(( Joe’s view, written by Bray! for my birthday <3 ))
Waking up in a pool of sweat, curly hair frizzy and wild and clinging to his forehead. His heart pounding in his chest and his mind running a mile a minute as the nightmare begins to fade out. The bright light of his phone as he checks the time has him squinting as he catches his breath- it’s face looking back with bold numbers that read 3:00am. He sighs heavily and runs a calloused hand through his hair and leans his head back against the icy cool wall of his bedroom.
Not a day or night had gone by since John and Mix first came to Joe to ask about Andy that he hadn’t had dreams like these. The thought that the witch was in trouble- that he had been in trouble and Joe hadn’t seen it- he couldn’t stop thinking about what signs he may have missed. At work his mind was somewhere else, even Halsey’s jabs completely washing over him as if he was deaf to her voice. At the apartment you’d think he lived alone, as his interaction with Patrick had started to disintegrate into nothing. And the nightmares.
The nightmares came every night without fail. The smiling face of a dark haired monster looking back at Joe with dark circles round his eyes and pearly whites gleaming in the light of the moon. Andy distant and out of reach behind him, looking out a barred window and losing colour fast- the vision fading to black and white as the witch locks his eyes onto Joe and hoarsely whispers his name. That’s just before the spray of blood that wakes Joe up every time with goosebumps across his skin.
Things only got worse after John and Mix had run out of options and found themselves asking Joe for help. His bright panicked eyes shifting from one guy to the other as he wondered how he fit into the rescue equation. What could he offer? He left his apartment each day, no goodbyes or ‘see you later’ to Patrick, or his neighbors as he passed them in the halls. Halsey stopped talking to him at work, and eventually he stopped going. Every waking moment was spent planning, and fretting, and wondering about what was happening to Andy.
When there were only a few days left before the rescue, Joe spent his time at Andy’s place with the witch’s friends, hanging on to their every word and making note of every bit of information and instruction they had to give them. Committing each one to memory and trying his best to give helpful feedback. John and Mixon were both visibly impressed by the amount of critique and strategy he had to offer, but Joe didn’t even notice. All he was concerned with, was the task at hand. They couldn’t fail.
He couldn’t fail, Andy.
Not again.
They we’re going to get him, and he couldn’t help but be thankful for the research he had been doing, and the notes he had been taking when him the guys were planning. He knew it would be rough, and that- that maybe they wouldn’t even all make it. Or more realistically- that he might not make it, but there was nothing left to hold him back. He didn’t think Andy had such an affect on him, but the truth was that he had missed him every day since Pete had arrived- even before Andy had actually left. And the more and more he tried not to miss Andy, the more he wanted to- well…
He shook his head and exhaled. It was his turn. His time to go in.
What felt like months of arduous planning had culminated into what seemed to be only a few moments of actual work. It all went by in a blur, and in the moment that Joe saw the bundle of blankets in John’s arms, everything else melted away. The words exchanged sounded like skipping cassette tapes and TV fuzz, and the motions and movement felt almost out of body as he moved down the corridor trying to get outside with the heavy load in his arms. When did Andy get into his arms? How long had he been holding him instead of John? The growls and scratches muffled and distant in comparison to the buzzing in Joe’s ears as he looked down as Andy’s face peeping out of the sheets. Skin sallow and pale, even his ink seeming to fade as if losing its once vibrant colour. Dark circles beneath his heavy-lidded eyes, and ginger hair stuck to his forehead as if from a cool sweat.
He had been so stubborn. Andy too. They had both tried so hard to not let the other see right through them, and yet now Joe knew there was one thing he couldn’t do without.
The days ran together. The first couple were rough, as Andy’s body detoxed and he shifted between nightmares and reality. Now that he was back, Joe replayed memories in his mind on metaphorical repeat as he tried to remember what Andy was like before the sobbing mess that laid in the back room now. Joe tried to be discreet about his own emotions, but they always seemed to throw him back. Mixon could see it on his face, and sighing he moved to stand beside him and clasp a hand over his shoulder.
“Come on, Joe…”
“Hmmm? Oh I’m, I’m okay. I can stay- I can…” He shrugged fumbling over his words.
“I wasn’t gonna ask you to leave. Come on.” He gave the man a squeeze before letting his shoulder go and motioning for Joe to follow.
The two were silent as they made their way to the shop.
“He’s gonna expect this place to be in top shape, ya know.” Mix smirked and looked at Joe from the corner of his eye. All three of Andy’s rescuers were tired, in all senses of the word, but for Joe- Mix knew he needed this distraction. “We gotta help out, yea? Today is day one for you, newbie.” He took an apron from the back and tossed it at Joe.
His eyes looking around the dusty shadow of what the shop once was, and brightening at the possibility of making things right here for Andy. This was how he could truly be helpful. This is how he could really make a difference.
He soaked up everything Mix showed him like a sponge. Cleaning the whole place up top to bottom, with John and Mix switching shifts on taking care of Andy, while the other helped Joe. Brunette curled locks put up into a messy bun, and a broom in hand as Joe got to every nook and cranny and made it spotless. He watered and tended to the plants how Mix showed him, and he rotated the inventory. He read some of the resource books on herbs and medicine- not understanding all of it, but learning a thing or two to try and distract himself. But once the shop was in tip top shape he was spending every other waking moment back at Andy’s. Making food for all of them, doing the laundry, keeping the apartment clean- things no one asked him to do, and that even he himself hadn’t realized he was doing as much work as he was. He just needed the constant distraction. He needed to feel like he was helping.
It had been over a week since Andy was home, and he was finally starting to get some colour back, and the nightmares seemed to be fading. John and Mix had to run out and get some medicine from the shop, and reassured Joe that they’d probably be back before Andy woke up. He watched the two leave, and nipping his lower lip he looked back over his shoulder at the witch’s bedroom door. Sighing and leaning back on the couch he tried to just relax and not think about anything, waiting for them to come back.
“Mmmphffff…”
Joe shot up at the muffled sound and strained to listen.
“Mmphicksun…”
It sounded strained and hoarse, and Joe was swift to his feet and stumbling towards Andy’s door- pausing to compose himself before opening it and peeking in. Andy blinked and sleepily rubbed at his eyes.
“Mixon?” Andy yawned and was sitting up a bit in bed. Joe felt a soft smile tug at the corner of his lips and supported himself against Andy’s doorframe as the sound of his voice made Joe weak.
“Sorry, not this time.” His voice soft as he stepped inside and slowly made his way toward Andy, not wanting to startle him. Andy’s brows raised and his breath caught in his throat as he saw Joe coming towards him. He was such a sight for sore eyes that Andy didn’t see the bags under his eyes, or his messy hair, or the fact he had obviously been wearing the same clothes for at least a couple days in a row. No- Andy didn’t see that. He saw those bright blue eyes, that sheepish lopsided smile, and the familiar face of a friend he didn’t think he’d see again. “Do you need something?”
“What are you doing here?”
Joe was startled by the question. He wondered what Andy remembered. What he knew. What had John and Mix told him? Had they told him anything at all? He wasn’t sure what to say or how to respond. Maybe- Maybe Andy didn’t want him there?
“Oh I- I just thought I’d check up on you.” He settled on that for now, nodding his head as he was now at Andy’s bedside, looking down at him. He repeated his question, “Do you need something?”
“Hmm? No I-” His head was pounding and he was trying to shake this feeling of vertigo that was threatening to overcome him. Joe sat at the edge of the bed, and used one hand to grab a glass of water Mix must have left there for Andy, and used the other to gently lift the back of Andy’s head.
“Here...take it easy.” He tilted the glass against Andy’s lips and waited til the witch managed to take a few sips before a smile slipped over his features and he put the cup down and lowered Andy back on the pillow. His hand lingered, his fingers running through the ginger hair with care as he admired seeing the man before him. He realized this was his first time truly seeing him since they had brought him back home.
“Thanks.” The shy toothy smile, and Andy’s soft voice broke Joe from his reverie an with the palest hint of pink across his cheeks he pulled his hand away and shrugged.
“No problem.” The front door opened and clicked from outside the bedroom, and both turned towards the sound. “John and Mix must be back. I’ll send Mix in, okay?” Joe suggested with a grin, as that is who Andy had been asking for. He just nodded, and Joe got up to do as originally requested.
Mix came into Andy’s room like bambi on ice, a wild smile on his face.
“You’re awake!” He came in and shut the door behind himself before sitting beside Andy in the bed. “How do you feel?! Did you need something? Sorry I wasn’t here man- we went to Greenleafe to get you some stuff…”
“I wasn’t...I didn’t think...why is Joe here?” Andy interrupted Mix’s rambling with some of his own.
