Blends & Friends

Rarely did Philos make their way to Burrowgatory proper. The comfort of the Heavenly Embassy was preferable and the Cherubuns there, familiar. They were not brave enough to endure the newness of the world outside their enclave even though they had left the meadow now for quite some time. They handled Succubuns visiting the Embassy, on their turf, than the other way around. Their acclimation was slower than most other Cherubuns and needed constant encouragement to explore the world around them, brave the parts they sought out to do when they left their heavenly home above.

This time, Philos somehow managed to drag a new friend to Paradise Cafe where Beanny thrived. The friend, Coronis, was carried snug in the Cherubun’s arms as they navigated the busy streets to the cafe. Every sight and sound was novel and exciting and a tad bit overwhelming. Sometimes they would stand along the sidewalk as they stared into a storefront, marveling at the knick knacks behind the glass.

“If you keep this up, we’ll hit rush hour and we won’t find anywhere to sit.” The Greed bun reminded with no real annoyance in his voice. Startled from their trance, Philos shook their head and squeezed the bun in their arms tighter. Overwhelmed and nervous, they buried their face into the top of their companion’s head.

“I-I am doing mine best…!” They faltered, glancing once more at the shop before continuing their walk to the cafe. “’tis such a contemporary landscape, Burrowgatory… every visit here feeleth like the first. How does the busyness not engulf thee?” The bun in their arms shrugged, glancing from side to side as he spotted the cafe just in the near distance.

“You get used to it. We’re almost there.”

Sure enough, the pair soon entered the mauve-colored cafe and were greeted by Beanny herself. “Welcome–oh! Philos, hey! Coronis too, right?”

“Mmhm.” hummed the Succubun coolly.

“Good Morrow, dearest Beanny. How art thou? We had hoped to arriveth before rush hour.” Philos looked around, surveying the not-so-busy cafe. “Seemeth to me ‘tis not as busy as we intended.”

Beanny laughed and led the pair away to a nearby table. “We? You two do seem to be spending a lot of time together as of late.” Before Philos could stammer to protest, the other Cherubun places a small food menu before them. “Coffee on the house-I insist. Though, take your time deciding what snacks you’d like to go with it. I will be riiight back.” She left, leaving the pair to look over the menu.

Coronis manages to sit in his own chair beside Philos, looking over the menu once before settling on something. Philos was entranced by all the delicious treats to be had and thus, spent a little longer looking over the menu before coming to a decision as well. Beanny meanwhile, worked her magic behind the counter, brewing fresh, hot cups of coffee for the pair. The espresso machine whirred and piped, masterfully filling the air with a delicious, chocolatey aroma that only the brewed potion could instill.

“What will you get?” Coronis asked finally, breaking the brief silence between them. Philos hummed, thumbing through the menu one last time before pointing to their snack of choice.

“A pain au chocolate. I prefereth fruit pastries but as I am rarely here…I desired to treat myself.” The mere declaration was almost embarrassing to admit and grew more evident as the Cherubun began to question themself. “That is, of course, if it is ok–”

“Of course it’s okay, Philos.” Beanny interrupts from the counter, pouring the coffee into their respective cups. “Dove and Primrose may not push you but you needn’t feel guilty over the littlest things. You’re here now- we’re all here now- and it’s just part of our lives now. You deserve a tasty little treat–and more, if you want it!” She wasn’t just talking about the menu and Philos understood. Philos knew very well Beanny meant well and harbored no ill intentions towards them. In a way, they were glad they could count on her for being a firm voice of reason, especially given their shared background under Melangel’s watchful gaze.

They nodded, casting a shy smile to both of them before turning to Coronis. “Very well…I shall endeavor to not hold myself back. I-in which case, I shall haveth two pain au chocolate. And yourself, Coronis?”

Their companion smirked. “I was going to half you on yours, but I suppose I’ll get something for myself then. Beanny, I’ll add a couple biscottis to our order, thanks.” Once more, Philos was left mumbling, ready to apologize on their companion’s behalf. Beanny soon arrived with two cups and saucers of their fresh brews along with their pastries.

“Here you go–my specialties, just for you. It’s a medium roast, just in the middle, so you’re not too wired after you leave here. You can add a splash of cream if you want and some sugar cubes if you find the taste bitter.” Beanny explained with a bright smile. “Now, I will leave you two at it and get ready for others before lunch hits. Enjoy!”

Philos thanked her and then turned to their companion with an uncertain look.

“Coronis…I thank thee for accompanying me here today. Might I trouble thee again in the future to explore the rest of Burrowgatory…? If thou’st willeth, of course.” They take the cup, allowing the warmth to spread from their fingertips.

The Greed bun blinked at them before taking a bite out of their biscotti, chewing over his response. Then, he takes a small bite out of Philos’ pain au chocolate, much to their abject horror and cute frustration. “Sure.” It came without effort, as though it were just another facet of their time together. “You wouldn’t last a minute out here alone anyway. Now hurry up and drink your coffee before I finish our snacks.”

Now it was Philos’ turn to take their pastry back, snatching it with such force that seemed so unlike the gentle Cherubun. It was a gentle teasing, they knew, but they were glad to have those who would help get them out of their shell.