Now with real Mermaids (The CaFae) 24/26
June 8
After three days of hard work I still haven’t fully figured out how to appear as myself to the Fae again. I’m close, but not able to hold it subconsciously so any time I am not actively thinking about it, I slip. Connie has been instrumental in this. She thinks I can get it down in another few days. Such a patient teacher. Now I am only averaging 1 seduction attempt an hour today! Only two of those are from Connie.
This is ridiculous.
Todd is over. He won’t look at me directly. He keeps saying it is inappropriate to think of his big sis as anything but his big sis. Instead, he pets the shop cat, Carrot, a lot. God, I love this kid.
“Nee-Chan. I am sorry I stayed away. I have been going through some stuff. And I needed some time to go through and speak with the Winter Court before they left. It has been a hectic few days for them.”
I look at my little bro. “Do you need to talk about the personal stuff? Are you okay?”
“You always will look out for me, huh? Glad I can say the same.” He looks sad.
I am sure I look confused. “What do you mean?”
He shakes his head. I am not getting more out of him. I drop it.
“Whenever you want to talk about it, let me know. I will be there. Now then, I imagine this whole thing and having a huge shake up like this would be. What did you talk to them about?”
“Leaving the Winter Court. I wasn’t alone. There were quite a few petitions. So many that it is scaring the Court. I imagine the Summer Court is in a similar bind. We like new things, we all love you, this Court welcomes all. It is a recipe for disaster if not handled well.”
That is probably why I haven’t seen any of the Royals. I have been so stuck thinking I hurt them, and I probably did, that it didn’t occur to me.
“And, what happened?”
He looks directly at me for the first time since entering, I make sure my dorky face is what he sees. “You are too sweet, sis. Well, your Court is going to have to lay down some rules. But they said you have a claim on me, regardless as myself, Pat, Connie, and a few others have either claimed or been claimed by you as family or some other role.” He motions to Amaideach, bussing tables.
“Nee-Chan, did you really have to put the one that sold you out to work for you? He is a daily reminder that we almost lost you to a murderer. Although I gotta respect naming him Foolish in Gaelic. Top level troll there. He will never forget why he has that name.”
I put my hand on his. “I screwed up when I was young. I had a friend that found out I was in trouble and told me to come live with her in New York. It was scary and tough and a constant battle. But I had someone that believed in me and helped me recover. I have had a few people like that. I am lucky. If I can give him a chance to make things right and do better and become someone who can be proud of himself as well as someone I can be proud of, it is worth it. Besides, he is doing great here and I heard he is going to be your neighbor soon as Skerrit has accepted his renting on the condition that I vouch for him.”
Todd whistles. “You are putting a lot of trust into him.”
Show him it isn’t a problem.
I let my mask slip a bit and I know Amaideach can hear me when I say, “He is earning it and knows better than to betray me.” Why did I do that?
Both of them shudder a bit. And Todd looks over at Jackie. “I am sure he’d not survive her wrath, let alone yours. So… can I be a subject of the Evergreen Court?”
“What does that entail?”
“All are welcome. The rules of etiquette and hospitality are absolute.”
“Hilarious that such a model troll such as yourself is wanting to call a place where etiquette and hospitality are enforced, home.”
The sincerity in his eyes damn near breaks me. “For my big sis, I would be happy to.”
“Dammit Todd, don’t make me cry at work.”
“That a yes?”
“Absofuckinglutely, it is. You are my little bro. Welcome to the Evergreen Court.”
I feel a change. Connie looks up as does Amaideach. Todd nods. “Weird feeling. Like when I was under a bridge or in my apartment. Feels right. Feels like home.”
“Connie, darling, how would I get to Court?” The Dryad smiles up at me and furrows her brow. She nods and gets up. “Excuse me, Mona, my Queen needs me.” She leaves someone in the booth and walks up to me.
“May we go to your office?” I nod and escort her and her tea to the office. She turns around and closes the door. Then she faces me again. She gives me a kiss on the cheek. I don’t think that last part was necessary…
“You can simply will it. I didn’t want to tell you while we are out there as even the impressive glamour here won’t stop people from noticing you vanish. I do believe here is the easiest place to switch over from within the building.”
I am still confused, though. “Don’t you have to be in a fairy circle or another place of power? I assumed the Courts had given you a way to take Jackie and I…”
Her shaking her head made me stop.
