#Menu Card printing

[navpacknprint-blog]

Why Quality Menu Cards Matter for Your Restaurant

Searching for menu card printing of the highest calibre? To improve the appearance of your restaurant, Navpack Print provides high-quality, personalised menu card printing. Whether it's a café, fancy dining establishment, or takeaway service, our speciality is creating gorgeous designs that complement your business. We guarantee brilliant colours, crisp details, and long-lasting materials that can handle regular use with our offset and digital printing options. To make a menu that stands out, select from a range of paper kinds, coatings like gloss or matte, and distinctive folding techniques. Fast turnaround times and affordable prices are guaranteed by our professional menu card printing capabilities. Make your menus as memorable as your food by relying on Navpack Print. For individualised solutions, contact us right now!

[nr1-logo-design-inspiration]

Menu & collaterals designed for a restaurant ☆

Need design services? PM us and let's talk about your project! 💌

[helle102]

Are you searching for Menu card printing designs online?

Menu card printing designs online

Orange Design and Prints is recognized as one of the premier menu card printing services in Tamil Nadu, Menu card printing designs online known for its commitment to quality, creativity, and customer satisfaction. With a strong focus on crafting visually appealing and durable menu cards, the company ensures that every piece reflects the unique identity and brand of the business it serves.

From restaurants and cafes to hotels and specialty eateries, Orange Design and Prints works closely with its clients to create menu cards that not only serve a functional purpose but also enhance the overall dining experience. The team of experienced designers at Orange Design and Prints understands the importance of a well-designed menu in attracting customers and communicating the essence of the establishment. Whether it's a sleek, modern look or a more traditional, elegant design, they offer customized solutions tailored to the specific needs and preferences of each client.

Using state-of-the-art printing technology, Orange Design and Prints guarantees high-quality results with vibrant colours, crisp details, and long-lasting materials. They offer a wide range of paper options and finishes, including matte, gloss, and lamination, ensuring that the final product is both visually stunning and durable enough to withstand everyday use. For clients seeking something truly unique, the company also provides options for special effects like embossing, foiling, and UV spot coating to give the menus a distinctive and luxurious feel.

In addition to their technical expertise, Orange Design and Prints is praised for its customer-focused approach. They provide personalized service from start to finish, ensuring that clients are involved in every step of the design and printing process. This commitment to collaboration and communication has earned the company a strong reputation for delivering exceptional results on time and within budget.

For businesses looking to make a lasting impression through their menu design, Orange Design and Prints stands out as a top choice in Tamil Nadu. Their dedication to quality, attention to detail, and passion for creativity make them a trusted partner for all menu card printing needs.

[environprint]

Brochure Printing | Business Brochure Maker | Marketing Cards - EnvironPrint 

Design your custom brochures & menus with ease at EnvironPrint! Enhance your marketing strategy with our Brochure Printing service for professional-quality Marketing Cards. Visit now to craft your unique materials online and elevate your brand presence.

Know More: https://environprint.com/business-essentials/brochures-and-menus.html 

[pearlyarts]

Optimizing Your Designs with Pearly Arts Clipart: Tips and Best Practices

Pearly Arts clipart is your go-to source for fantastic clipart that won’t cost you a dime! Wondering where you can make the most of Pearly Arts clipart? Well, you’re in for a treat! Our extensive collection isn’t just perfect for all your printing needs, like posters, invitations, and flyers, it’s also a goldmine for your digital projects. Whether you’re jazzing up your social media posts,…

[identity2110]

Tent Cards are a versatile marketing tool that can be used both, commercially as a card-body and personally. These ingenious creative tent cards can be used to uniquely endorse products, offers, and services, or even showcase simple information.

WhatsApp Us = 91 8920 951 048, +91 9873 455 131 Email Us = identity2110@gmail.com Address = D-21, 3rd Floor, Sector 10, Noida 201301 (U.P.) For More Info Vist Us = Tent Card Designs And Printing

[p0orbaby]

Cute fic with Leah treating reader to a surprise romantic weekend staycation plz?

