Who:Setsuna and Tessa What: Tea! Matchup! Where: the Tea Shop When: Afternoon Status: COMPLETE!
Although Tessa was, by choice, a coffee drinker, she had come to appreciate a good cup of tea. It was what came of living in London for over a year, and getting married to two Brits.
Said Brits were extremely enthusiastic tea drinkers, however, and Tessa found herself at the tea shop frequently - to the point where she was on a first name basis with everyone who worked there.
“Good afternoon, Setsuna,” she greeted as she stepped in. “I am afraid I’m back for more. The new oolong did not last long.”
*** Setsuna was a frequent visitor to the shop, herself. So much so she often helped people pick out teas. If she hadn't had her job at the University, she'd be here daily. She'd met Tessa here and helped her with tea.
Now she'd taken to finding her things to try or leaving them with the clerks to give to her if she wasn't around. Today found her restocking for her classroom tea stash but when she saw Tessa she smiled a little more readily.
“I am glad to hear it went over well! They got more in, though there's some good ones for autumn.”
***
“Do they?” Tessa went over to check the shelf with interest. Setsuna was often here more than Tessa herself, and was the first to know about new teas - the good and the ones to stay away from. If she had some recommendations, Tessa was sure to try them.
“What are they?”
*** Setsuna smiled as she led her friend over and gestured. “There is a Bombay Chai and a Harvest Apple that is delicious as well.” She pointed to a couple of them. “They have the pumpkin spiced ones too, but they really are not my thing.” she shrugged a little.
“I am fan of some of their chai mixes lately, the warmth of the spices makes the coming season a little easier to deal with.”
***
“Will quite enjoys pumpkin spice, so I should try some of that,” Tessa said, moving to the counter so she could take a sniff at the tea. It was nice: rich and full-bodied with the spice Will enjoyed so much.
“I don’t mind the winter here so much,” she said as she perused the other teas. “Central heating does wonders for making a home cozy. It’s much nicer than huddling up around a fire.”
*** “I am used to ice of space, I suppose, I just like the idea of warmth.” she smiled faintly and shrugged a bit placing her own purchases on the counter and setting out her card. “I do hope that you enjoy the tea, I think you will like it.”
She pushed her hair out of her eyes as she watched the woman ring her items up. “Christmas should bring more peppermint flavors out, not my favorite, but they have their place.”
***
“I am not particularly fond of peppermint in my tea either,” Tessa mused. She picked up a few more flavours, knowing they would all be gone in short order. Tessa never had to worry about buying too much tea; she only worried about buying too little.
“And how are things otherwise?”
*** Setsuna shrugged a little, “I'm getting along. My ward is doing well in school, I am enjoying my job. It is what it is.” She smiled warmly.
“And you, how are things?”
***
“Very well,” Tessa said, unable to keep the delighted smile from her face. Ever since Jem had received the results of his tests, it was as if the last weight had been lifted from him, and he could truly enjoy his time here - and the people he shared it with. And of course, Jem’s happiness was her happiness.
“We have been discussing having a family, my husband and I,” she said. “Not immediately, but it is a possibility now when it was not before.”
*** Setsuna nodded gently. “I am glad to hear things are going well.” she liked hearing that her friends were doing well, it was a good thing in this place to be doing well. It took so many time so long to get settled.
“Oh? Well that would be a lovely thing, wouldn’t it?” she canted her head a little.
***
“I believe so,” Tessa said, still smiling dreamily. She did, however, have enough presence of mind to place her tea on the counter to await her turn to pay. “We are not planning to start immediately, but I do not wish to wait long, either. With so much uncertainty, it seems unwise not to take advantage of the time we have here, don’t you think?”
*** Setsuna took her bagged purchases and nodded. “Time doesn’t stop for anyone, in this place it’s more important to take it while you have it.” she smiled warmly. “I am glad you have found peace and happiness here, Tessa. I know you will do things when you feel it is best. If you ever need anything, please reach out to me.?” she smiled gently before stepping out of the way.
“Enjoy your tea, and give the guys my greetings.” she bowed to her friend before stepped back towards the door, happy her friend was doing well here.