#'my wonderful Croissantwich'?

[parx-boiiz]

i wonder why i wake ip feeling like shit but then i remember all ive had in the last 24 hours was half a croissantwich from dunkin, a refresher also from dunkin and my vape and penjamin.

[johannstutt413]

(requested by mathmaticalknight; continuing from this and this)

“Good morning, my wonderful Croissantwich~” Angelina, who’d already been awake for an hour or so, floated over to her barely-awake girlfriend, cup of coffee in hand. “You have a trade depot shift today, if I remember right, and I’ll be in the reception area if you get a break.”

“Kthxhon...” The Forte sort of stumbled into her, hugging her on impact.

The Vulpo giggled, setting the cup in the air next to her and sending it to the kitchen table to properly return the embrace. “You’re out of it this morning, aren’tcha?”

“Werdreamliznite.” She yawned before flaring her eyes open. “Where’ja put meh coffee again? Thoughcha had it just now.”

“On the table. I ordered breakfast burritos while I was waiting.” Sure enough, there was the bag on the table, along with a cup of coffee apiece.

Croissant sighed with a smile. “Yer too good ta me, Angelface.”

“Maybe~” She stole the good-morning kiss the Forte was still a bit too out of it to go for herself. “Let’s get that coffee in you now, or you’re not going to wake up until lunch.”

“Aye...Hey, Angie?” She asked after a few sips of coffee and half a burrito.

Angelina cocked her head, her cup and burrito changing their orbits to match. “Yeah?”

“Erm, well’m, are ya plannin’ on goin’ ta school fer anythin’?” Another long sip of coffee. “I ‘unno if ya had any plans fer yerself, or if’n there’re schools for Infected folks.”

“Honestly, I don’t really need a degree to work for RI, so I don’t think I’m going anywhere.” What an out-of-nowhere question.

The Forte sighed. “Good. Thanks for breakfast.”

“Of course, but where’d that come from?” The Vulpo floated a second burrito out of the bag. “I’ve never said anything about school before.”

“I ‘unno, just came up in mah dream last night. Some’in about you goin’ off ta school and meetin’ some’n there and not comin’ back.”

Angie finished her coffee, giving herself a moment to absorb that. “You...you really think I’m capable of that?”

“Eh?” Croissant shrugged. “I’ve seen it ‘appen, but I know ya love me. Just answerin’ yer quest’n more’n anythin’.”

“Alright. If you ever have any doubt, just let me know, ‘kay? I wouldn’t want you getting confused.”

Croissant smiled. “Ya already do that just by bein’ so gosh darn cute.”

“More confused, then,” she chuckled, shaking her head. “Anything else you need to get off your chest before we head out?”

“Nah, I’m good now. Anythin’ on yer end?” The Forte asked, going to finish her coffee.

 Actually, now that she mentioned it, there was one thing. “How soon’s too soon to get married?”

“Pfffff-” Luke-warm coffee showered the table. “Sorry ‘bout that, but...dang, ya really went there this mornin’.”

“Sorry, I just...I dunno, I just don’t want there to be a question, ya know?”

The Forte shook her head. “Never was ‘n fer me, but I tell ya what, now there ain’t never gonna be. Holy shit, I wasn’ prep’red fer that’n just now. I mean, when the time comes, I ain’t gonna say no, but...I don’t think I’d look good’n white.”

“That’s fine; I was thinking you could wear the tux, honestly.” That earned the Vulpo a smirk. “What?”

“I just had an image of both of us in matchin’ tuxes, and I gotta say, yer still wearin’ it better.”

Angie leaned forward. “I guess it’s a matter of perspective, then.”

“Uh-huh.” Croissant’s eyes followed the gravity well that was her girlfriend’s chest. “Just sayin’, yer tie’d look more like a waterfall than anythin’. Kinda gets a girl thinkin’, ya know?”

“...Now that you mention it, I see what you mean. Huh. Alright, we’ve gotta quit stalling, or neither of us is ever going to work. I’ll see you tonight, babe.”