-

You’re driven thirty-four minutes away. That’s how long it takes. You check the time four times on your phone, then once on the watch Leah got you last Christmas that you never actually set. You pass a Tesco Extra, three aggressive roundabouts, and one wildly out-of-place windmill. You are not told where you’re going.

“It’s not abroad,” Leah says, hands steady on the wheel. “I did consider it. But your passport’s in the junk drawer under the broken extension lead, and I wasn’t emotionally prepared to go in there.”

Fair.

She’s wearing sunglasses despite the cloud cover. Not trendy ones, not statement-y—just black and quiet and far too adult. There’s a reusable Pret cup in the centre console and your tote bag in the back seat and you realise, with a dull thump of affection, that she’s remembered your oat milk.

The radio’s off. You don’t talk much. It’s the kind of silence that isn’t tense, just padded. Familiar. Like an old coat or a train nap.

The hotel is not a hotel. It’s a converted townhouse with those tall, nosy windows and a doorbell that makes a dramatic, haunting sound when you press it. There are plants with names. Books with forewords. Wallpaper that’s textured but somehow not ugly. The woman at reception offers you “an artisanal cordial” on arrival. You don’t know what that means, but you drink it anyway. It tastes like rosemary and restraint.

The foyer smells like something expensive—sandalwood, probably—and there’s a stack of interiors magazines on the entry table arranged in descending height order. You instantly feel the need to stand up straighter, use full sentences. You suspect you are being watched by something or someone minimalist.

Leah hands you the keycard like it’s a prize. “Three days. No work. No laundry. No emails from that girl in your team who always signs off with a dolphin emoji.”

“You remembered the dolphin,” you murmur, touched in a weird, visceral way.

“I remember everything,” she says, smug.

The room is upstairs. She lets you open the door. Inside: a giant bed with throws so neatly folded it feels like an insult to sit on them. A rainfall shower. A mini bar with things that look like food but are probably beauty products. A bathrobe hanging on the back of the door with your initials embroidered on it. That part makes you stop.

“Wait. You… did this?”

Leah shrugs like she hasn’t just casually altered a stranger’s bathrobe for the bit. “They offered personalisation. I thought it was funny.”

You turn around. She’s already kicked off her trainers, lying diagonally across the bed like she owns shares in the concept of lounging. Her socks are mismatched. You don’t comment on it. That’s love, probably.

There’s an itinerary tucked discreetly into the welcome folder on the desk. You open it. It’s printed on textured card, which feels pretentious until you see the actual agenda.

Saturday:

10.00 – Lie-in (enforced)

11.30 – Brunch (I know the menu off by heart already, don’t ask)

14.00 – Couples massage (don’t make it weird)

17.00 – Read/do nothing

19.30 – Dinner (bring lip balm this time)

Sunday:

Wake up whenever

Talk to no one

Let your shoulders drop two inches

You look back at her. She’s scrolling something on her phone, relaxed in that specific Leah way—languid and quietly victorious.

“Why did you plan all this?” you ask.

She glances up. “You looked tired. And I’ve been annoying lately. I thought I’d balance it out.”

You snort. “So this is guilt-motivated romance?”

She grins. “All the best things are.”

And that’s the moment, right there, that you feel it. That low thrum in your ribs that says you’ll forgive her everything, always.

Even the robe embroidery.

Even the enforced lie-ins.

Even the 34-minute drive with no destination.

Especially that.

[miumonga]

13. who's the cute boy with the white sweatshirt

the coffee shop buzzed with its usual morning rush, the scent of espresso mingling in the air. you stepped inside the coffee shop, your sundress swayed lightly with the movement. a soft white rosalia midi sundress dotted with a yellow floral print seemed to carry a piece of summer into the shop. you glanced at your watch— enough time before the table read started. 

you walked up to the register, tucking a strand of your hair behind your ear as you studied the menu. 

“good morning!” the barista greeted you. “what can i get for you?” 

