[co-written by GorgingGeorge ]

Espresso sighed.  The first day of the new school year was around the corner, and he was responsible for training the new staff.  You may be asking; Why is there new staff? Espresso would ask that himself.  But Latte insisted that more staff would be good for the school, so Espresso won't be as drained from the new batch of aspiring wizards and such coming in.  

In the room he entered, there were two men. A chubby blanc-ette, and a chunky elder cookie. "An old man, hopefully he isn't too stuck in the past..." The coffee cookie thought before clearing his throat.

"Alright, welcome to The Parfaedia Institute staff orientation, please go and introduce yourself and what magic you use." He stated.  The chubby white-haired cookie started.  "Buongiorno, my name is Cafe Bombon Cookie, and I focus on condensed Milk Magic." He spoke.  He had somewhat to an accent to him, like he was from Spain.  "Alright, next?"

The elder cookie spoke next.  "Good evening, Professor Espresso.  I'm Dragon's beard cookie.  My focus is on Candy weaving magic." He spoke.  He gave a sort of grandfather like energy that, even to Espresso, was somewhat strangely comforting.

"I see, Latte uses a mix of coffee and milk magic, so you can aid in her classes, Cafe Bombon. And Dragon's Beard, your candy weaving techniques could be taught with Eclair's history classes, I think he has scrolls on ancient candy weaving."

"Ah, thank you, Professor. My magic goes back many generations, I was taught by my family, and now I teach my children and their children too. It's our tradition." Dragon's Beard explained. "Oh my, you look rather stressed, is everything alright?"

"Oh no, I'm alright. It's just that Latte thinks I can't handle a couple new students and hired you both on." Espresso grumbled. "Although I have no idea why she thinks that. I'm perfectly capable of handling our students, no matter how rambunctious they may be."

"Hmm, I see. Well, there is no shame in asking for help every now and again."

"Yeah well, we'll see, Dragon's Beard."

After going over basic information, what they need to cover on the syllabus, the orientation was over. "Well, that's all for now, be prepared for next week when classes start." Espresso stated about to leave. That was until Cafe Bombon had a great idea, at least to him anyway. "Oh, Espresso before you leave, I was thinking we could go get some drinks at the tavern and get to know each other, y'know more than just coworkers."

"Drink? Ha! The only thing I drink is pure black espresso, after all, I still need to perfect my spells and prepare a few more things until my classes are perfect."

"Ah, come on, lighten up a little. I mean, you still have a whole week before classes start. Can't you just go with us and talk?"

"Cafe Bombon, you can't force him to join us. Though, Espresso, you should take breaks." Dragon's Beard commented. Espresso sighed. It used to just be Latte who told him that he needed to take breaks but now he has two new cookies to do that too.

"Fine, but only for a little while." He said, thinking this would get them off his case for a while.

Cafe Bombon smiled as the slim cookie joined the two at the Parfaedia tavern, there were many different coffee brews available, both hot and iced as well as a couple teas and some fruit juices. They even had just plain milk for anyone who was craving it. "Well, this is nice. Not a lot of people in here." Espresso noted as they sat at a booth.

Cafe Bombon took a seat beside him as Dragon's Beard went to order their drinks. "So, Espresso, how long have you been working as a professor?" He asked, wanting to make small talk with the much thinner cookie.

"Erm, a couple years now. I mostly work alone, although Latte will insist that I need help. I swear, does she not trust that I can handle anything myself?" Espresso grumbled.

"Well, it sounds like she cares about your wellbeing. Being a professor can be a stressful job if you overwork yourself and not notice your health is deteriorating."

"What is that supposed to mean? I take great... Good care of myself. I put my research first, well, second, I still need to do my job so I can pay rent. Anyway, I don't-"

"When was the last time you slept? Those dark circles are looking deep." Cafe Bombon asked, catching Espresso off guard. "Uh, well, that isn't any of your concern." The slim cookie commented before Dragon's beard returned. "Okay, I got our drinks. A beer for Cafe Bombon, a black espresso martini for Espresso, the barista suggested it, and I got myself a tea."

"You don't drink, Dragon's beard?"

"No, I'm not really good at handling alcohol." The older cookie stated. As the trio drank, the white-haired cookie got a lot drunker than he thought. Turns out he also wasn't good at handling alcohol. He looked over at Espresso.

