Chapter Text
She was always in the lights, the camera was on him, and he was the action. The trio seemed disconnected, but oddly enough — when you caught them out of their work — they were chatting their hearts away.
In retrospect, the whole trio were complete opposites. Argenti was the magnet, pulling the other two along with him and gently encouraged them to get out more often. He treated them both like they were the center of the universe, always putting them first and foremost.
Boothill tended to instigate the activities whenever he was finally dragged out of the house. He’d also make stupid little comments, but the others always loved his remarks.
Robin usually followed close behind Argenti, the two having met during a shoot. A collaboration between Robin’s group and a clothing brand that Argenti was hired by.
The shoot lasted a couple months, the two seeing each other on a near daily basis.
He remembered the theme by heart now, “Witches and Roses”. The directors said they wanted an elegant feel to the classic witch look. Something to contrast with the Halloween season, something more comforting.
Argenti’s robes were candy red and cream, and the hat was a dark ruby red. A soft breeze accompanied him as he held a bouquet of white and red roses while he was backlit by sunlight. He held them in front of his face, eyes half-shut as he glanced at the camera.
It was apparently a matching photocard with Robin’s photo. Hers was the complete opposite palette — sapphire blue and ebony. After the shoot was finished, Argenti and Robin were invited to provide input as a special thanks for agreeing to such an extensive shoot.
That was when he saw Robin’s beauty up close.
Something clicked when he saw her enter the director’s studio, the way she walked in with a lighthearted confidence, her calming smile, her voice . Argenti had heard her sing, sure — but hearing her speak? He truly couldn’t tear his gaze away.
Robin gave him a blinding smile and he felt his heart falter.
“Hello! I’m Robin.” She sat down next to him, crossing her legs, “Well, I’m sure you already knew that, but… you know!”
Argenti stared at her for a couple of seconds before finally responding, “Ah, Argenti.”
Robin smiled at him before she turned to the editors, looking at hers and Argenti’s photos. He’d pull his chair in closer to see as well, quietly admiring the handiwork of the editors and photographers.
And then he saw Robin’s photo.
She wasn’t an idol or a witch here — she was practically a goddess. Her mischievous smile, the singular black rose, the top down lighting…
Suffice to say, Argenti was in awe of her beauty.
Collaborated shoots happened more often once their bosses saw how much money they pulled in. And so, Argenti had ample time to get to know Robin more. Hanging out after work — though being discreet about it — was something out of a dream.
“It’s so hard to have friends out of work…” Robin sighed as she stirred her latte.
Argenti smiled at her through his glasses, “Horribly difficult. Is it weird to say that you’d be my first work friend?”
Robin giggled, “Not at all. In fact, you’re one of my first friends...”
“Well, we could see each other more often, then.” He sipped his coffee, though it looked more like milk with a tiny bit of coffee.
“Oh, there’s a new bakery around! Their blueberry cupcakes are delicious.” Robin offered, readjusting her hat. Argenti set his cup down, smiling at the mention of the bakery.
“‘The Calm East’? I’ve seen construction work on it since… last year! Can’t believe they’ve finally opened.”
“Yes! That one. They actually just opened last week.” She set the empty cup down, rolling her jacket sleeves up as she called for the bill, “Wanna check it out while we’re here?”
Argenti was more excited than Robin was — because a visit to the new bakery with a new friend? “Of course! I was actually thinking of dropping by there later anyways.”
The walk to the bakery wasn’t far, it only took them 5 minutes to get there. The storefront was a simple saloon entrance, picket-white window frames spotted from outside, and a glance inside showed an array of pleasing pastels.
Argenti held the door open for Robin as the two filed in, the scent of fresh baked goods permeating the air. They sat down at a booth closest to the counter as they took in the aesthetic of the bakery.
Saloon, bar, bakery. Oranges, pinks, and soft neon lights dotted the ceiling of the bakery which crafted a cozy atmosphere.
Argenti stared at the menu, looking at the chibi characters scrawled next to each baked good. He glanced over at Robin, who was reading through the menu as well. She smiled at him and they both called over the person at the counter to order.
The guy at the counter sauntered over to the pair, his boots thudding across the floorboards. He was chewing on a lollipop stick, placing a hand on his hip as he looked at the pair.
“What can I get y’all?” Argenti took a good look at the man — gray apron dusted with flour, long black and white hair haphazardly tied into a ponytail, and the prettiest hands he’d ever seen. It took him a second to realize he was staring when the guy turned to Robin instead.
Robin smiled at the baker and ordered, “Blueberry muffins and a slice of cheesecake please.”
“And you?”
Argenti blinked at him, coughing lightly before shrugging, “Any recommendations?”
He hummed for a moment, taking the menus before looking back at Argenti, “I’ll get ya some beignets then.”
Argenti sat there, dumbfounded as he turned to Robin. “How often do you come here?”
“Oh, I usually come on weekends. Been slowly going through the menu since I’m curious.” Robin leaned back, readjusting her hat.
He glanced over at the counter, listening to the clatter of plates and knives. “Nice. You think I could start tagging along with you?”
“Of course! I’d love to hang out with you more, Argenti. Need to get out every now and then, and it’s boring by myself.” She smiled at him, “And we get to try more of the menu together.”
Argenti nodded, “Yeah. I’d like that too.” He tapped the table, returning Robin’s smile.
The baker came back, dusted in a fresh coat of flour as he handed each of them their respective orders. “Cheesecake slice and muffins for the miss, and beignets for the sir.” He smiled at the pair, clearly proud of his work.
Robin took a bite out of her chosen desserts and she savored each and every bite. She smiled at the baker, “Boothill, did you change the recipe?”
“Tweaked it a little since the last time you dropped by. Thought it could be a bit less sweet.”
Boothill? So that’s his name…
Argenti stared at the beignets in front of him and cut into one with a fork. It crunched and crackled as the fork bit into the warm pastry. The sweet aroma from the beignets was a scent that Argenti hadn’t experienced in a long, long, while. So when he took that first bite, the whole plate disappeared and he turned to Boothill with a smile.
“These are… delicious.” He took another bite, savoring the softness and sweetness of the pastry.
Boothill grinned at Argenti, “I’m glad ya like it! Been working on that recipe for years. Could always take some more input if ya got any.” He ran back to the kitchen, seemingly in a rush before poking his head out to watch the two.
“Robin, do you think we could come here more often? Like not just on weekends?” Argenti asked as he scraped his fork against the empty plate.
“Sure, what days are you free?”