Chapter 1: Midnight Espresso
Storm in a Teacup (Yes, it’s named after an RHCP song)
NSFW Content - M/M shipfic of Lopoddity’s OCs Aerostorm and Cuppa Joe. Romance, friendship, cuddles and smut.
You’ll never meet anyone as good as me, and you know it, babe.
The harsh words of his ex, Chakra Blossom, still rang in Aerostorm’s ears as clear as day. Even though it was months after their breakup, Aerostorm still felt something for the dreadlocked hippie, and that made him feel even worse. He was angry at Chakra, sure, but he was the most angry at himself for not seeing the freeloading, manipulative stallion for what he was. He tried his best to avoid Chakra, but they both lived in Ponyville, and it was by no means a large town. Whenever they crossed paths, Chakra made a point of showing off how well he was doing without Stormy. Stormy, of course, did his best to ignore him, but he had never been good at hiding his feelings. Their encounters usually led to him flying away as fast as he could manage without looking like he was fleeing. Today’s encounter had left him shaking with anger, as he saw Chakra leading his new paramour to all of the spots that he and Stormy used to frequent. Chakra had shot him a knowing glare over his shoulder, saying all he needed to without speaking a word.
As was his usual routine when Chakra got under his feathers, Stormy flew to the home of his best friend - who happened to be Chakra’s cousin - Rosemary. He found her in her backyard, doing her daily yoga. He landed next to her, his feathers ruffled and his breath unusually short.
“Chakra again, Stormy,” Rosemary asked calmly, not needing to look up to know it was her blue pegasus friend.
“Always, Rosie,” Stormy huffed, pacing restlessly around the yard. “He’s always just...so...” Stormy couldn’t even describe in words what Chakra’s mere presence did to him. Instead, he huffed and stamped the ground hard, trying to do something to get the pent-up anger out.
“Just breathe, Stormy. Just breathe.” Rosie’s voice was always soothing to Stormy. They were childhood friends, and Rosie was always there for Stormy when he needed her. She was the one who had finally gotten him to see through Chakra’s disguise of preaching free love and kindness that was simply hiding his inner narcissistic, lazy self. Afterwards, he had spent days in her company, pouring out all of his doubts and fears and insecurities. Rosie was always there to lend a sympathetic ear.
Stormy followed Rosie’s advice and took several deep, calming breaths. He stopped pacing and Rosie could feel his heartbeat slowing, the angry flush slowly fading beneath his fur.
“Thanks, Rosie,” Stormy said, exhaling a final slow breath. He shook his head, his sunrise-colored hair falling back over his red and blue eyes.
“Maybe you should get out of here,” Rosie said, sighing as she changed poses, slowly lifting her legs into the air, balancing on her forelegs.
“Wh-get out? Rosie, I’m sorry if I was intruding, but-”
“No, you featherbutt, not out of HERE, I mean out of Ponyville for a bit. Take a vacation. It seems like lately you’ve been doing nothing but practicing your flying and coming here to vent about my cousin. And as much as I support both of those activities, I’m starting to worry. Mom is too, and you know you might as well be part of the family. Take a break, maybe see Canterlot? I don’t remember you ever going there if it wasn’t for a competition, and you never really got to relax then.”
Stormy mulled the idea over. It did seem like a good plan. Rosie was definitely right about him - she always was. Maybe some time away from Ponyville was just what he needed.
“I know the owner of an amazing hotel out there, she’ll give you a good deal. Take a week or two, see the sights, spend some time alone. It will be good for you.”
Stormy nodded, all the bad thoughts of Chakra washed from his mind by plans for his vacation.
“Thanks Rosie,” he said, the usual pep back in his voice and step. He rushed over and swept Rosie up in a tight hug, swooping her out of her pose. She laughed, happy to see her friend feeling his old, doofy self again.
Stormy was beaming as he arrived in Canterlot, the massive, shining capital of Equestria. Rosie was right, he had never been here unless it was for a flying competition or demonstration. The air seemed clearer, the sun brighter, even the grass underneath his hooves felt softer as he explored the city. He found the hotel that Rosie had recommended, and the owner recognized him from Rosie’s description right away. He was led to a large penthouse and was so overcome by the grandeur that he barely heard the mare explaining all the luxuries of the hotel. He took a long, warm bath and was soon so relaxed that he fell asleep on the large plush bed.
Stormy awoke the next day feeling relaxed and ready to explore the grandest city in all of Equestria. He left the hotel and stepped into the bright morning sun, basking in the warm rays. He spent hours on his first day seeing all of the sights, even taking in a tour of Canterlot Castle. As the sun began to set, he passed by a rather unassuming coffee shop a few blocks from the hotel. He stopped in to see what kind of delights a Canterlot coffee shop could offer. The small bell above the door jingled and the stallion behind the counter turned to greet him.
Stormy’s heart skipped a beat when the unicorn locked eyes with him. His shimmering green eyes spoke of a gentle nature, and his mocha and caramel colored mane and scruffy beard framed his face perfectly.
“Heya, sunshine,” he called out, referring to Stormy’s orange, blue, and yellow-striped mane. Stormy stuttered out an awkward hello in reply, looking away from the stallion’s eyes and letting out an obviously fake cough.
“Welcome to Cup o' Joe,” the stallion said warmly, “home of the best cup of coffee in all of Canterlot.”
