coffee in japan

banana bread

~AN: this fanfic will change perspectives!! Look out for "PC" (perspective change)~

Part one~PC: Lance

A rush of warmth flowed through me as I finally walked into the little nook I had been dreaming of all of yesterday afternoon. The coffee shop. The smell of hot cinnamon buns and extra hot chocolate filled my nostrils, making me drool with anticipation. Today the shop was bustling with customers as the cold December winter had started to creep into Tokyo. 

Then I saw him. His beautiful dark eyes staring intently into my blue ones as if he was looking directly into my soul but then quickly looking away.  His hair was undone and messy, not that he cared of course since his appearance did not bother him too much. I couldn't help noticing his arms from underneath his light jacket and wool gloves. They were rippled with muscles and strength from the heavy lifting of parcels from his postman job and the regular workout routine which he never skipped. My throat was dry and even though it was 2 degrees outside, suddenly very hot and sweaty. He grinned as he caught me staring. Oh, that grin. It was a smirk that meant "you like what you see?". Pure evil. I shook my head and went over to sit down in the booth. He was accompanied by Allura and Lotor, though they were caught up in their own conversation to notice me sit down. 

"Lance," Keith said with a smile. "Do you want anything? I'm about to go up and grab a latte". 

I placed my belongings down, glanced absently at the menu and made my decision.  

"Grab me some banana bread. Hunk made some fresh apparently. He texted me like a thousand times to come down and taste it".

Keith chuckled and stood up, stretching quickly before heading over the register. Allura finally became aware of my presence and nudged Lotor's side, letting a little giggle loose.

"Will you stop being such a nervous wreck and ask him out already? He obviously likes you" she said rolling her eyes and smiling. Lotor nodded enthusiastically in agreement. Easy for her to say, Allura and Lotor had gotten together pretty quickly as they were so compatible and confident in themselves. Keith and I had been friends for so long, I felt that our relationship could go in ruins if I said something about the gigantic crush I had had on him for almost a year now. What if he never spoke to me again? 

I blushed and said in a loud whisper "Don't talk so loud! He might hear you. Besides, he has eyes for Acxa anyway. You saw what they were doing at the picnic on Tuesday".

  Lotor reached for my shoulder. "Just because they were chatting, doesn't mean they were falling in love. Have a little faith Lance".

"Oh come on! She was all over him," Allura said with a grudge. "You might miss your chance, so just go for it!".

Before I could say anything more, Pidge came out of nowhere and interrupted our delightful conversation with a wave and a chirpy hello. Immediately, I changed the subject to something other than my love troubles.

"Hey Pidge, how was your shift?" I asked. Allura gave me another eye roll and turned back to Lotor to probably discuss day trips for our group to take this weekend.

Pidge had had some trouble settling into Japan, when we first met she had been living out of her car and eating nothing except pocky and cereal. But Hunk helped her get back on her feet, giving her a job at his cafe and helping her find an apartment. Now she was back at night school and living in her own place instead of her dirty, old BMW.

"It was fine I guess, I just can't wait to finish school. I love working with Hunk, don't get me wrong, I just want to get out of this apron and work on something bigger" She said, slightly wistfully as she squeezed into the spot across from Allura and Lotor.

It was common knowledge that Pidge wanted to join JAXA, the Japanese space agency. But unfortunately for her, that took time and money. Lots of it. I'd often catch her gazing at the beautiful wood walls of the cafe that had an entire worlds carved into its core with creatures and cities that looked almost alien. Landscapes that were so gorgeous you felt like you could melt into them, creatures that had passion and determination glittering in their eyes and machines and weapons that were futuristic and looked incredible. It was designed by Pidge's brother, who was an aspiring artist back in America and the carvings had captivated many people across Japan. It had put the cafe on the map. That, and Hunk's famous bluebell cookies. It was Pidge's wonderland.

Perhaps she dreamed of her flying out to these places one day in a ship. To be honest, I felt the same. I would kill to be able to fly away from all my troubles and be able to just be free.

Unfortunately, I was stuck on earth being a little bisexual flirt with a thing for bad boys.

Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted Hunk trotting towards us, Keith in tow. In Hunk's hand was a plate with the most crispy banana bread I had ever seen. The mouthwatering had begun yet again. Everyone fell silent as Hunk arrived and placed the plate of banana heaven on the table, smirking with a twinkle of pride in his eye. Eagerly, Pidge went to take the first bite but Hunk slapped his hand away with the spatula he always kept in his belt. Pidge had made a face of great betrayal and hurt.

"Lance must taste it first! He was the one whining about the lack of food on the menu." Hunk said with an unreadable expression. He handed me a fork and gestured towards the plate dramatically.

The banana bread was fluffy and moist, with a thin crispy skin and buttery surface. The hot steam rising from the delicacy revealed it was warm, fresh out the oven. I laid my fork into the centre and out again and it slowly it raised up to its original spot. So spongy, so elegant and yet so simple.

"Hurry up!" an impatient Pidge chimed in.

I broke off a morsel with my fork and held it to my lips. The texture, while looking rough and chunky, was surprisingly as smooth as silk. Suddenly, I could no longer contain myself and bit down on the dessert. Flavours soared around me, making me forget my whereabouts. It reminded me of my home,  where my father's cooking would be the envy of the housewives in our street. The banana bread, dripping in butter, made me feel so much younger and carefree. I closed my eyes for a moment, savouring the taste.

As soon as I finished my mouthful, I opened my eyes to find everyone staring with anticipation. I turned to Hunk, who was fidgeting his hands almost...nervously. 

"That was the best damn banana bread I've ever tasted in my entire life," I said with a serious tone. Hunk lit up and grinned, very much appreciating my approval. Pidge, who looked like she was about to crack, snatched a piece to taste. Her eyes suddenly had the same dreamy expression when she watched mars documentaries. Everyone else tasted a piece, agreeing that it was heavenly. Hunk got slightly pink.

"I'm naming it Cuba Boy Banana since you did give me the idea Lance and your father's spice really gave it a kick" Hunk said. 

"Thanks, man!" I said with a warm, bubbly feeling in my stomach. Everyone in the group had an item in the shop named after them, Allura's "Princess Scones", "White Stripe Croissants" for Shiro and "Mullet Fruit Tarts" for Keith but this felt personal. It felt like home. Keith looked at me, with maybe a look of uncertentity, holding my gaze while everyone busily ate and drank the warmth and love of the coffee shop. He reached out suddenly and touched my cheek, but quickly retracted his hand and murmured "It's really tasty Hunk, thanks", before making his way to the bathroom. 

The first chill of winter in Tokyo had settled in, the laughter of families and friends filled the air and there I was staring at my plate and rethinking my life desicions, with an unsaid phrase filling the bubble I was hiding in; "I love you Keith Kogane".