croissant happy hour

[herr_bookman]

"...but still will keep"--and here a pause--"a bower quiet for us, and a sleep," Autor recites. "Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.*"

The boy pats Bar, bidding her a goodnight before he hops over the counter. He takes a few moments to take secret things out of his sylladex and to review his list. Then he writes a message on the blackboard in neat, flowing script:

Croissants with Surprise Fillings
All Vegetarian
Unfilled Also Available
He sets his blue, twenty-sided die on the counter, and waits for the first customer.

*Endymion: Book I, by John Keats

Comments

[herr_bookman]

"Sure, but I--" he starts, about to say that he can't leave the bar for a second time, but then a kiss-marked napkin pops up. Autor reads it, and nods.

"All right," he says, hopping over the bar again and following. He takes her hand, and squeezes her palm.

[sunbaked_baker]

Rae waits until they are out of sight of the rest of the bar room, the kitchen door having closed behind them, before she envelops Autor in a massive hug.

"I wouldn't know what to do without you, either," she says, chin resting on his shoulder. "I don't want you hurt."

[herr_bookman]

The hug surprises him, but more surprising is how much he sorely needs it. He enfolds her in his arms firm but gently, and rubs her back.

"Thank you, Rae," he whispers, clinging to her. "I wouldn't want you hurt either. Stay with me?"

[sunbaked_baker]

"You know I will," she answers.