Chapter Text
Carrying a picnic basket and her umbrella on her arm, Cherry Blossom Cookie made her climb up a small hill. There, her friends awaited - a young, blonde girl, her helmet on the grass next to her, and another with puffy, white hair with a letter pressed against her face, seeming to be in concentration.
"Hello, ladies! I"m sorry for the delay." Cotton Candy and Pink Choco looked up, the latter grinning widely. "Blossom!"
Yes… In order to differentiate herself from the young Cherry Cookie, most of her peers called her Blossom. It"s just more convenient, and Cherry Blossom herself found it an adorable nickname. She bent down and sat on the blanket alongside her friends, taking out the sandwiches and snacks she made.
Pink Choco picked up a sandwich, sighing wistfully. “I had this whole plan today to help these two lovebirds out with my love gun… But Almond stepped in before I could and said to leave them alone.” She pouted as she waved her gun around. “I upgraded it too, asked Croissant for help with it…”
Cotton Candy timidly looked down, a half finished letter in her hands. Pink Choco turned to her, and ruffled her hair slightly. “Hey, don’t worry. Perhaps the addressee of this next one will be the one!”
The other smiled. Cherry Blossom reached into her basket and placed teacups in front of everyone, pouring tea for everyone from a tumbler bottle (because putting tea in a teapot and carrying it over to somewhere else in a basket seems dangerous - at least this way, the tea stays warm and unspilled). “Pink, who were you trying to shoot at, exactly?” Cotton Candy asked.
“Oh!” Pink Choco clapped her hands together. “Do you know those two guys from the republic? The coffee magician, and the handsome knight guy with the giant shields?”
“...Espresso and Madeleine?” Cotton Candy said.
“Yea, them! I wasn’t sure if either of you had met them before.”
“Why, of course we have. We’ve seen them around, and… The infamous scene at the bar…” Cotton Candy trailed off, noticing that Cherry Blossom had been quiet for a while. She blinked and capped the bottle, leaning back and gesturing for everyone to drink.
Pink Choco had brought her cup to her lips when Cherry Blossom said, “Hm… I think I might have seen something concerning the two. I believe they’re together now.”
She nearly spat out the tea. “What?”
“What did you see?” Cotton Candy leaned forward, curiosity twinkling in her eyes.
Cherry Blossom looked away awkwardly. She knew her girls were just going to insist on her telling, and especially when she dropped that bombshell. Pretty much everyone was invested in whatever was going on between the two men, and more so when that infamous scene at the bar occurred.
But… when she followed Madeleine from a distance and saw the scene that unfolded, and their first kiss that Cherry Blossom definitely felt like she was intruding upon, she knew her friends - who were rather fond of the concept of romance - would obviously want to hear about it.
“Well…”
“I can’t believe it’s my turn to buy apology flowers.” Espresso muttered as he and Madeleine made their way to the flower shop, the knight carrying a small box under his arm since he insisted on helping him carry his things.
“Well, you did say you said some rather unkind things to Latte.” Madeleine said, glancing towards his boyfriend. “Best to give her something, right?”
“...Yes, of course.” Espresso sighed, his eyes drawing to the way that everyone else around them seemed to be staring at them.
Espresso felt Madeleine subtly entangle his fingers with his, sighing. “I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to this.”
“Used to what?”
Madeleine lifted their hands. “This.”
Espresso lifted a brow, a gesture for him to continue on. Madeleine looked away, his face going warm. “I- ah… um. It’s wonderful being with you, but, wow, it doesn’t even feel real sometimes.”
It had been about a week or two since they got together, despite this, yet Madeleine had been extremely affectionate since then. Slipping in kisses whenever he visited, holding hands together whenever Madeleine made him go out, even doing simple things like giving him something to drink when he works long hours in the lab. Despite this, he does not mind any of it - in fact, he absolutely welcomes it.
Espresso chuckled. “We haven’t even told anyone yet.”
Yet, no doubt, everyone would guess very soon where their relationship was at the moment. With how close they were walking right now, he was sure everyone would be able to deduce what"s going on.
When they reached The first thing they saw was Herb on a stepladder, watering some of his indoor hanging plants. “Good afternoon, Herb.”
“Espresso, hey!” Herb greeted happily, hopping off the stepladder. Espresso and Madeline approached the counter. “What brings you here?”
