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The barstools fill up with chatter shortly after the bell rings. With the familiar voices he hears, Impulse fills the coffee machine with pre-measured powder kept in a sealed container next to the bags of coffee beans.
4:35 PM sharp every Thursday (for this semester), five – scratch that, six today, Impulse notes with a smile – of Gluten's most loyal customers.
"Etho!" he calls out to the kitchen, "Cleo's here!"
"One pesto pasta, coming up!" comes the reply.
Cleo snorts, settling on one of the bar stools, "You boys spoil me."
"You're our favorite batchmate," Impulse jokes as he readies Jimmy and Lizzie's drinks: salted caramel cream latte and affogato. "To your new friend over there, you know the drill."
"Gem and False beat you guys to it," Jimmy cuts in, sitting on the barstool to Cleo's left. "They're already giving Pearl the menu."
"Wondeful," Cleo smiles, turning back to Impulse. "Pearl's a Freshman. Met Gem and False in their Artd elective. Those three have been getting along super well."
"Hey Impulse," False calls from behind Cleo and Jimmy, waving the menu, "additional order, if you don't mind?"
Impulse, putting down the steamed milk for Jimmy's latte, "What is it?"
False nudges their friend – Pearl – who swats False's arm back. "One iced blueberry latte, please?"
With a smile, Impulse gives a thumbs up, "Of course!"
False walks back first to the table right behind the bar where Gem's looking over their bags. Pearl looks between Impulse and the table, a bit confused.
"Anything additional you'd like?" Impulse prompts, making Pearl jump a bit.
"Ah, no, just…" she raises a paper bill, "do we pay yet?"
"You can," Impulse nods, "or you can pay before you leave, like the rest of these fellas."
Pearl nods slowly "Why?" she asks, though it seems more directed to Cleo, Jimmy, and Lizzie. "Nothing wrong. Just surprised that you guys do it this way."
"We've been regulars for long enough that we can practically do whatever we want," Cleo stage-whispers, sending Pearl a wink. The rest of their group laughs at the remark, making Pearl's tense shoulders ease.
Impulse places Jimmy and Lizzie's drinks in front of them. "Only Etho lets you get away with things," he nods at Cleo, "while the rest of them are just behaved enough."
"Not true!" Jimmy raises a finger acusingly, but he's biting back a smile. "You let us get away with stuff too!"
"Like what?"
"Like the employee's wifi password."
Impulse's brows raise, a disbelieving huff coming out as he stares at the laughing group. Even Pearl's lips are quirked up to a smile.
The kitchen door opens. "Is that why the damned wifi slows down everytime they're here!?"
Peaking out of it is Tango, hands on his hips, giving Impulse an overdramatic betrayed look. Tango is full-on frowning on purpose, making the rest continue laughing.
"It was an accident," Impulse groans. "Not my fault the password papers were mixed up when Jimmy asked!"
"Uh-huh, excuses," Tango nods mockingly, crossing his arms. "I wouldn't make that mistake because I'm too good!"
"Yeah, because you'd give Jimmy the employee's password on purpose."
It's followed by Impulse wiggling his eyebrows at Tango, making the latter pause. Red makes its way up Tango's cheeks.
"Wh- whatever!" he scoffs, keeping the door open for Etho to pass through. "I'm going back to my croissants!"
"Oh, do you guys have the strawberry ones?" Jimmy calls out.
Tango turns to him, "Sure do, bud. I'll get ya one fresh out of the oven before you leave, yeah?"
"Sounds good!"
The door closes, leaving Impulse and Etho behind the counter. Cleo and Etho share a look, glancing at Jimmy, then the kitchen door, then at Impulse.
They are not slick, their amused smiles seem to say. Impulse shakes his head in fond exasperation, an agreement.
Impulse, with the help of Etho, eventually finishes the rest of the drink orders. He pulls over a stool behind the counter, placing it closer to Lizzie to converse with just her when he notcies Cleo and Jimmy discussing a lab manual. From the corner of his eye, he sees False, Gem, and Pearl chatting excitedly with notebooks shared between them.
