food as a metaphor for love

One of the world’s largest retailers is opening a store on his street. A bookstore. He looks down at the article in his hand again and catches sight of a phrase: “We hope that people will see this as more than a bookstore, and hope to foster a sense of community.” As if Henry Fox-Mountchristen has any concept of what community means. Alex very narrowly does not break something. (When global mega-retailer Mountchristen opens a new location—led by the infuriatingly attractive and insufferable Henry Fox-Mountchristen—near his LGBTQ-focused bookshop in Soho, Alex's comfortable life is turned upsided down. Luckily, he has one of his best friends to turn to: a guy he met online and knows only as H. Meanwhile, Henry is battling against his family to make a positive difference in the world and falling further in love with a man he's never met. But... what if they changed that? Yes, it's a You've Got Mail AU.)

“Promise you won’t laugh? Like, swear on your undead life?” “I swear on my-” Astarion choked on his spit. “My what?” “Your undead life?” Gale tilted his head like a confused puppy. “Did you think the whole vampire thing was a secret?” “Well. kind of?” Gale laughed in earnest. “Astarion, I know you can’t see yourself but you have to understand what you look like. You look like whatever an emo kid imagines when they picture themselves grown up, with your perfect hair, eyeliner, and the leather jacket thing.” “I-” “Also if the ethereal beauty wasn't enough, you have a blood flask in your jacket pocket at all times.” Astarion blinked, but quickly gained his composure, a damn near predatory grin stretching across his lips, highlighted by the fact that he was no longer hiding his fangs. “So you think I'm beautiful, wizard boy?” Gale rolled his eyes, trying to keep the flush off his cheeks. “Of course I do, Astarion.” ~*Modern with Magic AU! with Professor Gale and Librarian Astarion*~