Work Text:
The clacking of keyboards was sometimes the only sound that carried over on the video calls between NakedToaster and FXIVQueenBea, but they left the calls going regardless. It had taken less than a second for Toasty to pounce on the new Blooming Panic server member when he saw her username. They couldn’t find each other in game at first, despite some clever whiteboard tricks, but after BloomBot relinquished privacy controls Toasty practically dragged xyx and Bea into a server and hadn’t left since. While xyx never deigned to honor them with his presence in video calls, Bea and NakedToaster had a routine on lock. Every night after her grueling and monotonous work shift, Bea would take a shower, make a sandwich, grab a diet coke and log into the server. Almost immediately Toast will send her a video call. Sometimes it felt like the first time she smiled all day, accepting his call, and a weight lifted off her shoulders.
Bea was swapping out some armor spots when she heard the clacking die away on Toasty’s end. She looked up and saw the man looking at her contemplatively. She raised an eyebrow at him and paused.
“Wha.. do I have some mayo on my face or something?” She swiped at her face self-consciously.
“Ahh, no nothing, sorry. I was just thinking. Actually, I was wondering.” There was a pause again, as Toast struggled with the right words. “How... how serious were you when you asked to be my secretary? I mean obviously, I know you were joking, but … say an opportunity was to arise. Not a secretary, really more an executive assistant, like. All professional and aboveboard of course.” He rubbed the back of his next. “For fuck sakes… smooth man.” He mumbled to himself and buried his head in his arms.
“Hon,” Bea had taken to addressing him like that ever since he expressed feelings for her. It’d been a few months, and honestly, she still didn’t even know his real name, but that was ok, she was comfortable with this level. But she liked having a private nickname for him too. “What’s wrong? You seem stressed.”
He left his head laying on his arms but turned to face the camera.
“No, sorry, it’s nothing really. I just, I had a thought.”
“Okay, thoughts are good things” Bea quipped with a smirk. “Rare enough round these parts. Lay it on me.”
“Ha ha.” Toast rolled his eyes but sat back up, more relaxed. “I.. I think I am going to start a new business. And I could really use some help managing my time and communications, because, well, when I get into scripting I really get stuck in and my sense of everything else goes to shit. I remembered what you said before and thought, maybe? I know you like your coworkers and all, but it sucks to see you exhausted every day and I won’t lie and say I wouldn’t be thrilled to work with you regularly because I would…” He started to ramble and Bea put up her hands to pause before he got to into his own heads.
“Breath, Toasty.” Bea could see the spiral coming, so she held her hands up comfortingly. Once he was breathing steady again, she tilted her head to the side contemplating. “What would that entail exactly? Like... would I have to move? I don’t even know where you are. I assumed Cali because of your line of work and Silicon Valley and all, but that isn’t necessarily true anymore, is it? You could be in Timbuktu for all I know. Though I doubt they have a high-speed internet provider for your addiction.” Bea smirks.
NakedToaster snorted. “Serious doubt. Yeah, I do, actually, closer to San Francisco than San Jose, but that general vicinity, yeah. Have you been before? Or… wait, why are you laughing?”
Bea removed her hand from her grinning smile. “Howdy neighbor. Wow, that’s pretty convenient. Never been more glad to be right before. I live in Sacramento right now. Well, Folsom Lake but still, general area. I can get to you pretty easy, I’ve actually done that drive quite a bit. That’s only what, 2-3 hours from where you are?”
Toaster perked up in his seat like an excited puppy. “What, for real? Could you? Would you want to?? I mean, like now? Not… now now, but sometime soon? I had no idea you were so close, I just sort of assumed… well nothing good in life comes easy, right? It almost feels too good to be true.”
“Aww, hon, you’re so excited to meet me! That’s actually incredibly sweet. I’m all aflutter.” Bea winked at him and held her hand over her chest dramatically. “To be honest, maybe a year or two ago, it wouldn’t have been that easy. I guess lady luck is on our side.”
Bea paused and it was her turn to look alittle shy. “Would you maybe like to go out for dinner together? We could chat, discuss your proposal, details of the work etc?”
“Yes!” There was no hesitation in his reply, but then stuttered, worried he was coming on too strong. “I mean, yeah definitely, if you want that. When would work for you? I have to double check my schedule… if I can find my schedule…” Toasty shuffled around on his desk, perfectly demonstrating his need for an assistant.
“Hahaha. Okay, how about we make this easier. Do you know what you are doing tonight? That should come to your mind pretty easy, right?”
“To-Tonight? As in…” He looked at the clock and saw it was 2:21 AM. “16 hours from now?? Um, ahh… breath man breath… yes, I can do tonight. That sounds great. Should I come to you, or..?” he trailed off, waiting for her input.
“Well, since I’m the one inconveniencing you with on short notice, I’ll come to you. Ah, but since you’re the local, you should probably pick where to meet and give me the deets?”
Toasty nodded emphatically. “Ok, right, leave that to me. I know where to go.”