The windows of the cafe eventually give way to a beautiful view of the sunset, still consistently filled by the same six customers from hours ago.
It's a great day.
The following afternoon has Jimmy in the same spot as yesterday, carrying the same lab manual. It makes Impulse pause from his discussion with Tango at the bar counter, their laptops propped up.
"Still stuck with that, Jim?" Impulse asks gently.
Him and Tango watch Jimmy take a seat to slump on the counter's free space. "Oh boy, sure am."
"Concepts or calculations?"
"Calculations," Jimmy replies. "I'm not gonna complain too much since I'm already thankful that I only have one Chemistry and Math course to deal with, but this stuff hurts my brain."
"Subject?"
"Botany."
Tango sucks in a breath. "Good luck with that, skippy. Didn't even know there are calculations over there."
"Thanks, guys."
Jimmy gets back to his manual, going through a chart for chemical requirements for plant fertilizers (oh boy). He runs a hand through his hair – left, his dominant one – and Impulse's attention lands on Jimmy's nails.
"You applied the nail polish? Looks cool."
It startles Jimmy, who pulls his hands down behind the counter immediately. "Ah, that's nothing. Just Lizzie and False using me as a mannequin for themselves. Practice."
Tracks, in Impulse's head. He wouldn't be one to judge nor assume, even if the glittery yellow doesn't seem to be something Lizzie nor False would reach for.
The trio of siblings – Lizzie older than the twins by a year – already live in the village before university. They started going to Gluten in their high school days, only during exam season. Still, around three years of knowing them, their dynamic, and watching them how they present themselves gives Impulse a solid idea.
So Impulse would keep his mouth shut. Not Tango, though.
"Didn't Lizzie comment on how overkill it is to be blonde and have yellow polish at some point, though?" Tango questions. "Nothing wrong with the yellow, Jim! But based on how strongly Lizzie thought of it and False agreeing, that seems… surprising, that they'd own that."
Jimmy sits still for a moment, brows raising when the memory returns to him. "Yeah. They did say that." He looks down to his manual, softer, "Didn't exactly say the polish was theirs though, did I?"
"Yours?"
"… Yeah. I just wanted to feel pretty. Cool. Pretty cool."
Tango grins, "That is pretty cool!"
Jimmy looks up to him, then to Impulse. The pair have matching expressions.
"Yeah it is, man," Impulse nods.
There's something to unpack with the faces Jimmy made in the last few seconds. Specifically, him quickly tacking on "cool" after "pretty" and the way his eye slightly twitches after Impulse called him "man." Impulse wouldn't say he has a good "gaydar," but he does have a lot of queer friends.
He knows Jimmy's gay, but… could there possibly be more?
"I used to paint my nails too, before Ren gave me baking duty, of course," Tango shares. "Maybe I can show you some nail art techniques I've done on myself sometime."
Finally, Jimmy cracks a shy smile. "I'd love that. Would be exciting to try other styles."
And with that, the three return to silence, working on their respective school requirements while not as many customers walk into Gluten. Impulse's momentary mental distractions are now no longer just about scheduling his shifts for next week, but also about how to be supportive of a friend going through a gender expression exploration.
Halloween, Impulse is convinced, is a time of year that even their college professors enjoy. Great proof of this is how most students are dressed in costume, including him, Tango, and Etho.
They're walking between some buildings from their Communications elective to one of their majors for Computer Science. Impulse thanks the heavens that he can go home after this, because the beard of his dwarf costume is itching like crazy. He doesn't pity Tango, who has had his vampire cape stepped on multiple times already, (haha, short), but he does wish he has Etho's simpler costume.
"I don't understand how you got away with getting plus points in that," Tango points at the black cat ears and a face mask with whiskers printed on them. Aside from that, Etho wore an all-black outfit.
Way simpler, alright.
"That professor must like me," Etho jokes, leading to bickering between him and Tango. It makes Impulse shake his head.