“hmm,” you murmured, your voice soft but thoughtful. “a vanilla latte with two shots of espresso and a rose cold foam, please.” 

“right. your order will be soon! love your dress by the way, has anyone told you that you look a lot like y/n l/n?” 

“yes...! i get that a lot! thank you.” 

as you waited, your eyes wandered, taking in the shop's interior. your gaze brushed over a familiar-looking raven-haired man with multiple facial piercings and gauges. his hair was tied ​​half up and for a brief moment, your eyes met. you smiled, the kind of small, polite smile you give a stranger, but it felt like a spark anyway. 

when your drink was ready, you picked it up, fingers curling delicately around the cup. as you turned toward the door, your shoulder collided with someone. the next thing you knew, your latte was splashed across the floor and the person’s white sweatshirt. 

“fuck, i’m so sorry!” you exclaimed, panicking at the mess you made. looking up to see the guy you spilt your latte on. his purple eyes locked on yours, and for a moment, you forgot about the sticky, rapidly cooling liquid soaking into his clothes. 

“no, it’s okay,” he said quickly, though the words came out more irritated than he intended. “i wasn’t paying attention.” 

“neither was i,” you admitted, setting your cup down on a nearby table. “here, let me help.” you grabbed a stack of napkins from the counter and handed him a few, keeping the rest to blot the floor. 

he stood and ran a hand through his messy dark hair as you got on your knees, trying to wipe the hem on his sweatshirt, hoping it wouldn’t stain the white. his face flushing, then turning it away from your downward view. your sundress’s cleavage gave an invasive view from the angle and the position you were in didn’t help his mind to not lead to sexual thoughts. 

“i feel terrible. how much was this sweater? i’ll pay for it.” you asked, still focused on the stain. 

“you know, normally, people would ask for an autograph instead of offering money.” he chuckled, grabbing your arm and picking you up to look at him. 

“huh? i’m sorry, i don’t quite understand...." he smirked. then it clicked. you realized who you were looking at. "wait, are you suguru geto?” 

“the one and only,” he nodded with a sweet smile on his face. “and you’re y/n l/n, right? i’ve seen you a few times on the news and radio.” 

you eagerly nodded back. this was the suguru geto. the one that played a huge part in the indie music industry. the one that went on an indefinite hiatus five years ago. 

“can i buy you another drink?” he asked, snapping you out of your shocked state. you hesitated, glancing at your watch. you were going to be late if you waited any longer. fuck. “i don’t really have time—”

“or,” he interrupted, holding up a hand, “you could take this.” the raven-haired slid a sleek, black stainless steel tumbler across the counter towards you.

you frowned. “what’s this?”

“my coffee. black, no sugar,” he said, a sheepish grin tugging at his pierced lips. “i’m a little obsessed with punctuality, so i always leave early. you, on the other hand, seem like you’re cutting it close.”

you stared at him, a mix of gratitude and disbelief swirling in her chest. “you’re just… giving me your coffee?”

“think of it as an apology.”

you accepted the tumbler reluctantly. “okay, but only if you let me pay you back for that sweater.”

“deal,” he said, slipping a card out of his wallet and scribbling something on the back with a pen from his pocket. “here’s my number. text me when you’ve got time, and we’ll call it even.”

album bonus tracks: — SUGURU !!! — i have this huge hc of suguru having facial piercings n tats — he has an eyebrow piercing, snake bites, labret piercing, industrial, helix (and tits!) pierced! — and tats are placed on his upper left arm to neck <33 (idk if u can tell but i love body decor) — also on the topic of piercings n tats, choso has SO MANY (which we'll talk about some other time) — excited to update more (if u couldn't tell by my little spree lately) ⋮ MASTERLIST  ֹ⋮  PREVIOUS  ⋮  ֹNEXT  ⋮

