Work Text:
Dr Ivo Robotnik needed a coffee. That lecture was far more stressful than it needed to be. All the students kept asking stupid questions (in his opinion anyway). Ivo knew not many people could match his intelligence and achievements, and everyone was here to learn, but some days it still grated on him.
Looking quickly on google maps for the nearest place, Ivo speedwalked down the street to find the small cafe that showed up. After about five minutes he reached the front of the shop. 'The Mean Bean' seems to be the name, and the door window had the usual cursive 'Open' sign behind it.
He swept through the door. It was decorated in the normal cosy way of coffee shops: brown, neutral colours and plush chairs. Ivo strode up to the counter. The man there greeted him with a wide smile. His nametag read 'Stone'.
“Welcome to the Mean Bean sir, what would you like to order?” Ivo perused the options of the chalkboard menu above the counter. One drink stood out, latte with steamed austrian goats milk.
Oh, what the hell.
Ivo had no idea why he would try a new coffee order in such an irritable mood. Were he a less scientific man he would have said that some spiritual force pushed him towards the decision. Regardless, he went to sit and wait for his order.
When it was done, he expected his name to be called, but instead the man from the counter, Stone came to deliver it to him at his table. Weird, but maybe that was this shop's policy. Stone shot him another beaming smile, “Enjoy your drink, sir!”
The steam wafted off the coffee for a second before he blew on it and took a sip. His eyes widened; this was the best coffee he had ever had. Ivo wrapped his hands around the cup and resolved to savour it.
He wasn't in the habit of leaving tips, but maybe he could make an exception. Ivo walked to the counter again.
“Who made this coffee!?” Stone turned. He raised his hand but looked a little apprehensive, reasonable as he worked customer service. Before he could get a word out Ivo thrust a few dollars into his hand. The man looked down, shocked, but quickly raised his head with another wide smile.
Ivo felt a strange flutter in his stomach and his face was warm. That was a clear sign he needed to go home. As he turned to leave Stone spoke up. “Thank you, sir! Have a great day.” He turned and gave a little awkward wave before practically flying out of the cafe.
Once he'd driven home, Ivo collapsed on the sofa. That was an entirely new and (apparently) slightly embarrassing experience. He thought of his ungraceful exit, how could he ever go back? He thought of the delicious latte (he thought of the man who made it).
He definitely had to go back.