Two Shots of Blueberry

Part Three

In the following weeks, things were relatively normal around the cafe. Erwin still came in for his coffee every day, and twice a week him and Levi would make out (or more) in the bathroom during the slow hour. Sasha learned not to tease Levi too much about the situation, and Levi learned not to get so upset when she did. His business was growing rapidly, and as the days filled with more and more customers, Levi knew he needed to hire more staff. Two new hires were brought on in the coming weeks, a tall, kind-faced freckled man called Marco, and a shorter, peach-blonde haired woman called Petra. They brought along a spirit of friendliness and compassion to the cafe, which customers loved.

Marco's strengths lied in conversation with customers and brightening up their days, while Petra was especially good at memorizing the menu and ingredients to all of the drinks. All three of his employees were incredibly strong, and Levi found himself thinking of them in a strangely affectionate way.

Mid November was rolling in and a cool breeze was sweeping the city. It was still mildly chilly out, but the looming threat of New York winter was creeping up on its inhabitants. Levi stood on their newly added patio, admiring the few leafless trees littered around the small open field behind the cafe. A chilly breeze swept through the air, and what normally would've been an exhilarating and refreshing experience only made Levi feel nauseous. He thought back to the busy morning and his rude awakening. He was tired, and sometimes he did get nauseous when he was tired.

But the heave of his stomach surprised him, normally he didn't throw up just because of fatigue. But it became evident that he was going to throw up in the following seconds. He rushed back inside the cafe, and darted into the bathroom, slamming the door behind him. He was on his knees, vomiting his guts out into the (thankfully) recently disinfected toilet.

A soft knock interrupted his vomiting.

"Levi, are you alright?" A soft voice asked. It was Petra, she was so considerate. But now was really not the time. He was still vomiting pretty hard.

It was Sasha who came to the door next, but instead of knocking, she just entered. He hadn't locked the door.

"Occupied..." Levi muttered.

Sasha bent down next to Levi, who had just finished puking his guts out, a comforting hand rubbing his back.

"It's okay..." She said softly. "You're okay."

Levi nodded and stood up on shaky legs. He started to stumble backward and it was Marco who caught him. When had he arrived?

"Listen, guys, I appreciate the support but... I'm good." Levi tried, before he lost his balance again and Marco had to catch him once more.

"You're so not good." Petra protested. "Did you eat something bad last night?"

"Do you have a stomach bug?" Marco asked.

Levi nodded his head no to both, though he really wasn't sure of either. He could've eaten something bad... But he hadn't eaten since an early lunch the day before, and it was a bowl of chicken soup. It wasn't likely to have given him food poisoning. But maybe he was sick? The season of sickness was approaching, after all.

"Maybe he's pregnant." Sasha joked.

Petra sent her a disapproving look, but Sasha only shrugged. It was her way of making things lighter and easier to deal with.

"I probably just have a bug, which means you really shouldn't be touching me." Levi said, pulling away from Marco to flush the toilet and wash his mouth out in the sink.

The bell on the door rang as a group of customers entered, and Marco and Petra rushed back to the counter to take care of them. Sasha put an arm around Levi, gently guiding him toward the back exit of the cafe. She steadied him as they walked to her car.