Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The morning sun rose against the cool blue sky, the birds were singing their good mornings into the cool breeze. Sitting at the heart of a small town was a small, family owned shop. The Rising Star Cafe was a favorite of the locals. The older locals remember when it first opened. Around thirty years ago. Newlyweds Myra and George opened the small coffee shop together. The town latched onto it immediately. Claiming it to be one of the friendliest places in town. With its light neons, soft music and town famous coffee, it was no wonder how it managed to stay in business for so long. 

Their son, Charles, was brought into the business at age ten, learning to greet customers with a wide smile an infectious attitude. He wasn't quite the best at making drinks back then, but as he grew up, he got better. Eventually surpassing his own parents. 

At the age of twelve, he had lost his father. George was a kind man who was loved by many. The loss was felt during the following months when regulars would come in. But there was still Charlie Hollow, a bright smile and a guitar in hand, he would sing songs. Some his dad wrote, some he wrote, some he heard on the radio. When his mother was diagnosed cancer and was forced to step out of work, the town knew they were in good hands. 

Charlie Hollow was a light.

A joy.

An inspiration.

He fell into his role as manager and owner as easily as an office worker ordering coffee on a Monday morning. 

“Chase! Why are we handing out free coffees?”

Well… mostly easy. 

His cousin, Deacon Hollow, was his assistant manager. Well… more like the actual manager. Actually, they were co-managers. Chase couldn't manage finances as well as Deacon, and Deacon couldn't charm customers as well as Chase. Together, they were an unstoppable team, leading the next generation of the Rising Star Cafe. 

“Because not everyone can afford coffee, Dorkin. And it's not free if a kind patron paid for it in advance.”

Deacon paused as he stared at the note a customer had given him. The poor customer looked out of her depth, clearly a little unsure. 

Deacon sighed and smiled at the young girl.

“It looks like this is technically valid. What can I get you?”

“O-oh. A small Americano…”

Deacon nodded before moving to make the drink. While he worked on that, Chase was calling out orders, grinning and laughing with the patrons. 

“I got a small Iced Oatmilk Latte for…” he checked the name on the cup. “Virtu?”

“That would be me!” A tall girl with glasses made her way to the front, flashing a smile with a thank you before heading out the doors. 

Chase moved to pick up a Chai Tea Latte and went back to the counter. 

“Order for Shyvee?” A young person walked up to the counter, smiling with a thank you before taking their seat by the window. Deacon passed over another two drinks. 

“I got a Hazelnut Tea Latte for Rosie and an Iced Coffee for Mak?”

As soon as the morning rush was over, Chase leaned back against the counter, a soft smile on his lips as he breathes in the scent of coffee and morning. There were a few patrons sitting by windows, laptops, books and tablets set on the tables as they worked through the morning. 

Chase smiled over at Deacon who was cleaning up the machines, getting everything ready for the lunchtime rush. 

The older cousin glanced up with furrowed brows.

“What?”

“What, what?” Chase replied, pushing himself off the counter and moving to put the creamer back in the fridge. 

“You’re smiling weird. Don't tell me you’re planning another one of your get-together parties after we close today. I have a date.”

“Yeah. Uh-huh. A date with cheap elf pirate romance novels probably.”

“Hey! It’s a choose your own adventure, it might as well count as a date… I… think…. And now I'm sounding like a nerd with no life…”

Chase pat his cousin on his back.

“You always sound like that, Dorkin.” He grinned before walking past and organizing the cups on the counter. “But that's not a bad thing. Some women probably like guys like that. For some… reason… That's not the point! The point is. Tonight. Tonight. We have a date with destiny.” 

“I hope that means you're preparing to lose at Mario Kart again!” A soft, yet taunting voice called from the door. Chase spun around to see Silver standing in the doorway, her name tag already pinned to her dress and her hair pulled into a high ponytail. 

“Silver!” Chase grinned, nearly tripping over the counter as he rushed around the front desk to hug his friend. “Headed to work?”

“I am! I had a few extra minutes before my shift and thought I could drop by for a coffee! You have my usual?”

Chase grinned as Deacon pushed a large Matcha drink over the counter. 

“Oh, Chase, you didn't even know I was on my way!” Silver giggled as she walked over and picked up her drink. “Thank you, Deacon!” She took a small sip and hummed in content. “Are we sure you two aren't magic?”

Chase laughed at that, stepping over next to his blushing cousin and hopping up onto the counter.

“Nah, the only thing magic about me is how enchanting my singing voice is!” He flashed his signature grin before shrugging. “Too bad the world knew I'd be too powerful as a famous musician. So I was given the role of humble barista.”

“Humble’s one word to use.” Deacon mumbled, glaring at Chase to get off the counter.

And the blond did hop off the counter, a sheepish grin painting his face as he leaned against it. Silver just chuckled, shaking her head knowingly as she readjusted her grip on her bag and tea. 

“I better get off to work then!” Silver smiled before turning to head out the front door. Before it could close behind her, she turned around with a challenging grin. “See you boys tonight, can't wait to see you lose~”

“This time, we’re going to watch you lose!” Chase shouted back. 

The bell gave a soft ding as Silver left the cafe, and the two cousins fell into a comfortable silence. The sun began to rise higher in the sky, a few customers trickling in and out, leading up to the lunch rush. As the group began to filter in, Chase and Deacon got back to work. 

★☽★☽★

The rolling hills surrounding the town fell behind a sleek black car as two siblings drove past the welcome sign for Sugar Springs. The younger of the two glanced out the window, watching the town main street pass. The buildings were small, nothing like the large skyscrapers he was used to back home. 

