hi lovely! hope you're doing well. i've been a lurker for awhile bc i love your designs, and now i'm finally done procrastinating my main masterlist lol.
i was wondering if i could request some bluish purple dividers that have a sleepy/dreamy/nighttime vibe? i hope that makes sense lol. i have one series masterlist made that might make it a bit more clear what im looking for.
i tried looking for something similar that you might've already made so i didn't have to bother you with a request, so if you've already got something like this i'm so sorry!
hi there lovely!!! and I may have gone a tad overboard with the different dividers I made… but I really hope you can find some of these useful for your masterlist! 💜
please like and credit if you use, reblogs are appreciated! thank you! 💕
₊˚⊹♡ 𝙎𝙔𝙉𝙊𝙋𝙎𝙄𝙎 : Ah...ToonTown, a place filled with wonders and ink. Lots of ink. Not to mention, it's a "fun" town filled with wacky characters and toons who seem to have "eccentric" personalities? They're great and all but why are you attracting this attention of these strange characters when you're just a bakery owner who's just trying to make a living...?
₊˚⊹♡ 𝚆𝙾𝚁𝙳 𝙲𝙾𝚄𝙽𝚃 : 4.9k words.
₊˚⊹♡ 𝚆𝙰𝚁𝙽𝙸𝙽𝙶 — mention of death, scare tactics and minor dive into implications of depression.
⋆.𐙚 ̊— MOTM!MODERN x FemaleBaker!Reader
₊˚⊹ ᰔ MINNIE'S POV.
When did our lives fell apart.....?
Was it the time my songs started getting noticed?
Was it after Ortensia's death?
Was it because we became too busy?
...Where did we go wrong, Mickey?
"Minnie!" I flinched as my head snapped up to meet the eyes of Daisy Duck. Once every couple of weeks, we meet with each other at the park to make conversations. She was one of my best friends along with Ortensia and we ranted and made conversations about different girl things.
However, ever since her passing, I felt as if there was a line between us somehow....
Yet, we still kept meeting up. She decided to call me yesterday and asked if we could meet up early this morning this time as she had something coming up later yet didn't want to miss our meet-up.
I tried to tell her that we could do a raincheck but she insisted on it so here I am.
Sitting on the park bench with Daisy who was supposedly ranting about her arguments with Donald.
"You're doing that thing again." The female duck toon remarks, placing a hand on my shoulder.
"...Oh?" Was all I can mutter as I stared out at the lake.
"You have that look in your eye." Daisy sighs and seemingly gazes at me wearily. "It's been 5 years, Minnie, I'm getting worried."
"Especially, after...." She trailed off and I could see the look of fear in her eyes and I immediately knew that she was talking about.
The time where I told her I needed a break from singing. She was so scared when she found me in my dressing room....
"If you want to, you could always return you know." She says quietly. There was no hiding from her.
"...I wish I could." I murmured, my voice drifting off. Somewhere distant, I can still remember the applause, the lights, and the cheers.
Mickey.
But, now they were only memories.
"But, I can't." I finished. I wasn't someone who could sing well anymore without fear. It was easier said than done. Each time I thought about singing, my voice felt like it was going to croak from remembering a life where we all used to be happy.
A time where he and I were happy.
"...If only she was here...." Daisy murmurs, staring off into the distance, saddened.
The atmosphere turned dull as we sat together and share a similar pain.
"Here, keep the rest of the pomegranates, I still have a lot back at the house." Daisy hands out a bag of pomegranates to me when we were about to leave. She said that she needed to go see Donald about a few things. "Feel free to make these into a snack of some sort."
I blinked in confusion as I looked at the pomegranates.
"I suppose I should eat them soon." I murmured as I walk through the quiet town street. I pulled myself together, I didn't want the fruits to go to waste I thought to myself as I peered into the bag once again.
"Now, what should I....." In what felt like a second, I bumped into someone and fell, bracing myself for the ground when I felt someone grab onto me.
"Are you alright?!" I open my eyes to see an unfamiliar toon who seemed to have a knack of carrying many bags whilst holding on to me.
"... I'm alright." I slowly answered as she brought me back up on my feet, however in that moment, I realized I wasn't holding onto the bag and looked down to find the pomegranates on the ground with the plastic bag torn apart.
"Oh dear, can't say the same for the pomegranates though...."
"I'm so sorry Miss! I'm usually not this clumsy." She bowed in apology and I was about to wave it off but paused.
'Does she not recognize me....?'
"To make it up to you, I have a spare tote bag at the bakery up ahead, however that means you'll have to come with me."
'I should apologize as well....' I thought to myself, giggling, softly. 'I wasn't watching where I was going....'
"I am at fault here too you know, however I'll take your offer since I have no idea how else I'm carrying these home." I gave a practiced smile.
"Then, I'll put these in my bags for now."
"Allow me to give you a hand." I bent down to also help pick them up.
"Ah right, thank you err..."
I held my tongue for a second almost saying my previous name.
"...I go by Minnie."
When I got back home, I immediately placed the bag of pomegranates on the coffee table, and sat back on the sofa letting out an exhale as looked up at the ceiling.
"Perhaps, I would have been better off as an actress instead of a singer." I chuckled humorlessly.
"I'll be taking that as a challenge, Miss Minnie."
I pressed a hand against my lips.
'Why did that make me smile....'
"Has it been that long since I became a hermit...." I muttered.
The hot cocoa.
I remembered it being warm and comforting, so much so that I almost felt like I was about to cry. It felt like a soft shawl wrapping around my cold hands, shielding me from a chill I hadn't even realized I was carrying. A hint of cinnamon she says, was that all there was to it?
Somehow, I feel like it wasn't.
"You know, you're a strange one, dearest Baker."
"Oh, I believe some people have told me the same. Perhaps, that's part of my charm?"
"She was so bubbly," I murmured as I leaned back on the sofa. The memory lingered in my mind, the easy laughter, and the animated gestures. The quiet apartment felt empty and lacked in comparison.
Perhaps it was a persona, perhaps it was not but she reminded me of someone that I used to be.
And when we danced, it reminded me of the happy times with Mickey, how he used to pull me into the living room after he got home, wearing a tired but relieved smile after his long day and hummed together as we spun around in laughter. He would drop his jingling keys onto the counter without looking, mumbling a complaint about work, then reach for my hands while switching on the record player.
So why didn't the memory ache as it usually did?
...It was strange.
"...You have a lovely voice."
She commented as if she knew what she was talking about. Making small giggles as we swayed together with the music in the background, one hand on my waist whilst holding my own. I was reluctant having to dance with her since two of the same sex? Uncommon.
....But, I had fun.
"Oh dear, seems we have to put a pause on that, dear friend, or your meal is charcoal." You let go of her at the sound of a kitchen timer as you went back to work.
"A dear friend, hm....." I murmured under my breath as I looked at my hand, the words slipping out almost absentmindedly. At the corner of my eye, I saw her tote bag she gave to me for my spilt pomegranates.
A design that not many would touch.
Brightly covered cupcakes.
"I've always felt happy watching my customers have a better day after eating what I bake. It gives me a sense of purpose. So if I can make their day just a little better, I spend time putting together recipes to keep the smile on my customers' faces."
In a way, I was envious of her.
"....But what if those recipes end badly?"
"Then, I return to try again. I've ruined batches before, and been afraid my recipes would never work. But, I'd rather try than wait to be fearless..."
"...What a fool." I mumbled, unaware of the corners of my lips lifting against my will.
₊˚⊹ ᰔ YOUR POV. — FRIDAY MORNING, AT THE MARKETPLACE.
"What lovely weather we're having...." You murmured. You were shielding your eyes using a sunhat from the warm morning sun. You got up early in the morning, made breakfast, fed the birds, took a shower, did some chores, and placed a notice at your bakery door.
The only thing left to do in your to-do list was groceries.
'I needed to buy some veggies also for dinner anyways....' You thought.
The extra $25 Sonic gave you as a tip for a mentally damaging quiche that made you happy and will most likely will come by for again?
Check.
I took a deep inhale before opening my eyes to the bustling marketplace. The sharp aroma mix of fruits, fish, spices, and the sizzling sound of grilled meat just hits right on your nostrils. A few colorful canopies hang around and stretch overhead in the area with vendors calling out prices with practiced enthusiasm and people bumping shoulders in the narrow aisles as they try to bargain.
A small chirp came from your side, making your eyes glance at your shoulder with a tiny smile. Today, Lemon was your companion, sitting on your shoulder. He was eager to accompany you as he wouldn't stop squawking and flying around you as you reached for the door at your apartment.
And you wonder why they call you the crazy bird lady.
"I swear you little shits are getting too spoiled....." You murmured as you start walking around. "Unbelievable."
Lemon chirped again and it felt like he was being smug causing you to get a tiny bit irked.
'Be thankful you're not big enough to roast.' You thought but kept it to yourself. You're already known as the bird lady at the apartment complex and you don't need it spreading out more in the open if you keep one-sidedly arguing with a bird that can't even talk.
"Strawberries! Get your strawberries! 35¢ per pint! Fresh and delicious!"
You look to the source, finding a stall in one of the aisles with wooden baskets filled to the brim with strawberries as the fruit vendor names their prices.
"I recall using the last of them on Monday for strawberry shortcakes..." You murmured as you took a step towards the stall. "I should restock on some bananas, mangoes...."
You began your shopping spree, unaware that somewhere else, your customers from yesterday were reminiscing about your beloved pastries only to find out your shop is closed.
₊˚⊹ ᰔ SONIC'S POV.
"WHAT, THEY'RE CLOSED?!!"
You can practically hear the birds cawing and flapping their wings away from the trees just from Amy's shrilling shriek. Not that I didn't understand her agony. We sent Knuckles and Tails this morning over to CozyBean's bakery to grab some snacks or well, early breakfast only for them to come back empty-handed.
"That's a shame..." I scratched my head as I watched Amy crash onto the floor. I wanted to order a couple of more of her quiche for a snack but it seems that changes some things.
"Well, that's nothing out of the ordinary." Rouge the Bat, Amy's friend was at her side trying to comfort her who was murmuring something incoherently about her beloved macarons. She was here with us for a visit while sneaking in some info from their side. "During this time, the owner tends to come up with new recipes to swap in their menu every week or restock on ingredients. They're independent so they're usually open 4 days a week."
"But, how do you know so much about this.." Amy tearfully pried her face from the floor to look at her friend who seems to be sweating.
"Er, well! I overheard one of their customers while I was there." She replied and twisted the topic.
Yeah, something tells me that wasn't true.
"I wanted another order of her apple pie...." Tails muttered as his robot arm tapped on his tablet, head down low.
"Her grape sponge cake was good..." Knuckles murmured.
"You're not the only one bud." I placed a hand on Tails' head and looked at the team before grinning. "Seems there's a change in the menu for today guys. Guess I'm having a chilidog..."
"Look at him acting cool as if he doesn't crave one of our dearest Baker's creations...." I hear Amy muttering, gazing at the floor.
"Seems I know who's on today's written report duty." I casually responded with a threat.
"You, cruel dictator!" Amy cried out. "And that's supposed to be your job!"
₊˚⊹ ᰔ YOUR POV.
Achoo!
You sneezed, pulling out a handkerchief to wipe your nose. Lemon looks at you, head tilted as if wondering if you were okay. It's not as if it was cold or chilly out so you wonder if it was simply dust.
"I'm fine Lemon, perhaps it's just some dust." You waved it off, as you placed back your hanky in your bag. "Which reminds me that I should grab some birdseed for you menaces..."
Your yellow bird chirped and flapped his wings startling you as he flew, leading you to a stall filled with seeds.
'This is the greed they talk about in the Bible...' You sighed as the bird landed on the vendor's head causing the guy to look up in bewilderment.
"You must be the bird's companion!" The vendor let out a booming laugh. He was a crow toon who seems to be in his early 50s and wore a pair of glasses.
"More so the other way around." I shake my head with a smile as I watch Lemon flutter around him chirping. "Seems he likes you."
"Birds of the same feather, what can I say?" The vendor says gruffly, his laugh drowning out the marketplace chatter for a brief moment. "An energetic friend you got here, missy."
"Been on my tail about food so it's not really a surprise..." You shrugged. "He has a brother and sister as well, Guacamole and Mango."
"Is that so?" The big crow grins as he fixes his glasses. "Well, the name is Sammy Seedsworth, the best man to see about seeds! Usually, it's for plants but seeing as we have a special guest here, I would be delighted to help you little friend."
The yellow bird chirps as he then lands on the vendor's shoulder.
'Look at him, sucking up to a supplier...' You stared pointedly at him.
"His name is Lemon." You answered with a sigh before smiling. "Sorry about him landing on your head as if you're a tree branch."
"No problem over here. He's a dear customer like the rest of ya!" He then looked at the bird. "So, which would you like today, my friend?"
Lemon chirps flying around the stall before landing on a sack filled with seeds. Sammy lets out a loud caw "Some pumpkin, is it? Good choice, my fellow bird! What do you say, Missy?"
Sammy turns his head to you and you shrug, before deciding to pull out your wallet. "I'll take a small sack of those then, Sammy. However, mind adding in another but a mix of sunflower and millet? I think my other two birds are fond of those."
The vendor grins, placing a hand on his waist while Lemon finally lands on your shoulder, most likely aware that you were about to leave soon.
"Understood, missy!" Sammy threw back his head and laughed through the sounds of caws. "You're a good owner, I tell you! I just feel it in my belly!"
You grinned affected by his infectious laughter. "Well, they do make my day more exciting."
"That I hope they do!" The crow vendor brightly smiles. He then glances at Lemon.
"Keep an eye on your companion, fellow friend! Keep her on your claws." He winks. "Remember the hand who feeds you!"
Lemon flaps his wings while squawking as if he understood his words.
'What a suck up.....'
"And just for that, my little bird of the same feather, I'll give you a 10% discount!"
'Never mind. I'll let you go. Lemon, I love you so much...'
"I hope to see you and your fellow friend soon, little missy!" The seed vendor waves you off from his stall.
"You will!" You called back, waving as well as you strolled off then looked to the yellow bird on your shoulders. "You know, Lemon, what do you say to a little treat for you and your little Winglings?"
The said bird chirps in response.
You then went to another fruit stall. With stars in your eyes, you gazed in awe as you could tell that they were as fresh as they can be as you took up one apple to examine.
"Perhaps, I should make myself some apple crumble...." You murmured placing a hand under your chin. "The peaches, look at their shine! Oh and the oranges! They smell lovely, think of what I can do with those! A chiffon cake for the menu...."
"Take your pick, dear."
You flinched as you looked up to see a woman in orange pigtails staring right at you.
"Oh dear, apologies, Miss! I must be distracting your business!" You bowed in apology.
The woman giggles. "It's fine dear. In fact, I've never seen anyone get this excited for fruits. I think you're the first."
"O-Oh, is that so?" You smiled sheepishly.
"Indeed, pleasure is mine, Miss Clementine." She introduced herself with a twirl and a giggle. "Take your pick, dear, grab as many as you like."
"I would love to, Miss." You sighed as you think about your shopping bag. It was big and you have quite the strength, not to brag. But you knew you wanted to order them in bulk and you still had to take a bus back which means you don't know if you can handle the stares and glares from the other passengers with the pile of boxes.
"But, the problem is I would love a huge box to bring back and it would be quite difficult for me." You explained, shaking your head. "I'll have to come back next week for the rest."
"Oh, that's quite the conundrum you have, dear." Miss Clementine places a finger on her chin and hummed before beaming. "Hm, if that's the case, why don't we deliver it to you?"
"You can do that?" Your eyes widened as you stare at the vendor.
She nodded with a smile. "We can indeed! My brother makes delivery by truck once and a while for me and a couple of the vendors if you'd like. You just have to pay a small fee."
"I would love that!" You responded in excitement, just thinking of the many experiments you can do with those fruits.
She takes out a piece of paper and pen and hands it to you. "Just write down an address here and we'll deliver it later."
You wrote down the address to your bakery immediately before handing it back to her before pointing out the fruits, and order them in bulk before pulling out your wallet and setting down payment.
You might've gone over budget but it was all for a good cause.
"So when can I expect—"
"HEY! GET BACK HERE!"
"Ah, shit."
In what felt like a second, you felt yourself spinning around like a toy top as a blur rushed past you, when you finally stopped, your eyes were spinning in opposite directions as your head was in a dizzy.
"Oh dear, are you alright?" Miss Clementine asked you worriedly.
You shake your head to get rid of the stars. "...I'm good, what about you, Lemon?"
"Lemon?" You look to your shoulder only to see it empty before your eyes zoom into a bright yellow object sticking on a guy's coat?
"LEMON!" You ran and chased after the bird.
"GET HIM!" A bunch of thug-looking guys then rushed past the stall.
Ms. Clementine pressed fingertips onto her lips as she watches these shenanigans all go down, as if it was just a normal day in the market.
"It'll be delivered by tomorrow if you want to know!" The fruit vendor calls out after you casually while you chase after Lemon to which you barely heard.
'Oh my Celestials, this guy is fast as fuck!' You thought as youbl dodge through crowds while holding bags and your hat.
"Hey, mind slowing down?! You got something of mine!"
You saw the toon look back before he turned his back in front of him and start to run faster.
"Stop!"
The guy takes a turn, running into an alleyway to which you followed unaware that a couple of guys that were chasing after him ran past you both.
As you walked through the narrow dark alleyway looking around trying to find the toon who took Lemon, intentionally or not, you were gonna sock him in the face when you first see him for taking your bird.
You were about to come out empty when you felt a hand pressed against your mouth startling you before pressing you against the wall with their body.
"Mmph!"
"Shush, if you don't wanna get caught with me." The voice quietly said above you.
"What does that—" You felt utterly horrified.
"What does that—" You felt utterly horrified until a finger was held in front of your mouth again.
"Shh!"
"Where'd he go?!" You heard voices and footsteps coming from afar during this silence. Most definitely coming from outside this alley.
"Find him!"
"Right, boss!"
Another set of footsteps were heard for a few minutes more before the sound of them slowly disappeared.
Once they are completely gone, the guy takes their finger off your lips as you finally get a look at the guy who took away your bird and immediately lift your leg to do a hard kick.
This only resulted in a whistle as the guy caught your kick.
"That's some move you got there..."
He wore a dark turtleneck and a brown coat paired with pants as if late morning sun wasn't torturing him at the slightest. You then blinked at the sight of his face made of porcelain and shape as a cup with a bent red straw sticking out of his head.
Which reminded you of a certain someone.
'He has quite the build...' You observed for a second before internally shaking your head. You shook your foot off his grasp. 'You're missing the plot here, girlie....'
'Something tells me I made a mistake.' Since he looks like he was built like a truck that will just run you over in a second and KO you. You immediately begin to sweat. 'If these are my survival instincts, remind me to never ever delude myself that I can join the ranks in the mafia....'
"Gotta say that's some fiery reflex you got over there toots!" The toon grins as he dusted himself down before shoving his hands into his pocket.
"Now, does that mean you're part of that stall?" He took a step closer, his grin getting darker as you mentally felt yourself shaking. "Whatever your answer is will say if you can leave here alive."
"..." You took a deep breath.
"Bitch, what."
You can hear crickets for what felt like a few minutes as those words slip out. And you felt like you just messed up and wanted to grab those words and shove them back into your throat.
"Huh?" The guy blinks.
There's no going back.
"I have no idea who you're talking about." You stepped forward and pointed a finger into his chest, glaring at him. "I went through that chase to get back Lemon, my yellow pet bird who got stuck to you during whatever you were doing!"
"I have no idea who you're talking about." You stepped forward and pointed a finger into his chest, glaring at him. "I went through that chase to get back Lemon, my yellow pet bird who got stuck to you during whatever you were doing! Why would I care about some thugs hanging around you? I just want my bird back."
"Lemon!" You instantly raised your hands to grab him only for him to raise him higher out of your reach.
"Ah, ah, ah." He smirked as he firmly held the yellow bird. "How can I be sure ya won't tell anybody what happened around here?"
'What do you mean? I remember nothing. I can enact amnesia if you'd like. Saw nothing. Hear nothing, nada.'
"I have no idea what you're talking about." You put on a poker face. "It's not like anyone will ever believe me."
"Right, but as much as I am a gambler, I ain't willing to risk that. Too much of a gap in-between." He replied casually. "Someone dear to me, would punch me in the face if I leave something behind."
You felt a chill ran up your spine.
"What do you say to a little bet?" You saw that gleam in his eyes making you sweat a little. "Either way, if it helps ya feel any better, you'd still leave this alley alive."
"What's the catch?"
"If you win, you're good to go and I'll trust your words you won't tell a soul."
"And if I lose, the little birdie over gets to my little hostage." He grins, wiggling poor Lemon, who was cawing with rebellion. "Unless, you both wanna be together forever."
'No fucking way, no one is killing the bird unless it's me on a fucking island playing naked and afraid and I have to resort to a small roasted bird to munch on.'
"What's your game?" You question.
He snaps his finger. "Glad ya came to, toots. Saw you buy a buncha cherries a while ago. And, I was sent here to buy some to make our drinks you see. So, I bet I can guess where they are between those veggies and fruits in that big bag of yours."
You sweated. 'But, how much did he watch...'
"I can see those thoughts of yers just tinkering." He remarks, raising a brow. "Wanna take that chance?"
"..." You exhaled and held out your hand. "It's a deal."
Instead of shaking on it however, he took your hand and placed a kiss on it as if it were a casual greeting making your eyes widened and almost felt an eye twitch with disgust.
"You'll need all the luck you can get, toots."
As he lets go of you, you wore a straight face as you rummage through your grocery bag and pulled out a bottle of alcohol and sprayed the back of your hand.
"Really treating me like a germ huh, toots?"
"I suggest we get on with the game." You said as a response, acting calm before putting down your grocery tote. "That is if you don't want to be found."
"Hmm..." He shrugged, before examining the four large bags inside. "If ya say so."
"I'll pick that one." He pointed to one bag filled with vegetables. "If it were a normal day, those should be in between those bags of fruits of yours, except you stopped at the stall selling cherries after buying vegetables. Not ta mention..."
"Birdie of yours has been staring at that bag in particular." He finishes, he looks at the bird sitting on his palm, who seems to be sweating at the said brown package.
"Lemon, you birdbrain...." You muttered under your breath as you bent down to pull open the bag to show him.
"Well, toots, seems like ya los—"
"You're wrong." You interrupted, as your expression slowly shifted into a practiced smile.
He blinked, clearly caught off guard, grin sliding off his face.
"That would have been correct..." You explained as you opened the bag to show him, which were only filled with carrots, potatoes, and cabbages.
"Except, they're in his stomach."
"...What." The porcelain toon deadpanned.
You showed the bottom of the bag where a small tear was, the size of a small ball to fit in.
"Figured he'd get to them by now, so decided to take the chance." You sighed in relief or was it frustration.
It was both.
And now you need to buy more again.
"Wait, but how..." He trails off as you put it back in the grocery bag as Lemon flies from him and lands back on your shoulder.
Cue him proudly spitting out a cherry pit.
"No clue either." You shrugged as you walked past him. "It's one of the Three Great Mysteries between my birds."
"You lose, Red." You tapped his porcelain face as a gesture of victory as he was still gobsmacked from the whole thing before leaving the alleyway.
A small gust of wind swept the alleyway as the porcelain toon stood there absolutely speechless before murmuring.
₊˚⊹♡ 𝙎𝙔𝙉𝙊𝙋𝙎𝙄𝙎 : Ah...ToonTown, a place filled with wonders and ink. Lots of ink. Not to mention, it's a "fun" town filled with wacky characters and toons who seem to have "eccentric" personalities? They're great and all but why are you attracting this attention of these strange characters when you're just a bakery owner who's just trying to make a living...?
₊˚⊹♡ 𝚆𝙾𝚁𝙳 𝙲𝙾𝚄𝙽𝚃 : 4.9k words.
₊˚⊹♡ 𝚆𝙰𝚁𝙽𝙸𝙽𝙶 — mention of death, scare tactics and minor dive into implications of depression.
⋆.𐙚 ̊— MOTM!MODERN x FemaleBaker!Reader
₊˚⊹ ᰔ MINNIE'S POV.
When did our lives fell apart.....?
Was it the time my songs started getting noticed?
Was it after Ortensia's death?
Was it because we became too busy?
...Where did we go wrong, Mickey?
"Minnie!" I flinched as my head snapped up to meet the eyes of Daisy Duck. Once every couple of weeks, we meet with each other at the park to make conversations. She was one of my best friends along with Ortensia and we ranted and made conversations about different girl things.
However, ever since her passing, I felt as if there was a line between us somehow....
Yet, we still kept meeting up. She decided to call me yesterday and asked if we could meet up early this morning this time as she had something coming up later yet didn't want to miss our meet-up.
I tried to tell her that we could do a raincheck but she insisted on it so here I am.
Sitting on the park bench with Daisy who was supposedly ranting about her arguments with Donald.
