Humming to herself Delphine wiped down some tables. Scott was taking care of their sole customer. And Cosima was nowhere to be found. Not that Delphine was fixated on that fact or anything while she hopped to the next table. Wiping it down in a counter-clockwise motion. Her hums faltered when a buzz came from inside her pocket. Shocked she looked down at the pocket like it had just spoken to her. After the breakup with Stéphane her phone was pretty much dead. Who would be texting her now? Setting the rag down, she reached into her pocket. Pulling out her small black phone.

Cosima: Hey Delphine! Is Rachel there?

Now Delphine had to stare at her phone like it grew a mouth and started speaking. Since when did Cosima text her? The only other messages in the thread was her obligatory 'Hi this is Delphine. Scott gave me your number' and Cosima's response 'Awesomesauce!' Biting her lip Delphine replies,

No. She isn't….why aren't you here?

As soon as her finger released the send button Delphine cursed herself. Merde! I can't believe I just sent that. You sound so needy. Why didn't I at least say that she's late? Biting her lip something fierce, Delphine scrubs an already clean table. Waiting for Cosima's reply. Butterflies starting to flutter in her stomach. Butterflies that turn into bats when another buzz vibrates her pocket.

Miss me? :P

Before Delphine can embarrass her way through a response there's another buzz

Jk ;) I got stuck in lab. I'll b there in like 20ish mins. Tell Scotty no need to have a hernia, I'm on my way

After a quick reply of 'oh okay' Delphine can only stare at the text. Her cover is safe. Cosima thinks she was asking because of Scott.

-FLC-

Cheeky grins should be illegal, Delphine thinks turning away from Cosima's cheeks tinting. Though it was Delphine's fault that she was on the receiving end of it. She was caught staring at Cosima. Again. She can't help it. Nobody can. Wearing a sleeveless, patterned crop top Delphine's eyes were drawn to Cosima's exposed skin. Accented by a dangling necklace and wrists covered by bracelets. It didn't help that Cosima got rid of the loose sweater that had covered smooth arms. Cosima had also forgone her employee apron. Delphine is tempted to remind her about it. But she's afraid Cosima's response will make everything worse. Heat flowing all throughout Delphine's body she quickly busied herself making the next customers drink. Attempting to keep her eyes focused on the cup in her hand. Not on the tantalizing midriff that was so wonderfully exposed. Did she really wear this outfit in lab? It is definitely not safe attire. Fumbling with the almost overflowing drink Delphine attempts to block out the giggles coming from Cosima's direction. Handing the drink to the customer Delphine heads straight back to the register. Cutting Scott off. If she's busy working, she can't be looking.

Baise. She's doing this on purpose. She has to be. Telling her body that oxygen was essential Delphine lets out a shaky breath her lungs forgot to release. Cosima was putting her dreads up in a high bun. The extension of her arms gave Delphine more than an eyeful of skin. All the while she was yapping away with Scott. Talking about some "runes" game that Delphine's never heard of. They were pretty adamant about it too. Delphine would say that this flaunting of skin was completely innocent. If it wasn't for the fact the grin she loved to hate was still in place. I wish for the blatant flirting. This is too much. And embarrassing. I am not...not this desperate…am I? Looking away Delphine wished for a customer. Or even Rachel.

The sound of background music is overrun by the sounds of machines going and people talking. Their midday rush was extra full. As Delphine lidded a drink to give to the man waiting at the side counter, Cosima was grabbing some pastries for a woman beside him, while Scott took the next order. With at least five more people in line. At this moment having three people behind the counter didn't seem like enough hands. "Have a nice day," she smiled as the man took his cup of black coffee, nodded, and left. She returned to the counter at the same time as Cosima. "I'll get the next girl, you get the one after that," Cosima says then replaces Scott. Delphine pretended not to notice they way Cosima's eyes lit up when she saw the next customer. She also didn't notice Cosima flirt her way through the order. Hands "admiring" the other girl's bracelets. She did not notice it at all. As Cosima turned around grabbing a cup she gave Delphine a cheeky smile and a wink. Merde. She knows exactly what she's doing. But I'm…I'm not jealous. No. I'm not. She doesn't allow herself to dwell on the quickly advancing thoughts. "Hello, how can I help you?" She asks the next customer with a smile.

