" And then he just walked away! I couldn't believe it, after everything I told him! I don't know what to do now. He won't answer my calls, texts, or emails. And that's what happened. "
" How rude of him. If anything, you should stop trying to contact him. Then, we'll see how desperate he really is when you stop giving him what he wants; attention. Hey, do you think you can get me another 5th coffee? I need to pull an all nighter for this paper I have due in a couple hours."
" Oh yeah of course. Excuse me, young man? Can I please get an espresso with a shot of vanilla?" The guest looked at the worker who seemed to be struggling inside and out.
" Mocha with a shot of cold brew? You got - WOAH!" The worker didn't finish his sentence as he slipped on a puddle that should've been cleaned before.
" N, that's the fifth time you slipped on the slightest puddle of coffee this day. You need to be more careful. " The more relaxed worker sat on a nearby table as she witnessed the safety violation.
" J told you to mop those other five times there was a puddle! And you didn't for this one again!"
" Why should I put water over water? It would've eventually dried up as long as no one was walking where it is." The answer from the lazy worker only infuriated the clumsy worker.
" I'm walking left to right through this area! It's literally where the coffee makers are!"
" It's not my job today to be on coffees. My job for today is cleaning and minor maintenance."
" THATS LIT-"
" Hey! You two! Posture yourselves! V, can you pick up a mop and please mop the stains I told you to mop a few hours ago? If N slipped on it, so will our customers and you. " The assertive worker entered the conversation between the two, establishing her authority.
" Fine. But only because I don't want you to keep telling me and then have to tell Tessa."
" N, will you please give that customer what they asked for? "
" Right away, J. "
The customers looked at the display of disorganized communication between the worker drones. It was already easy to tell who was the clumsy one, the goof, and the assertive one. A mixture of these personalities was surely a recipe for accidents and slip-ups. From the office door watched the owner of the fine establishment, Tessa. She couldn't help but shake her head at the display of teamwork.
" A new record for how early it will be for a new accident to happen. I need to get those three on the same page. That, or have someone new join the team and hopefully make a change. Just need the right person. "
" Let's see, black coffee, five sugar, just above room temperature, and - oh not again! No more cinnamon rolls! And those are his favorites! I'll just substitute croissants for now and head out to the local market to buy ingredients to make one. Can't be more disastrous than the last time I attempted to bake one for him. Now to bring it up. "
The worker drone carried the plate of coffee and mini croissants to the man upstairs. Since it was still early, the drone figured to prep his start of the day meal for him. Coffee and bread. The house reeked of autumn-scented candles. The owner loves to change the theme and scent of the house according to the season. Entering the fall season meant having wood-scented candles around the house to make it comforting for the tenants and guests. It was a nice touch, to say the least. The drone quietly entered the master bedroom to greet the owner. The owner was still fast asleep but would smell the irresistible coffee and bread. He turned to face the best thing he loved to see in the entire world; his daughter.
" Good morning, Uzi."
" Morning Dad, " she said with a small smile. That face alone was enough to make her happy.
" I see you already prepped my coffee and bread for me. How thoughtful. "
" As I must as your care worker.
" Uzi, we talked about this, " the father said as he slowly started to sit up. " You are my daughter, not just a regular drone. You don't always have to, you know. "
" Then who will make sure the leader of this town will get up and start the day strong? "
" You have a point there. But I don't want you to feel like it's a mandatory task every day, okay? "
" Yes Dad, I understand. "
" Good. Thank you for the meal nonetheless. "
" I do have to apologize. We ran out of your favorite, cinnamon rolls. I'll go out and get some ingredients to make you some. "
" Uzi, that isn't-"
" Please? I know you love them. Plus, I need to buy some other stuff as well. "
" Well, if you insist. Just don't take long. I'm gonna miss you. "
" Dad, it'll be like 20 minutes. "
" 20 minutes too long! "
" Sure. I'll be back! " With that said, the drone left the coffee and bread for her father and left in search of the ingredients.
It shouldn't go without saying that Uzi Doorman had a... unique taste in fashion. Everyone around her wore at least some bright colors or some greyscale. But not Uzi. Black hoodie, black ripped jeans, black beanie, it's almost as if she would force others to not interact with her. And that was true for the most part. Growing up, she would only focus on the one important aspect of her artificial life; her dad. With no interest in anyone else, she would isolate herself and find protection in the way she made herself appear. Needless to say, it worked. Too well, as a matter of fact. The residents of the town would still be in disbelief that she was the leader's daughter. She would shrug it away and focus on the more important things. She stood like a sore thumb when the sun shined brightly. But on this particular day, it shined brighter than usual. But she didn't pay much mind to it as all she needed was the ingredients.