“What do you mean?” Mixon’s eyebrow raised as he had already gone to work mixing in a powder from a packet into the glass of water for Andy.
“Why did...I mean he came to see me. Why? Did you tell him about me?”
Mix shook his head, and offered Andy the potion, motioning for him to drink it before he started to talk.
“Andy...Joe never left.” It was obvious by the confusion on his friend’s face that he wanted the long explanation. “We wouldn’t have been able to save you without Joe.” Nightmarish flashes came to Andy as he flashbacked to his time with Pete and Mix steadied him with one hand on his back and the other urging him to drink the rest of the contents in the cup. He told Andy everything. About what Pete had been doing, about the planning, about Joe’s help and how the human was braver than anyone they had ever known. How he wouldn’t put Andy down for anything until they could get him into his bed. He told him about how Joe was helping out around the shop, and how he had been making them food and doing chores, and helping out for over a week, and showed no sign of stopping.
Joe was sitting on the couch, looking towards Andy’s bedroom door and wondering what the two might be talking about. He wanted to go back in there. He wanted to hear Andy’s voice some more, and to be reassured that he really was going to be okay. He wanted to see if he was hungry- maybe he should be making him some food right now. Joe kept getting off and on the couch, trying to figure out what to do with himself and how to be useful.
“Relax.” John’s voice startled him as he felt his hand on his shoulder. He motioned for Joe to follow him, “Why don’t we go and do a once over on the shop one more time. After all, I have a feeling Andy will have it up and running again in no time.” He winked and Joe smiled at the thought of that, and with a bit of reluctance and long look over his shoulder towards Andy’s room he finally gave in, and headed out to the shop. Hoping with all he had, for Andy’s recovery and to see him smiling again soon.
He hurt, everything hurt. He couldn’t place why, but he knew he’d never felt this kind of pain before. Like every nerve ending on his body was on fire, that every piece of his skin was touching a hot flame and he couldn’t scream. The fire working it’s way down his throat, making everything, every movement, every second feel like he was being burned and torn apart. Hands on his skin felt like weights, thousands of pounds and heavy, the cool touch almost burning him just as bad. He couldn’t hear the soothing words, couldn’t hear who it was. Could only feel the weight, and the pattern of fingers. He can’t take in the comfort they're probably offering, though maybe it's causing the pain. He can’t really tell anymore.
Burning, burning, and fire fade into being frozen, and flare back and forth between the two. Which fades to just everything aching, like his insides are turning in on themselves. He can hear talking, can hear John and Mixon talking next to him, not knowing how aware he is they talk about one another, Andy can’t figure out what though. All he can focus on is the pain, and the sweet relief flooding through him that he’s safe. He’s safe and he’s free and he no longer has to wake up afraid. Wake up wondering if Pete’s just going to kill him. He’s home.
Things seem to improve after he realizes this, he loses a lot of time, waking and feeling hands, water, food. He’s only half aware for a long while, it feels like a day but he knows it’s so much more. There’s ups that always are followed by a down, the pain fades and with it fevered nightmares. Mixon’s warm form behind him, holding him tight and he feels like only than he can really breathe. John and Mixon are always there with him when he awakes, thrashing and screaming. Pain thumping through every limb he moves and his head. Those fade as well, into nothing, into darkness and he awakes for the first time aware and okay and Mixon’s there, sleeping next to him, long legs laying out on the blanket and snoring into the pillow next to Andy and he cries. Warm tears running down his face, exhausted and hurting.
He went back, walked back into the arms of this man and yet. They still came for him, cared for him like they always did, and we're right here by his side. His family, brothers, and more all at once. “You’re okay.” John whispers, fingers running through his hair and he turns his head and nods, eyes falling closed against the tears. “We’ve got you.” He soothes, gentle, and right there for him.
It starts getting better after that, actually better. He wakes for longer periods of time, and sits up in bed on his own for a few minutes a day. Mixon starts finding him solid foods that aren’t too harsh, and drinks. Stuff packed full of calories to bring his weight back up to something healthy. He’s never alone though, every time he awakes, someone’s by his side right there for him. He knows what they're doing, why they're doing it and he welcomes it. He want’s to ask things, who's taking care of his shop. Who's helping Avalon, but he can never get much out words just a step to far for him. Just a little bit of too much. The others understand though, and never push him to make that step. Always knowing what he needed without him needing to ask. There to take care, and he feels so many emotions of regret, and shame. Knowing he can’t take back his choices, that he can’t turn time around. He can’t fix this, and yet they don’t seem to care. He’s sure when he’s healthy again, really healthy. He’ll get a lecture, a talking to, and somehow he’s excited for it.
Until then. He sleeps.
“A hotel?” John nodded, flipping through the papers, and sliding them back over to Mixon, he’d never thought of all places a hotel would be where Pete was hiding away at. They were shoved away in a dark corner of Superfruit the sunlight falling behind buildings as it set and the group well capable of moving John in the light, they were wanting to meet with Joe outside the houses but still needing something away from the main crowds. A mutual ground for all of them out of a piece of respect. Mixon was relieved Joe agreed to help, and he wanted to respect Joe as much as possible.
“Are you sure?” Joe asked, frowning and taking the paper, red circles around images of a man walking out of the hotel room. A familiar man, the one he’s seen with Andy, and he’s sure is this guy named Pete they’d been talking about. So he is there, but that’s all they know for sure.
“Completely, no one’s seen Andy though, neither going in or out...so he might be keeping him elsewhere...or…” John started but Mixon cut him off with a sharp glare and bright eyes in the dark, looking down. Months. Pete had been around for months, since they’d left. Stalking them probably, following every move waiting for Andy to be weakest, to be easiest to manipulate back under his grasp. Fuck, this was so fucked. He’d been around this whole time, they didn’t notice, didn’t think he’d follow them all the way out here and by the time they did...it was too late. He’d gotten just what he came here for, just what he was looking for.
“Is there any...things he could of done to him? He can’t turn him right?” Joe asked, looking between the two. He didn’t know these things like they did, he didn’t really understand why they really needed him but he couldn’t stand around. Not if he was being asked for help, and if Andy really needed it like they seem to think, and it seemed to appear, than he was going to give all he had.
“I don’t know...I don’t. He can’t be turned, but that’s the extent of my knowledge, I don’t really interact with people of my kind outside my job, and were a weird bunch as it is. We don’t talk being vampires, we kind of...just be. I live with a wolf, and a witch...there’s never been any reason to learn…” John explained, knowing that he’d be the one of the three of them to know anything if at all, and all he knew was that Andy couldn’t be turned, that didn’t mean that Pete wasn’t capable of doing other things unknown to them. “Pete’s born, he’s….not like me. He’s more powerful, he’s known this world his whole life.” Mix sighed, this was...this was a risk, they could be barging in and doing something they don’t even understand, but they couldn’t leave Andy under his control, or whatever the fuck was going on with him, at his place. With him, couldn’t leave Andy to die by some abusive assholes hands.
“So..when do we go...go into this room or show up or what.” Joe asked slowly, looking between the two. John and Mix looked at him, and then one another, Mix’s eyes dropping onto the paper.
“Tonight, we can’t wait any longer, we go. We show up, and we get Andy back tonight.” He said, climbing up. Stupid, no plan, no real idea of what they were up against, but the longer they waited the longer he had Andy and who knows what that meant. He was sure they’d be fine, for Andy they had to and that was enough to motivate him.
“Mixon. Tonights…” John said voice hushed, fast as he caught his boyfriend. The taller looked down, he knew what today was. Knew what tonight was. He knew this would be the best night, despite the lack of plan he’d be his strongest. He’d be the best he can for this, giving them the highest chance they’d have of getting Andy back from Pete’s grasp.
“I know...You and Joe get Andy out of there as fast as possible… Then lock me in with him.” Not like Pete mattered, but he didn’t want to be loose on the city, loose in the woods. He knew himself well enough to know he was no danger, but he’d rather not draw attention to himself. Pete should keep Mix occupied enough and keep him from breaking out of the building and John would be there if not.
They came up with the plan, moving through the city in the car, down the empty highways as the sun set, Mix’s fingers tight on the wheels. He needed more time than they probably had, they needed at least a small plan until Mix was ready, until he was changed and able to take Pete fully. So they talked everything out, everything that might be needed. What ifs, what to do, and while it was shaky and left a lot of space to go wrong, they’d give it their all and maybe succeed. All John and Joe needed to do, was buy Mixon time.
