Snow and Cocoa

Winter was not one of Maddox’s favorite seasons. Sure he enjoyed the beautiful coats and boots that came out with the cold, but he did not like the cold itself. Besides the fashion, there was only one other saving grace for the season in his eyes and that was the snow. Beautiful, fluffy, pure white that dazzled and mesmerized him every time it fell. If only it wasn’t so heavy and wet. Maybe then it wouldn’t be so bad to walk through. As things were, Maddox was struggling to find the desire to leave the warm, cozy library and traverse the hazard that was the snowy outside world. Already, there was enough snow to cover his hooves and be cumbersome to walk through. Just looking at it all made his legs feel cold and a shiver to dance down his spine.

“Ugh, gross,” he grumbled, resting his cheek on his palm as he glared out at the snow. With his shift at the local library finished, there was no real need to hang around further. Or rather, the library was closing soon and he wasn’t the one in charge of finishing the closing duties today. For once, he almost wished he was if it meant he had longer before his suffering. Reluctantly, Maddox shoved his arms through his plush, soft coat and tied it tight to his slender frame. Then he shoved a frankly massive hat on, just careful enough to keep his horns from snagging the fabric, followed swiftly by a pair of gloves that matched his entire ensemble. In blue of course because he was a sucker for his favorite color.

Maddox hesitated at the door as he opened it and a harsh gust of wind smacked him in the face with his chilliness and a nice bunch of snow. The moo let out a startled little squeak and quickly closed the door, lest he get another smack in the face. “I hate winter so fucking much,” he grumbled to himself before flinging the door open and quickly slamming it shut behind himself. Almost immediately, he was being assaulted by the wind and snow and his teeth were chattering despite his preparations and winter gear. Truly, winter was his most hated season of all. Maddox trudged through the thick, soft snow at the speed of a snail, absolutely miserable and he had barely made it anywhere. The snow was falling so thickly he could hardly see! And the wind was liable to knock him off his feet with how strong it was blowing! It was becoming increasingly obvious that Maddox might not make it home at his current pace, if at all. Staying out in the storm, though, would spell disaster. He needed a solution, and fast!

The solution turned out to be the one sign that was actually visible despite the heavy snow: the well lit sign for Brewed For You. Maddox could nearly weep for joy and quickly turned tail to trudge for the safe haven. The moo damn near collapsed as he forced the door open against the wind and tumbled inside…and right into Jasper’s ample chest. Maddox blushed and quickly pulled away. “S-Sorry!” He stammered out, half from embarrassment and half from how cold he was. He was so frozen it felt like his ears and tail were going to fall off! Despite pulling away, Jasper was quick to place a gentle hand on his forehead and click his tongue in disapproval.

“You’re freezing! Take your gear off and have a seat! You need to warm up!” It didn’t seem like Maddox was going to have a choice in the matter so he claimed a booth seat and threw everything across from him before plopping down to read a menu. It seemed like he wasn’t the only moo seeking shelter from the snow within the cafe for what little comfort it was worth. He could see other hunched over forms, some sleeping and others sipping coffee and other assorted hot beverages. On shaky, still frozen legs, Maddox stumbled over to Jasper at the counter and flashed him a friendly smile. He only knew the moo in passing when he came to visit the cafe for its other drinks as he wasn’t a coffee drinker and felt awkward ordering something that wasn’t a main menu item. He knew Jasper wasn’t judging him for it but still!

“Can I get a hot chocolate?”

“Of course! Anything else?” Jasper asked with that endlessly friendly smile.

“Oh, um, not really,” he said shyly, ducking his head and letting his hair hide his features.

“Sure thing Maddox. I’ll get that ready for you and call you when it’s finished.” 

“You know my name?” The words were out of his mouth before he’d realized he’d said them and Jasper’s eyes crinkled as he smiled and clearly tried not to find amusement in his accidental words.

“I make it a point to try to remember all of the moos who come to my cafe. Especially the skittish ones that look like they could use a little extra care.”

“Oh,” Maddox breathed out, blushing brightly. He paid and promptly fled back to his seat, cheeks redder than apples. What was he doing?! He shouldn’t be so flustered over someone so hot knowing his name! He should have some form of tact or immunity or something! He wrote erotica for milk’s sake! 

“Maddox, your hot cocoa is ready!” Maddox startled at the call, jumping up to his feet with freshly rosy cheeks as he awkwardly came to the counter. To his surprise, Jasper passed him his cup and a little saucer stacked with peppermint bark. 

“I didn’t order this?” He said in confusion and Jasper merely smiled and put the saucer into his free hand.

“You looked like you could use a pick me up so it’s on the house.” Oh…oh no, what was Maddox going to do? He was being so sweet even though the librarian was pretty sure he wasn’t one to be talkative. It must have really seemed like he was upset. He ducked his head shyly, letting his hair hide his face a bit.

“T-Thank you. You don’t have to worry, I’m okay. I just really don’t like the snow.” Jasper’s smile softened impossibly more.

“I’m glad to hear. You can ride the storm out here for as long as you want.”

“O-Okay, I’ll take you up on your offer then. Thank you Jasper,” he said softly, offering the larger moo a gentle smile of his own before retreating to his table. Since he was stuck for the foreseeable future, he might as well get some work done. And if that work happened to involve munching on peppermint bark and writing a story about a charming barista character with warm eyes and a warmer smile, well, nobody had to know who the inspiration was but him.