"Hi. Can I get a small cappuccino with a—

"Excuse me, I asked for no ice," a woman cuts in quite rudely. Arm extended, drink in Delphine's face. "If you give me a second I'll be right with you," Delphine says glancing back at her current customer.

"I want my money back."

"What? Because of ice?"

"You got my order wrong," the woman asserts.

"Ice…isn't part of the total…I can get you a new drink if you'd like but—

"I got this Delphine. Can you move the side please? You're holding up the line," Cosima says motioning to the side counter. With a huff the woman moves. Cosima rolls her eyes playfully at Delphine before turning to the other customer. "Sorry about that. What was it you wanted?"

"Yeah, can I get a small cappuccino with a—

"I would really appreciate you toning your attitude down right now. Its just ice! Scott. You handle this," Cosima nearly shouts. Hands in the air she walks off to the back room. Delphine watches her for a moment. When Scott slides over, sheepish grin on his face, she again turns to her customer. With a sympathetic head tilt she waits for her order again. With a sigh the girl rushes, "Small cappuccino. Chocolate chip cookie."

"Okay," Delphine types it up, looking around quickly she whispers, "I'll cover the cookie. That will be $1.50 please."

"Thank you," the girl smiles giving Delphine direct change. She goes to grab the cookie first. Watching Scott deal with the troublesome customer. While she's making the drink Cosima comes bouncing back. Grin back on her face. Easily greeting the next customer with a smile, and taking the order. "You are very happy again," Delphine states. Cosima was standing next to her filling a cup with lemonade. "I went snooping through your bag and found all your notebooks that say 'Mrs. Delphine Niehaus'. Brought my mood right up."

"What? I…I didn't. I don't. Niehaus?"

"Keep stuttering and I'll start to think you really do have a notebook with my name all over it!" Cosima laughs. As she lids the drink she continues, "I just took a moment in my happy place. Amazing how positive thinking can flip your mood around," giving the drink to the customer she throws over her shoulder, "Oh and, Niehaus, Cosima Niehaus. At your service." Snorting at herself she wonders why she hasn't said that sooner. Nodding at Cosima's back Delphine watches Scott get the next costumer. "So. My theory is that Rachel sent that woman over here to spy on us. And since we're obvs doing an awesome job she came up with a pathetic excuse to run and tell Rachel," Cosima says plopping herself next to Delphine.

"That seems a little far fetched."

"Nah. Rachel's determined like that."

"Hey Cosima, or Delphine, can one of you get more of the coffee beans in the bag with the orange label," Scott asks standing by a machine that's sputtering out it's last droplets.

"I'll get it. We need more lids too," Cosima says. Short skirt flaring out a bit as she swings on her heels to face the back room. Delphine catches herself watching Cosima's hips. Shaking her head she turns to face their final customer. "Are you ready to order?" Delphine asks.

"Can I have an iced French vanilla coffee? With skim milk, and a banana nut muffin."

"Sure," Delphine taps the order into the register, "That will be $3.00 please." The girl hands her a five. As Delphine gets the change Scott grabs the muffin. She hands the money to the girl before leaning down to the mini fridge. Iced coffee mix and cup in her hands Delphine is prepared to start the drink when there's a sound of crashing objects from the back room. "Really Cosima?" Scott chuckles shaking his head.

"Should I…go check on her?" Delphine asks.

"She's probably fine. I wouldn't worry about it."

"Shit!" Another crash follows Cosima's curse. Giving Scott a look Delphine says, "I'm going to check on her. Can you finish this for me?"

"Yeah, sure." Handing off the drink Delphine attempts to calmly walk to the back room. Her pace quickening when a mumbled, "fuck," makes it to her ears. "Cosima are you al—what are you doing?" Delphine covered her mouth. Body beginning to shake from concealed laughter. "Dude! Don't laugh!" Cosima replied. She was grinning brightly despite her words. Shoes off, Cosima was standing on the second shelf up. Gripping the shelf between her fingers for dear life. Cups, napkins, coffee bags, and more littered the floor. "Why didn't you call for help?" Delphine giggles stepping closer.

"I don't need help."

"You are stuck, no?"