In front of the Sciences Building stands a familiar group, one that Impulse sees regularly at Gluten. He's not surprised that they're wearing costumes too with the overall amount of artistic talent between them, but Cleo and the rest seemed to coordinate their fairy outfits.
It's Cleo and five other girls. Impulse recognizes False, Gem, and Pearl shortly, but he's caught off-guard by the other two with a blue half-up hairdo and a purple pixie cut.
"Our favorite customers up ahead, fellas," he calls out to grab Etho and Tango's attention, though it seems like his voice was loud enough for Cleo to hear, too.
When Cleo turns properly to wave at them, the other girls follow suit. They stand out – glitter, cropped tops, fairy wings, and heels to match their costumes. It suits them well.
It clicks at this moment, too, that the girl with blue hair is Lizzie in a wig. The other girl with purple hair stands taller than the rest, rare to find in general, but then something else clicks.
"Is that Jimmy with the purple wig?" Tango asks. Count on him to recognize Jimmy from anywhere.
Jimmy blushes, "I lost a bet." He doesn't look uncomfortable, though. He shifts his weight between both feet like he's worn heels before, and he wears the same glitter eyeliner as the rest.
This feels familiar, he thinks to himself as he glances at Cleo, who notices his knowing gaze. They pull him away from the group, who are all chatting to each other.
"Spill it," Cleo whispers, linking arms with Impulse. "I think I know what you want to ask, but I want to double-check first."
"Jimmy's really putting himself out there to explore presenting fem, huh?"
And it is once again something Impulse has never experienced himself, but he and Cleo were on opposite sides of Gluten's counter when they were questioning their gender. Impulse was there when Cleo expressed her feelings, her thoughts on the whole concept of gender in general, and how she arrived at being non-binary. He was there asking questions and looking them up alongside Cleo, and eventually Ren, the latter just as curious about everything as Cleo was.
Cleo bites their bottom lip, "I'm trying to nudge him over there. This is definitely the farthest it's gotten, and he looks… alright."
"You sound surprised."
"It's the first time he's dressing himself like this in public, and it's immediately with a Winx costume. Sure, it's helped by False and Lizzie being supportive, and Gem and Pearl being enthusiastic, but I honestly thought he'd be a bit more apprehensive about doing this."
Impulse hums, "Maybe he's been curious about it for a while now."
"Mhm, maybe."
They're cut off by Gem walking in front of them, bending sideways to meet their gazes, "Why so serious, you guys?"
"What do you want, Gem?" Cleo questions back.
Gem rolls her eyes. "Pictures, please! The siblings went ahead, but didn't we say we want one with all six of us?"
Cleo nods, "Alright, alright."
They separate from Impulse, but they whisper last minute, "If- When he opens up to you, be gentle with him, yeah? He seems a bit more honest with you than the rest."
"I doubt, but gotcha."
Cleo smiles at him, and they return to the rest of the group. Tango's holding False's cellphone, while Etho's calling intstructions to have the group be centered at the camera. Impulse continues to look at Jimmy, whose eyes crinkle when he smiles for the camera: bright as usual.
"Let's have the boys with us too!" Gem points at them. "Etho, get the phone fron Tango for a group selfie, please!"
"Too bad Joel isn't here," Pearl comments.
"He's not in costume anyway!" Lizzie sighs. "I tried to get him to wear his old Shrek cosplay, but he wouldn't budge."
"His loss," Etho jokes as he raises the camera. "Now, everybody say cheese on the count of three, or else I'll drop this phone."
"ETHO DON'T YOU DARE –"
Impulse has served a handful of customers after serving his regulars, the girls plus Cleo and Jimmy arriving Thursday as usual. However, all of them but Jimmy have left one-by-one because of evening exams, so now it's just him on the counter now the sun has set.
He sighs, stretching his arms over his head. "Etho's on playlist duty today?"
Impulse nods, nursing his own latte. "It is."
Jimmy nods back, putting away his stationery and notes to his backpack. He doesn't hurry, and once he's done, he places his backpack down on the floor.
"Impulse?"
The barista hums, "Yeah?"
"Mind asking you some questions?"
