e;

son, i’m… dad.

hello here, i’m

It doesn’t take much longer to arrive at the inn your companion was staying at, being only around the corner from the cafe, hilariously enough. You come to a stop just outside the door, the lamps on either side of the entrance offering solace from the dark. 

You go back to being the endeared spectator for the time being, yet you wish for nothing else. The lady (Beurre-Garde? Beaugaude? French is still a bit hard on you even all these years) is a darling and she and Dave have a cute dynamic. This sense of casual intimacy is almost poignant to you, something you can definitely build yourself, but see yourself cutting it every time you move.

It dawns on you that for people like him and you, this is probably the most, the closest you can aspire to and that’s…. frankly dismaying.

His return pushes these thoughts away, and your eyes are curious beacons of questions at the box he carries, like a cat that Truly wishes to be given the hidden treats Right Now.

You nod at him anyway, bundling yourself up on borrowed sweater and scarf, before offering an enthusiastic wave goodbye at the café owner.

“It’s ok, our quest here is complete anyway! And huuuuuh… yes. It’d probably be wise not to wander around close to night time. I’m sure you don’t want your new annoyance to turn into an annoysicle, right??”

You lead him back into the chilly outdoors, waving as well on your way out. This time, though, you don’t take his arm, if only because you have the now slippery box, thanks to your gloves. You raise it a little as you walk, turning a corner before you speak. 

“Cookies. She never lets me leave without my hands full. She’s always trying new recipes and stuff, so. I’m designated taste-tester. But sometimes she throws some classics or favourites in there. It’s almost tacky to say she’s too sweet, given her abundance of sugar treats. She’s the perfect grandmother figure.” 

It's at this point that you fall silent, finishing your treats and taking both your plates and mugs back up to Mme Beauregarde, thanking her for another perfect indulgence. She fawns over you for a few moments, reaching over the counter to ruffle your hair and slide you a small box with a wink and wishing you and your friend a safe walk home and a good night, and reminds you to bundle up since it's winter now, you know.