" Alright, just make a left and head-" Uzi would make a sudden stop. At the left corner was an entirely new coffee shop. Like out of the blue! It stood out all nicely and proudly with no shame. Glass windows, a welcoming aesthetic, and the scent of sweets and hot beverages reeked from the establishment. And there was a familiar smell too! A smell of cinnamon rolls! Perhaps this place has some quality bread. It wasn't just the scent or the strikingly opposite vibe of the shop that drew her in. Something unnameable was calling her in. And boy was the call loud. She crossed the street to seek fate.
Poor N. Poor, poor N. Being the server meant having to interact outside of the cashier and the beverage machines. It was one of his least favorite tasks. Having to talk with people, giving out their orders, risk the chance of slipping and falling, and other misfortunes that follow N around. But for the sake of his family, he had to endure and learn. Even if that meant not asking for help. It was a burden, not many workers would like. It is meant for workers who strive to achieve, improve, and discover. He only asked that there be a sign. A sign that would give him the push in life he so desperately wanted and needed. The bell rang at the door. Tessa taught them to always greet any customer who would come in, with a loud welcoming voice that makes them comfortable. He looked in the direction of the door, ready to greet the next guest.
" Wel-"
Life would change for both seekers.
" So how are the two doing so far? Are they improving? " Tessa had her hands together as she looked at her second in command, J.
" Well, V keeps getting lazy and only more nonchalant with every passing day. But N is trying. Trying too hard, however. He still feels the guilt that he told us many times. As such, it affects his work performance tremendously and only makes him slip into accidents. Literally. I can't say much about anything else."
Tessa gave a heavy sigh. She hoped that J would be able to give some good news. But there is no good news or bad news. Just news. She ran her fingers back through her hair in a sign of stress.
" I know you want to keep giving them a chance, but it doesn't seem like it's working out at all. They're not changing. N cares, but too much. V doesn't care at all. I don't know why you keep giving them a role in this. J, at this point, wasn't really seeing the benefit that her two siblings would give the shop.
" J, you and I both know very well you don't mean that. They are your siblings. I can understand that they may not be very efficient, but it's still great to have them regardless. "
" So what do you propose? "
" Someone new. Someone outside of this family to help us alleviate the balance between the four of us to make this workout. Someone like... " Tessa turned her head while speaking and looked outside the door window. From there, she stood up and walked towards the door. J was confused and looked outside too, and would also walk to it to see the astonishment.
There they both were. Looking at each other. Yellow and purple eyes staring into each other. N didn't finish his sentence, getting simply stunned, holding a pot of hot coffee. Uzi stopped her path, a little past the door. For N, his hand holding the coffee was tipping forward, unintentionally pouring the hot coffee on the floor. For Uzi, she completely forgot about what she was gonna do as she held the door open for the guests to exit. The worker instinct kicked back inside N, forcing him to finish the sentence.
" WELCOAH! " N didn't finish his sentence as he slipped on the puddle of hot coffee that he made with his coffee. He landed hard on his end.
" Oh my God! Are you okay!? " Uzi immediately rushed to his care as he witnessed the poor man fall on his end. She lowered herself onto one knee and extended her arm. Her hand would offer to help him get up.
" Y-Yeah, this happens normally, " N said as he gave his hand back. Once their hands touched each other, they were soon lost again as their faces heated up with blushes. Not only that, but they were making direct eye contact. Their eyes met with each other as their hands touched together. Uzi had never seen someone like him before in her life. Tall, cute, clumsy, and simply bright. N had never laid his eyes on someone like her ever before. Short, pretty, dark, and just drawn to. They both were ignoring the obvious fact that should've been the real shock. The obvious fact the two staring from the office were so focused on.
" Is that... a drone? Her? In this town? How long has she been here for me to not realize? " Tessa was simply shocked to see an actual drone like her drones here in the shop. In this town of all places.
" Once again, N made an accident of himself. I'll -" Before J could pull the handle, Tessa held her hand to stop her.
" No! Don't go! Wait and watch! "
" What? There was an accident outside in front of a guest. "
" She is no ordinary guest. "
" What makes you say that? "
" Do you not see what's going on?"