. ꒷ TAG LIST .ᐟ.ᐟ [CLOSED 50/50] @celloccino @shokosbunny @nymphsdomain @alpha-mommy69 @soulairess @poopooindamouf @reyna-isabellaa @justamina-blog @koreluvsspring @mayhemfellasleep @clamousera @roxy776699 @l-ilysm @ayla-1605 @kaemaybae @starmapz @gigiiiiislife @puppyminnnie @desideityy @yuhig-blog @kaiiibxby @ami20019 @kentochronicles @missthatgirl @lauuriiiz @emi311 @lunavelha @coffeeisbehindyou @freakadelick @theclassbookworm @ladytamayolover @tojirin @fuckisthatahotghost @odxrilove @perqbeth @rxi-n-lyche3 @sugoroo @mentallyunpresent @naviaberries @wil10wthetree @thesharkcollector @harryzcherry @ghost-buddies @tearshedder @mourn1ng-dov3 @hellokittyish @good-mourning0 @shoma-nom @elegancefr @norikuna

[navpacknprint-blog]

Why Quality Menu Cards Matter for Your Restaurant

In the competitive restaurant industry, first impressions are crucial. Beyond delicious food and excellent service, one key element that often influences a customer's experience is the menu card. It serves as a window into your offerings, setting the tone for what dinners can expect. Investing in menu card printing is not just about aesthetics but also about functionality, branding, and enhancing the customer experience.

If you’re searching for menu card printing near me, NavPack & Print in Jaipur specializes in creating high-quality, customized menu cards that elevate your restaurant's brand image.

Why a High-Quality Menu Card Matters

A thoughtfully designed and professionally printed menu card is an extension of your restaurant’s identity. Here’s why it’s so important:

First Impressions Matter Your menu is often the first thing a customer interacts with. A well-designed menu with clear, high-quality printing communicates professionalism, attention to detail, and care for the customer experience.

Enhances Brand Identity Your menu should reflect the theme, style, and ethos of your restaurant. Whether you’re running a fine dining establishment or a casual café, a custom restaurant menu printing solution ensures that your branding is consistent and memorable.

Improves Readability A cluttered or poorly printed menu can confuse customers and detract from their dining experience. High-quality printing ensures sharp text, vibrant colors, and clear organization, making it easier for diners to navigate your offerings.

Drives Sales A strategically designed menu can subtly guide customers toward high-margin dishes. With the help of professional menu card printing, you can highlight your signature items or daily specials effectively.

Key Features of a Great Menu Card

To create an impactful menu, you need more than just a list of items. Here are the essential features:

Clear Typography: Easy-to-read fonts enhance the dining experience.

Durable Materials: Menus undergo constant handling, so quality paper or lamination is essential.

Attractive Layout: Sections should be well-organized for easy navigation.

High-Quality Images: Mouth-watering photos can entice diners to try new dishes.

Brand Colors and Logo: Reinforce your branding with consistent design elements.

NavPack & Print offers menu card printing solutions that incorporate all these elements, ensuring your menu stands out.

Read More ...

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

azul meeting leech parents and leech twins meeting ashengrotto parents?

Family means Nobody is Left Behind or Forgotten.

Azul meeting the Leech parents!

“Ahhh, you must be Mr. and Mrs. Leech. It’s wonderful to finally meet the parents of my dear vice dorm leader Jade and my invaluable associate Floyd. Azul Ashengrotto, at your service.”

His smile was dialed up to 11 as he produced business cards from within his jacket. One for the father and one for the mother, then an extra card apiece in case the first were lost or damaged. Azul handed them over with a flourish. Only Mr. Leech accepted a single card, slipping it from the boy by pincering his index and middle fingers like a crab’s claw.

He held it out for his wife—a hand covering her mouth, hiding her expression. Mr. Leech ran his own gaze over the printed text, reading simultaneously. Name, positions, contact information. His eyes slightly narrowed, in that almost imperceptible way that Jade’s did.

Ah, there’s the family resemblance.

“I would provide you with my own, but I’m afraid you would have to sign an NDA first. Due to the nature of my… occupation, there are many legal hoops for others to jump through.”