"He's so stiff, like he's got a stick in his ass... Heh I know how to make him loose" He thought as he drunkenly casted a spell, summoning a small stream of sweetened condensed milk that rushed into the slim cookie's mouth.

"Gah! What was that?" Espresso sputtered. It seemed the sweet, thick, creamy milk found its way into the thin cookie's stomach immediately. "It was so sickeningly sweet, nothing I ever had before." He grunted.

"You never had condensed milk before?"

"I never even had regular milk before. I keep myself energized with pure, black coffee and nothing else." He admitted.

Now Dragon's Beard was becoming concerned, Espresso didn't even eat solids foods? Now he had to step in and make sure the thin cookie didn't crumble from over exhaustion. "Well, erm, this tavern also makes some very good little Madeleine cakes. They're made in a special mold that makes them crispy on the outside but so light and fluffy on the inside."

Espresso hiccupped as he finished his martini, barely holding up his glass. "Uh, I guess it won't hurt to have one bite. I dunno, but I feel so hungry all of a sudden. Oh well, it's not good to have alcohol on an empty stomach anyways." He slurred. "But then again-"

"Oh, I say you should have one, Espresso." Cafe Bombon insisted.

"Well... Alright, I guess one wouldn't hurt." Espresso slurred. And so, Dragon's beard went to get some, in case the ravenette wanted more after his first one. "Do you have a crush on anyone here in the city? I wanna ask before I make any moves." Cafe Bombon asked. "Oh, well... It's not like he'd want me anyway but... Madeleine is so hot."

Espresso was being a lot chattier and definitely a lot more casual with the alcohol in his system, which was surprising but welcomed by the other cookie. "Well, why do you think that?"

"I keep pushing him away on purpose, who'd want to deal with that all the time. Not to mention I'm a dork compared to him. Besides, he's a paladin, he probably is married to his lord or something..." Espresso stated before pausing. "Oh god what if he's already married." He started before sobbing.

Just as the tears started flowing, Dragon's beard returned. "Are you alright, Espresso?" The elder cookie asked, watching his technical superior break down sobbing. He didn't get a response. " Do you want a cake?" He asked, sliding over a madeleine cake to the glasses wearing cookie, who took a bite and swallowed. "It's... good..."

"Well, I'm glad you are enjoying the cakes. I find that something light and sweet always helps to lighten up one's mood. I know it helps whenever my family are feeling down, as well as offering them a hug while hearing them out." Dragon's Beard replied. "Is there anything else that can help?"

Espresso didn't respond, he just stuffed his face with more cakes, his cheeks puffy from how full they were. "Oh my, these are so delicious! I never had anything like this, what have I been doing my whole life before I ate these?"

"I suppose you didn't want to try them for whatever reason." Cafe Bombon remarked. "You really should also try coffee granita. They're amazing! It's basically a frozen block of coffee that's shaved and then put into a bowl and you eat it with whipped cream."

"Frozen coffee? But I always drink my coffee hot."

"Trust me, it's really good."

"I don't know, maybe he had enough for one day. Besides isn't Granita a breakfast food?" Dragon's beard asked, trying to safe make sure Espresso didn't get sick. "Oh, I suppose you're right. Anyway, Espresso do you want another drink?"

"Uh... I mean... uh... Sure."

And after 3 more martini's the glasses wearing cookie started to feel sick. "Ugh... I don't feel good..." He groaned, the alcohol not sitting well in his stomach. This was the first time he drank alcohol, or ate anything, so his stomach wasn't handling it well. "Oh, do you have tummy ache?" Cafe Bombon asked. "I could rub it for you under the table... Jk."

"We should probably take him home so he can rest." The oldest of the cookies said as paid the tab. After that, he helped Espresso walk back to his apartment. The rest of the night for the ravenette was a blur, foggy memories caused by too much alcohol.

Though the next morning, he awoke to a painful migraine. "Ugh what happened last night...?"

He looked over at his clock and his eyes widened when he realized what time it was. "It's noon?! This can't be possible; I always wake up at seven AM sharp and have my morning coffee before making my way into the academy. What could have possessed me to sleep in this badly?!" He squeaked. "I need to hurry!"

Espresso didn't have time to even have his morning coffee, he just rushed out the door with his briefcase filled with the essays he was supposed to mark. "I'll just have to rush and mark the papers on the bus. I hope that Latte was able to take over while I was asleep."

He grumbled as he looked through his papers, the migraine was still pounding in his head. "Goddamn it... Why did I ever agree to go drinking with those two fatties?" He groaned. "Just what are they doing anyways?"