" No I don't. "
" Look at how they're looking at each other! Their eyes, their hands, their faces, their blushes! She is no ordinary guest to him, and he is no ordinary worker to her! Just watch! "
Both of them were still frozen in time. An eternity. Uzi had never seen someone like him before in her life. So cute, clumsy, tall, and simply brighter than the sun. N had never meet a lady like her before! So short, pretty, dark, an an attraction that draws in strong. He eventually helped himself up, still touching her hand. They both looked down and immediately took their hands back, blushing while looking away.
" Thanks for helping me, uhm?"
" Uzi. Name's Uzi."
" N, at your service. Welcome to Cinnamon Season! Are you here just to look? "
" I came because I haven't seen this shop here before. Did you guys just open up? "
" We've been open for a few weeks now. We technically just opened. "
" Judging by the name, I suppose you have cinnamon rolls? "
" Why of course we do! It's our most popular choice! They're made with naturally made/grown ingredients here at the shop! We have a variety for you too choose from. Cake toppings, peppermint, praline, fruits, nuts, chocolate, and more delicious options! By far the most satisfactory, and best, is our pumpkin spice rolls with maple cream cheese glaze. "
" Is it? You seem to know a lot about cinnamon rolls. "
" Of course I do. I actually make them. "
" You do!? Really!? " Wonder and glee splattered all over Uzi's face. She was astonish by the fact that N himself made the wonder. Just the name itself sounded off as a work of heaven. N started getting excited by someone else getting excited by his secret talent.
" Yes! I do! It's honestly one, if not, the best of my handmade rolls. "
" Well, in that case, I'll take some! "
" You do?" N was taken back by the subliminal compliment. Having someone get this optimistic about his cinammon rolls was a new for him. It was a jolt of joy, and he was indeed joyful.
" Of course I do!"
" Well, uhm ok!" N, with a very steady and turtle like pace, rushed immediately to the register behind the counter. Uzi approached the glass counter and witnessed the awesome displays the shop had to offer. Desserts, pies, pastries, donuts, and it goes on! Who knows if N actually made most of these? And then N would pull out the trio of heavenly work. The cinnamon rolls. Uzi's face brightened so bright at the sight of the three tasty suns before her. Just the appearance itself screamed happiness and dedication.
" I can't wait to pay for these and take them!"
" THEY'RE FREE! FOR YOU!
J banged her head on the glass. Tessa squealed with adoration for the interaction that was happening outside the office. J looked to her left with much dissatisfaction to Tessa.
" Why are you getting happy!? He gave away free- "
" Samples! It is necessary to give out samples to our guests to ensure they come back again! He is doing his job!"
Uzi was taken back by the sudden kindness. For free? For her? The blush would make a dreaded return across her face. It also made return on N's face.
" I... couldn't. I must -"
" Store policy requires that guests are given samples of our products to increase the likelihood of a second visit. And because I really want you to try them."
" Well, at least he's following policy," J said with a semi smile.
" Well, ok then. Thanks."
N put the rolls into a paper bag along with a fork and some napkins. As he handed them over the counter, their fingertips would make the smallest touch ever. This tiny, microscopic detail would make them blush only harder. This is where they would depart .
" So, I guess I'll see you later. Are you open tomorrow?"
" We're open as long as you're here - I MEAN we're open from 7 AM to 11 PM! Seven days a week. Some holidays we're open. "
" Well, see you then, N. "
" You too, Uzi. "
They both waved at each other, with their eyes still locked into stare. Uzi bumped into a table and N into a scratched coffee machine. They both blushed from embarrassment and quickly turned with their hat/beanie covering their faces. J, once again, bumped her head on the glass while Tessa laughed. That was truly a cute display.
" So, what was that about you saying she is no ordinary guest. "
" If she comes back tomorrow, I am right. "
Yep. Another MD fanfiction. But I was excited about this one since it came from a cute AU idea from my favorite artists on Twitter(still not calling it X.) As such, most, or rather 90%, of the credit goes to them since this was their idea and I was honored to write a small fanfiction about it WITH THEIR PERMISSION. Thank you to @4aylover4 for giving me this chance to write this. I plan onto adding more chapters since I really enjoy this(with their permission of course.) This was a small project since I went to see their opinion and yours on it. They already have concept art of this along with the backstory. Please go and support them and their simply amazing art. Thank you for reading this and I hope you have a great day.