The hotel wasn’t in any shady part of town, not like Avalon had shady parts of town however. A nice warm inn, fitting with the rustic feel all the buildings in the city had. It was locally owned, a older couple who were born in Avalon ran together. Their children helping around. They’d stayed here a few days when moving from city to city, and he remembers it fondly. They had certain rooms set up for certain types, and he knew just what wing Pete would be in, knew the room from the feed. Standing outside, the wind whipping around them, the door seemed so harmless. It all seemed so harmless, but it wasn’t. There was so much going on behind it, so much more than what was just in front of them and they needed to act. Andy...their friend, family, he’d been everything to them and gave them a place of acceptance and love when they hadn’t had it. Now he was taken again by this asshole who’d plagued their lives for so many years. This man who thought he was better, and he had rights to a person such as Andy.
“Fuck this.” Mix finally declared, walking up to the door to kick it in, if they were wrong they could pay for the door, explain it to the people. They weren’t though, Pete startling from where he was sitting at the table, eyes flashing to look at Mixon. Joe was fast to come in though, fast to slip in and take the lead.
“A mundie?” Pete hissed through fangs. Joe kept his fingers tight on the stake, this was honestly the closest he’d been to anything like this, any situation like this. Fuck he was a record shop employee who liked to play the guitar and get high sometimes. Now he was standing in a hotel room with two guys he’d met once or twice about to fight a fucking vampire for a witch who’d become a friend. “You know I can kill you, so easily, you can’t fight me.”
Joe rolled his eyes at Pete’s confidence at the line that’s so common, so obvious. “So can falling in the shower, or slipping on ice. Fuck man, even running into a door could kill me. Chill the fuck out.” He had this, he got this, shoving the wood hard into the man's chest while he was staring at him in surprise.
“You...this is so obvious and stereotypical.” Pete said, grinning at the other and pulling Joe’s wrist to tug the human closer. “Also doesn’t work and I’m sure you’re friends know that...what...you’re bait?”
“Hey asshole.” John called. Making Joe turn to see the vampire holding a bundle of blankets bare feet sticking out over his arm of the carefully held cargo, Andy. He had Andy. “It’s a new moon.” He grinned, stepping out of the hotel room. Joe was still stuck by the hand on his wrist but the fear on Pete’s face told him that the vampire knew what that meant. Even though Joe didn’t completely understand he knew it had to do with Mixon, had to do with the wolf, but he thought they shifted on Full Moon’s. A loud growl coming from behind Joe telling him no, no apparently he knew wrong, and before he could really process, a claw came down onto the hand holding his. Nicking him slightly, but he was free stumbling away from the now changed man, and Pete. Eyes going wide to see the wolf dropping down onto the vampire.
“Joe!” John yelled, getting his attention on the plan again, the human dropping the stake to run out of the hotel. “Here.” Joe was given an armful of the witch, John going to take care of the door pulling it shut. “Lock me in he says, as he fucking kicks in the door. Dumbass.” John hisses, dropping down to hold the door closed turning his eyes to look at Joe.
The taller wasn’t really ready to take an armful of Andy, he’s surprisingly light, then again maybe not so much he wasn’t very tall. He’s bundled in the hotel blankets, John must of just grabbed him and ran. He’s paler, it’s the first thing Joe notices about his skin, and face. Dark circles, bruises on his face and ankles. Joe slowly lowers the both of them down on the ground, knowing his back , despite how light Andy is, won’t hold him for long. He shifts so Andy’s laying against him head resting on Joe’s chest, carefully held and protected, adjusting the blankets to cover his body more. He could see the others neck, bruised and scratched up, swallowing hard and looking up at John who was leaning against the door. Holding it closed and probably listening at the same time.
“Will he be okay…” Joe asked, getting the others attention on him. John looked, frowning.
“I don’t...know. I don’t. I have no idea what Pete’s done to him...if it’s just feeding..if it’s more…” Joe looked down, the pale face nestled safe against him and felt his stomach twist into knots. Remembering the others smiling face when he came into the shop, the way he looked working on his potions while Joe watched. He may not of known Andy for long, but he looked..so lifeless. So off. The noise in the room died down thrashing and yelling turning into just growls and snarls, slowly turning into just crashes and then nothing and John breathed out.
“Did...is he dead?” Joe asked, slowly, wondering if that was why the other relaxed and John nodded.
“Yeah, it’s just Mix now, he’ll pace around. Freak a bit and then probably pass out in some corner.” He’d been through enough new moons to know the routine for the wolf. Though the lack of him probably threw the other a bit he was sure he’d calm down.
“Joe…” Joe jerked, startling John, looking down at the other in his arms, eyes closed, but they slowly opened. Blinking slowly before falling closed again. The grey of his eyes were so pale, and bright, making them seem whiter than normal and losing the blue tint to them.
“Andy...fuck man.” He breathed. “Hey, it’s okay now alright? John and Mix and shit, we got you.” He wasn’t sure what else to say, the other turning into him shivering slightly and Joe pulled the blankets tighter.
“No…” He whispered, and Joe wasn’t sure if it was towards what he was saying or something else, something he was remembering. “No Joe...no. I need…” He fumbled, shivering harder and Joe guessed it wasn’t the cold. “Why...you.” He fumbled breathing hard and Joe looked up at John, confused and terrified because he didn’t know what the hell Andy was trying to say, or get across.
“Andy it’s okay.” He soothed, unsure really what else to say right now, he didn’t know what Andy was trying to say, for now it was all he could think of.
“You’re here.” He whispered in response and Joe nodded.
“Yeah..yeah I am…” He reassured, still unsure what to do, putting a soothing hand on Andy, running it carefully over the blanket covered skin. Andy made a distressed noise shaking still, and Joe shushed him, soothing the best he could until the other seemed to fall back asleep, not peaceful, still shivering now and again but Joe only held tighter.
“His heart rate is too fast.” John commented, watching them. “I’m...I’m sure it’s just the stress.” He looked up at the door. The two sitting in silence outside this hotel room, it gave Joe a lot of time to think of the insanity that just happened. He stabbed a vampire, with two guys he barely knew, to save Andy, another guy he was just….kind of getting to know really well. It was not what he’d planned for himself when he moved here.
John climbed up, going back into the hotel and coming out with Mixon, arm over his shoulder. “Let’s go.” He mumbled, nodding to the car and Joe hefted Andy up to follow. Laying him out in the backseat, head in Mixon’s lap, and moving to sit in the front with John.
He’s really unsure where things are going to go from here, can’t predict anything anymore after today. Looking behind himself to see the two in the back, and the man next to him before leaning back. It might not be as bad as he’d thought.
Rhett stared at the sign, posted to the glass door with dark writing on bright white paper. ‘Closed until further notice, please check back next week.’ He’d looked up shops in Avalon, and this was the only one. The only shop owned by a witch that wasn’t going to end up charging him a fortune and wasn’t going to sell him a bag of flowers saying it would help. It was closed, why was it closed.
“Excuse me.” He said, keeping his voice soft, rolling his shoulders down to seem smaller to not scare the person walking by. A woman with colorful hair and in a uniform that clued him she might be heading to the yoga studio next door. “Do you know what happened to the shop? I’m in need of some medicine.” He asked, she shook her head, rainbow curls moving.
“I’m sorry, it was open for a short while this week but the witch who runs it hasn’t been in since….almost two weeks now….” She explained. “I don’t know what’s going on. Just closed one day. I’m really sorry.” She seemed sympathetic and he let her go, thanking her softly and looking at the door. Head down as he headed to the cafe on his way home. Getting some tea, and some soup from the bright and happy duo running the counter. Not really anything that would help, but maybe it would be comforting at least. Carrying the plastic bag carefully through the streets until he got to their home. The studio, and everything inbetween. Unlocking the door and balancing the items and walking in. Link was sitting up on the couch, sniffling and looking exhausted, the laptop laying on his chest as he clicked and edited.
“You should be sleeping…” Rhett commented softly. Setting the bag down on the coffee table, Link sighed, slowly closing the laptop, and his eyes.
“I know….did you get anything?” He asked, voice hoarse. There kinds didn’t get sick like mundies, but it happened, every now and again, something would blow through and hit a few of them. Different kinds affected by different things, and sometimes similar things crossed. This wasn’t one of them, so Rhett wasn’t worried about the illness being spread.
“No...the shop was closed, seems like it will be for awhile...we’ve got the hospital if it gets really bad?” He suggested, not like they had a whole lot of money for it, but he’d sooner give his left arm than let Link suffer though.
“It’s fine...I’ll be fine. Thank you though….” Link’s eyes opened, looking at the bag, and then the giant. “What did you end up getting?” He asked, shifting to sit back more and relax.