"No."

"No?" Delphine crosses her arms. Looking up at Cosima skeptically. Smiling Cosima stuck her tongue out playfully. Reaching up with one hand she grabs the bag of plastic lids. Tossing it to the floor she grins, "See. I got mad skills."

"Will they help you get down?" Delphine replies with a shake of her head. Cosima was too much. Hazel eyes looked down at the messy floor. Then at Delphine. Then back at the floor. The twinkle in her eyes a troublesome sign for Delphine. "How good are you at catching?"

"Cosima! I'm not—

"One!" Cosima sways on the self.

"Cosima."

"Twooo!" This time Cosima quickly lets go then grabs the self again. (Giving Delphine a mini heart attack)

"Cosima, I swear if you—

"Three!" Giggling Cosima jumps down from the self. Landing perfectly on shaky legs. Standing up straight she throws a proud grin at Delphine. "I've jumped down from there many many times. Nothing broken yet. You should stop worrying about me. Though it's flattering," Cosima smiles. She slips her shoes back on. "Petite merde," Delphine murmurs arms crossing her chest. Grin still plastered on her face Cosima pokes Delphine's shoulder, "Don't be mad. My awesomeness should amaze."

"Your awesomeness? This is not the word I'd use," Delphine replies. Halfheartedly waving a slap towards Cosima's hand. Tongue poking out Cosima starts to clean up the floor. "Mad skills?" She offers.

"No that's not it either," Delphine can't help but grin. Bending down she decides to help Cosima clean up her mess. "Hmmm…how about genius?"

"Definitely not that."

"Hey! I'll have you know I have a very high IQ."

"I'm sure. Especially seeing you love to jump down from high places and potentially kill yourself."

"Please. That wasn't even that high of a jump. You telling me you never jumped out of a huge ass tree before. Like not even when you were little?" On her tippy toes Cosima attempted to place the cups back on their proper shelf. "Never," Delphine replied trying not to laugh at Cosima's efforts. Tippy toes was not enough. "Ah. You were one of those, like, I'll die if I get dirt on my new dress kinda kids weren't you," Cosima says between hops up to push the bag on the shelf. Each time she lands flat on the ground the bag falls back towards her raised hand. Chuckling Delphine walks up behind Cosima. Practically in Cosima's ear she answers, "No. I wouldn't say that. I just knew when an idea was too crazy." She slips her fingers in between Cosima's. Feeling Cosima's hand tense then relax. Absentmindedly her thumb gently rubs between the space of Cosima's thumb and pointer finger. When the bag slips from Cosima's grasp, Delphine's fingers quickly take it. Easily she extends her arm far enough to set the bag on the shelf. Beneath her Cosima breaths, "Or not crazy enough." Before Delphine can even contemplate the words she is suddenly made aware of exactly how close Cosima is. The smaller girls' warm body rolling back into Delphine's. Causing a hitch in her breath. Bag on shelf forgotten. Who's body shuddered first? Neither one knew. But as Delphine's left hand pulled Cosima's body even closer, long fingers pressing into exposed skin, the vibrations from Cosima's moan was felt by both. Delphine could feel the flex of muscles, the quickening of breath, beneath her fingers.

"Shit," is whispered from quivering lips. Cool metal is again gripped between one of Cosima's hands. The other tangles it's way up into Delphine's golden curls. Pulling their heads closer together. Cosima doesn't have the capacity to notice the precarious nature of being pressed up against the shelf. Senses in overdrive. Heat swirls throughout her body. Nails bite into her stomach, teasing the edge of her top. Ragged breaths blow on her ear. On her neck. Scents of plastic and coffee pulled through her nostrils. Only for hints of vanilla to conquer all other smells as the body behind her presses down. A hand grasps at her hip. Causing another curse to be groaned out as skirt clad hips roll back again.

Feeling every move of hips and back to her increasingly sensitive front Delphine's body returns the gesture. As Delphine's hips grinded down on Cosima, her hands pull her back. Trying to bring her closer. Closer. Cosima needed to be closer. Fingers danced along the flat plains of Cosima's tensing stomach. Pink lips wrapped around the sensitive skin above a beating pulse. White teeth taking a second to scrape against tanned skin. Wet tongue following the path of teeth. Moving around a silver necklace. Humming Delphine's mouth trailed up until it rested on Cosima's jawline, just below her ear. And nipped.