"You're doing that thing again." The female duck toon remarks, placing a hand on my shoulder.
"...Oh?" Was all I can mutter as I stared out at the lake.
"You have that look in your eye." Daisy sighs and seemingly gazes at me wearily. "It's been 5 years, Minnie, I'm getting worried."
"Especially, after...." She trailed off and I could see the look of fear in her eyes and I immediately knew that she was talking about.
The time where I told her I needed a break from singing. She was so scared when she found me in my dressing room....
"If you want to, you could always return you know." She says quietly. There was no hiding from her.
"...I wish I could." I murmured, my voice drifting off. Somewhere distant, I can still remember the applause, the lights, and the cheers.
Mickey.
But, now they were only memories.
"But, I can't." I finished. I wasn't someone who could sing well anymore without fear. It was easier said than done. Each time I thought about singing, my voice felt like it was going to croak from remembering a life where we all used to be happy.
A time where he and I were happy.
"...If only she was here...." Daisy murmurs, staring off into the distance, saddened.
The atmosphere turned dull as we sat together and share a similar pain.
"Here, keep the rest of the pomegranates, I still have a lot back at the house." Daisy hands out a bag of pomegranates to me when we were about to leave. She said that she needed to go see Donald about a few things. "Feel free to make these into a snack of some sort."
I blinked in confusion as I looked at the pomegranates.
"I suppose I should eat them soon." I murmured as I walk through the quiet town street. I pulled myself together, I didn't want the fruits to go to waste I thought to myself as I peered into the bag once again.
"Now, what should I....." In what felt like a second, I bumped into someone and fell, bracing myself for the ground when I felt someone grab onto me.
"Are you alright?!" I open my eyes to see an unfamiliar toon who seemed to have a knack of carrying many bags whilst holding on to me.
"... I'm alright." I slowly answered as she brought me back up on my feet, however in that moment, I realized I wasn't holding onto the bag and looked down to find the pomegranates on the ground with the plastic bag torn apart.
"Oh dear, can't say the same for the pomegranates though...."
"I'm so sorry Miss! I'm usually not this clumsy." She bowed in apology and I was about to wave it off but paused.
'Does she not recognize me....?'
"To make it up to you, I have a spare tote bag at the bakery up ahead, however that means you'll have to come with me."
'I should apologize as well....' I thought to myself, giggling, softly. 'I wasn't watching where I was going....'
"I am at fault here too you know, however I'll take your offer since I have no idea how else I'm carrying these home." I gave a practiced smile.
"Then, I'll put these in my bags for now."
"Allow me to give you a hand." I bent down to also help pick them up.
"Ah right, thank you err..."
I held my tongue for a second almost saying my previous name.
"...I go by Minnie."
When I got back home, I immediately placed the bag of pomegranates on the coffee table, and sat back on the sofa letting out an exhale as looked up at the ceiling.
"Perhaps, I would have been better off as an actress instead of a singer." I chuckled humorlessly.
"I'll be taking that as a challenge, Miss Minnie."
I pressed a hand against my lips.
'Why did that make me smile....'
"Has it been that long since I became a hermit...." I muttered.
The hot cocoa.
I remembered it being warm and comforting, so much so that I almost felt like I was about to cry. It felt like a soft shawl wrapping around my cold hands, shielding me from a chill I hadn't even realized I was carrying. A hint of cinnamon she says, was that all there was to it?
Somehow, I feel like it wasn't.
"You know, you're a strange one, dearest Baker."
"Oh, I believe some people have told me the same. Perhaps, that's part of my charm?"
"She was so bubbly," I murmured as I leaned back on the sofa. The memory lingered in my mind, the easy laughter, and the animated gestures. The quiet apartment felt empty and lacked in comparison.
Perhaps it was a persona, perhaps it was not but she reminded me of someone that I used to be.
And when we danced, it reminded me of the happy times with Mickey, how he used to pull me into the living room after he got home, wearing a tired but relieved smile after his long day and hummed together as we spun around in laughter. He would drop his jingling keys onto the counter without looking, mumbling a complaint about work, then reach for my hands while switching on the record player.
So why didn't the memory ache as it usually did?
...It was strange.
"...You have a lovely voice."
She commented as if she knew what she was talking about. Making small giggles as we swayed together with the music in the background, one hand on my waist whilst holding my own. I was reluctant having to dance with her since two of the same sex? Uncommon.
....But, I had fun.
"Oh dear, seems we have to put a pause on that, dear friend, or your meal is charcoal." You let go of her at the sound of a kitchen timer as you went back to work.
"A dear friend, hm....." I murmured under my breath as I looked at my hand, the words slipping out almost absentmindedly. At the corner of my eye, I saw her tote bag she gave to me for my spilt pomegranates.
A design that not many would touch.
Brightly covered cupcakes.
"I've always felt happy watching my customers have a better day after eating what I bake. It gives me a sense of purpose. So if I can make their day just a little better, I spend time putting together recipes to keep the smile on my customers' faces."
In a way, I was envious of her.
"....But what if those recipes end badly?"
"Then, I return to try again. I've ruined batches before, and been afraid my recipes would never work. But, I'd rather try than wait to be fearless..."
"...What a fool." I mumbled, unaware of the corners of my lips lifting against my will.
₊˚⊹ ᰔ YOUR POV. — FRIDAY MORNING, AT THE MARKETPLACE.
"What lovely weather we're having...." You murmured. You were shielding your eyes using a sunhat from the warm morning sun. You got up early in the morning, made breakfast, fed the birds, took a shower, did some chores, and placed a notice at your bakery door.
The only thing left to do in your to-do list was groceries.
'I needed to buy some veggies also for dinner anyways....' You thought.
The extra $25 Sonic gave you as a tip for a mentally damaging quiche that made you happy and will most likely will come by for again?
Check.
I took a deep inhale before opening my eyes to the bustling marketplace. The sharp aroma mix of fruits, fish, spices, and the sizzling sound of grilled meat just hits right on your nostrils. A few colorful canopies hang around and stretch overhead in the area with vendors calling out prices with practiced enthusiasm and people bumping shoulders in the narrow aisles as they try to bargain.
A small chirp came from your side, making your eyes glance at your shoulder with a tiny smile. Today, Lemon was your companion, sitting on your shoulder. He was eager to accompany you as he wouldn't stop squawking and flying around you as you reached for the door at your apartment.
And you wonder why they call you the crazy bird lady.
"I swear you little shits are getting too spoiled....." You murmured as you start walking around. "Unbelievable."
Lemon chirped again and it felt like he was being smug causing you to get a tiny bit irked.
'Be thankful you're not big enough to roast.' You thought but kept it to yourself. You're already known as the bird lady at the apartment complex and you don't need it spreading out more in the open if you keep one-sidedly arguing with a bird that can't even talk.
"Strawberries! Get your strawberries! 35¢ per pint! Fresh and delicious!"
You look to the source, finding a stall in one of the aisles with wooden baskets filled to the brim with strawberries as the fruit vendor names their prices.
"I recall using the last of them on Monday for strawberry shortcakes..." You murmured as you took a step towards the stall. "I should restock on some bananas, mangoes...."
You began your shopping spree, unaware that somewhere else, your customers from yesterday were reminiscing about your beloved pastries only to find out your shop is closed.
₊˚⊹ ᰔ SONIC'S POV.
"WHAT, THEY'RE CLOSED?!!"
You can practically hear the birds cawing and flapping their wings away from the trees just from Amy's shrilling shriek. Not that I didn't understand her agony. We sent Knuckles and Tails this morning over to CozyBean's bakery to grab some snacks or well, early breakfast only for them to come back empty-handed.
"That's a shame..." I scratched my head as I watched Amy crash onto the floor. I wanted to order a couple of more of her quiche for a snack but it seems that changes some things.
"Well, that's nothing out of the ordinary." Rouge the Bat, Amy's friend was at her side trying to comfort her who was murmuring something incoherently about her beloved macarons. She was here with us for a visit while sneaking in some info from their side. "During this time, the owner tends to come up with new recipes to swap in their menu every week or restock on ingredients. They're independent so they're usually open 4 days a week."
"But, how do you know so much about this.." Amy tearfully pried her face from the floor to look at her friend who seems to be sweating.
"Er, well! I overheard one of their customers while I was there." She replied and twisted the topic.
Yeah, something tells me that wasn't true.
"I wanted another order of her apple pie...." Tails muttered as his robot arm tapped on his tablet, head down low.
"Her grape sponge cake was good..." Knuckles murmured.
"You're not the only one bud." I placed a hand on Tails' head and looked at the team before grinning. "Seems there's a change in the menu for today guys. Guess I'm having a chilidog..."
"Look at him acting cool as if he doesn't crave one of our dearest Baker's creations...." I hear Amy muttering, gazing at the floor.
"Seems I know who's on today's written report duty." I casually responded with a threat.
"You, cruel dictator!" Amy cried out. "And that's supposed to be your job!"
₊˚⊹ ᰔ YOUR POV.
Achoo!
You sneezed, pulling out a handkerchief to wipe your nose. Lemon looks at you, head tilted as if wondering if you were okay. It's not as if it was cold or chilly out so you wonder if it was simply dust.
"I'm fine Lemon, perhaps it's just some dust." You waved it off, as you placed back your hanky in your bag. "Which reminds me that I should grab some birdseed for you menaces..."
Your yellow bird chirped and flapped his wings startling you as he flew, leading you to a stall filled with seeds.
'This is the greed they talk about in the Bible...' You sighed as the bird landed on the vendor's head causing the guy to look up in bewilderment.
"You must be the bird's companion!" The vendor let out a booming laugh. He was a crow toon who seems to be in his early 50s and wore a pair of glasses.
"More so the other way around." I shake my head with a smile as I watch Lemon flutter around him chirping. "Seems he likes you."
"Birds of the same feather, what can I say?" The vendor says gruffly, his laugh drowning out the marketplace chatter for a brief moment. "An energetic friend you got here, missy."
"Been on my tail about food so it's not really a surprise..." You shrugged. "He has a brother and sister as well, Guacamole and Mango."
"Is that so?" The big crow grins as he fixes his glasses. "Well, the name is Sammy Seedsworth, the best man to see about seeds! Usually, it's for plants but seeing as we have a special guest here, I would be delighted to help you little friend."
The yellow bird chirps as he then lands on the vendor's shoulder.
'Look at him, sucking up to a supplier...' You stared pointedly at him.
"His name is Lemon." You answered with a sigh before smiling. "Sorry about him landing on your head as if you're a tree branch."
"No problem over here. He's a dear customer like the rest of ya!" He then looked at the bird. "So, which would you like today, my friend?"
Lemon chirps flying around the stall before landing on a sack filled with seeds. Sammy lets out a loud caw "Some pumpkin, is it? Good choice, my fellow bird! What do you say, Missy?"
Sammy turns his head to you and you shrug, before deciding to pull out your wallet. "I'll take a small sack of those then, Sammy. However, mind adding in another but a mix of sunflower and millet? I think my other two birds are fond of those."
The vendor grins, placing a hand on his waist while Lemon finally lands on your shoulder, most likely aware that you were about to leave soon.
"Understood, missy!" Sammy threw back his head and laughed through the sounds of caws. "You're a good owner, I tell you! I just feel it in my belly!"
You grinned affected by his infectious laughter. "Well, they do make my day more exciting."
"That I hope they do!" The crow vendor brightly smiles. He then glances at Lemon.
"Keep an eye on your companion, fellow friend! Keep her on your claws." He winks. "Remember the hand who feeds you!"
Lemon flaps his wings while squawking as if he understood his words.
'What a suck up.....'
"And just for that, my little bird of the same feather, I'll give you a 10% discount!"
'Never mind. I'll let you go. Lemon, I love you so much...'
"I hope to see you and your fellow friend soon, little missy!" The seed vendor waves you off from his stall.
"You will!" You called back, waving as well as you strolled off then looked to the yellow bird on your shoulders. "You know, Lemon, what do you say to a little treat for you and your little Winglings?"
The said bird chirps in response.
You then went to another fruit stall. With stars in your eyes, you gazed in awe as you could tell that they were as fresh as they can be as you took up one apple to examine.
"Perhaps, I should make myself some apple crumble...." You murmured placing a hand under your chin. "The peaches, look at their shine! Oh and the oranges! They smell lovely, think of what I can do with those! A chiffon cake for the menu...."
"Take your pick, dear."
You flinched as you looked up to see a woman in orange pigtails staring right at you.
"Oh dear, apologies, Miss! I must be distracting your business!" You bowed in apology.
The woman giggles. "It's fine dear. In fact, I've never seen anyone get this excited for fruits. I think you're the first."
"O-Oh, is that so?" You smiled sheepishly.
"Indeed, pleasure is mine, Miss Clementine." She introduced herself with a twirl and a giggle. "Take your pick, dear, grab as many as you like."
"I would love to, Miss." You sighed as you think about your shopping bag. It was big and you have quite the strength, not to brag. But you knew you wanted to order them in bulk and you still had to take a bus back which means you don't know if you can handle the stares and glares from the other passengers with the pile of boxes.
"But, the problem is I would love a huge box to bring back and it would be quite difficult for me." You explained, shaking your head. "I'll have to come back next week for the rest."
"Oh, that's quite the conundrum you have, dear." Miss Clementine places a finger on her chin and hummed before beaming. "Hm, if that's the case, why don't we deliver it to you?"
"You can do that?" Your eyes widened as you stare at the vendor.
She nodded with a smile. "We can indeed! My brother makes delivery by truck once and a while for me and a couple of the vendors if you'd like. You just have to pay a small fee."
"I would love that!" You responded in excitement, just thinking of the many experiments you can do with those fruits.
She takes out a piece of paper and pen and hands it to you. "Just write down an address here and we'll deliver it later."
You wrote down the address to your bakery immediately before handing it back to her before pointing out the fruits, and order them in bulk before pulling out your wallet and setting down payment.
You might've gone over budget but it was all for a good cause.
"So when can I expect—"
"HEY! GET BACK HERE!"
"Ah, shit."
In what felt like a second, you felt yourself spinning around like a toy top as a blur rushed past you, when you finally stopped, your eyes were spinning in opposite directions as your head was in a dizzy.
"Oh dear, are you alright?" Miss Clementine asked you worriedly.
You shake your head to get rid of the stars. "...I'm good, what about you, Lemon?"
"Lemon?" You look to your shoulder only to see it empty before your eyes zoom into a bright yellow object sticking on a guy's coat?
"LEMON!" You ran and chased after the bird.
"GET HIM!" A bunch of thug-looking guys then rushed past the stall.
Ms. Clementine pressed fingertips onto her lips as she watches these shenanigans all go down, as if it was just a normal day in the market.
"It'll be delivered by tomorrow if you want to know!" The fruit vendor calls out after you casually while you chase after Lemon to which you barely heard.
'Oh my Celestials, this guy is fast as fuck!' You thought as youbl dodge through crowds while holding bags and your hat.
"Hey, mind slowing down?! You got something of mine!"
You saw the toon look back before he turned his back in front of him and start to run faster.
"Stop!"
The guy takes a turn, running into an alleyway to which you followed unaware that a couple of guys that were chasing after him ran past you both.
As you walked through the narrow dark alleyway looking around trying to find the toon who took Lemon, intentionally or not, you were gonna sock him in the face when you first see him for taking your bird.
You were about to come out empty when you felt a hand pressed against your mouth startling you before pressing you against the wall with their body.
"Mmph!"
"Shush, if you don't wanna get caught with me." The voice quietly said above you.
"What does that—" You felt utterly horrified.
"What does that—" You felt utterly horrified until a finger was held in front of your mouth again.
"Shh!"
"Where'd he go?!" You heard voices and footsteps coming from afar during this silence. Most definitely coming from outside this alley.
"Find him!"
"Right, boss!"
Another set of footsteps were heard for a few minutes more before the sound of them slowly disappeared.
Once they are completely gone, the guy takes their finger off your lips as you finally get a look at the guy who took away your bird and immediately lift your leg to do a hard kick.
This only resulted in a whistle as the guy caught your kick.
"That's some move you got there..."
He wore a dark turtleneck and a brown coat paired with pants as if late morning sun wasn't torturing him at the slightest. You then blinked at the sight of his face made of porcelain and shape as a cup with a bent red straw sticking out of his head.
Which reminded you of a certain someone.
'He has quite the build...' You observed for a second before internally shaking your head. You shook your foot off his grasp. 'You're missing the plot here, girlie....'
'Something tells me I made a mistake.' Since he looks like he was built like a truck that will just run you over in a second and KO you. You immediately begin to sweat. 'If these are my survival instincts, remind me to never ever delude myself that I can join the ranks in the mafia....'
"Gotta say that's some fiery reflex you got over there toots!" The toon grins as he dusted himself down before shoving his hands into his pocket.
"Now, does that mean you're part of that stall?" He took a step closer, his grin getting darker as you mentally felt yourself shaking. "Whatever your answer is will say if you can leave here alive."
"..." You took a deep breath.
"Bitch, what."
You can hear crickets for what felt like a few minutes as those words slip out. And you felt like you just messed up and wanted to grab those words and shove them back into your throat.
"Huh?" The guy blinks.
There's no going back.
"I have no idea who you're talking about." You stepped forward and pointed a finger into his chest, glaring at him. "I went through that chase to get back Lemon, my yellow pet bird who got stuck to you during whatever you were doing!"
"I have no idea who you're talking about." You stepped forward and pointed a finger into his chest, glaring at him. "I went through that chase to get back Lemon, my yellow pet bird who got stuck to you during whatever you were doing! Why would I care about some thugs hanging around you? I just want my bird back."
"Lemon!" You instantly raised your hands to grab him only for him to raise him higher out of your reach.
"Ah, ah, ah." He smirked as he firmly held the yellow bird. "How can I be sure ya won't tell anybody what happened around here?"
'What do you mean? I remember nothing. I can enact amnesia if you'd like. Saw nothing. Hear nothing, nada.'
"I have no idea what you're talking about." You put on a poker face. "It's not like anyone will ever believe me."
"Right, but as much as I am a gambler, I ain't willing to risk that. Too much of a gap in-between." He replied casually. "Someone dear to me, would punch me in the face if I leave something behind."
You felt a chill ran up your spine.
"What do you say to a little bet?" You saw that gleam in his eyes making you sweat a little. "Either way, if it helps ya feel any better, you'd still leave this alley alive."
"What's the catch?"
"If you win, you're good to go and I'll trust your words you won't tell a soul."
"And if I lose, the little birdie over gets to my little hostage." He grins, wiggling poor Lemon, who was cawing with rebellion. "Unless, you both wanna be together forever."
'No fucking way, no one is killing the bird unless it's me on a fucking island playing naked and afraid and I have to resort to a small roasted bird to munch on.'
"What's your game?" You question.
He snaps his finger. "Glad ya came to, toots. Saw you buy a buncha cherries a while ago. And, I was sent here to buy some to make our drinks you see. So, I bet I can guess where they are between those veggies and fruits in that big bag of yours."
You sweated. 'But, how much did he watch...'
"I can see those thoughts of yers just tinkering." He remarks, raising a brow. "Wanna take that chance?"
"..." You exhaled and held out your hand. "It's a deal."
Instead of shaking on it however, he took your hand and placed a kiss on it as if it were a casual greeting making your eyes widened and almost felt an eye twitch with disgust.
"You'll need all the luck you can get, toots."
As he lets go of you, you wore a straight face as you rummage through your grocery bag and pulled out a bottle of alcohol and sprayed the back of your hand.
"Really treating me like a germ huh, toots?"
"I suggest we get on with the game." You said as a response, acting calm before putting down your grocery tote. "That is if you don't want to be found."
"Hmm..." He shrugged, before examining the four large bags inside. "If ya say so."
"I'll pick that one." He pointed to one bag filled with vegetables. "If it were a normal day, those should be in between those bags of fruits of yours, except you stopped at the stall selling cherries after buying vegetables. Not ta mention..."
"Birdie of yours has been staring at that bag in particular." He finishes, he looks at the bird sitting on his palm, who seems to be sweating at the said brown package.
"Lemon, you birdbrain...." You muttered under your breath as you bent down to pull open the bag to show him.
"Well, toots, seems like ya los—"
"You're wrong." You interrupted, as your expression slowly shifted into a practiced smile.
He blinked, clearly caught off guard, grin sliding off his face.
"That would have been correct..." You explained as you opened the bag to show him, which were only filled with carrots, potatoes, and cabbages.
"Except, they're in his stomach."
"...What." The porcelain toon deadpanned.
You showed the bottom of the bag where a small tear was, the size of a small ball to fit in.
"Figured he'd get to them by now, so decided to take the chance." You sighed in relief or was it frustration.
It was both.
And now you need to buy more again.
"Wait, but how..." He trails off as you put it back in the grocery bag as Lemon flies from him and lands back on your shoulder.
Cue him proudly spitting out a cherry pit.
"No clue either." You shrugged as you walked past him. "It's one of the Three Great Mysteries between my birds."
"You lose, Red." You tapped his porcelain face as a gesture of victory as he was still gobsmacked from the whole thing before leaving the alleyway.
A small gust of wind swept the alleyway as the porcelain toon stood there absolutely speechless before murmuring.
₊˚⊹♡ 𝙎𝙔𝙉𝙊𝙋𝙎𝙄𝙎 : You weren't typically a girl who would go crazy for lipstick. However, you can't help but be up to mischief with a trend going on. What else are you supposed to do with these lippies left by a dear friend of yours?
₊˚⊹♡ 𝚆𝙾𝚁𝙳 𝙲𝙾𝚄𝙽𝚃 : 3.6k words
₊˚⊹♡ 𝚆𝙰𝚁𝙽𝙸𝙽𝙶 — Kisses, tension, and a mini spiral into insecurity. Absolutely ooc awareness.
⋆.𐙚 ̊— MOTM! CUPHEAD x READER
₊˚⊹♡ SECOND POV.
"Amy, I don't need this much lip product in my life." You raised a brow as she handed you a heavy bag. "This is probably the same cost to feed a four member family for probably six months."
'And I could have used that cash to buy me a new pan after Cuphead stole it and brought it back all banged up....' You thought miserably as you remembered your lover rubbing his neck sheepishly and you getting irked, half a mind wanting to use the same said pan to smash his cup for a head, especially when he tried to give you a kiss to distract you from your anger.
"If you think you can kiss right after what you pulled, then you got another thing coming!" You stomp across the hallway to your room with Cuphead right behind you. You then slammed the door in his face calling from inside the room.
"Whaaa?! Sugar, I said I was sorryyy..." He exclaimed as you shut the bedroom door behind you.
"Suffer for the whole week!"
"Whaaa?! Toots, I said I was sorryyy..." He exclaimed from outside the door.
You both were new to this relationship. New, as in 6 months and he's been hanging around your apartment like an unofficial roommate. Despite your love for his chaos with everything around him, you were pissed at him for not asking your permission with your best pan.
It's been 5 and a half a day since the punishment and you knew he was keeping count while sulking. You can practically imagine his face at the bar.
"And that was my favorite pink pan too...." You mumbled, mentally shedding a tear at the thought of replacing that baby.
"Uh, did you say something?" Amy, the pink hedgehog tilted her head, confused.
"It's nothing." You shake your head. At least the rest of your kitchenware was still intact despite Cuphead's occupation. You looked down at the bag once again.
Perhaps you can sell them.
So you could buy yourself another pan.
"Well, if you say so...." She shrugged before she lets out a huge grin. "These aren't actually mine. They're from Rouge. She said that we could have them because she didn't like that they weren't transfer proof and easy to remove. I already got some of my own so you could get the rest."
"Amy, I'm already indecisive as it is when it comes to picking what's for lunch. What am I supposed with all this?" A faint sigh left you, as you had to carry another bag home.
"Hey, you never know, you can always want a few more choices! Who knows maybe you'll find some purpose for it or you could give them to someone else if you want." She pointed at you and smiled brightly and made a large gesture with her hands.
"Get creative!"
'''Creative huh....' You wondered, one brow lifting in skepticism. 'I'm quite minimal when it comes to make up but I'm the same as Rouge when it comes to lipsticks and how full proof they are so I don't have to reply every hour during work...'
Doesn't this mean you have to test try each one?
Because how else would you know if they're transfer proof?
Before leaving, she lifted up her large hammer over her shoulder before waving and winked. "Ciao~"
She then walks off, leaving you to your thoughts as you gazed once again at the bag filled with lip stuff.
Perhaps, Oona would like a few of these for her everyday wear.
"Get creative!"
You recalled Amy's words again and for what felt like a silent minute, a lightbulb then zipped on in your mind. You have heard of a small trend going on with some couples so this was your chance to try it out. A little bonus for Cuphead and his shenanigans.
Hm, maybe you got that impish influence from him.
"Well, I'm putting them to good use, aren't I...." You chuckled, a sense of cunningness appearing in your eyes.
Serves him right for destroying your pink pan.
