𝒹𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓂𝓈 𝒹𝑜 𝒸𝑜𝓂𝑒 𝓉𝓇𝓊

When JJ started laughing, she couldn’t help but start laughing all over again. The eyes on her didn’t phase Freddie, if anything she liked being the center of attention — even if it wasn’t for the best reason. “J, you should know my ego well enough to know it is not that fragile,” she joked, grabbing their hand to pull herself to her feet. She’d done more embarrassing things than this, surely, but Fred Frederickson was her father and it was almost impossible to make her feel like a fool. She got it honest.

“I wish you’d gotten that on video too,” she admitted. “I would own that shit. Next time I had a hot date, I’d just send it to them captioned ‘I guess you could say you’ve got me falling hard’ and their reaction would be enough to let me know if I wanted to go or not.” She could never date someone without a sense of humor, after all. “Remind me of this moment in a few days when I have a giant bruise pop up on my tailbone. But for now, I’m all good. Thank you.”

      AS SOON AS FREDDIE WAS UPRIGHT JJ BOWED INTO AN EXTRAGVANT CURTSEY, grinning like an idiot finding the whole situation hilarious. They adored Freddie’s attitude and confidence, especially in a moment like this where she could stand up again, with absolutely zero fucks given. It was inspiring with just the right amount of insane. “Baby there would be nothing left of you if it was.” they teased, affectionately moving a hand to fix her tussled hair. 

“Or you could put it in reverse and tell them you climbed from hell, that usually weens out all the weak ones.” JJ smiled knowing Freddie didn’t need any help when it come to a love life, she was absolutely killing it in everything she did and they loved that for her. “I have it burned into my memory forever-- I will be reminding you of this forever. “ they beamed. “Shall we start off with sambuca and see how many more times either of us fall tonight?”

…

“Yeah, I guess,” he admitted, though there was no guessing to it and they both knew it. Caelan would genuinely kill someone for his sister, no second thought. The few people that he loved in this world, he would do anything for. He had his fair share of flaws, he could be a selfish prick, don’t get the boy wrong, but no one could say he wasn’t loyal. At least, where and when it counted. He might skip from relationship to relationship and end them all for some dumbass reasons, but he’d never cheated.

“Sounds like you upgraded,” he joked, hoping there was no actual truth to the comment. If he’d had a drink in his mouth, he would’ve choked on it. Even with nothing but air he started coughing, sputtering at the question. “Art? No, we– we’re not dating,” he was quick to correct, wondering where the Hell Calvin had heard that rumor, and what she would do if she heard it. Maybe it had spread because of the Valentines day ride. Either way, if she thought he was the one that was putting it out there, he didn’t want to think about how hard she’d hit him then. “Nice? Artemis? You’ve never actually met her, have you?”

        CALVIN KNEW HE SHOULD STAY OUT OF IT, commenting on Caelen and Yara was really crossing a line but it was familiar to him. Family, love, relationships.. at one point his entire world would have been Caelen and his family... but now he was basically a stranger, too bad the memories lasted longer than the relationship. “JJ is here too somewhere... maybe they’re together talking crap about us...” he half joked, hoping it would take some of the tension out of the air. Was Caelen feeling it too or was he unfazed as usual, gliding through the night without any worries. 

“Everyone loves a fast car...” Calvin replied, a hint of a smile playing on the corner of his lips. Was Caelen jealous or just making polite conversation? It made Calvin’s stomach flip. He nodded at the other guy’s words, so that was a definite no then? Calvin was trying so hard to hide his satisfaction if JJ were here right now they would hit him so hard... “Uh no...” he replied sheepishly, though he bought the eldest girl a coffee one day when she forgot her purse.. he couldn’t remember her name and Caelen wouldn’t care either. “You two seem close is all. Could’ve fooled us all..”