Well… this was his home now. 

“Stop looking so down.” Violet scolded as she pulled up to the stop sign, glancing both ways before continuing down the street. “This is going to be a good change for the both of us.”

“The town’s too small.”

“Which means less people.”

“Which means more people will know me.”

“Is that a bad thing?”

“Violet, I'm not a social person, you know this.”

“Neither am I.”

“Vi–”

“Nox, look.” Violet pulled over to the side of the road, putting the car in park before turning to face her brother. “This is going to be a good change for both of us. The city wasn't… it wasn't the best. For either of us. Silver said this is a good place. It’s just… it'll be a good place.”

“You don't sound too sure.”

“Nox.” Violet’s tone spoke warning, but her gaze gave her away. She was just as nervous about this as he was. 

“It's not too late to turn around now. Go back to our apartment. You can go back to your designing. We’ll be okay.”

“And what will you do? We’re here for you. We already bought the property, we already bought the plants. Are you really going to give up before you even start? You know better than that.”

Nox sighed, looking out his window and up at the brick lined building in front of him. A solid red line stretched across the windows, the word “Sold” covering it. The building was nice, on the outside at least. The door and windows would need to be replaced, and the inside would need a new coat of paint and some refurbishing. But Nox could get that done by the end of the week. 

He glanced to the back of the car where his suitcase sat on the back seat, a tray of plant starters sitting on top. 

“Yeah… no, you're right. Sorry Vi. I just…”

He felt a hand fall on his shoulder.

“You’re alright. Change can be intimidating, it’ll be okay, Nox.”

“Yeah… I believe you.”

And he did. These next few months would be scary. But it would be okay. He knew it would. 

Even if he had to force it to work out, it would. 

With a new determination, he stepped out of the car and glanced up at the shop. 

Violet stepped out as well, a small smile on her face. 

“To new beginnings.” She told him.

Nox nodded. 

“To new beginnings.” 

Chapter Text

“I hope you’re prepared to go down !” Chase shouted as he burst through Silver’s apartment door without knocking. Deacon followed close behind with a container of pastries left over from the cafe as well as a few coffees.

Bronze took the container from him, immediately moving to the couch and rummaging for any peanut butter based deserts. The freckled barista sighed, rolling his eyes before setting a black coffee in front of his lazy, peanut butter loving friend. 

“Bronze, you better not eat all of those. Some are for Silver and Goldie.”

Bronze just hummed as he tossed the container onto the couch. A couple peanut butter cookies balanced on one palm as he settled onto the ground. 

“Goldie’s not coming. He’s watching Prunella for the weekend.”

Chase perked up from where he was helping Silver set up the console.  

“What’re Mr. and Mrs. G up to if Goldie’s watching the kid?”

“Oh, Agatha is accompanying her husband this weekend. Goldie offered to watch Prunella while they’re away.” Silver informed. “Although we do have someone else showing up today in his stead!”

Deacon set the rest of the coffees onto the table as he picked up his controller and sat on the couch behind Bronze. 

“And here I thought we would be evenly matched this time.”

Silver let out a mocking laugh.

“You thought wrong.”

The woman grinned at Deacon who wore a face of shock and betrayal. As if on cue, there was a sharp knock on the door. Silver clasped her hands together in excitement. 

“Come in!” She called. 

The cousins turned to the door to watch a taller woman step inside. Her opal eyes glazed across the room, watching, studying. She had purple hair pulled up into victory rolls, held together by green aventurine. She wore a fitted green sleeveless top covered by a black leather jacket as well as a pair of dark jeans and matching black heeled boots. Her gaze eventually landed on the Hollow boys, her eyebrows furrowing slightly before she shook her head and turned towards the silver haired woman beside her. 

“Silvia–”

“Violet!!” Silver exclaimed, throwing her hands around the newcomer. The librarian pulled back with a smile. “Is Nox–”

“Mister ‘I don’t want my life to change’ is back at the apartment, burying his sorrows in fertilizer and dirt.” the woman–Violet–explained with a slight grimace before nodding over towards Deacon and Chase. “And who might these two be?”

Silver stood back with a wide smile.

“Violet, meet Chase and Deacon Hollow! They run the Rising Star Cafe! The one I was telling you about!”

Chase stepped over and put an arm around Silver’s shoulders in a side hug. 

“And her best friend!” he flashed his signature grin. “Chase Hollow, Like and Follow.”

Violet stared down at the outstretched hand, her eyes narrowed and nose crinkled in what could only be described as disgust. 

“Pleasure.”

Chase pursed his lips and retracted his hand, moving away from Silver. Fine, if this woman wanted to be cold and distant, Chase could be cold and distant too. He could be liked by everyone . Even this random woman who Chase had no idea who she was other than obviously Silver’s friend. 

Deacon, however, was not as smooth with his introduction.

“H-hello, uh, I’m Deacon, uhm–”

Violet raised an unimpressed eyebrow before making her way over to the chair on the opposite side of the group. She sat down on a chair (not one of the couches) and crossed her ankles. She sat so straight that Chase thought that if she slouched even a little bit, her back would break. 

She was the epitome of model perfection. 

Silver didn’t seem fazed by the sharp tones of the woman, instead she went to sit on the arm rest, an arm draped behind the purple haired woman. 

Instantly, Chase realized what was happening.

“SILVER!” Chase exclaimed, bouncing on the balls of his feet. “You never told me you had a sister!!”

Violet’s eyebrows furrowed slightly at the boy. Her sharp gaze almost staring into his soul. As if trying to get a read on him. Silver just smiled softly.