THIRD POV.
"I told you you shouldn't have done that." Mugman, Cuphead's brother said blankly as he was wiping down glasses. "Ain't you a cup filled with rocks for brains?"
"Ey! It ain't even my fault, that asshole was the one who came swinging at me. He got what he deserved. I was only supposed to borrow it for the kitchen. It happened on reflex." Cuphead folded his arms and sulks as he watches the crowd around the bar chatter.
"Is borrowing and stolen the same word now?" His brother snarked as he narrowed his eyes at him.
"Geez, after all that, I do feel kinda bad okay." Cuphead admitted as he slumped onto a stool and softly slammed his head onto the counter. "I didn't even know she loved it that much. Must be because it's pink."
"Sounds to me, you should've known." Mugman quipped.
"Aren't you supposed to be comforting me as a brother?" He lifted his head and glared pointedly at him. "Cause, you're not helping."
"I'm simply stating the truth." He shrugged as he moved onto wiping the counter.
The porcelain red cup slammed his head onto the counter once again. "Not to mention, it's been five days and toots haven't given me any of her special kisses. I'm experiencing withdrawals."
"Ew."
"You're just jealous that your love life is stuck in books."
"I'm not the one keeping count of the days, am I?"
"Fuck you."
"How she deals with you, I have no idea..." Mugman sighed and shakes his head at his twin as he took up the next plate and wiped it down before pausing to look back at Cuphead. He raised a brow as he can practically a raincloud reigning above his twin's head. He sighed once more, about to give up.
Unbeknownst to Mugman, his words kind of hit a nerve.
Was he a selfish guy?
"Why don't you buy her another when your next paycheck comes in?" Mugman suggested, snapping his twin out of his state. "The boss might take some pity."
"Huh..." Cuphead mumbled.
That's an idea.
SECOND POV. — LATER THAT NIGHT.
"Toots, I'm back!" You overheard Cuphead's voice from the kitchen, cooking up some pasta. You then heard the creak of the door and his footsteps, signalling he was inside.
You took a deep breath, turning off the stove and prepared yourself for some Oscar-winning acting.
Seems it was time to put your plan into action.
"There you are...." His head appeared from the entrance of the kitchen before he walked in. Your heart skipped a beat for a second as you noticed his eyes lowered for a second into one of fondness unaware that he was internally breaking from you in an apron acting domestic as you drain the pasta.
"Oh, you're back." You took one glance at him before going back to shaking the excess water from the pasta before pouring it into a container.
"Welcome back, Cuphead."
Almost instantly, the said cup paused in his steps as he noticed a different air about you. However, he was in such an internal battle with himself of a mix of guilt and the thousands of apologies he wanted to throw at you except his mouth wouldn't move that way as he bit back those words.
The lack of your usual petname for him wasn't really helping.
"...Are you still mad at me?"
With your back turned to him, you shifted your head to glance at him while slamming the oven after placing the containers of pasta and tomato sauce with such an deadpanned expression that he can feel a slight sweat appearing on his forehead.
"What do you think?" You remarked blankly.
The atmosphere felt heavy as he felt something within him crack. You answered so indifferently that he felt like a ton of bricks were thrown at him, packed into a train, and running through him all at once.
Might be exaggerated but that was how he was feeling as he silently watches you untie your apron and place it back onto the hook before dusting yourself down oblivious to the bubbling of newfound desperation about to spill over.
'Am I selfish?'
"What do you want...."
He said it so quietly that you turned your gaze back to him in question.
'I don't wanna lose them.'
"What do I gotta do to make it up to you?" His voice rose making your eyes widen at the sudden change.
"Breakfast in bed? I'll let you win in Black Jack. I'll do the chores for 6 months or even a year. I'll even do the laundry stuff which we both know we hate. My coat? Yours. We both know you use it more anyways."
You listen to his rambles go on for a minute with eyes narrowed.
'That was easy....' You thought. 'I thought I'd have to slowly shift the subject to do this....'
"So you'll do anything?" You raise a brow, folding your arms acting skeptical.
"If ya want." He said in an instant.
"Anything?"
"Done."
Just had to make sure.
This isn't really what normal people would think of as "paying back."
The deals he made with other people were way worse than this.
"Rouge gave me and Amy these lipsticks and I needed someone's help to see if it looks good with me." You said so casually. Cuphead almos thought he grew a second head as he sat in the living room while you were holding a small shopping bag.
"Huh?"
You shrugged at the clear sight of his confusion playing it cool. "She said she wasn't sure about the colors so she gave it to me."
"Sooo, you're asking me for my opinion?" He squinted his eyes as if he was trying to process the information slowly.
It took half of your body to keep your mouth from twitching.
'This seems too easy....' The porcelain toon thought to himself. 'Thought she'd ask me to do something even more humiliating like I don't know making me wear a clown suit to work or put on a child safety leash....'
"Yes, however you're gonna be modelling it for me." You answered in a monotone manner.
"You mean I have to wear it?" You can see the light bulb above his head flicking trying to figure you out. "Well er...I mean, can't be as bad as the time me and Muggy were put into drag."
You shake your head, grabbing a random lippie from the bag. "Technically, wait, you've done drag?"
He shrugs.
'Information saved for later....'
"Well, anyways, you're partially right. But...."
You then uncapped a tube and placed a closed-eyed smile on your face before taking steps closer to him.
"Because, how else will I know if it's transfer proof?"
What.
"Consider it a small part of your compensation."
"I thought you put me on a ban for the week. Isn't this breaking your own rules?" he teased as you settled onto his lap, though his attention was far from the conversation. His gaze remained fixed on the lipstick gliding across your lips.
"But dear old Rouge and Amy wanted me to test these samples and report back as soon as possible," you replied, holding up a mirror to inspect your handiwork. After a moment, you stretched to place it atop the drawer beside the sofa, shrugging with feigned nonchalance despite the weight of his stare.
"If you do this, I'll shorten the punishment by a day."
His entire demeanor brightened.
"Really?"
The eagerness in his voice was almost endearing that you almost felt like putting a stop to all this.
Almost.
"Seriously." You answered back.
His eyes lit up like a child being promised an early release from detention, a grin tugging at his lips before he could stop it.
"Well, isn't this the easiest deal I ever made."
"I wouldn't really say that."
You commented with a mischievous smile as you flip the bag upside down and out what seems like about 36 lipsticks.
You could see the gears running through Cuphead as he stared at the samples for a minute.
"You little minx." He wore a shit-eating grin but you caught sight of the slightest pink appearing by his handle. "Didn't know you miss me too."
Oh dear Cuphead, you think you know it all.
You smiled with practiced innocence, cradling his cheek before pressing a lipstick-tinted kiss against his skin. When you drew back, a crimson imprint remained.
Perfectly matching the color starting to stain his porcelain face.
Color had already begun to bloom across his features, spreading from his cheeks to the tips of his cup handle like watercolor bleeding into paper.
Your eyes sparkled with barely concealed amusement.
"I don't know," you murmured, tracing a thumb lightly along his jaw. "Something tells me you're the one who's in danger here."
"Besides." You place a finger on your lips. "I said you can't kiss me for a week."
"Never did I say I was included, did I?"
You wicked thing.
'Ah shit.'
He didn't even realize until now that this was a trap from the start.
"You doing alright over there, Red?" you asked with maddening innocence, tilting your head as though you hadn't spent the last half hour turning his face into a living lipstick swatch chart.
'So now you call me Red....?'
For a little devil, Cuphead thought, you certainly knew how to put on an angel's act.
He shot you a look, one that was meant to be exasperated, but lost most of its bite when another wave of warmth crept up his neck. He could feel the inside of his cup just fizzing and bubbling out of embarrassment.
Before he could open his mouth, however, you placed another smooch on his cheek. You noticed his grip tightened on your waist ever so slightly with each kiss.
It was enough to betray how flustered he was.
The liquid in his cup fizzing wasn't making things any better.
'What an adorable quirk...' You giggled as you gazed at him, pink as you could almost see his eyes shift into little cute hearts.
'And it was a cute mauve pink this time.'
"Look how pretty you look." You smiled all too pleasingly as you placed two fingers beneath his chin to turn his head to the mirror on top of the drawer before giggling once more before letting out such a loud lovely laugh. "Perhaps, you wear it better than I do."
'This is complete absolute torture.' Cuphead whines internally as he watches you slowly go into full-blown laughter as if you know how much it was truly affecting him. When you guided his face to the mirror, he saw the scattered prints of different colors reflected on the glass, a colorful reminder of how he was at your mercy that he almost let out a groan. He felt hot and everything felt blurry.
Not to mention, tight.
'Even the Devil couldn't be this cruel....' He thought, head feeling mushed. He didn't know whether to thank the Celestials above or mentally curse you for being such a little gremlin, a side he didn't even know you had. You kissed him all over, even down to his neck.
All, except the one place he wants.
Goes to show how much he influenced you, he suppose.
"...How much more?" Cuphead's voice strained out.
"Hmm, about two more left." You hummed as you popped off the cap and allowed it to glide onto your lips as you squinted your eyes at the mirror.
His mouth felt dry as he watched you swipe it across your lips. The more he stares the more didn't know if he could last two or well one more day, if you were true to your word right after this. His mind almost went blank when he sees you wiping excess that went off your lips, leaving a small smear for a short moment.
He wanted to see it smeared because of him. On him? On you? He doesn't care, in fact, he wants both, he'd be grateful. He just wanted to grab you and throw you onto the couch and just kiss you already until you both melted into it.
Why can't he just have one?
Would it hurt to wait a couple of more days if he were to sneak in a kiss and break under your rule?
Or maybe you'll be even angrier with him. Another strike of guilt and shame hits him like a truck. You deserved to be mad. Besides, you put up so much with his presence, yet you went with this kind of torture method. He was spiralling down a hole filled with anxieties and fear.
'Celestials, just let me have one but don't let her leave me.'
"Uhh, Red?" You wince a little unaware of his internal conflict with his own angels and devils. "You're squeezing me."
"...Does this mean you forgive me?" He mumbled as he shifted his grip and let go of your waist slightly.
You tilted your head as you place down the lipstick, trying to catch what he said. It was silent for a second when you almost gasped when he pulled you closer for a hug.
"You won't leave me, right?" He turned his gaze up to you, his eyes shifting to the side.
You blinked, smile fading before coming to a realization and understanding what he means.
'Was he that worried....?'
'Shit, maybe I shouldn't have—' His mind went spiralling into different directions until he felt something warm land on his cheek.
You raised a hand to his cheek, gently cupping it as your thumb brushed over his skin with such tenderness. Without much of a thought, he lifted his hand to rest it over yours, pressing it even more into his cheek as he closed his eyes as if to anchor himself for a few more moments.
A quiet smile slowly blooms on your face, soft and unguarded, as you let your thumb trace his cheek again.
"You know I won't leave that easily right?" You responded softly as he opened his eyes to look at you. You reassured him gently. "It was just an accident anyway."
"Even if I get angry and need time to cool off."
"I'm yours and you're mine, right? Through better or worse."
Celestials, he was selfish but he wanted to stay by your side no matter what happens.
For a moment, it was silent between you both with neither of you moving. The atmosphere turned fragile like it was going to break if you breathe too loudly, a change from what was going on before.
Slowly, Cuphead moved. His gaze lingered as he lifted his hand and moved it to the back of your head, almost combing through your hair. You then finally noticed how close the gap between you two, shrinking as you both move closer.
You suddenly felt the room was too hot.
"...Just one." He mumbles as he moves.
It was quiet for a short moment before your eyes widened and you gently pressed a finger to his lips, a thought dawning on you as you placed on a small close eyed smile.
"Not for at least another 24 hours, big guy." You winked placing the kiss of the current lipstick to his neck as he almost groaned. He almost wanted to push back against those words but you stood up before he could do anything.
"Well, now that that's over, gonna take a shower." You stretched a bit, acting casual before leaving, heading upstairs.
As soon as the bedroom closed however, everything else felt exhausting as you slowly melted into the floor, pink in the face and legs all jelly and wobbly. It was then you were suddenly aware how fast your heartbeat was.
"Shit...." You placed your head onto your knees, head steaming.
'Perhaps, I went too far....'
Back downstairs, Cuphead was staring off into the distance, lost in his own world. He was quiet for a short while before burying his face in his hands with a sharp exhale, and dragging down his face.
"Fuck...."
And, everything still felt hot.
'Celestials, how I love that little vixen.' He sighed.
"We had one more to go too...."
Cuphead's gaze drifted toward the mirror beside the sofa. For a while, he simply stared. His cup was bubbling again as he gazed at his reflection. They should've felt more embarrassing as he studies the evidence of your handiwork left behind. Crimson, rose, and berry-colored imprints across his skin like scattered flower petals.
Less of a punishment and more like a win.
"I'm yours and you're mine, right? Through better or worse."
His porcelain feels warm. He drags a hand down his face again, fingers tracing his lips a second more.
Is it bad he wanted more than he should?
"Oh my fucking—" Cuphead swears. It was like when he looked over Mugman reading a romance novel and he made a comment. No way he has a territorial kink.
That would mean he owes him $21 bucks.
And he still has to buy you a pan.
"Not for at least another twenty-four hours, big guy."
The words took a moment to register and he just finally realized.
You shortened his punishment.
Slowly, a grin spread across his face, starting at the corners of his mouth before growing into something impossible to hide. He sank further into the couch cushions, looking entirely too pleased with himself and quickly forgot about his previous problems.
24 hours, not two days, he can recall quite clearly.
For a second, you can almost see his pupils shift into hearts again.
You better be ready.
These actions have consequences.
'I've lost many wagers, but I will gladly kneel before the Celestials if it means not losing you.'
₊˚⊹♡ 𝙎𝙔𝙉𝙊𝙋𝙎𝙄𝙎 : Ah...ToonTown, a place filled with wonders and ink. Lots of ink. Not to mention, it's a "fun" town filled with wacky characters and toons who seem to have "eccentric" personalities? They're great and all but why are you attracting this attention of these strange characters when you're just a bakery owner who's just trying to make a living...?
₊˚⊹♡ 𝚆𝙾𝚁𝙳 𝙲𝙾𝚄𝙽𝚃 : 4.9k words.
₊˚⊹♡ 𝚆𝙰𝚁𝙽𝙸𝙽𝙶 — mention of death, scare tactics and minor dive into implications of depression.
⋆.𐙚 ̊— MOTM!MODERN x FemaleBaker!Reader
₊˚⊹ ᰔ MINNIE'S POV.
When did our lives fell apart.....?
Was it the time my songs started getting noticed?
Was it after Ortensia's death?
Was it because we became too busy?
...Where did we go wrong, Mickey?
"Minnie!" I flinched as my head snapped up to meet the eyes of Daisy Duck. Once every couple of weeks, we meet with each other at the park to make conversations. She was one of my best friends along with Ortensia and we ranted and made conversations about different girl things.
However, ever since her passing, I felt as if there was a line between us somehow....
Yet, we still kept meeting up. She decided to call me yesterday and asked if we could meet up early this morning this time as she had something coming up later yet didn't want to miss our meet-up.
I tried to tell her that we could do a raincheck but she insisted on it so here I am.
Sitting on the park bench with Daisy who was supposedly ranting about her arguments with Donald.
"You're doing that thing again." The female duck toon remarks, placing a hand on my shoulder.
"...Oh?" Was all I can mutter as I stared out at the lake.
"You have that look in your eye." Daisy sighs and seemingly gazes at me wearily. "It's been 5 years, Minnie, I'm getting worried."
"Especially, after...." She trailed off and I could see the look of fear in her eyes and I immediately knew that she was talking about.
The time where I told her I needed a break from singing. She was so scared when she found me in my dressing room....
"If you want to, you could always return you know." She says quietly. There was no hiding from her.
"...I wish I could." I murmured, my voice drifting off. Somewhere distant, I can still remember the applause, the lights, and the cheers.
Mickey.
But, now they were only memories.
"But, I can't." I finished. I wasn't someone who could sing well anymore without fear. It was easier said than done. Each time I thought about singing, my voice felt like it was going to croak from remembering a life where we all used to be happy.
A time where he and I were happy.
"...If only she was here...." Daisy murmurs, staring off into the distance, saddened.
The atmosphere turned dull as we sat together and share a similar pain.
"Here, keep the rest of the pomegranates, I still have a lot back at the house." Daisy hands out a bag of pomegranates to me when we were about to leave. She said that she needed to go see Donald about a few things. "Feel free to make these into a snack of some sort."
I blinked in confusion as I looked at the pomegranates.
"I suppose I should eat them soon." I murmured as I walk through the quiet town street. I pulled myself together, I didn't want the fruits to go to waste I thought to myself as I peered into the bag once again.
"Now, what should I....." In what felt like a second, I bumped into someone and fell, bracing myself for the ground when I felt someone grab onto me.
"Are you alright?!" I open my eyes to see an unfamiliar toon who seemed to have a knack of carrying many bags whilst holding on to me.
"... I'm alright." I slowly answered as she brought me back up on my feet, however in that moment, I realized I wasn't holding onto the bag and looked down to find the pomegranates on the ground with the plastic bag torn apart.
"Oh dear, can't say the same for the pomegranates though...."
"I'm so sorry Miss! I'm usually not this clumsy." She bowed in apology and I was about to wave it off but paused.
'Does she not recognize me....?'
"To make it up to you, I have a spare tote bag at the bakery up ahead, however that means you'll have to come with me."
'I should apologize as well....' I thought to myself, giggling, softly. 'I wasn't watching where I was going....'
"I am at fault here too you know, however I'll take your offer since I have no idea how else I'm carrying these home." I gave a practiced smile.
"Then, I'll put these in my bags for now."
"Allow me to give you a hand." I bent down to also help pick them up.
"Ah right, thank you err..."
I held my tongue for a second almost saying my previous name.
"...I go by Minnie."
When I got back home, I immediately placed the bag of pomegranates on the coffee table, and sat back on the sofa letting out an exhale as looked up at the ceiling.
"Perhaps, I would have been better off as an actress instead of a singer." I chuckled humorlessly.
"I'll be taking that as a challenge, Miss Minnie."
I pressed a hand against my lips.
'Why did that make me smile....'
"Has it been that long since I became a hermit...." I muttered.
The hot cocoa.
I remembered it being warm and comforting, so much so that I almost felt like I was about to cry. It felt like a soft shawl wrapping around my cold hands, shielding me from a chill I hadn't even realized I was carrying. A hint of cinnamon she says, was that all there was to it?
Somehow, I feel like it wasn't.
"You know, you're a strange one, dearest Baker."
"Oh, I believe some people have told me the same. Perhaps, that's part of my charm?"
"She was so bubbly," I murmured as I leaned back on the sofa. The memory lingered in my mind, the easy laughter, and the animated gestures. The quiet apartment felt empty and lacked in comparison.
Perhaps it was a persona, perhaps it was not but she reminded me of someone that I used to be.
And when we danced, it reminded me of the happy times with Mickey, how he used to pull me into the living room after he got home, wearing a tired but relieved smile after his long day and hummed together as we spun around in laughter. He would drop his jingling keys onto the counter without looking, mumbling a complaint about work, then reach for my hands while switching on the record player.
So why didn't the memory ache as it usually did?
...It was strange.
"...You have a lovely voice."
She commented as if she knew what she was talking about. Making small giggles as we swayed together with the music in the background, one hand on my waist whilst holding my own. I was reluctant having to dance with her since two of the same sex? Uncommon.
....But, I had fun.
"Oh dear, seems we have to put a pause on that, dear friend, or your meal is charcoal." You let go of her at the sound of a kitchen timer as you went back to work.
"A dear friend, hm....." I murmured under my breath as I looked at my hand, the words slipping out almost absentmindedly. At the corner of my eye, I saw her tote bag she gave to me for my spilt pomegranates.
A design that not many would touch.
Brightly covered cupcakes.
"I've always felt happy watching my customers have a better day after eating what I bake. It gives me a sense of purpose. So if I can make their day just a little better, I spend time putting together recipes to keep the smile on my customers' faces."
In a way, I was envious of her.
"....But what if those recipes end badly?"
"Then, I return to try again. I've ruined batches before, and been afraid my recipes would never work. But, I'd rather try than wait to be fearless..."
"...What a fool." I mumbled, unaware of the corners of my lips lifting against my will.
₊˚⊹ ᰔ YOUR POV. — FRIDAY MORNING, AT THE MARKETPLACE.
"What lovely weather we're having...." You murmured. You were shielding your eyes using a sunhat from the warm morning sun. You got up early in the morning, made breakfast, fed the birds, took a shower, did some chores, and placed a notice at your bakery door.
The only thing left to do in your to-do list was groceries.
'I needed to buy some veggies also for dinner anyways....' You thought.
The extra $25 Sonic gave you as a tip for a mentally damaging quiche that made you happy and will most likely will come by for again?
Check.
I took a deep inhale before opening my eyes to the bustling marketplace. The sharp aroma mix of fruits, fish, spices, and the sizzling sound of grilled meat just hits right on your nostrils. A few colorful canopies hang around and stretch overhead in the area with vendors calling out prices with practiced enthusiasm and people bumping shoulders in the narrow aisles as they try to bargain.
A small chirp came from your side, making your eyes glance at your shoulder with a tiny smile. Today, Lemon was your companion, sitting on your shoulder. He was eager to accompany you as he wouldn't stop squawking and flying around you as you reached for the door at your apartment.
And you wonder why they call you the crazy bird lady.
"I swear you little shits are getting too spoiled....." You murmured as you start walking around. "Unbelievable."
Lemon chirped again and it felt like he was being smug causing you to get a tiny bit irked.
'Be thankful you're not big enough to roast.' You thought but kept it to yourself. You're already known as the bird lady at the apartment complex and you don't need it spreading out more in the open if you keep one-sidedly arguing with a bird that can't even talk.
"Strawberries! Get your strawberries! 35¢ per pint! Fresh and delicious!"
You look to the source, finding a stall in one of the aisles with wooden baskets filled to the brim with strawberries as the fruit vendor names their prices.
"I recall using the last of them on Monday for strawberry shortcakes..." You murmured as you took a step towards the stall. "I should restock on some bananas, mangoes...."
You began your shopping spree, unaware that somewhere else, your customers from yesterday were reminiscing about your beloved pastries only to find out your shop is closed.
₊˚⊹ ᰔ SONIC'S POV.
"WHAT, THEY'RE CLOSED?!!"
You can practically hear the birds cawing and flapping their wings away from the trees just from Amy's shrilling shriek. Not that I didn't understand her agony. We sent Knuckles and Tails this morning over to CozyBean's bakery to grab some snacks or well, early breakfast only for them to come back empty-handed.
"That's a shame..." I scratched my head as I watched Amy crash onto the floor. I wanted to order a couple of more of her quiche for a snack but it seems that changes some things.
"Well, that's nothing out of the ordinary." Rouge the Bat, Amy's friend was at her side trying to comfort her who was murmuring something incoherently about her beloved macarons. She was here with us for a visit while sneaking in some info from their side. "During this time, the owner tends to come up with new recipes to swap in their menu every week or restock on ingredients. They're independent so they're usually open 4 days a week."
"But, how do you know so much about this.." Amy tearfully pried her face from the floor to look at her friend who seems to be sweating.
"Er, well! I overheard one of their customers while I was there." She replied and twisted the topic.
Yeah, something tells me that wasn't true.
"I wanted another order of her apple pie...." Tails muttered as his robot arm tapped on his tablet, head down low.
"Her grape sponge cake was good..." Knuckles murmured.
"You're not the only one bud." I placed a hand on Tails' head and looked at the team before grinning. "Seems there's a change in the menu for today guys. Guess I'm having a chilidog..."
"Look at him acting cool as if he doesn't crave one of our dearest Baker's creations...." I hear Amy muttering, gazing at the floor.
"Seems I know who's on today's written report duty." I casually responded with a threat.
"You, cruel dictator!" Amy cried out. "And that's supposed to be your job!"
₊˚⊹ ᰔ YOUR POV.
Achoo!
You sneezed, pulling out a handkerchief to wipe your nose. Lemon looks at you, head tilted as if wondering if you were okay. It's not as if it was cold or chilly out so you wonder if it was simply dust.
"I'm fine Lemon, perhaps it's just some dust." You waved it off, as you placed back your hanky in your bag. "Which reminds me that I should grab some birdseed for you menaces..."
Your yellow bird chirped and flapped his wings startling you as he flew, leading you to a stall filled with seeds.
'This is the greed they talk about in the Bible...' You sighed as the bird landed on the vendor's head causing the guy to look up in bewilderment.
"You must be the bird's companion!" The vendor let out a booming laugh. He was a crow toon who seems to be in his early 50s and wore a pair of glasses.
"More so the other way around." I shake my head with a smile as I watch Lemon flutter around him chirping. "Seems he likes you."
"Birds of the same feather, what can I say?" The vendor says gruffly, his laugh drowning out the marketplace chatter for a brief moment. "An energetic friend you got here, missy."
