Mr Gingernuts - Part Two

The regard was getting uncomfortable, a squirm in the seat, soon need to adjust himself kind of uncomfortable. It was almost tactile though without pressure and whatever Mr Gingernuts thoughts they were deeply guarded. On which thought...

'What's your name?' Bren blurted, then at the marginal lift of brows; 'We've been calling you Gi...' back track, back track 'you're a regular, we should know what to call you'
Supple lips twitched and Bren had the horrible feeling Mr Gingernuts knew exactly what they called him and was laughing at him.

'Zingiber'
'Nice to meet you Zingiber, I'm..'
'Bren' Zingiber's smile widened, there was a hint of sharp teeth, it made him appear both more handsome and more predatory. Bren had no concept of his other form. But he really liked this form.

'You're weren't far wrong with the naming' The man stood smoothly gathering the book and pencil he'd been using, swallowing the last of his coffee then carefully collecting his cookie as if it was a great treasure. Bren wanted to see him nibble at it's edges, wanted to see him take a huge bite and devour the treat. Honestly, the smile the man gave that cookie Bren was ready to roll in cookie dough and present himself on a plate. Then the words registered and he wanted to crawl away. 'Oh?'

'Zingiber; the genus of true Gingers' the cookie was carefully wrapped in a napkin 'for later, when I'm alone' Zingiber said followed his gaze, he held it protectively, but edge of loneliness quickly became suggestion 'it wont last long, but perhaps soon I can tempt the baker to examine my nuts?' he winked, nodded his head, and left.

Bren gave a noisy sigh and sunk into the chair. He sat there dumbfounded until a sharp shout from Abby reminded him he had customers to deal with. It wasn't until the cafe was closed and cleanup well underway that he decided he was far from embarassed and allowed himself a happy little jive with the sweeping brush. Abby called him a lost cause and threw the dishrag at him.

--

'Zingiber' Bren greeted with a grin, ignoring the mutter of 'lovestruck fool' from Abby. He had the man's coffee ready and slid it across the counter before he could request it.

Zingiber looked considered it 'any cookies?' he lips twitched as he watched Bren snatch up tongs abd place two fresh nut cookies on the plate, they were still warm from the oven.
'Your company?'

'I was about to take a break' Bren collected a coffee for himself, as unsyruped Americano, and followed his favourite customer to the corner table that always seemed vacant, in wait for him. One of the Bears was juggling takeaway cups and snack bags on his way to the door but paused to offer a differential nod, that was acknowledged curtly.

'They respect you' That much was obvious. And Bears known for their size and their mother's aggression weren't cowed easy. Zingiber hummed thoughfully 'More they don't know what to make of me I think' he hid a smirk by tasting his coffee.

'You're a...?' it was rude to ask outright '....I though Squirrel at first' Bren smiled, indicating the nuts.
'In a fashion'
Which told Bren precisely nothing.