Requested by: Me and someone else.
NOW I KNOW WHAT YALL ARE SAYING "ISN'T HE GAY OR SOMETHIN" AND FOR THAT I SAY: I support Madeleine x Espresso, don't worry, but I also think of more political based AUs where it's illegal OR if he just wasn't gay. I think of the Creme Republic as a more religious based land, which meant that it was frowned upon. Pls don't kill me.
It takes place like, I wanna say before they go to the Ancients to help them...?????? I don't know for sure, but I know Espresso works there. Enjoy this ig.
TW: there's a bit of a more realistic stance, it's not happy go lucky. You'll see that in Madeleine's and Financier's "experience" with being a Paladin. There is swearing and talks of sexual abuse, though faint, it is there.
~~~
There was always something intriguing about Espresso, something odd... It always irked Financier, but she loved the rush. The way she silently watched Espresso simultaneously answer all of the Consul's questions and still work efficiently was such a wonder... and it made her think more. And there were a few questions she had wanted to ask him, too.
In the morning, she and the Consul visited Espresso to check up on his endeavors, since it had been a minute or two.
"All set, I suppose we should be going now. Once again, I appreciate your cooperation with all of this, dear Espresso, I really do." Clotted Cream said, smiling and turning towards the door.
Financier bit her tongue, but she decided to speak up. "Consul, sir." She said suddenly. "I-Is it okay if I ask Espresso a few more questions... privately? I-If that's okay with him, I don't want to intrude or delay his work."
Clotted Cream thought hard for a second, but with the way Espresso seemed happy about it, he felt as if he couldn't say no. "Go for it, I'll be with Elder Captain Caviar if you need me."
The Consul walked out of the room, leaving them alone. The silence was loud, and it was clear to Espresso that she didn't know how to initiate the conversation. So, he did.
"What is it that you wanted to chat about, Paladin Financier?" He asked while jotting down notes in an (admittedly) very used notebook.
"I... uhm..." She stammered and looked down at her feet. A pink blush formed on her face, indicating how nervous she was.
"Go ahead, I won't bite." Espresso chuckled softly to himself, looking up at her.
"I-It may be a bit private but uhm... What's your love life like?" She cleared her throat. "I mean, relationship status?"
Espresso smiled at the question. "Oh it's... not that eventful. Madeleine confessed to me a few days ago, but I'm not particularly fond of gay sexual relations when there's opportunity for something straight. I'd date him platonically, but the way he acted around me... it would just complicate things. It's why we haven't walked with each other or anything, he's distancing himself in an attempt to make me feel bad. News flash: It's not."
"Wait.. he's gay? I would have never known, he's smashed so many chicks too- wait..." She cleared her throat again. "H-He's had sex with a lot of women." She smiled awkwardly.
"You can talk how you want with me, it's not the end of the world." He sighed, writing down more things as they spoke. "But I think it's just to not get fucked in the locker rooms. From what he's told me, it's like prison tropes in there. I think it just has to do with body count though."
Financier cringed slightly, but soon solemnly nodded. "Yeah, that sounds accurate. They tried to netgate it with pills that remove drive, but they acted like fuckin' dogs. Hiding it under their tongues n stuff. I guess I'm just happy to be a girl."
Espresso sighed. "What's yours like? You seem pretty close to the Consul..."
Financier froze; their relationship hadn't been that close... had it? She thought for a second, before ultimately crossing her arms and replying. "It's one-sided, I feel. I'm sure he's a nice person and all, but I just can't see him and me together happily. Is that the word on the street or something?"
Espresso nodded. "Mud town bets on it. When it'll happen, how long it'll last... Don't be surprised if people try to push you into him."
Financier looked shocked at the fact. "O-Oh... I-I think I might ask for a Paladin transfer. M-Maybe I could uhm... swap places with Madeleine and look after you instead?" She smiled weakly, but she seemed proud of herself for speaking up.
"I-I don't really need a protector but... go for it. I wouldn't mind having an extra helper around, as long as they ACTUALLY help me." Espresso smiled.
Financier smiled as well. "I suppose I'll keep you updated on that. Am I allowed to include the betting as a reason?"
"Yes but you didn't hear it from me. I'm supposed to mask the fact that I'm from Mud Town, unfortunately. That part is in my contract and that part could lose me my job." Espresso closed his notebook and went over to a machine. He started to push the buttons, and waved her goodbye. "Have a good day."
"You too." Financier left, smiling widely. The next course of action was putting in the notice, so she returned to her apartment and began to write the letter.
"Dear higher ups, I would like to request to swap jobs with Paladin Madeleine Cookie. His neglect for Espresso Cookie and the rumors of possible 'bets' being placed on me and the Consul's relationship have really been mentally draining me. If Madeleine was to be placed with the Consul, he'd realize the weight of his responsibilities and abide. Plus, Espresso Cookie has already agreed to this, and I feel like I would feel better this way. Regards, Paladin Financier Cookie." She wrote. She placed it in an envelope and put it in her issued mailbox.
A few hours later, she heard the mailbox door open and close, so she went outside her door and gathered the mail. That was rather quick. She thought to herself, looking at a notice from the said higher ups. They had approved her request, and it would start tomorrow. She was pleased at this, and she was ready to make her next move on him.