"Been on my tail about food so it's not really a surprise..." You shrugged. "He has a brother and sister as well, Guacamole and Mango."
"Is that so?" The big crow grins as he fixes his glasses. "Well, the name is Sammy Seedsworth, the best man to see about seeds! Usually, it's for plants but seeing as we have a special guest here, I would be delighted to help you little friend."
The yellow bird chirps as he then lands on the vendor's shoulder.
'Look at him, sucking up to a supplier...' You stared pointedly at him.
"His name is Lemon." You answered with a sigh before smiling. "Sorry about him landing on your head as if you're a tree branch."
"No problem over here. He's a dear customer like the rest of ya!" He then looked at the bird. "So, which would you like today, my friend?"
Lemon chirps flying around the stall before landing on a sack filled with seeds. Sammy lets out a loud caw "Some pumpkin, is it? Good choice, my fellow bird! What do you say, Missy?"
Sammy turns his head to you and you shrug, before deciding to pull out your wallet. "I'll take a small sack of those then, Sammy. However, mind adding in another but a mix of sunflower and millet? I think my other two birds are fond of those."
The vendor grins, placing a hand on his waist while Lemon finally lands on your shoulder, most likely aware that you were about to leave soon.
"Understood, missy!" Sammy threw back his head and laughed through the sounds of caws. "You're a good owner, I tell you! I just feel it in my belly!"
You grinned affected by his infectious laughter. "Well, they do make my day more exciting."
"That I hope they do!" The crow vendor brightly smiles. He then glances at Lemon.
"Keep an eye on your companion, fellow friend! Keep her on your claws." He winks. "Remember the hand who feeds you!"
Lemon flaps his wings while squawking as if he understood his words.
'What a suck up.....'
"And just for that, my little bird of the same feather, I'll give you a 10% discount!"
'Never mind. I'll let you go. Lemon, I love you so much...'
"I hope to see you and your fellow friend soon, little missy!" The seed vendor waves you off from his stall.
"You will!" You called back, waving as well as you strolled off then looked to the yellow bird on your shoulders. "You know, Lemon, what do you say to a little treat for you and your little Winglings?"
The said bird chirps in response.
You then went to another fruit stall. With stars in your eyes, you gazed in awe as you could tell that they were as fresh as they can be as you took up one apple to examine.
"Perhaps, I should make myself some apple crumble...." You murmured placing a hand under your chin. "The peaches, look at their shine! Oh and the oranges! They smell lovely, think of what I can do with those! A chiffon cake for the menu...."
"Take your pick, dear."
You flinched as you looked up to see a woman in orange pigtails staring right at you.
"Oh dear, apologies, Miss! I must be distracting your business!" You bowed in apology.
The woman giggles. "It's fine dear. In fact, I've never seen anyone get this excited for fruits. I think you're the first."
"O-Oh, is that so?" You smiled sheepishly.
"Indeed, pleasure is mine, Miss Clementine." She introduced herself with a twirl and a giggle. "Take your pick, dear, grab as many as you like."
"I would love to, Miss." You sighed as you think about your shopping bag. It was big and you have quite the strength, not to brag. But you knew you wanted to order them in bulk and you still had to take a bus back which means you don't know if you can handle the stares and glares from the other passengers with the pile of boxes.
"But, the problem is I would love a huge box to bring back and it would be quite difficult for me." You explained, shaking your head. "I'll have to come back next week for the rest."
"Oh, that's quite the conundrum you have, dear." Miss Clementine places a finger on her chin and hummed before beaming. "Hm, if that's the case, why don't we deliver it to you?"
"You can do that?" Your eyes widened as you stare at the vendor.
She nodded with a smile. "We can indeed! My brother makes delivery by truck once and a while for me and a couple of the vendors if you'd like. You just have to pay a small fee."
"I would love that!" You responded in excitement, just thinking of the many experiments you can do with those fruits.
She takes out a piece of paper and pen and hands it to you. "Just write down an address here and we'll deliver it later."
You wrote down the address to your bakery immediately before handing it back to her before pointing out the fruits, and order them in bulk before pulling out your wallet and setting down payment.
You might've gone over budget but it was all for a good cause.
"So when can I expect—"
"HEY! GET BACK HERE!"
"Ah, shit."
In what felt like a second, you felt yourself spinning around like a toy top as a blur rushed past you, when you finally stopped, your eyes were spinning in opposite directions as your head was in a dizzy.
"Oh dear, are you alright?" Miss Clementine asked you worriedly.
You shake your head to get rid of the stars. "...I'm good, what about you, Lemon?"
"Lemon?" You look to your shoulder only to see it empty before your eyes zoom into a bright yellow object sticking on a guy's coat?
"LEMON!" You ran and chased after the bird.
"GET HIM!" A bunch of thug-looking guys then rushed past the stall.
Ms. Clementine pressed fingertips onto her lips as she watches these shenanigans all go down, as if it was just a normal day in the market.
"It'll be delivered by tomorrow if you want to know!" The fruit vendor calls out after you casually while you chase after Lemon to which you barely heard.
'Oh my Celestials, this guy is fast as fuck!' You thought as youbl dodge through crowds while holding bags and your hat.
"Hey, mind slowing down?! You got something of mine!"
You saw the toon look back before he turned his back in front of him and start to run faster.
"Stop!"
The guy takes a turn, running into an alleyway to which you followed unaware that a couple of guys that were chasing after him ran past you both.
As you walked through the narrow dark alleyway looking around trying to find the toon who took Lemon, intentionally or not, you were gonna sock him in the face when you first see him for taking your bird.
You were about to come out empty when you felt a hand pressed against your mouth startling you before pressing you against the wall with their body.
"Mmph!"
"Shush, if you don't wanna get caught with me." The voice quietly said above you.
"What does that—" You felt utterly horrified.
"What does that—" You felt utterly horrified until a finger was held in front of your mouth again.
"Shh!"
"Where'd he go?!" You heard voices and footsteps coming from afar during this silence. Most definitely coming from outside this alley.
"Find him!"
"Right, boss!"
Another set of footsteps were heard for a few minutes more before the sound of them slowly disappeared.
Once they are completely gone, the guy takes their finger off your lips as you finally get a look at the guy who took away your bird and immediately lift your leg to do a hard kick.
This only resulted in a whistle as the guy caught your kick.
"That's some move you got there..."
He wore a dark turtleneck and a brown coat paired with pants as if late morning sun wasn't torturing him at the slightest. You then blinked at the sight of his face made of porcelain and shape as a cup with a bent red straw sticking out of his head.
Which reminded you of a certain someone.
'He has quite the build...' You observed for a second before internally shaking your head. You shook your foot off his grasp. 'You're missing the plot here, girlie....'
'Something tells me I made a mistake.' Since he looks like he was built like a truck that will just run you over in a second and KO you. You immediately begin to sweat. 'If these are my survival instincts, remind me to never ever delude myself that I can join the ranks in the mafia....'
"Gotta say that's some fiery reflex you got over there toots!" The toon grins as he dusted himself down before shoving his hands into his pocket.
"Now, does that mean you're part of that stall?" He took a step closer, his grin getting darker as you mentally felt yourself shaking. "Whatever your answer is will say if you can leave here alive."
"..." You took a deep breath.
"Bitch, what."
You can hear crickets for what felt like a few minutes as those words slip out. And you felt like you just messed up and wanted to grab those words and shove them back into your throat.
"Huh?" The guy blinks.
There's no going back.
"I have no idea who you're talking about." You stepped forward and pointed a finger into his chest, glaring at him. "I went through that chase to get back Lemon, my yellow pet bird who got stuck to you during whatever you were doing!"
"I have no idea who you're talking about." You stepped forward and pointed a finger into his chest, glaring at him. "I went through that chase to get back Lemon, my yellow pet bird who got stuck to you during whatever you were doing! Why would I care about some thugs hanging around you? I just want my bird back."
"Lemon!" You instantly raised your hands to grab him only for him to raise him higher out of your reach.
"Ah, ah, ah." He smirked as he firmly held the yellow bird. "How can I be sure ya won't tell anybody what happened around here?"
'What do you mean? I remember nothing. I can enact amnesia if you'd like. Saw nothing. Hear nothing, nada.'
"I have no idea what you're talking about." You put on a poker face. "It's not like anyone will ever believe me."
"Right, but as much as I am a gambler, I ain't willing to risk that. Too much of a gap in-between." He replied casually. "Someone dear to me, would punch me in the face if I leave something behind."
You felt a chill ran up your spine.
"What do you say to a little bet?" You saw that gleam in his eyes making you sweat a little. "Either way, if it helps ya feel any better, you'd still leave this alley alive."
"What's the catch?"
"If you win, you're good to go and I'll trust your words you won't tell a soul."
"And if I lose, the little birdie over gets to my little hostage." He grins, wiggling poor Lemon, who was cawing with rebellion. "Unless, you both wanna be together forever."
'No fucking way, no one is killing the bird unless it's me on a fucking island playing naked and afraid and I have to resort to a small roasted bird to munch on.'
"What's your game?" You question.
He snaps his finger. "Glad ya came to, toots. Saw you buy a buncha cherries a while ago. And, I was sent here to buy some to make our drinks you see. So, I bet I can guess where they are between those veggies and fruits in that big bag of yours."
You sweated. 'But, how much did he watch...'
"I can see those thoughts of yers just tinkering." He remarks, raising a brow. "Wanna take that chance?"
"..." You exhaled and held out your hand. "It's a deal."
Instead of shaking on it however, he took your hand and placed a kiss on it as if it were a casual greeting making your eyes widened and almost felt an eye twitch with disgust.
"You'll need all the luck you can get, toots."
As he lets go of you, you wore a straight face as you rummage through your grocery bag and pulled out a bottle of alcohol and sprayed the back of your hand.
"Really treating me like a germ huh, toots?"
"I suggest we get on with the game." You said as a response, acting calm before putting down your grocery tote. "That is if you don't want to be found."
"Hmm..." He shrugged, before examining the four large bags inside. "If ya say so."
"I'll pick that one." He pointed to one bag filled with vegetables. "If it were a normal day, those should be in between those bags of fruits of yours, except you stopped at the stall selling cherries after buying vegetables. Not ta mention..."
"Birdie of yours has been staring at that bag in particular." He finishes, he looks at the bird sitting on his palm, who seems to be sweating at the said brown package.
"Lemon, you birdbrain...." You muttered under your breath as you bent down to pull open the bag to show him.
"Well, toots, seems like ya los—"
"You're wrong." You interrupted, as your expression slowly shifted into a practiced smile.
He blinked, clearly caught off guard, grin sliding off his face.
"That would have been correct..." You explained as you opened the bag to show him, which were only filled with carrots, potatoes, and cabbages.
"Except, they're in his stomach."
"...What." The porcelain toon deadpanned.
You showed the bottom of the bag where a small tear was, the size of a small ball to fit in.
"Figured he'd get to them by now, so decided to take the chance." You sighed in relief or was it frustration.
It was both.
And now you need to buy more again.
"Wait, but how..." He trails off as you put it back in the grocery bag as Lemon flies from him and lands back on your shoulder.
Cue him proudly spitting out a cherry pit.
"No clue either." You shrugged as you walked past him. "It's one of the Three Great Mysteries between my birds."
"You lose, Red." You tapped his porcelain face as a gesture of victory as he was still gobsmacked from the whole thing before leaving the alleyway.
A small gust of wind swept the alleyway as the porcelain toon stood there absolutely speechless before murmuring.
₊˚⊹♡ 𝙎𝙔𝙉𝙊𝙋𝙎𝙄𝙎 : Ah...ToonTown, a place filled with wonders and ink. Lots of ink. Not to mention, it's a "fun" town filled with wacky characters and toons who seem to have "eccentric" personalities? They're great and all but why are you attracting this attention of these strange characters when you're just a bakery owner who's just trying to make a living...?
₊˚⊹♡ 𝚆𝙾𝚁𝙳 𝙲𝙾𝚄𝙽𝚃 : 5.1k words
₊˚⊹♡ 𝚆𝙰𝚁𝙽𝙸𝙽𝙶 — implications to gender roles since everyone has their opinions and I will respect that.
⋆.𐙚 ̊— MOTM!MODERN x FemaleBaker!Reader
₊˚⊹ ᰔ YOUR POV — WEDNESDAY MORNING.
After your little mishaps earlier, you had to jumpstart baking pastries before looking for a bag for the pomegranates. You set out a couple of kitchen timers too make sure just in case you were too occupied. Since that little accident, it has deepened your hatred for plastic bags even more as you mentally cuss out each plastic bag out there, mumbling how you want them all disentegrated from a mere flick from a finger.
Too much? There is no such thing as too much hate as long as it's valid.
'Inviting someone to the bakery when it isn't even open yet feels weird.' You thought as your eyes slid to the side to check on Minnie who was seated at the farthest booth away from the window whilst you search for your spare totebag. 'The air feels too awkward, and I still want to offer her a meal as an apology.....'
'What do I even prepare for her?'
Oh, you found the bag.
And of course it was covered in brightly colored cupcakes.
At that point, both kitchen timers began beeping as you head to take them out and place them down swiftly to cool before putting in the next batch before clapping your hands and placing in the pomegranates in the tote.
"You're lucky, you're the first customer I ever brought this early." You put on a smile as you brought over the bag of pomegranates. Minnie blinks and looks up to see you holding it and placing it on the table. "Sorry, this was all that I got, is that alright?"
"....It's fine." She nods her head, smiling softly.
"Just to make sure, you're not allergic to anything are you?" You asked, scratching your cheek sheepishly. "I would hate for your pretty face to have an even worse day. “Wouldn’t want a face as pretty as yours dealing with more trouble."
"Oh, you flatter me." She chuckled and fiddles with her hands. "Not that I can think of, however, perhaps, I'll get back to you after the meal."
You laughed and went behind the counter and took out a jar of cocoa powder, cinnamon, and whipped cream whilst also getting some milk in the mini fridge. "Better not jinx it in front of the baker."
With your back turned to her, you mixed in cocoa powder with some hot water before watching as the milk froth as you held it under the steam wand. You turn to take a glance at Minnie whose gaze seem to pointing at something. You followed her eyes and caught them looking at the record player.
"Seems you have quite the eye for music." You commented, smiling wistfully to yourself as you make conversation. "It was a gift from my late uncle. After he passed, my auntie handed that and his vinyls, told me that he was passing it down to me."
"I'm sorry for your loss." Minnie said quietly, who seem afraid that she approached a touchy subject.
"Don't be. He passed away peacefully and he has given my auntie plenty of happy memories to remember just as she said." You turned and gave a close-eyed smile before it shifted to a nostalgic expression.
"My auntie was quite the firecracker. My uncle was the only one who can weather her storm." You laughed as you began to remember. "She was a baker, much like myself. She taught me the basics in baking, however, it appears I didn't get her side of coming up with the horrendous concoctions. Ever heard of raspberry jam and sardines packed into a slice of bread?"
Even Minnie's face barely kept from scrunching up.
You break out into giggles as you poured in the milk before mixing it. "Neither did I until she made me try it. My uncle was the only survivor from those baking adventures."
"They seem to be quite the odd couple." Minnie blinks as she listened.
"I like to think that goes for every pair, don't you think, Ms. Minnie ? Part of the charm." You grinned, eyes glinting with a amusement.
"Every couple of days with our baking lessons, however, I stumble upon them dancing in the living room at night. Their music was enough for me to look and wonder what's going on." You hummed. "They were playing some music and humming along as they danced. She was laughing and having fun, and I didn't want to disturb that."
You continued as you put back the things. "After he died, she mourned for him for a couple of months but managed to pick herself back up and continued to teach me to bake. She wanted to do everything she can so that later on she'd be happy to meet him later and tell him stories."
"As she always say, "'A baker's hands should always be dusted in flour to tell a story.'"
"She seems to be a wonderful woman." Minnie smiles, resting a chin on her hand, eyes soft from listening.
Yet, why did she still seem sad?
"That she is." You finished, taking note of it as you walked over to her and placed down her drink. "Since it's a bit chilly, have some cocoa. Funny to say, aunt's recipe."
As she took a sip of her drink, you were unaware of her face slipping into one of ponder as you crouch down and opened the drawer right below the record player.
"May I ask you something....?"
"Hm, go on...." You responded as you flipped through some vinyls unaware of her gaze looking towards you.
"Do you love baking?"
You paused, silent for a few seconds before turning to look at her.
Did you?
WHEN ARE YOU COMING HOME?
You mentally shake your head, pushing back your thoughts into the back of your mind as you prepared to answer.
"Of course I do." You answered seriously with a tilt of your head, remembering all that you've been through as your lips curled up into a huge grin. "It's been with for as long as I can remember."
"Also, I've always felt happy watching my customers have a better day after eating what I bake. It gives me a sense of purpose."
"So if I can make their day just a little better, I spend time putting together recipes to keep the smile on my customers' faces."
"....But what if those recipes end badly?" Minnie looked down at her lap.
"Then, I return to try again." You answered instantly and shrugged. "I've ruined batches before, and been afraid my recipes would never work. But, I'd rather try then wait to be fearless."
You then stood up, dusting yourself as you held up a vinyl and placed it in. The record player crackled to life as the needle kissed the vinyl, filling the air with soft music.
♬⋆.˚ Fools rush in where angels fear to tread
You then held a hand out, face beaming whilst watching Minnie's expression shifted into confusion at the sudden request.
"What about it? Call it a memory to add to look back and remember?"
"...But, aren't we both girls?" Minnie questions reluctantly.
"Pish posh, to those old gender stereotypes." You waved it off. "If you still question it, then call it a dance of a newly made friendship."
"Oh, and we're friends now?"
'Ah shit, maybe I went too far and just pushing my luck.' You sweated buckets internally at your boldness as you watch her gaze at your hand. 'Maybe this was a bad idea after all....'
"Well Ms. Minnie, if you'd like to be." You answered. "I like to leave a good impression if I can for my customers."
"However, if you're uncomfortable..."
"Hm, you'll have to stop calling me Miss first, if we must continue this friendship..." She hums and places her hand on yours and stood up with her lips curled. "I suppose, why not...?"
♬⋆.˚ And so I come to you, my love, my heart above my head
Though I see the danger there,
If there's a chance for me, then I don't care
Your ears perked up at the sound of Minnie singing though it was barely a whisper, as you slow dance together and you twirled her around.
"Platonically", guys.
"You have a lovely voice." You commented as you swayed with the music.
"...Why, thank you." She pauses before mentioning the drink with a smile. "Your aunt makes good cocoa."
"The hint of cinnamon does the trick." You playfully glared. "And how rude, and I went all through all that just to apologize."
She giggles softly.
♬⋆.˚ Fools rush in
Where wise men never go
But wise men never fall in love
So how are they to know
You open your mouth to speak when all of a sudden a beeping noise echoes from the kitchen causing your atmosphere to fall and hands to break off.
"Oh dear, seems we have to put a pause on that, dear friend, or your meal is charcoal." You smiled in apology and go straight to the kitchen, speed walking. "That would hurt my pride as a baker."
As you leave, you were oblivious to Minnie's dilemma as she stared and flexed her hand as you walk away.
♬⋆.˚ When we met
I felt my life begin
So open up your heart and let
This fool rush in
When you appeared again outside the kitchen, you were holding up a tray with Minnie back in her seat. The record player turns silent shifting the warm atmosphere. Despite that, the air seems friendlier than a while ago when you first came in.
"Here you are, a CozyBean croissant with a dollop of cream on top and powdered, for extra sweetness." You presented it with a flourish as Minnie clapped, clearly playing along with your act.
"It looks decent."
"Decent?" You gasped dramatically and pulled a handkerchief from the front pocket of your apron to wipe the non-existent tear from your eye for an added effect. "My dear customer, I don't know if my heart can take more of this slander!"
"Forgive me, dear Baker." Minnie laughs before she takes a bite of her croissant, humming in delight at the warmth and freshness of the pastry.
"...Well, how does it taste?"
'If you say it's terrible, then this apology has been the worst. If it doesn't taste like my blood, sweat, and tears, figuratively speaking, then I have failed and I'll have to call my aunt and ask her to be the one to deal with ashes and urn jar because she has a better sense of taste than I do, especially in baking—'
"Warm..." She answered as the corners of lips lifted slightly with fondness.
"Then, I'll take it that I succeeded?" You grinned.
She hummed and continued to chew.
Oh yeah.
As soon as Minnie left, you were washing dishes in thought as you recalled her words as she walked away.
"You know, you're a strange one, dearest Baker." Minnie turns to look at you one last before she leaves.
"Oh, I believe some people have told me the same." You tilted your head at her comment before sheepishly grinning. "Perhaps, that's part of my charm?"
She hum and takes out a pomegranate to hand it to you. "Keep one, as my apology on my part. And as for that answer, perhaps it is, you seem like the type of toon who's unaware of the control she has."
"What do you mean?" You blink, confused by her words.
However, all she did was smile and walk away, her voice drifting away as her figure grew smaller.
"Hope to see you again soon."
"I would also say she's strange but as I say it I feel like I'm the clown." You mumbled as you scrubbed the plates. You felt your senses slightly dulled remembering you almost breaking your persona when she asked you if you loved baking.
WHEN ARE YOU COMING HOME?
'I had to remember useless things...' You click your tongue.
Your senses picked as you glance at the side to see a shadowy figure by the door and went to open to see a familiar blue mug.
"Oh, Mr. Mugman! Aren't you early once again?" You laughed at a sight of a familiar face, thankful for his presence, helping you forget your dilemma.
"Your bakery does live up to its name. A great place to relax with some coffee." He chuckled as I gave way for him to step in.
"That's a lovely thing to hear coming from a dear customer!" She beamed and winked. "Such flattery, your girl must be quite lucky."
Ok, maybe that's just overdoing it.
₊˚⊹ ᰔ YOUR POV — THURSDAY NIGHT PRESENT DAY
Perhaps, you were too overbearing that day, now that you look at it even though, he didn't seem to mind or noticed, whichever one of the two. You rambled your ass out when you noticed he was carrying one of your favorite novels, Pride and Prejudice that his coffee cooled down and he wasn't able to savor much of his down time.
Perhaps that was the reason he didn't come in today.
You still feel sorry for your actions that time, though was thankful at the same time for the distraction. Even wrote him a note if you both can share some book recommendations.
"But that confession scene though...." you muttered giddily to yourself as you squeezed your rag, removing excess water while fangirling before wiping down the tables. It was 8:45pm, which means it was almost time to clock out.
"Is this the place....?" You overheard the murmurs before the shop bell chime, making you look over. Your face appeared wide-eyed for a short moment at the small group of people who came in.
And from the sounds and looks of it, they seem like important figures.
"Sonic, we don't have time for this! I still have to get back to the team!" A black hedgehog toon was gritting his teeth as he was dragged into the bakery by the neck by a blue hedgehog who you assume was Sonic.
'Oh, I think I know who these people are...' You began to sweat when you overheard the name.
"Lighten up, buddy! I'm the one treating us all! Nothing wrong taking a break before our night patrol." 'Sonic', the blue hedgehog chuckles while he walks around the shop.
"Woah, this would be a nice place to chill!"
"I overheard from Rouge that they serve the best cakes here. Even the air smells delectable." A pink hedgehog pops up, carrying a comically large hammer. "I've wanted to try their macarons for a while now."
"Given the distance while we were on a case earlier, it was a good 5 minutes away, which isn't too bad compared to the times you craved sushi or lobster." An orange two-tailed fox then entered the shop, who was holding a tablet and had a robot arm popping from his bag.
"Hey, leave me be!" The pink hedgehog puff her cheeks. "Can't a girl just crave sushi once in a while?"
"Those 'once in a whiles' made us get a write-up and miss significant seminars."
"Well, the quicker we order, the faster we could start patrol." A red echidna chimes in, wearing a stern look, stretching a bit. "My back's been killing me...."
"Ooh, do you wanna come with me and Rouge, at our next day off then, Knuckles?" The pink hedgehog glances at the red echidna who yoi assume was Knuckles.
From their badges, you could tell immediately who they were.
Toontown's defense department.
And you know for a fact, that Sonic was head of the team according to your auntie, who told you about the town before you moved. You remember her talking about someone by the name of Sonic who runs the Department of Defense and was one of the Stars.
Who are the rest?
Can't say you listened completely, cause you remember drifting to sleep 3 minutes later during that lecture.
'One of the Stars is here....'
'Dammit.' You felt yourself shed a tear in the inside, as you paused from wiping the tables. 'Am I even fit to serve them? My cheeks have been hurting from smiling all day.'
'We ball...'
You cleared your throat causing them to turn around to look at you. For a second, you almost flinched as you switch to your work persona.
"Welcome to CozyBean Bakery!" You grinned, sweating internally. "You folks managed to catch me right before the shop closes."
"I don't see anyone else here. Do you run this establishment by yourself?" The fox raises his brows in surprise.
