A CeleSaku fic for @monochrome-typewriter. I hope you like it, friendly friend!
From the other side of the table, Celes looks up at Sakura, bright red eyes widening in surprise. Celes stands out even in this café filled with delicate music and the chatter of luxuriously dressed people; her dress is large and black and elegant, and her pleasant smile rests underneath a piercing gaze. But Sakura knows Celes isn’t the one people are staring at.
“What do you mean, Oogami-san?” Celes asks, setting down her cup of milk tea—no, proper milk tea, as Celes insisted to a nervous barrister. “Is this café not to your liking?”
“This café is wonderful. I’m grateful you took me here, Celes-san. However…” Sakura sighs, catching the murmurs of yet another staring couple. “I don’t think I am the kind of woman who is typically found in places like these.”
“And what makes you say that? I asked you to accompany me here—therefore, you belong here. Honestly, you make much better company than any of the thugs who frequent this café.”
Sakura blinks, but feels a rush of pleasure. Blushing slightly, she hides her face by taking another drink of her oolong tea.
“Tell me,” Celes says, “Is the tea to your liking?”
“It’s perfect, Celes-san.”
“Let me try it.” Then, shocking Sakura, Celes leans forward, takes Sakura’s cup and sips from it. She smiles before putting it back in place. “Mm. It truly is delicious. Oh, Oogami-san, you must try the earl grey. It has such a lovely taste.”
The two of them spend a long time in that café, tasting different teas and drinking in the aroma and atmosphere, while they discuss their favourite blends and how to perfect them. With Celes, it’s easy for Sakura to feel at peace. But another whisper reaches her ears, the muttered word ‘ogre’, and Sakura finds her mood dropping once again.
“How vulgar,” Celes announces, suddenly, her voice loud enough for others to here. “I suppose I misjudged the clientele here. They are truly the lowest kind of brutes.” She gives Sakura a sweet smile. “Shall we go, Oogami-san?”
Outside, a chill has settled in the air. Sakura sees Celes shiver, and guilt stabs her heart.
“You told me you loved that café. I’d hate for you had to avoid that place because of me.”
Celes giggles. “My, what ever are you talking about? I had simply grown tired of that establishment.” She takes steps forward, then turns and faces Sakura once again. “And, regardless, I enjoy your company much more, Oogami-san. Come. We must continue our discussion. May we talk over tea at your house?”
“Of course.” Despite everything, Sakura finds herself smiling once again. “My speciality is green tea.”
“Ah, yes. I was never particularly taken with green tea, but,” Celes holds out her hand. Sakura takes it in her own. “Since you are the one preparing it, I’m sure it will taste delicious. After all, you are a more elegant and sophisticated person than anyone who can be found inside that café.”
