Me and Del are opening our new diner this Tuesday. We're calling it Lumturo, a lighthouse in a sea of cares! Come over for some good food, a good view, and if you're feeling brave, the stage will be open for anyone to have a crack at performing.
I'll reserve a table for you if you want to come, so tell all your mates too!
[Attached is more information and directions! It's located overlooking Stellari's airship docks.]
Were you harmed in any way? I don't think anyone would ever want to see their friends and loved ones turned into something like that, but it wasn't their fault. Something did that to them.
Some Dreamers did seem excited to grant those wishes, but I'm not sure if it was that or something else. The magic in this world is a mystery. Unpredictable and dangerous at times.
[ Her big girly demon summon goes pew pew, that's why. ]
I guess the question is: what other choice do I have? If I fall into despair, I'll be spitting in the face of my precious friends who fought so hard to protect what's dear. They taught me that hope can prevail, even in the shadows.
You are invited to Sip & Blossom's soft launch party!
Okumura Haru is celebrating the launch of her brand new cafe, located in Stellari. There will be coffee, tea, fresh food, as well as a performance, so please come join her and others for this special evening event!
The launch party will be held July 25th at 6:00PM.
Please feel free to bring a plus one!
Thank you, and Haru greatly appreciates your support.
There's a delay in receiving a response, enough that he starts to question his decision to offer at all. It isn't like him, but it feels wrong to talk about something so serious over text. It doesn't seem right to leave someone alone with their thoughts, or perhaps Varian only thinks so for how long he has been.
But eventually it does come, and with some lingering trepidation he sets out.
It takes him longer than expected. He's not completely sure where her home is, and in fact his first attempt lands him at the wrong house, but in the end he is able to find it, and a knock on the door follows. ]
[It might've helped that there were a few indicators. Because Aurora didn't have directions other than the sleepr indicating she lived in Somnius, her emotional state could barely handle it.
Her cute mushroom cottage had been brought up to her standards quite well. It was surrounded by some blooming sunflowers and a small sign saying "Aurora's House" hanging by the mailbox. Other than the sunflowers, it was adorned by potted plants and a small garden outdoor table set of two chairs with an umbrella.
There was a small almond smell coming from the door. And slowly, the small girl would open the door with a crack.]
[ The words are briefly uncertain of themselves, because he really didn't think this far ahead. It seems like the sort of thing one should have a plan in mind for, and Varian decidedly does not.
His raccoon companion stands beside him. He chitters, standing on hind legs and sniffing the air with interest. Ruddiger tends to be more inclined to expore than Varian, and so he leans over just long enough to scoop him up.
[Cautiously, she opened the door. The inside of her tidy little home was visible, except for the unmade bed that could be seen.
Someone had been doing a lot of sleeping. Only getting up now to start making some tea on the stove. There were also some bakery bought scones on the table.]
Um...come in? I'm making some tea and I have...snacks.
[As home host as she wanted to be, she wasn't completely in the chipper mood for it. But she seemed to try.]
[ He lifts the raccoon a little bit higher, then lowers him down, to signify that he's the owner of that name, before setting him down. ]
Oh, um... Don't worry about it. You don't need to trouble yourself.
[ It's a quaint little house, quite unlike his own living space, which is so largely devoid of personal affects. Something here, something there, but by far and by large it is chemicals, equipment, and odd bobbles; a workspace more than a home.
He steps over to the table, though he doesn't sit, placing one hand on it. ]
[She wanted it. She wanted the company so badly. People like Alucard and others were telling her things that she wasn't so bad like she thought. Good and bad were too black and white for the world. Logic versus the emotional barrier was what was killing her on the inside.
Regarding the raccoon, she decided to just let things be. Raccoons often made meals of her people. But that wasn't the raccoon's fault, it was just the nature of animals. Oh what a time ago when she thought she could live in total equal harmony with the forest folk.
That was a useless thing to look back on.
This raccoon was a sweet companion. Nothing less.
Right.
She still poured some tea in a little tea cup.]
Still, you came all of this way, and I didn't...exactly give you good directions.