She nodded. “Sure as sunshine, ya will.” And with that, they escorted each other to the door, shared one last kiss to start the day on the right foot, and went their seperate ways.

‘She’s really that serious, ain’t she?’ The Forte thought as she meandered to the trading post. ‘Ak’shly, thinkin’ bout it, I don’t want her to hafta go ‘tween her room and mine ‘fore work e’ry day, and if she’s not goin’ anywhere, then now’s as good as ever...Alright. I’m gonna do it. There’s prob’ly a couple rings in the Ware’ouse in mah price range.’

Around lunch time, Angelina stopped by the trading post to see Croissant, but she wasn’t there; Bison said she’d gone out and would probably be back before her lunch ended, but by then, the Vulpo would be back anyway, so she asked him to let her know she’d come by looking for her. Not too long after, the Forte came back with a smile on her face, hand dancing in one of her pockets, and took the message with a simple nod. Bison was curious what’d made her break her usual routine of eating with her girlfriend, but he decided to leave it be. If it was anything relevant, he’d hear about it the next day, one way or the other.

Once her shift ended, Croissant went off to the reception area and found Angie and Gitano knee-deep in gossip. “Afternoon, girls,” she declared as she entered, tipping an invisible cowboy hat towards the fortune-teller.

“Oh, hey!” The Vulpo drifted over to her, briefly making contact before starting to orbit her. “I missed you at lunch today.”

“Yeah, sorry ‘bout that. Had an errand I needed ta run. Speakin’a which, ya might wanna be on yer feet for this’un.”

Angelina cocked her head. “Alright.” She grounded herself as requested.

“Ya remember that conv’sation we ‘ad this mornin’?” The Forte kneeled. “Well I got ta thinkin’ a bit more ‘bout it.”

“Oh my God,” the Vulpo unconsciously whispered as Gitano smiled, remembering the telling she’d just performed for her.

She cleared her throat. “Look, I ain’t the most el’quent talker, so I’m gonna keep it nice and simple. You ain’t goin’ anywhere, and I’m always gonna come back from my drives, but even if’n that changes, home for me’s wherever yer at. I reckon if we’re gonna tie this knot, now’s as good a time as any after all, so um...Will ya marry me, Angelface?”

“FUCK YES!” That was the first time Croissant had heard her curse with that kind of enthusiasm, but that wasn’t nearly as important as the ‘yes’ part. “You sorted this all out during lunch?”

“My job’s just liftin’ boxes and makin’ deals; I can do that in mah sleep. Gave me plen’y of time ta think, but it really only took the walk ta the post to know I was gonna propose today.”

Angie halfway collapsed into her arms. “I’m...I think I’m gonna faint. Carry me back?”

“‘Course. You’re as a light as a-” The gravity manipulation turned off as she fell unconscious. “...She sleepin’?”

“I believe so, yes,” Gitano confirmed.

Croissant chuckled. “Good, cuz if she knew I nearly fell over just now, I think she might try ta float me to the moon or some’n. Have a good’un Miss Gitano.”

“You as well, Miss Croissant.” The Caprinae relaxed in her chair, a couple hours left to go in her shift. “It’s rather wonderful to be surprised like that...I wonder if Dur-nar will try something like that with me?”

[johannstutt413]

(requested by mathmaticalknight; continuing a series)

“Ya know, I dunno why I thought she mighta been jokin’ ‘bout the tuxes.” Croissant was blushing brightly as she was getting her measurements taken.

Mostima shrugged. “I don’t ever plan on getting married, but one of us was bound to tie the knot sooner or later, and Texas needs to find an officiant who will sign two certificates for her discreetly before it’s even an option for her. Where are your hanger-ons, by the way?”

“With Angelina, doing the same thing we are.” The Lupo had a Pocky stick in her mouth like a cigar, taking it all in. “I wouldn’t marry Sora, though. Exu maybe, but not Sora. She’s a good girl, but the whole ‘idol worship’ is a bit much.”