“Flowers…” The green-haired man tilted his head at this, waiting for more of an answer. “Apology flowers.” Espresso’s eyes drifted to the giant, carnivorous plant in the corner. He… decided not to ask any questions once he saw Madeleine give him a slight shake of his head.
Herb blinked at this, looking between the two. “The flowers are for someone else. This buffoon just doesn’t like to be left alone, and insisted he come with me.” Madeleine beamed, as if completely ignoring what Espresso had said.
“Oh.” Herb’s eyes drifted to their entangled hands, a puzzled look on his face. He’s probably thinking how the dynamic between them hasn"t really changed - and it’s true - At least, Espresso feels like nothing’s changed much. Madeleine still attaches himself to him like a dog on a leash, and Espresso just lets him tag along with whatever he’s doing even if he says he doesn’t have to… he’s just nicer about it, and there’s a lot of kissing and hand-holding now.
“Well. I guess the rumors are true.” The florist simply said after a while, shrugging and turning to pick flowers off the vases. Espresso’s thoughts immediately screeched to a halt, and he could’ve sworn he almost did a double take. “...What rumors?”
“Oh, you guys haven’t heard?” Herb said, taking a small bundle of flowers in his hands and going behind the counter. “Word’s gone around you guys kissed and made up. Literally. I think Cherry Blossom might have started it?”
The florist began cutting some of the stems off. “The way she described it is something out of a fairytale too.” Herb waved the scissors around as he talked, coming dangerously close to slashing Espresso’s face. He took a small step back out of the range of his arm. “Madeleine, desperate to confess his undying love, chased Espresso through the rain, and under the Dreaming Jelly Lion Statue, they both confessed and they kissed.”
“...Ah.” Madeleine looked away, embarrassed. “I did bump into her while I was trying to catch up to you, Espresso. She probably ended up following me out of curiosity.”
“Well.” The magician said. “That much is true, although I’m quite sure that Madeleine was preparing to confess, then his plans were shot when I walked into your shop.”
Madeleine nodded. “Yep. That’s correct.” He groaned, wrapping an arm around Espresso’s shoulders. “I had this entire grand scheme to get you to fall in love with me that also included me grovelling at your door, but alas, my plans were ruined for-”
“Hm. How disappointing. I would’ve loved to see you grovel on your knees.” Espresso paused when Madeleine stared at him. “Wha- ugh, not in that way! Get your mind out of the gutter! Besides, I thought you bought the flowers as an apology!”
Espresso pushed Madeleine’s arms away from him, drawing a chuckle from the knight. “Well, I did. The confession was an afterthought and was not part of the plan, though-”
“Wait. You’re saying...” Herb put down the scissors and gawked at the sight in front of him. “You’re saying that the whole thing… with the kiss and the statue and literally chasing your lover through the rain is all true.”
Espresso hummed, in thought for a moment. “Yes. I suppose all that was true.”
Well, the cat is out of the bag now. There goes his plans of being the one to tell his and Madeleine’s friends. Perhaps that was for the best, after all, though his own social circle was small, all of Madeleine’s was probably the whole kingdom. Telling everyone would be… somewhat tedious.
“Anyway,” Herb was beginning to wrap the flowers, “congrats you two. A heads up, though. Everyone’s been looking forward to this, so… um, expect a lot of fanfare once you leave.”
Herb held up the flowers, and Espresso took it from him with a puzzled expression. “Whatever do you mean by… “looking forward to this”?”
“Ah. You guys will see in a bit.” Herb took the coins from Espresso’s stretched out hand. “Come again soon, you two!”
When they left the flower shop, Espresso almost immediately understood what Herb meant when he said “everyone was looking forward to this”.
“Hey, Ess, congrats on the relationship!” The sheriff-bounty hunter, Rye, yelled at the aforementioned person and Madeleine from across the street.
“Oh- thank you!” Espresso yelled back, watching as Rye grinned and continued striding down the pavement, probably going back to thinking about catching Chili Pepper.
The smell of the ocean and seawater wafted through the air - Sea Fairy had approached them. As she towered over the two, she bent down slightly, her sword clutched in one hand as she patted Madeleine on the head. “Congratulations, you two. May your love be everlasting and beautiful.”
“Thanks!” Madeleine, this time, was the one who replied. The legendary nodded, walking off with a soft smile.
