Disclaimer: Fairy Tail belongs to Hiro Mashima, I own nothing.

Bitter Taste, Cute Face

The front bell chimed pleasantly. It echoed around the room and his head turned in response. It was her. His greeting died on his lips and he offered a smug look instead.

"Morning," the girl offered blearily as she stepped up to the counter.

"I ain't even gonna bother correctin' ya, Shorty." She glared at him from behind her hand, which she was using to cover a small yawn.

It was the same routine every day.

"Are you going to take my order like a competent employee? Or perhaps you'll let me get my caffeine fix off the fumes..."

He barked out a laugh at that. His usual, 'gihi' that made her crinkle her nose cutely. He made his way down the counter and propped himself on his elbows opposite her.

"What can I get ya, then?" Like he didn't know the answer already.

Without hesitation, she responded.

"Medium sized house brew, black." She tucked a strand of wild blue hair behind her ear as she fished around her purse for her wallet. Pushing himself off the countertop, he spent another moment glancing over her pixie-like features before moving to get her drink.

"'Ye are, Shorty." The register beeped familiarly as he rang up her purchase and she took her coffee and receipt.

"Thanks." Her smile was small and sleepy, but it still did funny things to his stomach. With a small grunt in return, she went on her way to her usual perch where she spread herself out comfortably.

At noon, every work day, she came in. Usually tired and with light marks under her eyes, but always a smile. It had been like this for months now.

In her corner, he watched as her honey-hazel eyes crossed oddly at the cup in her hands. He shook his head. While he would never admit it out loud, this is what he looked forward to everyday– why he kept this stupid job.

Another sip, another face.

Discreetly, he perused the available baked goods Shagotte had made this morning before selecting a lemon blueberry muffin and bagged it. Sparing a look at her table again, he caught her shuffling through the mass of papers she never seemed to be without and making more faces at her drink. Was she trying to be mature or something?

The coffee here wasn't bad. Lily's shop had some of the best reviews in Magnolia, possibly Fiore. So what was this girl's deal?

Customers came and went and he attended to each of them and their outrageous orders. Occasionally his attention would shift back to the little bluenette as she scoured page after page but rarely touched her cup. She started gathering her things two hours later, at the usual time.

Hoisting her messenger bag over her shoulder, she offered a few words and a wave to Lily– who had appeared from the kitchen– and a brief smile to him as she made to leave.

"Oi, Shorty." He grabbed the paper bag with the Extalia logo and tossed it over the display to her. It was grabbed easily and she looked at him questioningly.

"'S ta get that horrible taste outta yer mouth." A smirk twitched at his lips as she sputtered indignantly and blushed. "I'm going on break." Lily nodded as he pulled off his apron and exited through the kitchen.

"W-wait!" She called, but he ignored her with a pleased gleam in his eye.

Later, she would notice the number he had slipped in. And he would be waiting for her call.

Wool

A/N: Oh my, look who decided to write. Me! This is another drabble fic to accompany my other one for the Rurouni Kenshin fandom. This isn't very long, and there isn't much going on, but I hope you like it. Please read and review!

Tumblr Prompt: 'You're really short and cute and you buy a cup of black coffee every morning but you make weird faces as you sip it and you never finish your drink are you trying to look mature or something' AU

You guys are more than welcome to give me a prompt, but keep in mind I may not use them all. It's of no offense to you! I'm just ruled by my muse.