문하늘

“Don’t mention it! It’s all a part of the experience we offer at the Queens,” Hunter stated, her pride not even remotely subtle. At the request of a possible business card, she reached into the breast pocket of her shirt and easily pulled one out. Holding it out for him she said, “It’s got the address, our phone number, and website on the front. There’s also a QR code on the back that takes them straight to the app.”

“That’s brilliant.” He offered a smile as he took the card, reading it over before slipping it into his jacket pocket. “You’ve also got an app? Is it an ordering app? I’ll check it out when I get back.” He walked around to the driver’s side. “Thanks again. You’ve been much help.”

“Yes!” she replied excitedly. “A lot of people still don’t feel like leaving their homes, and honestly what if you feel like a having a ‘me’ day and just lounging around in PJs but crave a donut or two? We gotcha covered.” At his request for assistance, Hunter nodded enthusiastically and just went ahead and scooped up all the boxes before walking around. “My limbs are weirdly long, so just figured it would be easier,” she commented as she followed him out. “If you can get your door, I can stack two of them on the passenger floorboard and move the seat up to pin them in place, then set the other two on the seat and use the seatbelt to hold them. Makes for safer driving.”

“I guess it is more convenient to have food delivered to you instead.” Walking to his car, he held the door open for the other who had decided that it was a good idea to carry everything all at once. Haneul was sure he was just as tall and lanky but even he didn’t think he would do the same. Regardless, the lieutenant guided the other to his car and opened up the doors for her. “Sounds like a plan.” It’s clear that the other was used to this. “Thanks for helping. I’ll send everyone your way when they ask about where I got all these, do you have a business card? For future deliveries.”

Hunter smiled brightly feeling like she’d managed to be helpful instead of just rambling off. She went about getting a few boxes set up so she could keep the treats separate enough in case anyone had any allergies. Taping the boxes closed for easy transport, she rang him up and said, “These are quite a few boxes, do you have a car or something to take them in? If not, we do offer free delivery and I can have them out to the station ASAP for you.”

“You guys have free delivery?” He looked over to the boxes, “Perhaps another time, I have my car with me but if you could give me a hand and help me load these boxes up though, I’d appreciate it.” Looking at all the boxes, he had a feeling that he’ll have to drive pretty slow to prevent anything from falling over.  

“Oh, so if this is for the station and you guys are expected to be ready at a moment’s notice, I would recommend sticking to some of the smaller treats. For example the cookies, the rice crispy treats, the cake pops, things like that. That way you guys can munch and not have to worry about being interrupted mid-bit since most are like two-bite max things,” she chuckled.

“That’s.. actually a good idea.” A whole cake wouldn’t suffice if they need to drop everything to attend an emergency. “Pack me a couple of everything - the bite-sized ones only, please.” Haneul figured everyone might like a treat or two at the station, or just free snacks to wolf down on. “I think that’ll be all for me.”

“Noice,” she called out, already assembling the box for the pastries and making her way to one for the bearclaws and to the other for the filled donuts. She closed the box, and sealed it with one of the baker’s stickers before his question caused her to stop and grin widely. “Do we ever!” she exclaimed, walking over to the far end of the display case she pointed down and said, “This is our assortment of shortbread and sugar cookies, all decorated in different little items for the spoopy season. We also do custom work, so if you’re planning a safe gathering for the holiday, we can whip something up just for your bash!”

It did startle him when the owner of the bakery suddenly got very excited to show him the Halloween themed goods. Following the other, he walked over to spot the ones decorated in all the themed colours. “Not quite a gathering but I thought about treating the crew at the station with something. Any suggestions as to what would good for that? We can’t dress up as we’re on duty but still wanted to do something festive.”

Hunter let out a low whistle before laughing lightly. “Well, I think that tells me just about all I need to know about that then.” Again, she wasn’t surprised, but it was definitely weird to learn so many people thought the guy was a dick, but Evan was so chill. Oh well. “Alright, as far as like the town’s favorite, everyone really digs the bearclaws. I’m pretty sure it’s a combination of the smidge of my sister’s secret blend of spices to balance out the sweetness, along with the fact I shape them like actual bear paws,” she snickered. “As for my personal favorite, can’t go wrong with a classic custard-filled donut. They’re in the shape of pumpkins and the custard’s been dyed orange for the season.”

“Bearclaws?” He found the section that held them and took a closer look, “So this is sweet. Alright.” He noted that down as he moved onto the other pastry that was suggested. “Oh that’s cute.” He spotted the mentioned pumpkin donuts and walked over to those now, “I’ll take 3 of the bear claws, and 3 of these.. Do you have anything else that is Halloween themed?”