Espresso pursed his lips when a small man, dressed head to toe in yellow and carrying a paddle, walked up to them with a giant, carefree smile. It took Espresso a while, but he recognized him as Mango Cookie. “Congratulations on telling him how you feel, Madeleine!”
Madeleine blinked - Espresso guessed that he didn’t know this guy either, other than seeing him in passing - but Mango kept going. “If you two are ever looking for date spots, maybe even somewhere to spend your honeymoon alone, there are plenty of beautiful views in the Tropical Soda Islands! I could show you around!”
Espresso froze. He glanced at Madeleine, who had a similar surprised expression - his face going bright red. Was it from the “honeymoon” bit? Probably. He coughed awkwardly into his fist, trying to ignore the way his cheeks, too, were starting to feel warm. “Th-thank you, Mango. We will keep that in mind.”
“Yay! See you two soon!” Said the boatman before he hopped back along the road.
Espresso was fairly sure that them going out like they did, holding hands and carrying a bunch of gifts absolutely cemented that they were officially a thing now. Despite his nonchalance back at Herb’s flower shop concerning the fact that everyone knew their relationship, he didn’t know how to act when people… actually acknowledged it.
“Divine’s Light…” Madeleine sighed. “I don’t know if I can handle that.”
“I assure you, I won’t be the worst roommate should the day come that we hitch a ride on Princess Cookie’s cruise ship.”
“No, not that, Just…” The knight scratched the back of his neck, looking away sheepishly. “Everyone just publicly…. Acknowledging we’re actually together? They accepted it pretty fast, too.”
“...Neither can I…” Espresso smiled, his hands travelling up to hang onto Madeleine’s arm, “I welcome it though.”
...Did everyone else see where this was going… except for Madeleine and Espresso?
Espresso and Madeleine arrived by Latte’s doorstep, gifts in tow. Madeleine bumped his shoulder lightly. “Hey. It’ll be alright.”
“I just… honestly, that was our first real fight. I was just so tired and too much was going on that I… said some things I truly regret.” Espresso ran a hand down his hair. “I do not know if some petty gifts are enough to say I’m sorry.”
He saw a hint of regret flash through Madeleine’s eyes - no doubt still feeling a bit guilty for the way he turned him down before. “Well, don’t tell that first part to me,” he said, handing him the gift box, the sad look on his face gone, “tell that to Latte when you see her.”
Espresso looked up at the door with an uneasy expression. “It can’t be that bad, remember? You two have known each other forever.” Madeleine began adjusting Espresso’s collar, smoothing out the creases on his robes, as if he was helping prepare for a huge interview. “She cares about you. She loves you. You think some words are going to make her cut you off forever?”
The magician pursed his lips at this. There was some truth to his words, yet… his mind draws back to the way he doesn’t have a clear-cut, definite prediction for the way Latte might react. I mean, he has a good idea - and that’s she’ll forgive him and they can go back to being friends - but…. What if. What if?
...That line of thinking almost made him out on Madeleine, though.
“You’re right…. You’re right.” Espresso said, gently pushing off Madeleine’s hands with his free hand. “Thank you for supporting me with this.”
Madeleine chuckled, bringing Espresso’s fingers to his lips. “Of course.” This action caused his face to feel warm, and it only got warmer when Madeleine suddenly leaned forward and pecked him on the lips. He swiftly turned around and began jogging down across the street. “I’ll see you later Espresso, good luck!”
The magician stayed frozen there for several moments. Completely red face, box under his arm, flowers tight in his grip. Despite his earlier comment that they’ll get used to it in a while, Espresso doesn’t know if he’ll ever get used to kissing Madeleine. It sends him into a sputtering mess every time the other initiates it.
He wonders how he can do it so easily. Doesn’t he get all flustered like he does?
(A good distance away, Madeleine Cookie bumps straight into a lamppost - reeling from the fact he kissed his boyfriend.)
Espresso climbed up the steps and took a deep breath. Better to just get it over with. He balanced the bouquet on top of the box to knock, only having to wait a moment until the door opened.
Latte"s eyes widened. "Espresso? Wh-what"s all this?"
He held up the gifts. "I came to apologize."
Her eyes looked down, a clear look of surprise in her face. She blinked once and looked back up at him, giving him a small smile. "Come in, Essy."
Espresso closed the door behind him with his foot when he entered the living room. He laid out the flowers and gift on the coffee table as Latte walked into the kitchen and re-emerged with two wine glasses and a wine bottle.
