That smile on your face like a summer.

“It is! I can assure you the fingers on my hands are enough for me to count how many times I’ve attempted to do something other than a grilled cheese.” She tugged on the hair tie that laid on her wrist before pulling her hair up in a ponytail, smiling brightly at Joy. “Really? I would’ve made a bet on little you making pasta from scratch before taking your first steps.” Ariel giggled. “It’s fitting, given you’re gorgeous and came to my rescue and I’m definitely taking you up on that offer.” She clasped her hands together in glee, trying not to reach out for the water sooner than she might need it; Ariel nodded as they each took a piece. “One… two… three!” She popped the piece into her mouth and chewed; her eyes widening as she looked at Joy with a puzzled look. “Edible-ish?” Ari spoke over the food still in her mouth.

“Well there’s no better time to start than the holidays! Then you can test your dishes out on others and gauge their reactions.” Joy laughed at Ariel’s assumption; she had always wanted to do everything, so it had taken her years to land on her real passion. Now though, there was no swaying the baker. “I wish!” she laughed, a smile still bright on her lips. “I was one of those kids that couldn’t make up my mind. But now it’s set. And oh my gosh, well thank you. If I’m an angel then you certainly are one too,” she returned sincerely. Josephine had faith that Ariel’s cooking wasn’t as bad as she anticipated, so she too reached for a bite. Giggling at the countdown, Joy finally popped a piece into her mouth once they reached the end. She chewed thoughtfully, nodding and humming all the while. “I’d definitely say way more than edible,” she praised, reaching for another piece. “I think it’s pretty delicious-- especially considering it’s your first time!”

The way the evening had gone, the last place Phillip expected to be now was at Joy’s home. But she was so welcoming, offering him a place to sleep off his latest bender and being such a good hostess he thanked her as he took a seat on the couch she beckoned him to. “You’re welcome.” Laughing at her comment about the kitchen, “But that’s where you make magic Joy, I’d be surprised if your kitchen wasn’t well used. I’m sure mine is worse, and I’m not even a chef or anything.” Coffee sounded great to him, and her offer of decaf was probably the better call. “Again, thank you Joy. And if you’re in for a snack, then so am I. But please don’t go to any trouble, okay? For real.” He couldn’t help but fall into her stare now, and as she passed him the remote to the television Phillip’s fingers met Joy’s, lingering a bit as he smiled warmly again. “Okay… maybe there’s a Christmas movie or something on? Don’t they play around the clock this time of year?”

Joy’s cheeks grew a shade darker when Phillip said the kitchen was where she made magic. “I’m sure yours isn’t that bad,” she chuckled softly, gaze still trained on him. “But thank you. You’re very sweet. And I promise it’s no trouble at all. I actually have some chocolate chip cookies I made on my lunch break. We can have those. I’ll just heat them up a little so they’re nice and gooey with the coffee.” Joy was thankful for an open concept space so that she could see and chat with him while prepping their midnight snacks. “Ooh, yes please! I love Christmas! Almost as much as baking,” she giggled as she started to plate everything and pour the warm coffee. “I think so! I would never turn down a Christmas movie.” With her little serving tray, Joy carried mugs of coffee and a plate of warm cookies; carefully she set them on the coffee table before joining Phillip on the couch. A content sigh escaped as she settled into the cushions and stole a smile his way. “Eat, drink, and be merry,” she mused.

“This is the best day ever, by My Chemical Romance. If you liked it like this, you’re definitely going to love the original.” Matt let his head fall back with a joyful laugh, his fingers already playing through the all too familiar opening chords. “Today is gonna be the day that they’re gonna throw it back to you… I don’t care what anyone else says, I can never say no to this classic.” He smiled at the girl, giving her an enthusiastic nod. “Please and thank you! I’ll do you one better: you tell me the tips and I’ll use them as soon as I get to surprise you with the next one. You’re in?”

“I am definitely going to look that one up then! I like what I’ve heard of their stuff, but somehow that one slipped past me!” Joy was thrilled her joke seemed to make the performer laugh as well, and when those familiar chords rang out she couldn’t help but grin and sway along to them. It was always requested for good reason. “You have great taste! It’s classic for good reason,” she agreed with an enthusiastic nod. “Oh! Well I meant like money tips or like... baked goods - they’re my specialty. But I can give you advice ones as well if you prefer? Although I don’t know how good they’ll be!” she chuckled. “But sure, I’m in! What is your favorite song ever? Or is that too hard to narrow down?”

Flynn nodded, her words hitting right home and making think of how much his life had changed in just a few years. He suddenly felt like the luckiest guy alive. “Yeah, it’s always the people isn’t it? That’s what make or break a holiday or a party or a home or whatever. Not what you do, or where you are, but who you’re with.” He chuckled. “Although I sounded very cheesy.” He smiled warmly. “I’m sure she’d love them even more than me.” He chuckled. “I get some of my stuff from the farmers market too, you know, fresh mint and lemongrass and berries for the cocktails. Much better than the supermarket, especially since I think stuff there is even older than normal because it comes from the mainland.”