Finished with placing things where they needed to be, she stood up to her full height and leaned over the case a bit. “No one really likes that guy, huh?” She’d noticed that Luke and a few of her other friends all seemed to have some grievance with the guy. “I’ve personally never met him, but his granddaughter’s cool.” As suddenly remembering where she was, Hunter said, “Oh! Sorry, what can I get you?”

“I have nothing good to say about him.” Thankfully, Haneul didn’t have to deal with that elder often - he did feel for those who had to though. He looked around him, seemingly lost with all the variety to pick from. “What do you recommend? Something that everyone thinks is good.. And one you personally think is good.” 

Hunter, who had been placing some fresh cookies in the display case, popped her head just above the counter and said, “Oh, that’s not fireworks. That’s just Old Man Grey’s dinosaur of a car backfiring. Happens like clockwork to signal his arrival at the apothecary. I practically set my watch by it.”

“Oh. In that case, I’m glad I’m not on duty.” He turned back towards the display as he continued to debate on what he actually wanted to get today. 

She nodded with a little giggle. “They are, so fluffy!” Cassidy said with a little bit of a small squeal. “He is, he’s the best boy-well, to me anyway. He’s also protective of me when it comes to the people I’m dating. He can get a little protective of me when he wants to be.” she told him with a little chuckle just thinking about it. 

“Well... I think if I were to meet him, it’ll be okay? I’m not dating you.. I mean, unless we are and no one ever bothered telling me then.. this is awkward...” He laughed, “Is your dog friendly with people in general though?”

“It is!” She told him with a chuckle before nodding. “Yep, a samoyed puppy named Sammy, my little baby,” Cassidy cooed just thinking about her dog. “It’s not you, I agree with you. My dog is so fluffy and cute that he’ll just jump up and snuggle you and lick your face…just being the cutest little good boy ever.” 

“Sammy the Samoyed?” His eyes disappear into crescent moons as he smiled, “That’s .. That’s really cute.” Hanuel laughed, “Samoyeds are really fluffy, aren’t they? I love them. Sometimes I wish I could have one but I can barely take care of myself, much less a dog but it’s good, that he’s so fond of you. He sounds quite the good boy.”

“I think that’s the french word for caramel-don’t ask me why, ask the french,” Cassidy answered with a little laugh. She nodded when he asked about the cinnamon dolce, glad that she could at least make someone’s day a bit sweeter.”It’s the only thing I get when it’s cold out and I want to be inside with my coffee, book, and my dog.”

“Oh. Is that so? Caramel? Hm. That sounds sweet. And since you’re recommending it, I guess it should be good? If not, I’ll hold you responsible.” He added with a small smile gracing his lips, “You have a dog? What breed? I like dogs. I think everyone should have a pet. It makes people nicer. At least I think it makes people nicer. Maybe it’s just me. They’re so fluffy and cute; therefore, assholes should not own them.”

“You could just get some iced-tea and then sweeten it to your liking,” Sean offered as a simple compromise with what the other had stated. “But there are also juices that aren’t overly sweet, like orange or grapefruit.”

“Wouldn’t that be like sugar if I sweeten it too much?” Haneul wasn’t expecting an answer but he still asked aloud as he thought about what might happen if he sweetened up the drink too much. It really wasn’t that big of a deal but he was still taking his time with his decision. “Orange juice? Hm.. I haven’t had orange juice in a while.. Orange juice sounds nice. Yes. Orange juice please.”

‘Wha-what?” Cassidy was confused as ever at the dude in front of her, lost in her book. “Uh..okay…” she said, ordering a mocha latte and a cupcake. “If you want something sweet to drink, they do have this really good cinnamon dolce that’s to die for.”

“Dolce? What’s a dolce?” He looked up at the menu for said item. “And you’re saying that this cinnamon dolce is good?” A small pause. “Okay. I’ll get that then. Whatever she said.” He said the latter towards the cashier. 

“Take his word for it,” Sean piped up from behind the espresso machine. The man had come in during one or two of his previous shifts, and he had a tendency to form a line behind him. Though, this time, the line was nothing that Sean couldn’t have taken care off in a few minutes. Finishing up the last drink order, he walked back over to the man, “Figured what you’d like to give a try to or need a bit more time?”

“No. There’s too many options. I want sweet but hot chocolate is too sweet for my mood right now. I’m not feeling for coffee flavoured anything.. Should I just get juice? But juice is sweet too but in a different sense.”