[Comm] Experiments with Coffee

One moment, Marina found herself at Paradise Café, enjoying a cup of coffee, and then suddenly she was in the back room surrounded by glass beakers. She didn’t know what to make or such a place, the test tubes and the labeled jars that she couldn’t begin to unravel.

Before she could look anymore, the cherubun beside her laughed. They looked excited, “I’m glad you decided you’d help with my experiments. Although I hope you didn’t just agree because I’m the owner of this cafe.”

Marina looked surprised, that was right, this was Beanny. She remembered Dove mentioned something about the cherubun the last time she were here. “It sounded like fun.”

Beanny had a mysterious smile as they nodded, “I would say so! We’ll be trying new flavors.”

Marina tilted her head, “New flavors?”

Beanny chuckled. “Well you’re a succubun, I can’t make new flavors when I only know what other cherubuns would like.”

Marina wanted to ask whether or not that really mattered, when the buns were so close to each other, but then again, succubuns did have a taste for things like alcohol. But did something like that really determine things like taste? Maybe there are some cherubuns that would have loved alcohol if they could drink it.

“Are you listening…?”

Marina blushed when she realized she was lost in her thoughts. “Yes I am, I’m sorry.” She paused, “Oh my name is Marina.”

Beanny grinned, “Good to know Marina, but let’s focus on the experiments. I had a mixture prepared earlier for a test taster. One moment.”

The cherubun lit a bunsen burner, delicately pushing it beneath a beaker as it bubbled up through a tube into another small beaker. “This particular formula took me a few days, I took some inspiration from some of the foods I’ve seen around the burrows.”

Marina wasn’t sure why, but she was perhaps a little worried when Beanny poured the mixture into a coffee cup. She didn’t realize she would have to drink anything when she followed the cherubun here.

Still she didn’t resist as she was handed a cup.

Beanny waited patiently, their eyes focused entirely on the cup.

Marina tried not to feel pressure as she lifted the cup and took a sip. For a few seconds, nothing happened, until something soured seemed to explore over her tongue.

The succubun covered her mouth as she coughed, her eyes watering as she tried to control her expression. “It’s… different.”

Beanny’s expressions dropped as they sighed, “Remils, I really thought I had it this time. I wonder what went wrong.” They tapped a hand against their chin, “Maybe I added too many lemon? But I did put some sour powder too.”

Marina wasn’t sure how to respond to that, she dreaded to think about how many sour powder she shallowed, she hoped her stomach didn’t hurt later.

Still she did feel bad for Beanny. “It’s okay, I think maybe you should ask succubuns what they like instead of assuming it. I know a lot of people have very different tastes.”

Beanny couldn’t argue that logic, it seemed sound. “You’re right, do you have a flavor you like?”

Marina giggled softly, “I already like your coffee, I don’t have any complaints about them.” She could drink anything Beanny made for the cafe, even if she couldn’t quite drink the experiments. “You know I really like all the effort you put in.”

Beanny reddened slightly as they turned to pick up their beakers and carried them to a nearby sink. “You know you’re a very nice bun. I don’t think I know many people that would try to be so nice about something they didn’t like.”

“There’s no point in me being rude about it, you wanted me to try it because you were hopeful I’d like it. That sounds pretty sweet.” Marina smiled brightly, she did appreciate anyone that tried for others. Beanny might not have been successful in their endeavors, but it was so kind of them to try regardless.

Beanny looked impressed as they began to wash out their beakers, gesturing for Marina to hand them another glass. “That’s one way of seeing things, I think, not everyone thinks like you do.”

Marina shrugged, “I just think as I do, I’m not trying to be overly nice.”

“And that’s what makes you incredibly interesting.” Beanny admitted as they set the beakers aside. “Here, I have one more experiment to put on. Do you think you mind helping me with that?”

Marina agreed quickly, “Of course!”

Beanny laughed once again, “Alright, could you hand me that beaker? Yes, the little one.”

Marina was quick to hand over the beaker, looking curious as she watched Beanny’s hands. “What flavor is it this time?”

“Nothing as crazy as the other one, I’m just trying to get a strawberry latte right.” Beanny replied, reaching up to grab a small tub of red powder off a higher shelf. “I’ve been trying freeze died strawberry powder, but I’m worried it’s not working as well as I hoped.”

“But it would be easier to use it all year around if you get it right?” Marina smiled.

“See that’s exactly why I want to figure it out, why should we have to wait for strawberry season when we can have it all year round.” Beanny held their head high,

Marina looked delighted by the sentiment, “See, you really care about what your customers want!” Which she thought was the perfect attitude of a cafe owner, they needed to understand their customers.

“Come here, Marina, I’ll show you the coffee I was thinking of messing it with. It’s a light roast.” 

Marina quickly followed after the cherubun, eager to see what else they could do.

She didn’t expect her day to go quite like this, but she couldn’t believe the honor she was given. It wasn’t every day that a cafe owner trusted you to try their newest creations. She really hoped she would have more chances like this.