“Oh dear, when it comes to kitchen stuff, I’m as useless as a fork with no tines. I’ve only ever been able to do cupcakes with that pre-made, boxed batter. Which– that must be horrible for me to say when I’m literally standing in front of the angel of baked goods.” Ariel said and giggled sheepishly. “Doesn’t it? Do you want to try it? We can take a bite at the same time; if we go down, we’re going down together.” She teased.

“I’m sure that isn’t true! That’s what practice is for after all.” Joy laughed along with Ariel, her head shaking jubilantly. “I will not judge. I mean, that’s how I began learning was with boxed stuff-- we all have to start somewhere! And oh my goodness, I’ve never been called an angel, but that’s the best compliment ever!” Josephine was beaming at that nickname; it was one to remember whenever she was feeling down. “I’d be happy to teach you some! But, yes. Let’s try this turkey first.” She nodded enthusiastically at the idea, a glass of water at the ready for each of them, just in case. Though Joy had every bit of faith it would taste good. “On the count of three?”

Another nod of agreement from Phillip, he enjoyed too how similar they viewed each other’s friendship… as a balance to the other. Still in shock that she’d invited him to crash back at her place for the night, they were soon seated in the car she’d called for them. He hated that he seemed so helpless right now, though Joy seemed perfectly content with helping to make sure his night would end safely. “Coffee would be great, but I don’t want to put you out either. I mean, you’re not headed to work, it’s your place. You should be able to rest too after today.” They were soon at her apartment and leaving the vehicle, Joy offering her hand to help him out of the car. He at least managed to scramble and pay the driver himself, the very least he could do for all she was doing for him. He followed her, curious to see her place and when they were inside it seemed perfectly suited to Joy. Neat and tidy, organized, efficient. “Thank you,” he beamed at her as he made it to the sofa. “Your place is awesome, Joy. It looks great!” He sank into the cushions, sighing in content. “I mean it though, I don’t want to put you out or make you go to any more trouble than you ever have.”

Acting as hostess would never be putting Joy out-- she lived for that kind of stuff. Especially for the right person. Her smile continued to grow as Phillip settled onto her couch, sinking into the plushness of it with an easy smile that she hadn’t seen from him in a while. Phillip seemed relaxed, and she wanted to see to it that he remained that way. She was thrilled for the opportunity to spend more time with him; that Josephine also knew he would be safe was another plus. “You’re welcome, Phillip! And thank you. I try and keep it neat - though the kitchen sometimes loses that game,” she chuckled softly as she threw her coat on the hook near the door. “I promise you won’t be! I can make us some decaf so it doesn’t keep us up all night,” she insisted warmly as she slipped her shoes off by the doorway as well. “Are you hungry at all? I don’t know about you, but I could use a midnight snack.” Brown eyes sparkled as they landed on him; it felt nice to have a guest over... especially this particular one. “Here,” she handed him the remote, their fingers brushing in the process. “Put it on whatever you want.”

“We don’t have to stay, stay inside this place. Someday, this day, we kept falling down. Someday, this day, set the ferris wheel ablaze.” Matt was playing away, singing a bit too loudly as he walked down the semi-busy street. Though he knew it’d been days, he still couldn’t get over the great news and he just felt it was his responsibility to share it with as many people as he could.

He smiled brightly as he turned to the person that tapped on his shoulder; fingers slipping off the strings. “’Sup! Any requests? Gotta hold the fort for the Black Parade until December rolls around.”

It was always a wonderful thing to see a smile on someone’s face, whether she knew them well or not. It was one of the reasons Joy adored letting her customers sample the goodies from the bakery. Everyone needed something to keep them going. Even the littlest things. She was enjoying the music, but curious what song he was singing, so the baker tapped his shoulder to ask.

“I was just curious what song that is. I like it,” she pointed out with a smile, which slipped into a teasing smirk. “Can I request Wonderwall?” Clearly she was joking, because despite liking that song, it was some sort of joke that it was always overplayed. Especially on the streets. “Kidding. But, surprise me? Do you accept tips for the entertainment?”

“In my defense…” The redhead bit down on one of her fingernails, trying her best to keep the giggles at bay as the turkey finished smoking out of the oven. “I’m at least trying to perfect this thing weeks before Thanksgiving. I swear Brad and Andy make everything look way easier than it really is!”

“I don’t blame you! A turkey is tricky business. I have all the pastries down as easily as brushing my teeth, but when it comes to meat... not so much.” Joy laughed along with the girl and passed her a set of oven mitts. “Smoking and all, I have to admit - it smells delicious.”

