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Did I get this right..? [ No, no, Haru you didn't. There's only audio right now and she lets out a little "hmph" sound before a click can be heard. She's turned the entire thing off and then back on, only to get text this time and then a blank confusing screen. After a few more attempts she finally gets a video feed on. ]

There! Finally! [ She bows dramatically, causing her fluffy pile of hair to bounce. ] My sincerest apologies for the trouble I may have caused with my mistakes. I'm afraid I'm not very good with technology. [ She looks a tiny bit dejected as she adds (in a small voice): ] I've broken every computer I've ever had...

[ But moving on. That's not the important thing here. The important thing is the little table she has set up in the kitchen of the gray building. Sitting on the counter are a handful of glass cups filled with matcha and strawberries. They get progressively better looking the further along the line one looks. ]

After trying a wonderful dessert brought by a dear friend at the community gathering recently I wanted to attempt to make it as a tea. These are...well, they're my best attempts. I know they don't quite look as lovely as that cake, but I did my best. I would be honored and appreciative if people would be willing to come and taste test for me! I only want honest opinions and I can assure you that my feelings will not be hurt by anything said.

[ She bows again. ] Thank you so much! If you are willing to stop by, I'll be in the Gray building's kitchen. Anyone at all is welcome, just let me know if I should expect you! [ She turns it off only to turn it back on quickly, clearly still fumbling over the entire thing. ] Oh, how silly of me, I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Haru Okumura. It is wonderful to meet you all.

[ okay now she's good to turn it off. ]

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[ Honestly, Llewellyn’s drink of choice (non-alcoholic) was coffee over a tea. Though it was her obvious clumsiness with the tell-phone and her very quiet admittance of breaking every computer, she’d ever owned.

Because, despite the era he was from, he actually had a lot of experience with breaking electronics thanks to his time at the Sphere. Enis couldn’t remember it here, but he had been a menace to the stuff she’d given him to use.]

No need to apologize, Miss Okumura. If it makes you feel any better, I’ve broken every computer I’ve handled as well? They, uh- seem very fragile and prone to experiencing errors when you so much as look at them. But! You seem to be doing alright with the tellphone, now that it’s on.

[ On to the cake. He at least knew what Matcha was, even if he’d never had it himself. Still, it wasn’t easily recognizable for him, done up as it was. Especially with the strawberries. He recalled a few drinks from the Sphere that were green, too. Like smoothies and such. Though the layered look was nice. ]

Mm... I vaguely recall seeing the cake, though I don’t believe I had the pleasure of trying it. What do these drinks contain beyond strawberry?

[ She gives him a very polite little smile and shakes her head. ] Oh, Haru please! If you don't mind that is. [ If he really wants to though she won't argue too much, she can understand wanting to be polite. Still, she does wonder if she's worthy of such politeness from a stranger. ]

Have you? Everyone else seems so natural with them that I had started to wonder if perhaps I was cursed. [ Clearly that was the most logical conclusion to come to. What else could there possibly be to it? ] They are rather fragile! It seems like one single mistake causes something like a...[ she can't really think of what to call it and so she just tilts her head thoughtfully until something comes to mind: ] snowball. One error message seems to turn into a complete disaster. [ Possibly because she tends to keep pressing buttons to try to fix it... ]

Thank you for saying so though! [ She moves her hand to her mouth as she giggles. ] Once I got the setting right I simply put it down. [ If you don't touch it you can't break it, right? ]

Oh, that's a shame. You missed out by not getting a slice, it really was lovely! [ And not just because her friend brought it, it really was just good. ] Besides the strawberries there's matcha as it's first ingredient, a bit of milk, and some sugar. Though, there's varying amounts in each one since I was trying to figure out what combination would work the best.

[ Really, it was more about the times he came from than anything, even if she was deserving of politeness in general. Until he found out someone’s preference, he went with the manners he’d grown up learning (as silly as they seemed to him sometimes) and then adjusted once he heard the person’s preference. ]

Of course, Haru, then! Oh- and uh… Forgive me for forgetting, but I’m Llewellyn Watts-Maresh. You can call me Llewellyn if you like.

[ He added, remembering a little late to introduce himself. ]

Exactly! One minute they’re fine and you’re pushing buttons, the next it’s making an alarming sound and giving those strange errors before it all… snowballs from there, as you said!

[ It actually was nice to know someone who also had a similar issue, given how some said that they were easy to use! ]

In that case, I’ll have to keep an eye out for an opportunity to try it again in the future. [ Llewellyn did get around when it came to buying meals and desserts out, given his poor cooking skills. But his attention was more on the drinks now as she explained them. ] Ah- so that’s why it’s green. I wasn’t entirely certain- I’ve seen green drinks called smoothies in the last world I was. But I will say the colour is pleasing, though I’ve never had matcha before either?