“She’d really want you to praise her that much?” The Sarkaz smirked.

Texas rolled her eyes. “Funny.”

“If any’n’s worshippin’ any’n, it ain’t Tex.” The Forte chuckled, but had to stop when the tape measure came ‘round again. “Hey, how tight this need ta be? Least gimme a lil’ room ta breathe ‘ere.”

“Don’t question my judgment, ‘less you wan’a punishment. I been wearin’ this look a lot longer than you.” Emperor bit back, making the last few notes he needed.

The three shared a glance. “You wear T-shirts over your feathers, though,” Mostima observed.

“Well, yeah, cuz’ I like the style,” he replied, “but if ya ever see me rockin’ my birthday suit, you’d know I’m just as fuckin’ classy. Got killer shoes to boot.”

“What, yer feet?” Croissant glanced down at the penguin’s openly-visible legs.

He nodded. “Damn straight. The boys will have your suit to ya within a couple days; when’s the big shindig, anyways?”

“Uh...I dunno.” The Forte shrugged. “We’re gonna sign the papers a week from now, but we don’t have money for a ceremony.”

“Well, then, imma have to do it myself.” Emperor opened his notes again and walked away, pen scribbling faster than before.

Texas shook her head. “That’s how you know you’re the Boss’s favorite, Cross.”

“Aw, shucks, I didn’ wan’im to pay fer it.” She sighed. “I’m gonna be payin’im back ferever at this rate.”

“Could be worse - if he died before forever came along, the debt would probably go right back to the company.” And with that, the Sankta left, the other two not too far behind, to meet Bison in the lobby.

Meanwhile, Magallan was moving at a more leisurely pace, listening to Angie recount the proposal story. “That sounds exactly like I imagined. Empy’s was a lot more ostentatious, but I had no idea what was coming, either. WIth him, he could’ve been holding an impromptu concert.”

“That’s the Emperor, alright.” Exusiai sighed. “I can’t imagine what it’d be like to go through something like this. Can you, Sora?”

“Hmm?” The ‘Lupo’ had been doing just that, actually.

Angelina smiled. “Oh, I think she can. I’ve had that look on my face for the past week now...It’s too bad we can’t afford to have a ceremony, though.”

“You can’t?” The Liberi measuring her stopped. “Oh, dear, why didn’t you tell me? I’m sure Empy and I can help you with that; consider it our wedding gift to you both.”

“You’d really do that? But they’re so expensive...” Her fiance’s sense for money was rubbing off on her.

Magallan chirped merrily. “Oh, it’s no big deal; we’re making so much, it’s a drop in the bucket. How does three weeks from today sound?”

“Oh, Magallan, I can’t just blindly agree without talking to my Croissantwich first...buuut that’ll probably be okay.” The Vulpo was about to explode from happiness; luckily, they were done with measurements at this point (because of Liberi efficiency), so she was free to detonate with glee as she burst out of the dressing room. “Croissaaaaaant!”

“Angie?!” The Forte heard her and turned around in time to be slammed by a full-speed makeout machine which managed through sheer enthusiasm to knock her to the floor.

Texas nodded as the other two followed out. “Ceremony?”

“Ceremony,” Exusiai confirmed. “Emp and Maggie paying for the whole thing?”

“That’s what he said...Wonder if he’ll pay for ours.”

Two Penguin Logistics members turned bright red as Bison and Mostima had an intense but muted conversation off to the side...Yep, just another day in Penguin Logistics.

-----------

“Wow. They really did pull out all the stops, didn’t they?” The Doctor and Amiya took back their IDs from the door guard as they walked into the auditorium that’d been taken over. “It’ll be hard to match for ours.”

“Doctor darling, we probably shouldn’t compete with the Emperor like that. He doesn’t like to back down from a fight.” Besides, why would she need a grand ceremony? Just her and the Doctor at the altar, Kal’tsit as the Maid of Honor, Savage and Blaze as bridesmaids-

There was a tap on her shoulder as her date gestured to the seating. “I wonder if they expect to fill the place tonight.”

