MODERN MONA LISA

“You are a disgrace to the marshmallow making community.” Gabriel laughs and shakes his head, tossing the spoon down onto the counter. They’ve been attempting to make marshmallows for the better part of an hour but somebody keeps reading the instructions wrong or forgetting steps. Reaching behind him, Gabriel begins to untie his apron as if he’s quitting. “I can’t take this anymore! These will be the worst marshmallows in existence. Why did I think this was a good idea?!”

“i’m sorry!” piper groans shoving the bowl away, only managing to collect more stick residue along her arms and hands. “why can’t we just buy marshmallow’s what’s the harm in that? there are plenty of companies that make perfectly good ones. in my defense i can’t even cook my way out of a paper bag. the only thing i made for myself before i moved here was kraft mac n’ cheese.”

“Soooo… my birthday is March 4th. That’s coming up soon.” Valentine leans a little closer to them, a small and hopeful grin tugging at the corners of his lips. After a few moments, he reaches out and pokes their arm softly. “What do you plan to get me? If you’re stumped, I have a few ideas.”

“a big old humble yourself with a side of stop being so presumptuous.” piper laughs tugging her arm away. “besides you assume i haven’t already bought your present which is wholly incorrect. the tigers need to be ordered at least three months in advance silly.”

“You wouldn’t happen to want some funfetti cupcakes, would you? I was a little stressed out this morning and I went a tiny bit over board with the baking. I made way too many cupcakes and now I don’t really know what to do with them, so, if you want some, they’re all yours.”