Oh, you don't have to worry about that, [ He grins, projecting confidence and gesturing with one hand, ] I could find this place just fine.
[ He did get lost, but well, he found it in the end, and all's well that end's well... Or at least that's how he's choosing to see this. The look softens though, his brow furrowing and the grin easing into concern.
He's a fairly direct person, too earnest for his own good, and so what comes next is nothing more than that, ]
I was worried about you. I mean, you... [ He bites his lip, pausing just slightly before continuing, ] You seem like you're dealing with a lot.
[ His gaze turns down to the cup of tea that he takes into his hand. He can see the light reflecting in it, and just briefly his own, before he closes his eyes and shakes his head before looking back up.` ]
[ After she closes up Sip and Blossom, she and Aurora work their way through the kitchen and the giant pot they've got filled with broth that's simmering.
And there are so many vegetables to add in, as well freshly sliced pork. ]
Let's add the vegetables first. Do you mind grabbing me that plate there?
[Aurora admittedly hadn’t been around the cafe much the passed few weeks. Spending long hours studying and trying recipes, figuring out the logistics and themes on how she wanted things to go to keep Basilio’s diner alive…she had been one busy girl.
There was one thing though she wanted to do. Despite the assurance that Haru had everything handled at her cafe, ingredients wise, she wanted to contribute something. Aurora had been carrying a book bag of sorts, or more like a large satchel. The bag had something inside…maybe? Shhh. She wasn’t telling yet.
But ah! She was really studying up on the properties of vegetables for her, uh, new restaurant(?).]
Root veggies first, yes? They take the longest to cook. Greens last!
Yes, let's make sure to start with those. I've already minced up the pork, so it can go later on.
[ She'll just push aside that tray for now so there's more working space for them.
The broth bubbles in the pot, steam rising when she lifts the cover. She has to duck her head back so the steam doesn't hit her face, stretching an arm out as to keep Aurora away from it as well until most of it has lifted. ]
I'm glad we can do this. It's been a while since we've been able to hang out, hasn't it?
[She seemed to beam softly at the last remark. The steam did hit her face a little and she had to wipe her eyes a little. Wow, it got warm quick. But she gently placed the veggies inside so it wouldn't splatter. She was treating it like a delicate task, but she was very meticulous with it.]
I know, and I'm sorry. A lot has been happening, in a pretty good way. Keeping busy with Basilio's diner and all.
[She fiddled around as she tried to fold her napkin neatly in her lap, like a lady.]
He left, to go back home. It was that sudden thing that happens here sometimes.
[A little determined look appeared on her face.]
I'm not so sad about it, so much anymore. I decided I wanted to take over his restaurant, to keep it alive. He wanted so badly to open it, it was his dream. i want to honor it.
[ Haru steps back from the pot, looking for next bit of ingredients to add in. ]
But Aurora-chan...
[ She slows her pace for a quick moment, glancing over at the younger girl. ]
I hope you are doing it for yourself. It's nice to want to do things for others and I understand very well, but... it's okay to want to do things for yourself.
[Aurora wasn’t sure how her heart felt when the concern came over Haru’s face. But after feeling it for a moment, and looking at her shoes, she looked right at Haru again.]
I know you’re right, Haru. Trust me…I do want to do it for myself, too.
[The idea of selfishness did come through her head but she made an effort to beat it out. Or attempt.]
[ The broth boils and Haru goes over to tend to it to ensure it doesn't spill over. It seems like the veggies are cooking well enough, so perhaps it's time to add some of the meat they've cut neatly.
She makes a motion for it, indicating that Aurora grab the tray closest to her.
In the meantime, her expression falters slightly, averting her gaze from the other girl. ]
I haven't wanted to press. It sounds like you had a difficult time and if you didn't want to talk about it, I didn't want to force you.
[Aurora does so, and she monitors the broth when Haru looked away. She had no intention to salt the moment with any awkward negativity. Honestly, it was now safe to say it was a life far enough away that it just feels like a part of her history. Who knew what it meant if she ever left this place, but she hoped she never did...
Anyway. The tray.]
