An Evening Drink

A long, quiet, evening stretched across the city, and yet the lights inside the Hunter's study were still on. It was no surprise that the Hunter's own pride and arrogance drove them to unhealthy habits of working until dark. The mess in the room was full of clippings and articles for their job and it reflected their tired mind throughout the evening. Ace stretched from their seat to try to relieve the ache and fatigue from their body and sighed as they looked at the time. Exhaustion eventually caught up with them, and they turned to the quiet accompaniment seated on the couch.

Melissa looked less exhausted than Ace, but she still wanted to take a break as much as them. Ace doesn't remember exactly when or how they became allies, and with a demon they were meant to Hunt no doubt, but they are slightly grateful for all the help that she gave them so far. Only slightly. Maybe a bit more? Regardless, they eventually became more and more comfortable with her around surprisingly enough. 

Ace cleared their throat to catch the demon's attention from her thoughts, "I think I'm going to take a break. Would you like to have a drink with me here?" It was a simple enough offer to someone they've been working with, and they might as well give something in return as a thank you. However, Melissa laughed and immediately had a playful grin on her face, "Aren't you supposed to take me out on a date before having me over in your place?"

Ace rolled their eyes and muttered annoyances under their breath, too tired to bite back at Melissa's teasing remark. They stood from their seat and stretched again. As they headed for the door while pushing up their sleeves they say, "I'll try to see if I have anything that's not too strong in alcohol for us tonight. We still have a lot ahead of us." And before they left the room, Melissa spoke up, "Oh, actually, I was wondering if you had any hot chocolate on you?"

The Hunter stopped in their tracks not sure if they heard what she asked correctly. "Hot chocolate?" Ace turned around and looked to see if she was making another joke, but only found her to have genuine curiosity on her face.

"Sorry, you just don't really seem to be the type to…" Ace's words trailed off as they saw the demon furrow her brow and started to become more impatient and slightly annoyed at the implied remark.

"Yeah, yeah, I get it. I mean, a demon like me also enjoys her sweets too y'know," Melissa huffed, "I was just asking." She tried to cut the topic short and gave up on asking for the specific drink from her patience cut thin. Ace tried to press on but Melissa quickly cut in, "I didn't expect you to go for alcohol at a time like this though."

Ace shrugged, "I'm not really bothered by it either way. I mostly assumed you would want that kind of drink tonight yourself."

"Then what kind of drink do you like?" her words became curious again before it turned back into a joking manner, "Lemme guess, it's tea because of how proper and refined you are compared to me?" Melissa teased and emphasized those last few words to give a mock haughty tone to it. She expected Ace to roll their eyes again or maybe retort, but she quirked her brow, confused to see Ace actually be in deep thought after her teasing remark.

"... Actually, I'm not sure what I like to drink myself. But," Ace paused and gave a slight smile, "I suppose it wouldn't hurt to just have hot chocolate with you tonight."

And before the demon could comment further, Ace turned and left for the kitchen. They quickly prepared some cheap packets of hot chocolate for themselves and their guest, and made a mental note to buy more packets later. As they worked with the milk and mugs the drink required, Ace again thought about the request from Melissa. She definitely did not fit the image of someone to enjoy a sweet drink, or sweets in general, and especially not with how she innocently and genuinely asked for it. It amused the Hunter and they smiled to themselves, but decided against commenting their thoughts about that to her when they head back.

With each drink in hand, the Hunter walked back with the demon laid back on the couch and getting comfortable. Ace set the drink down on the table in front of her, and she sits back up to peer into the cup. She grabbed the cup before her and as Ace sits beside her they see a smile form across her lips. Melissa held the cup close with both hands, and let the steam and heat of the cup warm her up. She blew away the steam and took a small sip of the chocolate drink and hummed in content, savouring the chocolate and milk taste.

Relaxed on the couch beside Melissa, Ace took a drink from their cup themselves. The amount of sweetness almost took them by surprise, but the drink quickly warms them up and relaxes their overworked body. They took a drink again and noticed Melissa staring at them.

"So?"

"... 'So' what?"

"So, how is it?"

"Well, it's definitely hot chocolate."

This time the demon was the one to sigh and roll her eyes. "No, I mean, would this be a drink that you like? I know you said you didn't have any preferences, but it wouldn't hurt to think about it more and try to find one." 

Ace became quiet for a moment, thinking about her response and considered it. "Hm, I suppose it's a bit too sweet for me," Ace smiled at the demon, "But, I'm definitely not opposed to it when I'm enjoying it with you."

Melissa sputtered to try to jab back with a joke but failed. Ace didn't take notice to her cheeks turning red as they closed their eyes and sank back into the couch more. Admittedly, they did enjoy having a simple, warm drink to take a break from their work, even if it was with someone that was previously their enemy. They definitely did not expect a difference in her character and preferences herself, but the two were only just starting to know each other more and more. Ace thought about asking more about Melissa's preferences, but pushed the thought aside to enjoy the moment together as allies.

And before the evening continued on, Ace said to Melissa in a somewhat teasing tone, "I'll try to get marshmallows for your drink next time, for a sweet loving demon like you."