“Soup...and tea. From Superfruit...I know it’s more of one of those weird mundie traditions we’ve read about...and not completely one of our own...but...I mean the warmth will help soothe right?” He offered, and Link laughed, coughing slightly and nodding, sitting up now and taking the offered food. Eating in silence while Rhett kept himself busy with his laptop. He’d lost himself in the readings and plannings of future episodes, trying to help Stevie a bit with things, and get everything going.
When he looked up, Link was asleep, his hair falling into his eyes, not styled up because he wasn’t being filmed, and he was sick. The taller reached out slowly, long fingers brushing against the warm forehead, and Link shifted into the cooler touch, encouraging Rhett to run his fingers through the dark bangs. Staring at the others sleeping face for a long moment, before starting, turning back to his laptop, his own cheeks as red as the others.
Andy rubbed his neck, rolling his head slightly, and looking over at the sleeping form in the bed next to him. Looking down at his hands right after, he’d been up already for an hour just staring at the dark bedroom walls. You could see the faint discoloring of his skin, through the tattoos, the dark marks of tight fingers and rough hands. He was sure there were many more that his tattoos hid away, and covered. Marks on his neck the only strikingly obvious ones on pale skin. He looked back at Pete, slowly climbing up from the bed to start making food before the other woke up. His best chance to eat in peace, if he managed to eat at all.
The weeks had blurred, he’d only meant to stay a night, a day, get away from Mixon and John and have some time to make the choices he felt were right, and now. He had no idea how long it had been, it had morphed into something more, something he couldn’t escape the longer he was here. A day to just, get out and away, and now it came down to all of this. He was trapped, and it was his fault. He’d knew, knew there was more to it, that he’d trusted to fast, and fell to quick. He’d just. He’d had so many years of his life with the other, he’d hoped. Hoped maybe he was to quick to leave him, to quick to judge. Pete loved him, he did, and Andy still never doubted that even now, but he also wasn’t okay. He wasn’t showing love, and maybe it ran to far, maybe it wasn’t true anymore and Andy just wished it was. He’d just wished it was there, so much of his life dedicated to this man, so much of who he was because Pete helped him find himself when he was younger, he’d hoped for that again. That years ago had been just so quick to judge, and now he didn’t know. Maybe it was, maybe he was overreacting. He didn’t know, confusion and pain were really all he knew for sure.
He’d stared at the bowl he’d grabbed far too long, slowly dumping the powdered packets of oatmeal, and shoving them into the microwave with some water. Closing his eyes again listening to the buzz of the microwave spin, he was exhausted. He needed to go outside, he needed to...breathe fresh air. Pete didn’t let him, didn’t let him outside, didn’t let him do anything. It was more torture than the actual pain the older had inflicted on him in a way. He was a witch of nature, of the world of outside, he needed it like he needed food and water. He was sure Pete knew that, was sure the older knew how much this was keeping him under the vampires finger. He’d do anything just to breath the air outside the door, the few seconds it was open when Pete was leaving, he lived for it now and he wished he’d be able to get more.
Most of all though despite the need for the fresh air and outside, he missed Mixon, and John. He missed the shop, and Joe. He missed everything, and he’d thrown it all away for a hope, for an old love. He sniffed, reaching up to rub at his face and breath in deeply, he can’t be weak. Can’t...he. He was happy, this was what he wanted, and he was happy with his choice. The microwave dinged and he grabbed the food moving over to sit on the couch. Pete usually slept most of the day away, leaving Andy on his own for a bit to eat, and breath. To think, which could be either good or bad. He stared at the bowl, twisting the spoon into the oatmeal, watching it stick and roll. He didn’t have a lot of food choices, and this had been his exclusive diet the last two weeks, since they stopped going out. Stopped leaving. His head turned at the sound, the shifting of the back room and he tensed up looking back down at the bowl.
“What time is it?” Pete mumbled long fingers running through spiky hair, and Andy shrugged. Not sure, not sure of the right answer. Never sure of the right answer.
“No clocks…” He mumbled softly, twisting the spoon more. Startling at the hand on his chin, pulling his head to look up, nearly dropping the bowl of food. Looking up grey meeting the others dark eyes, and he couldn’t look away. He had to meet the others eyes, look in and see nothing, no love, no Pete. It was like he was a different person than the one Andy knew before.
“Tonight is the night you know…” He let go of Andy’s chin to run his fingers over the others jaw. “We’ll be together, like we should of been a long time ago.” He added, and Andy couldn’t do anything but sit and stare, frozen in fear, and something deeper. Couldn’t say no at this point, or fight it, he was going to belong to the other, and no amount of his magic or anyones could be of any help after this point. The fingers were gripping again. “You want this right?” He asked, voice firm and Andy nodded into his hand.
“Yeah, of course I do…” He whispered, and knew it was all lies. Knew it was fake, and that he was just saying it because he felt he had to, couldn’t do anything else but agree.
“Good….I’m going to go and get some things, you stay here. Don’t go anywhere.” He demanded, the fingers were gone but the threat lingered. “Clean the kitchen to...please?” It was formality, they both knew Andy would do it regardless for the please or no. He nodded, finally looking away when Pete moved away to get dressed to go. Andy listened to him go about, changing, and the sound of the doors locking and closing up. Putting him back alone, and no way to really tell the time of day, or where he was.
He wasn’t that hungry anymore, climbing up to wash the bowl out, and clean like he was suppose to. Ignoring the sting of tears, he could cry right now. No one would know but him. No one would ever know but him.
Andy turned the pen against the paper, leaving dark ink marks against the tan empty pages. Watching the pen spin under his fingers eyes half lidded. He’d been so tired lately, unable to focus on his work. Unable to really get anything done with all this shop stuff and he honestly felt bad. He loved his customers. Loved helping them and working with them. Why he couldn’t focus he couldn’t place. His eyes fell on the clock, they’d close in a short time, and he’d meet Pete outside the shop. Get dinner with the older and maybe it’ll take his mind off all this.
The shop bell rings, rattling loud through his ears and he looks up, expecting one person and being met with another. Mix is laughing, holding the door open for a young woman who scurries in and Andy looks at the time, and his roommate again in surprise.
“I thought you and John were going out?” He asked slowly, looking at the girl and then his roommate.
“He’s still at work for another hour and I got bored.” Mixon laughed. “Ran into the customer while coming in here, she’s looking for some kind of sleep stuff.” Andy nodded, moving over to help her and tilting his head back at the taller.
“I close in a few, and then i'm going out…” Mixon nodded, leaning up against the counter.
“I know, but better than wandering around outside the pizza place.” The witch nodded, frowning to himself, before smiling at the girl and helping her find what she needed. Wrapping it up for her and sending her off. “So...you keep coming home late.” Mixon started, grinning at the witch and Andy shifted to look at him.
“Matt…” He said slowly, but the bell interrupted him from speaking. Pete standing in the door looking between the two.
“...Bad time?” He offered slowly, and Matt whipped to look at the other, Andy looking down at his feet.
“Give us a second.” He forced out, shoving Andy into the back room and Pete nodded, slowly stepping out of the room.
Andy let the wolf shove him around, let him push him into the back room and shut the door. Locking it carefully to keep the sound in from Pete.
“Andrew.” He hissed, eyes bright even in the dim room.
“Matt please.” He countered. “I…”
“Is he who you’ve been seeing?” He demanded, cutting Andy off before he could keep talking. “This whole time….I thought it was Joe but it was him? Fucking...you know what he did to you!” He...of all the people he thought he’d see again here he’d hoped it would never be Pete.
“It was Joe...I was hanging with Joe but then...Pete came in one day and he wanted to talk...it honestly didn’t seem real to me. I...know. I know what happened between us but he’s...he changed a lot after I left for me…” Andy defended.
“Has he? It’s only been a few weeks Andy...has he changed? Or is he playing you again?” He hated the words leaving the others mouth, he’s different. He’s changed. He’d never hurt me. The cycle all over again.
“He loves me Matt.” He whispered, the taller moved in slowly, but Andy stepped back. “Please...I know what I’m doing...please.” He shifted down grabbing his jacket off the chair. “I’ll see you home tonight we can talk more then...I’m going out.”
“Andy…” Matt tried, almost pleading. He didn’t want Andy to go out now that he knew. Didn’t want to know he was with Pete when he shouldn’t be.
“You never liked him Matt, even before he’d...he’d gotten the way he did. Maybe it wasn’t as bad as you’d made me think it was...I don’t know. Maybe you hated him and made it worse.” He mumbled, and Matt knew those weren’t his words leaving his mouth, knew just what Pete had been whispering to him. He had no defense, the smaller leaving out the door and with the vampire and Matt watched.
He needed to talk to John.
