“ oh --- uh... if you want to... thank you. again. ” he flashes the stranger a bright smile that is true and genuine, happy to be accompanied though he doesn’t even know the man. aristotle is easy to trust others -- especially after something like that. all he could ask for now was someone to cuddle him until he falls asleep. “ i’m aristotle. i really can’t stop thanking you... ”

aristotle is finally able to take a breath, slouching against the building as he tries to calm himself. “ thank you... i mean, really, thank you. you saved me. ” fingers go up to comb through his blond hair, huffing a soft sigh as his gaze casts up to the stranger. “ i guess i kind of froze up with them all in my face... ”

aristotle lets a slight pink dust his cheeks as the other grabs his hand, but he follows willingly. “ it seems you’re already dragging me away, sir. ” he laughs, not letting go of his hand even when they get to the bar.

“ it’s fine, really. no need to apologize. ” he eyes the other man carefully for a moment, soft smile lighting up his expression. “ if you’d like to buy me another, i certainly couldn’t refuse. ”

i kinda wanna get back on this account

LIKE FOR A STARTER!

            “ but... how can you be sure though?? ”

he’s initially surprised -- obviously anybody would be if they got that entire order without any warning. but he’s handled plenty of this before. this one was just a bit more demanding. so aristotle only smiles and engraves the order into his memory.   so aristotle will give the man the total and then set about making his drink. he won’t say anything about not having a ‘venti’... they aren’t starbucks, but loads of people walk in trying to get their craved starbucks size.  only two minutes or so later, the beverage is ready, and he slides it over to the customer. “ you’re very particular about your kind of drink, huh? i hope i live up to your expectations. ” he smiles widely, running a hand nervously through his blond hair. 

              “ hi --- what can i get you? ”

           “ i’m so sorry --- i didn’t mean to run into you -- ”

aristotle was DEFINITELY nervous. he leads tony into the coffee shop, rolling up to the counter, blissfully quiet as always besides the soft playlist coming from the speakers. “ well, my friend is working today, so i can assure you he’ll make a great er... whatever is you order. ” he laughs softly, running a hand through his light hair as he tries to get his composure under control. it certainly didn’t help that the guy was attractive as well as genius... though aristotle doesn’t act on attraction often.

“ i wish i had a dog --- d’you think he’s just a stray or...? ”

            “ i’m just saying --- they NEVER caught the zodiac killer. ”

              “ er... is this your dog?? ”

like for a starter!!