“I have been able to step into the FaeWyld on this property since you signed the paperwork to own this building. My tree is part of your domain and exists in both realms. It is no longer simply physical. Aside from man made destruction, it is almost immortal. You made that happen. This is a place of power. It is your place of power. Will yourself to the Wyld. I will follow.”
I nod, I will go after work.
June 8, 4pm
I center myself and think about going to the Wyld place, the first world. I feel dizzy for a second and I can see a small area that feels cozy and right. Beyond it, Connie’s tree. Still huge and covered in lights. She appears next to me. She then begins to walk to my left. We see the portal. “Is that a permanent thing now?”
We walk and talk, heading for the Court through it.
“Yes, has been since you bought the land. You can even change this area to fit whatever aesthetic pleases you. The power of your domain has created an opportunity. Any that wish to travel from the Wyld place to the mortal realm must ask the court for permission. And they can then use this portal. It is stable and allows them to transition easily to New York.
They really did have a plan…
“Wait, they set me up with all those things to be able to access us more effectively?”
Connie shakes her head, “I cannot say what the motivations are of the two other Courts. I know Morgana la Fae saw the potential in you to do something she has been wanting to do for eons. She has also been working to assist this outcome.” We appear at the Courts.
I shake my head. “How do you know this?”
She smiles and nods to Morgana who is sitting at a throne in the Evergreen.
Morgana answers, “Because I am now one of the Queens of the Evergreen Court and as your shield maiden she is a part of it. I told her. She is an excellent retainer. You showed remarkable insight saving her life. Connie somehow manages to blush while being plant and wood based. I am impressed.
Morgana continues, “We do need some Kings, by the way. Think of some powerful allies who would be able to show the power and backbone to be Kings. I would say Nathir but we cannot poach other Courts.”
I look at her. “You were waiting to give me your blessing until you knew I could be classified as being on par with a queen within my domain, weren’t you?” She nods.
“Imagine my surprise when I felt as though I was facing an ACTUAL equal. Not a lesser Queen. Not a Fae or even ArchFae. My equal or close in power. Now imagine having it happen twice in my lifetime and within a week. So, find a Fae to bed that can hold a candle to you and declare him a King.”
“My dear Morgana. Are you fucking kidding me? I am NOT going to go around boinking every male Fae with something that approximates a penis to declare one a king!!”
Connie giggles behind me. I love that gal. Morgana does not appear to appreciate her mirth nor my comment.
“If you can find an ArchFae or a King of one of the many Fae races that would sit in court, that would work as well. And do not presume to laugh at my discomfort, dryad.”
I hear Connie move and turn to see her bowing her head. “Yes ma’am.”
“I’ll get right on recruiting Elrond.” My joke fails to hit the mark at all.
“Who is that, my queen?” Connie asks. She seriously has no clue, but I should have expected that. Fae have weird gaps in pop culture.
“King of the Elves in the Lord of the Rings. It was a very Gen X dad joke he would have appreciated hearing if he was around…”
“Are you here for a reason?” Morgana seems annoyed with me. Better move along.
“Yes, actually. I wanted to know how we are dealing with subjects of our Court. I assume that since you have been waiting for this centuries, you have a plan?”
“Of course I HAD a plan.”
I raise my eyebrow.
“It was to let anyone in. It failed in the first 30 seconds. Apparently, a lot of the Fae like their coffee.”
“We aren’t even a little boujie shop, just a chain. Why do they all like it so much?!?!”
In unison, both of them speak. “You.”
“Be nice to one stressed out Queen of Air and Darkness and everyone starts liking you. Yeesh.”
Connie’s laugh is a deep, sultry, throaty affair. Lighter than Em’s but still speaks of the forest and mirth. Morgan’s is the surprise. She sounds loud and roaring. I get a smile after.
“I have adopted a singular requirement. They must have been a client of your establishment before you assumed the mantle of the Evergreen Queen. That cut down the application log by around half. After this we will see where the other Courts fall. They may ask us to restrict movement for a while. This is a first for our kind. I expect there to be some hurt feelings and passions that flair. There is another matter we must attend to besides some Kings and subjects.”
I wait get her to continue. She looks at me as if I should guess. Well, what could be so important that… oh. Oh yea. “The matter of the attempted murder?”
“Make no mistake, that was a targeted assassination attempt. Someone wants you dead. And now that you have assumed the mantle of power of a Fae Queen, there are other ways to do so.”