-
Mix frowned, looking at the door, and then John. Continuing down to the kitchen. Andy’s I’ll see you tomorrow, I promise, was a week ago. He’d made no contact with them since leaving that night to go to Pete’s and they both knew something was going on. Knew something was wrong, but hoped, hoped for the witches sake. It was okay. It was them being paranoid. Maybe they didn’t like Pete and did blow things out of proportion. But Andy had never gone this long without contacting them, and something more was at play. It had to be. They just...couldn’t figure out what it was and how to help. He wouldn’t just leave his shop behind, not after everything they did to get it started. Not after everything Andy had put into it.
They had to close the shop going into the second week. Neither of them being witches, not knowing how everything worked, not able to make custom things. They could only sell so much but they didn’t know things like Andy. That’s why it was his shop. They put a note out on the door saying they’d be open next week, not sure that was even true but they wanted to make sure the shop didn’t fail because they had to close it.
“What if…” John said slowly, looking at the cup in front of him. Andy was the one who took care of ordering and making all the foods for him. Made sure the sources were good and did all that for John and John payed him, fuck he should've planned this shit out more because he didn’t have much left and asking the guys at the shop was so stressful. He didn’t think Andy would ever leave though. The idea the other willingly abandoned them, it was...unfathomable.
“He’s fine.” Matt said, firm, looking out the bay window at the dark forest.
“Matt…” John said slowly, looking at the other. “Something isn’t right. We can’t sit around waiting for him to come home...he’s...what if he needs us, what if something's happened...we need to figure it out…” Matt looked at him, then down at his feet, frowning, thinking it over before standing up grabbing his jacket. “Where are you going?”
Matt looked at the other. “Joe’s.” John scrambled up, grabbing his shoes and pulling them on. Following the taller out the door and to the car.
“The human? Why would he know anything about Andy?” John was confused, why was this the solution? Clearly there were better ones, other vampires in the area. Something.
“Because, Andy liked him...trusted him...maybe he said something to Joe. Maybe Joe knows something.” He hoped.
Joe twisted the strings in his hands, thinking about if he needed to restring any of his guitars while he had some time off. He’d run out of the stuff Andy had given him for his back, and while he went to go buy more it looks like the shops been shut down until further notice and Joe’s not quite what to do with that information. Nothing he can do. Andy never responded to his text. In response though, his back had been acting up again, bothering him more and more. So Halsey gave him some paid sick leave, give him time to recover. At least he wasn’t going to be out of money.
The door bell buzzed, ringing loud through the apartment, and Joe looked up. Patrick climbed up, hitting the answer button. “Hello?”
“Hey...Uh..my names Matt Mixon, I was looking for Joe?” Joe frowned, nodding and Patrick buzzed them in. A knock on the door following a short while later. The blonde opening it, and Joe was really honestly confused, to as to why the duo was here.
“So...what brings you here? I haven’t seen Andy in a few weeks...and saw the shop was closed and all…” The frowned, looking down and Patrick shut the door behind them vanishing to his room.
“He...When did he stop seeing you?” Matt asked, and Joe frowned as well.
“Uh...we had a night together...three weeks ago, he bailed for some guy who was in town, haven’t seen or heard from him since….well I mean I’ve seen the two of them around town...why?” Matt shook his head.
“We haven’t seen him in two weeks at least...a week in passing and then not at all for a week…” John said, looking around the room and anywhere but Joe. The human stared at them, because that seemed..they were coming to him it made him worry more than the words. They were desperate, something was wrong.
“He’s probably with that guy…” Joe offered.
“That guys his ex...and not good...not good news at all...he’s why we moved to Avalon…..” Matt offered, frowning, looking down at his feet. It’s not his place to share anything, or really expose Andy like this to someone he hadn’t gotten overly close to but he was worried. He was so worried about the other.
“So why is Andy hanging out with him?” Patrick offered from the door, and Joe nodded. If this dude was that bad, why would Andy go back? Why would Andy hang around that.
“Because he’s manipulative, he knows the words to say and strings to pull….Andy’s just...hes forgiving, he’s kind...and Pete did love him at one time. Really loved him, and he’s using that. He’s using Andy’s feelings and now he’s gone….” Mix hoped Joe got it, he did, he hoped the other understood why Andy left.
“...would he hurt him?” Joe asked, carefully, not looking at either of them.
“Yeah...yeah if he thought he was going to lose his hold on him...he would.” John mumbled.
“So...why come to me? How can I help?” He was a human, just some guy who liked Andy, liked hanging out with Andy. He wasn’t any kind of person to even know where to find this guy, or how to get Andy back to them if he was being kept any form of captive.
“Because...we’re at a lost ourselves...we hoped maybe Andy contacted you...or said something anything that might help us find him…” John offered, because he didn’t know what else to do, and this was Mixon’s idea and it seemed like the right thing.
“...Because he won’t talk to us, but maybe he’ll talk to you.” Mixon said, voice soft and barely heard over the noise outside the apartment but John turned to him in shock, surprised because that was a strong admission.
Joe looked at the two confused, Andy talk to him? Over the two roommates? That honestly made no sense to him, he...he was sure that Andy didn’t mean to cut him out like that...it was weird and all but why him. “I..don’t understand…”
Mixon sighed. “I...just think maybe he’ll listen to you, maybe he’ll see something in what you say…”
Joe looked at his shoes, thinking. “I...can I text you? Let...let me think about it just for a day. Please I’ll get back to you soon but...I just this is a lot.” He knows the two are probably worried, that time is of importance. That this isn’t just some cover up excuse by Andy in apology, and something's really wrong, but it’s also something he needs to think over. Talk with Patrick. To just go up to Andy with some guy he’s with and try to talk him out of this? He likes Andy...a lot...but.
He sighs, and Mixon and John stand up. “Thank you...I..here’s my number.” Mix offers his phone and Joe punches his own in texting himself and watches the two go. Sighing and looking at his feet again.
Joe looked at his phone, frowning, and looking back at the magazine he’d been reading. Eyes on his phone again a minute later. He was like a dumb teen in love, he’d be ashamed of himself more if he cared a bit more how he appeared.
“He still hasn’t texted you?” Patrick asked, sitting on the kitchen counter with a bowl of cereal still in his pajamas. He never really left the house now that Joe thought about it, he was always just kind of hanging around, never went to work, or went out. Always forgot to buy groceries but always had the money for it...He was distracting himself from the question. He was distracting himself from the topic. He needed to focus. He shook his head breathing.
“No...just…” He sighed, He’d texted Andy everyday since there failed day together, which maybe that was a bit much. Usually Andy lagged at texting back in the day hours when work was busy or the shop had customers, but never this much. Never for two weeks at a time like this. It’s as if the failed day together had turned into Andy never wanting to see Joe again for some unknown reason. Joe didn’t do anything, he thought he handled it well. He wasn’t upset at all, confused, but things came up all the time. He was sure whoever that was in the shop was important for Andy to bail, and now he wasn’t texting Joe back, ignoring Joe and whenever Joe walked past the shop, it was Mix. Whenever Joe saw him around town, there was a tall blonde and handsome by his side. Smiling bright in the moonlight and as if he could see Joe and was taunting him.
“I’m sorry…” Patrick said, frowning at him. “I know you liked him and stuff….but seriously you don’t deserve to be blown off like this, just because he found some other guy. You’re such a good and caring guy...I just...maybe he wasn’t meant to be. Maybe all that wasn’t meant to be...which I know doesn’t sound good. But he deserve better than some dude who's gonna bail like this..” Patrick offered, and Joe groaned, because yeah, yeah maybe Andy and him hanging out was a passing thing and just Andy moved on with his life. Maybe he was busy and Joe was making such a big deal out of it he needed to let the other have space and time. But man it fucking sucked, he did like him alot, and maybe Patrick was right, maybe Joe deserved someone better but man he didn’t want better.
“This other guy...I just...what did he have I didn’t?” Joe mumbled, looking at his phone. Thinking of the blonde he saw with Andy, the guy in the shop that Andy looked at, at first just a customer in Joe’s mind but then he saw them around town. Saw them outside the record shop going to Super Fruit, it wasn’t like he was going out of his way to see the two it was as if they kept picking places around Joe to go to. Like everything was working against the curly haired man and he just had to be taunted by Andy smiling with this man.
“Maybe...Joe maybe he just wanted someone like him…” Patrick offered again, and Joe closed his eyes. He was a human, what would he get about being a witch, he didn’t even like magic. Didn’t like it one bit….but he liked Andy a whole lot.
