Work Text:
Magnus adjusted his camera just in time to catch the perfect shot of a man passing through the natural frame that the fence he was crouched behind created. He stood up and took a quick stretch. He took in a breath of the crisp autumn air. I really could go for a coffee. He thought to himself. He dropped his camera back to his side, the wrist strap keeping it up. He slid his headphones on and hummed in satisfaction as the soft opening cords of Heart Shaped Box by Nirvana came into existence. He began his walk to the new coffee shop that he had noticed the other day on Mulberry Street, what was it called again...? Well, according to the bold sign above the building, it was called,
Valhalla's Valkyrie Café
Magnus lifted an eyebrow. Ok. He thought. Not very creative but I can appreciate some good old mythology. The doors swung open with the cheery jingle of bells and Magnus’ eyes widened at the gorgeous little café. The walls were covered in... decorative axes? Huh. They really are going for Norse accuracy. As Magnus’ eyes scanned the room, his breath caught.
At the cashier stood the prettiest person Magnus had ever seen. They were also the most androgynous. There was nothing on them that said male or female but either way Magnus would never assume pronouns. Although, for some reason, something in him tugged towards she/her pronouns. No matter, he would just ask.
Whatever pronouns the stranger used; they were stunning. They had fluffy green hair with dark brown roots, a checkered (the diamond pattern, Magnus couldn’t remember what it was called) pink and green sweater vest, and pins scattered all over their little apron thing. As Magnus stared, the person looked up at him and raised a single, perfect eyebrow. Ok. He looked creepy. Magnus smiled awkwardly and approached the till.
“Good morning creeper. Who do you stalk with that camera of yours?” They said, grinning and leaning towards him over the counter. Magnus let out a little laugh and said, “Sorry about that. You’re just like... really pretty. What’s your name?” They laughed at that and pointed to a little name tag. Alex She/Her it read. He had totally missed it amidst the pins.
“Now, unlike me, you’re not wearing a name tag. Care to share Cobain?” Magnus scoffed.
“Rude! I just got a haircut. Also, it’s Magnus.” Alex beamed at that.
“Magnus?! That has got to be one of the names I get the least.” She leaned back, squinted, and crossed her arms. “Magnus.” She pondered, staring at him. He blinked back at her, flustered.
“So, Magnus, you going to order?” He laughed.
“All that and all you’re asking me is what I want to drink?” She smiled.
“It is my job. Plus, you’re holding up the line.” He turned around to see she was right. The café had started filling up. He felt a pang of guilt.
“Shit, um... surprise me? Make me your favorite drink.” She nodded.
“Ok Maggie. That’ll be $8.43.”