“Wonderful!” Bea beamed. “I’m looking forward to it. Oooh, maybe I coul… you know what, never mind. Ignore me.” She looked away shaking her head.
“Never could I ever.” Toast looked at her with a soft smile. “But If you aren’t comfortable saying whatever it is, I won’t press. But I am curious.” He leaned in intently, making Bea grin.
“Wellll... maybe later then. It’s nothing bad, promise, just a passing fancy. Ah, but sadly, I guess that means I really should be heading to bed. Definitely don’t want to yawn during our date.” Bea winked. “Goodnight, Toasty Hon.”
“Da.. date. Pfft .. I…” The stutters. “Yeah, well good night, Bea.. and uh, it’s Adam. My name. Adam. I guess it’s past time I said, though I don’t mind you calling me Toasty.”
“Adam? Hmm, Toasty Adam. Sounds cozy, nice to cuddle. I like it. May take a bit for me to get use to though, so I may slip between.”
Adam’s face was red from chin to ear tips at the insinuation. “Urrrghh, yeah that’s ok, go to sleep Bea, before my face explodes.”
Bea laughed again, a devious look in her eyes. “I will. And I’m still Bea, by the way, short for Beatrice. I like to keep it simple. Sweetest dreams, Toasty Adam. See you tomorrow. Mwah.” She blew him a kiss and cut the call, missing the man in question slumping down past his desk in his desk, completely wrecked.
****
Later that afternoon, Bea was getting ready to get out, putting her tight curls up in a bun, using an army of bobby pins to keep strays in place, when her phone rang. She saw it was Toaster and smiled, answering the facetime and propping the phone with the kickstand on the back of her phone case.
“Hey there, hon. Sleep well?”
“Hello, Bea. Ah, it takes a bit to break my night owl ways, but I took some melatonin. So yeah, good sleep, thanks. You?”
“Haha we are two peas in a pod. I had to take a sleep aid too to fight the nervous energy. But I’m good to go now. Oh, where am I going by the way?”
“It’s called the Grandview. I’ll send a link to your phone for the map. The reservation is at seven so that should be plenty of time for you to get here, right? If it’s a problem I can call...” Toaster raised an eyebrow in question.
“Oh, no no, “ Bea smiled. “Seven should be just fine. I’m just about ready to head out anyway. A reservation though, huh? Fancy~!.” Bea leaned forward into the camera a bit, leaning on one hand and smirking. “Trying to butter me up huh? You either reallllly like me or really want me to take this job.”
Toasty shrugged nonchalantly, but his flush gave the game away. “Porque no los dos?”
Bea laughed again at this, and Adam watched happily.
“Alright, then, both. Fair. Man, now I’m alittle nervous. Is it weird? I mean it was my idea to go in the first place, for Pete’s sake.” It took every once of control not to drag her hands through her arduously styled hair.
Toasty scoffed in response to her query. “A little?! Bea, it’s taking everything I have to keep my freak out internalized. But… I want this. To meet, finally. More than anything.”
The earnestness in his tone made Bea gape like a fish at her phone screen and felt her ears burning. “Oh.. wow, um, now you’re making me all flustered. So much sincerity. I’m a little choked up.”
“Good. It’s my turn to fluster you for a change. You’ve had your fair share.” The man grin softened as he looked over at the time. “ I guess I should let you go?”
“Yeah, I guess I should be heading out soon. Crossing my fingers that I-5 is light today, heh.”
“I’ll cross mine for you, you can use all the luck you can get with that. See you soon, Bea, drive safe, ok?” There was a sweet but serious turn to his words, and it hit Bea right in the feels.
“Will do, hon. See you later, Toasty Adam.”
****
Bea dialed up Toasty’s number as soon as she turned on the road to the restaurant.
“Hello Bea, are you good?”
“Hey Hon, yeah, I’m pulling up to the parking lot now. You said you’d be outside? Oh wait, I think I see you.” Bea gasps and choked in surprise when she saw Adam standing on the veranda around the restaurant, putting the car in park and forgetting everything else. “Oh, my. You look quite handsome, Toasty. I, um… I love vests. Did you know? Did I say that at some point? Oh and your hair… Oh shit!” Adam turned in the perfect direction to catch her eye and Bea startled, hanging up the phone and quickly put the car back into drive and pulling into a spot, where parked again and proceeded to die of embarrassment.
The lot was large, but not too large, so it wasn’t long before there was a gentle knocking at her passenger window. Bea looked over miserably and rolled down the window, Toasty leaning over and looking in at her.
“Bea..” He started cautiously.
“Hi Adam…” Bea waved a hand shyly.
“Are you ok? Are you going to get out of the car? You don’t have to, if you’re uncomfortable, that’s ok. We could wait, or do something else or..”
“No!” Bea barked unintentionally and tried again. “No, no that’s ok. I’m sorry.” She rested her head on her steering wheel and gave him a regretful smile. “I just realized what I was saying and that I was saying it out loud and that there wasn’t a monitor or screen between us anymore and you could see me seeing you like right here and now and I just…” She paused and let out a puff of air. “Just was alittle overwhelmed for a second. Here wait, let me...”