I wouldn’t mind trying it, though, if you’re looking for an honest opinion. Are you thinking of starting a cafe or is this a hobby?

It's a pleasure to meet you, Llewellyn. Or I suppose speak to you? Does this classify as a meeting? [ It seemed so impersonal to count this as a true meeting. But she also wasn't quite certain what you would call it. The repercussions of breaking every computer ever meant that she wasn't too familiar with chat rooms and things like that. ]

The snowballing is really a terribly frightening thing. I'm embarrassed to admit, but it does make me somewhat hesitant to mess around with them. I do try to be cautious, but somehow that blue screen always appears. [ Darn blue screen really is the worst thing ever. When she was younger she'd almost thought they were out to get her. Of course she'd known it was rather silly, but you couldn't always control those things. ] It is quite nice to know that I am not alone in that though.

[ She moves a hand up delicately as she let out a tiny giggle. ] I suppose you could make a matcha smoothie, but I think it might taste quite different than what you're thinking of. Matcha is finely ground powdered green tea. I'd be happy to give you a try of some of it plain if you would rather that. Or if you would like to try it in addition to the strawberry drink.

[ Maybe that would be the better way to do things since then he'd have a comparison. She blushed a bit at his question. ]

Oh, no, nothing like a café, just a hobby. [ Though she would really like something like that. It seems like an embarrassing thing to mention to someone she's just met. ]

[ What a polite young woman, and a very good question now that he thought about it. In his world, proper meeting did tend to be in person. But in these worlds were rather different by comparison. ]

That is a rather good question, I admit… In my experience with worlds like this, first contact with people tends to be by whatever communication device we’re bestowed and meeting in person tends to come later. Mm… So! I believe we can count it as a precursor to meeting? But it is a pleasure to speak with you as well, Haru.

Well, there’s no need for embarrassment in current company. Or… conversation, I suppose. [ Now that he was thinking about the whole video chat versus in person, it was hard to not contemplate that. ] While many seem to think they’re easy to use, I am quite unskilled… Between the two of us, I eventually ended up hiding mine and not mentioning it was broken. So you certainly are not the only one.

[ and the blue screen was so very alarming that the idea of looking at one again when he was in the middle of trying to access his notes was just too much anxiety to deal with on top of admitting what he’d done! Not that Enis would have done more than grumble at him and fix it, but he had eventually thought he’d done it one time too many, and then she’d disappeared. He was sure it was still sitting on a shelf in a dome at the bottom of the ocean, a useless paperweight. ]

That’s a kind offer, though uh- I admit I’ve been asked more than once if I wanted tea with my milk and sugar, so perhaps trying your strawberry drink would be the better way for me to try matcha. [ Yes, it was his turn to sound embarrassed. ] Well, it’s certainly a delicious-looking hobby- and convenient when you’re in need of some caffeine, I expect.

You have experience beyond just this world? [ Her tone seems almost mystified by the idea. Of course, it should have occured to her that there could be other places such as this. Yet, somehow, it was still simply incredible to think of. Though...perhaps a bit terrifying to think one could bounce from one to another. ] A precursor to a meeting? I suppose that does make sense! It's a pleasure to have this precursor then and I look forward to our first real meeting.

[ She gives a light little giggle at his admission. ] I will be certain to keep your secret locked away tightly! There should be solidarity between those of us that find technology a bit more troublesome than others. [ Solidarity amongst the unskilled computer users! Having the knowledge that there was someone else here that also struggled with technology was certainly helping to boost her confidence. Her voice was a little more steady and she sounded considerably more at ease with the situation. It really was surprising just how much help knowing you weren't alone with something could be.

Truthfully, it was terribly embarrassing not being as great as the other Phantom Thieves. Or just others in her own age range in general. Even her typing was pretty strange compared to others her age. It was easy to pick out that she was less than a natural. ]

Oh, is that so? [ She laughs. ] I know some people can be rather specific about the purity of their tea. [ So, she could imagine he could certainly get some looks for it. ] Then, please, come by and try some! Though, I only accept honest opinions. [ She smiles. ] Back home I was attempting to learn to make my own coffee from my own beans. That was nothing special though.

