The Labyrinth was a busy cafe, full of bustling people who didn't have enough time for Starbucks. Her one-on-one service, and very dedicated customers ensured her success. Ari dashed back and forth between the counter and the machines as customer after customer entered. "Hello Mrs. Wright! The usual, I assume?" Ari asked her most dedicated customer. After the nod, she took the pre-made White Chocolate from the heater. The afternoon proceeded as per normal, with the lull a few hours after lunch.
Around 5:30, nearing the dinner rush, Ari was finally relaxing in the back booth. She absent-mindedly realized switching the white light bulbs to a more relaxed amberish color was a brilliant idea. Suddenly the door slammed open and a tall figure burst in. She looked up at the sound, and stood, ready to kick the ass of whoever was so damn cocky to do that to her poor door. The man stood near 6 feet and had long black hair that hung around his chin. "Who the hell do you think you are?" Ari demanded. The man stumbled over to her, tripping over his own feet.
He muttered something, and Ari took a hesitant step closer to him. "What?" Another demand, and a muttered response. She was nearly in his personal space by now. "Who exactly do you think you are, to come into my store and slam my door?" His mouth twitched, and he said in barely understandable English, "Piss off." Ari frowned and, making a decision that would affect both of them for a long time, grabbed his shirt collar and dragged his limp body to the kitchen.
Deftly avoiding his flailing limbs, Ari took him to the wide sink. And thus she shoved his head under the water. She held it there for a good minute before turning it off and pulling his head up. "Can you actually talk now?" She demanded, beyond questioning at this point. In response, he merely moaned. Ari sighed and shoved his head under again for another minute. "Better?"
"Mphf. Not really."
His voice was deeper than she expected. He pulled one of his arms away from Ari's grip and wiped hair from his face. "Who are you?" Both asked at the same time. They shared a glare. Ari stared him down, "I'm Adam." Adam said simply. "Ari." She replied. They looked at each other for awhile. Then Ari, making another life-changing choice, asked "Want some coffee?"
An hour or so later, Adam sat with his hands clasped around a mug of coffee, the effects of whatever he'd done eventually wearing off. He barely spoke, settling for watching Ari wander around the Labyrinth. Finally, at 6:45, later than usual, the dinner rush hit. Customers rushed in, going around Adam who settled in the back corner seat of the bar. He watched people, and eventually Ari had to ask him to stop as he was unsettling the customers.
At 8:00 Ari closed up. As today was Friday, she was open later than usual. Adam had spent the entire evening in the Labyrinth, and now that she was closing made no move to stand from his place. "Are you going to move, or are you planning on spending the night?" Ari asked sarcastically. Adam nodded, and made to make himself more comfortable on the stool. Ari pursed her lips and sighed. She locked the register, checked that everything was ready for tomorrow, and went to the front door. "C'mon. You're leaving my friend." Adam stared at her. "You're not still bitter about the whole water thing, are you?" Ari sighed. "Let's go." Slowly, Adam stood up and followed Ari out of the Labyrinth.
Hey guys! I know this one is short, but I'm trying to get back into the flow of writing. I plan on this being a chapter story about Ari and Adam, so let me know what you think. Thanks!