"I hope it"s not too early for wine?" Latte asked, laying it out as well on the table. "Sparkling got a new batch. He was the first to give me one, which obviously upset Vampire."
Latte chuckled, which drew a small smile from Espresso. As she poured them a drink, he looked away sheepishly. "I"m sorry."
She didn"t react, only continuing to fill her glass. "I should not have reacted to you trying to help like that. I just…"
He struggled for words for a moment when Latte finished filling his glass, only sitting back and listening silently. "I just… I don"t know… what I was doing at the time. And you know me, I despise admitting that. So I took it on you, and I"m so, so sorry."
Latte took a long sip, then uncrossed her legs and leaned forward. She sighed and stared at her drink. "I have to admit, I think I need to apologize too."
Espresso blinked. "I was just worried about you, you know? You always stayed in your own lane and didn’t try to expand your horizons much. I think… I ended up pushing your buttons a little too far. And I’m sorry for that.”
He took a sip of the wine. “...We’re still friends, right?”
“Of course.”
They continued drinking in silence, not daring to speak for a while, then Latte picked up the box on the table. She lifted the box, being greeted with six little spooky muffins. “Muffins?”
“Yes. I tried making them on my own, but ah, it took too long, and I got too busy with my experiments.” Espresso said. “Then Madeleine tried to help out, but we ended up making a mess of the kitchen. So I just ended up buying them from Maison du Cake.”
Espresso fought the urge to cringe at the memory of the absolute chaos that occurred in his kitchen. He had left a bit to check on a test he was running with a new batch of coffee, and, when he reemerged from his lab, found that Madeleine had somehow burnt to an ashy black the muffins he spent an agonizing amount of time measuring and making sure it was up to par in his eyes.
No wonder Madeleine got takeout so often. While Espresso’s reasoning was that cooking took too long and he would rather spend it on his experiments, Madeleine can’t cook anything to save his life. Maybe it was for the best he was around to help him with the donuts last time, otherwise he’d probably have destroyed Latte’s near-perfect kitchen.
Latte chuckled, closing the box. “I’m sure they’d go well with my coffee. Thank you for the gifts. Speaking of which…”
She put down her glass and leaned forward, resting her chin against her entwined fingers. “Can I assume that you saying Madeleine was at your house is confirmation you two are dating?”
Espresso paused. Then, “Yes. We are.”
“Essy!” Latte got up and hurried over to his seat, immediately cuddling him. “I’m so proud of you! You actually got a boyfriend!” She gasps. “We can go on double dates now!”
“Did you think I was never going to get one-”
“I’m just disappointed you didn’t tell me sooner!” Latte sighed dramatically, continuing to hold on to Espresso’s head despite the annoyed look on his face. “You know, I had to learn about the rumors of you two dating from an offhand comment from Clover Cookie! Clover Cookie!”
….Espresso has no idea who that is.
He gently pushed her off. “Well, I did have every intent of telling you first, but I’m afraid Cherry Blossom had spread the word around before I had the chance to.” Espresso leaned back, tilting his glass towards him. “It is more convenient, I suppose. Much better than individually telling everyone.”
Latte plopped herself back in her seat. “Well! Tell me everything. Tell me how you guys got together.”
Espresso smiled. He doesn’t know how long it’s been since he’s properly sat down and talked to her like this, with his workload and all. So, he and Latte sat there, talking for hours and hours on end… Like they used to when they were younger.
Another three weeks go by, and it was yet another busy day at Sparkling Cookie’s bar. Amongst the chatter and the sounds of glasses clinking together, a group of four raise a toast.
"CHEERS!" Madeleine, Espresso, Almond and Latte yelled, each taking their own long sips. As Latte had hoped, they finally were able to go on a double date.
"You"re always so busy all the time, Espresso!" Latte sighed, clear annoyance in her tone. "It"s no wonder it took so long to coax you out of your lab."
"Always much work to be done." Espresso said simply.
"I"ve had to make him take a break several times already!" Madeleine leaned back, snaking an arm on the frame of the booth behind Espresso"s head. "I"ve had to take drastic measures to make sure that he gets enough rest."
Espresso grimaced, recalling how, during a time when he"s been up for nearly five days, Madeleine had to pick him up bridal-style and wrap him in a blanket like a burrito and haul him off to his bedroom. His boyfriend didn"t leave his house until he was sure he got enough rest - and sure enough, he awoke the next day after a twelve hour slumber to find that Madeleine had taken out some breakfast, since he sternly instructed him never to cook in his kitchen.
