Delivery and tea time

The morning light filtered through the enchanted crystal ceiling of the Heavenly Embassy’s greenhouse, casting a soft, golden glow on rows of carefully cultivated plants. Charlotte -Charlie- sauntered in with her usual energy, her bright smile practically radiating in the warm light.

Primrose was already waiting, of course. His posture was as stiff as ever, his hands meticulously gathering freshly clipped tea leaves into a delicate satchel. His brows furrowed in concentration as if one misplaced leaf might spell disaster.

“Well, don’t you look busy,” Charlie said, her voice laced with playful charm. She leaned against the table, her tail flicking lazily behind her. “All this fuss over a couple of leaves?”

Primrose didn’t look up. “These are not just ‘a couple of leaves.’ Embassy-grown tea is rare, and it requires the utmost care.”

Charlie tilted her head, watching him intently. “Careful, sweetie, or I might start thinking you’re married to those plants.”

Primrose’s hands faltered, and he glanced at her, his cheeks dusted with pink. “I am dedicated to my work,” he said stiffly.

“Sure, sure,” Charlie teased, stepping closer. She peered at the satchel, pretending to scrutinize his handiwork. “But don’t you think it’s a little too perfect? You could loosen up, you know. Maybe even make a mess once in a while.”

Primrose straightened, clutching the satchel protectively. “I fail to see how that would improve anything.”

Charlie grinned, delighted by how easily he flustered. “Relax, Prim. You’re doing a great job. It’s almost cute how serious you are.”

His blush deepened, and he cleared his throat, thrusting the satchel into her hands. “Here. Take this to Dove. They’re expecting it.”

Charlie accepted the satchel with a flourish, swinging it over her shoulder. “Always a pleasure working with you, Prim. We should do this more often.”

Primrose muttered something under his breath, turning away to tend to another plant. Charlie chuckled softly to herself as she strolled out of the greenhouse.

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Jackal’s apartment was exactly what Charlie expected- messy, dimly lit, and filled with the faint smell of cigarettes. Dove, however, was a stark contrast. They met her at the door with their usual sunny smile, their hands clasped together as they greeted her.

“Charlie! You’re here!”

“Of course I’m here, darling,” Charlie said, holding up the satchel. “And I’ve got a little something for you. Fresh from Primrose’s personal stash.”

Dove’s eyes lit up as they took the satchel, cradling it like it was a treasure. “Thank you! I’ve been craving this tea for days.”

Charlie stepped inside, her heels clicking against the worn floorboards. She glanced around, her sharp eyes taking in the cozy chaos of the apartment. “Nice place. Very… lived-in.”

Dove laughed, setting the satchel on the counter. “It’s not much, but it’s home. Would you like to stay for tea?”

“Thought you’d never ask,” Charlie said, settling onto the couch with a dramatic sigh.

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The kettle whistled softly as Dove prepared the tea, their movements quick and practiced. Charlie watched them from her spot on the couch, her chin propped on her hand.

“You really love this stuff, huh?” she asked, nodding toward the satchel.

Dove smiled over their shoulder. “It reminds me of the heavenly meadow. The taste, the smell- it’s like a little piece of home.”

Charlie’s expression softened, her usual teasing tone replaced by genuine curiosity. “Do you miss it? The meadow, I mean.”

Dove hesitated, pouring the hot water over the tea leaves. “Sometimes,” they admitted. “It was beautiful, but… it didn’t feel like mine. Burrowgatory is messy, but it’s alive. It feels real.”

“Real can be good,” Charlie said, leaning back against the cushions. “Messy, too. But hey, you’re talking to a succubun- messy is kind of our thing.”

Dove laughed, bringing two steaming cups of tea to the coffee table. They handed one to Charlie, their smile bright. “Here. Try it.”

Charlie accepted the cup, peering at the pale liquid. It shimmered faintly, catching the light in a way that made it almost hypnotic. “So, what’s the verdict if I drop dead after drinking this?”

“You won’t,” Dove said, giggling. “Ambrosia is dangerous for succubuns, but this is just tea. You’ll be fine.”

“Good to know,” Charlie said, lifting the cup to her lips. She took a cautious sip, her brows rising as the flavor hit her tongue. It was smooth and earthy, with a subtle sweetness that lingered pleasantly. “Okay, I’ll admit it. This is really good.”

Dove’s face lit up with delight. “I’m so glad you like it!”

Charlie leaned back, cradling the cup in her hands. “I can see why you love this stuff. It’s like… a warm hug in a cup.”

“Exactly!” Dove said, their excitement contagious.

They drank in companionable silence for a while, the quiet hum of the city outside filling the gaps between their conversation. Charlie found herself relaxing more than she expected, the tea’s warmth spreading through her like a calming balm.

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“So,” Dove said eventually, breaking the silence. “What was it like working with Primrose?”

Charlie smirked, setting her empty cup on the table. “Oh, you know. Stiff, fussy, and blushing like a cherub at their first party.”

Dove covered their mouth, stifling a laugh. “He tries so hard to stay composed. You really got under his skin, didn’t you?”

“Who, me?” Charlie said, feigning innocence. “I’d never. It’s not my fault he’s fun to mess with.”

Dove shook their head, still smiling. “You’re terrible.”

“And yet, you keep inviting me over,” Charlie teased, leaning back against the cushions.

“Because you’re fun,” Dove replied simply. “And you always bring something special. Like tea.”

Charlie’s smirk softened into something warmer. “Well, I guess I can’t argue with that.”

—---------------

As the evening wore on, Charlie found herself lingering longer than she’d planned. The conversation flowed easily, and Dove’s laughter was a sound she could listen to for hours.

When she finally stood to leave, Dove walked her to the door, their smile as bright as ever. “Thank you again, Charlie. For the tea, and for staying.”

“Anytime, darling,” Charlie said, her tone soft but genuine. “And hey- if you ever need a delivery girl again, you know where to find me.”

Dove giggled, waving as Charlie stepped out into the Burrowgatory streets.

As Charlie walked away, the faint taste of tea lingering on her tongue, she couldn’t help but smile. Delivering leaves wasn’t exactly glamorous, but the company made it more than worth it.