January 25, 2012

"Coffee"

He smiled when he saw her standing on the other side of the door, and she was wondering if he would ever allow himself to look at a guest as though they're visit weren't expected.

"How very nice to see you, Miss Dorothy."

Dorothy smiled and allowed herself to be shown into the home. The aroma in the air was apparent even from the other side of the door.

"I hope you're going to offer me some. It's been ages since I've had a proper cup."

She followed him to a private corner kitchenette where a couple of pots were placed on the stove, on boiling lightly. They made small talk while he tended to the pot and then insisted she take a seat at his table as he fetched two delicate cups from the cupboard.

"How do you take it?"

"Just a bit of sugar," she paused before adding, "and some cardamom."

He laid her cup of dark brew across the table, the drink piled high with thick foam and a chocolate stick garnishing the side of the plate. She smiled.

"Quatre, I do believe that you know more than you let on sometimes." She savoured the first sip as Quatre took his own seat across from her. She glanced up at the boxes of leaf tea that he had apparently been putting away when she timed her arrival. She looked across the table and raised one eyebrow. "You are entirely too accommodating, Mister Quatre."

Quatre followed her gaze to the stack. He sighed, slightly.

"I suppose, but I wouldn't want to appear rude, and I do like it."

"But never your first choice, is it?"

Quatre only smiled.