Coffee
Set during GSDestiny - somewhere between episodes 14 and 22; with reference to episode 19 of SEED
Standard Disclaimers apply: i.e. I do not own anything to do with SEED/Destiny or its characters
"That dress looks quite good on you…not only good, but that appearance looks like your real appearance"
"Say whatever the hell you want"
"She'd be perfect if it wasn't for her mouth. Can I at least offer you a coffee then? Mixing coffee is hobby of mine, modesty aside I'm pretty damn good at it. I can usually pick anyone's number one blend"
He looked at Kira. "Hmm, yes a Colombian java mix. As for the little lady…" he paused, as Cagalli put her nose in the air.
"As a matter of fact I don't drink coffee," She said it with the intention of being difficult, but in truth, Cagalli really wasn't a coffee drinker.
A look of horror distorted Andrew's face. "Don't drink coffee?" he exclaimed, aghast. "Blasphemy! First the chilli sauce, and now this indignity… How can you not drink coffee!"
"Quite easily. I prefer hot chocolates and tea"
A smile curled Andrew's lip. "Alright then, Princess (at which point Cagalli had to catch herself before choking on her own spit)… I think I can mix up something for you that you're gonna love,"
"I sincerely doubt it,"
"Just take a sip. It's not poison,"
Maintaining her façade of icy disdain, Cagalli reluctantly moved the cup to her mouth and sniffed at the chocolate-coloured liquid inside. The smell was quite inviting, she realised, disappointed. "What is this?"
"It's a mocha – coffee infused with chocolate. Didn't I tell you, I can pick the perfect drink for anyone!"
Andrew Waltfield – the "Tiger of the Desert" – fondly remembered that afternoon in Banadiva, and the scrunched up look on Cagalli's face as she, frustrated and out of her element, wrestled with the contradictions of the situation she found herself in.
He was right, she had looked good (not just good, gorgeous) in the green dress Aisha picked for her. She radiated that afternoon with a righteous determination stemming from the most honest and pure of convictions; and an unwavering desire to set the world straight. And there was no doubt that she could.
The memory now sat oddly with the pale withdrawn girl who stared out at the dull sea. The fire in her eyes was reduced to an ember, besieged with uncertainty and doubt. So involved in her own thoughts – no doubt her mind was wheeling under the gravity of them all – she had not even registered him entering the mess hall.
"Good morning Princess," he said jovially. She glanced back at him startled, and somehow found a smile.
"Morning Andy."
"Can I fix you a coffee?'
"Oh, that'd be great,"
He smiled and reached for the cocoa powder, but out of politeness asked "What are you drinking these days?"
"Double-shot short black no sugar thanks,"
He paused mid-action in shock at her automated response. "That's a hard drink. Especially from someone who was once tea-totaller and proud of it,"
A slight blush gave Cagalli's face some much needed colour. "Oh…well, late nights at Parliament with a thousand different papers to read, trying to meet deadlines…you know…"
The world has been hard on you Cagalli-san.
Cagalli sipped at the rim of the mug, and made a slight movement when she realised it was not the drink she'd been anticipating.
"Mocha, Cagalli-san. I told you that was your drink, and I won't have you go about drinking filth just to prove me wrong. Coffee brewed like that is only for the hopelessly addicted…such as yours truly!"
Her lip twitched, as if uncertain whether to contort into an angry pout or cry in desperation for a more caffeinated brew; but eventually relaxed into a soft grin. "Thank you," she replied; and motioned for him to join her at the table.