The Solstice Leading the Aurora -- First 2 Chapters

Two Mimosas, Please

CW: Misgendering (someone else), talk of toxic family relationship, alcohol usage, nonverbal gun threats, innuendo, child endangerment, kidnapping, drug mention.

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 You pay the taxi with the money you nabbed from your stepmother, and you gently push Neva from the vehicle. The city-friendly café invites you and your sibling with a summer warmth, contrasting greatly to the fall's dry cold. A waiter greets you and Neva, and your sister immediately calls for a booth near the front window.

You and Neva step onto the raised area and beside the singular table tucked between the wall and windows, viewing the dark street and snow trickling the sides. People pass the streets in heavy clothing, which reminds you to slip off your heavy winter coat. Neva settles across you, sighing as she glances at the menu. She sets it aside as she crosses her arms on the table.

You squint. "Whaddya want?"

"Chai Latte with chocolate popping boba, extra whipped cream and cinnamon, and the Scot," Neva recites, unblinking.

You puff your cheeks and sink your chin into your neck. "Damn, okay... I got it, okay."

On time, the waiter approaches with a pad and pen, and Neva answers her choice immediately. The waiter nods.

You wait until the waiter turns to you. "Sunrise Boba with the Piper."

The waiter nods, retrieving your menus and hastily leaves. You give the waiter a glance and face your sister. They do not remove their coat, and they puff their cheeks while they glance at you. Suddenly, she smiles.

"Think Jocelyn will notice?"

"She wouldn't notice a black eye on her beloved daughter," you muse, tapping the table. "Besides, the car and groceries were fine."

Neva sighs, slumping her shoulders. "Yeah, it was kinda shitty to make you pay for those groceries anyway."

You dig your hand into a side pocket, pulling a small wad of cash. "Pay back," you smirk. "I doubt she'll notice," you add, stuffing the money into your pocket.

"Hope not," Neva shrugs, glancing out into the dining room where few sit and chatter quietly. The stage ahead remains dark and secluded, black curtains concealing the pride flags and props (you've seen it open once before for a drag show).

"What's she gonna do?" you sneer. "Ground me, an adult living by their own expenses?"

"Make you pay," Neva corrects matter-of-factly.

"She'll only notice if she somehow coincidentally knows how much was in her wallet previously or if someone told her." You squint. "You won't tell her, right?"

Neva shrugs. "Not unless I can use it as leverage."

You grunt and clasp your hands together, fiddling your thumbs. You perk with a tilt of your head. "How's scho– Oh, fuck," you breathe in a harsh whisper, narrowing your brow.

Neva cocks an eyebrow and turns, tensing at the two automations entering the café behind them. Your nostrils flare as Sun and Moon bend to fit through the door, stopping and waiting patiently by the Please Wait to be Seated sign. Their attire is not too different from last you saw (yesterday) with snow powdering their shoulders and Moon's hat. You squint at the unwelcoming sight of their holstered handguns.

Anyone that notices the automations snap their gaze to their meals, neck hairs standing as they stiffly fiddle with their drinks and pick at their foods. Neva peers outside, squeezing their shoulders so the joints of their arms nearly touch. Your frown greatens, eyes squinting with the most flaming glare you could ever conjure. They must've felt the blades nick the exposed wires behind their faceplates as Sun swivels his head so his amber eyes narrow with venomous glee. Your heart stopping wouldn't be an exaggeration.