Work Text:
Spiced Coffee
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"Now that we've finished dinner why don't we sit on the couch? We can go over those reports." Standing he lifted their plates, "I'll make some Turkish coffee, it has some nice spices."
"Coffee with spices?" She repeated warily, "I'm not so sure about that. Coffee should be black, strong, and hot. Not subject to tinkering."
"I realize that I'm taking a chance with your holy coffee," he smiled as he glanced over his shoulder at her. "But trust me, try it, you'll like it."
Moving to the couch she sighed, "I'm not so sure about this."
Rolling his eyes as he moved back toward her he held two small cups of coffee, "Here you go," he said handing her a cup before taking a seat next to her, "I guarantee it's black and strong, while a small enough quantity that you won't have to sample much. Now, to those reports."
"I've skimmed engineering," she began, "B'Elanna's going to…" taking a sip of the coffee she gasped, "Good lord, what are you trying to do to me? It's nasty." Making a face she thrust the cup toward him, "It's like cinnamon-flavored tar."
"Maybe it's an acquired taste."
"If you ever give me anything but the real thing when I ask for coffee, I will hurt you."
"I knew I would be taking a chance," he chuckled.
"You knew I'd hate it. This was some kind of a sick joke."
"You wound me. Would I do that to you?"
Eyeing him she appeared thoughtful "You've been spending a lot of time with Tom of late."
"I'll recycle this.” Pushing to his feet he looked to her, "Stay here. I'll get you a real cup of coffee."
"You'd better,” she agreed, “I may decide the plasma manifolds need to be cleaned if you don't."
"I'll keep that in mind for later reference." Moving back to her side he handed her a mug. "Your coffee, madam."
Taking the mug she gave it a sniff before a tentative taste. When it passed the test she nodded, "You're saved for the moment."