"That I do." You chirped as you proceeded to step behind the counter before tightening the ties of your apron. "You defense team all seem to had quite the hectic day."
"Oh, are you another fan?" Sonic lets go of the black hedgehog who clicked his tongue right after he mentioned that.
Must've had a bad experience.
Poor guy.
'Fuck no, in fact I'm scared of you lot....'
"More so respect your team for your hardwork." You laughed. "Thank you for your services to this town."
"This is the first time I've ever heard a toon say it to our faces. Oh my Celestials, I love her already." The pink hedgehog grabbed her cheeks before taking hold of your hands, smiling. "You look like you could be a girl's girl."
'NOPE, NOPE, NOPE, NOPE, FUCKING NO. STAY AWAY. I NEED TO DISTANCE MYSELF....'
"....Err, in what way?" You questioned with a sweatdrop, tilting your head with a shut-eyed smile.
She squealed, taking hold of your cheeks. "You are just so adorable. I wanna keep you in my pocket."
'...Said the wrong thing, huh...'
"Settle down, Amy." Knuckles, the red echidna gripped the pink hairs' shoulder. "You're scaring the poor girl."
"It's alright. I welcome even the most eccentric customers." You gently pried yourself out of her hands, shaking your head with a smile. "I like to think that's ToonTowns normal."
Amy squealed again.
"Maybe, you should up those standards...." The fox murmured as he looks at his tablet causing Amy to point a glare at him.
"Shut up, Tails!"
Oh, his name is Tails, how ironic.
You chuckled before clearing your throat once again holding up a notepad and pen to list their orders. "So what would you all like to order?"
"5 of your macarons please and cup of CozyBean's cinnamon cocoa!" Amy raises a hand.
"A slice of your apple pie, please, and a glass of lemonade." Tails replied as he took a step away from Amy's bright energy.
"Frozen green grape sponge cake." Knuckles says quietly.
"Alright Mr. Knuckles for the grape sponge cake." You wrote them down.
"How did you know my name?"
"What do you think? She's been listening to us earlier." Tails remarks.
You blinked at their banter and let out a small giggle.
"Mr. Knuckles." You pointed to the red echidna. Then turn to the pink hedgehog who giggles. "Ms. Amy."
"Even just from appearance, I believe you're Mr. Tails." You nodded to the orange fox who nodded right back to you.
"I don't believe he mentioned his name." You look towards the dark hedgehog, who was folding his arms and grunted.
"Shadow."
"Mr. Shadow." You hummed and finally found yourself gazing at the blue hedgehog.
"What about me, sweetheart?" The blue hedgehog pointed to himself while wearing a grin.
"And who could possibly forget the leader of the defense team, Mr. Sonic himself." You smiled politely.
"Flattered." He laughed and gave a thumbs up. "You seem to know a lot about us."
"Overheard your names." You shrugged. "And I would prefer well-informed before I moved here."
"I love her...." Amy quietly squeals again.
"Amy...." Knuckles sighed.
"Now will you both be ordering anything?" You tapped you pen against your notepad.
"Shadow will be having one of your raspberry tarts." Sonic pointed to Shadow. "Add in a glass of water for me please."
You paused from writing and looked up. "Will you not be ordering something to eat, Mr. Sonic?"
He shakes his head with a smile. "Nah, not a big fan of sweets. Might make me stay up later than usual anyway."
"Is that so?" You hummed in thought and clicked your pen. "Alright, then...."
You repeated their orders, checking for confirmation and in response was met by nods and a grunt coming from Shadow before Sonic steps in to place to pay.
While you were plating, the group settled down by a booth and made some small conversations, some of the things relating to the place as you unconsciously listened in.
"Woah, they even have a record player." Amy pointed out to which Sonic also whistled. "That's so cool..."
"How retro..." Tails quietly commented but smiled as it wasn't a bad thing.
"You folks are welcome to play, if you like!" You called out from behind the counter. "The vinyls are in the drawer below!"
"Neat." Sonic grinned and got up, walking towards said record player and fiddled with some vinyls before whistling once again. "You got some great stuff."
"Most of it were from my uncle despite my old soul." You remarked, smiling. "Can't take all the credit."
Sonic smirks and stood up and places in the vinyl and needle. The record player hums and crackles before a soft melody drifts in the air creating a cozy and relaxing atmosphere.
♬⋆.˚ If I go a million miles away
I'd write a letter each and every day
Amy closes her eyes as she settles and softly sways with the tunes. Never has she ever been to a bakery this late at night and felt so peaceful. It fel so worth it.
♬⋆.˚ Make me weep and you can make me cry
See me coming and you can pass me by
But honey, nothing, nothing
Can ever change this love I have for you
Sonic smiles, his laidback persona at peace as he sat back with the group, clearly happy at the music he chose.
The rest of the team seemed to be at the same state as you walked up towards them holding up two trays with the careful experience you've gain throughout the years. Even Shadow seemed at ease as his eyes were also closed and shoulders loosened.
"Your orders everyone." You answered with practice, as you placed each one in front of them carefully and correctly with the proper utensils. The cozy atmosphere around them seem to have broke as they gazed in awe at their food.
"Oh my Celestials, they all look amazing...." The pink hedgehog whispers, silently drooling at the macarons.
"Indeed..." Tails says quietly.
Even Knuckles and Shadow seem stunned.
As you walked back to the counter, you didn't realize Sonic's eyes following you silently in slight confusion.
Amy notices as she's chewing and looks down to see what look like a slice of pie in front of her leader.
"Oh, I thought you didn't order anything."
"I didn't...." He raised a brow and stood up. He carries his plate with him back to the counter making you look up to see him scratching his neck. "Hey, I'm all about gifts and freebies, but if you can package this pie right up....."
"It's a quiche."
"Uh, what...." He raised a brow in amusement.
You shrugged, placing down your rag. "It's a chicken quiche. I didn't want you to feel left out of your bunch. Don't worry, it's not sweet. It's a recipe I thought of adding with the bakery for a while. So I thought of you test trying it for me if it's good enough."
"But, the payment...."
"On the house since it's technically not on the menu, I'm sure you were wondering why I was a while longer." You grinned. "You deserve a treat anyway, don't you think?"
The blue hedgehog blinks momentarily stunned before shifting in a few seconds.
"Ain't you just using me then?" Sonic smirks.
'Well, now that you say it like that, it sounds bad.'
"If you end up in the hospital, it's on me Mr. Sonic." You raised your hands before opening your eyes to look at him. "But for some reason, I highly doubt that."
The blue hedgehog toon hums and grins. "If you say so, you'll be paying for my mental damage as well with the help of the Department of Justice when that happens."
"When? Is that a threat Mr. Sonic?" You narrowed your eyes playfully.
'Please don't, I've spent enough money on birdseed.'
He chuckles as he steps away. "Take it as you will."
₊˚⊹ ᰔ SONIC'S POV.
As I sat back down, I instantly noticed my teammates eyes on me. Must've been wondering what we were talking about. I could see Amy smiling, clearly up to mischief as I took up my fork.
"I thought you didn't like sweets, boss." She mocked me. "Don't tell me you got sweet-talked by our angelic baker?"
"Cut it out, Ames." Knuckles mutters.
Tails looked up, listening in.
"Not whatever you're cooking up Ames. Apparently, she wanted me test try her recipe. Said it wasn't a sweet." I answered truthfully, leaving the rest out. "Not a pie, it's a quiche."
"I wanna try." Amy steals Tails' fork causing him let out a "hey!".
"Nuh-uh." I playfully hold it away. "Who was just badmouthing me earlier? She asked me to taste test. If you have a problem, take it up with our dear Baker."
Amy pouts and goes back to eating her macaron sulkily. "Mean leader."
"Heard that."
"You were supposed to!"
I sighed, smiling at my crew before slicing a piece and taking a bite. As soon as I chew, the creamy filling practically melted in my tongue, warm and savory. I could taste the smoky chicken and the lingering aftertaste of cheese. The added crust added this crispiness with the rich flavor.
Heck, it might be the same level as a chili dog.
Shadow must've noticed my state of bliss as he his brow rose in question, making a glance at me. "What's going on with you now?"
"I'm in heaven." I swallowed and muttered as I cut up another piece.
"Idiot." Shadow shakes his head as he continues eating his raspberry tart, however, I paid no mind.
I was convinced this wasn't food anymore. It was practically a spiritual experience.
I turn to catch a glimpse of her who seemed to catch on as one of her eyebrows rose. I gave her a thumbs up in approval and a nod.
Her eyes lit up as she gave this huge beam, giving me an ok sign.
'Cute...'
"Sonic, we have to leave soon or we'll get written up again."
'Leave me be and let me ascend.'
I was barely paying attention as I was still chewing.
₊˚⊹ ᰔ YOUR POV.
You were supposed to distance yourself from these people, how the hell did this happen?
"If you ever want to hang out with me and Rouge for a girl's out." Amy winks at you as she places a napkin on your hand while Sonic was talking to the others.
Who even was Rouge...?
"Oh well...." You trailed off, but the pink hair was already out the door.
"Don't mind Amy, that's just how she is." Knuckles shrugs, as he also walks through the door. "The grape cake was great by the way."
"Thanks..." You sweatdrop while wearing a smile.
"You have to tell me the ratios for each ingredient you used for the apple pie." Tails questions, looking up at you with such a serious look that you don't know if you wanted to joke or not.
"I'm glad you enjoyed...." You said gratefully.
"Will come by again soon." Tails muttered as he walks off.
Shadow nods to you as he steps out as well.
'I suppose that's his way of approval....?'
"Don't mind him, he's probably just grumpy that I took my sweet time with my quiche." Sonic snickered as you swiveled your head to look at him. "Was delicious by the way."
"Good enough to be on the menu?"
"Absolutely. You got an approval from this Star." Sonic winks.
"Good to hear." You sighed internally in relief.
Sonic was silent for a few moments before he spoke once again. "...Say, is there another reason you served that to me than just a simply added on menu?"
Looks like he caught on. Seems there's no hiding from a Star especially one who deals with crimes for a living.
"What you thought I fell for your charm?" You almost snorted.
"Well, if that's the case..." He plays along, a grin spreading lazily on his face.
You shake your head, silent for a few seconds before answering in a serious but casual manner.
"It's a baker's responsibility to observe a customer's preferred taste and serve them to the best of my abilities, a chance to brighten their day. People have their preferences and my bakery is mostly sweets, so I thought, why not add something savory so others can enjoy?"
"..." Sonic was silent, clearly listening to your words. "You make it sound less like baking and more like taking care of people."
"Isn't that the way of the food industry? What good is food if not to enjoy their flavors fully?" You shrugged before taking a side glance at him. "Besides, you would know a lot about taking care of people, wouldn't you?"
"...Touché." The hedgehog admits as he watches his teammates banter outside, eyes softening in fondness. "That I do."
He shakes his head, taking a step towards the door and placing a hand on its door handle. Before he pushes it open, he turns to look at you one last time.
“Kinda explains why everything here tastes comforting.” He remarks and smiles.
A genuine one.
"By the way, left a tip in the jar if you haven't noticed." He winks and you were to check when you heard his team call for him.
"Sonic, come on! We better start patrol!"
"See ya." He salutes before he runs out, joining back to his group, leaving behind a small gust of wind.
You blinked as you felt your hair gently sway back from his running start. You felt your knees slightly wobble and almost felt like throwing up as you grip the counter to hold yourself up pitifully.
"Oh my Celestials, what have I done...."
There's no telling you'll meet them again soon.
"I was supposed to stay away from the Stars!" You cried comically as you felt yourself internally turn into a pile of shit from nerves.
"And I still have to go grocery tomorrow..."
You then take a look at the tip jar and gently picked it up, taking the cash inside and a note?
"Can't wait to try the quiche again."
You felt yourself mentally die inside before glancing at the cash at hand.
"Well, at least I got $25 bucks...."
'I'll consider it payment for mental damages, Mr. Sonic....'
You then went to turn the shop lights off, mentally preparing yourself for grocery tomorrow because you know that you'll be out of commission after heavy lifting flour and sugar the day after that.
₊˚⊹♡ 𝙎𝙔𝙉𝙊𝙋𝙎𝙄𝙎 : Ah...ToonTown, a place filled with wonders and ink. Lots of ink. Not to mention, it's a "fun" town filled with wacky characters and toons who seem to have "eccentric" personalities? They're great and all but why are you attracting this attention of these strange characters when you're just a bakery owner who's just trying to make a living...?
₊˚⊹♡ 𝚆𝙾𝚁𝙳 𝙲𝙾𝚄𝙽𝚃 : 5.1k words
₊˚⊹♡ 𝚆𝙰𝚁𝙽𝙸𝙽𝙶 — implications to gender roles since everyone has their opinions and I will respect that.
⋆.𐙚 ̊— MOTM!MODERN x FemaleBaker!Reader
₊˚⊹ ᰔ YOUR POV — WEDNESDAY MORNING.
After your little mishaps earlier, you had to jumpstart baking pastries before looking for a bag for the pomegranates. You set out a couple of kitchen timers too make sure just in case you were too occupied. Since that little accident, it has deepened your hatred for plastic bags even more as you mentally cuss out each plastic bag out there, mumbling how you want them all disentegrated from a mere flick from a finger.
Too much? There is no such thing as too much hate as long as it's valid.
'Inviting someone to the bakery when it isn't even open yet feels weird.' You thought as your eyes slid to the side to check on Minnie who was seated at the farthest booth away from the window whilst you search for your spare totebag. 'The air feels too awkward, and I still want to offer her a meal as an apology.....'
'What do I even prepare for her?'
Oh, you found the bag.
And of course it was covered in brightly colored cupcakes.
At that point, both kitchen timers began beeping as you head to take them out and place them down swiftly to cool before putting in the next batch before clapping your hands and placing in the pomegranates in the tote.
"You're lucky, you're the first customer I ever brought this early." You put on a smile as you brought over the bag of pomegranates. Minnie blinks and looks up to see you holding it and placing it on the table. "Sorry, this was all that I got, is that alright?"
"....It's fine." She nods her head, smiling softly.
"Just to make sure, you're not allergic to anything are you?" You asked, scratching your cheek sheepishly. "I would hate for your pretty face to have an even worse day. “Wouldn’t want a face as pretty as yours dealing with more trouble."
"Oh, you flatter me." She chuckled and fiddles with her hands. "Not that I can think of, however, perhaps, I'll get back to you after the meal."
You laughed and went behind the counter and took out a jar of cocoa powder, cinnamon, and whipped cream whilst also getting some milk in the mini fridge. "Better not jinx it in front of the baker."
With your back turned to her, you mixed in cocoa powder with some hot water before watching as the milk froth as you held it under the steam wand. You turn to take a glance at Minnie whose gaze seem to pointing at something. You followed her eyes and caught them looking at the record player.
"Seems you have quite the eye for music." You commented, smiling wistfully to yourself as you make conversation. "It was a gift from my late uncle. After he passed, my auntie handed that and his vinyls, told me that he was passing it down to me."
"I'm sorry for your loss." Minnie said quietly, who seem afraid that she approached a touchy subject.
"Don't be. He passed away peacefully and he has given my auntie plenty of happy memories to remember just as she said." You turned and gave a close-eyed smile before it shifted to a nostalgic expression.
"My auntie was quite the firecracker. My uncle was the only one who can weather her storm." You laughed as you began to remember. "She was a baker, much like myself. She taught me the basics in baking, however, it appears I didn't get her side of coming up with the horrendous concoctions. Ever heard of raspberry jam and sardines packed into a slice of bread?"
Even Minnie's face barely kept from scrunching up.
You break out into giggles as you poured in the milk before mixing it. "Neither did I until she made me try it. My uncle was the only survivor from those baking adventures."
"They seem to be quite the odd couple." Minnie blinks as she listened.
"I like to think that goes for every pair, don't you think, Ms. Minnie ? Part of the charm." You grinned, eyes glinting with a amusement.
"Every couple of days with our baking lessons, however, I stumble upon them dancing in the living room at night. Their music was enough for me to look and wonder what's going on." You hummed. "They were playing some music and humming along as they danced. She was laughing and having fun, and I didn't want to disturb that."
You continued as you put back the things. "After he died, she mourned for him for a couple of months but managed to pick herself back up and continued to teach me to bake. She wanted to do everything she can so that later on she'd be happy to meet him later and tell him stories."
"As she always say, "'A baker's hands should always be dusted in flour to tell a story.'"
"She seems to be a wonderful woman." Minnie smiles, resting a chin on her hand, eyes soft from listening.
Yet, why did she still seem sad?
"That she is." You finished, taking note of it as you walked over to her and placed down her drink. "Since it's a bit chilly, have some cocoa. Funny to say, aunt's recipe."
As she took a sip of her drink, you were unaware of her face slipping into one of ponder as you crouch down and opened the drawer right below the record player.
"May I ask you something....?"
"Hm, go on...." You responded as you flipped through some vinyls unaware of her gaze looking towards you.
"Do you love baking?"
You paused, silent for a few seconds before turning to look at her.
Did you?
WHEN ARE YOU COMING HOME?
You mentally shake your head, pushing back your thoughts into the back of your mind as you prepared to answer.
"Of course I do." You answered seriously with a tilt of your head, remembering all that you've been through as your lips curled up into a huge grin. "It's been with for as long as I can remember."
"Also, I've always felt happy watching my customers have a better day after eating what I bake. It gives me a sense of purpose."
"So if I can make their day just a little better, I spend time putting together recipes to keep the smile on my customers' faces."
"....But what if those recipes end badly?" Minnie looked down at her lap.
"Then, I return to try again." You answered instantly and shrugged. "I've ruined batches before, and been afraid my recipes would never work. But, I'd rather try then wait to be fearless."
You then stood up, dusting yourself as you held up a vinyl and placed it in. The record player crackled to life as the needle kissed the vinyl, filling the air with soft music.
♬⋆.˚ Fools rush in where angels fear to tread
You then held a hand out, face beaming whilst watching Minnie's expression shifted into confusion at the sudden request.
"What about it? Call it a memory to add to look back and remember?"
"...But, aren't we both girls?" Minnie questions reluctantly.
"Pish posh, to those old gender stereotypes." You waved it off. "If you still question it, then call it a dance of a newly made friendship."
"Oh, and we're friends now?"
'Ah shit, maybe I went too far and just pushing my luck.' You sweated buckets internally at your boldness as you watch her gaze at your hand. 'Maybe this was a bad idea after all....'
"Well Ms. Minnie, if you'd like to be." You answered. "I like to leave a good impression if I can for my customers."
"However, if you're uncomfortable..."
"Hm, you'll have to stop calling me Miss first, if we must continue this friendship..." She hums and places her hand on yours and stood up with her lips curled. "I suppose, why not...?"
♬⋆.˚ And so I come to you, my love, my heart above my head
Though I see the danger there,
If there's a chance for me, then I don't care
Your ears perked up at the sound of Minnie singing though it was barely a whisper, as you slow dance together and you twirled her around.
"Platonically", guys.
"You have a lovely voice." You commented as you swayed with the music.
"...Why, thank you." She pauses before mentioning the drink with a smile. "Your aunt makes good cocoa."
"The hint of cinnamon does the trick." You playfully glared. "And how rude, and I went all through all that just to apologize."
She giggles softly.
♬⋆.˚ Fools rush in
Where wise men never go
But wise men never fall in love
So how are they to know
You open your mouth to speak when all of a sudden a beeping noise echoes from the kitchen causing your atmosphere to fall and hands to break off.
"Oh dear, seems we have to put a pause on that, dear friend, or your meal is charcoal." You smiled in apology and go straight to the kitchen, speed walking. "That would hurt my pride as a baker."
As you leave, you were oblivious to Minnie's dilemma as she stared and flexed her hand as you walk away.
♬⋆.˚ When we met
I felt my life begin
So open up your heart and let
This fool rush in
When you appeared again outside the kitchen, you were holding up a tray with Minnie back in her seat. The record player turns silent shifting the warm atmosphere. Despite that, the air seems friendlier than a while ago when you first came in.
"Here you are, a CozyBean croissant with a dollop of cream on top and powdered, for extra sweetness." You presented it with a flourish as Minnie clapped, clearly playing along with your act.
"It looks decent."
"Decent?" You gasped dramatically and pulled a handkerchief from the front pocket of your apron to wipe the non-existent tear from your eye for an added effect. "My dear customer, I don't know if my heart can take more of this slander!"
"Forgive me, dear Baker." Minnie laughs before she takes a bite of her croissant, humming in delight at the warmth and freshness of the pastry.
"...Well, how does it taste?"
'If you say it's terrible, then this apology has been the worst. If it doesn't taste like my blood, sweat, and tears, figuratively speaking, then I have failed and I'll have to call my aunt and ask her to be the one to deal with ashes and urn jar because she has a better sense of taste than I do, especially in baking—'
"Warm..." She answered as the corners of lips lifted slightly with fondness.
"Then, I'll take it that I succeeded?" You grinned.
She hummed and continued to chew.
Oh yeah.
As soon as Minnie left, you were washing dishes in thought as you recalled her words as she walked away.
"You know, you're a strange one, dearest Baker." Minnie turns to look at you one last before she leaves.
"Oh, I believe some people have told me the same." You tilted your head at her comment before sheepishly grinning. "Perhaps, that's part of my charm?"
She hum and takes out a pomegranate to hand it to you. "Keep one, as my apology on my part. And as for that answer, perhaps it is, you seem like the type of toon who's unaware of the control she has."
"What do you mean?" You blink, confused by her words.
However, all she did was smile and walk away, her voice drifting away as her figure grew smaller.
"Hope to see you again soon."
"I would also say she's strange but as I say it I feel like I'm the clown." You mumbled as you scrubbed the plates. You felt your senses slightly dulled remembering you almost breaking your persona when she asked you if you loved baking.
WHEN ARE YOU COMING HOME?
'I had to remember useless things...' You click your tongue.
Your senses picked as you glance at the side to see a shadowy figure by the door and went to open to see a familiar blue mug.
"Oh, Mr. Mugman! Aren't you early once again?" You laughed at a sight of a familiar face, thankful for his presence, helping you forget your dilemma.
"Your bakery does live up to its name. A great place to relax with some coffee." He chuckled as I gave way for him to step in.
"That's a lovely thing to hear coming from a dear customer!" She beamed and winked. "Such flattery, your girl must be quite lucky."
Ok, maybe that's just overdoing it.
₊˚⊹ ᰔ YOUR POV — THURSDAY NIGHT PRESENT DAY
Perhaps, you were too overbearing that day, now that you look at it even though, he didn't seem to mind or noticed, whichever one of the two. You rambled your ass out when you noticed he was carrying one of your favorite novels, Pride and Prejudice that his coffee cooled down and he wasn't able to savor much of his down time.
Perhaps that was the reason he didn't come in today.
You still feel sorry for your actions that time, though was thankful at the same time for the distraction. Even wrote him a note if you both can share some book recommendations.
"But that confession scene though...." you muttered giddily to yourself as you squeezed your rag, removing excess water while fangirling before wiping down the tables. It was 8:45pm, which means it was almost time to clock out.
"Is this the place....?" You overheard the murmurs before the shop bell chime, making you look over. Your face appeared wide-eyed for a short moment at the small group of people who came in.
And from the sounds and looks of it, they seem like important figures.
"Sonic, we don't have time for this! I still have to get back to the team!" A black hedgehog toon was gritting his teeth as he was dragged into the bakery by the neck by a blue hedgehog who you assume was Sonic.
'Oh, I think I know who these people are...' You began to sweat when you overheard the name.
"Lighten up, buddy! I'm the one treating us all! Nothing wrong taking a break before our night patrol." 'Sonic', the blue hedgehog chuckles while he walks around the shop.
"Woah, this would be a nice place to chill!"
"I overheard from Rouge that they serve the best cakes here. Even the air smells delectable." A pink hedgehog pops up, carrying a comically large hammer. "I've wanted to try their macarons for a while now."
"Given the distance while we were on a case earlier, it was a good 5 minutes away, which isn't too bad compared to the times you craved sushi or lobster." An orange two-tailed fox then entered the shop, who was holding a tablet and had a robot arm popping from his bag.
"Hey, leave me be!" The pink hedgehog puff her cheeks. "Can't a girl just crave sushi once in a while?"
"Those 'once in a whiles' made us get a write-up and miss significant seminars."
"Well, the quicker we order, the faster we could start patrol." A red echidna chimes in, wearing a stern look, stretching a bit. "My back's been killing me...."
"Ooh, do you wanna come with me and Rouge, at our next day off then, Knuckles?" The pink hedgehog glances at the red echidna who yoi assume was Knuckles.
From their badges, you could tell immediately who they were.
Toontown's defense department.
And you know for a fact, that Sonic was head of the team according to your auntie, who told you about the town before you moved. You remember her talking about someone by the name of Sonic who runs the Department of Defense and was one of the Stars.
Who are the rest?