I appreciate it but I think it's fine now.
[In goes some of the meat, gently.]
I...think it's better to be more open about it with good friends. Just so people know what was a part of me for so long.
I had a home once, but out of nowhere everything went wrong. All my people and I were then trying to survive in a large forest. All I wanted to do was keep us all together and try to make the best of it. I knew it wasn't ever going to be exactly what we lost. But maybe some normalcy would happen soon.
But with everything so new and dangerous, I think many people had different ideas on how they wanted to go about it. Some people just saw it as fun, others didn’t see the danger of our group getting smaller and smaller, and some-
[Zellie…Aurora’s face grew dark before she calmed herself again.]
Didn’t care at all and just wanted to be on top. So at some point, they didn’t have a use for me anymore and I left. I figured I should just survive, I just needed to do that.
[Pause.]
Soon, I was the only one left. And then I was here. I never saw myself making friends or being a part of anything close to a community of people again.
[She looked at Haru.]
I know things will never be like it was so long ago. But I met you and the others. I want to be with people again but also do things for myself. I never thought it was okay to have both but now-
[Fudge it, she went open her bag which was laid gently on the side, as if there was perfect care in it. Inside was a small white box; which she carefully opened that contained a small chocolate cake covered in a chocolate ganache with strawberries.]
I want to work hard to make this place my home now. It’s…your birthday, right? I made this…in Basilio’s kitchen.
[ It's easy to get lost in Aurora's tale, but with the hot pot simmering the way it is, Haru has to make sure she's tending to the food as it books in the large spot, the delicious scents of veggies and meat wafting throughout the kitchen.
But for a moment, her face screws up at the thought of Aurora's home and community being lost to greed, selfishness, to whatever desires the others chased.
It's not a similar situation, but it's the familiarity of loss that has Haru's heart wrench for the other girl. ]
When people cannot be sure what it is they are fighting for, they will lose themselves. I wouldn't be able to work with such people myself.
[ And she had told the Phantom Thieves that once, when she first met them. Their convictions strained, lost to the enticement of fame, among other things. ]
Hm?
[ As she stirs the meat in the pot to make sure all sides are getting cooked, she notices Aurora rummaging around for something and then pulling out the box with the cake in it.
[A small flush came to her cheeks as she pushed the cake to the other side of the table.]
It's not much, but, it's the least I can do. You mean a lot to me, Haru. I just wanted to share just a small little token of my thanks. For being there for me through it all in the beginning when I didn't think I deserved any kindness.
[ It takes a moment or two for the realization to settle in and when it does, a wide, warm smile breaks across Haru's face.
The apples of her cheeks tinted pink, a glimmer in her eyes. ]
This is incredible, thank you so much.
[ It's the first birthday in a long, long time that so many people have shown up for her and given her things. Gifts and gestures with no indication they had to be repaid or were expecting something in return. ]
This is the best birthday I've had in a long time now.
[There are all kinds of love, even Aurora knew that. A fairy tale kind of love that you read in stories, sure. She didn’t think she believed in THAT anymore. In her heart, she knew though that this was love. Something personal and special that goes beyond many typical definitions one may have.
Yes, even calling it platonic would somehow diminish it.
Aurora loved Haru.]
That…makes me so very happy. The happiest I felt in so very long. I’m so happy knowing you’re happy.
[She kicked her feet in excitement as she looked in the pot.]
Mmmm, and this all smells so good I can hardly stand it anymore. You think it’s done?
[ There's a package left outside Aurora's door. Once she discovers it on Christmas morning, she'll find it's an item decorated with silver gift wrapping. Inside is a glass jar of roasted coffee beans and a wooden coffee mill.
Attached to the jar of roasted coffee beans is a note in neat handwriting and blue ink:
Bring these beans and the mill with you the next time you're visiting Sip & Blossom. I'll make a personal cup of coffee for you to enjoy.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
text | un: basilio.magnus
Me and Del are opening our new diner this Tuesday. We're calling it Lumturo, a lighthouse in a sea of cares! Come over for some good food, a good view, and if you're feeling brave, the stage will be open for anyone to have a crack at performing.