“I suppose I did forget to mention a few of my siblings.”

Bronze snorted. 

“A few?”

That earned the man a sharp glare from Violet. Bronze just shrugged before resting back against the couch, taking a bite of a peanut butter bar. 

Silver just smiled at her siblings’ antics.

“Yes, Bronze. A few . Chase, oh I just know you and Nox will get along! You’re around the same age, if I remember correctly. Oh! And he’s opening his shop up on main street, right, Vi?”

Violet hummed noncommittally. 

Everyone seemed to sit in a tense sort of silence after that. Silver glanced between her sister and the boys. When it became apparent that no one was going to say anything, she clasped her hands together, the TV sparking to life at the same time. 

“Okay! Tournament time!”

<~★~>

The next few hours were filled with competitive screaming and vague, empty threats. Mario Kart with the Hollows and the Libris’ was a sight to behold. The normally kind and gentle Silver was aggressive and bossy towards her team. 

Not that Bronze or Violet seemed to mind. It was clear they were both accustomed to her competitiveness. 

Chase and Deacon, on the other hand, were less of a… uh… team.

“DEACON BLOCK THEM OFF!! DONT LET SILVER PASS YOU!!!”

“I AM TRYING! IF YOU WOULD STOP SCREAMING IN MY EAR , THIS WOULD BE A LOT EASIER!!”

“DEACON WATCH OUT SHE HAS A BANANA PEEL!!”

“CHASE STOP SCREEN CHEATING!!” Silver shouted back, effectively passing both the boys, dropping the banana peel in front of them.

Chase’s character hit the banana, sliding out and forcing Deacon to swerve around him. 

“CHASE!”

“THAT WASN'T ME!!!”

They continued on like that for the rest of the match. 

Throughout the night, Violet’s posture seemed to relax quite a bit. Well… relax sure is a term for it. 

Instead of sitting up straight, she was leaning forwards, controller held between her hands as her elbows rested on her knees. Her brows were drawn together in concentration. It was clear she had never played any sort of racing game until now. Let alone any video game. But she was a fast learner. Throughout the matches, Violet quickly rose the ranks. Going from last place all the way to hitting second near consistently.

It would have been first, if not for Silver constantly passing everyone each time. 

Slowly, the night began to wind down. Bronze tossed his controller to the side first, leaning back against the couch, taking a croissant from the box of goodies. He had eaten all the peanut butter treats towards the beginning of the night, so he was stuck with plain flavored pastries. 

Deacon was the next to give up. Setting his controller in the Gaming Box before pulling out a book and flipping it open to a bookmarked page. A few rounds after that, Violet relinquished her own controller, leaning back in her chair and pulling out an amethyst encrusted phone case. She tapped away on the screen, presumably texting someone. 

Silver and Chase continued their games until it was clear Chase wouldn't be able to beat the librarian. 

“I swear you’re cheating, Sil.”

Silver smiled over at Chase, her eyes twinkling with mischief. 

“I would never cheat. For you to even suggest such a thing is outrageous.”

Chase just grumbled, collecting all the controllers and setting them back to charge. As soon as everything was put away, Chase leaned back against his seat, sighing up at the ceiling. 

“Next week. Next week I’ll come prepared. I will beat you, Silver Libris. We will battle and I shall come out victorious .”

No one but Bronze noticed the way Violet’s eyes immediately shot up to glare at the blond. The way her eyebrows furrowed in confusion when Silver laughed. 

“We shall see, Chase. We shall see.”

★☽★☽★

Nox stared around the empty room. He reached up to brush his bangs out of his eyes, smearing paint across his forehead. The room had a fresh new coat of dark purple paint. The back wall had a brick wallpaper covering it to give it an extra volume. 

Make the room feel more like…

“Well, well, well. Who do we have here?”

Nox spun around to see a man leaning against the doorframe. He had shaggy black hair that fell in front of grey eyes. The man was dressed in a simple hoodie and jeans, a smirk painting his face.

“I didn't think you’d come back here.”

“What do you want?” Nox snarled at the figure. He thought he had managed to evade this past last time around. Seems fate had its own plans. “Come here to taunt me?”

The man laughed, stepping inside the small shop space and looking around. 

“Love what you've done with the place. Purple is very… you.”

The man smirked at the glare that shaped Nox’s face. 

“So what brings you back to Sugar Springs after all these years? I can't imagine it was your idea, seeing the cause for why you left in the first place.”

“Why is it any of your concern? I could be asking you the same question. Why are you still here?”

The man shrugged, leaning against a random box. 

That wasn't much of an answer. Both of them knew that. 

“So, Nox–”

“Leave.”

The man raised an eyebrow. 

“Is that any way to treat an old friend?”

“I would never be friends with you .”

The man hummed. 

“I should be saying the same to you. After all you were the one who–”

“Get out.” Nox snarled, hands clenched at his sides. 

“You really should be more considerate. Times change. I was hoping we could be civil this time around. But I suppose if you want me gone…”

The man didn't move. Neither did Nox. 

A small chuckle escaped the man’s lips when he realized the new shop owner wouldn't let down his guard. 

“Alright, fine, fine. I'll head out.” The man paused at the doorframe, glancing back with one of his unnaturally grey eyes. “Oh, I go by Simon now. Less of a… old timey name.” 

“I don't care.”

Simon chuckled.

“I know you don't. See you around, spell caster.”

And with that, Nox was left alone, standing in an empty shop, the smell of drying paint doing little to mask his growing insecurities. 

He knew he should have stayed in the city. He knew he shouldn't have come back here. This was… it would be okay. It… 

Violet said it would be okay. It would be different.