“I know…” He mumbled, opening his eyes and looking at the tv, it was off but it made him feel a bit better, his eyes falling on the magazine again that he slipped closed, letting it fall off the couch. “Still sucks a whole lot.” He groaned, and Patrick reached over, giving him a sympathetic pat. Which was just a whole lot worse than he was hoping it would feel.
“Guess I just gotta let him go huh?” He asked, tilting his head back at Patrick who nodded sadly.
Well at least he’d be able to pull extra hours at the record shop now that he didn’t have to work around the schedule to hang around Andy. Maybe he could save up for that new guitar and amp he was spying on. Positives. He’s gotta look at them.
He’d given Pete the one date. As per their deal he’d give him one more date and try this one last time to see where it was going, one date wasn’t going to prove anything, Andy knew that. It wasn’t going to show Andy he was a better person, a changed person. He knew that Pete couldn’t show that over a date but he couldn’t help but give the other a chance. Couldn’t help but give into this part of his life that use to be with him, and while sitting outside the cafe by the shop, he was reminded of all that. Of all the times before, of what they use to be, what Pete made Andy feel before he started noticing the worst parts of him. The love he’d given to him.
Pete talked about there old date spots at the cafe, the Comet, and Beans and Barley, places they use to go to every week at night, laughing and talking about the future together that they’d wanted. Pete talked about the things they use to do, the lake and how Andy was a terrible swimmer, and the trips they’d made to different places around the states together driving with no idea where to go or what they were doing but laughing and letting the road lead them. Andy had forgotten about all of that, forgotten all the times they’d had together, all the good that had been just soaked away and turned dark by the bad. Pete loved him, he really did love him. He showed Andy that all the time when they’d been dating, when they’d been running around like two kids with nothing stopping them. Pete had fallen in love with him, he’d always imagine it to be impossible, who could love misfits like them. A witch without a coven who breaks away from the regular laws, someone who pulls away from all the norm, and Pete just smiled, laughing and saying it just made Andy who he was. No one could love him, not like Pete. Andy was rejected by his own people, by their kinds everywhere, everyone was going to turn him away no matter how hard he’d tried. Pete wouldn’t though.
He couldn’t help but say yes to the third date two days later, needing to close overnight for a customer, he’d taken the night shift from Mix again the other grinning but leaving it alone. Heading home for the night and Andy smiled seeing the taller come in right on time hours later.
“So, were we off to tonight.” Andy laughed locking the door to the shop, double checking it was closed before gesturing to the other to lead the way.
“I asked my buddy some good places around here” Pete shrugged. “I mean I figured you’d know some but there's a nice restaurant down the road, I made sure they had vegan food.” Andy smiled, looking at his hands in his coat and looking back at the other. “So has your mundie friend called you back? I know you changed some plans around and stuff…”
Andy shook his head, he’d forgotten he’d turned his phone off and stashed it away. He’d have to check….maybe. Maybe it was better this way, Andy didn’t deserve Joe’s apologies, and Joe making it up to him when Andy was the one who bailed. Joe was just this nice guy making friends and Andy was ditching him the first sign of his ex.
“Yeah I guess he doesn’t wanna get ditched again.” Pete laughed, and Andy couldn’t blame him. Following the other to the place to eat.
“So what does Mix and JT think about all this?” Pete asked, sitting down across for Andy after they’d placed their orders. Andy shrugged.
“I haven’t told them your back yet, or anything. I think they think I’m out with someone else...or working late...I don’t know for sure…” He didn’t want to tell them yet, didn’t feel like they needed to know for any reason. Pete and Mix didn’t get along, they’d never had even long before Andy had started dating the other, and after everything went down the wolf had only increased his hatred of the vampire. He’d been the main supporter of Andy leaving Pete, of coming here, and the main reason Andy felt brave enough to go….and maybe that wasn’t right. Maybe Andy did mess up, maybe he’d made mistakes and Mix was his supporter, already hating Pete of course blamed the other.
“It’s fine if you do...you’re an adult. You can do whatever you wish, plus...I mean Mix has John, you’re probably like his least concern most of the time.” He laughed, and Andy frowned looking down at his drink placed in front of him by the waitress. They had their dinner, Pete talking about Avalon and the sights that it had to offer, how his visit was going, and how he was happy to have Andy back. Happy to have the other around him again, and Andy smiled, glad for this to. His fears with Joe, of being with Joe of liking Joe, as much as he’d wanted it, maybe he didn’t deserve it. If he’d accepted all this so quickly. Joe deserved someone much better.
Pete paid for the meal, taking the longer way back to the shop through some of the park and different areas and the two talked, walking through the night while Andy named some of the stars, eventually they’d made their way back to the shop and Andy shifted, looking through the glass at the decorations then at the other.
“Can we do this again tomorrow?” Pete asked. “If i’m not being to blunt?” He looked down, laughing a bit and Andy looked at the others feet and then up.
“Same time?” He offered. “Same place?” He knew the other only had a week, only had a bit more time, so what was the harm of giving it to him? Pete nodded, leaning to kiss Andy’s cheek, and the smaller let him, watching him leave back the way they came before frowning at his feet. Shaking off the thoughts he got his things from inside and headed home.
Andy flipped through the pages, looking back and forth between what he’d written down and things he might need. The shop was colder than normal, and he was in no mood to fix it, bundled up in Mix’s jacket he’d left in the back and his own hoodie. Hunched down on the stool at the front flipping between the two. Occasionally the buzzing of his cell distracting him to reply to texts from Joe, or Mix. The shop bell rang, and he didn’t react right away, use to it always going off now and again and people poking in and out. Wanting to finish what he was writing before he focused on a customer.
“Hello.” He greeted finally, turning to look up and he froze. Entire body twisting tight and solid. His hair was shorter, looked older but he didn’t age like they did. He didn’t age like anyone did. He could have blonde, pink fuck even purple hair. Andy would know who he was. Andy would recognize him. “....Pete…” He fumbled out, fingers grasping the cell and shoving it under the register on silent before the other could see it.
The taller man smiled, all white teeth and face warm and welcoming. “You cut your hair.” He commented, tone soft, nothing threatening or angry hidden away in it. “It looks nice, it really suits you….” He shrugged, shoving his hands into his pockets.
“Yeah...Felt like with the move...I’d change it up…” He was panicking. He never thought in years that Pete would find him here, that Pete would come here….He was safe, they were safe and now here they were. Maybe it wasn’t...it wasn’t bad. It didn’t have to be bad, it was a city, he could be passing through found a magic shop. Maybe Andy was making this a bigger deal than it needed to be. “So...what brings you to Avalon? Away from Chicago and to this little city?” Andy asked, leaning on the counter.
Pete laughed looking around the shop, at the bottles. “I’m visiting and staying with a friend. He told me there was a good magic shop in town, thought with the night I’d check it out, didn’t expect to run into you….” Andy relaxed more, Pete had friends, Avalon had tons of vampires to, so it wasn’t far off. “You look really nice….I….I missed you...I didn’t realize how much until now...you just kind of left with nothing...no goodbye.” Andy breathed, looking down at his hands and shrugging softly.
“I...things were rough Pete, really rough….Mix and John and I just felt like it was time to leave….I never...I didn’t mean not to say goodbye…” He did, kind of, but Pete didn’t need to know. “Listen..I need to get back to work, and finish this potion and stuff but...how about after we go and get something to eat. We can catch up...you can tell me how Chicago is.” He offered, and Pete nodded, grinning a bit more now. “I get off in an hour if you want to come back then.”
“Sounds great, I’ll see you then Andy…” The witch breathed, falling back into the chair once the vampire was gone. He’d never imagined, after all this time, after everything he’d done to move past the other and get over everything Pete had made him feel he was back, back and acting like everything was okay and nothing had happened. It was fine to him, and Andy felt confused. Confused beyond all. Why did he leave? He’d dated Pete for four years, four very long years together. They’d lived together….but then he just wasn’t happy anymore, and they left...he remembers words harsh words. He shakes his head. Pete was...cruel. He wasn’t anything more than a monster and that wasn’t because of the fact he was a vampire. Andy frowned closing the book and packing away the potion. Dinner. He’d give Pete dinner and never anything more.
He cleaned the counters, texted Matt he’d be home late, and shut his phone off hiding it away. He couldn’t let the other know about it. Shaking his head and relaxing. It was going to be fine, the door rang, and he looked up expecting Pete, and not Joe, grinning at him soft and excited and fuck. Fuck his life and all that was in it.
“Joe…” He said softly, and the curly haired man frowned, of course he did. Stepping closer.
“What’s wrong? Did something happen?” Andy looked down at his hands, they were going out tonight, they’d confirmed hanging out the other day. Movie and dinner, and...and now all this. Joe was going to be upset.
