CUS 9; Cinco Encounter

ENCOUNTER 3

As the group began to move, there was a subtle shift in their dynamics. The earlier tension had evolved into a shared sense of camaraderie, tinged with curiosity about the mysterious woman they were accompanying. The promise of coffee, cheesecake, and good company hung in the air as they made their way off the base.

Blade continued her cheerful personality around the newfound companion as they headed to the shop which Sab suggested. Upon arriving at the shop, the air filled with the mixture of fruit and the sweet scent of freshly baked cakes. The sweet chocolate and fruit flavors lingered in the air.

As the group entered the cozy café, the aroma of freshly baked goods enveloped them. Sab grinned proudly, gesturing around the quaint interior. "Told ya it was a good spot, didn't I?"

Garen ducked slightly to avoid hitting his head on the low doorframe, his imposing figure drawing curious glances from other patrons. He sniffed the air appreciatively, his stoic demeanor softening. "It smells... comforting," he admitted.

Simon, ever vigilant, scanned the room before settling into a seat at a corner table. His masked face turned towards Blade, studying her reaction. "Seems you approve," he observed, noting her apparent enthusiasm.

The waitress approached, her eyes widening slightly at the eclectic group—especially the masked pair. "What can I get for you folks today?" she asked, pen poised over her notepad.

"If only I can have one slice of all that." She couldn't hide her excitement and giggling. Her eyes sparkled with delight. "Blueberry cheesecake and, can you suggest which one was the most delicious?" She turned her gaze at the men, waiting for their answer.

Sab chuckled at Blade's enthusiasm, his blue eyes twinkling. "Aye, the blueberry's a fine choice. But if you're asking me, the caramel apple cheesecake is to die for."

"Sounds tasty..." she commented, suppressing her childish giggling.

Garen nodded in agreement, his imposing figure hunched slightly in the small café chair. "Ja, the apple is good. But I prefer the chocolate mousse cake," he said, a hint of a smile visible beneath his sniper hood.

Simon remained silent for a moment, his masked face unreadable. Finally, he spoke, his voice gruff but with a touch of warmth. "The lemon tart. Sharp, but sweet. Like you, I'd wager."

Blade was stunned for a moment upon Simon's last statement. The mask she wore perfectly saved her from embarrassment. Avoiding Simon's penetrating gaze, Blade diverted her gaze to the other corner. "Thanks... I'll try that," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

The waitress smiled, bemused by the group's diverse preferences. "Sounds like you might need a sampler platter. We can do small slices of each if you'd like?"

The men looked to Blade, waiting to see how she'd respond to the tempting offer and their suggestions.

She almost jumped in delight as she turned to the waitress. "Let's have a try of all that they asked! Let's try all of them!"

The waitress grinned at Blade's enthusiasm. "One sampler platter coming right up! And what about drinks?"

Sab leaned back in his chair, chuckling. "A proper cuppa for me, love. Earl Grey, if you've got it."

Garen nodded solemnly. "Coffee, black, please. Strong."

Simon remained silent for a moment before muttering, "Green tea. No sugar."

"I like black coffee, no sugar for now," she said, her smile never faltering on her lips behind the blade mask.

The waitress nodded, jotting down Blade's coffee order. "Black coffee, no sugar. Got it."

The waitress jotted down their orders and left. The men turned their attention back to Blade.

The atmosphere at the table was charged with a mix of curiosity and growing attraction as they waited for their treats to arrive.

Sab's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Quite the sweet tooth you've got there, lass. Didn't expect that from someone called 'Blade'."

"Hey, that's mean! Even if my name is Blade, I'm still a woman. Who can say no to sweets like that?" She chuckled playfully.

Garen's piercing blue eyes studied her curiously from beneath his mask. "It is... unexpected. But nice," he added, a hint of warmth in his accented voice.

Simon tilted his head, the eye holes of his black mask fixed on her. "Full of surprises, aren't you?" he remarked, his gruff voice carrying a note of intrigue.

As she walked away, Sab raised an eyebrow at Blade. "Black coffee and sweet cakes? You're full of contrasts."

"It's a perfect combination actually," she commented with a nod. "Bitter and sweet..."

Garen nodded approvingly. "A good combination. Strong and sweet."

Simon remained silent, but his posture shifted slightly, indicating increased interest.

"I need to balance this, alright?" She laughed heartily as if they were friends for a long time.

Sab's eyes crinkled with amusement, his Scottish brogue warm and friendly. "Balance, eh? Smart thinking. We could all learn a thing or two from you, lass."

"You should thank me for that, and, you're welcome." The smile on her lips never faded.

Garen's imposing figure seemed to relax further, a rare chuckle escaping from beneath his sniper hood. "Ja, balance is... good. In life and in coffee."

Simon, on the other hand, still as observant, tilted his head, the eye holes of his mask fixed on Blade. "Interesting philosophy," he mused, his gruff voice carrying a hint of respect. "Apply that to combat too?"

"Maybe?" she said, scratching the side of her mask-covered chin.

The easy camaraderie that had developed surprised even the men themselves. They exchanged quick glances, each realizing how quickly Blade had managed to break through their usual professional barriers.

As the waitress approached with a tray laden with their drinks and the promised sampler platter of cakes, the anticipation at the table was palpable. The array of sweet treats seemed to mirror the unexpectedly sweet moment of connection between these hardened soldiers and their mysterious new companion.