Impulse straightens, "Of course, Jim."
Jimmy stays silent for a bit, picking at the chipped yellow glitter polish on his nails. "How'd you know you're a guy?"
"Aside from the…" Impulse motions to himself – beard, square jaw, and what people would call a "dad bod."
It makes Jimmy laugh a bit, "Well, yeah."
"Never really crossed my mind that I'm a woman," Impulse replies easily. "And it's not like my interests or expression have anything to do with it. Like, you can put me in a dress – and I have worn one before –
"What-"
"– and I will rock in it, but I won't feel anything beyond that. It's just clothes to me, but I do know that other people might feel differently about it."
Jimmy nods. "I understand."
"How do you feel about it?" Impulse prompts as gently as possible.
"I… Wearing this," Jimmy motions to the unbuttoned light blue button-up, white tshirt, and black pants, "doesn't feel wrong, but something doesn't feel quite right either. I'm still into soccer and other sports, but something feels weird. Missing. Whatever. But this–"
Jimmy raises his hands to show Impulse the nail polish, "… This felt right."
Impulse smiles at Jimmy, then softly asks, "You might want to ask yourself if this is an expression thing, or… a more internal thing, perhaps? Not that I'd be the best person, that would be Cleo, but I'm sure you get what I mean."
"Yeah…" Jimmy drops his head to his hands, "I think I'm mostly confused, but I also think a part of me is just scared."
"They can co-exist, that's fine."
"What if people treat me differently?"
"Then they never deserved you, yeah?" Impulse places a hand on Jimmy's shoulder. "Jim, you're one of the nicest, caring people I know. Your smile and humor can easily light up a room, and those combined with your wit makes you the life of the party. And just based on how you are with Lizzie, False, and the rest? They obviously love you, and you love them lots too. You'll always have a safe space with them, and you'll also always have a safe space here at Gluten. I'm sure the boys won't think of you any differently, either."
Jimmy nods again, but now, Impulse can feel the slight shake of the younger's shoulders. Impulse lets go of Jimmy. "Sleep on it, okay? Take as long as you need, and when you figure it out, you're free to be as open or private about it as you want, yeah?"
"Thanks, Impulse."
"Anytime, buddy."
Business continues as usual, with Impulse attending his classes and doing shifts behind the counter afterwards. The regulars come and go, Pearl warms up to Gluten more, and Jimmy's been wearing more colorful, knitted cardigans lately.
It's sibling privileges, False shares when the twins proudly come into the cafe one day, Jimmy in a floral sweater and white maxi skirt and False in a denim jacket a size bigger on her and cargo pants. False is a few inches shorter than Jimmy, but most of their clothes still fit each other. They can only fit Lizzie's oversized clothes, but it's not like they raid her wardrobe often anyway. There's a new shade of polish on Jimmy's nails too: a pastel blue and yellow set.
Eventually though, Jimmy walks in with Cleo on a Monday night. Both are dressed for lab classes, but it doesn't stop Jimmy's colorful prints nor Cleo's silver accessories.
"The usual for you two?" Impulse asks. "Gonna have to put it for take-out, though. We're closing in a bit."
"Not today for me," Cleo replies. "How 'bout you, Jim?"
"I'd still like a caramel latte if you don't mind, Impulse."
"Not at all, Jim."
The two sit at the counter as Impulse makes Jimmy's drink, the trio in silence until Tango comes from the back.
"Ah, thought I heard familiar voices." He places two paper bags in front of Cleo and Jimmy. "Ren said that we can take home the extra red velvet croissants, but Impy and Etho and I are a bit sick of 'em. Maybe you two would appreciate it more."
Cleo grins, "Never saying no to free food!"
"Same here," Jimmy laughs. "Thanks Tango."
"No worries."
It's at this point that Cleo elbows Jimmy. "By the way, Jim has something to tell you guys."
"Oh?" Impulse prompts, putting the plastic cover on Jimmy's drink.
"Go on, buddy," Tango nods, leaning against the kitchen doorway. "What'cha got?"
