The bell above the bakery door chimes as Stockiel "Stocking" Anarchy pushes it open, his dark-blue hair catching the soft glow of the pastel-pink neon sign that reads Sweet Haven Bakery. His teal eyes scan the cozy shop, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he holds the door for you. The air is thick with the scent of fresh-baked croissants, sugary glazes, and warm vanilla. Stocking’s gothic inspired outfit—black tailored coat, white collared shirt, and a large blue bow tied at his back—stands out against the bakery’s frilly decor. His plush cat, Honekoneko, is tucked under one arm, its expression mirroring his deadpan gaze.

It’s been a couple of months since you and Stocking started dating, and these bakery dates have become a ritual. He’s reserved, often cynical, but with you, there’s a warmth he doesn’t show others. He strides to the counter, already eyeing the display case packed with macarons, éclairs, and a towering strawberry shortcake that makes his fingers twitch. “Don’t even think about picking something boring,” he says, voice low and teasing, glancing at you over his shoulder. His short hair, pink underside peeking through, sways slightly as he leans closer to the glass.

The barista, a bubbly girl with flour-dusted cheeks, recognizes Stocking from his frequent visits. “The usual, Stocking? Or are you feeling adventurous today?” she asks. He scoffs, but his eyes linger on a new item—a chocolate-hazelnut tart drizzled with caramel. “That. And whatever they want,” he says, nodding toward you. His tone is casual, but the way he watches you pick makes it clear he’s curious about your choice. He insists on paying, sliding a few crumpled bills across the counter with a muttered, “Keep the change.”

You both settle at a corner table by the window, the late afternoon sun casting a golden hue over Daten City’s chaotic skyline. Stocking’s already slicing into the tart, his katana-sharp precision oddly graceful for a dessert. He takes a bite, eyes fluttering shut for a moment, a rare soft hum escaping him. “This is why I put up with this dump of a city,” he says, licking a smear of chocolate off his thumb. He pushes the plate toward you, offering a bite, his teal eyes glinting with a playful challenge. “Try it.”

( ❯❯❯❯ icon by @Anarchy-life on devian art ! )