I'll reserve a table for you if you want to come, so tell all your mates too!
[Attached is more information and directions! It's located overlooking Stellari's airship docks.]
no subject
i just met your older brother and he mentioned your place
i can’t wait to see it!
text | un: garden05
[ It's been a hot minute since she's heard from her. ]
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haru, oh my goodness
you’re okay thank goodness
i’m so happy
i should’ve known i can just send you a message i’m so sorry
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I didn't meant to upset you.
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i'm sorry to worry you back
i'm just
i'm doing my best and that's not as good as i'd like
you didn't upset me you couldn't
no subject
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i was scared
i haven't been that scared in so long
no subject
Were you safe? You were not attacked, were you?
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i was fine but
i was scared for so many people
you were fine too haru?
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A couple of my friends were turned, but we managed to save them. I'm alright, though.
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i got him to purify in time
but it was scary, i was really scared for him
i can't imagine someone so kind turning into a mindless beast i never want to see that
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I don't think anyone would ever want to see their friends and loved ones turned into something like that, but it wasn't their fault. Something did that to them.
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i can't ever blame basilio
i blame whoever thought wishes should happen like they did
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The magic in this world is a mystery. Unpredictable and dangerous at times.
no subject
living in constant danger and still be so optimistic
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I guess the question is: what other choice do I have?
If I fall into despair, I'll be spitting in the face of my precious friends who fought so hard to protect what's dear. They taught me that hope can prevail, even in the shadows.
no subject
that's really insightful, haru. i'll keep that in mind.
[And then sleepr happened oopsie.]
we can wrap hehe
And I am happy to help you through it!
( invitation - no response needed )
You are invited to Sip & Blossom's soft launch party!
Okumura Haru is celebrating the launch of her brand new cafe, located in Stellari. There will be coffee, tea, fresh food, as well as a performance, so please come join her and others for this special evening event!
The launch party will be held July 25th at 6:00PM.
Please feel free to bring a plus one!
Thank you, and Haru greatly appreciates your support.
no subject
There's a delay in receiving a response, enough that he starts to question his decision to offer at all. It isn't like him, but it feels wrong to talk about something so serious over text. It doesn't seem right to leave someone alone with their thoughts, or perhaps Varian only thinks so for how long he has been.
But eventually it does come, and with some lingering trepidation he sets out.
It takes him longer than expected. He's not completely sure where her home is, and in fact his first attempt lands him at the wrong house, but in the end he is able to find it, and a knock on the door follows. ]
no subject
Her cute mushroom cottage had been brought up to her standards quite well. It was surrounded by some blooming sunflowers and a small sign saying "Aurora's House" hanging by the mailbox. Other than the sunflowers, it was adorned by potted plants and a small garden outdoor table set of two chairs with an umbrella.
There was a small almond smell coming from the door. And slowly, the small girl would open the door with a crack.]
V-Varian? Hello...thank you for coming...
no subject
[ The words are briefly uncertain of themselves, because he really didn't think this far ahead. It seems like the sort of thing one should have a plan in mind for, and Varian decidedly does not.
His raccoon companion stands beside him. He chitters, standing on hind legs and sniffing the air with interest. Ruddiger tends to be more inclined to expore than Varian, and so he leans over just long enough to scoop him up.
And to state the obvious, ]
... Ruddiger came too.
no subject
[Cautiously, she opened the door. The inside of her tidy little home was visible, except for the unmade bed that could be seen.
Someone had been doing a lot of sleeping. Only getting up now to start making some tea on the stove. There were also some bakery bought scones on the table.]
Um...come in? I'm making some tea and I have...snacks.
[As home host as she wanted to be, she wasn't completely in the chipper mood for it. But she seemed to try.]
no subject
Oh, um... Don't worry about it. You don't need to trouble yourself.
[ It's a quaint little house, quite unlike his own living space, which is so largely devoid of personal affects. Something here, something there, but by far and by large it is chemicals, equipment, and odd bobbles; a workspace more than a home.
