piper

“Yeah, ramen,” Cole replied with a shrug. “It’s probably about the only thing I can cook without burning. So congrats, our kitchen won’t smell like smoke today.”

"Always a plus." She chuckled, before throwing herself into the couch with a sigh and bending to unlace her shoes. "Did we get any mail today? Was there a package?"

Freya smiled at the woman, nodding. “Well in that case, I’m pretty sure we have some furry friends who’d love to come home with you. Follow me into the back.” She turned to her apprentice. “Joshua, I’ll be in the viewing gallery with this lady. Shout me if you’re in need of assistance. However, Jules should be here soon.” Turning back, Freya motioned forward. “It’s just this way.” 

Piper nodded enthusiastically, her smile growing more and more the closer they got. She could hear them barking, the small clicking of their nails on the floor, and it warmed her heart. "How many dogs do you have here?"

“Yeah? Well, alright then,” he smiled, giving his jacket a final tug before turning away from his reflection, eyes racking over her. “And what about you? You look ready to shatter some poor boys hearts, yourself.”

"Oh, please." She waved off his comment, although it brought a smile to her face. Holding out her hand, she stood straighter, swaying slightly. "You ready to go?"

“Why do you have to be like this?” Fernando called out in a sigh as he followed after her, rolling his eyes as he moved. “I don’t want to sled, you don’t have to get all prissy about it.”

"No, it's fine. Really." She said, words clipped as her temper flared. "I forgot that we can only ever do what you want. My mistake."

“Yes! I saved some, i knew you were gonna come back.” Charlie ran to the back and came back with the two bags. and handed them to the girl. “Here ya go hun.” Charlie smiled. 

"Oh, thank merlin." Piper breathed a sigh of relief, looking over the two bags with a smile. "You're a lifesaver, honestly." She checked her watch. "What do you think? Too late for a tea?"

“What do you want, Piper?” Wes asked, eye brows raised.

"I need new pictures of the Outpost." She fessed up, smiling. "I want to order business cards and flyers, but the old hand drawn store is only cute for so long."

“Well, hello Miss Longshadow,” Fernando practically cooed as he smiled at her through the reflection. “What do you think, dark and mysterious or trying too hard?” he asked pulling a face at the mirror as if he were imitating a terrible model.

"Bit like Derek Zoolander." Piper giggled, kissing the top of his shoulder before letting him go. Her eyes raked over him, a small smirk playing along her lips. He looked good. "Dark and mysterious, for sure. I pity all the hearts you're about to break."

“I didn’t say I don’t want to be here, I said I don’t want to do stupid things.”

Wondering idly if she'd ever get used to the sting his words caused, she looked over his shoulder, shaking her head. "Fine. Whatever." Piper shoved past him, walking away from the sleds.

“There are younger kids around,” Fernando retorted with a roll of his eyes. “Kids who haven’t gone to school yet.”

She heaved a heavy sigh, tired of his attitude. “Why did you even come with me?” Piper shot at him. “If you don’t want to be here?”