Baz:

My gaze keeps drifting to my watch. I never really noticed how boring this job is without Simon here. We did manage to get our project done in time, though it took some effort to keep our hands off of each other long enough to finish it. I had hoped that our new… relationship? Whatever it was, meant that he would keep coming to spend time with me even after it was over, but apparently I was wrong.

The bell over the door chimes, and I push myself off the counter with a sigh. "What can I get for you?" I ask with the smile I reserve for the customers.

"Pike Place roast, black, please," he says, and my head snaps up. Simon is beaming at me, panting like he's been running. "Sorry I'm late. Penny needed my help with something back at the house."

I can't help the stupid little laugh that bubbles out of my throat. "That's okay," I answer. He already has exact change ready, but I push his hand away. I get a discount, and I don't think I need any caffeine today, if the way my heart is racing is any indication. "It's on me."

I get Simon his coffee, and he lingers around the counter. We talk while I clean and he entertains himself doing something with the straw wrappers while I serve customers. As usual, he points out that it's time for my break before I even notice it. I ask the boss if it's okay for me to go, and she rolls her eyes. We're slow, so I already know what the answer will be. Or at least, I think I do, but she (in a way) surprises me. "Go ahead. Go with your boyfriend," she taunts.

I feel heat rising in my cheeks. "He's not… Umm…" Is he? I don't really know what to call him at this point.

"I'm just teasing," she insists. She stands up from her stool and shoos me towards the door. "Go!"

I linger, still trying to figure out what I should say. After a second, I decide that maybe not saying anything is the best way to go. I roll my eyes and leave, Simon trailing behind me.

I pull out a cigarette, and we sit on the curb in silence for a few minutes. Eventually, Snow huffs and rolls his eyes. Apparently he has the same thoughts on his mind that I do, because he asks, "So, does this make us…? Are we…?" He looks to the clouds, exasperated with himself. Then he rushes out, "Do you want to go out with me?"

He's red as a tomato, and I can't hold back a smile. "Sure."

Maybe it isn't exactly a sentimental confession, but he actually seems relieved by the simplicity of it. Simon smiles and takes my hand. I lean to kiss him, but he recoils quickly.

That's… not what I expected.

"Blech! You taste like an ashtray!" I laugh a little bit in relief. His eyes narrow evilly, and I move away. That look can mean nothing good. "I'm not going to kiss you after you've been smoking. Maybe that will be good enough motivation to quit," he says hopefully.

I try to glare, but judging by Snow's laughter, I don't think it works.

"Aww, you're pouting! That's adorable!" he says.

I glower at him. If he's really going to stick to that idea, I'm sure it will be as much of a struggle for him as it is for me.

...

If it's as hard on Simon as it is on me, he doesn't show it.

...

Nearly a month later, Simon and Penelope come in at the same time as usual. They smile and wave, then go to place their orders with the new cashier. I've already finished making their drinks by the time they're done paying. I hand them over, and they go to sit at their normal table.

When it's time for my break, I see Simon standing up while he talks to Bunce. She laughs and waves him away, and he joins me behind the store.

We sit down and I pull a cigarette out. He raises an eyebrow at me, and I roll my eyes and put it back into the pack. I shove the pack in my pocket, and he rewards me with a kiss.

All in all, it's not a bad trade.