He steps over to the table, though he doesn't sit, placing one hand on it. ]
I just thought you could use some company.
no subject
Regarding the raccoon, she decided to just let things be. Raccoons often made meals of her people. But that wasn't the raccoon's fault, it was just the nature of animals. Oh what a time ago when she thought she could live in total equal harmony with the forest folk.
That was a useless thing to look back on.
This raccoon was a sweet companion. Nothing less.
Right.
She still poured some tea in a little tea cup.]
Still, you came all of this way, and I didn't...exactly give you good directions.
no subject
[ He did get lost, but well, he found it in the end, and all's well that end's well... Or at least that's how he's choosing to see this. The look softens though, his brow furrowing and the grin easing into concern.
He's a fairly direct person, too earnest for his own good, and so what comes next is nothing more than that, ]
I was worried about you. I mean, you... [ He bites his lip, pausing just slightly before continuing, ] You seem like you're dealing with a lot.
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I mean, it looks like that but...
[She passed him the tea cup and sat down on one of the cushioned wooden kitchen chairs.]
I don't think there's much I can do about it. I can't change what's true.
no subject
[ His gaze turns down to the cup of tea that he takes into his hand. He can see the light reflecting in it, and just briefly his own, before he closes his eyes and shakes his head before looking back up.` ]
You had your reasons for it though, right?
HOT POT TIME
And there are so many vegetables to add in, as well freshly sliced pork. ]
Let's add the vegetables first. Do you mind grabbing me that plate there?
🥘
There was one thing though she wanted to do. Despite the assurance that Haru had everything handled at her cafe, ingredients wise, she wanted to contribute something. Aurora had been carrying a book bag of sorts, or more like a large satchel. The bag had something inside…maybe? Shhh. She wasn’t telling yet.
But ah! She was really studying up on the properties of vegetables for her, uh, new restaurant(?).]
Root veggies first, yes? They take the longest to cook. Greens last!
no subject
[ She'll just push aside that tray for now so there's more working space for them.
The broth bubbles in the pot, steam rising when she lifts the cover. She has to duck her head back so the steam doesn't hit her face, stretching an arm out as to keep Aurora away from it as well until most of it has lifted. ]
I'm glad we can do this. It's been a while since we've been able to hang out, hasn't it?
no subject
I know, and I'm sorry. A lot has been happening, in a pretty good way. Keeping busy with Basilio's diner and all.
no subject
[ She recalls meeting Basilio the one time, but hasn't run into him since. She probably should give proper thanks by being a patron sometime.
Haru moves to grab some other vegetables to add in the meantime, careful as she adds it in as well so the hot water doesn't splash up. ]
I think I met him once. He has cat ears, right?
[ Or... something. ]
no subject
[She fiddled around as she tried to fold her napkin neatly in her lap, like a lady.]
He left, to go back home. It was that sudden thing that happens here sometimes.
[A little determined look appeared on her face.]
I'm not so sad about it, so much anymore. I decided I wanted to take over his restaurant, to keep it alive. He wanted so badly to open it, it was his dream. i want to honor it.
no subject
[ A pang in her heart; she thinks of Neil and Charlie and how they haven't been able to enjoy Sip and Blossom as much as she wanted them to.
But some goodbyes don't get to happen, she reminds herself.
There's an initial pause, but Haru continues working with the pot, stirring some of the vegetables now. ]
That's incredible! To keep someone's dream alive is such a beautiful thing to do.
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[A smile.]
It was nice, being believed in that way. I want to work really hard to make it real. Not just for Basilio, but selfishly, I want to do it for me too.
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[ Haru steps back from the pot, looking for next bit of ingredients to add in. ]
But Aurora-chan...
[ She slows her pace for a quick moment, glancing over at the younger girl. ]
I hope you are doing it for yourself. It's nice to want to do things for others and I understand very well, but... it's okay to want to do things for yourself.
no subject
I know you’re right, Haru. Trust me…I do want to do it for myself, too.
[The idea of selfishness did come through her head but she made an effort to beat it out. Or attempt.]