“An NDA!! I see that you’re a man after my own heart,” Azul gushed. “I’m a businessman myself, so I completely understand the importance of keeping trade secrets. Please, think nothing of it. Just keeping my information on file is enough for me.”

With a nod, Azul’s business card vanished into Mr. Leech’s suit. “Agreeable young man.”

It was difficult for Azul to hold his smirk at bay. Bingo. I’ve gotten an ‘in’.

“Ehhhh, how strange. You’re a little different in real life than how Jade and Floyd described you,” Mrs. Leech piped up, giggling.

“Oh? And how, may I ask, did they describe me?”

“Let’s see… What was it again? Do you remember their specific wording, angelfish?”

“I believe it was… ‘A cute, squishy crybaby with an absolutely terrible personality. High-strung and hopelessly greedy. Prod him in the right places and his composure will break down completely. A treat to bully.’ Something to that effect.”

“Wh-What…!!” Azul sputtered, his jaw agape. “I-I am no such thing!! I STRONGLY refute their claims.”

Those two…! Making me sound like an utter buffoon to their parents!!

“My, myyy~” Mrs, Leech drawled, latching onto her husband’s arm. “Did you see that just now? His cheeks turned bright pink and his eyes went sooo wide. He really is as adorable as Jade and Floyd said he is!”

“Is that so? Hmm… I’m getting hungry myself. The young man is starting to look rather appetizing.”

“A-Are you joking!?” Azul demanded, bolting up from his seat. “If so, I do not find this the least bit amusing…!!”

“Fufufu. Perhaps you can kindly recommend a hearty octopus dish or two from your eatery’s menu.”

“Ehehehe~ I’m so pleased that Jade and Floyd have such a fun friend around at school!”

“This is no laughing matter!!”

Jade and Floyd meeting the Ashengrotto parents!

“Mr. and Mrs. Ashengrotto.”

“Azul’s mom and dad!”

"It's nice to see you again, ma'am," the twins said in unison. They wore a matching smile, showing all of their sharp teeth. "And it's nice to finally meet you, sir."

“Ah, I recognize you.” Mrs. Ashengrotto’s eyes lit up with realization. “You’re the Leech boys that would come by and drag him out to play with you. You used to be so small—look at you now, you’ve grown so much!”

“Yup, that’s us!”

“We were little rascals back then. It was terrible of us to pull Azul away from his precious studies." Jade chuckled into one hand. "But not to worry, we've been on the straight and narrow ever since those childhood days. Isn't that right, Floyd?"

"Yeah, Jade~"

"It must be fate that you were brought back together at Night Raven College." Mr. Ashengrotto's laugh was warm and hearty, like a stew in the dead of winter. "What do you three get up to nowadays?"

"Lotsa stuff! Azul's got this whooole operation going on, and we're there to help him out," Floyd replied cryptically. "Jade and I advertise and do crowd control! Azul's the brains, he handles the plans and money and whatever."

"Advertise" as in, "luring unsuspecting souls into making deals" and "crowd control" as in, "dealing with debtors who tried to weasel out of those deals". Trinkets, money, talents. Everything Azul collected had a chance of being paid for in blood. Dirty prizes--but it was a secret none had to know.

"You work well as a group," Mrs. Ashengrotto remarked. "Reminds me of myself and my own restaurant staff!"

"Well, Azul does often speak about how he respects you. It does not surprise me that he works to live up to your sparkling reputation." Jade's eyes cut to a table across the way, where Azul was seated and chatting with his own parents. He appeared to be flustered about something, having risen from his seat, his mouth flapping in protest while Mr. and Mrs. Leech grinned widely. Jade himself smirked at the sight.

"He's been a blast to be around!" Floyd agreed, slinging an arm around his twin. "Azul's suuuch a good leader. Think we'll be stickin' with him to the ends of Twisted Wonderland and back, hehe."

"That's right, Floyd."

Until he becomes boring, he had once claimed. It had been winter break, and they were seated on the floor of Scarabia's lounge, mancala beads in hand. Azul had agreed, had already considered that inevitability.

