Sweet Treats (5) : There’s no shortage of holiday themed popup shops and specials at your local places, and after a long day there’s nothing better than a nice treat for yourself. Maybe you decided to try something new, maybe it was a gift, maybe you got one of the coupons in the mail to try the place out–however you wound up with this drink, you’re in for a good time. No matter what your preferences are, the drink is delicious. Hot, cold, sweet, bitter–there’s a version of it for everyone. But, the flavor isn’t what makes the drink so special–it’s how good it makes you feel. There’s no alcohol in it, but drinking it can leave someone feeling tipsy, warm, and in a general good mood. Inhibitions aren’t lowered and there’s no negative repercussions for having the drink; it might make children more hyper, but the drink just has the ability to put someone in a pleasant mood.
Terrance stepped into the small pop-up café, a bell jingling overhead as a wave of warmth and the scent of spices washed over him. The place was decked out in cheerful holiday décor; twinkling string lights, a garland draped across the counter, and a tiny tree topped with a star that tilted to one side.
After a grueling day of meetings, site inspections, and juggling calls, the promise of a free drink voucher he’d gotten in the mail had drawn him in. He wasn’t much for sweets, but the idea of trying something festive seemed like a fitting way to unwind.
The barista handed him a mug filled with a frothy drink that was a rich blend of caramel and cocoa, topped with a dusting of nutmeg. It looked indulgent, but it was the first sip that caught him off guard. Warmth spread through him , a feeling that seemed to melt the day’s stress away with every sip. He leaned back in his chair by the window, gazing out at the snow covered street, and let the flavors play on his tongue.
The drink wasn’t just delicious, it was magical, somehow leaving him feeling lighter, and freer, as though every worry had been carefully tucked away for later.
By the time he almost reached the bottom of the mug, Terrance found himself smiling at nothing in particular, a quiet chuckle escaping him as he watched a kid outside struggle to catch snowflakes on their tongue. Maybe it was just the atmosphere or the perfect mix of flavors, but for the first time in weeks, he felt... good. Not just fine, not just “getting by”, but genuinely good.
He made a mental note to grab another coupon on the way out. Whatever was in that drink, he definitely wanted one for later.
Shanyume
Posted: Sun Jan 05, 2025 7:23 pm
Erica pushed open the door to the café, a gust of chilled air following her in as the bell above the entrance chimed softly. She stomped the snow from her boots and pulled her scarf loose, as the warmth and spicy-sweet aroma wrapped around her in a comforting embrace.
The festive decorations caught her eye immediately, lights twinkling above the counter and a tree precariously perched in one corner, but it was the sound of a low, familiar chuckle that made her freeze mid-step. She glanced toward the window and her breath caught.
Terrance.
He was sitting with his back to the door, one hand wrapped around a mug and the other resting casually on the table. His maroon-to-indigo dreads caught the soft light, the gold beads in them glinting faintly like ornaments themselves. Even from across the room, Erica could tell he looked different than the last time she'd seen him. Older, perhaps, or maybe just quieter. The Terrance she remembered had a natural, commanding presence, but there was something softer about him now. She couldn’t quite pinpoint it, and for a moment, she simply stood there, rooted to the spot.
Shaking herself, Erica stepped into line, her movements slow and deliberate. She kept her eyes trained on the festive menu hanging above the counter, even as her thoughts churned. It had been years since she’d last seen him, at Jordan’s funeral, she realized with a pang. Her heart twisted at the memory, the ache dull but persistent, like an old scar that still twinged when the weather changed. She’d never meant to let so much time pass between them. But grief had a way of creating distance where there shouldn’t have been any. And seeing him now, unexpectedly, brought that distance into sharp relief.
As the line moved forward, Erica debated what to say, or if she should say anything at all. Would he even want to see her? Did he blame her for disappearing the way she had after Jordan’s death especially after he had tried to reach out to her on more than one occasion?
Her fingers tightened around the strap of her bag as she risked another glance in his direction. He looked so much like his brother in that moment—the shape of his jaw, the way his shoulders squared as he sat. She swallowed hard, willing herself to focus. The barista called for the next customer, and Erica stepped forward.
Brycia
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Posted: Sun Jan 05, 2025 7:27 pm
Terrance leaned back in his chair, savoring his drink and the quiet buzz of the café. He’d always liked spots like this; small, cozy, a little off the beaten path.
As he took another sip, his gaze wandered toward the counter. It was a habit of his, noticing details. His work had trained him to pay attention, though in this case, he wasn’t expecting to recognize anyone. Then, he spotted her.
Erica.
