[center][h1][color=#CAA646]ZEKE[/color][/h1][/center]

When he closed his eyes, he could already smell it. The contents of his pockets rattled in rhythm with each of Zeke’s jittery steps. The next ingredient would soon be at his fingertips, he could not help but smile, hum and skip the occasional step. 

Evening was about to set, as the last of the sun’s shine krept over Mahoukyo’s buildings. The city’s streets filled with white collars returning home to trade their desks for dinner tables. Some headed home. Others headed towards the cafes where work was just now ramping up. Zeke found himself going in the same direction, the street lead into a road littered with food stalls. Each aroma attempting to grab the crowds by their noses, but one in specific caught Zeke’s attention. 

[color=#CAA646]“Excellent balance as usual, Kinzo-san.”[/color] He nodded at a white-haired stall owner immersed stirring and seasoning his noodle soups.

“Compliments don’t pay my bills, O’Brien,” The old man didn’t bother to look up or pull a single muscle in his face. “A patronage, now that would be a better way to pay your respects.” 

[color=#CAA646]“Ah, such bitterness. Make sure it doesn’t spill in the soup.”[/color] Zeke leaned his elbows into the stall’s bar. “You know I would if I weren’t on the clock.”

Kinzo’s decor hardly stood out. The once scarlet paint had faded off the wood, the name on the sail was lettered in what Zeke liked to call the comic sans of katakana. Most of his clientele was similarly old-fashioned, or loyal as Kinzo himself preferred. One of whom, an elderly lady about half Zeke’s height, unabashedly giggled as two exchanged banter.

“That boss of yours still lets you work in that kind of get-up?” Kinzo lifted a single brow, briefly glaring at Zeke’s loose-fitting outfit. 

[color=#CAA646]“The boss cares about results, not appearance. Much the same as yourself, in that regard.”[/color] Zeke gestured at the yatai’s neglected paint job. [color=#CAA646]“It is not just the stomach you feed, Kinzo, you would do well to serve the eyes a little something as well. Maybe put your granddaughter in front to take the orders, yes? She has just the right smile to make this place popular.”[/color]

“She’s busy with school.” Kinzo sighed. “School and the clarinet. She hardly has the time to help out these days - and I can smile plenty charming myself. Ask Kana over here.” Kinzo’s permanent frown lifted into a toothless grin, inelegantly framed with droopy skin. The elderly lady’s giggle burst into a hysterical laughter. 

Zeke too, had to wipe a tear from his eyes. [color=#CAA646]“Be careful, friend, you might scare away even your most loyal customers.”[/color]

“Keep your criticisms to yourself, O’Brien.” Kinzo retorted, his cheeks flushed brighter than the color of his stall. “Or I’ll have you pay double for the next meal.”

[color=#CAA646]“A thousand apologies.”[/color] Zeke wiped the smirk from his face. In the same movement, he pushed himself upright to make ready to leave. [color=#CAA646]”I’ll let you get back to it.”[/color] Zeke tipped his hat at the old owner and then his customer. [color=#CAA646]“I might even swing back tonight for that patronage.”[/color]

“Takoyaki, extra spicy. Don’t make it too late.” Kinzo replied solemnly, as if he had rehearsed that line. 

Zeke nodded. [color=#CAA646]”You know it, friend.”[/color]

With the scents of the Yatai markets trailing behind him, Zeke continued to his destination. A modest cafe owned by the boss who cared more about results than appearances. With a tip of his hat towards the bartender as he entered, Zeke quickly found himself down the stairs to Gang 13’s actual meeting place. 

[color=#CAA646]“Dunkas, looking out for the lady as usual?”[/color] Zeke first greeted the large man down the stairs with a modest if sly smile. [color=#CAA646]”Do button up, please.”[/color] He traced the yojimbo’s inked skulls in the air in front of him, [color=#CAA646]”Us Rikimaru folk are not well-known for our… Self-control, after all.”[/color]

Lingering for not a moment, Zeke stepped into the room, [color=#CAA646]”Whina, radiant, as ever. Is that blouse new?”[/color] He asked the Rikimaru heir, before seating himself on a beanbag next to Artemis. [color=#CAA646]”It contrasts beautifully with your hair.”[/color]