“Chrissy and Jackson have been addicted to methamphetamines for the past eight years. Chrissy was once a lawyer and Jackson previously owned his own antique shop. After eight years of selling all that they owned to be able to afford higher grade meth, they eventually went broke. They came across each other only two years ago and have been together since. Neither of them are able to afford their own homes anymore and squat in abandoned warehouses and dilapidated apartment complexes.”

The words were cut off as the mocha-skinned Cajun sat on the couch with her laptop early in the morning making the finishing touches to her latest documentary. She had spent the past three months following two meth-heads and questioning their every decision. She had a friend who had majored in Psychology help her with the interview’ as well as a lot of the commentary, helping the future viewers somewhat understand the addicts. She had done documentaries before on potheads, crackheads, and heroine addicts, but she had yet to cover many other drug addicts. She rubbed at her eyes some having gotten up at three in the morning to finish up the film, now finally putting together the credits after a last review of the two hour long footage. She put her laptop down as she finished before glancing at the clock. It was already past six...She had to hurry and get ready for work. With a yawn and a few stretches, she closed her laptop and made her way to the bathroom where she delighted herself in a short shower. When she was finished she made sure to rub down with cocoa butter, paying special attention to her tattoos. She hated when tattoos faded. Every now and again she would look at the space that she had left and ponder what tattoo she would get next. She was thinking of getting a dandelion with the seeds being carried away over her shoulder by an invisible gust of wind. That was always a delicate classic. Maybe too classic. Perhaps a quill dripping ink onto her shoulder and just below it a nice little quote from Gandhi. Or Professor X. Professor X was the shit...He was Gandhi of the comic book world.

A smile danced across her features as she dressed in her uniform of a simple black pair of shorts and a green t-shirt with an apron before slipping on a pair of shoes and dashing down to the cafe with her bag. “Ah! Charlie horse! Charlie horse!” She caught herself on the stairs, dramatically falling to the floor as she let go of her bag to grasp her calf while letting out a howl of deep pain. “Good God, I'm dying! I've been shot! Someone help me! Woman down! Woman down!!” She gave a whimper only for the pain to subside. lt hadn't been that painful — But where was the fun in not overreacting like your every action was being filmed for a cheesy sitcom? Kept her on her toes and made her less bored when she was alone. She quickly recomposed herself and brushed off her apron before calling out to the other apartments above her, “No worries! False alarm guys! I'm all good.” Grinning t0 herself. she skipped her way down into the cafe, using her key to get in. Eight years. That's how long she had been working at The Mighty Bean. Slinging coffees, waiting tables, making little sandwiches and baked goodies and stuff. It had been a wonderful eight years. Dakota still didn't seem to understand Cajun's attachment to the place when she had the accreditation to work much higher paying jobs. Nobody understood her attachment to the place. It was her first job. When she was younger and struggled for rent a few times, Gordon would pay it for her and never asked her to make it up. She loved meeting the people there and the fun that went on within the walls.

She pulled her hair back, her strange silver eyes dancing across the place as though she hadn't been there in years. She moved to the kitchen and began to prepare a breakfast enough for five people. She was never sure who would decide to pop in so early, but she liked to make sure that she made enough food. It would never be more than four people and hardly less than two others. She was simply sweet enough to make sure that they weren't wolfing down disgusting toaster strudels from the store or choking down a greasy breakfast burrito from a fast food restaurant that was just barely scraping by to pass health standards. The thought of it made her stomach tumble and her throat close up as though filled With sponge cake. Ugh. She hated sponge cake. It was so suffocating. She did a documentary on it before. It was only twenty minutes long. But it was nice. Doing the running man, the woman maneuvered her way around the kitchen while preparing large omelets and toast, turning on a fan so that the scent would waft up through the vents and into the apartments above. She put her iPod in the kitchen dock and put on her "Taste of Home" playlist, jigging around the kitchen as she tossed various veggies into a searing saucepan.

“I was cuttin' the rug down at a place called the Jug with a girl named Linda Lu. When in walked a man with a gun in his hand lookin' for you know who. He said, "Hey there fellow with the hair colored yellow! What you tryin' to prove? 'Cause that's my woman there and I'm a man who cares and this might be all for you. I was scared and fearin' for my life, shakin' like a leaf on a tree. 'Cause he was lean and mean and big and bad, Lord pointin' that gun at me. Oh, "Wait a minute, Mister! I didn't even kiss her! Don't want no trouble with you. And I know you don't owe me but I wish you'd let me ask one favor from you". I said, "Won't you give me three steps, gimme three steps Mister. Gimme three steps towards the door? Gimme three steps. Gimme three steps Mister and you'll never see me no more".”

The bubbly Southerner was unable to keep herself from smiling as she simply basked in the scents swirling around her, adding a dash of pepper here and a sprinkle of her special seasoning there with a dollop of love all around. She loved this kitchen and often spent forever cleaning it before going out to buy fresh ingredients. Sometimes she could get Gordon to come with her sown to the fish market. He was one of the only people that she knew that absolutely loved the smell of fresh fish. She didn't mind the smell, but the man had often wished that they had a fresh fish scented candle. He was a strange man but she did enjoy his company very much, even as they worked alongside one another under his father's employment. She wished that she could take him up on his offer of becoming a manager but she just didn't have that kind of time. She didn't have time to worry about who was showing up for work and who wasn't and who needed a raise and who needed to be fired. All of it just...it made her itch. She was comfortable with her above minimum wage position doing whatever someone needed her to do within her five hour work days. She couldn't add managing ten employees to her list of things to do. She absolutely adored the place, no doubt. But her passion was her an and she would go where it took her. Still...This little place was one of her favored sanctuaries. She was dishing out plates containing omelets, hashbrowns, sausages, and Belgian waffles, leaving them under a heat lamp just to keep them warm as she began to squeeze fresh orange juice.