Bea rolled back up the window, unbuckled herself, slid her keys into a hidden dress pocket and got out of the car. Closing the door firmly, she looked over the hood of the car at him and smiled. “You… you look really nice.” The blush spread full force across her cheeks, but her embarrassment couldn’t contain her smile.
Toaster smiled in return. “Thanks... that’s really flattering honestly.” He bites his lip and pauses for a moment, before coming around the back of the car to stand in front of her. “You… you look beautiful yourself. I’m so glad you’re here.” He ran his hand over the strap of her sundress and down her bare arm, ending with holding her hand. “Hello, Bea.”
Nerves be damned, Bea steeled herself and threw herself around his midsection, holding on tight. “Hi, Toasty.” It was soft but echoed along Adam’s skin and up his spine. “Mmm, warm and cozy, just like I thought.” Bea refrained from nuzzling her face into his chest… just.
“Woah…” Toasty stumbled just a bit at the force of Bea’s embrace, hands flailing a bit in the air unsure what to do. Bea gave another squeeze and held tight, encouragingly, and Taosty took the sign and wrapped his arms around her shorter frame, curling over to rest his cheek on the top of her head. He sighed happily.
“Mmmm, this is nice.” Bea too another moment, but then gave a reluctant sigh and pulled back. “That’s one of the things a monitor can’t give you access to.” She grins at him cheekily.
Toaster chuckled softly at her ridiculous statement. He brushes one hand lightly over her right cheek. “Well… there is one other thing I can think of, too...” He trailed off leaving the statement unsaid as his eyes traced the curves of her mouth. Adam leaned in slowly, an eyebrow raised in silent question.
“Yeah...” Her reply was simple, but her actions were clear as she gripped both of his forearms and used them to push herself to the tips of her feet and pressed her lips against his. It was light but sweet and exhilarating all at once. Adams arms trembled beneath her hands, hands gripping her elbows to keep her close. Her chest felt full to bursting, and she gasped for air when she took a step back and looked up at Adam. His eyes were still closed, breath shallow. Now, that was flattering.
“Thank you.”
“Huh? ... What for?”
“For meeting me so suddenly. For being patient. For wanting to meet me to begin with.” Bea chuckled ruefully, but then her tone softened. “For being you.” There was more, but the sincerity became too much for her, so she flipped it around with a cheeky grin. “And for wearing a sexy vest and putting your hair down. Ger-owl.”
Toasty huffed and sputtered in embarrassment. “Wha.. nnnnngghh!” He settled on burying his face into Bea’s shoulder, who was working to contain her mirth. “You can’t just say things like that to a person’s face.”
“Maybe you can’t, but I am a woman of truths!” She let out a laugh and patted his cheek adoringly. “I’d say I’m sorry, but we don’t want to make me into a liar, right?”
“A liar, no. You’re definitely a troll, though.” He grumbled into her shoulder. With a flash of inspiration, he leaned into the curve of her neck and gave a quick raspberry in retaliation. Bea gave a surprised laugh and pushed him playfully while she covered her neck.
“Don’t do that!” She laughed again and rubbed the spot.
“Why not? Ticklish?” Toasty raised his brow and grinned.
Bea’s eyes went razor thin, but kept silent, refusing to give any more details to the enemy. But it’s enough and Toaster laughs knowingly.
“Good to know.” Bea cursed under her breath and Adam’s cheeks ached from smiling so much. “I can still barely believe you’re here. You’re… amazing. It doesn’t feel real”
Huffing to cover her embarrassment, Bea poked Toasty in the belly. “Well I can feel you, and you can feel me, so seems real enough. Maybe we should go inside before I get too giddy to function.”
“Giddy… over meeting me.” Adam shook his head in disbelief. “Gods, what you do to me. Damn, I love you. I know I said it before but...” Then he held his arms wide and inviting. “Can I just… one more time?”
“As many times as you want.” Bea let his long arms fold her in, pulling her against his long frame. He breathed in deep and held it in almost as firm until he exhaled like all the worries in the world were escaping him. Toasty was absolutely content. Bea felt it too.
There was a rumble against the top of her head. “I guess we should go inside… before they give our table away.”
“Haha, don’t sound so grumbled by it, I’m not going anywhere. There are more hugs to be had.”
“Promise?”
“Absolutely.”
“Alright,” Toaster let go of all but Bea’s hand, and guided her to the building. “I’m glad its nice weather today.”
Bea was confused by the random statement. “Oh? Why’s that?” she prodded.
Adam smile widened. “You’ll see.”
This was the first time Bea had a moment to look around the restaurant. Indeed, even on first glance, she’d definitely expect to need a reservation here. It was a sprawling Spanish revival building with white stucco and terra cotta tiles. The entrance had a small courtyard with dozens of draping plants in wrought iron urns and hanging baskets. The whole property was set on a hill with amazing natural landscaping. Boy, was she glad she dressed up a bit.
The foyer was open and bright, and happily light on patrons. The hostess walks up to her podium and greets them with a warm smile.