He trusted Violet.

Chapter Text

“Good Morning, and welcome to the Rising Star Cafe! What can I get started for you?” Chase smiled as the customers of the day began walking in. 

The morning went by fairly slowly, not bad for a Wednesday. The young shop owner spent the morning leaning against the counter, scribbling out song lyrics on a napkin. If Deacon got upset with him, then that was the nearly-pre-med student’s fault. They had so many napkins that people barely used. Chase wasn’t about to waste perfectly good napkins. 

Besides, everyone knows the best ideas get written down on napkins. 

He was in the middle of coming up with perfect song lyrics when the bell to the front door chimed. Chase set his pencil down, pushed the napkin aside, and smiled up at the man who came through. He wore a simple black button up shirt, slacks, and dress shoes. His black bangs hung just above moonstone blue eyes that were narrowed into a glare as he looked up at the menu sign.

“Good Morning, and welcome to the Ri–”

“Do you sell anything that doesn’t have a ridiculous name?”

“–sing Sta– Excuse me?” Chase’s eyes narrowed at the man before glancing back at the menu as if he had forgotten the names. Or at least to double check Deacon hadn’t changed them to lame high fantasy themed names. After concluding they haven’t been changed, he turned back to the customer, his customer service smile laced with confusion. “Is there something wrong with our coffee names?”

“Well, for starters, ‘Star Struck Macchiato’ is certainly an… interesting name.”

“Oh, we like to keep on brand.” Chase replied easily. He tilted his head slightly, as if trying to get a better read on this newcomer. He certainly wasn’t a regular. And he definitely wasn’t a local. 

“‘On Brand’?” the man raised an eyebrow. “And what ‘Brand’ is that? Wanna-be pop star couldn’t get a good enough gig so he opened a coffee shop?”

“My parents opened it, technically. And I will have you know, I helped name most of the items on the menu.”

“I figured.”

“What is that supposed to mean?”

“I’ll take a Dark Chocolate Mocha with extra chocolate syrup, chocolate whipped cream, and chocolate shavings.”

Oh. So this guy thought it was okay to just change the subject? Fine. Two can play at this game.

“Alright, a Ross’ Chocolate Dream Mocha with extra chocolate, extra whipped cream, chocolate, and chocolate shavings?” Chase recited the order, double-checking that it was correct. 

“That would… yes. That would be correct.”

“Perfect! That total will come up to… $4.59!” A brief look of shock and confusion flitted over the man’s face before he pulled out a sleek black wallet. A small black chain fell off the side, a black obsidian dangling off the end. The man rifled through the wallet and pulled out a five dollar bill, handing it to Chase. 

As the blond began calculating change, he was stopped. 

“Keep it.”

Chase glanced up with a raised eyebrow but didn't argue. Instead he scribbled something down on a sticky note before dropping the bill into the register and grabbing a cup. 

“What name can I put that order under?”

The man paused for a moment, as if going through a mental debate in his head. It almost made Chase laugh.

Almost. 

Deacon would kill him if he laughed at a customer. 

“Relax, it doesn't have to be your real name if you're uncomfortable with that. Lots of people give fake names.” Chase shrugged. “The name’s just so I know who to give the coffee to.”

The man frowned. 

“I know how cafes work.”

Chase grinned.

“Perfect. So what name can I put on your order?”

The man grumbled under his breath before finally speaking.

“Just put Buddy.”

Chase hummed, writing it down on the cup, adding a little swoop at the bottom of the Y, forming it into a little heart. 

“I'll get that right out, Buddy!”

With that, Chase spun around to begin making the drink. He hummed idly while he worked. 

Behind him, “Buddy” held his hands in his pockets and glanced around the room. His eyes caught on the soft pinks and blues that painted the room. It wasn't like any of the cafes and coffee shops he was used to. The ones he was used to were made up of dark oaks and dull lighting. This place was made of soft rock instrumentals, stars and love. 

He glanced behind the counter to where a series of photos were set up, a small glimpse into the history of the little shop. A photo of the current owners, the blond and a freckled brunette, grinning at the camera in front of the shop sign. There were a few pictures of the cafe at different city events, charity events, even just parties held inside the shop. The longer Buddy looked, the more he got a glimpse into the history that belonged to this cafe. 

Eventually, he made his way towards the beginning of the timeline. The first dollar framed and hung on the wall. A slightly faded picture of the outside of the shop when it first opened. And right above that one was a picture of a couple. A man with blond hair grinning down at a woman with brunette locks.

They must be the original owners. They looked so happy together. 

“One Dark Chocolate Mocha with extra chocolate, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings for Buddy?”

Buddy was pulled from his trance and walked back over to the counter where the blond had a to-go cup sitting on the counter. He picked it up, glancing at the contents. It looked right. 

“Have a great day, mister Dark and Mysterious!” The barista grinned as Buddy spun on his heel to leave. 

As he did, he glanced down at the cup, noticing the small heart that sat at the bottom of the Y. 

“What a weird little idiot.” He mumbled before lifting the cup to his lips. 

The mocha didn't taste that bad … not that Buddy would ever admit that. 

★☽★☽★

Nox was setting up shelves when Violet walked in later that day. She tilted her head at the layout. Lights were strung across the ceiling and the bottoms of higher shelves. A few plants were already set up in the corner. Bleeding Hearts. 

Violet walked over to them, gently taking one in her hand and turning it over slightly. 

“I don't remember these in your kit of starters.” She commented idly. 

Nox jumped as though just realizing she was there. 

“Oh… uh. Yeah. It wasn't.”