“Everyone’s sitting so close to the front, it’s hard to tell.” The Cautus shrugged. “Let’s sit back here. It’s a bit crowded there...So many emotions at once might overload me.”

“As you wish~ Oh, they’re about to start, I think. One question: why is Texas on the other side and wearing a suit? And why isn’t Emperor, even though Lappland is in one?”

Amiya shrugged. “Hard to say, Doctor. How did Lappland get to be a groomsman when Bison is- Oh! He’s the officiant.”

“When did he get that certifi-” He stopped as soon as Bison began to read.

“Friends, colleagues, and esteemed leaders of Rhodes Island,” the Forte began. “While I stand before you today acting in a merely ceremonial capacity in this celebration, I cannot begin to tell you how exciting a day this is not just for us at Penguin Logistics, but for Rhodes Island as a whole. Never have I seen a pair more in love than the two who come here today to declare their union in holy matrimony. Will the groom please come forward?”

From a door off to their right, there was a bit of a ruckus, followed by Croissant stepping through with a sheepish smile on her face as Emperor walked her to the altar before taking a front-row seat. Evidently, she’d knocked over a coat rack or something as she’d approached the door, but that wasn’t what grabbed people’s attention.

The Doctor squeezed Amiya’s hand. “Our Croissant is a rather handsome woman, isn’t she?”

“Oh, hush, dear.” She lightly slapped his hand, which was resting atop hers on the chair arm between them. “I think she looks lovely.”

“That’s what I meant, darling, just in a masculine sense. The style matches her perfectly, and the tailoring is also impeccable, honestly.”

She gave him a look. “Have you been studying this sort of thing?”

“It’s important to have a broad knowledge base.” He smiled as the Forte stepped up to the altar, clearly noticed she’d missed her mark, and shuffled a little to get into place. “Oh, Cross...”

“Uh...thank y’all for comin’. Wudn’t sure how many people’d wanna come when we’d already tied the knot on our own, but uh...It means a lot ta both of us, I know. Uh...” She probably had more, but she choked up with tears in her eyes in the face of Rhodes Island’s full support on display. “Th-thank y’all so much...”

As Texas patted her on the shoulder, Bison continued. “Is the bride ready?”

“As ready as she’ll ever be,” Mostima muttered as the opposite door opened to reveal a procession: Greyy with a pair of rings displayed on a pillow walking with Gummy, who was sprinkling the floor behind them with flowers. Behind them, Magallan was arm-in-arm with Angelina, who was wearing a suit of her own.

“Oh my God,” Amiya gasped in wonder. “Doctor-”

He nodded, squeezing her hand. “I see her, too, dear.”

“Hot damn,” Emperor audibly muttered, catching the attendees off-guard and eliciting more than a few laughs.

“Thank you, Emperor.” Angie smiled at him before turning to the crowd as Maggie took a seat. “My parents aren’t here, and I doubt they’d have agreed to attend if I’d told them, but Penguin Logistics is more like my family than anyone. The other day, I finally married into it, and...I just wanna say, to everyone from Rhodes Island who was able to make it, and the folks who had work to do, I appreciate everything you’ve all done for Cross and me since I got here. Even if this probably isn’t what any of you saw coming...Bison?”

He smiled. “Greyy, if you would?” The Perro held out the pillow for the couple to each take a ring. “Excellent. Now, as I wasn’t able to be fully ordained in time for this ceremony, I can’t lead the two in a recital of their vows, but they asked to be able to each say something here today. Angelina, if you will?”

“I think my wifesband should go first,” she teased, grinning at the blush that turn of phrase created.

