OFFSTAGE ☆ [Banana & Pear]

III - Morning Snacks

"I'm glad the package arrived safely."

The Dancing Banana pays a visit to the cafe near his workplace and bumps into Pear, who confronts him in private.

a/n Sorry if it looks rushed, I had to complete school assignments and my writing buddy is busy for the same reason. Remember to take breaks guys ♡

(1009 words)

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- Pear's pov -

"Ugh... What on earth?" The alarm clock buzzes nonstop on the wooden sidetable. I extend my arm to turn the thing off, but instead it's knocked under the bed. Either way, the dreadful ringtone has ended for now. Facing on the other side of the bed, I'm startled by the giant banana plush laying menacingly. Did I just sleep with this stupid carnival toy? I hop out of bed, flatten the sheets, fluff the pillows, and head downstairs.

"Rise and shine big brother!" Quince serves a stack of Delicious™ brand pancakes, topping it off with a piece of butter. "Sadly I used up all the maple syrup for my plate, whoopsie." I let out a sigh and proceed to sit down on the home bar counter.

My younger sibling pours a glass of milk for herself to drink and asks about my night. "Sooo... what's up with the big stuffed toy you were cuddling with?" She hides her giggle and takes a bite. I explain, "I was tired and had nowhere to put it." Feeling humiliated, I turn the conversation to her.

"Were you expecting a delivery?" She swallows her food before shaking her head from side to side. "Earlier I saw the mess you left and found a tag dangling from the box. Your name is written on it, along with a stamp that resembles my pin's design. Y'know, the one you bought." Hearing that, a possible suspect appears in my mind.

☆

- Dancing Banana's pov -

Another day, another episode successfully aired out! I place my microphone on the dressing room table and leave backstage to check on my little crew members waiting by the cameras. "You three want me to grab snacks for each of you?" The oldest nephew spins his chair to my direction, "Yeah, I'm pretty hungry. The both of them are craving PB and J right now." I pat their heads and follow the hallway leading to the studio's exit. "I'll be back with the sandwiches!"

☆

I settle for a quick coffee break in Shovelware's cafe, located not too far from our building. The scent of brown coffee beans spread across the shop, causing a sudden spark of excitement in me. What's more exciting is that a good acquaintance of mine has landed a job here as a barista. While sipping my brewed drink, I signal them to come closer to my seat.

- "Perfect timing boomerang, It's also my break."

"I grabbed the opportunity to see you here! How's work Blackberry?"

- "It's pretty tolerable, can't say the same about my co-workers though, they are proud slackers."

- "What about you? Your life has completely changed ever since you got into the entertainment industry here in Hollywood!"

"True, all of that was enough to cover up my past job... Most of the details, at least. Anyways, I have to finish this and buy something for my nephews."

- "Alright big star, say hello to them for me once you get back. Enjoy your coffee!"

Blackberry says their goodbye, waving at me and shortly joining the rest of his co-workers. It's not long before I get up and leave the cafe peacefully to obtain the snacks I promised to buy. My nephews might suspect that I've been elsewhere for too long again.

☆

After making a trip to the convenience store, finally carrying the wrapped sandwiches in a paper bag, I reach the front of the exterior and smile at the officer. My day felt not so out of the ordinary until-

"Watch where you're heading!" My movement switches to clumsiness as I trip and bump into someone in the entrance hall. "I'm sorry, didn't notice you there." The stranger's shadow casts over me as I immediately lift the paper bag away from the ground. Assumed to be a random audience member, I was surprised when I came face to face with a green fruit, Pear.

He rolls his eyes, "Great, out of all people, it's YOU I bump into." I stand up on my two feet and straighten the orange bowtie. "Are you still upset about what I said last time?" Pear answers seemingly in denial, "Absolutely false. However, you reminded me of another serious matter." He slides behind and pushes me outside to the back of the building.

- "You delivered something to my house, didn't you?"

"Woah there buddy, where did you get that idea from?"

- "You think you're so sly, as if the large banana plush wasn't so obvious." Pear says sarcastically at me.

"Fine, you got me this time. What is it that you wanna talk about?"

- "There are many questions to ponder, like how did you figure out my name and address?"

"I'll tell you alright. When I heard your fondness for gift shops, the cashier volunteered to ask for your name. When that plan failed, I connected with Popcorn, someone you spoke with after the show. I learned a ton of new information."

"A week later, I coincidentally drove into your neighborhood and confirmed where you lived! I'm glad the package arrived safely."

- "Very odd, that doesn't clarify the reason you did it."

"Just wanted to give you a prize for going to the live tapings of Shovelware's brain game! I usually see you on the seats, but lately you've been quiet."

- "I've been occupied with personal business, so don't budge with some daft present."

"My bad, but hopefully you see the value and effort I put into reaching out to you, even if it was anonymous. Besides, you seem like a chill guy, we could get to know each other better...!"

Pear reacts unfazed, giving the impression that he's going to leave the area and maybe flip me off at any moment. However, he turns around and mumbles softly.

"Thanks, I-I guess..."