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He'd woken up at seven-thirty as he always does, pulling himself out of his state of comatose and into the shower before his lethargic tendencies could keep him in bed. It was a process, waking up in the morning, but once he was up he was up and there was no stopping him. He stepped out of the shower and went through him morning routine: blowing drying his hair, toweling off, and getting changed into a simple long sleeved shirt and jeans because he had no uniform. It was a quarter to eight by the time he was done and he decided to pour himself a quick cup of coffee. The coffeemaker always went off with his alarm, beginning a new mug for everyone in the flat. It wasn't as good as the coffee at The Mighty Bean but it held them off until they made it there, if they made it there at all. Finn always woke up a little earlier that he had to every day just to go there and get some breakfast. Evangeline always made it from scratch so it was worth getting up half an hour early. He sent her a quick text:


Without missing a beat, he gulped down the hot, caffeinated beverage and burning his palate. He frowned around the coffee in his mouth, groaning in slight discomfort as he placed the empty mug in the dishwasher. Finn grabbed his wallet and his keys before knocking on his brother's bedroom door, "Jack! I'm heading off to work now. I'll see you for my lunch break, yeah?" He smiled at his brother's muffled response and went on his way. He knew better than to rouse Skylar up if she hadn't requested a wake up call. He wished he could say goodbye or wish her a good day but he could manage if it meant not getting decapitated. Finn made his way down the hall, waiting on the lift as he checked his email on his phone. Being only twenty years old, he was still getting accustomed to being in charge of himself. Even though he's a college student who's been living on his own for two years, he still found it a little jarring that he had his own bank account with a steady paycheck with bills to pay. Living in a whole new country didn't even seem to register. But that was just how he was. He walked out of the lift and meandered down the hall, turning right to walk in through the side entrance of the coffee shop. Finn smiled as he pocketed his phone, greeting his friend behind the counter. "Morning ol' chap" he practically sang, putting more emphasis on his accent and resorting to cliche terminology just to brighten her day a little. She seemed to like his accent, his vernacular and whatnot. "How are you?"

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"Luke.." "Mommy?"

The shrill voice of her three and a half year old snapped her awake faster than ice water being thrown onto her. Her blue hues snapped open, instantly staring into the pair of matching- and smaller- pair of her daughter. As the image of him faded into the morning, Harper forced herself to smile and fight back the tears that threatened to spill over. It had been three years since his passing, and she still couldn't let go. "Mommy..." The impatient toddler gently shook her mother by the shoulders, poking her lip out into a pout. Harper couldn't help but crack a genuine smile. "Let me guess, you're.." Life breathed back into the little tot, "Hungry!"

Harper laughed and scooped the child into her arms gently rolling her over onto the empty space beside her on the bed. "Hungry? You're always hungry.." Harper grinned at the child who grinned back, nodding. "Hungry" the little one repeated. Laughing, Harper released her and forced herself to sit up on the bed. "Alright, I'm up. Go brush your teeth, I'll get started on breakfast. Oh, and go get your uncle up too.." Harper glanced at the digital clock on the beside table, grinning even more at the unGodly hour her child had woken her up at. Payback for last week, brother.. Smiling, Harper walked over to her robe and slipped it on.

After breakfast was served, Harper kissed Emily goodbye as her brother took her to daycare and left for work. Shane sat patiently by the door, looking up at her as she closed the door behind her family. "I know, I know. You want to go out. Let me get a shower and have some coffee! Sheesh. You know, I think you're hanging around Emily too much, Shane. You're starting to take after her." A grunt and huff from Shane. "Hey! None of that mister!" Harper laughed as she slipped out of her robe and into her morning routine.

After her shower and getting dressed in a black jogging suit, Harper clicked the leash onto Shane's collar and led him out the door. The morning was average, if anything. They'd stop by their coffee shop across the street, where Shane would wait outside, and then they'd take a slow lap around the park while Harper drank her coffee, and then it would be time for the daily run, and then maybe an hour of play time or so. Shane knew the schedule well. Harper locked the apartment door and led her canine companion down the stairs and across the street to the coffee shop. They were open and already getting busy, even this early in the morning. As always, Harper tied Shane to the bench outside of the shop and went inside as he laid down to wait.

The smell of coffee greeted her like an old friend, lifting the corners of her mouth into a smile. The line had already formed. From the backs of their head she could make out two males and a blonde woman; regulars who she had seen around maybe once or twice- but no one that she knew personally. "How are you?" The man at the front of the line- she paused to look at him again-... the boy at the front of the line.. Seemed to be very familiar with the girl behind the counter. God, I can never remember her name... The blonde woman in front of her shifted slightly, allowing for Harper to get a glimpse at the woman's name tag; Evangeline. Ooooh.. Right.

Turning her attention away from the front, Harper pulled her phone from her pocket and thumbed over the screen to unlock it and send a text to Amber.

To: Amber
Message: Hey, how did it go yesterday? Big news I hope! I'm already at the Bean so meet me here. Shane's waiting outside, so hurry your ass up!

Hitting send, Harper looked up, displeased to see that the line hadn't moved very much. With a soft sigh, she glanced over her shoulder back outside to Shane and was pleased to find him sleeping by the bench. Relieved that he wasn't trying to chase a squirrel down Main Street, Harper put her attention onto the back of the head in front of her. He looked insanely familiar, but she just couldn't place him.

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Evangeline's peripheral caught a glimpse of one of her best friends before he even called out to her. His accent made her toes curl and her teeth show with a bright smile. His accent was absolutely d-fucking-lightful. With a bubbly giggle, she grabbed one of the plates from under the heat lamp and poured a glass of orange juice. “One breakfast platter comin' up, sugar plum!” She set the plate and glass on the counter before her friend with a chuckle. “I'd love to stay and talk but looks like I got work to do.” She gave her most apologetic smile before dashing off to the kitchen again just in time for a few more employees to show up. Gordon used to scold her for cooking meals for her friends and not the other customers, but she let him pull it out of her paycheck for the ingredients. Everyone else got a more basic version of the Starbucks menu — Baked goodies, tea, and coffees. There was ice cream on weekends. Speaking of Gordon, she could hear his own English accent pierce the air as he addressed the long line. “Excuse me, out of my. Owner coming through. Please step aside. Thank you.” The dark haired man gave a polite smile as he moved through the line and made his way behind the counter and into the kitchen where he leaned against a counter. “You know. Before you started working here. I never had an issue walking through the door without bumping into people.” A grin donned his fare as he took one of the remaining plates. As she hustled to pump out fresher muffins and pastries than the ones already being sold, she gave a laugh. “So, are you complaining because I've made your business more remunerative? Because l can make the coffee more like oil and the muffins like rocks if you'd like. Kind of like they were before.”