“She’s fine,” he agreed, glancing around them, “but she’s bound to be looking for me. I swear, it’s like babysitting a four year old sometimes.” He let out a small huff of annoyance. He loved his sister, he’d do anything for her, but she was way too sheltered. “Where’s your hot date? Surely you have one.” His brother said he’d moved on, after all. He totally wasn’t digging for information or anything. He totally wasn’t jealous. 

               CALVIN FELT FLUSHED ALL OVER, suddenly aware of how tight his shirt felt against his skin like it was stopping the blood at his wrists and neck. He was always the person who hid in the shadows, always feeling like he was overlooked.. the only person who ever really saw him was Caelan and as much as Calvin wanted to forget that he just couldn’t. Not when what they had meant so much. “You’re welcome..” it came out strained, but he did mean it... Calvin had never been good with his words, especially when he was nervous. Especially around Caelan. 

“Hm-- you say that now while she’s not here but you’d kill for her” Calvin mused, he would do the exact same for JJ. He paused realizing he’d crossed a line and dropped his gaze to the floor. It was easy to recall the simple, good times and get caught up in those memories. Calvin snickered. “Very funny-- yeah he’s just out getting the Lamborghini from the valet.” Calvin replied dryly. “--You’re dating Artemis Zervous now?... --That’s good, those girls are .. nice.”

Theo let out a little laugh and shook her head. “Instagram does love acts of kindness but that’s not why I do it.” Theo stood up and smiled at the other. Kindness in it’s most genuine form was always her favorite. “They are my friends but they come and go as they please. The Tabby is Selene. She is vey much the queen.”

             JJ SMILED AT THE HONESTY OF THE GIRL, they spent way too much time on the app watching cute videos it was crazy to think real acts of kindness did exist outside of their phone. “Genuine kindness and love for animals? My Mother would always say she could talk to ‘em” JJ explained with a smile. They wiggled their fingers to get a cats attention and brushed under the chin of the furry little friend. “She definitely looks it. How many do you usually feed?”

JJ AND CALVIN THE FLOATING LANTERN GALA

THIS TIME AROUND...

jj hudson is thriving at Walt University and having the time of their life making new friends and helping out at Tiana’s Place. They are happily welcoming a new chapter of their lives but understand Calvin is having a tough time, like always JJ has Calvin’s back... and when it comes to Calvin’s happiness they don’t mess around. 

**JJ uses he/they pronouns but prefers they. They are also pansexual. 

Monty shouted a ❝ Mornin’ ❞ back to the greeting. It was just him and Elise today. Dante wanted to be with mom and Elise was being clingy with him. It was good that the twins got time apart. He’d decided on the cafe instead of his place for a change of scenery. Elise climbed into the booth she choose and Monty sat across from her. His baby girl was fiercely independent which showed as she picked up the menu and started ‘reading’. 

❝ I’ll take a coffee please and some orange juice for my princess. ❞ Elise scrunched up her nose at the nickname. Monty chuckled, she was his princess but she wanted to pretend she wasn’t.

      ✨ TIANA RADIATED WARMTH and beamed with delight upon seeing Monty and Elise. Though kids weren’t on the agenda for the moment Tiana wanted desperately to be a parent someday and teach their children everything their parents thought them. “Comin’ right up sweartheart!” they called out from the counter fetching the drinks and opening the tab. A couple of minutes later they arrived at the table with a small tray. “How are ya’ today sweatpea?” they grinned passing Monty his coffee. “And for the little lady.” they smiled passing the juice. Tiana stood at the end of the booth clutching the tray to their chest. “Pretty early for ya’ll to be up and at ‘em. Am I guessing pancakes or waffles maybe?”