Violet raised an eyebrow in question but didn't push for an answer. Instead, she let her hands trail across the leaves of some of the other plants. They were looking good and healthy. If Nox kept this up, he’d be able to open at the beginning of next week. 

“I met up with Silvia and Bronte.” Violet informed, pushing herself up onto the counter and crossing her legs. “They’re doing well. Big Gold is here too, though he didn't make it to ‘game night'. He was out… babysitting.” 

She spit the word out as if it had hurt her. 

“He always did enjoy kids.” Nox replied, standing back to look at the stand he was messing with before adjusting it again.

“Yes. I suppose.” Violet hummed. “Though she has also made some… friends.”

“Oh no! She has friends!” Nox mocked, immediately wilting when he earned a glare from his sister.

Violet rolled her eyes and waved him off. 

“It’s fine that she has friends. I don't… care about that. What bugs me is who she’s friends with.”

Nox raised an eyebrow at her. From that sentence alone, it could be anyone from a human to… well literally anyone who isn't part of their family. Violet was slow to trust. 

And Nox didn't blame her. 

“She’s made friends with…” she wrinkled her nose as if the mere thought out a sour taste in her mouth. “She’s friends with a… a Hollow.”

The name made Nox freeze. A chill ran down his spine as he turned to look at his sister. Her brows were furrowed in concentration and distaste. She… she wasn't joking… then that must mean…

“T-they followed us too.”

Violet seemed to catch onto the fear in her brother’s voice because she immediately jumped off the counter, stepping over to put a comforting hand on his shoulder. 

“They didn't follow us. Just… relatives. It’s… as long as they don't find out, then we’ll be okay. If Silver wants to be friends with Hollows, let her. But that doesn't mean we have to. It’ll be okay, Nox. You’ll be safe.”

Nox nodded, swallowing a lump in his throat. Yeah. It would be okay. Just… avoid them. He can do that.

He’ll be fine. Besides. No one should recognize him here. Well, besides–

“Nox, what did you mean by ‘too’? Who followed us?”

“W-well–”

“Nox?” Violet’s eyebrows furrowed as she gripped both his shoulders. “Nox. Who followed us?”

“W-well… y-your remember the kid who used to hang out around our house a lot as a kid?”

“The skinny, annoying lazy one?”

“I… yeah.”

“That… shouldn't be possible.”

Nox swallowed and nodded.

“R-right.” 

“I wouldn't worry about him. He’s the least of our problems. I'll ask Bronte to be on the lookout but let's focus on keeping an eye out for the Hollows. And whatever you do. Please stay away from them.”

Violet’s phone buzzed and she pulled it out, immediately lighting up. 

“I need to take this. Stay safe, little brother.” Violet patted the younger on the shoulder before stepping up the stairs to the apartment, holding her phone to her ear. “Yes. This is her! You have them ready?”

The click of the apartment door sounded, leaving Nox alone in the main area of the shop. 

Why was all of this happening? They hadn't even been there for a whole week. And already… 

With a shaky breath, Nox slumped against the wall. This was supposed to be a fresh start. But here he was, in the same predicament as when he… when his family left. It… it would be okay. If Violet isn't worried about leaving, then neither should he. Maybe things have changed. Maybe… 

Maybe it would be okay. 

One could only hope. 

Chapter Text

“Hey Silver?”

Silver looked up from her book. She was sitting on a stool that she had pulled up next to the counter at the cafe. It was the slow part of the day and Chase decided he didn’t want to spend it alone. It was Deacon’s day off, so Chase called up his best friend to come in and keep him company. 

“What’s up, Chase?”

“Do you know who bought the storefront across the street?”

The librarian glanced out the window to see the previously vacant store with open doors and a sign being hung up to advertise the shop. There were two figures standing inside the door chatting. One of them held a box in their hands, while the other seemed to be on the phone.

“Hmm? Oh, I do not know, perhaps you should head over and say hello to the new shop owners?”

Chase frowned. 

“I probably shouldn’t. At least not right now.”

“Come on, Chase, what harm would it be? Just go say hello to the new neighbors! I’ll watch the shop for you!”

“Sil, I love you, but do you even know how to make coffee?”

“I can put a kettle on the stove!”

Chase blinked once before shaking his head with a fond laugh. 

“Since we’re empty right now, I’ll just close the shop for a bit. I wouldn’t worry about it.”

Silver nodded. 

“I suppose that is a better idea, yes.”

After flipping the open sign to closed, and double checking that Silver would watch the shop for any intruders (there wouldn’t be any), Chase stood at the edge of the street, watching for cars. Once he was sure there weren’t any, he dashed across the road. When he made it to the other side, he straightened up, running a hand through his hair to smooth it out. Can't have his first impression with the new person be him having a bad hair day. 

After double checking his hair in his phone camera, he walked up to the open door and knocked on the frame. There was a small crashing sound and a faint curse before Chase heard a faint: 

“We’re not open yet!”

Chase chuckled slightly. 

“Don’t worry, I’m not a customer!” he called back. “Just a simple barista trying to make new friends!”

There was a pause where Chase stood there, hands behind his back, waiting. Then, a shuffling of items and–

“Come in.”

The barista grinned and stepped inside. The shop owner was nowhere to be seen. The inside was painted a deep purple, decorated with black painted shelves. Lights were strewn about, shining onto various plants. Trees, flowers, berry bushes, vegetable plants, flowe– Wait. That was already mentioned.