Toasty rubbed his arm nervously. “Ah, reservation under Adam and Bea?” He looks like he wants to say more but bites his lip.
The hostess nods happily, takes two leather bound menus with her and guides you through the restaurant. The place was large, but not ostentatious. Definitely had a warm and cozy feel to it, much like Toasty himself. But to Bea’s surprise, they wound their way through the dining floor and kept on going. The hostess led them to a set of glass doors with stained glass panels and opened one to gesture them outside. Outside was a brick patio with covered pergolas and fairy lights, tables spread far apart for more intimate atmosphere. What struck Bea most, however, was the view. The patio had an unadulterated lookout over the ocean, the sun sinking low on the horizon was hitting the golden hour.
“Wow, this is so pretty…” Bea stopped in her tracks, stunned.
“I’m glad you like it.” Adam squeezed the hand he had been holding before letting go. “I had been here before for a work event. The event was inside, but I wandered away from the crowd and found this and… well wanted to come back ever since, with someone special.”
The hostess grinned wide and guided them to a table situated along the railing, center on the patio, placed down their menus, and pulled out Bea’s chair. Bea sat hastily, not used to having someone cater to her like that and took the menu as it was retrieved and handed to her. The hostess explained the specials and the drink options, but Bea hardly heard her, face beat red and grinning over Adam’s confession. They left a moment later and the two sat in silence for a moment.
Toaster unfolded his napkin and started playing with it. “So, how was the trip? Did our double superstition work against the hellscape that is California highway traffic?”
Bea laughed lightly at the quip, as true as it is. “Must have, honestly. It was smooth sailing almost the whole way. Completely unheard of!” They chuckled together at the truth of the sarcasm. “It’s funny. I try to come out to the shore kind of regularly. It’s hard with my job, ya know?” Toasty nodded, both knowingly and sympathetically. “I grew up on the ocean, and I miss it terribly when I can’t see it for a long stretch. Like a fish out of water. So, this?” Bea grinned wide and gestured out over the dunes and waves. “This is just… brilliant.”
“That’s a very happy coincidence then, and I’m glad to hear it.” The young man looked like he wants to say something else, opening and closing his mouth a couple of times, then gives a sigh of frustration. He ran his hand over his face and tugged at his bangs.
“Damnit, how is it we’ve spent so much time talking on calls, casually chatting about utter nonsense, but when you’re here, in front of me, the words vanish. I feel like all I can do is sit with a dopey look on my face and catalogue everything that is you.” Toasty squeezed his napkin like a lifeline, while his face stayed buried in the other, mortified.
The sincerity of his words bowled Bea over. “Oh, wow. That’s alittle overwhelming. In a good way! I mean, in a really, really good way. It’s sweet.” Both of her hands reached out and take napkin, putting it down, holding him and rubbing the back of his hand soothingly. “I get it, I mean you saw me in my car, right?” Bea laughed at herself jokingly, eyebrow raised.
His hand flips over, and Toasty took both her hands in his, cupping it with the other. “I love that laugh. I remember the first time we talked in video call and you laughed like that.. light and carefree. It was endearing.”
“Ah, yes well. It felt good to laugh, too. I needed it. I am so glad Skynet set me a link to the forum.” Bea grinned cheekily and leaned back.
Adam pfft’d at the nickname. While his scrapper bot had developed far and away from anything he had anticipated, it certainly wasn’t on par with the sci-fi boogey.. man? Program? Whichever. He does give it props though, looking across the table. “Yeah.. me too.”
The waiter took this expertly timed moment to come and take their drink and starters orders. They both jumped, having forgotten anything outside their private bubble, and both Adam and Bea hurriedly apologized for not being ready and scanned over the menu quickly. In the end, they were able to put in their meal orders as well, and the waiter whisked their menus away with a bright smile, promising to be back in a moment with their drinks.
“So that does actually bring us kind of back to why we were here originally.” Toaster scratched his chin consideringly. “Maybe it will be good to get it out of the way now, let you have time to consider it while we focus on other things and go back to it later?”
Bea sat up straighter and folded her arms on the table in front of her. “Sure, that sounds like a good idea to me. Are you actually writing Skynet this time, hon? Cause if so… I wouldn’t mind being a T-1000.”
Adam gave a bark of laughter that made Bea grin and he shook his head. “Gods, no. I’ll leave that for xyx’s inevitable super villain arch.”
“Ahaha, he totally would, too.”
The conversation paused as the waiter brought out their shared starter and drinks, both thanking him kindly for his service. Toaster took a sip of water, picking up a piece of bread and tearing it to pieces but not really eating it.
“Yep, no question. But no, I was thinking of opening up a gaming studio. I know, they are like, a dime a dozen now adays, and it’s really hard to float to the top, but it’s what I am passionate about, and well... you inspired me.”
Both of Bea’s eyes go wide at that statement. “Me? How did I do that? Don’t tell me it’s a sass simulator.”