𝐖𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐘'𝐒  𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓  𝐒𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐃  at  the  mention  of  josh  being  Tiana’s  nephew.  They  were  emotional ,  everyone  knew  that ,  but  they  weren’t  going  to  cry.  even  if  their  crying  face  formed ,  bottom  lip  jutted  out  slightly  and  brows  furrowed  but  with  no  tears  shed.  for  the  longest  time  it  had  just  been  Wally  and  Josh.  They  had  been  fine  with  that  and  giving  all  their  love  to  their  son  but  now  their  son  had  been  gifted  with  so  many  wonderful  people  in  his  life.  It  made  Wally  happy  to  know  that  they  not  only  had  amazing  people  but  so  did  their  son.  tiana  being  one  of  them.  someone  who  wally  deeply  cared  for.  “  I  know  that.  He’s  the  luckiest  kid  ever  to  have  you  and  uncle  Al  in  his  life.  related  or  not  we’re  family  now.  ”  for  someone  who  had  searched  far  and  wide  to  find  where  they  belonged ,  it  seems  as  though  wally  had  found  it  right  here  with  the  people  they’ve  come  to  know.  “  Uh ,  yeah  we  can.  Honey ,  Honey  is  a  jam a nd  I  absolutely   would  love  to  heart  it  again.  ”  they  laughed ,  hugging  tiana  back  just  as  tight.

         ✨ TIANA HAD NO SIBLINGS, that of blood relation anyway. They always saw Lottie as a sister, the kind who loans you makeup and tells that older boy to stop pulling your hair and stealing your dolls. Up until Tiana moved to Elias it had only always been them and Lottie and it was beautiful but Tiana found extended family with Wally and Josh and it was more magical than they ever could have thought to be an auntie. “I’m gonna’ need that in writing” they teased with a playful grin. Tiana could truly let go around Wally, they felt safe and welcome around them. For such a long time Tiana had their head in the sand or threw themselves into work and saving, never really noticing that the most important things were all around them in the friendships they had formed. There could be no luckier person on this earth than Tiana Hudson. “Oh this is why you’re my favorite!” they beamed, swaying the hug from side to side. “Mmm okay, let’s go get our Donna Sheridan on.”

Pacifica Northwest doesn’t cook… Or she shouldn’t anyway, so most days bring her into little cafes like this, she’s become somewhat of a regular here. After a late night at work she’s glad for some coffee and a nice breakfast. She’d not started drinking coffee until she started her job, but now she just needed it in the mornings. “Thanks Tiana.” She replies with a smile, going to sit down at a little table by the window. The blonde likes the sunshine in the mornings, she’ll probably sketch while she drinks her coffee and wakes up. “I’d love some coffee when it’s ready.” Now she’s just got to think about what to eat… 

        ✨TIANA LOVED THEIR REGULARS, part of what made the job so enjoyable was the connection shared with daily customers and building on that relationship. Over Tiana’s time at Mama Odie’s they had been lucky enough to make some life long friends that started out over a cup of coffee or daily special. “Oh sweetie you worked late again?” they cooed sympathetically as they placed their own mug down and filled up a fresh one for Pacifica.  “You know that job is sure as hell gonna’ burn you out one of these days-- when’s your next vacation?” they asked, worried about the toll late nights would take on such a young girl. They placed the mug down on the table for Pacifica. “Whatcha’ having today? On the house, my treat.”

Will needed a boost of energy. He had been so tired recently. He kept having restless nights with little to no sleep. He wasn’t exactly sure why. But whatever it was it would have to wait later. He had a few swords to make today for some clients and a good cup of coffee was just the thing to wake him up. Walking into Mama Odie’s Will offered a friendly smile finding the nearest table to sit at. “Coffee will do just fine, love.”

           ✨ TIANA SMILED WARMLY PLACING their cup down next to the register, they quickly picked up the pot and filled up a white ceramic mug, usually Tiana would never be so impolite but as the café was empty they called out “You want any cream or sugar hon?”. They began to make their way to the man’s table. “One cuppa’ joe hot enough to burn those taste buds so be gentle” they warned. “You need anythin’ else? Toast maybe? We can whip up an omlette in no time.”