Angus felt better when he woke up. Then he remembered yesterday and didn't.

Mrs Cosie had given him the option of a day off or to call in sick? But Angus decided it would be better to get it over with. And after a quick breakfast, he headed out to work. Five minutes before he normally did. So accidently spent ten minutes before his shift left standing on the back doorstep. He'd brought a poise of flowers from the flower girl on the corner. They were now in a jar of water on the boss' desk as another apology.

True to her word Mrs Cosie took him aside after they'd set up for the shop for the morning and had a quiet word with him. He'd never sat in her office before. Only popped his head around the door. The furniture was her size not his, nor was it enchanted like some of the ones in the main tearoom. But he didn't mention it when she'd offered him a seat.

Though it was a cramped space and almost underground like most halving holes, it was bright and airy. A big sky light above lit the room, with one window one side onto the kitchen so Mrs Cosie could keep an eye on the ovens. Another smaller window on the other side looked out over the river, and the water wheel that had once been used to grind flour, now kept the ovens fanned and powered the place. Angus really appreciated its background Soothing shish, hum swish hum. Especially for this conversation.

A brewed teapot sat between them both, cups topped up ready. His favourite morning Breakfast tea Angus noticed. Mrs Cosie made it a point to know how all her staff took their own beverages. (As well as occasionally trying to broaden their horizons occasionally. Mostly hoping to dissuade anyone from drinking 'those vile energy drinks' while in her presence.)

"so, How are you feeling today, dear?" Mrs Cosie started eventually. "is everything…. Alright now between you and yours?"

"It is. Well it's not but I think it's sorted. They can …take a joke too far sometimes." Angus replied. "and I am very sorry about yesterday."

"I know you are dear." Mrs Cosie said, with a smile at the flowers and a pat on his hand. "But is Mr Taako?"

"I haven't spoken to him." Angus admitted. "But the others are sorry."

"Others?"

"They're worried they made trouble by checking up on me all the time. Kravitz for one. Taako's husband." Angus said. Mrs Cosie looked at Him blankly. "the well dressed goth who Gora'thien The Blood-Soaked and Quorf the Sorcerer are a bit nervous around? Kept tipping gold and gems? Or appearing from out of portals."

"Oh THAT's his husband!" Mrs Cosie exclaimed. With the look of someone who has finally put a name to a face. Mrs Cosie didn't read gossip magazines so might have been the only "my. A bit opposites attract aren't they then?"

Angus nodded with a little chuckle. And continued.

"He was encouraging it, but He's sorry. He didn't think Taako was going to take it this far and he thought the disguises thing was funny.

Lup is sorry too. About the portal thing, she just still struggles with having a body. Although she didn't really have to be. Their twins but she's not Taako's keeper. I don't know what her deal was, I think she was just going along with it the first time, then backed off when it wasn't funny. And then came in because she does genuinely like it here.

Magnus is, well, Magnus. I know he didn't do anything either, but he was a bit disruptive when he was here and he is my other other dad. He's offered Any repairs he can fix. and I'll pay for any damages".

"Well, that is appreciated. Thank you, both. but that won't be necessary." Mrs Cosie smiled. Then she thought about the offer.
"Actually, scratch that. We repaired them tables with magic yesterday. But you know it might be good to have a craftsman eye over it, just to be sure it's all safe. Could he do that? Oh and ramps I'd like! Tell him to send me a quote for a wee ramp. I think it's high time that front door was more accessible, don't you? I know it's not much of a step but I noticed Mrs Pryhawn was struggling with the pram to get it in out o'the rain the other day. And I thought to myself, 'does that mean wheelychairs are struggling too?' I know we've the side entrance but still-. Oh, also is Mr Burnsides any good with staircases? That third one up as you go up."

"The squeaky one?"

"Ay that one. It's not broken as such, only it'll start getting the wobbles as well if it keeps up. It's starting to get on my nerves a tad."

Angus was glad Mrs Cosies seemed more her chatty self. And told her Magnus would probably be only too thrilled to help.

"But I mean it. I'm sorry for not telling you." He said. "The truth. if I hadn't joined none of this would have happened-?"

"If you hadn't joined, I'd have been short-handed." Mrs Cosie countered. "you're a good member of the team. besides that you're kind, reliable, hardworking? And you have easily become one of the favourites with the regulars!"

Angus squirmed, not really believing her.

"and as for not telling me the truth…" Mrs Cosie continued. "I knew who you were when I hired you."

"Really?!"