Almond Milk

Graduation day

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                        Almonds POV

I walked down the stairs into the magic institutes. My usual case files out of my hands. Replaced with a small bouquet of flowers. The Graduation Ceremony for Cream Puff had ended. Students had gathered around to take pictures in their caps and gowns and before I knew it Cream Puff was running towards me.

"Congratulations, Cream Puff Cookie." I smiled a bit as the small cookie hugged me. "Detective! You made it!" She squealed with happiness as she looked up at me. "Well, I couldn't possibly let a bunch of excited rookie wizards cause a ruckus, could I? Magical Emergency Handling, you know...and it was your graduation ceremony as well, so...." I Cleared my throat trying not to show to much of the sort emotion I was perfectly capable of showing just not in this big crowd.

"Hehe... yessir! Thank you! I Couldn't have have done this without both of you! I'll make sure I continue to do my best!" She said with pride, almost glowing from inside out. It was a special day after all. It seems like it was just yesterday when she was a wee student. Now she's all grown-up and an official wizard.

I opened my mouth to speak but she was quickly pulled away to take pictures with her classmates. I stood there awkwardly for a moment before I felt a small tap on my shoulder.  I turned around to see Patel giggling. She'd been watching me this whole time.. "Magical Emergency Handling and all.. pfft! If you could see yourself grinning right now! You're so proud of her!" She said naggingly. I rolled my eyes

"Oh stop, give me a break" I replied in annoyance. "I'm just saying! Maybe you should stop drinking that bitter coffee all the time and add some milk for a change? Would certainly add some softness to you!" She said in her usual upbeat tone. "I drink coffee because I need caffeine, not softness... but yes. Perhaps a cup of latte once in a while would be nice."

She smiled and gave me a hug. "I'm sure Cream Puff is so happy your here she has always looked up to you. Maybe you can take her out for a latte" Latte said with glee, a small smile tugging at the corner of my lips. "Why lattes of all drinks?" I asked with slight sarcasm. She looked at me with disgust. "how dare you! Lattes are the best drinks tops." She argued and crossed her arms.

"Well uh is it still a Latte is you out almonds on it?" I ask and she thinks for a moment "I guess. Never tried it." She replied. "And how much milk do you add to them anyway?" I ask again? Trying to pass time until Cream Puff came back. "However much you want it's your latte." I nodded and we went into silence for a bit.

I had to admit it was awkward talking to her. I had no idea why I mean it had been over three years since we helped Cream Puff defeat the Red Velvet dragon and we had barely talked after that. But we shouldn't have been like total strangers.. right? We continued to talk about random things like our jobs, almost not even noticing Cream Puff had returned.

"Sorry, my friends wanted a picture with me.. can we get a picture as well?" She asked, looking at us with puppy eyes.
"A picture, you say..? I... um. Oh, a case calls me. Now if you'll excuse me." I say before Turing to leave before I was pulled back by my collar.

"No, you are not excused! Oh, come on!" She said, pulling me back closer to her. A bit to close. "Okay, Cream Puff Cookie, We're ready."  Cream puff giggled and nodded. "Say cookie!" She said with joy before snapping the picture. After that she looked at the picture, her smile fading, "what's wrong dear?" Latte asked her, worried about the young girls change of mood.

"Do you really have to leave Mr. detective?" She asked, looking at me with sad eyes. "Uh- yes.. I have a important case to work on. I'm sorry." She sighed and nodded. "I understand. I was gonna ask if you want to go get lunch with me and the professor but if you're busy.." she said, starting to turn around. Damn this child really knew how to make me feel bad.

I sighed. "I guess I have some time to spare."

"YAY" she screamed causing everyone to look at her before she covered her mouth, "I mean. Yay!"