What"s even worse is that Madeleine insisted on sleeping next to him, on the same bed, to keep an eye on him and make sure that he didn"t get up and try to continue working again. Espresso was pretty sure he didn"t get much sleep that night because of the man subconsciously cuddling in him in his sleep, his face pressed against Madeleine"s chest.
"Oh? I"m curious." Almond smirked when he noticed Espresso tense up. "What measures did you have to impose, exactly? Perhaps we could use those whenever Espresso decides to sacrifice his health and energy for work."
“Yes. Do tell.” Latte shot him a dirty look. “Him being of the coffee race stops working as an excuse after a while.”
When he saw Madeleine"s eyes light up, Espresso instantly reached over and took his and the knight’s near-empty glasses. "I"m getting refills."
Sure, walking away for a bit doesn"t guarantee that they"ll stop talking about him - if anything, it just encourages them more to do so - but he at least doesn"t have to be there to learn he had to be wrapped up like a breakfast sandwich to be taken to bed.
Espresso approached the counter, watching Sparkling flip glasses and generally doing theatrics while serving everyone their drinks. Once he walked over to him, Sparkling"s signature smile relaxed. "Hey, Espresso, need anything?"
"Just refills for Madeleine and I." Espresso said, slipping into the seat in front of him and pushing the glasses forward.
"Sure thing!" Sparkling took the glasses and turned around, beginning to make more of the cocktails they ordered.
"Psssst. Hey, Ess." He turned to his right - Chili Pepper, who was drinking a giant Bloody Mary, probably made spicier just for her. "Never got to say, but "grats on the relationship, and even more congrats for sticking together for a month."
“Oh. Thank you.”
“Anyway, when’re you gonna tell him?” Chili Pepper asked, taking a long sip.
“Tell him what?”
“You know. On your expedition. When you two fuck-” Espresso surged forward and covered her mouth with both his hands. He felt something wet brush against his palms, causing him to immediately retreat his hands back.. “Did you just lick my hand?!”
She managed to give a mischievous grin before - “You and Madeleine did what?!” Sparkling yelled, swiftly turning around and placing the drinks he ordered in front of him - slamming it, almost. Espresso turned his head back to Chili Pepper with a murderous glint in his eyes. “How do you even know that?!”
“Man, don’t worry. He didn’t tell shit. He even seems to be in denial you guys banged.” Chili Pepper shrugged. “Guy’s an idiot, alright? He described feeling sore and with marks all over, and you were, like, the only dude he knows travelling with him. Also, you guys had some ridiculous tension. I just based on what he said… er, what’s that shit Rye says when she arrests me…. Ah. I guessed through the power of deduction.”
Espresso slapped his forehead. He shouldn’t even be worried because of course Madeleine doesn’t remember. He’s been waiting for months, pretty much since he realized he was here to stay, to see if he had some recollection of that night and he never did, so why would he tell Chili Pepper of all people about it?
Sparkling sighs, leaning his cheek against his enclosed fist. “Well. Maybe let him know one day.”
“It’s… a bit awkward to bring up, though…” Espresso pressed his lips. “We’re at a good place at the moment too… It’d be strange to talk about.”
“Or don’t, then. At the end of the day, the decision’s up to you.”
Espresso sat there for a moment, saying nothing. Eventually, he just silently picked up the drinks. He made his way back to the booth, sliding into his seat next to Madeleine. “You were there a while, you and Sparkling must have had a wonderful conversation!”
“Ah…” Espresso looked away awkwardly. “Wonderful isn’t… Nevermind, let’s just go with that.”
Latte and Almond were staring at him, both with a curious glint in their eyes. “What did he talk to you about?” Latte asked.
Espresso hesitated for a moment. “We just talked about the expedition. Nothing much.” He said, leaning against Madeleine’s shoulder.
Latte leaned forward, glass in one hand. “You knoooow…. You never did tell me about that expedition. Regale us with your tales, oh-mighty Espresso Cookie.”
He scoffed playfully. Maybe he’ll indulge Latte a little bit, and leave out a lot of the details.
Hours later, Almond and Latte had bid their farewells and left the establishment. In fact, most of the patrons had gone home as the bar had neared its closing hours. Madeleine and Espresso decided to stay behind, wanting to talk more before the night ended.