She dodged a swat at her ribs with a snicker as he left with his plate. “Evan! “We need more strawberry sweet rolls!” Jess from the counter called out to her in a rushed manner. Rachel was the one that Evangeline had called yesterday and asked to come in early to start on the baking at least an hour before open. But she didn't. Luckily, Evangeline was able to get a couple dozen muffins and sweet rolls into the oven with her biscuits. “l'm comin'! I'm comin‘! Just hold yer horses!” Evangeline called back out as she topped off the sweet rolls with a drizzle of icing before nudging one of the other cooks. “Jamie, can you get some french toast on the stove? I'd appreciate it so very much, lovie!” Tray in hand, the sunny Southerner made her way out front and began to set the fresh food on display with the others. “Sorry I'm late! The bed was just too damn comfortable.” Rachel walked in and immediately commanded attention of everyone as she spoke loudly and sashayed to the kitchen. “I really did try to come in, Evan. Truly — But I just got this new Sert—” She was stopped with Evangeline's hand over her mouth. “Shut yer trap and get to work.” Evangeline sighed and wiped her hands against her apron before moving past the counter and taking a seat across from Gordon. “Get rid of her. Please. All she ever does is show up late. She's only a good worker when she wants to be and that's hardly ever. C'mon — She's been here for a month and everyone already hates her. Even me. She flirts more than she cooks and if she finds someone cute enough, she just takes off from work.” Evangeline ranted under her breath, hardly the type to make it known when she was cross with someone. Gordon gave a light chuckle and crossed his arms over his chest. “If you were a manager. you could fire her yourself.” He reached towards his plate and cut a wedge out of his sausage before shrugging. “I'll fire her when I finish — But you should really consider my offer. We can work out the details.”

Nodding her head, she stood and leaned down to place a kiss on the top of his head. “Thanks Gordy” She gave a fond smile before catching sight of Blair entering shortly before Harper. She didn't know much about Harper and sometimes it seemed like the dancer tried to avoid her. It wasn't like it was anything new to her — That just meant that she was a private person. Or she could be just a mean person. Mean people and private people tended to avoid Evangeline and her cameras. Pfft. Their loss. She made her way over to Blair and gave him a tight hug. “Hey! I've got a plate already cooked up if you want it. Oh — I'm getting off early today! Swing ‘round by my place around lunch? If you can, that is.”

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"One breakfast platter comin' up, sugar plum!" Finn smiled as she poured him a glass of OJ, bringing the glass to his lips as she leaned over the counter to speak to him as she placed his food in front of him. His eyebrows were pert as he lowered the glass, listening intently over the slight hustle and bustle on incoming customers. "I'd love to stay and talk but looks like I got work to do."

The former Brit simply shook his head as he gulped down his juice, "Not a problem, love." He told her, hoisting the glass up slightly as he took his plate, saying his goodbyes with a crooked smile, "Cheers." With that he walked over to his usual table in the corner. The window seats. A prime spot if you were fan of daydreaming and just looking at the scenery. With his fork in his left hand, Finn stared down at his phone's screen for a while, reading a chapter of a book he downloaded. It proved difficult against the glare of the rising sun, he found himself furrowing his brows and narrowing his eyes just to read it, idly plopping forkfuls of scrambled eggs into his mouth. Finn had barely gotten a paragraph in when he finally gave up and pocketed his phone. He cut his eyes to the window, watching all of the people passing by with slight curiosity. He made up a life story for each of them, pondering if that's what their day to day was actually like or if he was just a wanna-be Sherlock Holmes. He smirked to himself, deciding it was probably the latter.


In the solace of her bedroom, one sound breached the silence that had surrounded her. Her patted wallpaper for soundproofing could do nothing for the text tone coming from her iPhone. It shone like a beacon in the dark room, black curtains having been drawn up in front of the windows to block out the sun. Amber had arrived in San Francisco late last night, much later than she would've liked but earlier than she intended. Traveling all the way from Italy not only gave her jet lag, but exhausted her as well. What she'd hoped would be a good half a day of sleeping in turned into just four hours of sleep when she received a text message from—upon reaching for it in a groggy state of mind—Harper, who was already at the Mighty Bean waiting for her. She mentally growled, burying her face into the pillow for a quick whine before hauling herself out of bed and into the shower, but not before sending her friend a text as well:


Amber quickly showered, her haste waking her from her dreariness. Soon after bathing she straightened her hair, brushed her teeth, put on a light layer of makeup, and just threw something on so she could make it out the door before she received a verbal lashing. Filling her black Gucci handbag with all of the necessities, Amber scrambled out of the door without taking the time to check on her room mates. She rarely saw them in the mornings anyways so it wasn't as if she was being rude or odd, she just so happened to always be leaving in a hurry...every morning. She quickly jogged to the coffee shop beside her apartment building, making it through the door within fifteen minutes as promised. She greeted her friend with a tired smile, sitting across from her without any knowledge to her British companion sitting just a few tables away. "Sorry it took me so long. Pleasant morning?" She breathed, her rush having winded her. Just before Harper spoke her phone went off in her purse. Fishing it out, Amber made eye contact with her friend to ensure her that she was listening, opening the text that was from Finn.


She eyed the text for a moment in confusion. There was no way he would know that she'd gotten back yet. Unless.... Amber looked around, catching sight of a familiar bright eyed crooked smile at the door of the coffee shop, just getting ready to leave. Phone in his hand, Finn waved good bye to her and Amber responded in kind. She watched him leave with a smile on her face, turning to her friend once he was out of sight.

8:11. Jacob woke up at exactly that time almost every day, with or without an alarm. It was almost instinctual, ingrained in his mind that this was a normal period of time to wake up at. Sure, that meant roughly 7 hours of sleep maximum, but it wasn't like Jacob had planned on waking up at such a time. No, he wouldn't be able to not wake up at 8:11, for in pm it was the time that it finally sunk into him that his finance had thrown him away.

Jacob rolled off of his bed in silence, only a single groan escaping him as his muscles tensed up in pain. Some asshole thought it would be funny to punch him in the back of the shoulder last night - while Jacob threw the man out of his bar with a single hand, the bruise stayed, the muscles seemingly grinding against each other as he moved. A sigh escaped his lips as he began to see how well he could stretch it out, before it became a dull throb. A quick shower later - long showers brought moments to ponder, and he really didn't need that - Jacob slipped into a taught white muscle shirt and black jeans before heading to his sink to make tea. While he had no English blood in him whatsoever, his step-father was an enthusiast of the traditional Chinese tea, and he instilled the love into his step son. Jacob rarely spared expense on importing the tea leaves and ground them himself while the kettle heated up the water. A few moments later, and Jacob was almost ready to head out to the Mighty Bean for his sweet roll - all that he needed was a grey, long sleeved polo, shoes and his phone.

The walk was short, but still dismal. His tea rarely cheered him nowadays, regardless of the little pleasure that made its way to his face when he slandered another for having shitty tea. It was just what he did, which was supposedly a sign of 'recovery'. It made things odd when he passed one of the British twins as he neared the cafe, who had just seemingly left. No words were said as Jacob passed on the other side of the sidewalk, though he did manage a little nod in his direction before carrying on towards the door - again, depending on who you would talk to, that was progress. The twin passing him got him wondering if he had passed any of the others in his building without paying attention. It did happen sometimes.