Jimmy glances at Cleo, who gives an encouraging nod. "S-so… I figured something out."
Impulse and Tango keep their mouths shut, nodding once more to keep Jimmy talking.
"I… I'm trans."
Impulse lets out a whoop. "Congrats, Jim!" He holds his arms out for Jimmy, and they hug as best as they could over the counter. "Oh, do we still call you Jimmy? Or use different pronouns?"
"She/Her, please. And uh, I'd like some help telling the rest, if you don't mind?"
"No problems at all, Jim!"
"Told you they'd be supportive," Cleo elbows Jimmy.
Cleo and Impulse laugh, but Jimmy's still a bit stiff. Sure, she's grinning ear to ear, but she's also looking behind Impulse.
"Tango, bud?" Impulse waves his hand. "You good?"
Tango blinks. "Yeah, yeah, peachy!" he squeaks out. He's looking between Jimmy and the floor, and oh that's something Impulse didn't take into account.
Based on Cleo's protective arm around Jimmy's shoulders, it's something she didn't take into account, either.
These two and their weird, romantic tension that only seems to exist when they're within 5 feet of each other. Impulse knows Tango, of course, and the guy has been smitten since their first shift and Jimmy walked in with Lizzie and False. Three years of tiptoeing around each other, which might come to an end from this of all things. Tango may be his best friend, but Impulse swears if the other says or does something fu –
"Congrats, Jimmy. You make a really, really pretty woman. Is it an alright time to mention that I'm bi?" Tango rushes out, finally steadying his gaze at Jimmy. Then, he slaps a hand on his mouth. "Gah! No it's obviously not, jerk," he mutters to himself, muffled. A blush continues to rise as he looks between Impulse, Cleo, and Jimmy. "Ooo boy, look at the time! I gotta go skadoodle for my… doctor's appointment! Bye Cleo! Bye Jim! See ya tomorrow Impulse!"
Tango slips into the kitchen, unintentionally banging the door shut. If Impulse listens closely, he can hear Tango's groan of embarrassment.
"How'd you feel about that, Jim?" Cleo asks, seemingly still ready to punch Tango. (Impulse wouldn't, but he would tell off his friend depending on Jimmy's response."
"I think," Jimmy clears her throat, a light blush rising on her cheeks, "I want to do things to that man that are inappropriate to say in public and I would say yes to anything he'd want to do to me."
"Not anything!"
"At least let him court you first!"
The next day, Tango comes to his shift with a bouquet of flowers. An hour or so after that, Jimmy arrives and takes her spot at the counter, saying she's just here to chat. Both had blushes on their faces when Impulse asked questions.
And so, Impulse doesn't ask further, (he's got a really solid guess, after all). He does tease them to use protection, and snickered when they told him to buzz off.
Thursday rolls around, and the usual group takes their spot in the cafe. This time, they move one of the tables and chair next to another so the six of them can all be facing each other. They each have small lego sets with them, all different flowers.
Impulse and Etho get their orders together quickly, with Lizzie and Gem taking the trays to their table.
"Have I told you you're the best, Impulse?" Gem asks, thankful and teasing at once.
"What can I say, I love my five daughters."
"Impulse," Cleo raises a brow at him, "I'm not a girl."
"Oh, I know!" he laughs as he returns to the coffee grinder, collecting the new set of powder to tamper. From his bowed head, he tries to send his sneakiest look to Jimmy.
Jimmy, who seems to find her lego set very interesting.
Silence falls across their table as the rest take in Impulse's remark.
It's False who moves first, almost knocking her drink off the table from her rush to hug Jimmy from behind. "A sister!" she grins, "I got another sister!"
"We got another sister!" Lizzie squeals as she runs up to her younger siblings to join the hug as well. "Oh, I'm so proud of you, Jim!"
Gem and Pearl get up for their own hugs after letting the siblings have their moment. The rest of their questions come later on as they have their drinks and build their flowers. The group takes their time, stories and laughter shared with Impulse, Etho, and Tango when the boys get a break from their tasks.
And Jimmy, of course, beams as she always does.