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 Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2016 10:44 pm
It wasn't a Tuesday, but a Saturday afternoon that Chase had reluctantly agreed to work because one of his primary shift managers had begged and pleaded for the day off. He'd always been more of a shadow owner, the man who ran the business and did paper work, made sure everyone got paid, rather than being that guy who owned the business and worked in it regularly.
But, he had paperwork to fill out and schedules to write with his new hires starting the following Monday so, he agreed reluctantly.
It was a short shift, so really it was no bother, and as soon as one of the other shifts arrived he could bail out but -
There was a small inkling in his belly that told him being at the shop today was important. That Cosmos - Metallia - was smiling upon him.
Maybe the feeling had to do with the date, or the small wrapped box tucked away in his pocket. It definitely had to do with the way he watched the passerby's too intently, looking for a familiar head of long white hair, the small petite stature.
No, no.
It was Saturday. There was absolutely no reason for a particular someone to come in to the shop.
Not unless they caught a glimpse of Chase behind the counter.kuropeco i made a punny but chase needs to espresso his coffeels
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Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 6:53 pm
The Saturday rehearsal was not exactly an ideal time - but as his instructor had reminded them all, it was necessary if they were to open their recital on the proper date. Routines had needed extra work, and that had meant, much to the grumbling resentment of his fellow dancers, waking up obscenely early on a day clearly meant to relax and sleep in.
By the time rehearsal ended, several hours later, Auguste was more than a little tired. His rehearsal clothes - consisting of a pair of sky blue leggings, a long, white tanktop with thin straps, and a baggy, oversized teeshirt over it - felt heavy and a little sweaty, white hair twisted back into a long, messy braid.
"See you tomorrow," Auguste said finally, stepping out onto the sidewalk. He took a deep breath of the clean, fresh air, fully intending to go home and shower, perhaps take a nap -
- but his feet, as though by instinct, turned him to, not the road he would normally take to go home, but to the street that ended in a most familiar coffee shop. It had become such a habit to go there after every rehearsal that he had automatically assumed to go today as well, in spite of the day.
But Chase wouldn't be there today. It was a Saturday, after all, not a Tuesday or Thursday, and it was not as though Auguste was not looking forward to seeing the barista. It mattered a little too much that he was treated like a paying customer and no more, but he couldn't stop himself from going anyway.
Pathetic, he thought to himself, a little ruefully, You're pathetic, Auguste Phillipe Atwell.
He would just get a cappuccino and leave once it was finished; no need to linger, especially since Chase would not be there. Maybe he could feel a bit more relaxed, a little less like he was so spectacularly unwanted if he had some peace and quiet.
Auguste's head was lowered as he approached the store, and he pushed open the door with a little hum of thought, a small ding sounding as he stepped inside. He closed the door behind him, straightened, turned around, and -
- saw Chase standing behind the counter.
His mouth fell open, and for a moment he could do nothing but stare.
"Chase," Auguste said finally, a slight tremor to his voice. "H - hello. I didn't - I didn't expect to see you, um...here. Today."
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Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 7:46 am
Instinctively, almost embarrassingly so, Chase's head lifted when he heard the door pull open. Gold met blue and for a split second it felt like things moved in slow motion. Especially when the customer's jaw dropped and he simply started as if he was seeing a ghost and not the man behind the counter.
The moment faded and the sounds of the coffee shop burst back to life; the bubble of brewing coffee, the typing of fingers on a keyboard, the scrape of a chair, the hiss of steam.
Chase, it seemed, remained more composed than the boy who walked through the door because he didn't miss a beat with a dark brow cocking and a sly grin on his lips. "I can't tell." The tone was light, teasing, and much friendlier than the last time they'd seen each other. The pink-and-black haired man certainly seemed pleased to see the white haired as he slid over to the counter, propped his elbows on it and leaned forward. There was a shift in his gaze from Auguste's frame to the spot near the register, a silent invitation to sit.
"I'm glad you're here though." He felt less silly about carrying the box in his pocket now. "I know exactly what to make you, unless you've got something specific in mind but - " his expression twisted into a brief flash of uncertainty before he shrugged, "if you've got a drink in mind I'll make that instead."
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Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 2:01 pm
It took Auguste a moment to realize that he was doing nothing but standing there, stupidly, in front of the door to the cafe and that the world was still moving around him. A scarlet flush found its way across his cheeks, and he cleared his throat awkwardly, trying to push past the feeling in his chest.