Jacob entered the Mighty Bean to the same tune as always - a few gave him a glance, either recognized him from the HUB or from around town, and then instantly turned back to their tables. Jacob, on the other hand, barely acknowledged them as he got in line. It wasn't that Jacob didn't mind conversing with others - okay, he sort of did - but it was just that he liked to run on a schedule. While this schedule did allow for hours of flexibility, if nothing ever happened to him, he just moved right on through with his skimpy ideas for the day. In the background, he could hear the voices of the other tenants that he considered between acquaintances and pretty good friends, ranging from Cajun - pretty cool chick - to Blair - decent enough dude. When he got to the counter, he was mildly annoyed by the fact that Evangeline wasn't there, as she usually gave him some sort of deal or something. Instead, he was greeted by a girl that either was just hired, or he didn't give two shits about. So he ordered his standard: two sweetrolls of random flavours, two tea biscuits and a bagel with everything on it - and this was only half his breakfast. Jacob liked to eat in the mornings, since it got him prepped for the day, especially if he decided to go to the gym.

While the lady flustered and got his order, Jacob finally took in his surroundings: it seemed that a lot of the people were here, with Eva, Blair and Harper not to far from him at all. Odd, he hadn't noticed. Once he got everything, he walked to the same place he sat everytime he entered the Bean, which was roughly two tables away from Gordon; and just like every other morning he entered the Bean, he gave Gordon a greeting, from one entrepreneur to another. "Morning." That was it, and Jacob sat down to eat in silence. Sure, before he would have a few people talking to him - but he was content with either silence or camaraderie, as regardless, neither made him any better in the morning.

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"So, I was thinking that you, you, and I could work on the wedding cake while we let Savanna and Annie work on that small birthday cake." Cali said to her twin, Dakota as she looked over her phone schedule, having her husband wrap his arms over her shoulder as he kissed her cheek. This was the reason Dakota hated being around her younger twin sister, she had everything. She had a husband, a daughter, and another one on the way while Dakota had just broken off her engagement not even five months ago. Even if she did act like she was over it, on the inside, it still broke her heart to think about it or Jacob. She sighed before looking at her sleek black phone to text her assistant baker, Savanna to get started on this cake for a little girl's Cinderella themed party. "Yea, we can talk to that couple when we get there. See what they want on it and everything." After doing so she looked up from her phone and at her sister and brother in-law who both looked at her in concern. "You okay, Kota?" Cali asked her as she softly nudged her twin.

Dakota just looked at the rug in her living room before sighing. "Dakota, you know that you made the right choice, right? I mean, if you felt like he was just going to hurt you then you should be happy." Her brother in-law, Nate told her as he raised an eyebrow. Dakota nodded. She knew that was true and to be honest, this was the first time she could feel herself regretting it, for the past few months, she's been doing everything she could to keep her mind off the subject. Knowing that it could end up with her going to him ask if he would take her back and him laughing in her face over it wasn't something she was ready to see. "Yea, yea, I know that! Nate, thanks for telling me something I already knew." She told him, becoming her defensive self, abandoning any sign of weakness.

"Look, no need to be defensive. I'm just saying--"

"Yea, I know what you're just saying. It's the exact fucking thing I've said this whole time but, no at first you two thought I was just overacting. If I didn't believe it, I wouldn't have done it in the first place. Okay? So I don't need you to try and comfort me, got it?!"

"Ok, Kota, Nate. That's enough from both of you. Nate, go down to that coffee shop down stairs and get us a table while my twin and I talk about something." Cali said in a calm voice, she always was the piece maker of the two. Something that constantly annoyed Dakota throughout their life.

Nate didn't say a word as he threw his hands up and defeat before grabbing his black jacket and going out of the apartment. Cali turned her attention from her husband to her sister who's dark eye looked like they were staring into her soul. "What?"

"You know what. You know we are just worried about you right?" Dakota just sighed and nodded before resting her head on her hand. "I know, I know. But, I don't need your husband to get involved."

Cali shook her head before putting her arms around her sister and giving her a hug, something that the older twin roll her eyes. She truly wasn't one for be comforted especially out of sympathy. "I know. How 'bout we go down, get our coffees and then go to work to vent our feelings about men." Dakota chuckled before nodding. "Sounds good to me."

Dakota slipped on her short heels before smiling at her sister as they both got up and walked towards the wooden door. Cali opened the door and bowed before speaking. "Age before beauty." The young Asian rolled her eyes before messing up her twin's hair. "Too bad we're both the same age and both have the same exact face." Cali mocked Dakota before shutting the door behind the pair and walking down the stairs. They walked into the Mighty Bean, letting the smell of coffee and bread swirl around them. She looked around and saw Evan probably flirting with Blair, Harper who Dakota surely wanted to stay away from, knowing that it would end badly. And of course, not far from where the twins were, there was Jacob. Just looking at him for a second broke her heart.

Looking at him for the seconds that she did, she could tell that in the last few months, he had got more muscular than he was when they were together. In all honest... She thought he looked good. She wasn't going to tell him that by any means, but it didn't mean she couldn't think about it. When she turned away she saw her sister scurry over to her husband and kiss him lightly on the lips before sitting down at a booth near the windows. Dakota looked at Nate the same way he looked at her, in a way that said they has so much to say to the other but couldn't say it around Cali.

The group sat down as Dakota took out her scheduling book, a gift from her sister as a joke. She flipped to the February section and grabbed the pen connected to the paper. And with that, the business partners began discussing their week.

Greyson rolled over in his bed as the sunlight streamed in through the open blinds that he had forgotten to close the night before. He buried his head further into the pillow as he slowly woke up, hoping to hide from the outside world for just that little bit longer. Blair's voice came and went as he lay there, and he just stayed face down. Greyson Walker was not a morning person, in fact, he was rather the opposite. He preferred the night, the cover of darkness and the freedom that it provided him, especially in his line of work. The brunette male liked to keep his nighttime activities private.

A soft moaning noise next to him alerted him to the fact that he wasn't alone, and he slowly turned over onto his side to look at who it was that was intruding on his solitude. A blonde lay with no clothes on underneath his duvet, her long, slender legs curled around the covers, quite sexily, he had to admin. She was rather attractive, but Grey didn't know her name. In fact, he barely remembered her face from the previous night, only that she had been the Maid of Honour at that bridal party... or was it the bridesmaid? Who knew. Groaning softly again, the male pulled himself out of his bed and stepped onto the cold floor, wiggling his toes slightly. He then stretched up tall, his arms in the air, ridding himself of any of the ails from his sleep.

