After Jack caught up, he waited for the three dancing “fools” to settle down. He did not want to leave Snow yet without a proper farewell, but he was beginning to feel a bit awkward seeing Finn. Jack nodded towards Finn in greeting, but Jack felt a bit of guilt for having let their close friendship drift apart. His mother and Finn’s mother were still quite close, and Jack and Finn sometimes ran into each other while running errands. Instead of best friends like they were back in childhood, they were more like acquaintances now.

Jack knew it wasn’t fair and that he was being a bit selfish, but he had a fear that hanging around with Finn too much would wreak havoc on the peace he was content in keeping. It was obvious to Jack that Finn had a bit of a wild spirit inside wanting to be freed; Finn was altogether a bit too much for him (and perhaps the town as well). It seems he is getting along well with the redhead, Jack thought.

While Jack’s mind was deep into thought, Finn was fumbling for a plan. Finn found the two strangers very fascinating and he really wanted a chance to get to know them more, especially the cute redhead. Plus, it would be nice to catch up with Jack too. It had been awhile since they hung out, and to be honest, Finn missed his childhood best friend. Whenever he came to visit Millicent, Jack was always busy! It just seemed he could never get a chance to talk to Jack for more than a quick greeting or small talk. Yet, Finn knew Jack had a weakness...there was no way he could escape this time (how rare it was to get an opportunity like this)! If there were anything Finn was super confident on, it was his culinary skills (he was an excellent baker)! He was sure it would please everyone, and he sure as hell was not against using this to his advantage. Yes, behind that sweet smile, was a boy with a sense of fun and a bit of cleverness. Indeed, Jack was not quite far off with staying weary of him, for Finn had a knack of bringing some rumble to daily life.

So, Finn presented an invitation, “Hey! Would you guys like to join me for cupcakes after this? I made too many today! And they’re fresh.”

The two women perked up, obviously interested. “Of course, my friend!” Rose answered happily.

Jack, however, did not give a definite answer. That was fine with Finn...he had a secret weapon. Looking directly at Jack, Finn added with a knowing smile, “I can make jelly bean cupcakes!~” Boom! I know you love your jelly beans, Jack.

Damn. Jack knew he ought to leave, but Finn made killer cupcakes. He’s doing this on purpose. Even when they were younger, Finn had a talent in food. Millicent and young Finn had even baked together a few times, so he learnt from one of the best. For a moment, Jack felt a sense of nostalgia, like he missed the good old days. Like, sharing jelly beans together. They would each buy a packet and trade each other the beans they liked. Jack remembered Young Finn would always give him the green jelly beans, knowing how much Jack loved the color green. Perhaps because of those fond memories, Jack was willing to be lenient this time. “Ok. Thanks, man. I’ll stay for a bit then.”

Happy, Finn slapped Jack on the back. “Great bro, I have the green kind you like just like back then! Y’know, perks of working in a grocery store. Come, come everyone!”

And so, the group gathered at Finn’s, where he invited them to sit down on the table before rushing to finish creating the frosting and decorating some of his previously made cupcakes (still fresh and just cooled down). Carefully, he plated the cupcake, neatly arranged until satisfied. Wait, something felt missing, so he added in pastries he made the day before.

“TA-DA! Jelly bean cupcakes!” He said as he passed a plate down to each of them. “Help yourself to the cupcakes and some of my pastries.”

“It’s so CUTE!!” Rose exclaimed while examining the cupcake, quite impressed before taking a bite of it, “Mmm, and DELICIOUS! Thanks, my friend!”

“Yes, indeed. Thank you very much for this,” Snow agreed in between nibbles and sips of tea.

Yeah, Jack thought, already moving on to another one. The cupcakes were delicious, especially with the green jelly beans he liked. Perhaps he felt especially nostalgic, and maybe softened up by Finn’s considerate gesture, he felt thoroughly satisfied and so he warmly complimented Finn. “It tastes good, bro. Thanks for doing the jelly beans.” Jelly beans, heh heh! <3 They were truly one of his weaknesses, for he had a certain fondness towards beans of any sort. He wasn’t the sort to call Finn “bro” usually either, but his heart was quite content and full right now (yes, imagine getting delicious free food! I’m sure you would feel quite thankful and content too), so with no fear in the front lines, he was more friendly, much like their younger childhood days. Before he began having those odd dreams (nightmares).

Finn laughed, “Any time, Jack. And you’re certainly welcome, uh...I don’t know your names?”

“Snow. Pleasure to meet you.”

“And I’m Rose! What’s your name, Master Chef? You’d definitely be a hit in the Capital, especially with these pastries!”