He clucked and chuckled. “I don’t know that I could ever replicate that to your level of expertise. No, I meant, you were really interested in my text adventure, despite how silly it was, and I thought… I can do more than this. I can create something even better. So, I am going to go in from scratch and make a predictive AI fantasy adventure, but really flush it out this time, full visual, deeper story, setting, the works. I, ah, will learn from Bloombot too and put safelocks on the code, so it can’t get out of hand.”
Bea gave him a hard look, leaning forward with deadly seriousness. “Will it still have a grumpy long-haired elf to harangue my every move?”
Toasty laughed aloud again, and Bea leaned back with a satisfied smile. Toasty relaxed more in his seat and gave her a rye smile. “He’s not grumpy.” He put on a faux pout. “…but yes of course, I couldn’t possibly leave out the Nathaniel prototype.”
“Haha, best boy. Seriously, though, that sounds amazing and also like a ridiculous amount of work.”
Adam nodded. “It is, that’s why I figured I need help. I said an executive assistant before… and it would be to start, but it might develop into something more than that depending on how big this thing gets. Like I said before, when I start a project, it’s like tunnel vision. To a detrimental degree. I don’t want that, for myself or any potential employees. The game industry has an invasive toxic culture that if you aren’t running on Redbull and pulling 18 hour shifts, you’re not living up to your potential. I don’t want to fall into that pit trap. I need someone who can make sure that I, we maintain a good life balance, and not just grind until dust.”
“That’s a really healthy and positive mind set to have going into starting a company. I’d be fantastic to see your dream come to life, too.”
“Is it? I like to think so. And I want you to be there with me to make it happen, if.. if you want. I know it’s not your current field, but your great with keeping track of things, your dedicated, you care about people, you’ve already got me on a better sleep schedule, haha.” Adam joked. Bea rolled her eyes and smirked. She knew it was more that he had to keep her schedule so they could raid together than anything she did that made his sleep better. She didn’t bother to dispute it though.
“It sounds great, honestly. I could even put my experience to use during start up, financially, at least alittle. But… well there is something that’s been worrying me since you first mentioned…” Bea gnawed on her lip and looked Adam in the eye but then looked away.
“Please, tell me. I want to hear all of your thoughts about this. It’s important everything be laid out.”
“Well, what about us? They say never mix work and pleasure.” She waggled her eyebrows, trying to lighten the mood, then pressed on. “You hear so many dreadful stories of couples who work together, either as employees or co-owners, and something stresses the relationship too much, everything breaks and becomes a mess. I don’t want to even consider that kind of outcome. I really don’t.” Bea said firmly, face resolute. “But I’d be a fool to not. Plus, it’d break my heart if the dream you’re passionate about get’s ruined because of me.”
“Bea…” Toasty looked at her with adoration and understanding. “Those... those are valid concerns. For you just as much. More so even maybe. That’s why… I think it should be a partnership. Legally, formally. If there is anything I learned from my last business, it’s that there is absolutely nothing wrong with getting things down in writing. I want it to be clear that your position would have value and importance to the company, and no matter what happens… with us… your work would be honored.”
“Good gravy, Toasty, I almost feel like you’re proposing to me.” Bea ribbed, fanning herself like a flustered maiden. In reality, she was only slightly joking and was trying vainly to hide her nerves.
Toasty’s face burst into flames at the mock accusation and sputtered, back tracking incoherently until the waiter came back out with their main courses and it took Toasty all his self-control not to slink into a puddle under the table. For once, Bea took mercy on him said nothing more, taking a deep drink of her water while she calmed the fluttering in her chest. Once the waiter finished his duty and walked away, Bea spoke up again.
“It’s a great opportunity, and I am flattered that you think I would be a good fit for the position. You said earlier we could lay it out and let me think on it for a while. Let’s do that, ok?” Bea caught Toasty’s eye to make sure he was still on board with this plan.
“Ah.. yeah of course. Absolutely. I’d never want you to agree to something you weren’t fully confident in.” Adam tugged at his hair. “In any aspect of.. our relationship.”
“Aw, hon. Thank you. I must admit… having an excuse to see you more often in person is a great bonus. We should have it written into the benefits packet.” Once more with the cheek, Bea just couldn’t help herself. Watching his face steam for her was just too wonderful.
“You, lady, are going to be the absolute death of me. How you can just say things like that… nnggh. It will be you’re fault if I burst apart at the seams from love of you, I hope you’ll take accountability.”
A fork fumbled to the table, and Toaster allowed himself a congratulatory smile for giving as good as he got for once, watching Bea lift her water again in hopes to hide her blush behind the large goblet. It wasn’t the first time he’s said it, but it hit her the same every time. It was one of the reasons he suffered her teasing so willingly. His sincerity back always broke her to pieces.
They settled into a comfortable silence as they worked on their plates. The food was half gone, a basket of bread shared between them, and they basked in the setting sun and twinkling fairy lights. The shoreline was now a palette of pinks, oranges and purples as the sun dipped below the horizon. Bea turned her head and watched with a wistful smile on her face.