"Baby? Come back to bed..." The silvery soft voice of the blonde that was in his bed spoke out, and Grey almost scoffed.
"No can do, love." He shrugged, before walking into his bathroom and locking the door behind him. He hadn't done that once and a girl had followed him inside - this was a new precaution. The male spent a good fifteen minutes in the bathroom, letting the hot water of his shower bring him sweet relief, running down his chiseled body. Grey let his eyes slide closed as he the let water wash away all evidence of the girl and his job off of his body, and he ran a hand through his hair before he opened them again. When he was done, the male took in a breath before he stepped out into the cool air, and quickly grabbed his towel and wrapped it around his waist.

Shivering slightly at the chillness of that morning, Grey walked back out into his bedroom having finally unlocked the door, the steam from his hot shower billowing out behind him. As he had thought, the blonde was still there in his bed, but now she was laying in an extremely provocative position, causing his eyebrows to raise slightly. Was she really going to try the oldest trick in the book on him? Please - he'd invented that move in his teenage years. Shaking his head, Greyson walked over to his wardrobe and dressed in a simple pair of semi-tight jeans and a plain white t-shirt, before he picked up her dress from the floor and tossed it towards her. The expression on her face when he tossed her the dress was almost laughable, but he bit down on his bottom lip slightly, keeping it in. "You're kicking me out?" She spoke looking at him as if he were mad.
"I need you to get up and get dressed, love. I'm already late."

This time, Greyson couldn't help but smirk as the girl stormed out of his bed with a face like thunder and dressed herself, before stomping her now heel clad feet towards him, and slapping him in the hard in the face. His eyes widened at the movement and he raised his hand to now rub at his now red and sore cheek. "Wasn't that a little uncalled for, love?" He called after her as she stormed through the hallway of the apartment and flung open the door, slamming it behind her. Greyson didn't care. He'd never see her again anyway. But that slap had hurt.

Rubbing his cheek again slightly, he made his own way through the apartment, stopping to take his keys, wallet and phone off of the side before he left the apartment, making sure to grab his jacket before he left.

As he walked into The Mighty Bean, Greyson took in a deep breath, inhaling the delicious scent of the freshly brewed coffee. He instantly spotted his friends and roommate on the other side of the café surrounding Evangeline, but someone else caught his eye - Dakota, sitting with her sister. "Morning, darling." The male spoke, bending down to press his lips to the top of the woman's head before he sat down on the couch next to her, draping his arm over the back. It only took a minute for the waitress to come over and ask him if he wanted anything, and he ordered a black coffee before turning to her.

"Want one? I'm buying."

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Harper let her phone relax by her side as the line moved up an inch or so. Just then the perky waitress on the other side of the counter had come around to stand by the man in front of her. “Hey! I've got a plate already cooked up if you want it. Oh — I'm getting off early today! Swing ‘round by my place around lunch? If you can, that is.” Harper forced her eyes to the ground, trying not to look like she was dropping in on their conversation. It was almost impossible not to- her chippy voice was impossible to ignore and they were standing right beside her. Luckily, her phone vibrated in her hands, allowing her a legitimate distraction.

From: Amber
Message: My apologies, Harper. I was a little late getting in. Be there in fifteen.

Harper clicked the screen off and let the phone go back to her side. No point in sending a text with one word. With nothing left to distract her, she found herself drifting back into the stranger's conversation. "....come over and we can play some video games or watch a movie. I'm pretty sure Greyson isn't having a party tonight so no worries there....That is if your not busy tonight." Luckily, the man had just received his coffee and Harper was able to side step him and order hers. She was standing by the pick up counter when Amber came breathlessly to her side. "Sorry it took me so long. Pleasant morning?" "So far so good. How did everything..." Harper trailed off as she noticed Amber texting and then glancing over to the door.

Sure enough, there was the guy she was always around- Finn. A grin brushed up the corners of Harper's mouth as she took her coffee and turned to Amber. "Oh, Ambs..." A giggle bubbled in her throat as she nodded toward the counter. "That boy is hopeless. You getting anything?" Shaking her head, still smiling, she looked across the cafe. Her boss had come in, and shortly after him came Dakota. Harper's jaw locked and she made an effort to resist rolling her eyes. "And that's my cue to leave... I'll meet you outside." With a 'I can't stand that bitch' look and nod in Dakota's direction, Harper swiftly made her way out of the shop.

Shane looked up at the sound of the bell going off, and stood when he noticed it was Harper. "Sorry, boy, we had to wait on Ambs. Just give her a few." With a huff, and as if he understood, Shane sat back down and whimpered lightly up at Harper. Glancing up, Harper noticed an older man staring at her with one brow raised. Right.. she was talking to Shane in public again. Slowly, Harper sat on the bench outside to wait for Amber. "If I'm not careful they're going to think I've gone insane, Shane," she muttered under her breath to the dalmatian who sat at her heels.

When Amber joined them, Harper stood and untied Shane from the bench. "So, tell me all about it! How'd it go? Meet anyone? Any luck? Deets! I need deets." With that, Harper nodded toward the sidewalk which would lead them to the end of the block and to the neighborhood park. As she walked, she slipped her phone into her pocket and looked over to her friend.

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Harper's giggle drew away her gaze, "That boy is hopeless." At first, she didn't know about whom she was referring. That is, until she made the connection. Amber would spend almost as much time, if not more, with Phineas as she did with Harper. Perhaps she was misconstruing her friendship with the younger man and interpreting it as some romantic relationship. She wouldn't blame her for making the mistake when most others automatically came to that conclusion themselves, nor did she have the urge to correct her—which was odd in and of itself. Though, he friend's follow up inquiry helped deter her from that thought. "You getting anything?"

"Perhaps just a tea, not very hungry." She responded, her French accent faint though ever present. Amber's attention was on of the cashiers behind the counter as she placed her order. She cut her eyes over her shoulder as Harper announced her leave, nodding once to insure that she'd be there in a moment. She paid for her cup of hot tea, standing off to the side to read her order, finally texting Finn back.