I need to know how this works. “Okay, pause. I assume my sitting on the throne was assuming a mantle. And since so many Fae believe in my ability to enforce my rules and believe me worthy, I have power. It is borrowed, but it is power.”
“Darling, Fae don’t loan power. We give and take it. And all your clients have given you a sliver of power over them every time they have agreed to abide by your rules. ALL THE ENLIGHTENED HAVE.”
Huh? “Wait, Angels, Devils, Demons, and even that Vampire?”
She nods. “Yes, and they continue to do so when they return. Your recognition of your responsibility to them is what allowed you to accept this power in exchange for using it in a manner you saw fit. You only hold domain in 2 places. Places you claim as yours. Hilariously one of them sits within Skerrit’s domain and so both of you have intermingled your domains so you both respect and accept the other’s dominion. He was talking to Oberon, whom he also shares domain with, about it before you came. He was wondering if you would be able to kick him out of his own home.”
“I WOULD NEVER DO THAT!!” The idea of it repulses me. I am not sure why I am so against it.
She nods. “It was said you would react that way. As you have put on a mantle, it has weighed upon you. Your tenants of hospitality do not just have your enforcement, they also help define you. Your own sense of justice and kindness do as well.”
“I can be kind of a bitch too, though.”
She laughs a little bit. “Your core shows cracks. Those are the marks that pain has permanently left upon you. They are part of you. And they will allow that pain to show up in unexpected ways. All creatures can show great cruelty if they have been hurt themselves. And you have been hurt much over a long period of time. The cracks have not all sealed. Especially that one.”
I know she is pointing at my left arm. The wound glows in response.
“Even so, every time you have unsheathed your claws or surrounded yourself with that mantle has been for kindness or for defending someone precious to you. Defending someone you consider yours. That is strength.”
Why does that phrasing sound familiar to me? Someone said something like this in front of me once. What was it about?
“You could order someone within Skerrit’s domain to jump out a window and it would have the authority and weight of a Fae Queen commanding it.”
“Well fuck, I made Jackie trip by mistake once in the apartment building as a joke. We thought Skerrit did it.”
She looks at me. “When was that?”
“The night before the attack.”
“Before you even assumed the mantle? I am guessing he felt a little scared when you threw your power around. He may be the King of Centaurs, but he is still not as powerful as you in your seat of power. That also means you are susceptible to tricks to kill Fae too. As is your friend Jacqueline.”
Why?
She must have heard that. “You realize she has been blessed by all three courts. All three queens before this was a court. And you. I believe even if she hadn’t, with the interactions she has had with us and you, along with her bloodline, she would be a powerhouse regardless.”
“Bloodline?” Oh yea, the Macleod clan. Hold up, she was blessed? Where have I heard this. I need to circle back to this as something else is gnawing at me. Something major.
Connie clears her throat and Morgan looks beyond me. Standing at the edge of the room is Titania. Morgan looks at me. “In any case you have new things to fear. If they know your true name, you are far more in danger. If they have something of value of yours, you are in danger.”
That gnawing thing shows itself as I realize something, “Like a wedding ring or a necklace that was a gift from your mother stolen from an apartment enchanted to be invisible to robbers over a year ago?”
Morgana actually turns pale and her eyes go wide.
June 9
I have 2 part time and 2 full time positions available. We have 4 people interviewing for each. I can possibly open up 1-2 more positions as well so this shouldn’t be wasting anyone’s time.
3 of us are interviewing applicants. To my left, shift supervisor Jackie. To my right, Manager Lemar.
Our first candidate is a human, Jordan. He is a great candidate and has worked at a coffee shop before, so bonus. I toss my first weed out question.
“New Yorkers come in all shapes and sizes with quirks and craziness. Would you be able to follow established rules of behavior with them?”
He gives an answer that should be the gold standard answer. My gut is saying hire him.
Jackie asks what he thinks the weirdest New Yorker is like. His answer: “A new age psychic that says fairies exist and can read your mind.”
The three of us share a glance. We know like 4 of these people. Not all are fairies. Hell, one of the best psychics I know is “Chairvoyant” the luv seat. Man, that was a weird day…
The rest of his interview goes well.
Next for full time is Pat. Lemar gasps. I smile. Jackie looks over at Lemar and I. Pat is a guy before they sit down.