I'm glad you're here, was what he'd said, but Auguste had already come to terms with the truth of that statement. Chase was glad that he hadn't yet managed to scare him off as a customer who spent way too much time at a coffee shop. But the tone was friendly and open, his expression similar, and Auguste felt his brows draw together, confusion warring over the resignation.
"Oh," he said uncertainly, stepping forward. He slid into the indicated seat and let his bag fall to the ground by his feet, hiking up the sleeve that slipped down in the process. "Um - no, no, please."
Auguste flashed a tentative smile, folding his hands together in his lap, peering up shyly at Chase from beneath pale lashes.
"I said I liked when you make me drinks, so please, go ahead."
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Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 2:17 pm
Chase had a staring problem, especially when it came to people he found interesting. Thus, he was staring, intently, at one Auguste Phillipe Atwell once he slid into the seat and cast his gaze downwards. He didn't miss blue eyes peeking from beneath pale lashes or the tentative smile.
The bridge hadn't crumbled even if it was a little burned, that was good. Chase was - well he was relieved, the dull feeling seeping from his chest and through his frame.
There were few things about his civilian life that he truly enjoyed leisurely and the company of the pretty boy was one of them. Which meant he was loathed to lose that, especially since Lara was still kept out of state. He missed his mother and the company she provided.
"Good," he said when too much time had passed between Auguste's sentence and his own reply. "It's a drink for ah - a special occasion." Fingers tapped the counter harshly before he peeled himself away and set about making a blended drink with that looked like it was made with some white powder. Normally he would've tried to make small talk while the drink blended but this time he waited almost nervously for it to finish and when he returned it was with something a pleasant coffee color and what appeared to be pink whipped cream.
When he slid the drink, and a straw, he very carefully slid the little box with it.
"Happy birthday."
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Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 2:42 pm
He felt strangely exposed, somehow; Chase kept looking at him, and it was making him incredibly nervous, Auguste shifting in his seat, wondering what he was doing here, whether he'd made a mistake in coming to the shop today of all days. He had not expected to see Chase, the one person who kept creeping into his thoughts despite all of his attempts at keeping it otherwise.
Don't be pathetic. You're his customer, nothing more.
Auguste's brows drew together, furrowing in confusion. "Special occassion?" he repeated, uncertain as to what exactly he was talking about, but Chase had already turned away from the counter to prepare the drink. Auguste saw powder, something blended, long hands moving expertly to create whatever concoction he had in his mind; he himself sat silently watching, biting his lower lip.
He relaxed a little, however, as Chase turned back around, drink in hand.
"Thank - "
The rest of the sentence died out instantly. Auguste stared at Chase, then down at the little box, then back up at Chase again, his eyes as moonbright and just as large, lips parted in shock. The flush that was on his cheeks had not abated, and seemed frozen in place now, Auguste utterly at a loss for words.
"W - what?" he stammered finally, tripping over the words. "How - how did you - "
Don't read too much into this don't read too much into this don't read too much into this -
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Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 2:51 pm
Surprise was an expression Chase had been expecting, how could he not be when the subject of birthdays had never come up in any of the conversations they'd had? The barista was resourceful and his ability to acquire information was remarkable and still - he managed to feel sheepish beneath the wonder in Auguste's voice and how he sounded both elated and conflicted.
It was his fault, he knew, because he'd done nothing but flip flop on the boy.
It was easier to act as though he didn't have emotions or that he didn't get attached but -
It was very possible that he was interested in maybe opening that shut door of his emotions. The presence of his pack mates had made him more suspetible to things like caring more than on a superficial layer. Alkaid had been a more firm and constant presence and she was, always without fail, able to make feelings he'd long since thought he was incapable of resurface.
Suri - Zircon - had that effect on him too.
"Surprise?" he asked tentatively, coming to rest his elbows and lean in towards Auguste once again. "I hope you don't mind. It's nothing special but I thought - "
I'm sorry, he thought as he pushed the wrapped gift closer.
"It doesn't matter. You deserve something nice."
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Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 6:53 pm
It felt somehow surreal; as though he'd stepped into a new universe with a Chase Black that was not speaking brusquely to him, that was not brushing him off, turning his back to him, treating him like every other customer who came into the shop.
Chase Black had handed him a drink specially made for him and a little box.
A gift. A gift. He'd found out about his birthday, somehow - the thought still left Auguste reeling - and had gone out of his way to get him a gift. It was unbelievable; perhaps he was dreaming, because this certainly was not what Auguste had expected in any shape or form.