She smiled and put away her phone, receiving her tea before making her way out the door to her friend and possibly the only dog she's ever felt comfortable around. A smile lit up her face as she squatted down in front of him, petting his head and scratching behind his ears. He wagged his tail happily, sticking out his tongue and letting it dangle in anticipation. Amber giggled, "Oh alright, you greedy thing." Reaching into her purse, she pulled out a brown paper bag where she kept a dog treats she smuggles in from foreign countries. Shane never complained and seemed to take an immense liking to them, if his salivating was anything to go by. She tossed it in the air and he caught it, munching away as Harper stood, untying him from the bench. Her smile softened in her friend's presence, sipping at her tea as she was lead toward the park, immediately bombarded with questions about her trip to Italy. Like with all of Harper's slew of inquiries, Amber answered them all in chronological order, "It went alright, for the most part. I did a couple of photo-shoots, but nothing international. If you're referring to meeting anyone romantically then, no-..." She glowered at her playfully, "I didn't. However I did meet up with a new client who wants to use me for her new perfume line. So, as for luck, I'd say it was a success." She paused only to take another sip of her tea, glancing around and slightly taken aback that they'd reached the park already. Amber turned her attention back on Harper, taking the initiative to make sure no one could overhear their conversation, "What about you? How's Emily been?"

Evangeline couldn't help but let her smile grow as her sinewy male friend lifted her off of her feet even as he held his coffee. She took a moment to tap her chin at his proposal before giving a crestfallen expression as though she weren't going to be able to join him and it hurt her deeply. But her expression quickly changed into its usual cheerfulness once more. “Of course I'll be able to make it. And the plates right in the back. As long as I make him a plate and let him dock the cost of ingredients from my paycheck, Gordon's letting me make meals here for you guys when I'm working.” Her head turned a bit as she put the conversation on pause to notice Jacob enter followed shortly by Kota, Cali, and eventually Greyson. She gave Jacob a light grin before looking to Blair again.

“Hold that thought.” She allowed herself to dash out of line to run into the kitchen balancing three plates on a tray. “C'mon guys! Let's get those sweet rolls topped and sent out front! Y'all are movin' slower than molasses in December!” She scolded the others in the back before heading back out front, handing one of the plates to Blair, reconfirming that she could meet him later. “l can definitely swing by when you're off work - l got the new Battlefield and Madden! But I still don't see why you won't let me give you a tat for free.” She rolled her eyes with her seemingly never ending smile as she moved to Dakota's table.

“And here you go.” She set the remaining two plates in front Cali and Kota, giving Greyson a light wave before excusing herself to the kitchen where she could hear others calling for her. “What's the hold up on those cookies?! Let's get it moving people!” In all honestly, for the past year she didn't do as much baking in the kitchen as the others did. While she constantly denied the position of manager, she did perform many managerial duties. She interviewed potential employees when Gordon couldn't or simply didn't want to, kept a record of the sales, bought new ingredients, monitored the work of the other employees, and sometimes helped Gordon make out and hand out the checks. The only reason why she denied the official managerial position was because she didn't want to take on a full time position at the place. Plain and simple.

If she did, she would get sucked into it. More than she already was! How was she supposed to achieve her goals if she was stuck at The Mighty Bean all the time? This was all only temporary. Soon she was going to make it big in the world of entertainment and be renowned outside of San Francisco. She just had to work harder. “Ralentissez! Pourquoi êtes-vous déménagez si lent? Nous avons des clients! Ne me donnez pas ce regard. Je jure devant Dieu que je vais tirer la prochaine personne à commencer à se relâcher.” She clapped her hands, ushering everyone in the kitchen to finish up and to do so quickly. The great thing about The Mighty Bean was that they didn't serve meals. There were only three other people working in the kitchen with her and they usually got to go home early if they baked enough to last the day. She really hated it when they cooked as slowly as possible just to collect hours though. She moved around the kitchen with them, popping out front every now and again to arrange the food in the displays. Gordon made his way into the kitchen where he waited for her before lifting a brow as she smacked Jamie's arm. “Way too much syrup. Now it's going to get soggy all over and give somebody diabetes.”

She huffed softly before turning to her boss.

“Get out, Evan.”, he stated plainly.

She gave a confused look, narrowing her eyes. “Are you firing me?” The other bakers paused to see what drama would unfold, majorly disappointed as Gordon answered. “No, you twit. I'm telling you to leave for the day. It's your birthday weekend and there's no need for you to force yourself to be here for five more hours doing virtually nothing.” He spoke in a matter-of-factly tone, sipping some of his coffee. Evangeline heaved a sigh of relief before giving Gordon a tight hug. “Thanks, Gordy!” She gave him a tight hug and a peck on the cheek before grabbing her bag and dashing out of the kitchen. “Hey, text me if you need me today.” She called out to Dakota before quickly leaving. To the park! Or somewhere. Anywhere but here right now. Ha! She had a whole day to do whatever the fuck she wanted.

“Beep beep! Comin' through!” Evangeline shouted to nobody in particular, the hyperactive woman zipping through her apartment and throwing together two duffel bags of things she felt she might need for the day. She had no intentions of returning home until later that night and there was no telling where she was going or what she was going to do. Prior planning prevents poor performance. She remembered that from some high school JROTC kids she had interviewed once when she did a film on how such programs affected kids. Juno and Voodoo jumped around and barked at her. They could come too! What the hell, they could all come! She whistled the "Hi-Ho" song from Snow White, bouncing around while she got dressed and began trudging everything downstairs to her truck.

When she was finished she went back upstairs to usher her herd of pets out the door, locking it behind her with her Sugar Glider safely caged in a small hamster sphere. Just as she turned around she came face to face with the landlord. He was nice to her once upon a time. But time had not made him any kinder. He gave a frown as he looked at the creature in her hands before looking back at her. Evan hated talking with him over the past few years, always dodging him whenever she could. Like now. “Sorry! l'd love to stay and chat with ya, but I've got a real busy schedule. Good day to you, sir!” She cut him off just as he opened his mouth, quickly dashing down the stairs. That was a close call. Well, she loaded herself up into her truck and she was gone, baby, gone.

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"So, we can have the colors be gold and maybe off white, I'm not sure." Dakota just nodded as she listened to her twin, writing everything down not looking up at her. "I like that idea but I was also thinking--."

"Morning, darling." Dakota looked up to see the man behind the voice. Greyson, of course. The woman offered him a smile before replying. "Hi, Greyson." She closed her eyes as he kissed her forehead and when he pulled away, she just rolled her eyes and smirked towards him before looking at her Cali and Nate. Both who seemed to be surprised that Dakota was so easy going about a man kissing the top of her head. They knew of him and his reputation but not how Dakota and him interacted together. Which wasn't any of the business any way. She slid over a bit to make room for Greyson so they weren't side by side when he draped his arm behind the back of the couch. She looked at the waitress once she scurried over to take Greyson's order and when he asked if wanted one, she just shook her head. "I'm okay. Thank you though." She told him before turning towards her roommate as she walked over to their table and set two plates down in front of them. "Thank you, beautiful."

