Chapter Text
March was terrible at customer service, but that was what made him so good at it. He was blunt, didn’t take shit from rude customers, and protected his staff above all else. And as a bonus, at his shop, The Ironclad Brewery, you could find the best cup of coffee in Mistria—no, in all of the country! So, despite March’s wild temperament, business was booming. He brought Mistria tourists, profits, and success—and nobody could take his pride of those achievements away from him.
They had been in business for seven months when the novelist started coming in. March had been working at the counter when the man first entered: he was a dark-skinned man with a red bandana around his neck and a beautiful smile on his face. March saw an array of people every day at the coffee shop, but something about this man stood out, and he felt an attraction towards him. March also noticed he was carrying a leather satchel.
The man walked up to the counter and asked March, “So, um, what’s good here? I’ve never been to this place before. . .”
“What’re you in the mood for?” March asked. “Something hot or cold, rich or sweet. . .?”
The man thought for a moment and said, “Something cold, definitely. And sweet, but not too sweet.”
“Perhaps the cinnamon bun iced coffee?” March suggested. “I’ve had customers tell me that the flavor is nice, but also understated.”
“That sounds perfect,” the man agreed with a smile. “Thanks!”
March picked up a cup and asked, “What’s your name, for the order?” He technically didn’t need to know, since this wasn’t an hour where they were busy and no other customers were in line, but he was curious.
“Oh, I’m Ryis,” the man told him. “What’s your name? Do you work here often?”
The word often stuck out to March, who replied as he made Ryis’s coffee, “I’m March, and I’m actually the owner of the store.”
“Oh!” Ryis was clearly surprised. “I’ve never seen a store owner work behind the counter before. . .”
“Even though I technically don’t have to, I want to. It helps my staff, and keeps my head in the game.” March finished making Ryis’s coffee and handed the man his cup.
“That’s very nice,” Ryis said, smiling warmly as he took the coffee.
March pointed to his bag and asked, “Are you heading to your job?”
“Oh, no, I actually have a break right now,” Ryis said. “So I wanted to work on my novel. . . I figured this would be a good place to write.”
March nodded. “This place does attract a lot of creative people. . . I hope your writing today is inspired.”
“Thanks!” Ryis exclaimed. He waved at March as he walked over to one of the tables. “I’ll talk to you later!”
March watched him sit down at a corner seat and take out a large notebook from his bag, along with a pen. What was the book about, March wondered? He should have asked. But just as he was thinking of walking over and doing so, another customer came in, and he returned his focus to work.