They'd spent time together, talking over the counter, learning little by little, Tuesday by Tuesday, week by week, getting to know one another over mixed drinks and coffee and tea. But then there had been the off times, where Chase had simply turned away, given short, one word answers, waved him off without so much as a goodbye smile. There was still so much that Auguste waned to learn about this man -
Customer, Auguste reminded himself, and yet -
Did all baristas give their customers birthday gifts?
"It's..." His throat felt dry. Auguste swallowed hard, lifting his flushed face to stare in confused awe at Chase, his heart beating very fast against his ribs. He pressed his lips together and gave a quick nod. "No, I don't mind, it's - it's special, it's - "
With slightly shaking fingers, Auguste reached out, tentatively drawing the box nearer. He tugged at the ribbons, still trying desperately not to overthink it, but -
He got me a gift, Auguste thought dazedly, folding back the paper neatly. A gift.
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Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 10:39 pm
"I didn't think you'd stop in today, but I kept it with me just in case," Chase admitted, swallowing suddenly feeling a swell of nerves in the pit of his belly. "Though I'm sure you have better things to do than spend your day here." He was receding again, a sheepish smile on his lips when ran a hand through the pink and black strands of his fauxhawk.
Auguste just looked so overwhelmed, startled, and pleased that Chase didn't know what to do or say.
In the box was a simple silver charm bracelet, made up of stars and moons and two dance charms. It wasn't anything overly elegant, but still carefully and thoughtfully picked out.
Chase had purchase it a week ago, after he'd noticed the rope bracelet he wore and it reminded him of everything he thought of when he saw Auguste. Simple, elegant, beautiful as the night sky. There was a singular coffee cup charm sitting in the corner, unattached.
Chase was a man who picked each gift carefully, invested time and effort into them and made sure that he'd considered everything before purchasing it. Of course, he was the same man who spent hours painstakingly picking out flowers after researching all of the meanings to make sure they fit the occasion and person.
He couldn't help himself when he asked, "do you like it?"
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Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2016 7:27 am
His mind was sluggishly forming words that were not just meaningless syllables of wonder and awe. "No, I - I wasn't expecting to stop in today either," said Auguste, swallowing hard, and he was looking at the little box in his hands, not at Chase. "But I thought I could - use a pick-me-up after our Saturday rehearsal, since we don't usually have them."
Slender fingers carefully and slowly picked through the ribbon and the paper. Auguste was not one who rushed through opening gifts; each action was meticulous and tentative, because he liked to savor the effort put into wrapping, into the gift itself.
The paper fell away, revealing a little box, which Auguste opened after a moment's hesitation. Something silver glinted as the lid rose, and then there it was, simple and pretty, lying nestled in the typical white fluff usually associated with jewelry boxes.
Auguste stared at it. For a moment, he seemed completely and utterly lost for words, speechless in the face of a gift so thoughtful that it quite literally took his breath away. He lowered a hand, biting his lip, and smoothed the tips of his fingers over the cool metal before lifting it out and up, holding it as though it were something truly wondrous. Blue eyes traced every inch of it, every little detail, every link in the chain, every charm attached.
His gaze rose, lifted to meet Chase's, and the smile that broke out across Auguste's face was blinding, bright, stretching across his face and lighting up his entire countenance.
"It's wonderful," he said, curling fingers around it, feeling the coolness of it against his skin. "It's - this is beautiful, Chase, it's absolutely - I can't describe - "
He took a steadying breath - he got me a gift, he got me a bracelet - and then slowly, Auguste stretched out his arm across the counter towards Chase, fingers shaking slightly, the bracelet resting in the palm of his hand as he uncurled the fingers. His eyes never left Chase's, his expression hesitant, shy, but unwavering.
"Help me put it on?" he asked quietly, a soft, small smile touching his lips. "Please?"
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Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2016 8:23 am
He liked watching people open their gifts, because it said a lot about the person doing so. If they tore through the wrapping without abandon, they were impatient and eager. If they opened it at an obscenely slow pace, peeling the tape of with such delicacy that the paper remained unmarred and reusable, then they were a person who did everything calculated and careful with no room for thoughtlessness.
Auguste was a person who opened his gifts with care but not so much that it too more time to open it than it'd taken to wrap it. That told Chase that he was someone that appreciated things, took his time, and then - the look on his face, the sheer delight and euphoria that radiated off of his fair features told Chase that Auguste didn't often receive things like this.
In the end, Chase was grinning a crooked smile, hand half buried in pink with his palm pressed against his forehead. He probably looked messily charming.