“These were always my favorite sunsets, you know?” She swirled a piece of bread in the sauce on her plate as she spoke. “They didn’t happen at home often as they do here in California, so maybe that made them a bit more special. But it’s always amazing to see the sky turn to pink fire.”
“Where was home, if you don’t mind me asking?” Adam asked before taking another bite.
“Long Island. Born and raised. High tailed it out of there pretty much as soon as I turned 18.”
Adam raised an eyebrow. “That bad?”
“Eh, no, not really.” Bea shrugged. “The Island itself is fine. Been enough places by now to know that everywhere’ s got it’s good points and bad points. It’s too crowded, too expensive, too loud and dirty. But it’s also beautiful in places, beaches and farms, lots of culture and history. I dunno, I guess I just didn’t have the best experiences there. Never felt like I belonged.”
Toasty was tempted to ask, but he got the feeling she didn’t want to go into it too deeply right now, so he went another direction. “I would have never guessed you were from New York. I don’t hear it on you.”
“Haha, wait ‘til you ever see me back there, then it’ll come out. But yeah, I’ve travelled a lot, it kind of kills any specific accent, though I do have a habit of picking up some colloquialisms. The hon thing, that’s from a few years I spent in Kentucky. Kind of got stuck.”
“Kentucky?! You really have been all over haven’t you. Well, luckily, I like it when you call me hon.” It’s hard to admit, but Adam suffers through.
“Good, cause you’re forever my Honey Toasty. Ain’t no changing that now, darlin.” Bea lets the southern drawl get real thick with the sentence, and snickers at Adam’s eyeroll and smile.
The smile fades a bit after a few moments, though, and Toaster asks quieter, “So, does that mean you plan on moving again? Why have you never stayed somewhere?”
“Ah.” Bea swirls her fork in contemplation as she thinks how best to answer him. “Well, like I said, I never really felt like I... fit. I’d try a new place, go somewhere for school or work or something, stay a couple of years, but never… never really clicked. It’s funny, really. The first place I ever really felt right, wasn’t even a real place at all.” She saw his questioning look at that and continued. “It was the server. With our niche little group of romantics, pining away for another chapter of a bot generated story.” Bea laughed, a little ruefully at the ridiculousness of it. “I can’t even be mad, though. It gave me friends I sorely needed. And you.”
Adam flushed, and she finished. “So no, no I don’t think I’m going anywhere anytime soon. Not anywhere too far at least. 3 hours is a hell of a commute.” She winks at him and takes a drink.
“Ah, well... good. That’s good.”
“So, what about you? Are you a local California boy, or are you a transient like myself?”
The man across from her shifted in his seat, lanky frame closing in on itself slightly. “Yes, I’m local, kind of. I grew up in San Jose, different part then where I live now. I… wanted some distance from myself and that place, but I guess I was too much of a coward to go too far. That and my company took off and I got kind of locked in.”
“But it’s been sold now. No more restriction on that side.”
“You’re right.” It was clear, however, that that wasn’t all there was to it.
Bea was reminded about his reluctance to sell his company, even though he said it was for the better. Change was something he struggled with, clearly. She opened her mouth and closed it again a couple of times, trying to choose her words carefully. Just because getting up and leaving worked fine for her in the end, doesn’t mean it is the solution for everyone.
“Nothing wrong with staying, if you like a place. Where would you want to go if you did leave? Any dream spot that always tickled your fancy?”
Adam sighed. “I don’t hate it here. There are a lot of things to like, honestly. Kind of like you were saying, good with the bad, right? Bad for me just means something a little more personal.” He shrugged and Bea decided it was best to let it go for now. “If I were to go anywhere? I don’t know that there’s anywhere I particularly want to live, but I have always wanted to travel more. Maybe New Zealand or Australia? Drop in and say hi to xyx? I always felt traveling is better with friends, though. You know?”
She grinned, “I do. It’s always better when you can share the experience with someone. And you should do it! I bet xyx would love to have you visit. Just be careful or he’ll have you racing motorbikes down an abandoned airstrip or paragliding off a cliff while fighting wallabies or something.” Bea grinned at the mental image and chuckled.
“Make us. You don’t think I’d allow you to escape his ridiculous machinations, do you?” Toaster stabbed his fork at her for emphasis. He paused in consideration. “I should at least think about it. The trip definitely but staying here too. Before I establish another business to tie me down. It’s just... fear of the unknown, I guess? What if I don’t like it somewhere new? What if it’s dangerous? What if I can’t make it work somewhere else? What if I fail?”
“That is a lot of what ifs. I can’t say that none of those things are possible, and a dollop of caution isn’t a bad thing, but you can’t let them stop you from living, right? Because what ifs never go away until you make the push and see for yourself.”
“Huh,” Adam gives a soft huff. “Haven’t even accepted the position yet, and already giving me life advice.” A soft, affectionate smile graced his lips.
“Just something I got out of a Chinese fortune cookie.- Hey Fun fact! Did you know fortune cookies are a re-interpretation of the Japanese tsujiura senbei, a rice cracker with a temple omikuji fortune, made by a man name Hagiwara at the Tea Gardens in San Fran?” The topic change seemed to come out of left field, but Adam had been chatting with Bea enough to her “Squirrel!” like tendencies.