Can't say you listened completely, cause you remember drifting to sleep 3 minutes later during that lecture.
'One of the Stars is here....'
'Dammit.' You felt yourself shed a tear in the inside, as you paused from wiping the tables. 'Am I even fit to serve them? My cheeks have been hurting from smiling all day.'
'We ball...'
You cleared your throat causing them to turn around to look at you. For a second, you almost flinched as you switch to your work persona.
"Welcome to CozyBean Bakery!" You grinned, sweating internally. "You folks managed to catch me right before the shop closes."
"I don't see anyone else here. Do you run this establishment by yourself?" The fox raises his brows in surprise.
"That I do." You chirped as you proceeded to step behind the counter before tightening the ties of your apron. "You defense team all seem to had quite the hectic day."
"Oh, are you another fan?" Sonic lets go of the black hedgehog who clicked his tongue right after he mentioned that.
Must've had a bad experience.
Poor guy.
'Fuck no, in fact I'm scared of you lot....'
"More so respect your team for your hardwork." You laughed. "Thank you for your services to this town."
"This is the first time I've ever heard a toon say it to our faces. Oh my Celestials, I love her already." The pink hedgehog grabbed her cheeks before taking hold of your hands, smiling. "You look like you could be a girl's girl."
'NOPE, NOPE, NOPE, NOPE, FUCKING NO. STAY AWAY. I NEED TO DISTANCE MYSELF....'
"....Err, in what way?" You questioned with a sweatdrop, tilting your head with a shut-eyed smile.
She squealed, taking hold of your cheeks. "You are just so adorable. I wanna keep you in my pocket."
'...Said the wrong thing, huh...'
"Settle down, Amy." Knuckles, the red echidna gripped the pink hairs' shoulder. "You're scaring the poor girl."
"It's alright. I welcome even the most eccentric customers." You gently pried yourself out of her hands, shaking your head with a smile. "I like to think that's ToonTowns normal."
Amy squealed again.
"Maybe, you should up those standards...." The fox murmured as he looks at his tablet causing Amy to point a glare at him.
"Shut up, Tails!"
Oh, his name is Tails, how ironic.
You chuckled before clearing your throat once again holding up a notepad and pen to list their orders. "So what would you all like to order?"
"5 of your macarons please and cup of CozyBean's cinnamon cocoa!" Amy raises a hand.
"A slice of your apple pie, please, and a glass of lemonade." Tails replied as he took a step away from Amy's bright energy.
"Frozen green grape sponge cake." Knuckles says quietly.
"Alright Mr. Knuckles for the grape sponge cake." You wrote them down.
"How did you know my name?"
"What do you think? She's been listening to us earlier." Tails remarks.
You blinked at their banter and let out a small giggle.
"Mr. Knuckles." You pointed to the red echidna. Then turn to the pink hedgehog who giggles. "Ms. Amy."
"Even just from appearance, I believe you're Mr. Tails." You nodded to the orange fox who nodded right back to you.
"I don't believe he mentioned his name." You look towards the dark hedgehog, who was folding his arms and grunted.
"Shadow."
"Mr. Shadow." You hummed and finally found yourself gazing at the blue hedgehog.
"What about me, sweetheart?" The blue hedgehog pointed to himself while wearing a grin.
"And who could possibly forget the leader of the defense team, Mr. Sonic himself." You smiled politely.
"Flattered." He laughed and gave a thumbs up. "You seem to know a lot about us."
"Overheard your names." You shrugged. "And I would prefer well-informed before I moved here."
"I love her...." Amy quietly squeals again.
"Amy...." Knuckles sighed.
"Now will you both be ordering anything?" You tapped you pen against your notepad.
"Shadow will be having one of your raspberry tarts." Sonic pointed to Shadow. "Add in a glass of water for me please."
You paused from writing and looked up. "Will you not be ordering something to eat, Mr. Sonic?"
He shakes his head with a smile. "Nah, not a big fan of sweets. Might make me stay up later than usual anyway."
"Is that so?" You hummed in thought and clicked your pen. "Alright, then...."
You repeated their orders, checking for confirmation and in response was met by nods and a grunt coming from Shadow before Sonic steps in to place to pay.
While you were plating, the group settled down by a booth and made some small conversations, some of the things relating to the place as you unconsciously listened in.
"Woah, they even have a record player." Amy pointed out to which Sonic also whistled. "That's so cool..."
"How retro..." Tails quietly commented but smiled as it wasn't a bad thing.
"You folks are welcome to play, if you like!" You called out from behind the counter. "The vinyls are in the drawer below!"
"Neat." Sonic grinned and got up, walking towards said record player and fiddled with some vinyls before whistling once again. "You got some great stuff."
"Most of it were from my uncle despite my old soul." You remarked, smiling. "Can't take all the credit."
Sonic smirks and stood up and places in the vinyl and needle. The record player hums and crackles before a soft melody drifts in the air creating a cozy and relaxing atmosphere.
♬⋆.˚ If I go a million miles away
I'd write a letter each and every day
Amy closes her eyes as she settles and softly sways with the tunes. Never has she ever been to a bakery this late at night and felt so peaceful. It fel so worth it.
♬⋆.˚ Make me weep and you can make me cry
See me coming and you can pass me by
But honey, nothing, nothing
Can ever change this love I have for you
Sonic smiles, his laidback persona at peace as he sat back with the group, clearly happy at the music he chose.
The rest of the team seemed to be at the same state as you walked up towards them holding up two trays with the careful experience you've gain throughout the years. Even Shadow seemed at ease as his eyes were also closed and shoulders loosened.
"Your orders everyone." You answered with practice, as you placed each one in front of them carefully and correctly with the proper utensils. The cozy atmosphere around them seem to have broke as they gazed in awe at their food.
"Oh my Celestials, they all look amazing...." The pink hedgehog whispers, silently drooling at the macarons.
"Indeed..." Tails says quietly.
Even Knuckles and Shadow seem stunned.
As you walked back to the counter, you didn't realize Sonic's eyes following you silently in slight confusion.
Amy notices as she's chewing and looks down to see what look like a slice of pie in front of her leader.
"Oh, I thought you didn't order anything."
"I didn't...." He raised a brow and stood up. He carries his plate with him back to the counter making you look up to see him scratching his neck. "Hey, I'm all about gifts and freebies, but if you can package this pie right up....."
"It's a quiche."
"Uh, what...." He raised a brow in amusement.
You shrugged, placing down your rag. "It's a chicken quiche. I didn't want you to feel left out of your bunch. Don't worry, it's not sweet. It's a recipe I thought of adding with the bakery for a while. So I thought of you test trying it for me if it's good enough."
"But, the payment...."
"On the house since it's technically not on the menu, I'm sure you were wondering why I was a while longer." You grinned. "You deserve a treat anyway, don't you think?"
The blue hedgehog blinks momentarily stunned before shifting in a few seconds.
"Ain't you just using me then?" Sonic smirks.
'Well, now that you say it like that, it sounds bad.'
"If you end up in the hospital, it's on me Mr. Sonic." You raised your hands before opening your eyes to look at him. "But for some reason, I highly doubt that."
The blue hedgehog toon hums and grins. "If you say so, you'll be paying for my mental damage as well with the help of the Department of Justice when that happens."
"When? Is that a threat Mr. Sonic?" You narrowed your eyes playfully.
'Please don't, I've spent enough money on birdseed.'
He chuckles as he steps away. "Take it as you will."
₊˚⊹ ᰔ SONIC'S POV.
As I sat back down, I instantly noticed my teammates eyes on me. Must've been wondering what we were talking about. I could see Amy smiling, clearly up to mischief as I took up my fork.
"I thought you didn't like sweets, boss." She mocked me. "Don't tell me you got sweet-talked by our angelic baker?"
"Cut it out, Ames." Knuckles mutters.
Tails looked up, listening in.
"Not whatever you're cooking up Ames. Apparently, she wanted me test try her recipe. Said it wasn't a sweet." I answered truthfully, leaving the rest out. "Not a pie, it's a quiche."
"I wanna try." Amy steals Tails' fork causing him let out a "hey!".
"Nuh-uh." I playfully hold it away. "Who was just badmouthing me earlier? She asked me to taste test. If you have a problem, take it up with our dear Baker."
Amy pouts and goes back to eating her macaron sulkily. "Mean leader."
"Heard that."
"You were supposed to!"
I sighed, smiling at my crew before slicing a piece and taking a bite. As soon as I chew, the creamy filling practically melted in my tongue, warm and savory. I could taste the smoky chicken and the lingering aftertaste of cheese. The added crust added this crispiness with the rich flavor.
Heck, it might be the same level as a chili dog.
Shadow must've noticed my state of bliss as he his brow rose in question, making a glance at me. "What's going on with you now?"
"I'm in heaven." I swallowed and muttered as I cut up another piece.
"Idiot." Shadow shakes his head as he continues eating his raspberry tart, however, I paid no mind.
I was convinced this wasn't food anymore. It was practically a spiritual experience.
I turn to catch a glimpse of her who seemed to catch on as one of her eyebrows rose. I gave her a thumbs up in approval and a nod.
Her eyes lit up as she gave this huge beam, giving me an ok sign.
'Cute...'
"Sonic, we have to leave soon or we'll get written up again."
'Leave me be and let me ascend.'
I was barely paying attention as I was still chewing.
₊˚⊹ ᰔ YOUR POV.
You were supposed to distance yourself from these people, how the hell did this happen?
"If you ever want to hang out with me and Rouge for a girl's out." Amy winks at you as she places a napkin on your hand while Sonic was talking to the others.
Who even was Rouge...?
"Oh well...." You trailed off, but the pink hair was already out the door.
"Don't mind Amy, that's just how she is." Knuckles shrugs, as he also walks through the door. "The grape cake was great by the way."
"Thanks..." You sweatdrop while wearing a smile.
"You have to tell me the ratios for each ingredient you used for the apple pie." Tails questions, looking up at you with such a serious look that you don't know if you wanted to joke or not.
"I'm glad you enjoyed...." You said gratefully.
"Will come by again soon." Tails muttered as he walks off.
Shadow nods to you as he steps out as well.
'I suppose that's his way of approval....?'
"Don't mind him, he's probably just grumpy that I took my sweet time with my quiche." Sonic snickered as you swiveled your head to look at him. "Was delicious by the way."
"Good enough to be on the menu?"
"Absolutely. You got an approval from this Star." Sonic winks.
"Good to hear." You sighed internally in relief.
Sonic was silent for a few moments before he spoke once again. "...Say, is there another reason you served that to me than just a simply added on menu?"
Looks like he caught on. Seems there's no hiding from a Star especially one who deals with crimes for a living.
"What you thought I fell for your charm?" You almost snorted.
"Well, if that's the case..." He plays along, a grin spreading lazily on his face.
You shake your head, silent for a few seconds before answering in a serious but casual manner.
"It's a baker's responsibility to observe a customer's preferred taste and serve them to the best of my abilities, a chance to brighten their day. People have their preferences and my bakery is mostly sweets, so I thought, why not add something savory so others can enjoy?"
"..." Sonic was silent, clearly listening to your words. "You make it sound less like baking and more like taking care of people."
"Isn't that the way of the food industry? What good is food if not to enjoy their flavors fully?" You shrugged before taking a side glance at him. "Besides, you would know a lot about taking care of people, wouldn't you?"
"...Touché." The hedgehog admits as he watches his teammates banter outside, eyes softening in fondness. "That I do."
He shakes his head, taking a step towards the door and placing a hand on its door handle. Before he pushes it open, he turns to look at you one last time.
“Kinda explains why everything here tastes comforting.” He remarks and smiles.
A genuine one.
What.
"By the way, left a tip in the jar if you haven't noticed." He winks and you were to check when you heard his team call for him.
"Sonic, come on! We better start patrol!"
"See ya." He salutes before he runs out, joining back to his group, leaving behind a small gust of wind.
You blinked as you felt your hair gently sway back from his running start. You felt your knees slightly wobble and almost felt like throwing up as you grip the counter to hold yourself up pitifully.
"Oh my Celestials, what have I done...."
There's no telling you'll meet them again soon.
"I was supposed to stay away from the Stars!" You cried comically as you felt yourself internally turn into a pile of shit from nerves.
"And I still have to go grocery tomorrow..."
You then take a look at the tip jar and gently picked it up, taking the cash inside and a note?
Can't wait to try the quiche again. :))
You felt yourself mentally die inside as you read it before glancing at the cash at hand.
Oh, they were coming back alright.
"Well, at least I got $25 bucks...."
'I'll consider it payment for mental damages, Mr. Sonic....'
You then went to turn the shop lights off, mentally preparing yourself for grocery tomorrow because you know that you'll be out of commission after heavy lifting flour and sugar the day after that.
₊˚⊹♡ 𝙎𝙔𝙉𝙊𝙋𝙎𝙄𝙎 : Ah...ToonTown, a place filled with wonders and ink. Lots of ink. Not to mention, it's a "fun" town filled with wacky characters and toons who seem to have "eccentric" personalities? They're great and all but why are you attracting this attention of these strange characters when you're just a bakery owner who's just trying to make a living...?
₊˚⊹♡ 𝚆𝙾𝚁𝙳 𝙲𝙾𝚄𝙽𝚃 : 3.3k words
₊˚⊹♡ 𝚆𝙰𝚁𝙽𝙸𝙽𝙶 — Nothing big at least I think. A little anxiety. Oh, and Apple juice.
⋆.𐙚 ̊— MOTM!MODERN x FemaleBaker!Reader
₊˚⊹ ᰔ OONA POV.
"These are yummy!"
"Oona, can I have another of the choco chip cookies!"
"I want one of the teddy bear cookies!"
"You ate two already! I didn't even get a bite yet!"
"First come, first serve!"
I sighed in disbelief at the sight of my younger sisters and brothers practically ravaging through the bags of treats as if they were animals. It's like they haven't eaten in days I swear. As I watched the crumbs pile on the floor, I felt an eye twitch when I placed a hand on my head in exhaustion just thinking of the crumbs I had to clean up.
'And I was planning to return the bags at a later date....' I sighed once again with my mind a few seconds later drifting back to the bird lady...err...the toon I met earlier. 'What should I do...?'
My ear perked up when I heard the sound of the front door opening and swiveled to see Osmin, standing there, looking worse for wear.
"You're back...." I muttered quietly, trying not to disturb the kid's atmosphere. "Long day?"
"Same as usual over here." He answered tiredly, taking a glance at me. "How's dad?"
I sighed as I remembered passing by his room, and taking a peek in when I got home from work. It hurts seeing him like that since....
"Hasn't been out all day, and he's left the television on in his room again." I shook my head. "I swear...."
"Leave him be...." He remarked indifferently as he went and stood by me, watching the kids dig in and stuff their faces. "You're stressed enough as it is."
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath to calm myself when the sharp scent of smoke and ash stung my nose causing my eyelids to open and take a glance at him.
'He's been smoking again...' I thought wearily before I turned my attention to my younger siblings. 'As much as I'm grateful he doesn't do it in front of the others, I'm afraid they might be influenced and he's too young for this...'
"What's with all this...? Osmin questioned the bags of pastries on the table as he took careful steps around the other kids to look. "Did I miss some sort of occasion?"
"No, some toon from the apartment complex next door delivered these herself." I answered with a small chuckle, watching him shuffle around.
"Is this some new bribe to shut us out and complain about noise pollution?" He raised a brow, filled with skeptism.
I gave a small shake of my head in response thinking back to the toon I met earlier .
"Strangely enough, no...." I answered. "She's an independent bakery owner, and she apparently had a lot of pastries to spare and didn't want them thrown away."
"And she didn't think about handing them around her building?" He glanced back to me.
"It was Ms. Bird Lady!"
"Olly!" I shot a frown at the boy who came running up to Osmin.
"...Ms. Bird Lady?" He questioned.
"A friend of mine lives there and he told me at the park last week when we were playing that he heard his mom talking to someone about a lady next door who talks to birds outside each morning." Olly babbled. "I stayed up one night because I wanted to see and I saw her feeding some birds early in the morning. She was really pretty!"
"Well, no wonder you were tired that morning, you were face down in your cereal, and I had to wash your school shirt thrice that day." I exclaimed.
"No hard feelings over here, it's nice to know someone notices my excellent services to the birds!"
'I can clearly see her just deflating like a balloon from that nickname....' She thought, her lips curling up, an expression that went unnoticed. 'Could be the reason she didn't wanna go around greeting her apartment neighbors.'
'I found it quite adorable....'
"Woah, these are not bad." My eyes refocused as I looked up to see Osmin chewing on a brownie, he looked like he was in bliss until one of the other ozlings came up to him pulling the hem of his shirt.
"Osmin! I wanted that brownie!"
"Too slow." He patted the kid's head as he continued chewing, as he went to stand by me again. "I just came home, don't you think I deserve a sweet treat too?"
I then felt a nudge to the rib and shot a gaze at him only to look down at his hand holding out a brownie.
"You haven't got a bite, right?" He remarked. "And you were the one who got these. Everyone deserves a sweet treat now and then right?"
"Right..." I mumbled as I took the brownie.
My thoughts then drifted to the time when the toon ran off with a wave and grin. I remember my eyes catching sight of a neon yellow cupcake-shaped note sticking to one of the boxes filled with brownies and peeling it off to read the handwriting.
"Comfort can come in these little squares <3"
'What an odd lady....' I thought to myself as I looked up again as if she was still there.
"...These would be good with some ice cream."
I broke out of a daze when I heard Osmin say that as he was licking his lips to get rid of the crumbs. I took one last glimpse at him before looking down at my brownie and taking a bite.
'Woah, these are good....'
"Ooh, I would recommend the chocolate brownies with some ice cream and a drizzle of caramel, it is absolutely heavenly. Oh, and the chocolate chips as well are lovely, and the sugar cookies—"
"...And a drizzle of caramel." I said quietly unaware of a smile slipping onto my face.
"Huh?" Osmin looked at me, his eyes slightly widening.
"Just thinking that these brownies would go well with some ice cream." I commented, taking another bite. "Probably should stop by the grocery store sometime when we get the chance."
"Good idea...." He shakes his head as we watch the kids fight over the remaining sweets.
"Everyone deserves a little treat."
⊹ ᰔ YOUR POV.
This is not how you wanted your mornings to go.
It was 5am in the morning when you got up to refill their birdseed. While you were yawning and heading to the kitchen, you stub your toe on the legs of your coffee table, knocking down a vase of your favorite peonies, sending them crashing onto the floor and giving you something to clean up. This causes you to waste time, rush in the shower, and blow dry your hair.
And when you tried to make yourself some coffee, your espresso machine decided to give up on life.
"Of course, you decided to choose Wednesday, the busiest day of the week to break." You groaned and went to the fridge to get apple juice.
How sad.
No offense to those who love apple juice.
You leaned against the kitchen counter drinking apple juice while glaring at the coffee machine and muttered. "You have been my partner, since the very beginning, you don't get to decide when to give up while I'm still alive and breathing. If I can't be released from these mortal chains then neither can you."
You then hear a quiet peep from your island counter and shift your face to see Mango who seemed to be mocking you.
"You are just lucky, you are not an actual fruit and just turn you into a mango smoothie." You narrowed your eyes at her. "You do realize who's the one feeding you every morning?"
Mango was quiet after that.
Furthermore, when you were finally able to park your car, you bumped into a toon while you were carrying bags of your last night prep.
How delightful.
With a swift movement and years of experience, the bags from your right were quickly moved to your left hand as you caught the toon by the waist just in time. Except, now you felt like you were caught in an intimate act.
Cliche, am I right?
Especially, since you were in the middle of the sidewalk.
'Lovely...' You felt yourself mentally shed a tear in embarrassment. 'Someone just lay me down to rest....'
At least there weren't a lot of toons out and around yet, since it was still past 5 in the morning. You straightened yourself along with the toon and dusted yourself down and cleared your throat.
"Are you alright?" You finally took a glimpse at the toon you bumped into, blinking at the sight of an elegantly dressed female mouse who wore polka dots and a sunhat .
'She's gorgeous....'
"I'm alright..." The mouse looks down to see the bag she was carrying on the ground which was now in tears . "Oh dear, can't say the same for the pomegranates though...."
You looked down at the said bag and felt an itch coming.
Of course it was a plastic bag.
"I'm so sorry Miss! I'm usually not this clumsy." You bowed hurriedly and fumbled with one of your bags. "To make it up to you, I have a spare tote bag at the bakery up ahead, however that means you'll have to come with me."
'Oh, you absolute piece of fucking garbage, why would she come with you? You literally worded that as if you were trying to kidnap her? I'm desperate but not that desperate to make money—'
The female mouse stared at you for a few seconds before she let out a small giggle before she held a gloved hand to her lips . "I am at fault here too you know, however I'll take your offer since I have no idea how else I'm carrying these home."
'Phew.' You let out a breath of relief in your head before you bent down to pick the fruits up.
"Then, I'll put these in my bags for now."
"Allow me to give you a hand." She smiled.
"Ah right, thank you err..."
"I go by Minnie."
⊹ ᰔ MINNIE'S POV.
'Does she not recognize me....?'
When I stepped into her bakery, I could see how much work and love she put into her business. There was a sense of warmth and peace in the air. There was also a faint smell of butter and sugar that felt so inviting as if I was snuggling in a blanket as I observed the place.
"Congratulations." My eyes turn to her as she puts on a wide grin, a stark difference from our little accident earlier. "This is the earliest anyone has been inside here."
She winked. "So, welcome to CozyBean Bakery."
"If you can just wait here for a while Ms. Minnie...." The lady gently smiled at me and spread her hand at the open seats. "Allow me to make you something while I'm at it. An official apology if you will."
"It's not as if I suffered a great injury. No need to go to such lengths." I waved it off. "It is my fault as well."
She shakes her head and answers in such a dramatic manner, gestures and all. "Nonsense, I simply can't let this go. Believe me, Miss Minnie, my conscience is practically sitting on my back to make me serve you something."
She gave another playful wink to top it off before she laughed once again.
"Is that so?" I chuckled, shaking my head in defeat. "If that's the case, serve me whatever you like, dear."
I then see her tie apron, practically beaming at my response as I became unaware of the smile sticking onto my face.
"I'll be taking that as a challenge, Miss Minnie."
'When was the last time I laughed this freely....'
⊹ ᰔ MUGMAN POV.
'What the....?' As I stopped by the 24/7 convenience store. I noticed two shadowy figures from inside CozyBean bakery. I knew for sure one of them was her but who was the other toon with her. ''Did she open the store earlier today or am I late...?'
I stepped into the convenience store to avoid being seen as I took a look at the store's wall clock. 'Doesn't seem like I'm late....'
I then shifted my eyes towards her shop sign only to find that it was still CLOSED.
"Doesn't seem like she opened earlier either." I murmured to myself as I settled down and took out my novel to read.
And wait.
An hour or so later, my eyes caught sight of her outside her bakery waving goodbye to a female toon based on what I can observe from her appearance. However, I wasn't able to capture their face. I shook my head and peered at the clock.
It was 8:30am.
Just 30 minutes to go.
I sighed and went back to reading.
'Time feels longer the more I look....'
As another 30 minutes went by, well, from my account, I took another look at the time.
It was 8:58am.
"If I calculate my steps, then I should be able to take my time and walk in right after she opens or she might suspect me to be some kind of stalker..." I muttered quietly, shutting my book and slowly start walking out of the store.
I took count of my steps carefully while counting down seconds under 2-3 minutes in my head. At the last second, I found myself face-to-face with her.
'Fuck.'
"Oh, Mr. Mugman! Aren't you early once again." Her bright laughter almost rendered me speechless before I let out a smile myself.
"Your bakery does live up to its name...." I chuckled as I stepped into Cozybean bakery whilst she went behind the counter.
'A literal obstacle in our way together.'
'Stop it, I have important things to do.' I stuffed my inner self into the back of my head to refocus at the matter at hand.
"That's a lovely thing to hear coming from a dear customer!" She beamed and winked. "Such flattery, your girl must be quite lucky."
What?
Dearest Baker, you don't understand how untrue that was.
"Oh, I-I have never been in those kinds of relationships...." I answered, rubbing the back of my neck.
I watched as her eyes blinked a couple of times before she gently smiled once again. "Well isn't that unexpected, I feel as if anyone would be lucky to have you."
'Then, what about you....'
I can feel my heart thudding, just threatening to just claw out of my chest and present itself to her just to show her my thoughts. I gulped nervously as if my scarf was just about to strangle me.
"But, enough about that, it seems I embarrassed you enough as it is..." She grinned sheepishly and gazed at me. "So what would you like to order?"
"Hmm...." I thought to myself as I looked at the display. Everything looked amazing and that cheesecake tasted amazing yesterday and the macarons, even though I was able to eat only two since Cuphead gobbled them down like an animal. I then turned to her. "What would you recommend?"