But Moray eels were not known for their honesty. The truth, they only spoke out of his earshot.

"It's nice that you'll always be there for each other. I envy that deep bond you share." Mr. Ashengrotto raised his glass--provided free, courtesy of Azul. "A toast? To the future of our boys and their friendship."

Mrs. Ashengrotto followed her husband's lead. Then Jade, then Floyd.

Their glasses met in the middle with a resounding clink.

[helle102]

Are You Searching for menu card printing designs online?

Orange Design and Prints is recognized as one of the premier menu card printing services in Tamil Nadu, Menu card printing designs online known for its commitment to quality, creativity, and customer satisfaction. With a strong focus on crafting visually appealing and durable menu cards, the company ensures that every piece reflects the unique identity and brand of the business it serves.

From restaurants and cafes to hotels and specialty eateries, Orange Design and Prints works closely with its clients to create menu cards that not only serve a functional purpose but also enhance the overall dining experience. The team of experienced designers at Orange Design and Prints understands the importance of a well-designed menu in attracting customers and communicating the essence of the establishment. Whether it's a sleek, modern look or a more traditional, elegant design, they offer customized solutions tailored to the specific needs and preferences of each client.

Using state-of-the-art printing technology, Orange Design and Prints guarantees high-quality results with vibrant colours, crisp details, and long-lasting materials. They offer a wide range of paper options and finishes, including matte, gloss, and lamination, ensuring that the final product is both visually stunning and durable enough to withstand everyday use. For clients seeking something truly unique, the company also provides options for special effects like embossing, foiling, and UV spot coating to give the menus a distinctive and luxurious feel.

In addition to their technical expertise, Orange Design and Prints is praised for its customer-focused approach. They provide personalized service from start to finish, ensuring that clients are involved in every step of the design and printing process. This commitment to collaboration and communication has earned the company a strong reputation for delivering exceptional results on time and within budget.

For businesses looking to make a lasting impression through their menu design, Orange Design and Prints stands out as a top choice in Tamil Nadu. Their dedication to quality, attention to detail, and passion for creativity make them a trusted partner for all menu card printing needs.

[privilegeoftheliving]

📯 The dungeon awaits, adventurers!

Preorders will be open from June 8th to July 6th on https://dunmeshitarot.bigcartel.com!

The menu for our feast can be found below: check out our bundles and all their treasures 🥘

🍴 Full Bundle 🍴

Guidebook

Card Deck

2 Die-Cut Stickers

Sticker Sheet

Bookmark

2 Charms

Pencil Pouch

Altar Cloth

Digital Bundle

Gold Foil (SG @ 50)

Lenticular Print (SG @ 100)

Spinning Enamel Pin (SG @ 150)

🍴 Flats Bundle 🍴

1 Guidebook

1 Card Deck

2 Die-Cut Stickers

1 Sticker Sheet

1 Bookmark

1 Digital Guidebook PDF

1 Digital Card Deck

1 Digital Card Shuffler

Gold Foil (SG @ 50)

Lenticular Print (SG @ 100)

🍴 Deck Bundle 🍴

1 Guidebook

1 Card Deck

1 Digital Guidebook PDF

1 Digital Card Deck

1 Digital Card Shuffler

Gold Foil (SG @ 50)

🍴 Digital Bundle 🍴

1 Digital Guidebook PDF

1 Digital Card Deck

1 Digital Card Shuffler

[lostintransist]

Fallen Angel | Iced Coffee & Scary Movies

AO3

>It seems you saved my life 💋 can I take you out for a drink to say thank you?🪳

Staring down at your phone you read the message again. This had to be Simon’s friend that you kissed before they all left for a job. He had been fun to talk to, a little shell-shocked when you layered on lipstick and proceeded to cover him with it before sending him out the door, but still fun.

< I'm still not calling you that. There is a cute early morning cafe I've been wanting to try if you're down.