I ask them the same question. They respond “I will always follow the rules as enforced. If the person that makes the rules deems an action permissible, respect their judgment.”
Their answers to the other questions are perfect. All three of us are 100% for them.
Our next two candidates are both humans. We are probably going to go with the older lady of the two. Aria, she seems very open to things.
The part timers are where my fun actually begins.
The door opens and a man that is nearly as wide as the door walks in. His mane of hair up in a pony tail and his Hawaiian shirt and jeans have been traded for a Light Grey suit. He is wearing glasses. Really Oberon? His applying for part time was a shock until I guessed his ulterior motive.
I hear a squeal of shock to my left and Lemar is laughing. “Not professional, you two.”
They quiet down and he smiles that cheesy smile of his. The man is nothing if not … out there. He can’t manage to dial it to less than 11.
He sits. I ask my question, his answer is perfect.
Jackie asks about how to deal with problem customers. “Throw them out the window.” I somehow avoid giggling. He absolutely meant that…
Then it is his turn to ask questions. “What are the rules on dating co-workers.” I smile. Here it is.
“We use the term partners. Partner dating is fine. Just keep it professional on duty. Shift supervisors and partners will not have shifts together. Manager or higher is not allowed.”
“So, I could date Jackie but not both of you?”
Lemar nearly chokes.
The room is so warm right now. Even prepared, I am not ready for the sheer amount of lewd vibes he is sending our way.
Jackie finally manages to respond first. “Yes, you could take me to pound town 6 ways to Sunday, but Pat is forbidden fruit you can never taste.” She sounded super enthusiastic at the beginning there and then mirrored his look of disappointment when she COMPARED ME TO THE FRUIT THAT EVE ATE?! THE FUCK JACKIE?!
“Sorry boss.”
He starts getting up. He has the door open by the time he responds. “Not as sorry as I. That is unacceptable! I only applied to bed you both at once! I withdraw.” Lemar is going to give himself a hernia stopping the laughs that are trying to escape. Jackie looks wistfully sad. We all are VERY serious until he leaves the room.
“This did not go as I had thought…” I manage to say before all of us begin laughing hard enough to manage tears.
After we all handle the laughter fit at Oberon’s storming out, we call in our next possible hire.
“Todd. I like you!”
He walks in. Sits down, gives me the finger, and smiles.
Todd breezes through the questions. I know if he is required to be professional, the trolling will be at a minimum. And he is such fun to work with. He is on my short list. Jackie and Lemar practically beg me to accept him. I do immediately.
A girl walks in. She is tiny, wispy in appearance and bows formally before sitting.
“Um…”. Both sides of me don’t know if she is human or not. Perfection
Her name is Runa. Her parents immigrated from Japan. She is going to university so she will have fixed hours. I happen to need someone in those shifts. I am already happy with the set up. She worked retail until she moved here. Unless she attempts murder, she’s got this job. I have told the others none of this. Hehehehehe.
She does well with the questions and then asks her first question. “The walking mountain called Obie, he complained as he left that he couldn’t taste the best fruit on the tree. What was that about?”
The idiots to my left and right take close to a minute to compose themselves. Jackie literally fell off her chair laughing. So unprofessional. I would be mad if I hadn’t been laughing for at least 30 seconds myself.
Jackie manages to explain to her, “He was hoping to date the owner. Managers and above are off limits.”
She nods. “Sensible policy. I saw the rules have a no dating clients policy. I didn’t see all the rules tho.”
“Oh, we don’t tell you until you are hired. The iron clad rules must be followed. This is New York. Lots of weirdos.” Jackie is really stepping up. If she wasn’t leaving soon I would make her a second manager. Ugh, is it weird for me to give her a raise? I will ask Lemar what he thinks about her performance. Need to be objective.
“Weirder than something that may be an oni trying to date you?”
“Yea.” We all pipe up.
“I really want this job.” She is smiling.
Last person:
She walks in. She has a power suit if I ever saw one. Blood red, well tailored with stiletto heels. It is a bold statement. “I am in charge.”
I hear both the others gasp.
“Hello Mommy.” Jackie is almost breathless saying it. Reign it in girl.
