high hopes

Curiously picking up the book on the counter, Hudson looked it over before hearing someone approach. “Oh– is this yours? Although it might look otherwise, I wasn’t planning on stealing it.”

“While I know that nifflers are cute, my answer is no, they are not interchangeable with chocolates.”

“Seriously? I’d much prefer nifflers to chocolates and flowers,” Hudson replied with a little huff.

“How did you get inside then? My security was told not to let in anyone without a gift.”

“Security?” Hudson blinked back at him. “They must’ve been on break when I came through.”

“Well, I guess,” Celine replied. “Only because you asked so nicely.”

“Because I asked so nicely or because I bribed you with coffee and food?”

“You can leave your gift with the rest. I’ll make sure they’re all safely delivered to my flat later tonight. Now let’s celebrate me!” Seung exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear.

“I hate to burst your bubble, but I don’t see what business I’d have buying you a gift. Happy birthday though– assuming that’s what you mean by celebrating you.”

“It’s not really my fault that they didn’t listen, is it? I told them to give to the cursebreakers first.”

@hudscnburke

“Sounds to me like you forget that some people are allergic to listening to instructions,” Hudson chuckled. “What should we do then?”

“Oh good, because I was about ready to hit you,” Celine replied, taking the coffee. She opened the door more to let him in. “So why are you over here this early?”

“I’d say to bring you coffee and wish you a good morning– but even I don’t believe myself when I say it,” he chuckled. “Actually Harley’s busy today and I need someone to help me out with the shop today. If I promise to pay for lunch or something will you fill in for her? I know it’s a huge favor to ask last minute.”

Celine walked downstairs, rubbing her eyes as she heard the knocking on her door. “I’m coming, I’m coming,” she said. She opened the door. “It’s too early, you better have some coffee with you.”

“And what if I drank it on the way over here?” Hudson looked to her as if guilty before breaking into a chuckle when he saw her expression. “Kidding, kidding,” he said as he revealed the second coffee he was hiding behind his back and handing it to her.

“Now that we’re past that. What’s your poison?”

“You’re the first, don’t you worry.” Ben chuckled, “And I won’t be poor either way. I’d know when to stop.”

“Drink?” Ben asked, pointing at the other, “Come on, it’s New Years Eve, you have to have a drink! My treat.”

“I am not saying it feels surreal to see you without a book in hand, but something is certainly missing..,” Bree teased.

@hudscnburke​

“Don’t remind me– I feel like this is some sort of torture and Jigsaw is going to roll out on his tricycle and threaten me. Wait, have you ever seen Saw?”

“Alright now– what is it that you needed to see me for? I have to open up the shop in like twenty so either make it quick or join me on this next shift.”

“Yeah,” Lorcan said as the small creature ran up his arm, across his shoulders and down his other arm, “You’re very lucky, she’s normally very shy and doesn’t say anything.”

“Is that supposed to be making that sort of noise?” Hudson squinted, not sounding too concerned but more curious instead.

“I mean– I didn’t see where you left it last but I can still help you look for it if it helps?” Hudson offered. “Are you sure you can’t remember where you saw it last?”