Chase walked around the shop, a hand gently tracing the flowers until he stopped at one. It was a sunflower. So far it was the only one he’d seen in the shop. It felt a bit gloomy for a flower known for facing the sun to sit. But here it was, blooming bright, yellow and happy among the purples and blues that surrounded it. The blond gently tucked his fingers behind the petals, holding the flower with such care. 

“Ah. I see you found the Helianthus.”

Letting go of the flower, Chase spun around to face the voice. There stood a tall man with black hair and moonstone eyes. 

“Buddy?”

The man let out a soft chuckle. 

“Silvia was right. You don't forget a face.” Buddy went back to what he was doing, tending to the plants apparently. He held a small watering can and gently lifted leaves out of the way so he could water the soil. 

“I… try not to. Yeah.”

Chase looked back at the sunflower, eyes furrowed. 

“What do you mean I found the Helianthus?”

Buddy looked up, making his way over to step beside Chase. He stuck out a slender hand, gently cupping the sunflower with his palm. 

“Helianthus Gennus. Or more commonly known as a Sunflower. Quite useful for healing, though not quite common in the medical fields. Most just look at it as a pretty flower to decorate their gardens. Or perhaps to harvest the seeds for a simple snack.” 

Chase tilted his head gently, staring at the sunflower, almost feeling as though it was staring back. 

“That's not all they do, though. Lots of people find them quite inspiring. After all, they’re a flower that always faces the sun. And even without sun, they’ll face each other.”

“But this is the only sunflower in here. And it’s not looking towards any light source.” Chase frowned. 

With a hum, Buddy stepped back towards his watering can. 

“Then I suppose it must have found its own source of sunlight.”

Baffled by whatever comment that was, Chase furrowed his brows and turned on his heel to face this new shopkeeper. He was here on a mission, not to get swept away by goth gardeners. 

“Vague comments aside, I'm actually here with a request.”

Buddy lifted an eyebrow, but continued his care of the plants, gently plucking a dead leaf away from a basil plant.

“A request? And what could the sunshine Barista possibly need from me?”

“Well. You're fairly new here. So. I was going to see if you would like to come to the Sugar Springs Shop Party. Currently workshopping a cooler name. But, it’s exactly what it sounds like. We all close up for a night and have a party! It would be a great opportunity for you to get to know the people around town! Well, those that own shops at least. And it would be cool if you could come too!”

A hum was all that showed Chase the goth was interested. 

“I mean, you obviously don’t have to. I just figured, I don’t know if someone else would have told you about it. I mean, you mentioned knowing Silver so she must have told you something. But she didn’t tell me about knowing you. Or knowing that you worked here. Or… Wait a second…”

Buddy raised an eyebrow as Chase rushed over to the door to glare across the street. 

“SILVER YOU BETTER NOT BE RAIDING MY CABINETS AGAIN!”

Buddy leaned back to glance out the door to see what Chase was yelling about. Whatever the blond saw was clearly of more importance than inviting the horticulturist to the shop party because the barista was already sprinting out of the shop and across the street.

Before the ravenette could feel upset for not getting so much as a goodbye, the blond spun around. 

“Friday night! Library! Hope to see you there!”

“Watch out for cars!” Buddy called back, eyes narrowed as he watched the barista cross the street before stepping back inside his own shop. 

As he stepped back inside, he glanced up to see Violet leaning against a shelf, fingers twirled around a vine. 

“I’m assuming I said something wrong?”

Violet’s eyes snapped up to meet her brother’s before narrowing slightly. 

“And why would you assume that?”

“Because you’re standing there like I made a mistake you want me to learn from.”

Violet huffed out a soft laugh. She let go of the vine and made her way across the room to glance out the front windows. 

“You did nothing wrong. It’s just… I didn’t expect him to come here.”

Nox turned slightly, glancing across the street at the cafe that the blond ran into. 

“You… know him…?”

Violet sighed and looked back into the shop. 

“That’s the Hollow boy I was telling you about.” 

Nox frowned and went back to his plants. The blond didn’t seem like the cold hearted Hollow that he was used to. He seemed… nice. Overly energetic, sure, but not stone cold and mean. 

“He didn’t seem–”

“Of course not. I know. But that’s… that’s just how it is with them. Especially now when witches are meant to be extinct.”

Nox flinched. 

Right. Witches weren’t common anymore. If anything, they were extinct. Well, in the eyes of the public they were. A few made themselves known disguised by party tricks and superstitions. But that was after years of hiding in the shadows, making sure Hunters wouldn't come and take them.

It was a rocky path. One that Nox was still getting used to. 

When he was a kid, he remembered being able to cast spells freely. Spending his time out in nature, watching trees grow faster than they should, controlling the river so it would find its way to the village. Never had he done anything that would hurt those around him.

Yet even still. Hunters wouldn’t understand that. They thought all witches were evil beings, dead set on controlling humanity to do their bidding. 

But times have changed. 

Maybe…

“Nox, you’re getting in your head again. Quit that.”

The young witch flinched and met the opal gaze of his sister. Her brows were furrowed with worry. 

“Sorry, Vi. I guess I got carried away.”

Violet smiled and pat her brother on the head. 

“You’re okay. Let’s just remember. Don’t get attached to that hunter, and we’ll be just fine.”

Nox nodded. Yeah. He could stay away from that Hollow boy. He would make sure his family didn’t get chased out of town. 

Not again.

★☽★☽★

Deacon hummed softly to himself while he scanned through the books at the library. Behind him, Bronze was chewing his toothpick while making faces at the book covers. It was after the tenth eyebrow raise that Deacon groaned and turned back to his friend.

“If you hate my choice in novels so much, either say something or go bother Goldie.”