Upon Rose’s comment, Finn was extremely pleased. Master Chef? He couldn’t help smile a huge goofy grin. If there was ever a huge dream he had, it was to be a Master Chef one day!! He loved to cook, to bake, to create! It had been a hobby of his since young, further cultivated by Auntie Millicent too, but now he wanted to explore it more. See how the food outside might be different, to taste exotic cuisines and create new recipes. It was like a calling! He had known his soul wanted him to step out of this small town for a while, but he was hesitant to leave his family and his life behind. So he asked for a sign from the universe. And it came. To be encouraged by this Rose! Sweet, cute Rose! To be complimented by a crush! It was a sign he wanted to hear! Haha! And, oh god, she ..She’s, she’s…

“..so cute.” Finn realized his words slipped. Oops. “N-No! I mean, Finn! MynameisFinn.” He tried to laugh it off and continued talking, attempting to ameliorate his mistakes (which consequently resulted in many blah, blah, blahs..as you know, Finn rambled a lot when nervous or excited. Oh, and he was so very much nervous, messing up in front of his dream girl! What to do??). “Ah! Not that you aren’t cute, Rose! I mean, umm...uh…” Oh no! Finn was becoming more nervous now, invisible sweat drops coming out in his panicked state. Somebody help me!! Gotta shut up! Shut up! Shut up! His mouth was getting him in hot waters, and he couldn’t shut up in time before the words slipped out.

Luckily, Jack seemed to get Finn’s plea. Jack felt especially bad...yeah, Finn was like that in the past too. He remembered young Finn also had the same trouble back then, nervous ramblings and a mouth that never could shut up when nervous, especially when talking to crushes. Jack could not stand to see this. The secondhand embarrassment on behalf of his acquaintance, his ex-best friend! This guy…. I need to end this for his own good. Jack slammed his hands onto the table and then subsequently stood up. “SO, ROSE and Snow what brings you here?” It was such a relief to Finn to see Jack changing the subject. Ahh, Jack!! Thanks, bro!!

“Eh? Why we’re here? We’re here for business! Plus, we’re sisters.” Rose answered, while rummaging through her bag.

“Yes, Rose and I complete various missions together. We were headed towards our next client, and decided to regroup over here and rest,” Snow said and with a small laugh added, “and then I got lost, so thank you Jack for your guidance. I apologize for any inconvenience.”

“Oh, no, it’s no problem at all.”

“A-ha, found it! Here!” Rose held out a couple cards, “Take one! It’s our business card.” Finn immediately reached for one, while Jack was more hesitant. This went noticed by Rose, who decided to put it into his hands, “Here’s a card for you too, Jack!”

“Uh, thank you.”

“Jack, Finn. As thanks for both your hospitality, if you ever need our services, it’s on us. Just give us a signal,” said Snow.

“Signal?” Finn asked, confused. He had looked at the card and didn’t see how it was possible to use this.

“Try rubbing the little lamp design three times with your thumb!”

So, while Jack watched, Finn rubbed the card three times. To Finn’s surprise, the image of the card switched. “O-oh! It changed!?” Instead, there showed a map with three symbols. A snowflake, a rose, and a circle.

“I enchanted the cards. For if you ever need to find us, or vice versa,” said Snow.

“Cool right?! Please tell everyone about us!”

“Wait, so how do we send a signal?” Finn asked, curious.

“Ah, for that, you will first need to kiss the lamp design. As your lips is touching, call upon us in your mind and heart, and then state what you might need help on. Then we will know, and we can go to you to assist you or you can find us.”

“Then, am I able to hear from Rose and you then, like you can with us? Is this like a two-way conversation?”

“That depends,” Snow smiled, “it often takes practice for those new to using telepathy. This is a tool that assists in that, but there is psychic powers and magic potential in everyone. It is possible, Finn. If you would like to connect with Rose while we are away, this is one way, but know that a conversation might take practice.”

“O-ok. Interesting.”

“Don’t worry!” Rose interjected, “If you want to leave a message, it will get through to us if you kiss the card and request for us with your mind and heart! Then there’s the map for navigating too. It’s possible to have a conversation, but it might not come easy at first for you!”

“I-I would like that. A lot.” Finn replied, blushing. “I’ll miss you guys.”

“Uh, thank you,” Jack said as he stood up, ready to get going, “If you would excuse me, I got to head on back. It was nice meeting you guys.” That was enough magic for him today.

“So soon, bro? Here take some cupcakes for your mum.” Finn quickly brought over a container and stuffed in a few cupcakes and a pastry. “Tell her I said hi, too. It was nice having you over, Jack!”

They all said goodbye to Jack, and he was already a few steps out of the door, when he heard Snow’s voice calling to him. “Wait, Jack!”

Jack stopped, and turned around.

Snow continued, “Let me check if I might have any white heather flowers in my inventory.” He watched as Snow closed her eyes, softly say a spell (?), and then open her eyes. “I’m sorry, it looks like I do not have any right now.”

“It’s alright. I didn’t think I would be able to find any today.”

“Then, please take these mullein flowers then. Your mother might like it.” White flowers manifested. Snow slipped them into Jack’s pocket. “Keep one for yourself too. Take care!”

As Jack left, Snow smiled. You might need it yourself too, Jack. She was quite intuitive, and she had a feeling a flower for bravery and protection might be useful to him soon. And your mother would like it too. A flower for love. Snow returned back in.

After some more hearty snacks and some more chatting, it was now time for the new friends to part. Snow and Rose needed to find an inn or bed and breakfast to stay for the night. Right up at dawn, they would be heading on out!