“Hi, my actual name is Mona. You can probably tell why a Dom wouldn’t go by that…”
We go through our questions. Her answer to following the rules almost breaks me. “I learned first-hand how much of a perfect hard ass, and I mean that in the most complimentary and impressed way possible, the boss bitch can be. The rules will be followed. I will make sure of it with any of the patrons that are of a certain group and as best as I can with all others.” Todd had to have shown her that review while they were in the waiting room. Fink.
“Why did you apply for this job?”
“Economy being what it is and what it likely will be soon, Ms. Wallace, means I am not being paid by as many people to be a top. I really like the extra cash, I rarely sleep more than 3 hours a day so I can handle lots of work, and I love the place. I don’t think I can manage a full-time position right now, but would be open to in the future. Finally, one of the baristas and I have hit it off after a rough start. She is one of my besties. I want to hang out and learn from her, and you, how to serve people. I don’t often serve; I want to expand my horizons.”
I look to the left. I can see Jackie blushing. She never told me about this. Must be that awakening thing. Well, we can just keep them at odd shifts if they decide to get more intimate. No big deal.
In the end we decide to hire the 3 full-timers we agreed on and the 3 part-timers that remained, including Mona.
“I thought you would veto Mona.” Jackie is walking backwards in front of me, hands clasped behind her back as we go towards the lobby. So, fucking cute right now.
“Why? She has been a good guest and even helped stop a brawl. Hilarious that it was some average New Yorkers.”
“Really? And if she and I started dating?” She’s fishing for something, I can tell.
“Off shifts so you are not her supervisor. Duh. Keep it professional and you are golden.”
She pouts then turns around. “Okay.”
“Were you expecting me to get mad or something?”
“Or something, maybe. Are you? Because you don’t seem to be.”
“I don’t have time for a dating life right now. My last boyfriend is engaged to your former girlfriend. Besides, we both know the walls inside our apartment are thin. I never got envious when you were having fun with Cindy or Tailor. Why would I now? Glad you can. Enjoy yourself.”
She scrunches her face at me and then turns around. She then grumbles and leaves. Lemar pats my shoulder and shakes his head. “When a woman asks you if you are going to be jealous, you say yes, tell her it is because she is so awesome, and offer chocolates if she is mad.”
Jealous? What the fuck? Why would I be?
Because she is mine.
The devil on my shoulder isn’t bothering to hide being there anymore.
June 17
“Morning Ms. Wallace!” Mona is smiling and in a cute outfit that is technically not against dress code but only by a button. A very courageous and impressively strong button. That button is doing the lord’s work. How has she managed to wear that apron and still show off that button?!
I want to see it fail almost as much as I wanted Jackie’s button to on my birthday.
Knock it off devil.
“Good morning, Mona, dear. Anything to report?” I am getting myself a straight black brew when she smiles at me and hands me some numbers.
“These are the names of a few subs that would like to be stepped on by you. They will all pay $20 for the pleasure of you walking over them on your way to do something.”
I blink at the paper a few times and without a word head back to the office. It is too early for me to deal with this, and my caffeine powered weirdness regulatory system is not charged yet.
The morning rush continues, and I see Mona working hard with everyone else. Her people skills are fucking amazing. I even have Bob comment on her being an amazing addition. I wonder if I need to hire a few more sex demons.
I go and help a bit and as I do, we brush up against one another probably 2 times more than necessary. I let it slide; she smells nice and is just trying to get a reaction. On the third time I finally say something. “Mona, I do appreciate the gentle touch you are using. I really do. You will now stop finding excuses to brush those impressive D cups on me.”
She winks. “Of course.”
We go 2 hours without a single incident after. Wow. How did I get her to behave?
“Would you like to go on lunch, Mona?” She looks at me like I grew an extra head.
“I can work instead.”
I grab her hands. “No. I phrased that wrong. It wasn’t a question. You need a break. Ignoring the state mandated stuff, you have been running hard for 5 hours. Go take a breather, relax, and then come back in about 30-45 minutes. Everyone gets one.”
She tilts her head and heads to the back. Henry walks up to me. “She has worked 3 days with me where she never took a break. Woman is a machine.”
That actually angers me. Henry notices. I continue helping until she comes back exactly 31 minutes later.
“I need to talk with Mona, be right back guys.” I motion for her to follow me as I go to my office off the break area. I purposely waited until after so she would be back in the clock and so had something close to an extra break here.
Once in the office, I point at the couch. “Sit there.” She immediately does.
“Okay, what the hell. You are a top. Why are you just doing whatever I say?”