“Mmm.” Bronze hummed, dragging his eyes away from a pirate romance novel cover that featured a way too enthusiastic pirate getting swept away by a siren. “Goldie’s reading to the kids right now.”

“Then go somewhere else? You don’t have to follow me everywhere, you know.”

Bronze nodded. 

“I am aware of that. Yes.”

With a roll of his eyes, Deacon went back to searching for a book. He had finished his last stack of books and needed new ones to read during work. It got boring when it was just him and the sound of the coffee machine. Plus, he had to catch up on all the books before book club. Granted book club was just him, but Goldie said he’d put up fliers around the library. 

So, it would be more than one person before anyone knew it. 

Hopefully.

There was a lack of judgement filled humming and Deacon paused to turn around, seeing that Bronze was staring at him with a thoughtful gaze, head tipped to the side. 

“What.”

“Just thinking."

“Ooookay then?” Deacon went back to his searching, finally finding the book he’d been looking for. He made his way over to the front counter to check it out. After thanking the librarian at the counter, he noticed Bronze was checking out his own book. 

Okay, that was weird.

Not that Bronze had a book. Well, yeah that was weird too, but Bronze checking a book out from the library? Using his own library card?

That was the weird part.

“You know, if you told me you were going to get a book, I would’ve checked it out on my card. Like all the other books you like to get conveniently lost and never return so I have to pay– you know what? Good on you, checking out your own books.”

Bronze rolled his eyes and passed the book over to Deacon. 

“Wha– Hey! I’m not your backpack!”

“I got it for you to look at. It’s not one you can check out with your standard card. So whatever you do, Don’t. Lose it.” Bronze’s glare was strong enough to kill a bear. 

“I won’t. Don’t worry. But… why?”

Bronze huffed, his face smoothing out to his normal one of nonchalance. 

“I just thought you’d be interested in reading something a little less… fantasy .”

With that, the man spun on his heel and headed towards the kids section, no doubt to bother his brother. Deacon glanced down at the book. The cover was a brown leather, though there wasn’t any wording. Not even an author. He flipped over the book to see if there was a synopsis on the back. There wasn’t.

“What the…” He glanced over to where his friend had disappeared off to. 

Whatever this book was. It was most likely part of a prank. And Deacon was not going to fall for it.

Chapter Text

Deacon sat at his desk, romance novel in one hand and a cup of tea in the other. It was getting dark, and he opened the cafe in the morning, but he needed to finish this chapter. 

Chapter one.

That he’s been stuck on.

Since noon .

Why was he stuck on the first chapter, you may be asking? Well, if you asked him, it was not because of the leatherbound nameless book that sat next to him. It was not because he was curious about what was inside. It was not because he was trying to figure out why only someone with a special library card like Bronze would be able to check it out. 

No, the reason he was stuck on the first chapter was because it was slow and boring. 

Yeah. That’s it. That’s the reason.

“RRRGGGHHHH” Deacon groaned as his eyes made their way back towards the leather book. It was just sitting there. But it was like it was drawing him in, trying to get him to read it.

To open it. 

Deacon slowly reached for the book. He felt the rough leather in his grasp as he moved it in front of him. It didn't have a title, it didn't have an author, it didn't even have any sort of engravings to hint at it being anything . If Deacon had to guess, he would say it was a journal. 

But Bronze checked it out of the library. 

And last Deacon checked, the only diaries you could find in the library were ones that helped teach history. And even then, those had titles, covers and authors. 

This was just an ordinary journal. 

Hesitantly, he took the cover of the book in his hands. With a deep breath, he opened the journal to the first page. There, he found neat cursive written in centuries old dried ink. 

Ex Libris, Casandra Goodwill 

If lost, please return immediately to the Goodwill ^Libris Household

Deacon furrowed his brows as he looked down at the page. Why would Bronze want to give him a diary…

He flipped to the next page. A few of the words were smudged out, almost like a mix between using a cheap crappy eraser as well as the wear and tear of time.

June 16th

I have been gifted this journal, though I am still unsure why. I have many other journals in my possession, and nearly none of them have been filled. Mother says it is for me to place my spells in, though to be honest, I cannot fathom why. I do not need to write my own spells down, for they are not spells I desire anyone else to be privy to. 

As I was taught, a witch should keep her magic close to her heart. Only to be taught to those in her coven.

I suppose that is another worry of mine, as soon as I come of age, I am thinking of leaving this coven. Everyone is lovely, though they do not seem to understand the dire situation our mind is in. 

Hunters are everywhere these days, and none of them seem to take this threat seriously. A nearby coven was invaded recently and all mother does is start packing up and moving to the next town over. No fighting back. No showing them how powerful we truly are. Just running .

It is of no use for us to continue to run. 

But I suppose I am not old enough to make those decisions. 

For now, here is a simple protection spell. And with writing it, shall it protect this book and its contents from falling in the wrong hands and being seen by evil. 

Below the note was what looked like a recipe, although it wasn't like anything he had seen before. Beside it was a hand drawn picture of a glass bottle, along with all the ingredients listed.

Deacon stared at the page. 

He stared, and he blinked, and he tried to make sense of it. 

Well, it was fairly easy to make sense of. It was a diary from… he couldn't tell. The date was smudged. 

But, by all accounts, it didn't make sense. Spells. Covens. Hunters.

Was this… the diary of a Witch…?

★☽★☽★

“CHASE YOU’RE NEVER GOING TO BELIEVE WHAT I… found…” Deacon all but slammed his door open as he stepped into the hall of their shared apartment, only to falter slightly when he found Bronze sitting at the table, drinking from Deacon’s favorite mug.

