Stars and Cinnamon Buns

Meddling, puzzles, and dancing

The night might have been mostly sleepless tossing and turning, but the lovestruck grin never left her face. Tired but giddy, Slushie got up and ready for the day. When she got to the café she came to the conclusion that she was going to need some help staying awake.

"Morning. Could I get an 'Identity Crisis' latte? I'm not sure I'll be able to stay upright like this."

"Sure", Espio replied with a soft smile and got to work on her preferred caffeine source, the 'not-really-a-coffee-but-not-quite-a-hot-chocolate-either'. "I've been here for only a while but I discovered that I can sleep while standing."

"Heh, it's gonna be a long day."

Her day was immediately brightened by her dork of a boyfriend, who had put his barista skills to use and made a beautiful foam heart on the top of the drink before giving it to her.

"Oh my stars", she covered her face and squealed quietly, "thank you, I didn't expect that. That's so sweet."

Espio grinned in reply, proud but shy.

The other staff noticed their exchange, and were slightly confused. Vector told them what had happened the previous day, but soon got absorbed in the sappy tales of his youth. Mighty and Ray kept close eye on the two, wanting to make sure Vector hadn't made it up.

Nothing much had changed, but they shared a lot more soft looks and tender smiles, and found more chances to get close to each other.

~

Their lunch break went as usual, small chitchat and the regular eye contact practice. It was a bit different now that the feelings were out in the open, but the embarrassment was positive and encouraging. She still had some work to do, but making eye contact was getting easier for her - at least with Espio.

The two were enjoying their well deserved break when suddenly, the lights went out, followed by the sound of quick footsteps.

"Huh, naptime. Awesome", Slushie quipped.

"Pfft."

"Is it a blackout? Vector did remember to pay the bill, right?"

Espio sighed in reply.

"I have a feeling that this has nothing to do with bills or faulty equipment."

"What do you mean? Ah, did someone turn off the lights on purpose?"

"Most likely. Vector tends to sometimes go on and on about how 'when he was a lad, someone organized a "date in the dark" and pushed him and Vanilla near each other and that's how they got together'. Sound familiar?"

"Huh, I guess... That's what the steps were!"

"Yep, fairly light, sounded like Ray."

And right on cue, Ray turned the lights back on and entered the break room.

"It was supposed to be all romantic and stuff! You two are so boring!"

"What were you even expecting?" Espio asked, covering his tired face with his palm.

"I dunno, hand holding, a hug, maybe even a kis-"

"-and how is that any of your business, exactly?" Slushie interrupted, having heard the beginning of a particularly embarrassing word.

"I say blame the bossman. He - once again - talked about 'when he was but a lad' and indirectly gave us the idea."

"Of course he did", Espio sighed again.

"Ray, buddy, we'll do things at our own pace. I'm sure you three will get some enjoyment out of that, too, so please don't meddle."

"Yeah, yeah, sorry. You two are cute together, though! We've been watching you for a long time you know!"