“A friend came into town, and I’d...it’d all slipped my mind…” The tallers face fell and Andy’s heart hurt hoping the other would find it in himself to forgive Andy. “I’m so sorry. I’m so so sorry…” He repeated and Joe shook his head, hands out.
“It’s okay, honestly. We’ve got plenty of other nights and not always going to have the company of friends from far away.” Andy nodded, thankful Joe was so understanding, the bell ringing again and he closed his eyes opening them and looking at Pete, and then Joe. He didn’t want this, didn’t want Pete to know about Joe. Not now. “I...I’ll see you?” Joe offered and Andy nodded, grabbing the jacket off the back of the chair and slipping it on.
“I’ll see you, later...yeah. I’ll call.” Joe frowned, exiting the shop and Andy looked at Pete.
“Who was he?” Andy looked at the door and then Pete.
“A friend…” He said slowly, a friend he liked a lot…
“Friends with mundies now?” Pete laughed. “Though he’s got nice eyes.” Andy shrugged looking at his hands and following Pete out.
“So..there's a cafe here...down this way if you want. They make a lot of good food and stuff…” He gestured, it felt weird to be going to Superfruit of all places, but they headed that way. Taking a table and ordering food Andy relaxed a bit more. Public place, around people he knew.
“So...Finally own that potion shop.” Pete offered, starting the conversation and Andy nodded, smiling. It had always been something he’d wanted to do, something he’d been feeling since before Chicago, since back home with his mother and having it now was a dream come true.
“It’s a wonderful shop, a great town. I love working here.” He admitted.
“You look a lot happier here...away from the city and more in your element.” His tone was warm, nothing bitter in it telling Andy he was upset. Nothing saying he was saying it for any sort of reaction, still just calm conversation. “Listen...Andy about us, and everything before…”
Andy cut him off quick. “Pete...we..things were hard. Really hard. I wasn’t happy, and the way you had been acting….Not letting me see John or Mix, or even Kage...even my Mom at times. It was just too much, I felt like I couldn’t live anymore. I felt so low…” Pete shook his head, hands coming out to touch Andy’s around the cup, he fought the instinct to pull away letting the other touch him.
“I know we’ve only seen one another for an hour...but I’m in town for the week, maybe more if these deals go through….I know I treated you terribly. I know how bad it was and how awful I was. I thought about it everyday since you left, I never once blamed you for any of it. I blamed myself and how I had acted. I got help, real help, professional...and I changed. I never thought I’d see you again but...but if you’d let me the chance at one last try…” Andy frowned, looking at the hands, he should say no. Say this would never work again, he knows it. He has Joe, he has this guy he knows is wonderful and kind and just likes him.
“Pete…” He said slowly, curling his fingers away, and the vampire frowned now to.
“Is there someone else?” Andy shook his head.
“No..no not...I just...I’ve got things going for me right now. I can’t drop it all for this, for a try again...we’ve both moved on…” He wasn’t sure if he was convincing Pete or himself.
“Is it that mundie? From the shop earlier?” He didn’t sound angry over it, more curious, so Andy nodded.
“His names Joe...we’re...it’s not dating but I also, I also don’t want to….It’s hard to explain and before...everything that happened before. With us...I just don’t know if a few words can just, let it all go.” He admitted, and Pete shook his head.
“Mundies don’t date people like us...outcasts and...other worldly...we’re always just going to be a fascination for them. Questions and curiosity that’ll be sated and let go…” Andy felt the need to defend that Joe was different but...but there was doubt in his mind, long before Pete showed up. If Joe would ever like someone who made something he didn’t support, that was all magic, that was magic. How could he date someone like that. “Let me...just give me this week...I can show you, and if you still want to try for this mundie, I’ll be gone and back in Chicago and you don’t even have to think.” He should say No, and let it go, if Mix was here, but...but he was happy with Pete. They were happy, they’d dated for years. He’d loved Andy, and Andy had loved him and he never really let go of that piece of it, even after all the heartbreak and trouble….maybe it was worth a shot. Maybe Pete had changed….
“Tomorrow night? Same time?” He offered, slowly, and Pete grinned wide at him, and he couldn’t help but smiling back.
Rhett stuck his hands in the pockets of his camo jacket, following behind Link into the shop. The brunette adjusted his glasses his thermal unintentionally sort of matching his friend’s jacket. A smile quirked on the petite fae’s angular face to see the two come in, his thin dark brows raising. Their name tag different this time compared to last time. Theirs said ‘Hello my name is Simba’ and the elf’s behind the counter read ‘Mufasa’.
“Mornin’ girls, what can I get ya?” ‘Simba’ beamed and ‘Mufasa’ grinned.
“Actually we were hoping we could talk to you two about something business related.” Link kept his gaze on the kith in front of him, and Rhett glanced around to see that the shop wasn’t extraordinarily busy this early in the morning and that they might be in luck.
“Oh! Straight to business, I like that.” The raven-haired fae wiggled his brows and the bright blonde elf laughed. Those saucer eyes turned to Rhett and he grinned, “Talk business to me, daddy.” Rhett gulped and chuckled nevously.
“We would like your cafe to sponsor our web show and in return we’d advertise for the cafe.” Link continued to handle the conversation in as professional a tone as he could manage with Rhett blushing beside him and ‘Simba’ looking at them like they might be dinner.
“Sponsor?” He quirked a brow, unsure how he felt about that idea, and motioned for the elf to come closer. They whispered for a moment and then they looked up to see the last customer leaving out the door. Now that it was just the four of them, the two behind the counter stood a bit straighter and faced the two internetainers. “I’m Mitch.”
“I’m Scott.” The other waved and smiled.
“Oh- but your name tags-” Rhett pointed and Mitch waved his hand around vaguely.
“They’re different every day. Today I’m Simba-”
“And I’m Mufasa and I’m...dead.”
“Yes but his spirit guides me toward my destiny.” The two breaking character laughing at their own jokes. Rhett and Link found the strange ritual comical, and were laughing as well. “So you ladies wanna talk business, let’s talk business. How big is your existing fan base? How many views do you get on average per video? How many videos do you already have? Have you had any other sponsors?” Mitch was in business mode now, and was barely taking time to breath in between questions, let alone giving the duo time to answer them. However Rhett was as good at listening as he was at talking just as fast.
“We have over 500 subscribers, growing at a rate of about 100 a month, but we had a boom this passed month when classes are starting back up again, current subscribers showing other friends and family I’d imagine. Per video we average 30k when it comes to views, with about 90% or more likes. We already have 28 videos posted, 7 more filmed and edited, 4 filmed, and 3 more in progress. We were sponsored by one other shop for a while that inspired a sketch on our variety show that has done so well that we’ve kept it around despite our contract with the sponsor being up.”
“Why didn’t that sponsor renew your contract?”
“The shop owner ended up being crooked. He took all the extra income we sent him and ran with it.” Link was honest, and that answer surprised the cafe owners. “We’ve learned a lot since then.” The tone in his voice seemed almost to be a professional warning that they knew what they were doing now, and wouldn’t be taken advantage of again.
They spent the next three hours discussing the terms and conditions of a potential sponsorship but Scott and Mitch were still on the fence.
“Listen, we’ve been talking for a few hours now. It’s midday on a Saturday and- no one has come in since we’ve been here. I think we could both benefit from this sponsorship. We know you have regulars, we know your food and drinks are incredible- help us help you.” Rhett’s logic was hard to argue with and the two behind the counter excused themselves for a moment to discuss. They came back over and offered out their hands.
“It’s a deal.” They spent another two hours drawing up a contract and coming to an agreement, and down right cackling at the sound of the ‘Will It’ segment and the types of smoothies they already had in mind. The faces Link was making at some of the suggestions already showing great promise as far as the popularity that these episodes would bring. Once everything was signed and sealed in ink, the two waved at the shop owners and headed out to go file the paperwork, cash the check, and get to planning.
Link was grinning wildly and Rhett was smiling down at him fondly.
“That went well, huh?”
“Yeah it did!” Link liked having his hands on every part of their work, and it had been awhile since they got to handle the business end of things since Stevie came along. It was an indescribable feeling to truly feel like this career path of theirs was working out. Like they could actually make a living doing this. “Don’t you think it went well, daddy?” A teasing lilt to his tone. Rhett’s entire face went beet red and he laughed his loud ‘ho ho ho’ bellowing laugh as they walked.