Indeed, I have! And it’s as different from this world as it was from my own. I am rather partial to this one, though. It’s a bit chaotic at times, but there are a lot of nice aspects of it. [ He added, knowing how strange it sounded. It sounded weird to him too, every time he mentioned it… But he liked it here best of the three worlds he’d been in thus far. He grinned lightly at her agreement with his thoughts on their meeting. ] Indeed, I uh- am pleased to have had this precursor to meeting as well.

[ Didn’t quite roll off the tongue… But it did make the most sense! ]

That is quite appreciated. We can keep these details to ourselves then, and no one needs to know how cursed we are with technology! [ Aside from everyone who knew them and had witnessed these clumsy blunders either with the tellphone or other things… But he was glad she seemed to at least be a little more at ease after her rather confused attempt at addressing the network. These situations could be quite unsettling and difficult to adjust to, after all.]

People are quite particular about how it’s prepared at times, I um… Appreciate that you don’t judge it too harshly! [ And he nodded finally at the suggestion. ] Then I shall do just that! Mm… You said you were set up in the gray building’s community kitchen, correct?

[ And he would be by. Hopefully she wouldn’t mind a wrinkly little dog with him either! ]

I would love to hear about the previous one you were at. If you don't mind that is! I would not want to make you uncomfortable. [ After all she had no idea what he might have gone through there. However, she certainly was curious about about what this other world was like. ]

Agreed. It can be our small secret. [ And everyone that hears this conversation.
Of course, the fact that people could listen to these hasn't occured to her yet. ]

I would never judge what someone enjoys! I believe that is the most important thing, that one enjoys what they are drinking. [ And nothing really makes her more happy than knowing someone else is happy. ] Yes, I'll be there for a while testing out a few more ideas!

Oh- no need to worry about that, I don’t mind talking about it. It is in the past, after all, and some do find it rather interesting. How about I tell you about it while I sample those drinks you mentioned? I’ll be there shortly, I believe.

[ And he was, Pretzel in tow- or towing him, more like… The dog was trotting ahead at an excited pace as usual, dragging the slouching detective along behind as they entered the gray building and found their way to the kitchens. Glancing around, he announced his presence with a small knock on the doorframe of the gray building’s kitchen. ]

Mm… Hello?

[ The counter of the small kitchen was filled with four different kinds of strawberry matcha drinks. Haru was wearing a light green apron and had a small bowl and whisk in hand. ]

Hello, Mr [ wait no, he'd said to call him Llewellyn --] Llewellyn! I was just making you a non-flavored matcha to try before the strawberry! [ That way he could have something to compare it to! Besides, she rather enjoyed the ritual of mixing it. ]

[ Ah, there she was! And looking quite busy with mixing more matcha. Smiling at the slightly clumsy greeting, he offered a proper one of his own. ] Ah- hello, Haru. It’s nice to actually meet you in person. [ And her explanation solved the mystery of what she was mixing more matcha for. He moved over to the counter and leaned on it curiously to get a better look at everything. ] Oh! I see, thank you for thinking of that. It wouldn’t hurt for me to see what it tastes like for comparison. That was very thoughtful of you.

It is indeed! I am very happy to meet you officially. [ She continues to whisk it up, causing a small bit of foam to form with tiny bubbles on the surface. After a few more seconds of whisking she hands him the small bowl. There's not much in it, enough for probably three to four sips before it was all gone. ] Traditionally, the whisking was meant to be a part of the meditative practices. The whisking can help you to tell your mind and body that this is a time for relaxation. [ Or so they said. Haru could at least confirm that tea time was a very relaxing time. ]

Forgive me if there are any lumps. I tried to make certain there would not be any. [ But she has no confidence in her abilities. ] And if you find the taste unpleasant, that's quite alright. It can take some getting used to.

[ He knew of the stuff, of course, but seeing it being made for the first time was rather interesting. It looked so bubbly as she whisked it! ] I see… so there is more to it than simply preparing it for drinking. The steps have other meanings? It’s interesting, I don’t know much about it and it’s actually a nice shade of green, I must say.

Oh- [ He shook his head lightly at the apology. ] I’m sure it’s fine. It looks as though you’ve mixed it quite well?

[ At least there was a little relief in the fact that she wouldn’t mind if he wasn’t fond of the taste, took a little of the pressure off since he really hadn’t been known to enjoy tea without a lot added to it. ] I’ll keep that in mind, but I appreciate the chance to try something new.

[ and with that, the detective tried a sip of the offered matcha. Quiet for a few moments as he considered the drink more carefully. It… wasn’t unpleasant, not in the way some teas he had were. ] It has an interesting consistency, and I can, uh- assure you, there are no lumps. Though I think I still prefer teas a little sweeter, it’s more enjoyable compared to other teas I’ve had in the past?

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