The reply takes a while to come in. They must have just gotten back from their secretive jobs that take them out of the country. That thought brought on another one. Simon would be coming home and you hadn’t bought a single item of food since he left. He would notice but you prayed that he wouldn’t comment on it.

Your late-night coffee shop hadn’t been doing well. Either word had not gotten out to people that a place existed that wasn’t a bar to hang out late into the night or the universe was out to get you. Maybe you should print flyers to pass out at AA meetings. Now there was a thought.

Your coffee date met you at the cafe you suggested. You'd been wanting to try for months now, but most of your mornings were consumed by sleep since your shop stayed open to customers until 2 AM this was your first chance. Standing in the single beam of sunlight outside of the shop you waited.

When someone stepped close to you and stopped you opened your eyes and smiled.

Hi, ready to go in?

He still wore sunglasses and a surgical mask.

You nodded and turned to catch the door handle. Halfway open he caught the handle from behind you and opened it the rest of the way. He walks by your side as you move close enough to see the menu. A latte could tell you a lot about a coffee shop. Decided you turned to look at your date. His head shifted from side to side as he read the board. When he finally looked at you, he lifted a brow.

Smiling you signed your question.

Do you know what you want? I can order for us.

Iced caramel macchiato, large.

Your date waited with you; hands shoved in his pockets. You didn't take offense, bit hard to know where to go when you had assaulted him with kisses and sent him out the door.

Stepping to the counter you waited your turn. When your turn arrived, the barista called from the espresso machine.

"I'll be just a minute."

"Take your time." You knew how hard those rushes could be.

A few moments pass when the stressed but customer smile in place the barista is ready for your order.

"Hi, what can I get you?"

"Can I get a large iced macchiato and a medium lavender latte?"

"That everything?"

"Actually, I run After Dark a few streets into and I was wondering if you also get milk from one of the local farms."

The barista's brows shoot up, "I've been meaning to try your shop! Your open late right, like midnight?"

Que the awkward smile, "Two actually, but yeah."

"Oh man I love the idea of a late-night spot that isn't all about alcohol. To answer your question yes, has your milk been going bad really fast too?"

"Yes! I didn't want to stop ordering from them without asking another shop. I worried that I was just getting bad batches."

"Nope, not just you. Now I'll just be a moment to get these ready for you," he quoted the price, and you winced internally. You hadn't been paying yourself beyond rent for a couple months.

A card tapped to the POS from beside you. Your date pressed the 20% tip without hesitation, raising your opinion of him already. Stepping to the middle of the shop you waited for your drinks.

You signed as you spoke.

"Since I refuse to call you a bug, I'll just have to guess your name. Is Roman?"

His shoulders shook slightly in a laugh as he shook his head.

You tapped your chin with a finger.

“Hmm, must be Tilly then?”

You watch him laugh again, and shake his head.

“Ah, must be Galahad then!” You exclaim.

The smile the cracks under his mask can be seen in the way his cheeks pull to the side and the tips of his ears take on a splash of pink.

Gary. My name is Gary.

“Hi Gary, it’s nice to meet you.”

You would sign everything you could to him today. His ears must be on fire with how red they are.

Before he can reply your order is called out. Grabbing both, you hand him his drink before taking a sip of your own.

The warm flavors slide across the tongue and the lavender sits well in your nose.

“Good flavor, not overpowered by either the coffee or the lavender. How is yours?”

Gary shrugged. When he looked at your face you lifted a brow.

Watching the realization wash across him that you understood sign and even expected him to share his thoughts could be called magical.

Good, I like caramel.

“Did you want a sip of mine?” You tilt your cup to him.

He takes the cup, looks down at his hand full of drink and passes off his to you. He lifts the mask enough to try the warm drink. From his brows creeping above the sunglasses, you assume he is surprised but liked it.

Once his mask is settled back in place you trade drinks again.

Did you want to try some of mine?

“Sure,” you lean forward and sip the straw. The chill of the drink is interesting compared to the warmth of your still in your mouth.