“Well, ya only get ta do this right once, huh...” The Forte wiped at her eye. “Hoo boy. I was there the night Angie realized her feelin’s fer me, but I’ll a’mit, e’er since the firs’ day I saw ‘er, I ‘ad a pretty good ide-er just ‘ow wun’erful she is. Ain’t a lotta girls in’a world that got both a good ‘ead on ‘er shoulders and a warm ‘eart like she got, but ‘at ain’t e’ry’in ta love ‘bout ‘er either. Not sure if she ‘members this, but first time we met was back when she aksidelly went’n PL lookin’ fer the Doctor. Nothin’ like ‘avin’ some’n so gorjus tell ya ‘Sorry, was lookin’ fer some’n else,’ ya know?”

A bit of laughter from the crowd before she continued. “I reckon I ‘ad the last laugh there, tho’, cuz’ guess ‘oo gets to call ‘erself Mrs. Ajimu now...Angelface, we were friends long ‘fore I thought we ‘ad a chance at bein’ lovers, so you know when I say I’ve seen ya at yer best and yer worst, I ain’t tryin’a diss ya. There ain’t a nuther person in ‘is room as lucky as me t’day, ‘cuz the love of my life loves meh back...Ya prolly shud stop meh, else I’ll just keep ram’lin’.”

“That’s alright; even if these folks have other places to be, I’d listen to every word. You know, darling, if it was a nightmare that inspired you to propose to me when you did, I have to wonder what happens when you have a good dream, but I think I’ve been living in one since the day we had our first date. Between movie nights with the company and waking up to your smile in the mornings, it’s like living in one of the cheesy teen novels I loved reading after floating up to one of my usual spots. Loving you is a flashback and a memory and a dream and a reality all rolled up in knowing that, whatever happens - arguments, deployments that separate us, maybe even one of us getting hurt - there’s nothing in the world that’ll stop me from needing you, wanting you, standing by your side...Meeting you was the best thing that ever happened to me...” Having said her piece, tears in her eyes, Angie reached out and slid her ring on Cross’s finger, who did the same in turn.

“I think I’m gonna cry,” the Doctor whispered to his date, who already was. “G-good call on the back sea--” And there went the water works.

Across most of the auditorium, actually, save for those physically incapable, and Bison, who soldiered on regardless. “That said, before we get to the festivities provided by Emperor and Magallan for the evening, it’s my duty to ask: if anyone here has any objection to this union - not that it will matter from a legal standpoint - speak now or forever hold your peace...Good, because I’d punch you myself if you did. Then, by the power invested in me by Rhodes Island and subsidiary company Penguin Logistics-”

“When did that happen?” Amiya asked in a hushed voice. “I thought we were just partners with them?”

“Closure and Emperor came to some kind of understanding. I wasn’t there for the process, I just signed the agreement.”

“-I now announce you to the world as Mrs. and Mrs. Ajimu. You may now kiss your bride.”

You didn’t have to ask them twice.

The celebration afterwards was wild as hell. Emperor had an impromptu concert (as expected); Bison proposed to Mostima, who actually agreed before falling apart in a spectacular show of emotion Exusiai had thought was impossible for her; the Doctor and Amiya tore up the dance competition that broke out, but narrowly lost to Croissantwich and Angelface in the karaoke contest afterwards; Lappland admitted that she wasn’t actually in love with Texas but trying to rile her up into a duel so she could get to Exusiai the entire time, which actually got the Texas family’s most composed to go full Mafia Samurai on her ass as the Sankta and the idol looked on in a mix of horror and “omg I knew it;” and through it all, drink was had, and merry was made.

Terra was a difficult place to live in. Poverty, inequality, terror, bloodshed, fear, hatred, jealousy - they’re no less potent or prominent on its surface than any other world’s, a product of the inevitable confluence of humanity’s imperfections magnified across a barely-numerable and broadly-scattered population. With all that said, though, there was much to live for, and as Angelina and Croissant made it home and threw themselves out of their clothes for the ‘real’ celebration of the evening, none of that mattered. Tomorrow would come, or it wouldn’t, but that night was theirs in a way no other would be...