She smiled towards her best friend before watching her leave to talk to her boss. She turned her attention back to Nate as he cleared his throat. "As you were saying."

"About what?"

Nate rolled his baby blue eyes before sighing. Hearing his wife chuckle towards him. "About the colors of the cake... You know, for the wedding we have next week. Earth to Dakota, just because your little boyfriend or boy toy or whatever he is, no offense, came over here doesn't mean you have to forget everything."

Dakota rolled her eyes before looking towards Greyson and raising her eyebrows. "He's neither for your information. He's a friend. Nate, meet Greyson. Greyson, meet my jackass of a brother in law, Nate." She said before turning back in her seat. And picking up her pin, she wrote down the rest of the ideas she had before closing her notebook putting it in her purse which was on the floor between her and Greyson. She looked at him.

"And unless you want to waste seven hours of your young life at a bakery, I guess this is where we say good bye, Greyson-san." She smirked before kissing his cheek and sliding out from the booth, a sly smile on her face the whole time. In all honesty, she had forgotten that Jacob was in a booth not far from their own. She looked towards him with an awkward smile before looking away before she could feel the tears wanting to come out and stream across her cheeks like they have the last few time she's seen or thought of Jacob.

She turned towards her sister and brother in law as they got up, Nate offering Greyson a handshake and smile before getting up and wrapping his armk around his wife as Cali kissed his cheek softly, pulling away with her eyes looking into his before kissing him softly. Dakota just scoffed in fake disgust before pulling on her gray coat and buttoning up. "If you truly are that bored we do need help." Cali told Greyson with a cute pout on her face. Dakota just looked away and opened the door not even looking back at the group.

"He probably has better stuff to do than being around two Asian cupcake makers all day. Let's go, we need to open the store." The young woman said before walking out, seeing her sister in her light pink coat walking up to catch up to her older twin. Cali watching her husband go the opposite way to his car before driving off, waving towards the twins as they walked not even a block away to their bakery.

It only took a moment in time, but Jacob didn't know how to deal with it besides stay silent and keep his head down - it was either that, or regret life as his desert dry humor ruined everybody else's fucking morning. At least Evangeline had been kind enough to get those lazy asses behind the counter to get him more sweet rolls before he had gotten to the counter - truly it was odd. Jacob had always thought that Eva would hate his guts after... you know, that shit... and side with Kota. Yet, she still gave him smiles and a friendly gesture. What the hell? Was this part of a plan, or was she taking the moral high ground here? Whatever she was doing, Jacob seriously appreciated it. He didn't need another pair of eyes that, while once carried friendliness and enjoyment, now carried almost indifference.

Jacob hadn't been sitting for a second before he looked up towards the door, and instantly began to regret the decision. Entering the Mighty Bean were Cali and Nathan, and... Dakota. Instantly, he looked back at his food, hoping she hadn't caught him looking at her. His thoughts ground to a halt as he was left with that annoying question mark above his head: What in the fuck do I do now? In truth, they had both sort of been avoiding each other - while Jacob liked to think that she had been avoiding him, the same had gone for his side as well. He would unconsciously make sure that he didn't have to deal with her or interact. It made the pain go away smoothly when he did, however fleeting it was. Out of the corner of his eye, Jacob noticed they sat down not far from him, and when Greyson entered Jacob knew that it was time to change his thought process imediately. Greyson had always been that odd guy friend of Dakota's and his that would always engage in playful banter, almost to the point of flirting if Jacob wasn't around. Right now he didn't need that, so he pulled out his phone instantly and began going through his list of objectives for the day.

Most of his list was about the HUB, as while he had gotten punched last night, Jacob had also found that a customer had screwed up the sink in the lady's washroom, which needed to be fixed before tonight. Along with the fact that he needed to restock on a few items, make a few calls to some providers - his draft was getting low - and somehow forget that Dakota was right near him. Shit. His list barely distracted him from the obvious. When he looked up again, Dakota had moved towards him, and an awkward smile was on her lips before she turned away. Jacob's face remained completely blank, emotionless as she looked at him. All except for his eyes: he could never mask his entire face, and his eyes were his outlet. In them were only two things: pain and bitterness. After all, that was all he was feeling for the moment.

Jacob went back to staring at his sweetroll as the banter continued and then the trio left. His remaining food looked unappealing, but he ate it anyway as his thoughts ran rampant. The fact of the matter, which Jacob still couldn't fathom, was that Kota dropped him in the cold all because she thought he was cheating, and it didn't matter the numerous times he tried to explain it, she wouldn't listen. And every time he thought about it, his childhood just flooded back: how his 'dad' was accused of cheating by his mom, and she refused to listen to him. What happened to Jacob's little childhood? His dad got fed up, actually cheated, and then dropped his mom off on the side of the road. While Jacob couldn't deny that in hindsight, it was both of their faults, he couldn't help but feel like the world was just on loop - instead of using new ideas, fate just reused old ones.

Back when he was a kid, this situation caused his dad to walk out and become the bad guy, his mom to stress out completely, and tore Jacob to shreds. Now it was happening all over again. Jacob's fists had been clenched the entire time, and he rose from his table to leave before he was stopped by Gordon, who didn't even look at him as he spoke. "From one businessman to another; either you get that girl back, or get over her. It can't be good for the HUB to have you like this." Jacob acknowledged the advice with silence for a second, before a simple sigh caused his entire body to sag in utter defeat. Gordon was right, like he always was when he gave out his precious entrepreneurial advice.

"Yeah, yeah I know." A low mumble escaped him, the first words he had spoken today as he leaned against the one booth near Greyson. Gordon didn't say a word, but Jacob knew that he took Jacob's words with a grain of salt. Gordon liked results, not words. But it didn't matter - Jacob didn't know what to do, or even what he was doing. So he decided to head out of the Mighty Bean, just as solemnly as he had entered.

It only took minutes before Jacob had changed and was headed towards the gym, which required him to cross the park. It was probably the highlight of his day, just going across the park - it was as peaceful as it could get outside of his room, and there were birds. Jacob just kept moving though, only stopping if another person attempted to talk to him.

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“Touch down, biatch! Vous ne pouvez pas me battre!”