The two cookies were in the teacher's lounge with Latte, talking about Espresso. "I know he keeps telling me not to worry, but he's gotta learn to relax sometimes."

"I know right. He was stiff as a board until we got some booze in him." Cafe Bombon admitted. "So that's why he's late today. Honestly, I'm surprised he even drank. He doesn't like the smell, let alone the taste of alcohol so the barista must have covered the taste well."

"Yeah. Well, I think it went great he even told us he had a crush on-" Before the milk wizard could finish his statement the door burst open. "Never take me drinking again..." He stated panting a bit as he ran through the halls a moment earlier.

"Hey Espresso, do you remember anything from last night?"

Espresso glared at him. "I remember us getting there and sipping my first drink but that's it. And now I'm late for the first time ever and I'm probably going to get fired-"

"Espresso you're not going to get fired for being late once." Latte stated, trying to calm her brother down.

"But-"

"The headmaster understood when Dragon's Beard explained that you might not make it today. Why not take the day off? You have so many vacation days that you never took, I think about a whole month's worth of it." Latte asked. "Everyone needs a good day off every once in a while."

"I can't just stop working, how can I be the best, most dedicated of the academy if I shirk my responsibilities and go off getting a hangover with other cookies?" Espresso groaned. "Gah! My head still hurts terribly..."

Dragon's Beard immediately got out what looked like a ring of hard candy, weaving it into hundreds of thin candy strings stuck together. "Here, this should help. It contains ingredients that help with headaches." He offered.

"Uh, thanks." Espresso mumbled as he nommed the candy. "I'm not sure why you're helping me out with this."

"I don't need a reason to help someone who needs it."

As Espresso swallowed the candy, his belly swelled outwards. But it wasn't too big, so he didn't notice. "I should get to marking the rest of those papers now."

"How do you even have papers? I thought the school year hasn't started yet."

"Ah, well you weren't there, but for those coming back for their second or third year at the academy had a writing assignment over the break. And I had them send it to me so I can grade it." Espresso said. "Oh, so this is one of those schools." Cafe Bombon stated.

"Magic is a discipline, similar to art, you have to constantly keep your skills up. And having the students write about a spell they learned about over break isn't that much." Espresso spoke. "Oh, do you want any help?"

"No, I'm fine." Espresso said dismissing Dragon's Beard's help. "He seems very independent. Was he always like this?"

"From my earliest memory I have of him, yeah. He didn't want to play with me when we were kids, he just read books in the library all the time," Latte explained. "And he'd always want to do things by himself."

"I see, he may be on the spectrum." Dragon's Beard noted.

"The spectrum?"

"There are many different interpretations of autism, the spectrum shows where they fall and how much help they might need. Espresso shows independence, although he can also be stubborn and has a fixation on magic." He explained.

"Different types of autism? I never knew there was an entire spectrum. Though, how do we help out with Espresso when he refuses to accept our help? Oh. Does he want to do things by himself because he doesn't want to think he's useless by needing help?"

"It is possible. We need to tell him asking for help won't make him lesser, but in a way that isn't patronizing."

Cafe Bombon had an idea of help too, fatten up Espresso to keep him from being too thin. "We can find him more foods he could like. Tiramisu is made with coffee."

"Good thinking, He isn't too interested from trying new foods because of thinking they'd taste bad due to their lack of coffee." Dragon's Beard commented, thinking about getting him to eat real food. However, Espresso really like Tiramisu, it was a guilty pleasure treat he used to enjoy before working as a professor, since he never had time to eat, and since he's always distracted by his passions.

So, after 'class' [it wasn't really class, more of a staff development day], the three cookies went to confront Espresso. "Hey Espresso. I wanted to apologize for last night, how about I treat you to some Tiramisu?"

"... There won't be any alcohol will there...?" He asked. "Of course not, I know what happened last time. Just some tiramisu and some espresso. Doesn't that sound nice?"

"I suppose... But why are Latte and Dragon's Beard coming with us?" Espresso asked. "Well, I told them what I was planning, and I thought Dragon's Beard could help me convey what I wanted to say. And Latte just wanted to come." The milk wizard semi-lied. He thought it would be easier to lie to him, so he'd be more convinced to come.

Once he had the tiramisu, Espresso took small spoonfuls from it, enjoying it. "So... I know there's more than you wanting to apologize. So just tell me why we're here." The glasses wearing cookie stated taking a sip from his espresso.