“No, hahaha, I didn’t know that at all.”
“Yup!” she said with a pop of her mouth. “Not even Chinese at all. Can you believe it?”
Adam laughed at her faux indignation, prior anxiety washing away. They both returned to their meals again, mostly just picking at them at this point. Their waiter returned to take their plates, as if summoned, and asked if they would like any coffee and dessert today. Bea’s eyes lit up at the thought of dessert, and Adam was pretty keen on the idea as well, so they agreed to both. He wasn’t too eager to have the evening end just yet anyway.
Bea drummed her fingers on the table with one hand, resting her chin on the other as she stared casually at Toaster. He returned the look with a raised eyebrow.
“Heyyyy To…Adam?” There was a sing-song quality to her voice that Toaster knew could be problematic for him.
“Yeah…?”
“Can I braid your hair?” There was a kind of nervous excitement to the request, like it was something she really wanted but was afraid it would push boundaries.
“Oh!” That had not been at all what Toaster had expected. He flushed at the request. “Um.. yes, please do.” He couldn’t help but wonder if this was a coincidence, or if she knew he had purposefully worn his hair down, hopeful.
Bea jumped at the chance, moving from her seat to the one next to him and scooting it closer still, so she could have easy access to all his long blond and pink locks. She ran her fingers through its length a couple of times to smooth it out, and the sensation sent shivers straight down Toasty’s spine, sinking further back in the seat in a secret bliss.
“It’s so soft!” Bea practically cooed, pulling back a few locks and tucking them behind his ears, brushing them with her fingertips. He silently thought they were equally as soft, leaving a tingle in their wake. Adam knew now that he was going to die.
It was impossible for Bea to miss the bright pink tinge to his ear tips, and she didn’t want to torture the poor guy (not here, anyway) so she did her best to be quick. With an expert hand she sectioned his hair and started at his crown, doing a very simple French braid. At one point she reached into the stealthy pocket of her sundress and twisted the object into the weave, tying off the end with it instead of a hairband. Satisfied, she draped the end of Toasty’s hair over his shoulder and smiled smugly at him.
Toaster picked up the braid and ran his hair over it, feeling something satiny as he went. He pulled it up to get a better look and let out an incredulous laugh.
“Pfft! What the heck? Where on earth did you get that??” Twinned into his braid was a length of light pink satin ribbon, a parade of green chameleons dancing along its length.
“I was in the craft store the other day and saw this in with the seasonal items, and I knew that I had to buy it. No clue what I was going to use it for... or the rest of the spool either really, but when we decided to meet, I knew my mission.” Bea sat up proud, chin out like a proud soldier. “And it’s perfect.”
Toaster lost his struggle with the tide of emotions overwhelming him and buried his head into the crook of her neck and shoulder. “No... you’re perfect. Every time you pull out something sweet like that and I can’t believe you’re actually real all over again. God, I love you.”
Toaster pulled her in for the kiss this time, and Bea hummed in happy surprise. It was firmer than the first, deeper, Toasty’s head tilted to the side and their noses brushing against each other’s. It was long and slow, and it wasn’t until a polite cough from the patio entrance caught their attention did either break away with nervous chuckles like caught teenagers.
The waiter waved it off with a professional smile (As if they and the other staff hadn’t been having an absolute ball all evening gossiping about the cute couple that reserved the entire patio seating to themselves. Many squeals of delight had been had.). A French press, steaming and full of rich dark liquid was placed down first, following by the small cups and saucers. Then 2 beautiful panna cottas with a bright berry sauce and pretty purple and yellow flowers sat in front of each of them. The server carefully poured the coffees, leaving the press for refills, and left with a happy ‘Enjoy!’, retreating in the building.
Bea picked up one of the tiny purple flowers and brushed it between her fingertips. “So cute. Pansies are my favorite flower. I honestly…” She shook her head in bemusement. “I don’t know how this night could get any better.”
“Stay.” It was immediate and caught them both off guard. Toaster stuttered to explain. “I mean to me it… It would only get better if you didn’t have to leave. If you stayed with me.” His hands spread in cautious gesture. “Nothing implied, no pressure, I swear. I just… don’t want you to go. Not yet. Not ever... shit.” The last said under his breath.
Bea gathered his hands together and curled hers around them. She pursed her lips in consideration, calm appearance belying the pounding in her ears. Breath, girl, breath.
“I was considering, it’s a pretty long drive, and I didn’t know when we would be calling it a night, and driving at night is dangerous, and you should always practice road safety, right? Haha. So, I thought I should reserve a hotel room, just in case. So, I did that…” It took a lot of effort to not veer off into a tangent. Bea looked him in the eyes then, smiling a soft, sweet smile that was reserved for the person right in front of her. “How about it, Toasty Hon? Would you like to maybe, take a walk down the beach, enjoy the night sky and then just... stay?”
“More than anything.”
“More than raiding?!” She gasps jokingly.