She looks down and begins to wring her hands. “I don’t know. I noticed this earlier this week when you told me how to clean one of the machines. You didn’t suggest it. You didn’t say it was how you wanted it done. You told me to do it and how to do it. Your voice was pure authority. I just couldn’t refuse. I wanted to fluster you with that list, but you blew me off. God that was too fucking hot. I have never felt the shame of being summarily rejected to the point where it was like I was an ant. I brush up against you because it feels nice, you notice. No response. You let me do it because you could and liked it. And then you didn’t and you then tell me to stop. It wasn’t a request. You will now stop. I… I think I… I think I like being your bottom…”
I sigh. “Franchise rules say you can’t date me.”
She looks at me. “That didn’t sound like a rejection as much as an excuse not to.” She looks hopeful.
Much as I want to hate this girl for the Jackie incident, she has been so damn good it is hard to hate her. I am such a sucker for people that need someone to care about them. And I have to admit, seeing her business and her kind side, she pushes some buttons. But I am mostly straight. Mostly.
And I am not in love with this one, yet. The fuck was that comment for, Devil Pat?
“You are correct.”
I see the intent in her eyes as she opens her mouth. “STOP! Rule 3 is my rule. And I won’t break it. Don’t you dare quit. I will reject you out of hand for being a quitter if you do. If you leave it should be because you are ready for your next step for yourself. Not for someone else. Got me?”
“Yes Ms. Wallace.”
I shake my head at her constant deference. “I thought you and Jackie have a thing going?”
She shrugs and frowns a little. “The firestorm is gorgeous, wonderful, very dedicated in her feelings for someone else, and has some issues with how I play. She is as much a top as I am. We are not compatible. We did check. I can’t top her, nor she me.”
“Yet I can?” Press X to doubt.
“Ms. Wallace, you have been doing it since the day we met.” Her mood shifts. She has said her piece and is content at having done so. I can feel her switch gears. “Now what can I do for you, mistress?”
UGH. “Learn to take breaks and lunches when I am not here. You can do that. I need you to stop pushing yourself so hard here. Okay? Learn to be better to yourself.”
“Yes ma’am. Anything else?”
I think about it a few seconds. “Your people skills are amazing, your interactions with co-workers are top notch and no one says anything bad about you. Our comments and reviews already have you mentioned in a great light. I do believe the words ‘eye-candy that is still top notch service’ were used in at least one.”
She laughs. “None of that is bad, I hope.” She seems conflicted.
I shake my head no.
“Not at all. I believe if you are going to criticize, you need to also properly compliment. It is easy with you. Oh, and my compliments to the reinforcing that was done to the stitching on that very bold and very overworked button.”
She winks at me. “If I ever do leave this place, I will be sure to let you take it off with your teeth or witness it fail firsthand ma’am. Your choice.”
Why do I want to fire her and make her let me right now?
FUCK. 56%?
June 18
Todd is on his laptop messing around before work. Curious to see if he will be displaying mad skillz or mad trolling I come up behind him and put my head on his shoulder. I see the orange cat, Carrot, curled up in front of him, napping. Adorbs.
“Watcha doin’ lil bro? In that that mining crafty game?”
He looks at me and blows air at me. “You were 13 when this game came out. Don’t act like you don’t know the name or never played it.”
“Can’t pull one over on you. My dad and I may have made a few houses in my teen years…” I have both happy and sad memories about that.
He looks at me. “That smile. I am sorry you lost him.” How does he know?
He is playing something with a passing resemblance to it. I see they have vehicles… what?
“Lil Bro, is this a kid’s game?”
“Mostly.” He smiles.
*“*And is that your white panel van with ‘free candy’ on the side?” He giggles as what are obviously other players jump into the van.
“Yep.”
“And are you locking them in and driving off?!” I can’t look away.
“Yep.”
I watch as he jumps out just before the van goes falling off a cliff and is destroyed. Destroyed with all those other players that are likely kids inside…
“And are you streaming this?” I know the answer, but it is literally watching a car wreck at this point.
“Yep.”
I watch a donation notification… Several people in chat say “Nee-Chan is real?!”
“We are so going to have a talk about appropriate behavior while at the shop…”
He winks.
A new truck with “free puppies” is filling up with players. I walk away.
Troll level: expert.
Posted Aug 1, 2025, 11:58 AM UTC