Modern Monsters

Hiro the Onikuma

Female Reader x Male Monster

The apartment was cold when you woke up that morning. That meant that downstairs the store would be warm and cozy for this chilly Autumn weather. You started out by untying your hair from the silk cap. It fell before your face and fluffed out like a crop of uncontrolled vines.

You slipped on a robe and went into the bathroom. Rubbing your eyes as you gaze into the mirror. You had always been an early riser. With the busy season setting in, you were making yourself get up earlier to greet the early school rush.

You manage to comb back your hair away from your face and tuck it into a sloppy ponytail. You wash your face and brushed your teeth before changing out of the pajamas and heading out the door. You went through a narrow hallway and then down a flight of stairs directly into the bookstore.

As you came down the staircase the door opened and closed. "Good morning, mama," You yawned as she turned the light on. An old chandelier buzzed and clicked before it slowly faded to brightness.

The woman at the door sighed, the collar of feathers at her neck fluffing. Her deep red eyes blinked as she peered over at you. "Have you eaten?" She asked, carting in a basket full of food.

You shake your head and look up at your mother. You take the basket of food from her and moved towards the cafe counter to start to set up.

"I just woke up."

"You need to eat before you come down here," Isra scolded, her feathers fluffing more. She pointed a taloned finger at you. "That's the only reason I agreed to let you live here alone, I thought you could take care of yourself."

You take a poppyseed scone from the basket and chomp a big bite from it and showed it to your mother. "I ate."

Isra rolled her eyes, crossing her dark wings across her chest. "I'm going to get the rest of the food." She watches you for a moment as you set up the glass case. She smiled gently and left again.

You continued the usual routine. Taking bites from the pilfered scone as you got the coffee pots ready and cleaned the counter. As you worked, Isra came in again and placed more food into the counter. The glass steaming a bit from the warm sandwiches and fresh pastries.

As you finish setting up a line had already formed outside.

Isra sighed, "will you unlock the door?" She asked, waving her wing out.

You adjusted your apron as you went to the door. The hovel of exhausted and panicked-looking college students started to file inside. They came for the early morning breakfast and coffee their bookstore offered. It was cheap and homemade, reminding the poor students of home and their mother's own cooking.

Isra was an attraction too. A lovely raven who held a stern yet calming presence around her. It helped the poor students enjoy her cooking even more. Along with your hand-blended coffee, they were able to go to school in better shape than they entered.

The old stone dorms were close enough that your store was always busy during the fall. It offered the students an escape from the cold dormitories and packed libraries at the college. For some, it was a home away from home.

You served a pastry and cinnamon latte to a small fox girl whose tail fluffed when she took her first bite. She bumped into the boy behind her, spilling some of her drink on his pants.

"I'm so sorry!" She squeaked and reached for napkins.

"It's ok, no harm done," the boy laughed as he tried to get the napkin from her.

You came out from behind the counter, "you can go on, Cinna, I'll take care of him," she opened the door for the fox. You then turned to the boy and offered a damp towel.