"I have no idea what you're talking about, I just wanted to be nice. I figured not a lot of people do stuff for you, right?" Cafe Bombon remarked.

"I... I suppose not. Other than Latte and Eclair, but that's just because they're the only ones who understand me." Espresso stopped himself immediately upon realizing what he just admitted. "Uh, I mean I don't really interact much with other people, I have no reason to talk to others."

Cafe Bombon wasn't convinced, however. "Espresso, do you not like to talk?"

"Well, no, unless it involves magic discussion, but even then, it ends with someone telling me to shut up or asking if I could talk about anything other than magic. Why do they get so annoyed that I'm an expert in magic and like to bring it up? I'm a professor, it's my job to teach others!"

Dragon's Beard spoke up next. "They're that rude to you just because you like to talk about your hyper fixation?" He asked.

"My what?" Espresso asked, he was still eating as he spoke and gained more of a potbelly laying on his lap. "Is that what it's called?"

"Yes, it's something you're really passionate about. So passionate that you focus specifically on that." Dragon's beard explained. "Well... I suppose so..." Espresso said, dinking his spoon on his plate, realizing he ate most of the tiramisu. "Oh, I hardly noticed I was eating... It was really good though."

"I could get you another-"

"No, thank you. The last time I agreed to your suggestion I was blacked out drunk." Espresso stated. "Yeah, but there's no alcohol in it." Cafe Bombon stated as he got him another piece anyway.

Espresso sighed. He didn't get why they were trying to be nice to him. He understood the original reason they went there was for an apology to him, but everything else, the normalization of him being autistic, was shocking to say the least. "Do they want something from me?" He thought sipping his espresso. However, there was something that caught his eye, and it wasn't any of the cafe foods.

Madeleine cookie entered, coming from a hard day of training and wanted a little sweet treat and a coffee. "What's he doing here?" Espresso thought as he watched the blonde go to the counter.

At the counter, Cafe Bombon noticed him. "Wait isn't this the guy Espresso has a crush on?" He thought before striking up conversation with him.

"Ah greetings! I am Madeleine Cookie, the leader paladin of the Divine Light. I am here to consume a delectable, sweet treat, I always order a nice vanilla cake with a cappuccino on the side." The paladin explained. "I have never seen you here before, are you a new wizard at the Parfaedia academy?" He asked.

"Oh yes, my name is Cafe Bombon. I was hired on by Espresso and Latte, I came here to learn more about the coffee side of my heritage, I mostly specialize in milk magic here." Cafe Bombon replied. "The foods here are all so delicious, especially the coffee and chocolate desserts, my personal favorite dessert is a mocha lava cake."

Madeleine was about to respond when he noticed Espresso sitting by himself, he was flustered about getting so chubby in such a short amount of time. The plump wizard hid his head the moment he realized Madeleine was looking at him. "Oh my, is that you Espresso? I almost didn't recognize you."

"Why did he have to come here? Why now when I'm in this state?"

"Espresso? Are you alright? You seem a bit stressed." The paladin asked. "Oh, yes, I'm fine." Espresso stated, hurriedly. He wasn't fine. He felt embarrassed to be seen like this, especially by someone who he had a crush on. "Well, I should probably get going." Espresso stated as he got up, his pot belly now visible.

Madeleine couldn't help but stare. It looked somewhat soft, tempting him to touch it. He couldn't stop staring, but he soon noticed that Espresso was leaving. "Espresso, wait!" But it was too late, he left.

"Why was he in such a rush to leave?" The paladin asked, mainly to himself. "Well, he has a crush on you, so he probably didn't expect you to be here."

Hearing this, Madeleine cookie blushed. "He does? Are you certain?" He asked. "I mean he was drunk, but you know what they say, a drunk mind speaks sober truths."

"Oh my, but if he likes me why would he rush out that quickly? Is this too soon for a relationship and he's not ready to confess?"

"Well, I think it's more like he thinks you would find him unnatractive in that state. He seemed to be hiding the weight he starting putting on yesterday." Cafe Bombon theorized. "Me and Dragon's Beard took him to the tavern last night to try and get him to loosen up, that was when he got drunk and confessed his crush to you."

"Oh... Well, I do not care how much he weighs, I was taught by my aunties that it's what's on the inside that counts." Madeleine spoke. "I shall go and find him; I will tell him that his love for me is as precious as the Divine Light itself!"

