in the tone of one

monotone weather
monotone wearer
monotone monday
monotone me

Quotage

“No.”

Amy Carter, (President Jimmy Carter’s daughter) when asked by a reporter if she had any message for the children of America

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January 25, 2100: A Date with Susan

Katsuro did a final check before pushing the “Open Store” button on the tea gallery’s master computer. All of his tea stocks added up, his books were current, and he had a hefty supply of disposable cups. With a push of the button, all of the lights in the store turned on and the doors clicked open, allowing a fiery haired bunny rabbit to come in from the cold. “Good morning,” Katsuro grinned, remembering her from last week.

Susan returned Katsuro’s smile and brushed her hair behind her ear. She gazed at the menu, trying to make up her mind. Katsuro noticed that she wore a green mock turtle sweater, just a little too long, but still hugging her in a way that made men stare. Her blue jeans had the same effect. Finally, Susan stepped up to the counter, biting her lip. “Can I have an English Breakfast?”

Katsur nodded and prepped the brew with practiced precision, buzzing around like a bee making honey. “Here you go.” Katsuro handed Susan the steaming cup of bitter-sweet dark tea.

Susan accepted her drink and reached into her messenger bag.

“Don’t worry about it,” Katsuro smiled again. “It’s on me.”

“Oh,” Susan paused, mildly confused. “Are you sure?”

Katsuro laughed. “Yeah, it sounds like you need a wake up, anyway.”

Susan bobbed her head. “The tea you gave me the other day helped me sleep, now I can’t wake up. Ironic, huh?” Susan chuckled shyly, sipping her tea. She jumped suddenly and cringed. “I burned my tongue,” she scowled.

Katsuro laughed again. “Sorry, it’s still hot.”

Susan blushed. “I know, see how tired I am? Well, I need to get to class.”

“Hold on,” Katsuro walked around the counter. “May I take you to dinner tonight?”

Susan didn’t move, staring at Katsuro as if he’d just asked her to climb onto the roof of the tea gallery. She licked her lips, trying to find her voice.

“Sorry,” Katsuro started to apologize, but Susan jumped in.

“Oh, don’t be. I wasn’t expecting you to ask that. I’d love to go out tonight.” Susan opened her bag and dug around for a few minutes, trying to find a pen and some paper. When she found some, she scribbled down her name and phone number and handed it to Katsuro. “I get out of my last class at five. What time do you want to meet?”

“How about seven?”

Susan nodded enthusiastically. “Alright. Where?”

“Do you know Golden Peaks Lounge?”

Susan’s eyes popped out of her head and her jaw thudded on the hardwood floor. She worked her mouth, trying to force out a reply, but she gave up and just nodded.

Katsuro’s smile nearly cracked his head in two, and his chuckle rattled the windows. “Is there something wrong with that restaurant?”

“No, I’ve just never met anyone who can afford it.”

Katsuro shrugged. “I save up for special occasions. It’s been so long since I’ve gone out, my budget for nice dinners is pretty big. Would you rather go somewhere else?”

Susan wrinkled her forehead and gave Katsuro a half frown. “I think so. I just wouldn’t feel comfortable at a place that, I dunno, uptight?”

“Alright. How about Mile Hai Sushi?”

Susan’s eyes lit up. “I haven’t had sushi in a long time. That’d be great. See you at seven?”

Katsuro laughed again and promised to be on time. Susan rushed out the door, mumbling about being late to class and sipping her tea. Katsuro settled in behind his counter, surfing the internet for news of Transient Sage.