Earthborn: Kovenn

Chapter 5

"Hey Auntie B." I smiled as i walked in her shop. BeeBees Bakery, the old retro store has been standing since she's been down here, apparently that's a long time. Full of little bee trinkets and her valley famous nectar. Naturally I wasn't allowed any, something about it being highly addictive and deadly? I'm not sure I'll ever know.

"Oh! Hi aubrey! Its been awhile how are you sweetpea?" She beamed, her big red insect-like eyes shined, she held a jar in her white gloved hands, her wing's fluttering behind her as she sat the unlabeled jar down and made her way to me, pulling me into a bone crushing hug.

Bee, Or Beezelbub, whatever, has been in my life as far back as I can remember. probably the closest thing i've ever had to a mother. She taught me how to cook and clean and she used to babysit me for dad sometimes. she always had a soft spot for me even if that made dad uneasy.

He said he respected her but I know he's scared of her and what she's capable of. She single handedly made the 2nd most addictive drug in the valley and sells it for profit. What does she do with the patrons who buy? not sure. some disappear though. she told me to never ask her about that again. I was 11 then, and I'm still too afraid to ask now.

"Doin good, just got back home."

"How was school?" she asked, making her way back around the counter and going back to labeling her necar jars. I sat at the bar in one of the swivel stools, twisting absentmindedly as always.

"Eh, it wasn't for me." I shrugged, "say, i was wondering if you could give me a job at the den?"

"A job?" she tilted her head.

"If you can, my waiter job again."

"Hm. I'm not too sure if that's open, I don't do much stuff." She shrugged a bit and continued labeling, "why do you want another job?"

"Dad's been budgeting for stuff lately, funds are low. Figured i'd help. And I need pocket change."

"I see, well it's best to ask Blanche." she hummed. I blinked and looked at her. Blanche? Wasn't aware she was still there. Well, I guess that means Auntie co-owns? I assumed when she bought little birdie out she'd skip town. I remember she was way too pretty to work, way too nice to deal with moronic asshole customers who think taking their frustrations out on service workers will make them less pathetic. I've had one too many of those types of customers.

"Blanche? She still works there?"

"Of course, she runs it well." she nodded

"Alright, i can ask, thank you auntie b." I glanced away, I haven't seen Blanche in years, she was a really nice work friend. a nice change of pace from the jackasses I went to high school with. heh, i still remember how we met, she had the brightest smile on her face, served me a strawberry shortcake milkshake, homemade and goodness did it taste like heaven. she beamed so bright when i complimented her. every time, on every little snack or drink she made. She had a talent, one I feel can never truly be replicated.

But, Her being a cupid always made me nervous. she was easy with words and her vibe is very intimidating. She always says sly things and gives me those side glances. I never understood why, I always assumed it was because of work and jts in character for her, considering she runs the den. That's the whole schtick. but her with other people doesn't seem as organic. like she's doing this because she has too, not because she wants too.

I stood and stretched my arms before taking a breath and glancing across the street at the cupid's den. seems to be closed for the night shift change. Now's probably the best time.

"Of course! And if you need anything honeypot you let me know, i'll bring dinner anytime" her wings fluttered happily.

"Hah, thanks, dad would love it, he can't get enough of your treats."