Joy was always far too forgiving for his wild antics, gently allowing him his transgressions without judgement. “You could never be boring, Joy,” he pledged back to her. Maybe she wasn’t as reckless as he was but that wasn’t a bad thing in his eyes. “So you’re saying we balance each other out. I kinda like that.” He smiled again, and her offer once again to spend the night at her place rather than try and get himself all the way home in his current state was too nice a gesture to pass up from Joy. He agreed so long as it wasn’t an imposition on her, declaring he’d be happy to go home with her and it drew a laugh out of her as she joked about how it sounded as if she was trying to put the moves on him. Phillip laughed along with her and took note of how her cheeks turned a shade of red from it, while catching her gaze with his. Though this wasn’t the time or place to confirm he truly wouldn’t mind that either, he just gave her an even wider smile. Their ride appeared, and as she helped him to stand up, taking his hand in hers Phillip breathed out and tried his best to steady himself. The night air helped maybe a little, and as they climbed into the backseat of the car she spoke again. “Perfect,” he replied. “I can’t wait to see  your place. And thank you.”

“That’s exactly what I’m saying,” Joy agreed, her smile glowing as their gazes lingered on each other for a moment. Phillip had certainly caught the blush that came across her cheeks-- and she couldn’t be bothered to try and hide it, either. Although relationships had been very rare in her instance, she wasn’t against his flirtations. In fact, Joy was digging the boldness, even if not intentional. His smile was so cute - so genuine - and she hated having to break her stare away from it as their ride pulled up. She made sure Phillip made it inside in one piece, and shot another smile at him in the back seat as the car took off toward her address. “I can make us some coffee or something when we get back, if you want,” Joy pointed out as she settled into the seat. “And whip us up some food, if you’re hungry. Have you eaten at all?” It was a thought that just occurred to her; food could always help someone sober up. In a matter of minutes they reached her apartment. First she got out, then helped Phillip, taking his hand in hers. “Good thing I’m on the bottom floor,” she mused as they rounded a corner of the building to her front door. Quickly, Joy opened the lock and led him inside; the place was spotless, and lit up by a few lamps. Which probably would help him out since he was still quite tipsy. “Make yourself at home,” Joy insisted as she pulled him inside.

Flynn smiled, the girl’s high energy and enthusiasm were definitely contagious. “Sure, I didn’t have the best Christmases as a kid, so I’ve been very excited for them these last few years, getting a chance to actually share them with my girlfriend and friends.” He commented happily. “Oh, chocolate is great for a dessert-like drink, honestly. But yeah, I’m guessing you’ll love the espresso too. And I’m happy to help, it was fun.” He chuckled, nodding. “That sounds like a fair trade, I’m always up for cookies.” Pushing his hair back, she moved to avoid a small group of teenagers passing through. “Yes, I just… Why pay four bucks for a coffee that has about half a shot of espresso and then just a bunch of random syrups and over processed flavored powders with some milk? Not my thing. Local is always better, and the people there tend to be nicer too.”

Many people were put off my Joy’s energy, so she was always happy to find someone willing to hold a conversation with her. “I’m sorry to hear that, but you’re right! Now you have a chance to let the holiday redeem itself. And it’s always extra special when you have people you care about to spend it with.” She was definitely going to have to try that drink soon enough, but first, she’d experiment with the cookies. “And I’m always up for espresso flavored things,” she chuckled warmly. “If they’re good I’ll throw in extras for your girl as well,” she added happily. “Yes, thank you! It is all processed junk and honestly, who knows what all goes in them? You're definitely right about that. I try and use local products too when I can-- like seasonal fruit from the Farmer’s Market and things like that.”

“She’s coming for a whole weak, so I would hope so. I took time off at the lab and everything.” His smile made his excitement quite clear. He considered this question. “I’m… more of a sometimes people need to remind me nourishment is necessary kind of person, I believe. Like, I know how to make some basics, when my mom and dad where both working hard hours at the lab I could cook a decent dinner for myself. But most of the time I just don’t really focus on that part of my life, except when my stomach starts reminding me.” He confessed with a shrug. “She’s been here once, but  mostly I’m the one who visits back home so I was planning on showing her the beach and maybe the museum and stuff… It’s just been so long since I actually visited them too that I’m afraid I’ll forget something important.”

“Good for you! I’m sure she’ll be thrilled that you were willing to do that.” Joy nodded in understanding; even as a baker, she had a tendency to become so wrapped up in her work sometimes that she would forget to eat as well. Save from snippets while sampling. “I know that all too well. Good thing our stomachs are good at reminding though, right? It’s hard to stop what you’re doing and make yourself take care of that need. Although I’ve always got my carbs covered,” she joked, a light laugh sputtering from her. “Oh yes, you should! The sites here are rather lovely. You could take her to a nice dinner as well! You know, to make sure you eat too,” Josephine teased. “May I ask where home is?”