usual, Kouhei is quick to open the door upon hearing the knocking, and....]

Um. Akira.... right? Come on in.

[He knows Akira's name, yes, but his perpetual awkwardness just won't leave him.]

SHHH

[maskreant]

[ Woah. It's actually the guy! Akira looks pleasantly surprised and throws in a friendly smile. A small wave accompanies it before he lifts up the bag with the housewarming gift (it's a marimo set) and slips it into his hands. ]

Kou. Hei. This is for you.

[ Then he'll invite himself in, taking off his shoes like a polite boy he is. Doesn't seem like it's too awkward for Akira. He's doing his best to come off as comfortable, but he is nervous on the inside. At least inviting himself is easier then letting others play host for him. ]

It's pretty cozy here.

SERIOUSLY THOUGH!

[sunnyspot]

[What a kind smile....?! Kouhei's taken slightly aback at not only that, but the gift, and offers a wave in return as he tries to tone down the clear surprise in his expression.]

Are.... Are you sure? You didn't have to bring anything.... Is it for the cake?

[Cozy is a good word for his place: it isn't wonderfully decorated or anything, but it's very put-together and has everything he needs. Definitely the house of a model student.]

Really? Thanks.... It's a good size for me.

[Motioning toward the kitchen with one hand, he begins to head that way in the hope that Akira will follow.... but before getting too far, he slows down a great deal and turns his head back.]

Um, I... Sorry that I didn't have a chance to bring it up on the network, but I have some trouble hearing, so. [He gestures to one of his hearing aids, expression sheepish.] Sorry if I have to ask you to repeat something once or twice. I probably should have mentioned it earlier.

ROLL THE DAISUKE

[maskreant]

[ He knows his underclassmen doesn't really get to go out a lot with all that art (he's making assumptions)... But he imagines he takes care of himself more than Yusuke. That doesn't stop Akira from inviting Daisuke to relax at the cat cafe after all that has been going on, hoping it'll take his mind off of things. It even comes free. Yes. Senpai is covering the fees this time.

Other than the cats hogging Daisuke's laps, Akira is also trying to entertain the young master in his butler get up with some magic tricks (wrong theme, but it won't stop him). ]

Pick a card. Any card. Just not this card. Kidding. Really, any card.

[sketchythief]

[ He swears it's just the bad luck that makes him seem poorer than he is--no who is he kidding he's always poor. He also can't say no if it's free and maybe he'll get to learn more about Akira. He never had a reason to come here because it seemed like a luxury to him, tbh...

But it's nice here. The atmosphere is welcoming, the cats are cute, and it's a pleasant new thing to experience. He's okay with this. He can't help but notice Akira's attire though.

Nevertheless, he plucks a random card from the middle area and puts it face down on the table after seeing what card it is--two of clubs. It's a card that he sees often for some reason... ]

Would you ever work as an entertainer?

[ He's curious because Akira seems so different than when he saw him in school. But then again, a lot of things changed around here for the most part... ]

[maskreant]

I actually don't like the limelight, so...

[ No, he would never. Only for private audiences or under a mask it sounds like. It's weird since even if he was put in that position, he would do well either way. Anyway. He takes Daisuke's card before shuffling it back into the deck and splaying it onto the table again. ]

Do you see your card?

[ It doesn't seem to be there right now. ]

[sketchythief]

[ Daisuke understands that feeling of not wanting to be in the spotlight, so he quietly agrees with that sentiment.

He looks down at the table and skims all the cards. ]

I don't see it.

[ Though he's staring at Akira's hands now to see what they'll do. ]