"Holy…fuck," Cosima's eyelids fluttered behind glasses. Hand pulling hair from the roots of Delphine's head. Closer. Knees almost gave out. "Delphiiine," slipped from Cosima's lips when another nip pinched her skin. Eyes opening Delphine's brain began piecing visual information back together. Cosima trembling beneath her. Wall. Shelf. Cosima's heaving chest. Napkins. Coffee beans. Coffee beans. Coffee beans. Eyes widening. With awkward jerks Delphine tried to disentangle herself from Cosima. "Mon dieu!" She maneuvered her hair out from Cosima's hold, "Je suis désolée. Je ne sais pas—"

"Holy watershed," Cosima breathed turning around, "The noggin ain't 100% Delphine. I'm identifying panic but I really don't know what you're saying." With the trace of a self-deprecating grin on her lips Cosima's words may not have been the complete truth. Fighting the urge to flee, Delphine's blinking gaze shot all around the room. Taking deep breaths she attempted to calm herself. Stuttering she started, "I-I-I'm sorry Cosima. I don't…I don't know what came over me." Fingers fussing with loose hairs Delphine's hand raked what it could to the side. Cosima's usually animated hands folded in themselves as she stared down at her shoes. "Delphine. Don't be sorry. I'm pretty sure I started it. It was my fault. I don't know what happened. One minute we were all nice and chill, then like you were so close and touching me, and I just…I just…" sighing Cosima chanced a glance up at Delphine's face, "I'm sorry I ruined everything."

"Ruined?" Delphine echoed back. What? What could Cosima have ruined? Even in Delphine's confused state she quickly picked up on the fall in Cosima's mood. She looked like a kicked puppy. Delphine knew she didn't want to see such a sorrowful expression on Cosima's face. Stepping closer Delphine took Cosima's face into her hands, "Non Cosima. Nothing's ruined."

"Yes. It is. Things are going to get awkward. You're going to start avoiding me. I'm going to start avoiding you because you're avoiding me. We'll go in circles all day just trying not to look at each other. I'll just keep wondering what I did wrong. And how I could have stopped this. Then one of us is going to quit because it'll just get too hard to stand next to each other and not talk or laugh or tease—

"Cosima, breath," Delphine says giving Cosima's head a little shake. Small grin pulling at her lips Delphine replies, "None of that will happen." Cosima stares up into Delphine's eyes. Thoughts rolling around her head. "It's not going to get awkward?" Cosima prods.

"Okay, I can't promise that. But I'm not…what is it you say? Freaking? I was. But now I'm more, hmm, levelheaded. And I don't think it's possible for me to avoid you," with and embarrassed smile she adds, "Even running out of the shop didn't work." Bright grin grows on Cosima's face. "I'm too cute to avoid right? Or too sexy? It's probably too sexy. Shit. That was probably the wrong thing to say considering the circumstances."

"I'll go with too cute," Delphine chuckles. Thumbs idly caressing Cosima's cheeks. "I'll take it." Delphine watches as Cosima's tongue pokes through her grin. A minute of them smilingly dorkily at each other goes by. Then Cosima's expression becomes serious. "Not to like kill the mood, but, is this going to be one of those things we never talk about again? Cuz not gunna lie that was hot."

"I…" fingers still.

"How long does it take to grab a coffee bag and some lids?" Scott calls as he enters the back room. Delphine jumps away from Cosima just before he walks to the supply closet door. "Jeeze, Cosima. We're going to need to keep a step ladder in here for you," he says looking down at the messy floor.

"I don't need a ladder," she picks up the lids and coffee bag, "I got them didn't I?"

"But at what expense," he laughs.

"Whatever," Cosima grins, rolling her eyes. She leads Scott out of the supply closet. Watching them leave Delphine looks at the floor. "I guess I'll clean up then." Bending down she grabs multiple items into her arms. She stands with a sigh, "What am I going to do now?"

AN: ...that happened... *sweats*

unrelated- if the guest who left the comment about this story not really going anywhere is still reading can you elaborate on that? i want to hear your opinion on why