Caffeine Delight

The greenhouse was peaceful. Too peaceful.

Rows of neatly maintained plants stretched before Charlotte - Charlie - filling the air with an earthy, floral scent. The soft glow from the enchanted flowers gave the space an ethereal atmosphere, like something out of a painting. And standing right in the middle of it all, looking like the world’s fussiest librarian, was Primrose.

Charlie smirked, stepping into the greenhouse with a deliberate sway in her step. The satchel slung over her shoulder was filled with freshly harvested coffee beans, their faint aroma already promising something far more exciting than this pristine little garden.

“Well, if it isn’t my favorite cherubun,” Charlie drawled, tossing her hair back as she approached. “And here I thought you’d be too busy whispering sweet nothings to your precious plants.”

Primrose exhaled sharply, barely sparing her a glance as he carefully inspected one of the coffee plants. “Charlotte.”

“Oof, full name treatment? What did I do now?” she teased, setting the satchel down on the nearby worktable with an exaggerated huff.

“You’re late,” Primrose muttered, adjusting his sleeves before turning to her. “These beans were supposed to be delivered to Beanny half an hour ago.”

Charlie leaned against the table, her expression smug. “Oh, Prim, darling, time is just a concept. What matters is that I’m here now, looking fabulous and delivering your precious beans.”

Primrose’s lips pressed into a thin line. “Punctuality ensures efficiency.”

Charlie grinned. “And me being here ensures entertainment. I think we both know which one’s more important.”

Primrose let out a weary sigh, clearly deciding she wasn’t worth the argument. Instead, he reached for the satchel, untying the string with precise movements. The moment he peeked inside, his brows furrowed in concentration.

“These appear to be in good condition,” he admitted begrudgingly.

Charlie gasped, pressing a hand to her chest. “Was that a compliment?”

“It was an observation,” Primrose corrected, tying the satchel shut once more.

Charlie smirked. “I’ll take it.” She grabbed the satchel before he could protest, swinging it over her shoulder. “Alright, sweetie, I’ll make sure Beanny gets these. Unless you wanna come with me? Might do you some good to leave your little plant kingdom.”

Primrose gave her a flat stare. “I have more important matters to attend to.”

“Suit yourself,” Charlie said with a wink. “Don’t miss me too much.”

And with that, she strolled out, leaving Primrose rubbing his temples like he had the world’s worst headache.

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Paradise Café was alive with the scent of coffee and the hum of conversation. The cozy chaos of Beanny’s shop was a stark contrast to the sterile neatness of the embassy greenhouse, and Charlie loved it.

She pushed open the door, the little bell above it jingling cheerfully. The moment she stepped inside, a familiar voice rang out.

“Charlie, my favorite succubun!”

Beanny popped up from behind the counter, their usual goggles perched on their forehead and a smear of what looked like caramel on their cheek.

Charlie grinned, swinging the satchel onto the counter. “Brought you a little something fresh from Primrose’s personal stash.”

Beanny gasped dramatically. “Ooooh, heavenly coffee beans! You shouldn’t have.”

“Well, technically he did,” Charlie said, smirking. “But I’m the one who dragged them all the way here, so really, I should get all the credit.”

Beanny peeked inside the satchel, their eyes lighting up. “Oh, these are perfect! I’ve been waiting to test a new brew using these bad boys.”

Charlie arched a brow. “Something new, huh? Should I be worried?”

Beanny cackled, already grabbing ingredients from behind the counter. “Only if you’re afraid of a little experimentation.”

Charlie slid onto a stool, resting her chin in her palm. “Hit me with your best shot, then.”

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The next few minutes were a blur of motion as Beanny worked their magic. They moved with an almost chaotic grace, measuring, grinding, and steaming with practiced efficiency. Charlie watched, fascinated despite herself.

“So what makes this special?” she asked, tapping her fingers against the counter.

Beanny grinned. “Heavenly soil, babe. The coffee beans soak up all that divine energy, and when brewed just right, they create something both succubuns and cherubuns can enjoy.”

Charlie tilted her head. “And you figured all this out how?”

Beanny shrugged, tossing a pinch of something into the drink. “Trial and error. Mostly error.”

Charlie snorted. “Sounds about right.”

With a final flourish, Beanny set a steaming mug in front of her. The coffee shimmered slightly, as if infused with a subtle golden light.

Charlie eyed it warily. “If this turns me into a cherubun, I’m suing.”

Beanny laughed. “Just drink it, drama queen.”

Charlie smirked before taking a slow sip. Her eyes widened slightly as the taste hit her tongue. It was rich, smooth, and slightly sweet, with a warmth that spread through her like a slow-burning ember.

“…Okay,” she admitted, lowering the mug. “This is actually good.”

Beanny beamed. “Told you! I’m a genius.”

Charlie took another sip, savoring it. “And to think, Primrose probably has no idea what he’s missing.”

Beanny cackled. “Oh, he’d hate it just on principle.”

Charlie smirked, setting her mug down. “Maybe I should bring him some, just to see the look on his face.”

Beanny leaned on the counter, eyes gleaming. “Do it. Just don’t tell him it was my idea.”

Charlie grinned, finishing off the last of her drink. “You’re dangerous, Beanny. I like it.”

Beanny winked. “Right back atcha, sweetheart.”

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As Charlie left the café, the warmth of the coffee still lingering on her tongue, she found herself already looking forward to the next delivery.

Not that she’d tell Primrose that.

He’d get way too smug.

Still, as she strolled through Burrowgatory’s streets, she found herself imagining his reaction if she waltzed into the embassy and handed him a cup of Beanny’s masterpiece. He’d probably scrutinize it like it was a questionable potion, take one reluctant sip, and then refuse to admit he liked it.

Maybe she would bring him some- just to mess with him.

Grinning to herself, Charlie flipped her hair and kept walking.