Not the point. 

One problem at a time. 

Focus, Dorkin. 

“Chase, why is Bronze here?”

Chase poked his head up from out of the fridge where he was finding stuff for dinner.

“Oh, he asked if he could come over, Silver and Violet are using their place for girl night so Bronze is spending the night here. He’s taking the pull out couch, if that's okay.”

Deacon blinked at the ginger haired man. Bronze just gave a smirk, a small salute, and went back to sipping his coffee. 

Still from Deacon's mug. 

“Chase.” Deacon tore his eyes away from the menace invading his home. “Can we chat? In private for a moment?”

Chase glanced at Bronze before back at his cousin. After setting what he had been holding onto the counter, he followed Deacon into the hallway, leaving Bronze to do… honestly whatever he wanted. Probably should have thought about that. 

“Dude, what happened? Did Bronze spit in your coffee or something?”

“What? No!” Deacon’s head snapped away from the kitchen entrance to face Chase again. “It’s just, he gave me a weird book that he said he checked out from the library. But apparently it can only be checked out using a special library card, which I didn't even know was possible. But the book he gave me, it's not even a book. It's a journal. Like, primary source journal. Not one of those “Thomas Jefferson’s Diary” written by whoever decided to transcribe it. It’s a genuine journal.” To emphasize his point, he lifted the journal to show his cousin. 

Chase frowned and took the journal, inspecting the cover before flipping it open, despite Deacon’s protests. 

“Hey! Be careful–”

“Relax, Deacon. I'm not going to ruin it.” The blond rolled his eyes as he flipped through the pages before handing back to his cousin. “Why would Bronze give you an old book like that anyways?”

“I don't know. I thought you would be able to help figure it out too.”

Chase nodded.

“Maybe it's a prank? I mean, why would he give you a book where all the words are smudged together anyways?”

Smudged together…? Deacon furrowed his brows and flipped open the book again. The words were just fine. A few words were smudged and illegible, but otherwise…

“Chase, what do you mean–”

“Look, Dorkin. I'm not sure what prank war you and Bronze are in the middle of. And normally I would love to join in. But right now, I've got to be focused on the shop party. The new shop owner’s coming and I need it to be perfect. Okay?”

“But–”

Chase held up a hand.

“Nope! Nuh-uh. You're always getting after me for not being responsible. Well guess what? I'm being responsible today. And the rest of this week. So leave me out of it.”

Before Deacon could say anything more, Chase disappeared back into the kitchen, chatting with Bronze. 

That… was not helpful. With a glance down at the journal, Deacon sighed. Guess he was on his own for this one. 

★☽★☽★

Silver hummed softly to herself as she carried a few bins into the front room. She had Goldie help her push the couches and tables out of the way so the entire room was open. A few blankets and a stack of movies were set up to the side, as well as numerous bins of craft supplies, paints, face masks, nail polish, and anything else needed for a girl’s sleepover. 

A knock on the door made Silver jump up, running over and throwing the door wide open. 

“Violet! You made it!” she grinned, immediately engulfing her sister in a hug. “Goldie, Violet’s here!”

Goldie poked his head in with a smile. 

“Sister! It is good to see you once again!” the blond stepped over and took Violet in a bear hug, grinning as he spun her in a circle. 

“Set me down you oaf!” Violet snapped. Once her brother set her down once more, she dusted off her dress. “It is good to see you as well, Godric. Nox is waiting outside for you. And please, do not fill his mind with dangerous thoughts.”

Goldie grinned at his sister. 

“I would never dream of harming our dear baby brother. Do not worry, Violet, Nox will have a wondrous adventure of exploring our new home!”

Violet muttered something under her breath before sighing. 

“I suppose what I am meant to say is ‘have fun’.”

“Right-O, dear sister! Farewell, my siblings! May we meet again tomorrow!”

Violet watched with slight fear as Goldie stepped outside to meet up with their youngest brother. This would be the first time since their parents passed that Nox would be out of her sight for more than an hour. Yes, it was with their brother, but Godric was not as cautious. He relied less on logic and more on emotion. Maybe she should–

“They will be alright, Vi.” 

She turned her head to see Silver smiling gently. 

“Always with the optimism.” the older muttered slightly. 

“Optimism is what keeps the world turning.”

A small smile snuck its way onto Violet’s lips. The silver haired woman smiled softly back. 

“Alright, let’s get this girl’s night started!”

★☽★☽★

Goldie stepped outside into the warm august air. He smiled up at the setting sun, it was a perfect night to go out and spend a night on the town. And while Goldie loved his older sister, she coddled their youngest sibling. Keeping him away from the world.

Just as their mother did with her. 

As Goldie stepped further down the driveway, he found Nox sitting on the grass, playing with the blades. The boy sighed as he gently cupped a dandelion in his hand, whispering gently. 

“Nox!” Goldie cheered when he got close enough. 

The boy startled slightly, dropping the flower and jumping to his feet. He spun to face Goldie, a slight blush across his face. 

“Godric… hi…”

“Hello brother! And please, you may call me Goldie, all my friends do!” 

Nox shuffled his feet before sighing. 

“Yeah. Okay.”

The older let out a soft chuckle and slung an arm around his brother’s shoulders. 

“Are you ready for a night out?”

“If I say no, will you let me go back to my apartment?”

Goldie let out a boisterous laugh and began leading Nox down the sidewalk.

“Let us go have a wonderful night, one to surely outdo the girls!”

Nox let out a soft sigh, but allowed himself to be pulled along by his older brother. 

After all, it’d been a while since it was just him and his oldest brother…