Once Upon a Dream (Golden Guard x Gender-Neutral Reader)

Oh Gods, Not the Coffee Shop Chapter

Moonbucks. An oasis of coffee and youthful depression. It made sense that it was in the heart of the city. Everyone needed energy, and what place had the best energy elixirs? Moonbucks!

...

Well, maybe not the best tasting... Or the most energizing... Or even the cheapest... But, hey! It was there smack bad in the middle of town where just about anyone could reach it and beggars couldn't be choosers, so :/

The inside of the establishment smelt heavily of something warm and freshly brewed. You couldn't quite place what, but that didn't really matter at the moment. All that mattered was that damn boy. And maybe a drink. Later though.
You spotted him the moment you entered. He was in line with two other scouts, both of which were eagerly conversing with each other. Meanwhile, he was just standing with the straightest posture, as if this was some big important mission.  Maybe Belos needs his daily dose of joe too. You joked internally.

Now that you were in and had locked onto the target, you weren't quite sure what to do. Obviously, you had a rather distinctive feature that you couldn't just let him see. That damn ear. Hopefully he didn't remember too much of it from your last interaction with him as Soltare or (y/n). You casted an illusion to make your ear seem whole and began to clear your throat. As a Phantom, being able to shift your voice was quite important in case your modifier ever went out. He'd heard your voice before, and that made you nervous, especially since you were told it was recognisable.

Despite being ready to face him, you couldn't just walk up to him with no rhyme or reason. Honestly, you weren't even sure why you felt so obligated to! Could it have just been some sort of instinct kicking in that told you to fight him? All you could really do was either find a seat or get in line. A whistle rang through the air, and you soon found out the choice had been made for you.

A tiny nose in a Mooonbucks uniform was gesturing to a corner booth submerged in the shadows. It was a place where you wouldn't have to worry about the sunlight or being sat next to people you didn't know. How incredibly... coincidental? A bit hesitant, you stalked over to the booth and slid in, quickly tucking away your umbrella. You nodded towards the nose.

"Thanks." You muttered, suspicious.

"No Pwobwem, (y/n)!" The nose chirped with a little salute and wink. Now you were really suspicious!

"How did you-"

"It's simple, weally." She flicked her tiny hand dismissively. "I possess knowwedge on a scale that the mortal mind cannot compwehend!"
You blinked at her, now a tad fearful.

"... Good to know..."

"Now, is thewe somefing I can get you?"

"Do you... do you already know what I want?"

"I do! But I wanna wait for you to tew me anyway."

All you could do was just stare at her. What the fuck? What the fuck? You cleared your throat, about to ask her what kind of being she was exactly, when you were silenced by a new voice cutting in.

"Pardon me, is there a problem here?" Oh my gods, does he never mind his fucking business?! His voice echoed around in his mask before escaping into the air and creeping into your ears. It was the same as always; smooth with some chips and creaks here and there. At a scraping pace, you turned your head in his direction. Your eyes hit his chest first, then traveled up his body to where his face should have been. You could clearly imagine his jaw and mouth hiding just beyond that mask.