Chapter Text
The quiet clinging of the tiny bell resonated softly through the small, comfortable coffee shop. Outside was slowly growing more hectic but within the glass walls was a peaceful atmosphere of people just trying to wake up this early in the morning.
There were always regulars. People addicted to caffeine, students trying to recover from endless nights of studying, and some just there for the inviting feeling that the small shop carried. In the case of Jude Mathis, case number two applied. Along with studying for his graduation, the teen genius also helped as a doctor and emergencies were always happening. Gently rubbing at his tired honey-brown eyes, Jude gazed around at the familiar bodies he’s always seen but never spoken to. Each kept to their own.
For Ludger Kresnik, the first and third principle had him here. The natural addictive substance in the cold drink between his fingers always have a nice rush of energy and everyone around just seemed so…at peace. Working jobs almost all of the time, the pick-me-up was also helpful in aiding his exhaustion. However, always coming here alone made him feel awkward - nearly brushing shoulders with a young, cute man almost daily and never speaking was strange.
Each of the pair had their own usual drinks, and the sounds of the coffee shop around them were too familiar to ears than should have been. Never before had a word been shared between them before, but surprisingly enough, each had thought about the other. What he did, why he came, common things that would come to one’s mind. For all the attempts that had been made at conversing, they had been left at open then closed mouths and left at that.
“What kind do you get?” The question had left Ludger’s lips before he knew it and Jude’s gaze turning to look at him revealed obvious surprise.
“I get hot coffee, because it relaxes me as well as gives me energy. It’s nice for being a student as well as a doctor.” Jude made a soft laugh under his breath, brushing back black hair and then returning,“ What about you?”
“I like cold, because it wakes me up and gives me that boost. I work odd jobs all around town, and it’s nice to have your edge and not be tired all the time.” Ludger replied, watching the other touch his fingertips to the bamboo paper of the hot cup. It seemed to insulate well - having been poured only a few minutes earlier, his new companion’s fingers didn’t seem to be recoiling from the heat. “What’s your name?”
“Jude Mathis.” The black haired researcher took a pause from touching the warm cup to look at the taller other, those brown eyes meeting pale ones. “And what about you?”
“I’m Ludger, Ludger Kresnik.” The black-and-white haired man spoke, quickly adding more to fill in the blanks that were left - or so it seemed to him. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Jude.”
“It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance as well, Ludger.” Jude chuckled and tapped his index finger against the counter, making a soft ‘hmm’ sound under his breath. A comfortable silence took hold of the pair and remained that way until, time passing, Ludger’s phone chimed softly with the message of a notification. In no rush, the older took it out of his pocket with ease and scanned over it briefly. Getting to his feet, he said,“ Ah, I have to go on duty. Next time, wait for me to get here - I’ll pay for you.”
Jude’s gaze followed Ludger while he chuckled. “I’ll take you up on that offer, if you let me pay for the both of us the time after that.” Giving an affirming nod, the older of the pair gave a silly two-fingered salute and then the only trace of his being there was the quickly silenced bell’s ding.
Turning back to the counter, Jude pushed his now-lukewarm drink an inch or so away and called to the waiter. “Please get me a small of what he had.” While the drink was being prepared, the researcher pulled a small notebook out from his pocket and made a small note. ‘You can never really know someone unless you try their favorite coffee.’