It took a second for the realization to settle, but when it did, it hit him like an avalanche of snow. For a moment, he simply stared, unsure if he was seeing things. But no, it was her. Erica. His chest tightened, a mix of emotions stirring; grief, warmth, and a pang of guilt.
How many years had it been?
As she turned with her drink in hand, their eyes met briefly. Terrance raised a hand in a small wave, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He motioned to the empty chair across from him, silently inviting her over. He didn’t know what to expect, if she’d accept, or if she’d just nod and find another spot.
It wasn’t just that she had been Jordan’s fiancée. She was Erica, someone who’d once been family in all but name. And he hoped she’d sit down with him for at least a few minutes so they could bridge the years that had grown between them.
Shanyume
Posted: Sun Jan 05, 2025 7:31 pm
Erica felt her chest tighten as she caught Terrance’s wave, her breath hitching at the sight of him. He hadn’t changed much; still tall, carrying himself with the quiet confidence she remembered. But seeing him stirred a flood of emotions she wasn’t ready for.
Guilt twisted in her gut, sharp and sudden, reminding her of the years that had stretched between them without a word. She’d let time and grief create a chasm, and now, staring at Jordan’s brother, all she could think about was the empty seat beside him that would never be filled.
Her hands trembled slightly as she lifted her drink, grateful for the warmth it offered. She took a sip, the flavors wrapping around her tongue like a comforting embrace. The peculiar magic of the drink worked quickly, softening the edges of her guilt and grounding her in the present.
This wasn’t about what she hadn’t done—it was about what she could do now. She squared her shoulders, adjusted the strap of her purse, and made her way to his table, each step feeling lighter than the last.
“Hello, Terrance,” she said softly as she set her drink down and eased into the seat across from him. Her silver eyes flicked to his face, searching for signs of how the years had treated him. “It’s been a while. How— how has life been treating you?” Her voice wavered slightly, but the warmth in her tone was genuine. He looked well, she realized, but with the economy being what it was, she knew the house-flipping business could be unpredictable, especially in the off-season. Still, there was an ease in his posture that gave her hope.
Brycia
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Posted: Sun Jan 05, 2025 7:35 pm
Terrance offered her a warm smile, the kind that reached his eyes and softened the tension in the air. He could see the hesitation in the way she sat, the stiffness in her posture. It had been years since they’d last spoken, and the weight of Jordan’s absence was always present, even now. But he was glad to see her, and his smile reflected that.
“Work’s been good,” he said, his voice steady and calm. “Busy as ever, but I can’t complain. The market’s been steady, so there’s always a house that needs flipping or fixing up.” He took another sip of his drink. “How about you? Are you still with the police department, or have you decided to try something else?”
His tone was light and curious but not pressing. He wanted her to feel comfortable, to know that this wasn’t an interrogation. He respected her dedication to her work, but he also understood how demanding and unforgiving a job like that could be. Part of him wondered if the years had shifted her path, or if she was still chasing justice the way he remembered.
Shanyume
Posted: Sun Jan 05, 2025 7:42 pm
Erica wrapped her hands around the warm mug, letting the gentle heat seep into her palms. She took a slow sip, and the rich, comforting flavor rolled over her tongue, loosening the knot in her chest. It was amazing how a simple drink could smooth the edges of her unease, reminding her that she didn’t have to carry every memory as a burden. The pleasant warmth seeped through her, and she allowed herself a small, genuine smile.
“I’m still with the department,” she said, her voice steadying as she met his gaze. “But I switched precincts a couple of years ago. Same job, just… new scenery. There’s always something happening in Destiny City. Keeps me on my toes.” She tucked a strand of cyan-to-purple hair behind her ear, the motion more out of habit than necessity.
She leaned back slightly in her chair, the weight of their shared history no longer felt as heavy. It was easier now, to sit across from him, to let herself engage in the conversation without the shadow of guilt taking over. Terrance looked as grounded as she remembered, and that steadiness was comforting in a way she hadn’t realized she’d missed.
Brycia
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Posted: Sun Jan 05, 2025 7:48 pm
Terrance frowned slightly, concern flickering across his face.
Destiny City wasn’t exactly known for its tranquility, and the thought of Erica navigating its chaotic streets on a daily basis made his chest tighten. “I hope you’re staying safe out there,” he said, his voice low but serious. He leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on the table as he regarded her. “I know you’re tough, but even the best can find themselves in rough situations.”
He tapped his fingers against his mug. “I can’t help it, you know,” he added, a rueful smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Jordan and I always worried about you, back when you first joined the force. And now, with everything happening in the city, I just want to make sure you’ve got people looking out for you.” Terrance’s words hung in the air.
