Yes, it does.
Well, you can hang out with me and Jas whenever you want, okay?
I’ll be fine. I’m used to it.
Okay. Still. If you get lonely.
July 1st. 11:57 P.M.
[Cya] Do you think my parents actually love me?
July 1st. 11:58 P.M.
*This message was deleted*
July 1st. 11:59 P.M
[Dex] What was that?
Wrong chat.
Okay. Goodnight, Cy.
Goodnight, Dex.
Cyarolledtheirheadaround their shoulders as they rinsed the dairy steamers. They yawned and sipped at the Americano they’d made withextra shots of espresso. It was ten minutes before opening, and with their short night of sleep, they were not ready for the day ahead.
“I am very nervous,” Zef was saying from the dining area. “I have never flown before, but Bryce arranged everything.”
They turned to the large human beside them, smiling serenely at him, and Bryce grinned back. He tucked a chunk of their white hair behind their ear, then gave their earlobe a tug. Whirring in mock reproach, Zef took his hand and clasped it in two of theirs.
“I got you covered, darling,” the human said, and the crests of Zef’s cheeks darkened in a delicate blush at the endearment.
Glyma simpered. “I hope you have a wonderful time.”
“Give Nan our best,” Willow said.
“We better go or else we might be late for our flight,” Bryce said, and Zef nodded, wings buzzing anxiously from where they were trapped between their back and their travel bag.
“Yes, of course. I will see you all in two weeks.”
“Coffee for the road, Bryce?” Cya called, holding up a slow-dripped black coffee, made the way they knew he preferred.
Surprise colored the human’s face. “Oh, wow, thanks, Cya.”
“Zef, I have tea for you, if you like?” They pushed both to-go cups across the counter. “Green tea for alertness with some lemon balm for the nerves.”
Taking the tea, Zef breathed in the vapors, compound eyes closing. They exhaled in a sigh. “This is perfect. Thank you, Cya. How very thoughtful.”
“Have a pleasant trip,” they said, and the Mantodea offered them a small, sweet smile.
“Thanks, Cya. The coffee’s perfect,” Bryce said, and satisfaction settled soft and warm in their belly.
Bryce held his coffee in one hand and Zef’s lower left hand in his other. Zef waved goodbye, and Rusty followed them out, shutting and locking the door so the few customers waiting outside wouldn’t come in.
“We’re just about ready to open,” he said when they grumbled their dissatisfaction. “Couple more minutes.”
“Oh, they’re so adorable,” Glyma said, and Willow nodded.
