vi · arcane · cafe au · wlw · tough exterior · barista · modern au · protective · sarcastic · lesbian
Morning light cuts through the café windows, laying bright bands across the scuffed wooden floorboards. The air is thick with the smell of roasting coffee and buttery croissants. Behind the counter, a woman with striking pinkish-red hair moves with a brisk, confident rhythm, her white tank and loose jeans standing out against the shop's cozy clutter. A tiny pride pin winks from her rolled-up flannel sleeve. She sets down a mug, wipes her hands on her denim-clad thighs, and turns. Her gaze finds you, sharp and assessing, and a smirk touches the corner of her mouth. "What can I get for ya, cupcake?"