“We should make plans to return to the republic.” Espresso mused aloud. “I’m afraid I’ve much work to do there, I must check up on the school.”
“Always so busy, Espresso.” Madeleine sighed, leaning forward and resting his elbow against the table. “How about a deal? I won’t bother you much while we’re in the republic,”
Espresso listened intently when Madeleine paused for dramatic effect. He picked up his drink (which he’d been drinking rather slowly, Madeleine really does talk a lot) and brought it to his lips. “...under the condition that I take you home and introduce you to the rest of my family as my lover!”
He nearly spat out his drink at this, then he turned to Madeleine, face bright red. "Wh- I-"
"Ah… Don"t be embarrassed, they"ll love you!" Madeleine beamed, his smile as bright as the god he worships. "I have five siblings, and they"re all excited to meet you!"
"Oh witches,” Espresso covered his face in embarrassment, realizing what will likely happen should he visit, “did you already write to them about me?”
“They’re very interested in the magician with the eyes the likes of a dragon,” Madeleine spoke in a low tone, a lazy, yet affectionate, smile on his face, “and they’ve heard tale after tale of his beauty. His appearance and his magic.”
“Agh... Stop it.” Espresso was sure his face was absolutely flushed right now. He was also sure it was from the fact Madeleine speaks of him so highly and in the way he does in his letters home, and not the alcohol. He partly wishes it was from the alcohol.
The sound of the front door opening caught Espresso’s attention and he looked up. Herb Cookie walked in, and approached Sparkling, who had mostly just been wiping his counter down. He and Madeleine sat close enough from the bar that he was able to mostly hear the conversation.
“Herb! Hey. It’s pretty late. Is there any reason you dropped by?”
“Not really… Just wanted to talk, you know?” Herb laughed awkwardly. Espresso had tuned out Madeleine, who just seemed to be rambling on about the history of his family.
“Do you mind if I stay after the bar closes?” He could see Herb look away, not meeting Sparkling’s eyes. Though, the view from where he sat meant Espresso couldn’t see his expression. “I just… I don"t really want to be alone right now.”
Hm.
“Madeleine.” Espresso said, causing the knight to turn to him. “Let’s get home. It’s getting pretty late.”
The knight shrugged nonchalantly as they both pulled out some coins (they agreed to split the bill, Almond and Latte had already paid for their drinks) and got up to leave. They left the coins at the booth, Espresso only looking back at the conversation behind them.
He met Sparkling’s eyes. Espresso only nodded in return, as a sort of “good luck”.
“It is peaceful here at night.”
Espresso looked up at Madeleine’s comment, his hands tucked away in the pockets of his coat. He looked around at his surroundings - flowers and other such plants well taken care of, and only lampposts and a few fireflies being the only things to illuminate the dark. Espresso and Madeleine liked taking this path to their house, and it’s easy to see why.
“It’s quite clear Gingerbrave and company have taken great care of the kingdom.” Although for some odd reason they don’t seem to have any form of rulers or economic system, everyone puts in their own effort here, at least.
“It’s a different vibe from the republic, I suppose.” Espresso said. “It feels a lot more home-y here than over there.”
They arrived at Espresso’s doorstep. He turned to Madeleine. “For the record… I do not wish that you stop bothering me once we make that trip home.”
Madeleine blinked. “I agree to your terms, but only if you make do on your promise from at the bar. I want you to take me to every theater, restaurant, and landmark you want in the republic. I’ve seen them all but…”
Espresso smiled fondly. “It really will be different with you.”
The knight said nothing, only stepping closer and cupping Espresso’s face. Warm lips met his, and he knows this isn’t the first time they kissed - but he never tires of it.
Madeleine pulled away, his hand drifting down to hold Espresso’s hand. “I’d do that even without the deal.”
He smiled, slowly stepping away from the knight and walking up to his front door. “Good night, Madeleine.”
“Good night, Espresso.”
Once Madeleine saw Espresso’s door close, he turned around and pumped his fist into the air. He’s never going to get over his boyfriend and he doesn’t want to. And he doesn’t know either when he’ll stop reacting like when they first started dating or like he gained his first crush.
As Madeleine crossed the street to his home, he failed to notice that Espresso’s door was still slightly ajar. He let out a short breath through his nose, a soft smile on his lips.
His endearing, stupid, wonderful Madeleine Cookie.