"Oh, dealer's choice?" I saw her smile mischievously that it felt so endearing. "Well, you don't look as if you had breakfast yet, so I'd recommend the fruit tart. You also seem like you want something light today. Oh, and if you want something to take home, then my tomato butter cookies."
I looked at her stunned at her observation.
"...Would you also like your usual double shot espresso to with?"
"Yes." I answered immediately.
'Absolutely perfect.'
Her or the order, who knows?
As I received my order on the table, I thought she was going to walk away the same as usual, when my ear caught her mumbling under her breath.
“....You have bewitched me, body and soul.” I heard her mutter. My eyes widened as I followed her eyes to where my novel was placed, just right beside me.
That line....
"Oh dear, I'm sorry!" She blinked as if snapping out of trance. "I must've spoiled it for you."
I blink before I shook my head and rubbed my neck sheepishly. "O-Oh no, it's fine. I'm just rereading. I take it you've read Pride and Prejudice as well?"
"Read it? My mind is absolutely filled to the brim with it! The thought of the romance and intimacy between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy could just bring literal tears to my eyes." I watched her eyes shine, nearly dreaming as she kept rambling on about her favorite scenes from the book. "The letter scene just made my heart end up in my throat—"
She was glowing.
"And the confession scene agh—" All of the sudden she paused for a few seconds, silence filling the air, yet for the first time since I've met her, I never saw her this flustered as her cheeks faintly shifted to a soft pink.
I was captivated.
"Oh my Celestial, I'm so sorry, you must've wanted some alone time. I must've been rambling for too long and you haven't even been able to take a bite of your tart."
Usually, that's true when people disturb me while I work yet....
'Huh, I didn't even realize....' I thought as I glanced at my cup of coffee, watching it gradually cool down.
I shook my head, chuckling before covering. "It's not a big deal, I'm happy to meet an avid reader like myself."
And, I wanted to listen to her more....
But, I know "work" is calling to me soon...
"However, it's true that I might have to go soon." I replied and simply smiled gratefully at her worried expression. "I still have time to spare to savor my tart."
"If that's the case, I'll go pack up your tomato butter cookies!" She rushed back to the counter. "Be right back in a jiffy!"
She was such an oddball I've always thought but I didn't mind. Especially, when I got the box. As I walked out of the bakery, I peeled the cupcake shaped note that she always places each time and it was a neon orange color this time.
Tough cookies don’t quit. <3
I snorted and shook my head until my eyes caught sight of a mysterious splotch of pink ink that seems to be leaking and flipped to the back.
You think we can share recommendations :)) ?
I paused in my steps, feeling the inside of my mug bubbling and fizzing as I squatted on the ground feeling my mug warming up.
Oh dear Baker, what am I going to do with you...?
'Oh my Celestials, now I feel like I'm in a puddle of shit, what was I thinking today? I need to tone it down I swear...' You thought to yourself as you wiped down the counter. 'I feel like I've been too overwhelming lately....'
"You then went to put up the CLOSED sign and murmured in distress." And Mr. Mugman had to sit throughout my rambling between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth as if I was a dollar store vinyl...."
'He must be annoyed.'.
Far from it, but alright, suit yourself.
You then heard the telephone ring by your counter and went to pick up the phone and held it to your ear. "Hello, who might this be?"
"Good evening, Ma'am, this is the supplier and we were just making confirmation of 5 sacks of flour and 3 full bags of sugar that is to be due in 3 days."
₊˚⊹♡ 𝙎𝙔𝙉𝙊𝙋𝙎𝙄𝙎 : Ah...ToonTown, a place filled with wonders and ink. Lots of ink. Not to mention, it's a "fun" town filled with wacky characters and toons who seem to have "eccentric" personalities? They're great and all but why are you attracting this attention of these strange characters when you're just a bakery owner who's just trying to make a living...?
₊˚⊹♡ 𝚆𝙾𝚁𝙳 𝙲𝙾𝚄𝙽𝚃 : 3.3k words
₊˚⊹♡ 𝚆𝙰𝚁𝙽𝙸𝙽𝙶 — Nothing big at least I think. A little anxiety. Oh, and Apple juice.
⋆.𐙚 ̊— MOTM!MODERN x FemaleBaker!Reader
₊˚⊹ ᰔ OONA POV.
"These are yummy!"
"Oona, can I have another of the choco chip cookies!"
"I want one of the teddy bear cookies!"
"You ate two already! I didn't even get a bite yet!"
"First come, first serve!"
I sighed in disbelief at the sight of my younger sisters and brothers practically ravaging through the bags of treats as if they were animals. It's like they haven't eaten in days I swear. As I watched the crumbs pile on the floor, I felt an eye twitch when I placed a hand on my head in exhaustion just thinking of the crumbs I had to clean up.
'And I was planning to return the bags at a later date....' I sighed once again with my mind a few seconds later drifting back to the bird lady...err...the toon I met earlier. 'What should I do...?'
My ear perked up when I heard the sound of the front door opening and swiveled to see Osmin, standing there, looking worse for wear.
"You're back...." I muttered quietly, trying not to disturb the kid's atmosphere. "Long day?"
"Same as usual over here." He answered tiredly, taking a glance at me. "How's dad?"
I sighed as I remembered passing by his room, and taking a peek in when I got home from work. It hurts seeing him like that since....
"Hasn't been out all day, and he's left the television on in his room again." I shook my head. "I swear...."
"Leave him be...." He remarked indifferently as he went and stood by me, watching the kids dig in and stuff their faces. "You're stressed enough as it is."
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath to calm myself when the sharp scent of smoke and ash stung my nose causing my eyelids to open and take a glance at him.
'He's been smoking again...' I thought wearily before I turned my attention to my younger siblings. 'As much as I'm grateful he doesn't do it in front of the others, I'm afraid they might be influenced and he's too young for this...'
"What's with all this...? Osmin questioned the bags of pastries on the table as he took careful steps around the other kids to look. "Did I miss some sort of occasion?"
"No, some toon from the apartment complex next door delivered these herself." I answered with a small chuckle, watching him shuffle around.
"Is this some new bribe to shut us out and complain about noise pollution?" He raised a brow, filled with skeptism.
I gave a small shake of my head in response thinking back to the toon I met earlier .
"Strangely enough, no...." I answered. "She's an independent bakery owner, and she apparently had a lot of pastries to spare and didn't want them thrown away."
"And she didn't think about handing them around her building?" He glanced back to me.
"It was Ms. Bird Lady!"
"Olly!" I shot a frown at the boy who came running up to Osmin.
"...Ms. Bird Lady?" He questioned.
"A friend of mine lives there and he told me at the park last week when we were playing that he heard his mom talking to someone about a lady next door who talks to birds outside each morning." Olly babbled. "I stayed up one night because I wanted to see and I saw her feeding some birds early in the morning. She was really pretty!"
"Well, no wonder you were tired that morning, you were face down in your cereal, and I had to wash your school shirt thrice that day." I exclaimed.
"No hard feelings over here, it's nice to know someone notices my excellent services to the birds!"
'I can clearly see her just deflating like a balloon from that nickname....' She thought, her lips curling up, an expression that went unnoticed. 'Could be the reason she didn't wanna go around greeting her apartment neighbors.'
'I found it quite adorable....'
"Woah, these are not bad." My eyes refocused as I looked up to see Osmin chewing on a brownie, he looked like he was in bliss until one of the other ozlings came up to him pulling the hem of his shirt.
"Osmin! I wanted that brownie!"
"Too slow." He patted the kid's head as he continued chewing, as he went to stand by me again. "I just came home, don't you think I deserve a sweet treat too?"
I then felt a nudge to the rib and shot a gaze at him only to look down at his hand holding out a brownie.
"You haven't got a bite, right?" He remarked. "And you were the one who got these. Everyone deserves a sweet treat now and then right?"
"Right..." I mumbled as I took the brownie.
My thoughts then drifted to the time when the toon ran off with a wave and grin. I remember my eyes catching sight of a neon yellow cupcake-shaped note sticking to one of the boxes filled with brownies and peeling it off to read the handwriting.
"Comfort can come in these little squares <3"
'What an odd lady....' I thought to myself as I looked up again as if she was still there.
"...These would be good with some ice cream."
I broke out of a daze when I heard Osmin say that as he was licking his lips to get rid of the crumbs. I took one last glimpse at him before looking down at my brownie and taking a bite.
'Woah, these are good....'
"Ooh, I would recommend the chocolate brownies with some ice cream and a drizzle of caramel, it is absolutely heavenly. Oh, and the chocolate chips as well are lovely, and the sugar cookies—"
"...And a drizzle of caramel." I said quietly unaware of a smile slipping onto my face.
"Huh?" Osmin looked at me, his eyes slightly widening.
"Just thinking that these brownies would go well with some ice cream." I commented, taking another bite. "Probably should stop by the grocery store sometime when we get the chance."
"Good idea...." He shakes his head as we watch the kids fight over the remaining sweets.
"Everyone deserves a little treat."
⊹ ᰔ YOUR POV.
This is not how you wanted your mornings to go.
It was 5am in the morning when you got up to refill their birdseed. While you were yawning and heading to the kitchen, you stub your toe on the legs of your coffee table, knocking down a vase of your favorite peonies, sending them crashing onto the floor and giving you something to clean up. This causes you to waste time, rush in the shower, and blow dry your hair.
And when you tried to make yourself some coffee, your espresso machine decided to give up on life.
"Of course, you decided to choose Wednesday, the busiest day of the week to break." You groaned and went to the fridge to get apple juice.
How sad.
No offense to those who love apple juice.
You leaned against the kitchen counter drinking apple juice while glaring at the coffee machine and muttered. "You have been my partner, since the very beginning, you don't get to decide when to give up while I'm still alive and breathing. If I can't be released from these mortal chains then neither can you."
You then hear a quiet peep from your island counter and shift your face to see Mango who seemed to be mocking you.
"You are just lucky, you are not an actual fruit and just turn you into a mango smoothie." You narrowed your eyes at her. "You do realize who's the one feeding you every morning?"
Mango was quiet after that.
Furthermore, when you were finally able to park your car, you bumped into a toon while you were carrying bags of your last night prep.
How delightful.
With a swift movement and years of experience, the bags from your right were quickly moved to your left hand as you caught the toon by the waist just in time. Except, now you felt like you were caught in an intimate act.
Cliche, am I right?
Especially, since you were in the middle of the sidewalk.
'Lovely...' You felt yourself mentally shed a tear in embarrassment. 'Someone just lay me down to rest....'
At least there weren't a lot of toons out and around yet, since it was still past 5 in the morning. You straightened yourself along with the toon and dusted yourself down and cleared your throat.
"Are you alright?" You finally took a glimpse at the toon you bumped into, blinking at the sight of an elegantly dressed female mouse who wore polka dots and a sunhat .
'She's gorgeous....'
"I'm alright..." The mouse looks down to see the bag she was carrying on the ground which was now in tears . "Oh dear, can't say the same for the pomegranates though...."
You looked down at the said bag and felt an itch coming.
Of course it was a plastic bag.
"I'm so sorry Miss! I'm usually not this clumsy." You bowed hurriedly and fumbled with one of your bags. "To make it up to you, I have a spare tote bag at the bakery up ahead, however that means you'll have to come with me."
'Oh, you absolute piece of fucking garbage, why would she come with you? You literally worded that as if you were trying to kidnap her? I'm desperate but not that desperate to make money—'
The female mouse stared at you for a few seconds before she let out a small giggle before she held a gloved hand to her lips . "I am at fault here too you know, however I'll take your offer since I have no idea how else I'm carrying these home."
'Phew.' You let out a breath of relief in your head before you bent down to pick the fruits up.
"Then, I'll put these in my bags for now."
"Allow me to give you a hand." She smiled.
"Ah right, thank you err..."
"I go by Minnie."
⊹ ᰔ MINNIE'S POV.
'Does she not recognize me....?'
When I stepped into her bakery, I could see how much work and love she put into her business. There was a sense of warmth and peace in the air. There was also a faint smell of butter and sugar that felt so inviting as if I was snuggling in a blanket as I observed the place.
"Congratulations." My eyes turn to her as she puts on a wide grin, a stark difference from our little accident earlier. "This is the earliest anyone has been inside here."
She winked. "So, welcome to CozyBean Bakery."
"If you can just wait here for a while Ms. Minnie...." The lady gently smiled at me and spread her hand at the open seats. "Allow me to make you something while I'm at it. An official apology if you will."
"It's not as if I suffered a great injury. No need to go to such lengths." I waved it off. "It is my fault as well."
She shakes her head and answers in such a dramatic manner, gestures and all. "Nonsense, I simply can't let this go. Believe me, Miss Minnie, my conscience is practically sitting on my back to make me serve you something."
She gave another playful wink to top it off before she laughed once again.
"Is that so?" I chuckled, shaking my head in defeat. "If that's the case, serve me whatever you like, dear."
I then see her tie apron, practically beaming at my response as I became unaware of the smile sticking onto my face.
"I'll be taking that as a challenge, Miss Minnie."
'When was the last time I laughed this freely....'
⊹ ᰔ MUGMAN POV.
'What the....?' As I stopped by the 24/7 convenience store. I noticed two shadowy figures from inside CozyBean bakery. I knew for sure one of them was her but who was the other toon with her. ''Did she open the store earlier today or am I late...?'
I stepped into the convenience store to avoid being seen as I took a look at the store's wall clock. 'Doesn't seem like I'm late....'
I then shifted my eyes towards her shop sign only to find that it was still CLOSED.
"Doesn't seem like she opened earlier either." I murmured to myself as I settled down and took out my novel to read.
And wait.
An hour or so later, my eyes caught sight of her outside her bakery waving goodbye to a female toon based on what I can observe from her appearance. However, I wasn't able to capture their face. I shook my head and peered at the clock.
It was 8:30am.
Just 30 minutes to go.
I sighed and went back to reading.
'Time feels longer the more I look....'
As another 30 minutes went by, well, from my account, I took another look at the time.
It was 8:58am.
"If I calculate my steps, then I should be able to take my time and walk in right after she opens or she might suspect me to be some kind of stalker..." I muttered quietly, shutting my book and slowly start walking out of the store.
I took count of my steps carefully while counting down seconds under 2-3 minutes in my head. At the last second, I found myself face-to-face with her.
'Fuck.'
"Oh, Mr. Mugman! Aren't you early once again." Her bright laughter almost rendered me speechless before I let out a smile myself.
"Your bakery does live up to its name...." I chuckled as I stepped into Cozybean bakery whilst she went behind the counter. "A great place to relax with some coffee."
'A literal obstacle in our way together.'
'Stop it, I have important things to do.' I stuffed my inner self into the back of my head to refocus at the matter at hand.
"That's a lovely thing to hear coming from a dear customer!" She beamed and winked. "Such flattery, your girl must be quite lucky."
What?
Dearest Baker, you don't understand how untrue that was.
"Oh, I-I have never been in those kinds of relationships...." I answered, rubbing the back of my neck.
I watched as her eyes blinked a couple of times before she gently smiled once again. "Well isn't that unexpected, I feel as if anyone would be lucky to have you."
'Then, what about you....'
I can feel my heart thudding, just threatening to just claw out of my chest and present itself to her just to show her my thoughts. I gulped nervously as if my scarf was just about to strangle me.
"But, enough about that, it seems I embarrassed you enough as it is..." She grinned sheepishly and gazed at me. "So what would you like to order?"
"Hmm...." I thought to myself as I looked at the display. Everything looked amazing and that cheesecake tasted amazing yesterday and the macarons, even though I was able to eat only two since Cuphead gobbled them down like an animal. I then turned to her. "What would you recommend?"
"Oh, dealer's choice?" I saw her smile mischievously that it felt so endearing. "Well, you don't look as if you had breakfast yet, so I'd recommend the fruit tart. You also seem like you want something light today. Oh, and if you want something to take home, then my tomato butter cookies."
I looked at her stunned at her observation.
"...Would you also like your usual double shot espresso with it?"
"Yes." I answered immediately.
'Absolutely perfect.'
Her or the order, who knows?
As I received my order on the table, I thought she was going to walk away the same as usual, when my ear caught her mumbling under her breath.
“....You have bewitched me, body and soul.” I heard her mutter. My eyes widened as I followed her eyes to where my novel was placed, just right beside me.
That line....
"Oh dear, I'm sorry!" She blinked as if snapping out of trance. "I must've spoiled it for you."
I blink before I shook my head and rubbed my neck sheepishly. "O-Oh no, it's fine. I'm just rereading. I take it you've read Pride and Prejudice as well?"
"Read it? My mind is absolutely filled to the brim with it! The thought of the romance and intimacy between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy could just bring literal tears to my eyes." I watched her eyes shine, nearly dreaming as she kept rambling on about her favorite scenes from the book. "The letter scene just made my heart end up in my throat—"
She was glowing.
"And the confession scene agh—" All of the sudden she paused for a few seconds, silence filling the air, yet for the first time since I've met her, I never saw her this flustered as her cheeks faintly shifted to a soft pink.
I was captivated.
"Oh my Celestial, I'm so sorry, you must've wanted some alone time. I must've been rambling for too long and you haven't even been able to take a bite of your tart."
Usually, that's true when people disturb me while I work yet....
'Huh, I didn't even realize....' I thought as I glanced at my cup of coffee, watching it gradually cool down.
I shook my head, chuckling before covering. "It's not a big deal, I'm happy to meet an avid reader like myself."
And, I wanted to listen to her more....
But, I know "work" is calling to me soon...
"However, it's true that I might have to go soon." I replied and simply smiled gratefully at her worried expression. "I still have time to spare to savor my tart."
"If that's the case, I'll go pack up your tomato butter cookies!" She rushed back to the counter. "Be right back in a jiffy!"
She was such an oddball I've always thought but I didn't mind. Especially, when I got the box. As I walked out of the bakery, I peeled the cupcake shaped note that she always places each time and it was a neon orange color this time.
Tough cookies don’t quit. <3
I snorted and shook my head until my eyes caught sight of a mysterious splotch of pink ink that seems to be leaking and flipped to the back.
You think we can share recommendations :)) ?
I paused in my steps, feeling the inside of my mug bubbling and fizzing as I squatted on the ground feeling my mug warming up.
Oh dear Baker, what am I going to do with you...?
'Oh my Celestials, now I feel like I'm in a puddle of shit, what was I thinking today? I need to tone it down I swear...' You thought to yourself as you wiped down the counter. 'I feel like I've been too overwhelming lately....'
"You then went to put up the CLOSED sign and murmured in distress." And Mr. Mugman had to sit throughout my rambling between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth as if I was a dollar store vinyl...."
'He must be annoyed.'.
Far from it, but alright, suit yourself.
You then heard the telephone ring by your counter and went to pick up the phone and held it to your ear. "Hello, who might this be?"
"Good evening, Ma'am, this is the supplier and we were just making confirmation of 5 sacks of flour and 3 full bags of sugar that is to be due in 3 days."
₊˚⊹♡ 𝙎𝙔𝙉𝙊𝙋𝙎𝙄𝙎 : Ah...ToonTown, a place filled with wonders and ink. Lots of ink. Not to mention, it's a "fun" town filled with wacky characters and toons who seem to have "eccentric" personalities? They're great and all but why are you attracting this attention of these strange characters when you're just a bakery owner who's just trying to make a living...?
₊˚⊹♡ 𝚆𝙾𝚁𝙳 𝙲𝙾𝚄𝙽𝚃 : 3.1K words
₊˚⊹♡ 𝚆𝙰𝚁𝙽𝙸𝙽𝙶 — None that I can think of so far? Idk Birds.
⋆.𐙚 ̊— MOTM!MODERN x FemaleBaker!Reader
₊˚⊹ ᰔ YOUR POV.
It was 5:30 in the morning. Everybody and their mothers are in bed snoring away.
Except for you that is.
You were having a lovely time in dreamland where you were having a nice relaxing day at the beach with a milkshake in hand enjoy the cool breeze underneath an umbrella. It was lovely until your eyes started to flutter at what felt like pricks of needles on your face. You could feel the illusion starting to shatter..You groaned and shuffled around annoyance turning to the side covering your head at that familiar pecking on your blanket continuing until you sat up with a swear.
"Fucking hell! I'm awake!" You glared at the cause of your wake-up call.
It was the three little birds you feed each morning flutter above your face. You gaze behind them and deadpanned when you see your apartment window open once again. The birds flock around you in a circle, chirping with one of them, a green bird landing on your shoulder, shaking their feathers right beside your face.
"Lemon, Mango, Guacamole, this is way too early for your feeding time...." You muttered, voice groggy from the late night ingredient prep. You then looked down to see Guacamole, holding a small pack of your sunflower seeds with his beak.
A packet that was supposed to be in your drawer.
"...At this point, I really shouldn't question this anymore. I suppose I do have to start putting the pastries in the oven and check on the flavorings...." You sighed under your breath and gently plucked away the packet with a small rustle as you slowly started getting out of bed. The birds sped their way out of the window, landing on their bird tree, right beside the bird feeder hung from.
As you filled their feeder, you jumped at the sound of a door slamming from the house next door. You turn your gaze to see one of your neighbors next door, a female black cat toon, running out of the house.
"Bye, guys!"
"Bye Oona!"
Ok, wow, you did not expect them to be that loud. Just how many of them are in that house?
"What have they been eating? They're quite energetic first thing in the morning." You muttered, subconsciously talking to your birds as you watch the cat toon's figure grow smaller by the distance. "I'm absolutely jealous."
You hear Lemon squawk and turn to her. "Yeah, I should start getting ready, I have only 3 and a half hours to get some baking done."
You then began to close your window but paused when you heard another noise with this time coming from your next-door apartment.
"Mommy! Mommy! I can hear the bird lady talking to her birds again!"
"Pay no mind sweetheart..." You can practically hear the parent trying to quiet their child. "Everybody copes somehow."
With another deadpanned expression, you shut the window and went to the bathroom to take a shower.
And, thus allowed yourself to be known as the crazy bird lady.
"It's like cooking school all over again...." You grinned as you tightened your apron, speeding up. "If Mrs. Chiffon were to see this, she'd be making a real hoot, and remark that she could do all this in 15 minutes with her eyes closed and a leg up."
"The muffins should be done soon..." You looked at the clock from a cake you were still piping with icing. It was 8:15am which means you only had around 45 minutes to finish the cakes, take out the chocolate and banana muffins, the cookies, put those on display with the macarons, put the custom orders into their respective boxes and freshen yourself up.
Around 30 minutes later, you raised a hand to wipe a sweat from your brow as you finished placing the last of bread into their respective basket trays.
"That should be the last of it with 15 minutes to spare." You put your arms, stretching and cracking your back as you head to the bathroom to fix yourself up only to hear a familiar chirp from the sink window.
"Guacamole....." You muttered blankly as you opened the window and allowed him to land on your shoulder. You sighed and shook your head with a small smile. You went to check the trays and found some spare bits from the pastries allowing the bird to peck some before he flew out the window again.
"How does he keep following me, I swear...." You went to the bathroom and fixed your makeup.
"Shit, 5 minutes before opening, better hurry...."
"Good Morning! Welcome to CozyBean Bakery!" You turned as you heard the chime of the shop bell to find a familiar blue figure with a mug and straw for a head.
As soon as you turned to the sign to "OPEN", you took a deep breath and put on your best smile, your persona of the day and went to do some last minute details.
"Oh, it's you, Mr. Mugman!" You give your best heartfelt smile. He was one of your first customers when you arrived and opened up your shop on this island a year ago when only two or three customers would come in. A loyal customer you would say. You giggled softly. "To think you would be one of the first I would be serving today. You're quite the loyal customer."
"O-Oh yes...." Mugman, the name of your customer, cleared his throat as his eyes shifted around turning his attention at the display. "I didn't think I would be first either...."
What a fib.
What you didn't know was that he was lying in wait nearby at the 24/7 convenience store from across the street, waiting for your shop to open.
You tilted your head when you saw his cheeks shifting to a soft pink.
'I know it's already past nine, but I didn't think it was that warm already....' You thought to yourself. 'Should probably keep my mouth shut, don't wanna embarrass him or anything...."
Your eyes slowly darted up and down his figure as his eyes observed the desserts and pastries.
'....Did his figure improve? I remember his biceps showing slightly as if they were a month ago but they seem more pronounced....."
'The work I could put those muscles into....' You thought.
"It'd make lifting those delivery sacks of flour easier...."You muttered. You could just feel your back aching at the dreadful idea of ordering a supply every two weeks.
"Uh, is something wrong.....?" The sound of Mugman's voice snapped you out of your thoughts.
'Shit, he probably thinks I'm a creep now since I'm talking to myself.' Your inner self was going to cry in embarrassment and it wasn't even lunch yet.
"Just some thoughts, nothing you should worry your pretty little head about!" You clap your hands together as you switch back into your persona. "So, what can I get for you today...?"
"Err, right...I'd like one slice of blueberry cheesecake with a hot espresso but make it double please." He pointed to the display. "I'd also like a box of assorted macarons please."
