𝗕𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗙𝗜𝗧𝗦, connie springer 18+

coffee date, pt.1

You sprayed the ebony counter-top; the bell to the Cafe chimed as another customer entered the cinnamon-scented building. You heard another Barista flick the knob on the coffee machine to stir the engine and fill the empty cups beneath.

You sighed with relief.

Your new boss, Levi Ackerman, entered behind the counter to help you clean the surfaces and cutlery; you made friendly small-talk with the man, but aside from that, he mostly kept to himself.

You'd only been working at the Cafe for less than a week, but had already grown familiar with the regulars and how the place worked; not to mention, Levi seemed to at least find you tolerable - which was more than he could say for your co-workers.

You glanced up at the clock: Connie was over 20 minutes late.

But at least Levi had asked for you to do an extra hour during one of the more quieter times whilst your co-worker helped with some shipments in the storage room: meaning you had your hands full to fill the time you were waiting.

You adjusted your skirt and green apron, tightening the fabric around your waist as your eyes became glued to the door.

"Oi," A herbal-tea scented voice spoke beside you, "You okay?"

"Hm?"

"You've been wiping that countertop for the past ten minutes." Levi's eyes rolled, "Has your little friend bailed on you, or something?"

Your nose scrunched before following onto the next counter, able to sense the slight agitation in his tone: "I wouldn't exactly call him my friend; he's just late. We're meant to be working together on a project and he should've been here twenty minutes ago."

"Mm." He mumbled under his breath as his tired eyes rolled once more, "Some friend."

You heard the bell on the door chime once more as your eyes lit up, before a small sigh left your lips.

Levi began to step away, his brows forming a cringe, "This is getting depressing to watch - if you need me, I'll be over talking to one of the customers." He muttered, leaving you with a bitter taste in your mouth as you realised that it was almost thirty minutes since you'd planned to meet.

You watched your boss turn the corner to talk to one of the Regulars.

You relaxed against the countertop with another sigh, growing tired and sick of waiting for your partner.

And then finally, you heard the bell once more.

You watched as Connie Springer finally stepped inside, a hue of crimson in his deflated cheeks as he struggled to catch his breath: his brown eyes swiftly began to scan around the Cafe with tiresome expression, before locking onto your stiff expression. His soft, shaven hair was messier than usual, and he had a panicked expression.

He swallowed.

He lowered his face towards the ground, lifting the strap of his bag to his broad shoulder with his lips pressed together; you turned your face to him as he finally sat himself down opposite you on the chair to the counter-top.

He sighed loudly as you steered your focus onto coffee machine.

"Hey," Connie began with a fatigued rasp in his usually playful voice, "I'm sorry, I'm so late-.."

"Mhm."

His expression softened, "Y/N?"

"What?"

"I'm really sorry."