For everybody debating the gay fanfics, shut up already we get the
points.  A good portion of the fics being debated occur in alternate
universes, so who cares.  The debate was interesting for a little while but
now it's just annoying.
	Anyway here, take this half of chapter 5, I've decided to take a
break from writing again.


Chapter 5----------------

	Seki worked as a busboy almost five years for his father.  He had
been working five hours at the Nekohanten and it already felt longer.  He
knew things would be a little busier than the little okonomiyaki shop back
home but he wasn't prepared for this.

	It was five hours of constant movement.  Without his reflex
training he would never keep up with Spice, who would throw entire tables
worth of dishes at him.

	Mousse was a little better about the throwing thing since it was
his first day and all.  Between Mousse throwing him orders and Spice
throwing him empty bowls, Seki had his hands full.

	Throughout the day he caught glimpses of people from school.
Despite all the work she did Spice still found time to socialize somehow,
this puzzled Seki to no end.

	Seki took a seat as Spice escorted the last of the customers to the
door.  She was still as bright and cheerful as when she started five hours
ago, "thank you.  Please come again."

	Seki groaned and plopped his head on the table.  He didn't bother
looking up when Spice took up a seat next to him.  He did look up when he
heard her plop her head on the table.  She let out a breath that sounded
like she'd been holding for the past five hours.  "I hate people, I really
hate people, I really really really hate people."

	Seki was too exausted to make a comment.  All the energy seemed to
have been drained from Spice.  She sort of laid herself out on the table,
face planted firmly on the cloth.

	She shot upright as the door chimed.  She cursed herself privately
for not locking it, "irashaimasen.."

	"Don't worry dearie, I already ate."

	Seki turned his head towards the voice, "Sis?"

	Ukyou stood in the doorway with jeans and a t-shirt that read
'Tokyo Disneyland' in big letters.  Her spatula swung freely across her
back as she walked towards him.  "Would you like a little more time or
should I just scoop you up and drag you home?"

	Seki valiently tried to raise a finger, "ready in a minute sis."

	"No problem," Ukyou turned her attention to Spice who seemed to be
in a similar condition, "So where's the boss?"

	Spice waved a couple of times in the direction of the kitchen.

------------------------

	Megumi threw another book into the read pile, the two stacks seemed
to be about even now but the unread pile still had a slight advantage.  She
rubbed her eyes and looked around for Dr. Tofu, he was nowhere to be seen.

	She quickly grabbed the next book and opened it about halfway
through and started skimming her way to the end.  She was halfway through
the chapter about pressure release points when Dr. Tofu walked in.  "It's
getting kinda late Megumi, you look tired."

	Megumi gave him a broad smile while closing up the book and sliding
it over to the read pile.  "Yeah, I better get home.  Dinner's probably
over by now."

	Dr. Tofu nodded absent mindedly as he started to put some of the
books back on the shelves, "you're welcome to take any of those home if
you'd like."

	Megumi shuddered, "gee thanks Doc."

--------------------------

	Cologne sighed and hobbled over to her staff, her age finally
seemed to be catching up with her.  The seven year ceremony was coming into
it's final stages, it was time for Cologne to tend to the matters at hand.

	She stepped outside into the light of day and tapped the ground
twice to summon Xian.  He arrived quickly, he had been waiting for the
call.  Xian bowed to the elder before following her down the trail.

	Xian wore the traditional long sleeved garb of the village, but all
black to match the long hair which swung loosly at his back.  After a mile
or so he produced an almond cookie from the folds of one of his sleeves and
began to munch away idly.

	Cologne tried not to notice and simply rolled her eyes as she
continued down the trail.

-------------------------

	Mousse threw the last of the dishes in the direction of the sink.
The Nekohanten never used ceramic bowls due to the airborne service style.
Mousse leaned heavily on the counter and rubbed the bridge of his nose
under his glasses.

	"I know that look.  Business must be really good."

	Mousse gave a muffled response.  "Yes, it's horrible."

	Ukyou grined and gave Mousse a little hug, "I'm sure it's not that
hard to chase away those pesky customers."

	Mousse smiled in spite of himself, "the only problem is they keep
coming back."

	Ukyou took a step back to get a good look at him, "how've ya been
Mousse?"

	Mousse thought idly how little Ukyou had aged, "busy.  How about
you?  It must be what?  Twenty years almost?"

	"About there, you look good."  Ukyou nodded happily, "but anyway, I
just wanted to thank you for hiring Seki."

	Mousse took up a seat and motioned Ukyou to do the same, "he's
great, if I could only hire two of him I'd be set."

	Ukyou swung the chair in front of her around and strattled it.  She
rested her head on her hands and gave Mousse a simpathetic look, "that busy
huh?"

	"It's not so bad since I hired him, but when he and Spice are at
school..."  Mousse shrugged.

	"That's the problem with kids today, all they think about is
school, dating, and martial arts."

	"Yeah.  If only..." Mousse was suddenly struck upright with a
thought, "so what are you doing these days Ukyou?"

	Ukyou gave him a squinty eyed look and answered very carefully,
"nothing much...  just finished moving in, I only got into town a few days
ago."  Mousse gave Ukyou a wide eyed look and blinked a couple times for
effect. Ukyou began shaking her head franticly.  "No!  You can't be serious
Mousse.  I haven't worked in a restaurant for years."

	Mousse moved up to a teary pleading look, he could see her melting.
"I could really use your help when the kids are in school."

	Ukyou continued to protest, "I've never worked in a Ramen shop,
I've never even made ramen for that matter."

	Mousse smiled as the images started to finalize, "don't worry about
it.  I can handle most of the cooking.  All you'd have to take some orders
and work the register."

	"I don't know Mousse..." Ukyou thought about it as she looked to
the floor, she could see the kitchen door swing open.

	Mousse took Ukyou's hand in both of his, "I really need you Ukyou."

	They both turned to the sound of plates hitting the floor, "Daddy?!?"