Shanyume
Posted: Sun Jan 05, 2025 7:53 pm
Erica’s smile wavered for a moment, the raw pang of guilt that flared in her chest was harder to suppress than it was a moment ago. She knew Terrance’s concern came from a genuine place, but hearing him mention Jordan made the familiar ache resurface, sharper than she wanted to admit. “I appreciate that, Terrance,” she said softly, her fingers curling around her warm mug. “It means a lot to know someone’s still looking out for me. But I’ve got good people at the precinct, partners who have my back.” She tried to sound reassuring, even if part of her wondered if she was convincing herself more than him since she didn't have a permanent partner she went out on patrol with.
Her gaze flickered to the snowy window before returning to him, her attempt at a smile more genuine now, though tinged with something bittersweet. “It’s not easy, but I’ve learned to be careful. You’re right, the city’s unpredictable, but I’ve made it this far. Guess you could say I’m stubborn like that.” Erica’s tone was lighter this time, a small, hopeful attempt to shift the weight of the conversation. But even as she spoke, she couldn’t shake the lingering feeling that Jordan’s absence made every exchange with Terrance a mix of comfort and grief, a reminder of what they’d lost and the bond they still shared.
Erica took another sip of her drink. She glanced at Terrance, his steady presence a grounding force, even amidst the swirl of emotions his concern had stirred. Yet, as the conversation shifted toward lighter topics, her thoughts drifted.
Sometimes, she felt her role as Rainier, carried even more danger than her time as a police officer. At least on the job, there were protocols, backup, and a system she could rely on. But as Rainier, the battles were unpredictable, the stakes otherworldly, and the line between survival and disaster razor-thin. It was a burden she couldn’t share with anyone, not even Terrance. And so, she forced herself to push it aside, offering him another faint smile as she returned her focus to the moment.
Brycia
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Posted: Sun Jan 05, 2025 7:57 pm
Terrance nodded slowly. He didn’t press further; from what he remembered and instead offered her an understanding smile, leaning back slightly in his chair as he gestured toward the bustling café, chuckling softly as the memory of Jordan dragging them both to different coffee shops flashed through his mind.
“I swear, your fiancé had a radar for the best drinks in the city,” he added. “If he were here, he’d probably be halfway through the menu already.” The shift in topic wasn’t just for her—it was for him too. Revisiting good memories was easier than dwelling on loss, and it seemed like Erica could use a distraction.
Shanyume
Posted: Sun Jan 05, 2025 8:00 pm
Erica couldn’t help but chuckle softly, the sound escaping before she even realized it. “He really did, didn’t he?” she replied, her tone lightening as she leaned back slightly in her chair. “I don’t think we ever had a bad cup of coffee when he was in charge of picking the place.”
The memory brought a faint smile to her lips, though it was tinged with the familiar bittersweet edge that always came when she thought of him. “I used to joke that he should start a blog or something.” Her silver eyes glimmered with a mix of amusement and nostalgia as she glanced down at her drink, swirling it lightly before taking another sip. For the first time in what felt like ages, the memory warmed her more than it hurt.
Brycia
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Posted: Sun Jan 05, 2025 8:02 pm
Terrance drained the last of his drink, setting the empty cup down with a contented sigh. The warmth of the beverage had settled nicely, leaving him in a great mood. He glanced back at Erica, his smile genuine. “Well, I think that’s my cue to grab a refill to-go,” he said, gesturing toward the counter. “These things are dangerously good.”
As he stood and straightened his sweater, he turned to her with a casual air, though there was a hint of hopefulness in his voice. “How about we stretch our legs a bit after this? The decorations around here are pretty nice, and it’s been a while since I’ve had a chance to catch up with you. Besides, it feels like a shame to waste a perfectly good winter day indoors.” His gaze lingered for a moment, an unspoken acknowledgment of how much he appreciated reconnecting.
Shanyume
Posted: Sun Jan 05, 2025 8:03 pm
Erica smiled softly, the corners of her lips curving up in genuine warmth. “That sounds nice, Terrance,” she said, her voice light and agreeable. She shifted in her seat, her fingers lightly curling around her warm cup as she watched him move toward the counter.
As she waited, she glanced out the window again, the snow still gently falling against the backdrop of festive lights. Her thoughts drifted briefly, a mix of bittersweet memories and the unexpected comfort of the moment. When Terrance returned with his drink in hand, she stood and adjusted her scarf, ready to step out into the crisp winter air. Together, they walked toward the door, a quiet understanding settling between them as they left the cozy café behind to explore the decorated streets.