“I like it. The weather is decent, did you want to walk?”

At his nod you head for the door. Again, he catches the door before you can hold it for him. Rolling your eyes with a smile you let him handle it.

“Do you like your job?”

Gary waggled his hand to and fro.

“Do you blow stuff up like Johnny?”

A croaking of a laugh has you smiling into your coffee. Taking that as a no.

Do you like having a coffee shop?

“I love it. I love the people who come through and making drinks and giving people a safe space to hang out that isn’t the bars.”

You can see the question in his shoulders.

“I don’t drink, for lots of reasons so going to bars has always been a bit boring for me.”

I would love to come by if you don’t mind.

“I would love if you came by, I even know your order now,” you bumped him with your shoulder.

Gary didn’t stand as tall as most of Simon’s men, but he had to be as solid as any of them. He didn’t move an inch.

What is your favorite science fact?

“Tough question.” You take a sip of your drink giving yourself time to think. “Flames don’t cast shadows.”

Gary stopped.

You made it two steps before you noticed.

Turning back, you can see him pushing up his sunglasses to send you a bewildered look. Biting your tongue you fight back a laugh.

“Do you need a moment?”

Shaking his head he settles his glasses back down on his nose as he falls back into step with you.

---- are more likely to get struck by lightning than people.

“What are?”

He signs the unfamiliar word again.

“Can you spell that for me?”

He pulls out his phone and after a few taps he shows you a giraffe.

“Oh! Is that what the sign is? Cool. Thanks for showing me. And that is an interesting fact.”

Conversation goes on like that until you see a small outdoor market. Gary doesn’t object when you drag him to every stall, showing him interesting art or magnets. You were taken by a pair of earrings, beautifully crafted, handmade and so out of your price range that putting them back didn’t hurt. Gary chatted with you about silly shirts and funny hats.

He warmed up to the date as it went on. Sharing jokes and observations that left you in stitches the day wore on. After you had looked at every booth, Gary took your hand, pulling you along this time. When he neared the movie theater he asked about a show.

Scary movie?

“I’m not a fan but I will make silly comments to you in the dark, so I don’t get too scared.”

Gary held your hand as he bought the tickets, and the popcorn. You visited the restroom before heading in for the movie. No use going into jump scares with an even semi-full bladder. He took your hand back up as you left the bathroom. The theater was empty when you looked around.

Top seats?  You signed to him.

Lifting your joined hands towards the stairs you take the lead. Settling below the projector you reach up at hand. A shadow large as life of your hand appears on the blank screen.

“Yes! I thought this theater might be the one,” turning to him with a grin you continue. “My brother and I would pick these seats when my mom would take us to the movies. We would have to stand on the seats to do it, but we would play shadow puppets while waiting for the show to start.”

You focus on contorting your fingers into a bunny. A dog appears and takes a shadow chomp of your bunny’s ears. Glancing over to Gary you caught sight of his smiling eyes. He had moved his sunglasses to hang off his shirt. The ten minutes until the previews started were filled with your giggles as Gary played shadow puppets with you.

When the movie starts you slide your hand into Gary’s and hold on for dear life as scare after scare tried to take you out. He typed out silly messages on his phone that he showed to you every time you jumped, leaving you laughing instead of cowering.

The walk to the flat you shared with Simon followed the pattern of laughter. When you got to the front door you turned.

“Did you want to come in? I have about an hour before I need to get at the shop.”

Gary shook his head. I have a few things to accomplish today.

“Okay, I can understand that,” you gave him a small smile. You truly didn’t mind; Simon often would be gone for long stretches even when he was home getting things done. “Thanks for the date Gary, I had fun.”

Me too. Hold out your hand.

You do, palm flat.

The pair of earrings that you had regretted not having the money to buy sat in your hand. When you could close your mouth and look up Gary had made it quite a distance.

“Gary!”

He turns enough to wave and keep walking.

Touched beyond words you watch him until he disappears. Looking back to your earrings you decide on an outfit to match them for work tonight.

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