"Alright, that would be $18.35..." You rang it up at the register, taking the money from his hand and placing it in the box. "Will all that be for on the go?"
Mugman answered. "Just the macarons. I'll be eating here if that's alright."
"If that's alright? Dearie, that's what the tables and chairs are here for." You chuckled and waved him away. "Don't you worry, I'll bring up your order in a bit, Mr. Mugman."
As he shuffled away to find a place to sit, you began starting up the espresso machine and putting out a plate and utensils onto a tray. The smell of coffee wafted in the air as you put out the cheesecake and placed different macarons in the takeaway box when you hear the shop bell ring again.
"Welcome to CozyBean Bakery!"
₊˚⊹ ᰔ MUGMAN POV.
'Oh my God, Oh my God, Oh my God, I don't know if I can do this. Calm down, Mugman, you've been at this for at least a year now. You're practically her loyal customer....' I took a deep breath and willed myself to calm down before I began fizzing out.
"Get it together, Mugman." I took one last breath in and pushed open the door.
Almost immediately, I can smell the comforting aroma of fresh pastries gently drifting in the air, inviting a snug and warm feeling inside of me.
"Good Morning! Welcome to CozyBean Bakery!"
And to top it off, there was her.
"Oh, it's you, Mr. Mugman!"
Help him, your smile is the best and worst of his day. Did he see your eyes lit up just because of him showing up?
'Stop it Mugman, don't be weird and start twisting things.' I scolded myself mentally.
"To think you would be one of the first I would be serving today. You're quite the loyal customer."
I could feel my mental defenses come crashing down as the inside of my cup begin to bubble. If Cuphead was here, he'd be rolling on the floor laughing his ass off.
Get it together....
"O-Oh yes....I didn't think I would be the first either...." I shut my eyes, mentally slapping myself from what just came out of my mouth. This was the worst lie I told yet and I made deals with the devil.
'But waiting and watching from across the street was worth it for her....'
Now, I sound like a creep.
"...of flour easier...." My eyes caught her gazing at me up and down.
'....Oh my God, is this what the novels call "checking them out"?'
If Cuphead could hear my thoughts right now, he'd be screeching that I'm delusional and to seek therapy.
"Err...Is something wrong?" I called out to her.
You, the bakery owner blinked and chuckled. "Nothing you should worry your pretty little head about. So, what can I get for you today?"
'...Pretty?'
And from there I was on autopilot, ordering a nice blueberry cheesecake and espresso to wake myself up with some macarons to take back home for Cuphead.
'Pretty?'
"Alright, that would be $18.35..." She looked up from the register. "Will all that be for on the go?"
"Just the macarons. I'll be eating here if that's alright." I answered immediately.
Her laughter echoed through her bakery and I could feel the memory of it lingering on my mind as she had a laugh that made me want to tell her jokes forever no matter how embarrassing it may be.
"If that's alright? Dearie, that's what the tables and chairs are here for." She waved me off with her bright grin causing me to snap out of my trance. "Don't you worry, I'll bring up your order in a bit, Mr. Mugman."
'She smelled like vanilla and cinnamon....' He smiled dreamily as he sat down in one of the booths, watching her gracefully move around preparing his order as if she were dancing. Not to mention, she was humming to herself without a care in the world.
Not knowing how much she's damaging my heart at this moment.
'Dearie?'
'Pretty?'
"At this rate, I might just consider digging my grave here. How could anyone be the perfect form of pure sweetness...." I muttered to myself as I watched her multitask with a couple of customers and packing what I assume to be their orders.
Wow, if you were to look at him right now, you could see his eyes turn into hearts as he stared.
I shook my head and turned to look outside the window at the busy streets to avoid staring at her like a stalker.
A few minutes later, I hear the sound of footsteps clicking causing me to turn my gaze away and look up to see the baker, holding out a tray and my order of macarons.
"Sorry if you've been waiting for a while, Mr. Mugman. Your order has just arrived." She presented it dramatically with a bow making me snort before raising her head up to wink causing my heart to then skip a beat. "Enjoy!"
She then walked away, leaving me to stare at my blueberry cheesecake and coffee. It was then that I noticed a note in the shape of a cupcake plastered onto the macarons.
Hope you have a good day, Mr. Mugman! Treat yourself, you deserve it. :)
She was literal sweetness wrapped in sugar and sunlight.
"Perhaps I overdid it again...." You murmured to yourself after closing down the bakery. You observed the spare macarons, cookies and other pastries. What are you supposed to do with them?
₊˚⊹ ᰔ YOUR POV.
"I called the soccer coach to see if they were practicing but said they're not since some of the players came down with the flu which reminds me that I should probably check on buying some vitamins for them and myself...." You mumbled as your eyes slid onto the wall clock. "It's gotten late so the kids at the orphanage should be in bed by now and I don't wanna wake them up and cause a ruckus and allow Ms. Belladew to take a hit at me..."
You then hear the sound of tapping at the sink window and look to see that it was Guacamole once again but with Mango this time.
"It's you two bird-brains." You shake your head with a tired smile, opening the window as they land on the sill. "I have plenty of spare bread but I doubt even with you three, you can finish it all."
The two birds looked at each other as if they were thinking the same thing before glancing at you.
"What?" You blinked in confusion.
Guacamole squawked and began gesturing at Mango next to him with his right wing. You tilted your head still confused when Mango suddenly flapped his wings and flew around you, making a light bulb go off your brain.
"...The next-door neighbors." You murmured under your breath. You've heard they were a big family with the complaints you've heard from people in your apartment complex but also heard some sad stories as well.
Something you don't want to cause trouble with.
"Oh, to hell with it." You scratched your neck. "If they yell at me for disturbing then that's fine. I can hand them around the apartment complex where they now know me as the crazy bird lady I suppose and I can go home, take a shower and cry about it in bed afterwards. From the bird lady or a family rejecting my creations, who knows?"
Okay, now you're just rambling.
"I can do this, I can do this...." You muttered to yourself as you pace around the pathway of the house next-door. "Who doesn't love free muffins, cookies, and macarons? Practically the lottery, except it's not cash."
At least that's what you thought.
You take a deep breath and put on a smile. A smile that doesn't say "Im trying too hard." or "Take these leftovers away from me!"
Oh my god, what if they hate your creations but say thank you anyways, pretending they love it?
But by that time, poor you decided to tap on the doorbell.
'You stupid, stupid toon!' You shook yourself mentally.
"Oh hello?" The female cat toon you saw this morning seemed to be the one who answered the door. She looked down to find you holding some reausable shopping bags from your grocery.
Because plastic bags have been your enemy since day one.
"...Did one of them try to prank call the pizza place again..." You heard her mutter under her breath as she held the door open.
"Oh, this isn't that kind of thing." You kept yourself composed and gave a small laugh. "So...."
"Oh, it's the bird lady!" A young rabbit toon appeared behind the lady.
Great, of course the people in your surrounding area would know. You might as well consider legally changing your name to that and make it official.
"Olly! That's not nice!" She scolded him before turning to you and gave you what seemed to be a tired smile. "Sorry, kids these days am I right?"
"What'd I say wrong? I find bird lady cool!"
Well, at least that lessens the damage to both your physical and mental health.
"Still that isn't nice." She said firmly. "Now, apologize."
"...I'm sorry, Miss...."
'He is just a kid after all....' You shook your head with a smile, erasing the first part from your mind and looked at him, who seemed to be unconsciously giving the puppy eyes before turning to the lady. 'I'll tune out your first part kid, since you're adorable.'
You gave them your name and gave them an "ok" sign with a wink, turning the switch. "No hard feelings over here, it's nice to know someone notices my excellent services to the birds. I'm just here making some deliveries, Miss....um..."
"Oona. Oona is fine." She introduced herself before tilting her head. "...But, I don't remember any of us making an order."
You can practically see her thoughts calculating.
"It's not like that." You shook your head. "You see, I had some spare pastries from a small bakery that I own and I hate to see them go to waste. So I thought why not give them to the people next-door? I was planning to also give them out to others but...."
'The soccer team is down with the sickness, I don't want my ass kicked out of the orphanage, and my apartment building is filled with old farts who get pissed by a mere flick of a wall.'
"...They're not really available." You finally settled and you can feel an uneasy feeling in your gut that just can't wait to spill out. "I mean if you can't really finish it, I don't really mind and all...."
"Actually, I'd be delighted to have them." Oona raised a brow and looked behind her to see a bunch of young toons gathering and watching their interaction. "I'm sure, we're in need of some sweet treats."
"Really?" Your mind stopped racing as you handed your bags to them with a smile. "Then, please be sure to enjoy them to their fullest, Miss Oona. Ooh, I would recommend the chocolate brownies with some ice cream and a drizzle of caramel, it is absolutely heavenly. Oh, and the chocolate chips as well are lovely, and the sugar cookies—"
"Thank you." Oona's smiled warmly.
"Right, hope you guys love them." You then turn to walk away and wave with your signature grin.
"Bye, Miss Bird lady!"
And it continues, lovely.
As you took off your coat back at your apartment, you groaned in relief when your back hit the couch. You decide to take a small break before taking a shower and start preparing your ingredients again.
"What should I prepare for tomorrow...." You began mumbling. "Perhaps some donuts this time, I should probably do a few batches of macarons as well, they were kind of a hit today, maybe some tarts...."
A sound coming from the fax machine pulled your head out of the clouds as you watched the paper slide out. As you walked over, you caught only a few words from your paper, what was left of your smile faded in an instant as your eyes dulled when the machine stopped buzzing.
₊˚⊹♡ 𝙎𝙔𝙉𝙊𝙋𝙎𝙄𝙎 : Ah...ToonTown, a place filled with wonders and ink. Lots of ink. Not to mention, it's a "fun" town filled with wacky characters and toons who seem to have "eccentric" personalities? They're great and all but why are you attracting this attention of these strange characters when you're just a bakery owner who's just trying to make a living...?
₊˚⊹♡ 𝚆𝙾𝚁𝙳 𝙲𝙾𝚄𝙽𝚃 : 3.1K words
₊˚⊹♡ 𝚆𝙰𝚁𝙽𝙸𝙽𝙶 — None that I can think of so far? Idk Birds.
⋆.𐙚 ̊— MOTM!MODERN x FemaleBaker!Reader
₊˚⊹ ᰔ YOUR POV.
It was 5:30 in the morning. Everybody and their mothers are in bed snoring away.
Except for you that is.
You were having a lovely time in dreamland where you were having a nice relaxing day at the beach with a milkshake in hand enjoy the cool breeze underneath an umbrella. It was lovely until your eyes started to flutter at what felt like pricks of needles on your face. You could feel the illusion starting to shatter..You groaned and shuffled around annoyance turning to the side covering your head at that familiar pecking on your blanket continuing until you sat up with a swear.
"Fucking hell! I'm awake!" You glared at the cause of your wake-up call.
It was the three little birds you feed each morning flutter above your face. You gaze behind them and deadpanned when you see your apartment window open once again. The birds flock around you in a circle, chirping with one of them, a green bird landing on your shoulder, shaking their feathers right beside your face.
"Lemon, Mango, Guacamole, this is way too early for your feeding time...." You muttered, voice groggy from the late night ingredient prep. You then looked down to see Guacamole, holding a small pack of your sunflower seeds with his beak.
A packet that was supposed to be in your drawer.
"...At this point, I really shouldn't question this anymore. I suppose I do have to start putting the pastries in the oven and check on the flavorings...." You sighed under your breath and gently plucked away the packet with a small rustle as you slowly started getting out of bed. The birds sped their way out of the window, landing on their bird tree, right beside the bird feeder hung from.
As you filled their feeder, you jumped at the sound of a door slamming from the house next door. You turn your gaze to see one of your neighbors next door, a female black cat toon, running out of the house.
"Bye, guys!"
"Bye Oona!"
Ok, wow, you did not expect them to be that loud. Just how many of them are in that house?
"What have they been eating? They're quite energetic first thing in the morning." You muttered, subconsciously talking to your birds as you watch the cat toon's figure grow smaller by the distance. "I'm absolutely jealous."
You hear Lemon squawk and turn to her. "Yeah, I should start getting ready, I have only 3 and a half hours to get some baking done."
You then began to close your window but paused when you heard another noise with this time coming from your next-door apartment.
"Mommy! Mommy! I can hear the bird lady talking to her birds again!"
"Pay no mind sweetheart..." You can practically hear the parent trying to quiet their child. "Everybody copes somehow."
With another deadpanned expression, you shut the window and went to the bathroom to take a shower.
And, thus allowed yourself to be known as the crazy bird lady.
"It's like cooking school all over again...." You grinned as you tightened your apron, speeding up. "If Mrs. Chiffon were to see this, she'd be making a real hoot, and remark that she could do all this in 15 minutes with her eyes closed and a leg up."
"The muffins should be done soon..." You looked at the clock from a cake you were still piping with icing. It was 8:15am which means you only had around 45 minutes to finish the cakes, take out the chocolate and banana muffins, the cookies, put those on display with the macarons, put the custom orders into their respective boxes and freshen yourself up.
Around 30 minutes later, you raised a hand to wipe a sweat from your brow as you finished placing the last of bread into their respective basket trays.
"That should be the last of it with 15 minutes to spare." You put your arms, stretching and cracking your back as you head to the bathroom to fix yourself up only to hear a familiar chirp from the sink window.
"Guacamole....." You muttered blankly as you opened the window and allowed him to land on your shoulder. You sighed and shook your head with a small smile. You went to check the trays and found some spare bits from the pastries allowing the bird to peck some before he flew out the window again.
"How does he keep following me, I swear...." You went to the bathroom and fixed your makeup.
"Shit, 5 minutes before opening, better hurry...."
"Good Morning! Welcome to CozyBean Bakery!" You turned as you heard the chime of the shop bell to find a familiar blue figure with a mug and straw for a head.
As soon as you turned to the sign to "OPEN", you took a deep breath and put on your best smile, your persona of the day and went to do some last minute details.
"Oh, it's you, Mr. Mugman!" You give your best heartfelt smile. He was one of your first customers when you arrived and opened up your shop on this island a year ago when only two or three customers would come in. A loyal customer you would say. You giggled softly. "To think you would be one of the first I would be serving today. You're quite the loyal customer."
"O-Oh yes...." Mugman, the name of your customer, cleared his throat as his eyes shifted around turning his attention at the display. "I didn't think I would be first either...."
What a fib.
What you didn't know was that he was lying in wait nearby at the 24/7 convenience store from across the street, waiting for your shop to open.
You tilted your head when you saw his cheeks shifting to a soft pink.
'I know it's already past nine, but I didn't think it was that warm already....' You thought to yourself. 'Should probably keep my mouth shut, don't wanna embarrass him or anything...."
Your eyes slowly darted up and down his figure as his eyes observed the desserts and pastries.
'....Did his figure improve? I remember his biceps showing slightly as if they were a month ago but they seem more pronounced....."
'The work I could put those muscles into....' You thought.
"It'd make lifting those delivery sacks of flour easier...."You muttered. You could just feel your back aching at the dreadful idea of ordering a supply every two weeks.
"Uh, is something wrong.....?" The sound of Mugman's voice snapped you out of your thoughts.
'Shit, he probably thinks I'm a creep now since I'm talking to myself.' Your inner self was going to cry in embarrassment and it wasn't even lunch yet.
"Just some thoughts, nothing you should worry your pretty little head about!" You clap your hands together as you switch back into your persona. "So, what can I get for you today...?"
"Err, right...I'd like one slice of blueberry cheesecake with a hot espresso but make it double please." He pointed to the display. "I'd also like a box of assorted macarons please."
"Alright, that would be $18.35..." You rang it up at the register, taking the money from his hand and placing it in the box. "Will all that be for on the go?"
Mugman answered. "Just the macarons. I'll be eating here if that's alright."
"If that's alright? Dearie, that's what the tables and chairs are here for." You chuckled and waved him away. "Don't you worry, I'll bring up your order in a bit, Mr. Mugman."
As he shuffled away to find a place to sit, you began starting up the espresso machine and putting out a plate and utensils onto a tray. The smell of coffee wafted in the air as you put out the cheesecake and placed different macarons in the takeaway box when you hear the shop bell ring again.
"Welcome to CozyBean Bakery!"
₊˚⊹ ᰔ MUGMAN POV.
'Oh my God, Oh my God, Oh my God, I don't know if I can do this. Calm down, Mugman, you've been at this for at least a year now. You're practically her loyal customer....' I took a deep breath and willed myself to calm down before I began fizzing out.
"Get it together, Mugman." I took one last breath in and pushed open the door.
Almost immediately, I can smell the comforting aroma of fresh pastries gently drifting in the air, inviting a snug and warm feeling inside of me.
"Good Morning! Welcome to CozyBean Bakery!"
And to top it off, there was her.
"Oh, it's you, Mr. Mugman!"
Help him, your smile is the best and worst of his day. Did he see your eyes lit up just because of him showing up?
'Stop it Mugman, don't be weird and start twisting things.' I scolded myself mentally.
"To think you would be one of the first I would be serving today. You're quite the loyal customer."
I could feel my mental defenses come crashing down as the inside of my cup begin to bubble. If Cuphead was here, he'd be rolling on the floor laughing his ass off.
Get it together....
"O-Oh yes....I didn't think I would be the first either...." I shut my eyes, mentally slapping myself from what just came out of my mouth. This was the worst lie I told yet and I made deals with the devil.
'But waiting and watching from across the street was worth it for her....'
Now, I sound like a creep.
"...of flour easier...." My eyes caught her gazing at me up and down.
'....Oh my God, is this what the novels call "checking them out"?'
If Cuphead could hear my thoughts right now, he'd be screeching that I'm delusional and to seek therapy.
"Err...Is something wrong?" I called out to her.
You, the bakery owner blinked and chuckled. "Nothing you should worry your pretty little head about. So, what can I get for you today?"
'...Pretty?'
And from there I was on autopilot, ordering a nice blueberry cheesecake and espresso to wake myself up with some macarons to take back home for Cuphead.
'Pretty?'
"Alright, that would be $18.35..." She looked up from the register. "Will all that be for on the go?"
"Just the macarons. I'll be eating here if that's alright." I answered immediately.
Her laughter echoed through her bakery and I could feel the memory of it lingering on my mind as she had a laugh that made me want to tell her jokes forever no matter how embarrassing it may be.
"If that's alright? Dearie, that's what the tables and chairs are here for." She waved me off with her bright grin causing me to snap out of my trance. "Don't you worry, I'll bring up your order in a bit, Mr. Mugman."
'She smelled like vanilla and cinnamon....' He smiled dreamily as he sat down in one of the booths, watching her gracefully move around preparing his order as if she were dancing. Not to mention, she was humming to herself without a care in the world.
Not knowing how much she's damaging my heart at this moment.
'Dearie?'
'Pretty?'
"At this rate, I might just consider digging my grave here. How could anyone be the perfect form of pure sweetness...." I muttered to myself as I watched her multitask with a couple of customers and packing what I assume to be their orders.
Wow, if you were to look at him right now, you could see his eyes turn into hearts as he stared.
I shook my head and turned to look outside the window at the busy streets to avoid staring at her like a stalker.
A few minutes later, I hear the sound of footsteps clicking causing me to turn my gaze away and look up to see the baker, holding out a tray and my order of macarons.
"Sorry if you've been waiting for a while, Mr. Mugman. Your order has just arrived." She presented it dramatically with a bow making me snort before raising her head up to wink causing my heart to then skip a beat. "Enjoy!"
She then walked away, leaving me to stare at my blueberry cheesecake and coffee. It was then that I noticed a note in the shape of a cupcake plastered onto the macarons.
Hope you have a good day, Mr. Mugman! Treat yourself, you deserve it. :)
She was literal sweetness wrapped in sugar and sunlight.
"Perhaps I overdid it again...." You murmured to yourself after closing down the bakery. You observed the spare macarons, cookies and other pastries. What are you supposed to do with them?
₊˚⊹ ᰔ YOUR POV.
"I called the soccer coach to see if they were practicing but said they're not since some of the players came down with the flu which reminds me that I should probably check on buying some vitamins for them and myself...." You mumbled as your eyes slid onto the wall clock. "It's gotten late so the kids at the orphanage should be in bed by now and I don't wanna wake them up and cause a ruckus and allow Ms. Belladew to take a hit at me..."
You then hear the sound of tapping at the sink window and look to see that it was Guacamole once again but with Mango this time.
"It's you two bird-brains." You shake your head with a tired smile, opening the window as they land on the sill. "I have plenty of spare bread but I doubt even with you three, you can finish it all."
The two birds looked at each other as if they were thinking the same thing before glancing at you.
"What?" You blinked in confusion.
Guacamole squawked and began gesturing at Mango next to him with his right wing. You tilted your head still confused when Mango suddenly flapped his wings and flew around you, making a light bulb go off your brain.
"...The next-door neighbors." You murmured under your breath. You've heard they were a big family with the complaints you've heard from people in your apartment complex but also heard some sad stories as well.
Something you don't want to cause trouble with.
"Oh, to hell with it." You scratched your neck. "If they yell at me for disturbing then that's fine. I can hand them around the apartment complex where they now know me as the crazy bird lady I suppose and I can go home, take a shower and cry about it in bed afterwards. From the bird lady or a family rejecting my creations, who knows?"
Okay, now you're just rambling.
"I can do this, I can do this...." You muttered to yourself as you pace around the pathway of the house next-door. "Who doesn't love free muffins, cookies, and macarons? Practically the lottery, except it's not cash."
At least that's what you thought.
You take a deep breath and put on a smile. A smile that doesn't say "Im trying too hard." or "Take these leftovers away from me!"
Oh my god, what if they hate your creations but say thank you anyways, pretending they love it?
But by that time, poor you decided to tap on the doorbell.
'You stupid, stupid toon!' You shook yourself mentally.
"Oh hello?" The female cat toon you saw this morning seemed to be the one who answered the door. She looked down to find you holding some reausable shopping bags from your grocery.
Because plastic bags have been your enemy since day one.
"...Did one of them try to prank call the pizza place again..." You heard her mutter under her breath as she held the door open.
"Oh, this isn't that kind of thing." You kept yourself composed and gave a small laugh. "So...."
"Oh, it's the bird lady!" A young rabbit toon appeared behind the lady.
Great, of course the people in your surrounding area would know. You might as well consider legally changing your name to that and make it official.
"Olly! That's not nice!" She scolded him before turning to you and gave you what seemed to be a tired smile. "Sorry, kids these days am I right?"
"What'd I say wrong? I find bird lady cool!"
Well, at least that lessens the damage to both your physical and mental health.
"Still that isn't nice." She said firmly. "Now, apologize."
"...I'm sorry, Miss...."
'He is just a kid after all....' You shook your head with a smile, erasing the first part from your mind and looked at him, who seemed to be unconsciously giving the puppy eyes before turning to the lady. 'I'll tune out your first part kid, since you're adorable.'
You gave them your name and gave them an "ok" sign with a wink, turning the switch. "No hard feelings over here, it's nice to know someone notices my excellent services to the birds. I'm just here making some deliveries, Miss....um..."
"Oona. Oona is fine." She introduced herself before tilting her head. "...But, I don't remember any of us making an order."
You can practically see her thoughts calculating.
"It's not like that." You shook your head. "You see, I had some spare pastries from a small bakery that I own and I hate to see them go to waste. So I thought why not give them to the people next-door? I was planning to also give them out to others but...."
'The soccer team is down with the sickness, I don't want my ass kicked out of the orphanage, and my apartment building is filled with old farts who get pissed by a mere flick of a wall.'
"...They're not really available." You finally settled and you can feel an uneasy feeling in your gut that just can't wait to spill out. "I mean if you can't really finish it, I don't really mind and all...."
"Actually, I'd be delighted to have them." Oona raised a brow and looked behind her to see a bunch of young toons gathering and watching their interaction. "I'm sure, we're in need of some sweet treats."
"Really?" Your mind stopped racing as you handed your bags to them with a smile. "Then, please be sure to enjoy them to their fullest, Miss Oona. Ooh, I would recommend the chocolate brownies with some ice cream and a drizzle of caramel, it is absolutely heavenly. Oh, and the chocolate chips as well are lovely, and the sugar cookies—"
"Thank you." Oona's smiled warmly.
"Right, hope you guys love them." You then turn to walk away and wave with your signature grin.
"Bye, Miss Bird lady!"
And it continues, lovely.
As you took off your coat back at your apartment, you groaned in relief when your back hit the couch. You decide to take a small break before taking a shower and start preparing your ingredients again.
"What should I prepare for tomorrow...." You began mumbling. "Perhaps some donuts this time, I should probably do a few batches of macarons as well, they were kind of a hit today, maybe some tarts...."
A sound coming from the fax machine pulled your head out of the clouds as you watched the paper slide out. As you walked over, you caught only a few words from your paper, what was left of your smile faded in an instant as your eyes dulled when the machine stopped buzzing.
