[PROMPT] Diligence Ch.2 - Tea Time!!

“What do you mean I have to go down to Burrowgatory?!” Tsubaki huffed out, arms crossed and hoof stomping into the dirt. “I thought you were just going to have me garden again!”

He was by no means happy with this and it showed in the way he glared up at the cherubun before him. Primrose, however, seemed unphased and more annoyed at the envy succubus before him. Pale fingers tapped impatiently against the sides of a modestly decorated box.

“If you would stop interrupting me, Tsubaki, I will explain.” Primrose speaks, his tone is even yet laced with an uptight arrogance. It makes Tsubaki pout more. “Dove, the cherubun you will be delivering this tea to, lives in Burrowgatory.” Golden eyes level a glare down at Tsubaki, leaving no room for any kinds of argument. “While they seem at home in that dingy hell hole, they do still enjoy embassy-grown tea. So you, my annoying little protege, will be delivering it.”

Tsubaki doesn't back down from his huffy stance though. For a moment he fiddles with the turquoise around his neck, the smooth stone under the pad of his thumb helps him calm down. He hated the idea of going down into the Burrow, he's always hated it. Choosing instead to live off the grid and away from society.

The only reason he was up in the embassy dealing with the saintly shits was simply because the virtues came along with them; and Tsubaki loved all sorts of creatures. With another indigent snort, Tsubaki rolled his eyes and snatched the box out of Prim's hands.

“Fine, fine. I'll do it if it gets you off my back...” Tsubaki snorted out.

While he wasn't happy with the idea of having to go in the city, it was better than butting heads with Prim and possibly getting shooed away for nasty behavior. It doesn't stop Tsubaki from muttering under his breath on the way out. “Can't believe I'm the one who has to play delivery boy...”

Despite the way he argued with Primrose, Tsubaki didn't mean much of the harshness. When they were gardening the other day the pair seemed to at least somewhat get along. In fact, Tsubaki liked hearing the stuffy head of the embassy murmur about what uses the heavenly flowers had. Chiming in with his own botany knowledge in return. Tsubaki was just... off put at the idea of going into the city for too long.

It doesn't take long to leave, Tsubaki waving at some of the other denizen's he had become more amicable with on his way. Once his hooves were back on solid ground and his steps took him further and further away from the gates, did his anxiety start to get worse.

He hated cities, or closely knit neighborhoods... in general he just didn't like places where other buns, sinful or saintly roamed. The embassy was at least rather quiet, and with all the flora he felt somewhat at home. Not unlike the city, the further in you got the louder it was. The more eyes on you. Lingering stares of other bun's had Tsubaki's skin crawl. He hated it.

Tsubaki wished Swain was here with him. Then maybe at least he would feel a bit better. For now, he settled on fidgeting with his necklace. His pace was hurried as his gaze darted down to read the directions given to him.

Almost there... Almost there...

 Hooves tapped against the cobblestone sidewalk as Tsubaki almost walked past his destination in a hurry. Turning back on one hoof, he walked through the doors. Up and up the stairs, until he was in front of the door. It took a moment to knock on the door. It always did, Tsubaki had to prepare a mental script of the interaction in his head before anything.

'Hello. How are you?' 'I have a delivery from Primrose, here's your tea leaves.' 'Oh, thank you! Bye'

It should be easy peasy. Nothing to overthink about. Just knock, give them their tea, and leave to hurry back to the embassy. Easy peasy, Tsubaki mentally repeated as he brought up a hand to knock at the door. A moment of silence passed, leaving Tsubaki to stew in an awkward discomfort as he waited for an answer. Perhaps no one was home. Could he just... leave the box here? No... it would get stolen, no doubt... Would he have to wai-

Thoughts were interrupted as the door was answered by a cherubun. They seemed friendly, a shy, yet still friendly, smile pulled at their lips. “Oh, hello! How are you?” They chimed, voice soft.

Tsubaki had to swallow his nerves down as he held the box of tea leaves out to them, Dove? He recalls their name from his earlier chat with Prim. “H-hi... Um... I have a delivery for you...” He chokes out his words as his hands shake with nerves. “It's t-tea... from Primrose.”

Dove chuckles at the sight in front of them, it makes Tsubaki stiffen more. He's thankful as they take the box from his hand. “Why thank you, Mister...” They pause at the end of their sentence, glancing at Tsubaki with a smile.

“Tsubaki...” He mutters in response, glancing away to avoid eye contact.

It makes them laugh again. “Tsubaki.” They murmur his name, testing the sound of it on their tongue. A polite smile tugs at the corners of their mouth before they speak again. “Thank you, Mister Tsubaki.” Dove repeats with a smile. “Would you like to come in for a cup of tea?”

That was off script.

Tsubaki swallows and before he can control his own movements, he nods. “Y-yeah. Sure, I can stay for a cup.” His voice is quiet, nervous as Dove leads him into the couch. The kindly cherubun gesturing for him to take a seat at the couch.

“It’ll just be a few minutes.” They chime, starting to step off towards the kitchen to put a kettle on the stove.

There’s an awkward silence that settles over Tsubaki as he’s left alone in the living room. He glances around, taking in the decor of the place - it’s an odd (but charming) mix of styles. A harsh punk-ish decor mixed in with cute knick knacks. Something about the clashing decor served to relax him, it was comfortable, reminding him of his own place with Swain.

Getting lost in thought served to his benefit, as Dove quickly returned with a tray that balanced tea cups and square sandwiches alike. Setting it down on the table, the cherubun was quick to pour the tea. There was a soft, herbal scent that wafted through the area as the brownish liquid settled into the cups. 

“Do you take any sugar in your tea?” Dove asks, still wearing that sweet smile on their face. Tsubaki nods, answering with a small ‘yes please’ before Dove continues. “One cube, or two?”

“Umm, two, if that’s okay.” Tsubaki chuckles out nervously, fiddling with the hem of his shirt. Dove nods, putting two sugar cubes into the cup before giving it a stir and handing the cup to Tsubaki. 

Tea with Dove proved to help soothe Tsubaki’s nerves. Time passed rather quickly, the envy bun slowly opening up to their sweet disposition between sips of tea and nibbles of cucumber sandwiches. However, things were getting late and Tsubaki needed to go report back to Primrose about the delivery. So with a multitude of thank you’s (and promises to return soon) Tsubaki took his leave with a smile on his face.

Perhaps getting to know others isn’t all that bad.