"All you need to say is that you like it, your body language tells me everything else," he chuckled, low and rough. He didn't hesitate to reach for the bracelet, picking it up gingerly and unclasping it before leaning leaning forward, carefully fastening the jewelry around a slender wrist. Once it was secured, he let his fingers rest on Auguste's inner wrist.
He looked as he might say something and didn't instead, gingerly, he pulled away.
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Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2016 9:44 am
His mind felt as though it was going a million miles an hour, trying to catch up with what was happening. It seemed impossible that such a thing should even have occurred - and yet it was, because the cool metal of the bracelet was seeping into his skin.
Baristas don't give their customers birthday gifts, Auguste thought, staring dazedly at the grin on Chase's face. Baristas don't give their customers bracelets with little charms on them, charms about them, carefully picked to match.
So what, exactly, does this mean?
He was acutely aware of Chase's careful movements as he secured the bracelet in place, the shifting of his body, the brush of his hands. Beneath Chase's fingers, Auguste's pulse grew rabbit fast as he tried desperately to comprehend his own emotions, the words spoken to him.
He didn't understand them, or any of this.
His hand shot out, grasped ahold of the tips of Chase's fingers before he could draw them entirely away, the bracelet jangling merrily. Auguste was still staring, his cheeks flushed, but he had to at least -
"Thank you," he said quickly, eyes round, and he swallowed hard, but gave Chase a smile that touched flushed, freckled cheeks. "Really. It's beautiful, and I love it, so...thank you, Chase."
He held on just a second longer than was probably necessary and then let go, sliding his hands back across the counter.
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Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2016 11:11 am
Dark brows arched when Auguste quickly grabbed his fleeing hand. Whiskey-gold fixed a gaze upon the slightly joined hands before the other's fell and he dropped his own. "Yeah," he replied absentmindedly, clearly distracted. "No problem. It's nothing, really." He waved uselessly in the air because he wasn't sure where to go from here.
That was a strange concept in itself, Chase always knew what to do next and now, now he was simply looking at Auguste contemplatively.
"Well, I guess I hope the rest of your birthday treats you well...?" Did he ask what Auguste had planned? Would that be weird? Probably, considering the fact that he wouldn't be asking the boy to do anything. He had work and he was certain that it'd been made clear they didn't have a relationship outside of the coffees shop.
The club had been a fluke, a lapse in judgement for both of them.
Besides, while he didn't have a lot of moral reservations about things - he killed people and didn't even bat an eye about it - Auguste was sweet, soft, and taken. Besides, there was a pretty girl with pink hair that he'd been entertaining. It was probably best to keep his hands out of all the cookie jars.
"I'm not - I'm not telling you to go, but I figure you've got stuff going on," he said quickly, once it occurred to him how his words might've come across.
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Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2016 11:40 am
He wasn't sure if what he was seeing now was Chase closing in on himself again or just being polite; but Auguste felt the shift in the air, the smile changing from one of pleasure to one of thought as Chase regarded him before speaking.
It was -
- was it a dismissal?
"No, I - " Auguste leaned back a little, his lips parting in surprise, mouth opening and then closing again as he tried to work out what it was that was happening. His hand rose, and absentmindedly he smoothed fingers along the charms there, Auguste's emotions trying to coincide with Chase's whiplash tendencies.
The words came before he could stop them.
"I'm not doing anything," he said softly, shaking his head so that a few stray strands of white hair fell down around his face. "Nothing at all, I - I hadn't planned on - on doing anything after rehearsal except maybe eating, so - so I came here."
He was good at speaking most of the time; why did he sound so pathetically tongue-tied now? Auguste dragged in a breath and smiled across the counter at Chase, fingers wrapping loosely around the drink he hadn't yet tried to pull it towards himself.
"I don't have plans," he said.
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Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2016 2:23 pm
He could see the confusion twisting in Auguste just from looking at him. The boy wore his emotions on his sleeve but - Chase had always been observant and clever so he was hard pressed to miss the way his words effected the boy across the counter.
He had to remind himself not to overthink anything.
But -
I don't have any plans.
Without thinking Chase said, "when I'm off, let me treat you to food." He blinked three times after the suggestion slipped out of his mouth and then he shrugged, smile turning sheepish. "Birthday boys should pay for things on their day." His mom had always insisted that people get treated on their birthdays and had impressed the belief on her son fiercely. "I mean - if you don't have plans. Are you sure your friends won't want to do something for you or - " he hesitated, but it was so brief it might've been missed. "Or that you don't want to do something with Colin...?"
Subtle and smooth Chase. Subtle and smooth.
"It'll be another hour or so, so you don't have to feel obligated and wait."
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