I don't own Animal Crossing, or its characters!
Brewster noticed Navigale began to visit him more often, after that. She'd come bounding down the stairs with her steps heavier than before, always bringing a gyroid or two for him to store behind the counter. She once asked him how he never ran out of room, and he'd responded, "Never had a reason to take up space, so it was for the taking."
Even with the additional bits of conversation and daily visits, however, their relationship didn't change. He was still just the pigeon that poured her coffee, and she the loyal customer that returned the next day. They weren't friends; at least, he didn't think so.
His wing stopped cleaning the glass Phyllis had used just moments before, having stopped in for her nightly pick-up, as he thought about this. It was no secret he wasn't exactly a social butterfly, and most of the other residents in Kardia just interacted with him when they wanted coffee. Ever since that human girl showed up, though, he'd been doing more talking than he'd ever done before. It perplexed him.
Releasing a sigh, he shrugged it off and got ready to close for the night so he could net whatever small amount of sleep was left until opening time came back around. However, he paused in his movements when he heard footfalls against the steps leading into the shop, turning to look in confusion at the entrance.
And there she was - a beat tired human practically stumbling down the steps as she made her way to sit on one of the bar stools. "I know your rule is one cup a day, but... but it's really late anyways and I'm super tired, so can we make an exception?" Navigale groaned, her head falling forward onto the bar.
Brewster stared at her in disbelief. It was the first time she'd come to his shop twice in one day, and she looked ready to keel over, at that. "...Think it'd be better if you went home and slept, kid," he answered steadily, his voice coming off more stern than usual.
"Can't yet... still need... to go fishing. And catch more bugs. I know nocturnal beak won't be happy about that, but I gotta... gotta finish museum exhibits. Almost there." She spoke as if she were already dozing off.
"The museum can wait until the morning. Blathers has waited this long already." He shook his head. It was a little refreshing to see someone so young doing so much for the sake of knowledge, and he knew Blathers was out of his mind with affection for this human, but it worried him a little to see the extent she was pushing herself. Was she like this every night?
"Noo... so close." Navigale whined and lifted her head from the table. She smiled pleadingly. "Just this once, Brewster? Please?"
"..." Brewster regarded her for a moment longer, then sighed quietly. She was just a customer. It wasn't any of his business if she wanted to push herself to the edge of her limits, but... still. All the same, he grabbed a coffee mug and walked over to brew some of the leftover beans he'd had from that day. "You gonna be out too late?" It was unlike him to initiate any kind of conversation, but he wouldn't feel right if he didn't ask.
"Hopefully not... I have a lot more to do tomorrow so I can pay off Mistah' Nook."
Brewster shook his head slowly at that. Seemed like half the town had been in debt to that darn raccoon at one point or another. He was lucky Blathers had been generous enough to provide him a home outside of Tom's reach. Not that he hated him; he just liked having bells while Nook liked taking them.
"...Still owe a lot?"
"Yes'm. And I bet I'll owe more after this loan is paid off! He always has new offers for me when it comes to home expansion." She looked excited about it, but Brewster wondered how much larger she could even make her home. It already looked like a mansion, compared to the other animals around. Although, a few of them had started to expand as well, once they saw Navigale hopping on it.
He moved over to pour the finished coffee into the mug, adding in a dash of cinnamon this time. He'd started mixing in things like that every now and again, just to give her a better flavor. He was sure she noticed, but she never said anything... and he was thankful for that.
"Ready," he murmured quietly, resting the coffee on top of the counter. "Drink while it's hot."
Navigale nodded her head eagerly and made quick work of it, letting out a relieved sigh seconds later. "Ahhh! Refreshing as always." She beamed happily and reached into her pocket. "Now let's see, how much do I owe you for this one? Any tax since I made you break your own rules?"
Brewster studied the worn out girl in front of him. He wasn't sure how much the coffee would really help her, but as long as she felt better, he supposed that was all that matter. "..." He grabbed her cup and started to clean it, as per usual. He wouldn't close the shop until everything was in order. "On the house."
"Huh?" She looked up from what she was doing and stared at him in bewilderment. "Are you sure? I mean, I'm the one who inconvenienced you tonight and all, so I don't mind paying you for-"
"On the house. Get sleep tonight."
The human studied him, as if in deep thought, before nodding slowly. "Oh... okay. Thank you so much." Slowly, she smiled and slid out of her stool. "I'll be back again tomorrow. And I'll be more awake this time; I promise!" She turned to start walking, but ended up pausing one last time. She shuffled her feet before smiling at him, happily. "This is the most you've ever talked to me, isn't it? You actually spoke to me a little tonight. Mistah' Brewster... thanks for worrying."
He paused, staring down at the cup blankly without responding to her words of gratitude. He just listened to the sounds of her footsteps fading away. Setting the glass back down once it was clean again, he looked over at the stage K.K. Slider would be performing at the next night and shook his head slowly.
That girl really was strange, even for a human.
Urrrrgh, all my time got eat up by college applications for a while. I had to write a 20ish page short story for my "portfolio" to send in and that took foooooreverrrr. Gah, goodness. I found some time where I'm able to write every day in class, though, so hopefully I can keep updating this even during my lazy spells.
Aack, anyways! No complaining! Here's another short drabble-thing for the awesomeness that is Brewster, along with a promise of more to come. Have I mentioned I love him? Because I do. A lot.
- Matron of Madness. C:
P.S. Thanks to those who have reviewed! I'm glad to see others like Brewster as much as I do. ;w;