Blair rolled his eyes at her and shook his head. "Oh please! That was a close game!" He told her, nudging her with his hand as he put his control down on the coffee table in front of the couch that they were sitting on. Leaning forward more he reached out to scratch the top of Juno's head. "That Gumbo smells good," He said, glancing back at the pot of cooking gumbo. Blair rubbed his tummy that growled ever so slightly even though he had food about half an hour before Evangeline even got to his apartment. His mind drifted for a second, wondering what his friend may have done after she left and after he had last seen her. His day mostly consisted of him working on an old car for someone who wanted it to be fixed up for a car show that he had later that week. After work he came home, ate some food then cleaned up the house before Evangeline came over. “If you're done having your ass kicked here, you want to play some Halo or watch a movie?” Snapping out of the small daze he was in he made a barking noise at Juno before straightening up only to get hit in the face by a pillow. "What the-" He exclaimed, laughing as he picked the pillow he just got hit with back up. He waved the pillow around, shaking his head at her with a grin on his face. "Movie, definitely a movie." He said before throwing the pillow at her. Standing up he looked at Juno then at Voodoo both he made a barking noise at before rolling his eyes and walked to the kitchen where both the gumbo and beer was. Looking over at the gumbo he was tempted to get some but stopped himself. Walking back he plopped himself down near Juno who he started petting. Looking under his giant TV where his movies were located. Pulling a cabinet open several movies were visible. "You chose the movie. I don't care what we watch to be honest as long as you like it. You are the guest and tomorrow is your birthday." He said grinning over at her for a moment then looking back over at Juno.

"Speaking of which I have a surprise for Evan." Blair said to the dogs laying at Evangeline's feet. He patted Juno's and Voodoo's head before rising to his feet. "Stay there don't move unless your looking for a movie under the TV. He commanded, pointing at her. He looked away then hurried off to his room. The one place that was a complete wreck but he didn't care because it was his room and company rarely ever went in there. Moving to his closet he opened the sliding doors, glancing around the walk in closet before pulling a medium sized present from his closet. The present contained a new camera that was wrapped in some not as great scarfs that had a teddy bear next to it. Of course she was one of his best friends and he knew what she liked or at least most of the things that she liked. He held the present close to him while he closed his closet and went to where his door was, hiding it behind his back he poked his head out. Once he was sure she wasn't looking he snuck away, closing the door behind him as he rushed to the kitchen where he hid the present. Once he hid the present he went to the fridge where he got a very small cake out of the fridge. Picking up the present up and getting the small cake with a fork he carried it towards his best friend, placing it down in front of her. Once they were safely on the coffee table he looked over at the dogs. "Happy early birthday Evan," He said with a small smile. He knew she would most likely have a party tomorrow for her birthday but he figured that since they were here he might as well do something. "Go ahead, open it. Tell me what you think." He insisted as he took a pillow and adjusted it before leaning against the pillow.

Evangeline narrowed her eyes playfully as Blair told her dogs that he had a gift for her. But her birthday wasn't until tomorrow! Not that she was complaining or anything. She bit down on her bottom lip and bounced with excitement, moving her hands over eyes to show that she wasn't going to ruin the surprise. She could hear him shuffling around in his room -which she was sure was still a complete mess as usual- before he moved into the kitchen. She was getting a bit impatient even though it hadn't even been two minutes. That was what sucked about being told about surprises – It made you antsy! She passed the time by humming to herself, swaying back and forth until she could feel him sit down next to her.

Pulling her hands away from her eyes, she immediately went for the cake with a gleeful squeal. She gave a soft laugh with a mouthful of cake before turning her eyes towards him and nodding upwards. “You – ” She had to pause and swallow her food before finishing her sentence, icing littering her lips. “ – went to Kota for this, huh?” She could tell Kota's partries apart from everyone else's with ease. It wasn't that hard – She had been eating them for the past four years, after all. She didn't let him answer before devouring the rest of the cake with a gleeful squeal when she finished, grabbing a paper towel she had used as a coaster earlier, now using it to wipe her hands before unwrapping the scarves.

Her jaw dropped at the sight of the the camera and she let out a loud, excited squeal. She snatched up both the teddy and the camera, stroking the black piece of photographic equipment in a way that was similar to the way Golem stroked the One Ring. “T-This is a Samsung Galaxy NX! These cost almost two thousand dollars!” She immediately turned it on and began fiddling with it, her eyes lighting up as the camera booted up. “I love it! Thank you!” Her eyes seemed to be welling up with tears as she held the camera in one hand and the teddy in the other before moving so that she was sitting almost in Blair's lap, pressing her face against his and angling the camera. “The very first picture.” Evangeline gave a smile as her finger moved and pressed down on the button. Her silver blue eyes lit up with the bright flash as she captured the moment with a cheesy, icing laced smile.

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“You – ” Evangeline had paused and it gave Blair time to notice the icing littering her lips, “ – went to Kota for this, huh?” Blair chuckled, nodding as a short response to her question. Blair looked away for a little while only when he looked back he noticed that she was opening her present. A smile came to his face when he noticed her reaction. That was one thing he had been worried about, that she would not like her present but luckily she seemed to love it. “I love it! Thank you!” Blair smiled more, well that pretty much just relieved his worried mind. "Your welcome, I was a little afraid you wouldn't like it." Blair admitted, shrugging. Once she moved and was almost sitting in his lap his smile lightened a little as he slipped an arm around her waist and smiled at the camera. Of course, holding back playful roll of his eyes as she took the very first picture on her new camera. He kept his arm around her waist and a smile on his face until she finished taking the picture. Once she finished taking the picture he looked over at her, playfully rolling his eyes at her. Poking her in the side he looked around, wondering what to do next.

After a minute or two of sitting next to Evan he moved his arm from around her and slowly stood up. He smiled at her, rolling his eyes as he moved back to the TV, picking out a couple romantic comedies and some action movies in case she for once didn't want to watch a romantic, sappy, chick-flick. He knew she was probably the only girl he really knew that would be playing a shooter game and then want to watch some kind of chick-flick. Not that it really bothered him though it was just well different, different from most girls, of course it wasn't really a bad thing. Placing a decent stack onto the coffee table he doubled checked to make sure she was completely done with her cake before carefully taking the plate that it had been on plus the silverware. After cleaning up the plate plus the silverware and placing them both in the dishwasher he walked back over to her, slipping his arm around her and carefully pulling her closer to him. He moved an arm around her shoulders and gave her a gentle hug. "I hope it was alright that I gave you your presents early. You don't mind do you? Just didn't want to show off or anything with my amazing gift at your party. My amazing present choosing skills." He joked as he returned his arms from around her shoulders and adjusted his collar as if trying to gloat or something. He laughed a little, looking aver at her as he adjusted his collar again. After his collar of his shirt was adjusted just the way he usually had it he leaned forward, placing one of his elbows on his knee as he started to pet Voodoo.