"Uh, maybe not so loud? You might accidentally overwhelm him."

"Overwhelm him? Alright, I shall lower my voice." The blonde spoke before going outside. Meanwhile, Espresso stood in his apartment, looking at himself in the mirror, stripped to just his underwear. "I look horrible... Madeleine must be disgusted with me..." He sighed.

He just stared at himself, examining the fat on his body. "Now he'll never like me..." He stated as he started to tear up. His self-deprecation was interrupted by a knock on the door. "Espresso? Are you in?"

"Madeleine? What is he doing here? How did he even know my address!?" Espresso thought, thinking that if he didn't answer, the paladin would leave. However, he didn't realize he forgot to lock his door because of his emotion break down. "Gah!"

He quickly covered his mouth. "Oh, you are in. Uh, can I come in?" Madeleine didn't get an answer, so he let himself in. Espresso didn't have enough time to get his clothes on so Madeleine saw everything, causing both of them to blush. "Oh! My apologies I didn't mean to intrude on your changing I-"

Before Madeleine could continue, he noticed the tears forming in the coffee magic user's eyes. "Are you okay?" He asked, concerned. "Why...? Why did you come here...? To ridicule me...? To call me a disgusting fatty?" Espresso stated, trying to hold back tears, but they started flowing. "What? I would never call you such mean things. Why would you think I would?"

"But I... I... I was always told that being fat means I would be ugly and would be seen as a lazy slob." Espresso mumbled, turning away from Madeleine. "D... Don't look at me!"

The paladin didn't go however, not when the wizard who had a longing crush on him needed some comforting right now. Madeleine placed a hand on Espresso's shoulder, sitting down beside him. "It doesn't matter how you look on the outside, you could be covered in multiple boils or be missing half of your face, but it won't change the beauty you have inside."

"It.. It won't?.. Beauty? You.. You think I'm beautiful?" The wizard mumbled, slowly turning towards him. "No one ever thought of me like that.."

"No one? But who wouldn't see just how lovely you are? It's not just your appearance, your dedication to magic and teaching the students at Parfaedia and don't forget all the spells you know and just how many more you wish to learn."

"You really think so...?" Espresso asked, having his softened face cupped in the hands of the paladin. "Of course. You know so much, I could listen to you talk about magic for hours."

This caused the coffee magic user to blush immensely. Not only for the compliments, but that he enjoyed his ramblings. "I... I don't know what to say... You actually enjoy it? Or are you just saying that out of pity...?"

"I am genuine as I can be. Your love is as precious as the divine light." He stated. Espresso was a blushing mess. "It is?"

"Indeed it does."

Hearing this, Espresso wanted to throw himself at him to hug him and cuddle him, but was unsure of the other's feelings. Sure, he mentioned that his love was precious, but that didn't mean the feeling was mutual.

"Espresso? Is it alright if I hug you?" Madeleine asked, he could tell the chubby cookie wanted some physical affection. "Espresso, oh, I should probably go and tell you openly about this. I love you, I have always been attracted to you and your work."

The wizard didn't wait for another second, he immediately pulled Madeleine into a hug, his belly pressing against the paladin's well-toned torso. "I... uh... I always found you attractive too, but I never said anything. I thought I was way out of your league; I didn't even think you liked men, with how you were always talking about your work and how much you were devoted to being a paladin."

"Oh Espresso, the Divine Light never judges. Oh, I have an idea. Why don't we go out for a date? I know a lovely little restaurant which has some very good espresso brews and the greatest dishes one has ever tried." Madeleine suggested, although he was also thinking about how much bigger Espresso may get from eating more.

"A date? I never thought I'd be on a date with anyone before. Uh, how should I dress?" Espresso asked. "Dress however you like, you'll look beautiful in whatever you wear."

"Ah, well, okay then, um... Let me get dressed and then we can go- Unless it's to early to go on a date." The coffee wizard stated. He was met with a laugh. "Don't worry, we can go now. Though I do have another question... May I kiss you?" The blond asked as he leaned closer. "Ah, of course." Espresso stated before kissing him on the lips. Once they parted lips, Espresso got dressed.

As the two went on their date, Espresso thought about it. If it wasn't for Cafe Bombon and Dragon's Beard, he wouldn't be on this date right now. "Maybe being loose and eating isn't that horrible... I should thank them." He thought, smiling softly as he held hands with Madeleine.