Afterfall

Enticed by the aroma, Barry ventured to a familiar part of Viridian Island. Here several beans have made a life for themselves in and among the trees that covered the land. Natural roads were made between the roots and along the branches to connect the houses and shops. Many signs and displays hung along the trunks as advertisements.

Barry was careful to avoid the lazy traffic of beans floating about and the chaotic squirrels pulling carts. He followed his nose to the open doors to a familiar little eaterie run by a little devil in the kitchen. The doors were open and inviting to the poor unsuspecting customers that may venture inside.

As he peered cautiously about, he could not find the sinister chief. The first time they met must have been a surprise. Prince had led him there with the promise of pie. When they arrived, they were just being laid out on the display. Barry flashed his smile at the flour-covered bean who didn’t say much at the time. He was red and black and blushing all over.

When the flowerling got around to ask for a taste of whatever the little angel was cooking, Phoenix (he later learned) threw the pie at him.

“Well, hello there.” The cheery voice came from behind the counter. Sachi leaned on the counter and wiggled her fingers. “Last I saw you, there was pie covering that cute face of yours.”

“Crust me this time. Prince didn’t want to wake up this morning.” He winked at the beanling.

“Careful what you wish for.” Sachi giggled as she gestured to the window that led to the kitchen. “I’ve seen Nix throw from back there.”

“I need to see those muscles then!” Barry said loud enough to care through the wall. “Come out and flex for me.” His response was the sound of cutlery falling to the floor.

The tamer sniggered to himself as he watched the white angel fly over to the display and select a cupcake.

“How about it? Special made for the holiday.” Sachi offered up a light blue frosted desert. A small star shard was stuck into the top. “These were made with the broken bits everyone found from the Stars that didn’t make it through the branches. There are pieces baked in and everything!”

Eyes wide in wonder he bit his tongue to keep from gobbling it out of her hand. “Oh wow. I need to get one for Stormy then!”

“Well aren’t you the sweetest?” Sachi pulled the cake out of sight before Barry could drool on it. She had a box out of a cupboard and started to pack away more than just two. “Should we make your’s sugar-free then?”

“Don’t you dare!” He lunged forward and scooped her up as she managed to tuck six cupcakes into the to-go box. “You little sour-puss! I know what you’re doing.”

Sachi squealed as he lifted her toward the ceiling; one arm wrapped around her and the other tickling her side. “What? Just making sure your mom gets one. Your sister; who else? Ivy!”

Barry released her as she fought for breath. He grinned proudly at the fit of giggles that still held the white angel. “Fine. I would have shared anyway.”

Sachi held one side as she pawed at her face for the tears that fell. “Horrible! Cruel. I take back everything nice I ever said.”

“No, you don’t,” Barry said as he made to poke bean. She wiggled out of his reach in a taunting way. “You and Phoenix are, like, the sweetest people I know.”

“And don’t you forget it.” She floated back down to the counter to finish the little package. “Do you have anything planned for the rest of the day?”

“I never have anything planned,” Barry said as he drifted back down and rested his elbows on the counter. With his chin propped on his hands, he smiled up at her. “Why? You wanna do something with me later?”

“Would love to, but you have cupcakes to share and I have a picnic with Phoenix to get ready for.” Sachi finished the box off with a length of ribbon and a small bow.

“Oh, your idea or his?” Barry was so excited that he let out a squeal when the dark angel in question appeared. He paused only long enough to confirm the bean’s hands were empty before he vaulted the counter and hugged the bean. “What do you have planned, you little sour-ball?”

“Wah! Was planning on rescuing Sachi from you, but now I need help!” Phoenix wailed as the flowerling threatened to nuzzle him. The bean held him away long for Sachi to exact her revenge.

“Only I can nuzzle Nix.” She grabbed at the blue sides until he was red in the face. The lights danced around him by the time she took mercy.

Barry fled back to the other side of the counter for cover. “Cruel! Fine, keep your secrets.” As he reached into his backpack for his money pouch, he made sure to keep a watchful eye on the pair of angels. He asked as he paid for the cupcakes, “You’ll tell me all about it right?”

“Only if you tell us what Stormy thought of these,” Sachi said as she tapped the box. They shared a wink and the tamer was off.

In a very good mood, Barry headed home to share his treat with everyone. Dulcie promised she would eat her’s after dinner and Cremie traded sweet for sweet. As he waited for Stormfly to finish his usual business at the Order of Affinity he found Ivy around town.

“Barry, I’m home!” Stormfly called as he set his books on the table by the door and took off his robes.

The blue flowerling appeared with the box in hand. “Hey, I got us something.”

Unbelievable, Stormfly saw two cupcakes remained out of the container. “Couldn’t wait for me to get home or-”

“Hey, give me some slack!” Scorned, Barry closed the lid. “I gave the others away. I waited all day to try them with you.”

“Well I’m here now,” Stormy said. “Come on, you deserve that taste now.”