I told you a bit, about my old home, right?
no subject
[ The broth boils and Haru goes over to tend to it to ensure it doesn't spill over. It seems like the veggies are cooking well enough, so perhaps it's time to add some of the meat they've cut neatly.
She makes a motion for it, indicating that Aurora grab the tray closest to her.
In the meantime, her expression falters slightly, averting her gaze from the other girl. ]
I haven't wanted to press. It sounds like you had a difficult time and if you didn't want to talk about it, I didn't want to force you.
no subject
Anyway. The tray.]
I appreciate it but I think it's fine now.
[In goes some of the meat, gently.]
I...think it's better to be more open about it with good friends. Just so people know what was a part of me for so long.
I had a home once, but out of nowhere everything went wrong. All my people and I were then trying to survive in a large forest. All I wanted to do was keep us all together and try to make the best of it. I knew it wasn't ever going to be exactly what we lost. But maybe some normalcy would happen soon.
Not everyone felt the same.
no subject
[ No wonder she had been on edge when Haru first met her. ]
no subject
[A small sigh and a shimmy in her seat.]
But with everything so new and dangerous, I think many people had different ideas on how they wanted to go about it. Some people just saw it as fun, others didn’t see the danger of our group getting smaller and smaller, and some-
[Zellie…Aurora’s face grew dark before she calmed herself again.]
Didn’t care at all and just wanted to be on top. So at some point, they didn’t have a use for me anymore and I left. I figured I should just survive, I just needed to do that.
[Pause.]
Soon, I was the only one left. And then I was here. I never saw myself making friends or being a part of anything close to a community of people again.
[She looked at Haru.]
I know things will never be like it was so long ago. But I met you and the others. I want to be with people again but also do things for myself. I never thought it was okay to have both but now-
[Fudge it, she went open her bag which was laid gently on the side, as if there was perfect care in it. Inside was a small white box; which she carefully opened that contained a small chocolate cake covered in a chocolate ganache with strawberries.]
I want to work hard to make this place my home now. It’s…your birthday, right? I made this…in Basilio’s kitchen.
no subject
But for a moment, her face screws up at the thought of Aurora's home and community being lost to greed, selfishness, to whatever desires the others chased.
It's not a similar situation, but it's the familiarity of loss that has Haru's heart wrench for the other girl. ]
When people cannot be sure what it is they are fighting for, they will lose themselves. I wouldn't be able to work with such people myself.
[ And she had told the Phantom Thieves that once, when she first met them. Their convictions strained, lost to the enticement of fame, among other things. ]
Hm?
[ As she stirs the meat in the pot to make sure all sides are getting cooked, she notices Aurora rummaging around for something and then pulling out the box with the cake in it.
She stares, a bit confounded. ]
Did you make this for me?
no subject
[A small flush came to her cheeks as she pushed the cake to the other side of the table.]
It's not much, but, it's the least I can do. You mean a lot to me, Haru. I just wanted to share just a small little token of my thanks. For being there for me through it all in the beginning when I didn't think I deserved any kindness.
no subject
The apples of her cheeks tinted pink, a glimmer in her eyes. ]
This is incredible, thank you so much.
[ It's the first birthday in a long, long time that so many people have shown up for her and given her things. Gifts and gestures with no indication they had to be repaid or were expecting something in return. ]
This is the best birthday I've had in a long time now.
no subject
Yes, even calling it platonic would somehow diminish it.
Aurora loved Haru.]
That…makes me so very happy. The happiest I felt in so very long. I’m so happy knowing you’re happy.
[She kicked her feet in excitement as she looked in the pot.]
Mmmm, and this all smells so good I can hardly stand it anymore. You think it’s done?
ohhh we can wrap
[ Her attention drifts over to the pot, the smell overtaking her senses and causing her own stomach to rumble.
It's probably time to sit down and enjoy the hot meal together. ]
Grab a bowl and we'll start setting up.
secret santa 2025
Attached to the jar of roasted coffee beans is a note in neat handwriting and blue ink:
Bring these beans and the mill with you the next time you're visiting Sip & Blossom. I'll make a personal cup of coffee for you to enjoy.
- Your Secret Santa ]