“That’s, erm, that’s quite a claim,” Stormy muttered, trying his best to keep his composure. His heart was beating fast, and he hadn’t had a sip of coffee yet.
“Oh? You doubt the magical mocha-making mojo of the great Cuppa Joe?” There was a glint in his green eyes now, a competitive flame that Stormy was all too familiar with in the pegasus racing scene. The cream-colored unicorn’s horn lit up with magic, and cups and utensils behind him jumped to life. The espresso maker heated up and dispensed its steaming contents into a cup, which was swept up with magic and carried over to the counter where the stallion added precise amounts of steamed milk and chocolate. A stirring stick was placed in the cup and spun around, whirling the contents together in a perfect blend. Joe placed the the cup on the counter in front of Stormy, who was frozen in rapt attention. He tapped the counter gently, leaning towards the blue pegasus with a warm, confident smile on his face.
“Order up.”
Stormy blinked, noticing for the first time that the unicorn’s face was barely inches from his. He blushed and took a step back before grabbing the drink and taking a sip. His eyes went wide as the combination of smooth milk, creamy chocolate and bitter espresso swarmed over his taste buds. He took another sip, then another, and before he knew it he was letting the last drops dribble onto his tongue. He licked his lips, a warm feeling washing over him from the hot beverage.
“Well,” Cuppa Joe said, “What would you say? Best coffee in Canterlot, right?”
“To be honest, this is the first cup of coffee I’ve had in Canterlot. So I guess that makes it the best by default,” Stormy replied, grinning.
Now it was Joe’s turn to blush. Stormy’s hair had fallen back, giving the unicorn a rare glimpse of his red and blue eyes. Joe had seen plenty of ponies come and go, but this was a rare sight for him. Stormy shook his head, his hair falling back in front of his face, leaving only his blue eye uncovered. The two shared another meaningful stare, only broken when Joe turned towards the door and spoke up.
"So, um, I'm closing up shop pretty quick here," he said, flipping the sign on the front door to say 'CLOSED', "and I don't know about you, but I'm famished. I know a great restaurant just down the street, would you....care to join me?"
Stormy mumbled something about the time, but found Joe face to face with him again, with those penetrating green eyes.
"You like hayburgers," he asked.
"Of course," Stormy replied, "I mean, who doesn't?"
"This place has the best hayburgers. I mean the BEST. Not just in Canterlot, but anywhere in Equestria."
"You make a lot of claims about things being the best," Stormy said quizzically, "But how do you really know that?"
"I've only been running this shop a few years," Joe replied, cleaning up ingredients and utensils with his magic, "Before that, I was travelling all over Equestria, sampling all different kinds of food and drinks. I learned lots of secrets from chefs all over before I settled down here and opened up shop."
"Well, if we want to get over there soon, toss me a washcloth," Stormy said, grinning and gesturing at a nearby table, "These tables are in pretty rough shape."
Joe chuckled and haphazardly tossed a cloth over his shoulder, landing it squarely on Stormy's head. The pair laughed and continued to chat as they cleaned up and closed the shop.
Later that night
Stormy groaned as he leaned back against the cushions of the booth that he and Joe were sharing. Once-full plates of food lay stacked on the table between them, a testament to the powerful appetites of both stallions.
“Ooof,” moaned Stormy, “I think I’m going to have to throw in the towel.” He tossed his white napkin on the table in an overly dramatic fashion, signaling his defeat. Joe chuckled around the half-finished hayburger he was demolishing, and it too soon disappeared.
“Let’s see, that brings the score up to....Six for you, and eight for me,” Joe said, grinning, “Looks like the bill’s on you.”
“That was the deal,” Stormy said, sluggishly placing a few bits on the side of the table.
“I was right, though, wasn’t I? Best hayburgers in Equestria?”
“I sure hope so,” Stormy chuckled, “anything better than this would probably be lethal!” The pair of stallions laughed. The waitress collected their bits and Joe left her a generous tip.
“Sorry ‘bout the mess, hun,” he said, grinning at her.
“It’s no problem, Joe,” she said, smiling back, “we always get ready for a big cleanup when we see your mug coming in.” She and Joe laughed heartily, and he and Stormy stood up from their booth, stretching lethargically.
“Two days into my trip and I’ve already had the best coffee in Canterlot and the best hayburgers in Equestria,” Stormy mused, “Looks like the next week and a half have a lot to live up to.”
Joe coughed quietly, drawing the pegasus’ attention.
“Listen, I had a really great time tonight,” Joe said, “And since I live here, i could show you all the fun spots that most tourists miss. A personal, guided tour from one of Canterlot’s own. What do you think?”
Stormy was unsure. Maybe it was the trip actually relaxing him, or maybe it was the six hayburgers that his stomach was still tackling, but he felt really comfortable with this unicorn who had been a complete stranger not two hours ago.
“That....that actually sounds really great, Joe,” he replied, grinning widely. “I’m staying at the Canterlot Commons. How about we meet in the lobby tomorrow morning, around 10?”
“Sound like a plan,” Joe replied as the two left the restaurant. Before they turned to go their separate ways, Joe stopped to give Stormy a smooch on the cheek and a sly wink.
“See you tomorrow, sunshine.”
Stormy had to turn away so that the unicorn didn’t see the big, goofy smile on his face.