“More than every raid. Always.”
****
Several months later…
***Quest has entered chat***
***FFXIVQueenBea has entered chat***
***June has entered the chat***
Quest: Good evening, everybody. Hope your day has gone well.
June: Quest!! Good evening, Mr. Moderator. It was good as could be, yourself?
June: Hiii Bea :)
Quest: Similar yes. Just settling in.
FFXIVQueenBea: Hey guys. Tired, but good. Definitely better than pulling 13 hours. U_U
Quest: Really glad to hear it. You guys working well together?
June: Oh yeah! Are you getting into the groove of the new position now? It’s been a few months now, right? Toaster better be treating you like the valued employee you are!
FFXIVQueenBea: Hahah, if anything I may be *too good*. Toasty is making good progress on the story boarding and has interviewed a couple of graphic designers that look like they will be a good fit. But we haven’t had a chance to raid in over a week ;U_U; I’m my own worst enemy.
June: Ahahaha
***NakedToaster has entered the chat***
***BigLady has entered the chat***
BigLady: ~Helloooo everyone~~
Quest: Good evening BigLady, you’re chipper today.
BigLady: I just got home from a lovely lunch date. :D
FFXIVQueenBea: Ooooh, noice noice. Was she cute? Respectful? Did she hold the door open for you?
FFXIVQueenBea: Hello Toasty Hon
NakedToaster: Hey Bea.
BigLady: MMMhMMM yeppers on all counts. And she even read the book I recommended to her just 3 days ago. I swoon.
FFXIVQueenBea: Ah, definitely a keeper then. I’m crossing my fingers and toes for you.
NakedToaster: She really is too- I’ve seen her do it.
June: LOL. Hi Toaster Congrats BigLady!
Quest: Good for you, BigLady :) Now if she reads Bloomnic you know she’s in love.
BigLady: OMG
***Onionthief has entered the chat***
***nightowl has entered the chat***
nightowl: Helllllooooo my lovely server people. Nourish my poor intern soul!
June: Hi nightowl! Hi Onionthief!
Onionthief: Hello. Interns usually need nourishment for their bodies more than their souls.
nightowl: Ooooh? Are you offering to order me DoorDash, Mr theify??
nightowl:
Onionthief: No. … unless you’re really struggling.
June: Awwww
nightowl: Aw so sweet! I knew I’d grow on you eventually Onion. :*
Onionthief: Like a mold.
FFXIVQueenBea:
BigLady:
nightowl: Nope! I know you care now, no take-backsies.
nightowl: Oh, BigLady, you had a date?? That’s so awesome, congrats! This calls for a happy dance! ::dance::
BigLady: ::Dances::
***xyx has entered the chat***
***Two2 has entered the chat***
xyx: Woah now, I know my existence demands celebration, but at least let me enter the room first.
June: LOL xyx, hi. Hi Two2.
Two2: Hi June, guys. We having a party?
***SalociN has entered the chat***
June: Woohoo full house. Good evening, Sal!
SalociN: Good evening, dear June. Indeed everyone is here tonight. How wonderful. Hello everyone.
Biglady: Hi all!
xyx: Hey Sal
FFXIVQueenBea: Hi XYX! Hii two! Hellooo Sal~!
nightowl: wooow yeah that hasn’t happened in a real long time.
BigLady: Then we should celebrate. Grab your snacks and drinks!
NakedToaster: You could all celebrate by joining our FFXIV server.
xyx: which you haven’t been in all week.
FFXIVQueenBea: I know im too good at my job for my own good.
NakedToaster: Speaking of, Bea. I left something on my desk for you. Maybe you can pick it up next time you come into the office?
FFXIVQueenBea: ???Sure? What is it, a resume?
NakedToaster:
June: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BigLady: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
nightowl: asdfghjk!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SalociN: Oh my.
HYPEBOT: VERY COOL @NAKEDTOASTER YOU SLAY KING
Two2: Did NakedToaster just propose to FFXIVQueenBea in chat??
xyx: HAHAHAHAHAHA is that why you were sending my all those @s to get online?? You sly dog you.
June: TOASTER@!!!!@!!!!! BEA!!!!!!!!!!!!@!!!!!!!!!
nightowl: OMG that is the cutest fing thing I’ve ever seen, even cuter than the cat ears. Im dyinggg.
BigLady: Bea!! You gotta say something!
NakedToaster: Bea here- I’m going to steal this little sneak away now and give him my answer. Thoroughly.
***NakedToaster is offline***
*** FFXIVQueenBea is offline***
nightowl:
BigLady:
June:
Two2:
Quest: Well I’m glad they kept it PG in the chat.
Onionthief: That was really sweet. Congrats you two.
SalociN: Yes, congratulations! If you’d like, I can officiate. I was ordained once upon a time. It shouldn’t be that hard to get it renewed.
June: Oh my god this is so romantic!!
nightowl: we better be invited to the wedding you two!
xyx: I better be the best man. I mean, we already know that to be fact anyway.
nightowl: xyx in person!? Definitely going now!~