“Oh gosh.” He shook his head and nudged Link in the arm with his fist. “Yeah I think it went well- considering now we’re gonna get paid to eat weird stuff.” He laughed and shrugged. “You’re gonna get paid to dry heave, Link!” The phouka shoved him off the sidewalk and Rhett stumbled, laughing but catching himself from falling- hands shooting out to wrap around Link’s arm and pulling himself close to the brunette’s side til he was steady on his feet again. “Hey now!” He grinned, “Watch it, bo!” He kept his hold as they walked a few steps before letting go and shoving his hands back into the pocket of his jacket. They continued to walk in silence for awhile down the street.
“Hey!” Link pointed across the street, “Looks like that record store is open now. Wanna...go check it out? Before we head back?” He was kinda liking being out and about with Rhett again.
“Yeah! Sounds good.” He gave a grin from beneath his dirty blonde beard, and followed Link’s lead across the street- disappearing into the record shop.
“Hold on. The worst part is over.” He tossed the alcohol soaked cotton ball into the trash can beside their desk. Smiling he carefully put the bandaid on his friend’s forehead. He looked at him for a moment, and without thinking ran his thumb over the scar that crossed the bridge of Rhett’s nose. The blonde didn’t move, just looked back at Link and wondered what must have been going through his mind. The phouka shook his head to break his train of thought and smiled. “We’re gonna have to get someone in here to make those door frames higher.”
Rhett chuckled, rubbing at his head, and hoping the residual headache didn’t last too long. He glanced over toward the door and saw the frame busted and splintered.
“I’m sorry.” His voice low and rough as he looked down at their desk. Link kicked the bottom of the rolling chair he was sitting on to make Rhett face him.
“Hey, listen- you’ve got nothing to be sorry for, okay?” He knew how self-conscious the gentle giant was, and he put his hands on Rhett’s knees and sat up straight as he pulled his own chair closer to look him in the eye. “Those are low frames! I almost bump my head all the time! And I even think I saw Chase duck a little!” Rhett chuckled, knowing the other was fibbing, but it did make him feel better. Hearing him laugh and seeing his cheeks round with a smile made Link grin and give his friend’s knees a squeeze.”That’s better…” He pushed back and stood, looking down at Rhett. Looking up into those bright blue eyes, Rhett could have sworn his heart was going to burst through his chest. It wasn’t often he had to crane his head back to look at anyone, but he loved it best when it was Link. The overhead light creating a makeshift silvery halo behind the swooped brunette hair. “I think Stevie and Chase will be here soon- wanna come in the kitchen with me? Make some coffee?”
Rhett just nodded and stood, following behind Link. As he went to fill the coffee maker with water, Rhett went to get out the coffee and some mugs. Link began humming a song softly to himself as the two worked seamlessly, getting everything together and Rhett began to sing along to the tune until they were both in full scale sing-a-long duet as they moved about the kitchen. The smell of freshly brewed coffee filling the room and the singing turning slowly back to humming.
“Hey do you want some-” Link whipped around to ask if Rhett wanted some cereal but the blonde was right behind him about to grab a napkin- causing Link to bury his face into Rhett’s chest. “Oof! Heh- sorry.” The word coming out muffled against the fabric as it took a moment for the giant to stumble back a bit and give Link space. Grinning down Rhett put his hand at the nape of his neck.
“It’s okay.” He stayed close, “What were you gonna ask me?” Link had no idea. His mind was a blank and he was trying to circle back and remember. Rhett raised his brows waiting curiously for an answer. He noticed the bowl in Link’s hand and smiled, “Were you...gonna ask if I wanted some cereal?”
“Oh! Yeah! haha, I know you prefer savory but- it’s all I know how to make.” He shrugged his shoulders and Rhett laughed.
“Cereal’s good.” He went to the fridge, knowing he’d need more than a bowl of cereal anyways. He pulled out a whole pack of bacon and a dozen eggs and went to work, putting the bacon on a pan to cook in the oven and then began to scramble the eggs in a large bowl with a bit of salt and pepper. Link was watching him move about the kitchen, almost overflowing his bowl with milk, but caught himself just in time. Picking up the bowl and sipping out some of the milk to be at a more reasonable level before Rhett could notice.
“You gonna eat all that?” Link peeked around Rhett into the pan, inhaling deeply the scent of fresh coffee and crackling bacon.
“Hahaha, well- I might save ya a slice are two. Maybe an egg.”
“You can keep the eggs.” Link scrunched up his nose and Rhett chuckled.
“Hello!” The shout coming from down the hall indicative of the fact that their guests may have been in the building for awhile looking for them.
“In the kitchen, Stevie!”
She came in first, her hair pulled back into a severe ponytail, not a hair out of place. Her boxy grey t-shirt seeming almost dressy with her black terry joggers. Close behind her was Chase, a beanie hiding most of his unruly chocolate curls and his dark navy thermal snug on his thick frame. They both had rosy cheeks and noses from the growing chill outside.
“Got fresh coffee.” Rhett smiled and nodded his head towards the filled coffee pot.
“And cereal!” Link offered with a grin as he held up the cardboard box with the personified cereal crisp on it smiling back at them.
“Just coffee for me.” Stevie took the mug from Rhett and nodded her thanks.
“Chase?” Link shook the box at him and he giggled and grinned.
“Yes please, cereal sounds good. No coffee though.”
“Want somethin’ else?” Link opened the fridge listing off all the things they had, ending up making Chase a glass of chocolate milk. He wondered if it was normal to have breakfast with your bosses- but then again this was technically his kitchen too for the time being. Then again didn’t that just make it all weirder? He shrugged it off and thanked Link, taking a sip from the glass and then grinning at the bowl of cereal placed in front of him.
“So Chase had a great idea.” Stevie gave her thin smile at him and then turned to the bosses, sipping her coffee and letting Chase take over. However he didn’t realize they were just going to get straight to it and he fumbled, trying to put his idea into words.
“Well the blind taste test challenges ya’ll have been doing have been a big hit. Mainly thanks to Link.” Link wanted to be excited and boast, but he knew it was because of his retching and he glared while Rhett chuckled under his breath. “But- I was thinking- what if you did something a little more. Like- what if you tried to make things into other things.” He was not at all explaining this as well as he did to Stevie, and both of the bosses were staring at him so hard and he was starting to sweat bullets. He looked to the cereal box and grinned- “Like this!” He held it up and shook it, “Cereal goes in milk. That’s normal. But what if you did a segment called ‘Will it Cereal’ where like- you take other stuff and put it in milk and try and eat it like cereal and see if it tastes good or not. And if it does, it cereals and if not...it doesn’t!”
“We could use that as a way to get sponsors. There’s that smoothie cafe place a couple blocks from our place.” Stevie sipped her coffee again.
“Superfruit?” Rhett raised a brow.
“Mmmhmm. Could team up with them and in exchange for advertisement of their cafe we could do Will It Smoothie. They could brainstorm with us over smoothie ideas to try, and then we could talk about their shop at the end of the segment and some of the delicious types of stuff they offer, and link to their website in the description. It’d get them more customers and more profit, and we’d profit from them, and hopefully gain more subscribers if the segment is a hit.”
“I don’t know…” The thought of another food based segment had Link’s stomach turning already but Rhett clasped his hand on Link’s shoulder grinning wide.
“I think it’s a great idea!”
Chase felt his cheeks blush at having his idea praised. He was glad they liked the idea, but he wondered what it’d mean for him if they ended up having to eat something exceptionally disgusting.
“We can take the idea from there and run with it. Rhett and I will go to Superfruit today and talk to them about it, see what we can work up. We’ll also figure out some other good ‘Will It’ ideas for the future in case this idea ends up being a hit. What are we gonna cut to make room for this?” Link looked to Stevie and Stevie shrugged.
“I’d say cut Science with Rusty and Larnold. It’s the least talked about segment, and when it is talked about it’s usually neutral or at least not specifically positive.” Rhett and Link nodded in agreement with her. If they had to get rid of any of their sketch characters, Link would rather it be them than Seaborne and Roach. And Craigslist Crank Calls was just too much fun too.
“Alright, we’ll start working it in.” Rhett beamed at the satyr across from him, “Great idea, Chase.” They finished off their breakfast and coffee together, talking about other possible ideas and Stevie making sure they remembered all the important things to cover with Superfruit when they went there to work out a sponsorship. The conversation fading into small talk and chit chat until bowls and mugs were empty and it was time to get to work. And for Rhett and Link- that meant time to head to Superfruit.
Joe ducked into the shop holding his jacket tight against him to protect from the freezing rain. He brushed himself off, drying his feet on the mat at the door. Matt was at the counter waving at Joe idly while flipping through a book. “He’s in the back.” Joe nodded a thanks moving through the shop, he’d come back here once and it still felt oddly like he didn’t belong over here. Andy reassured him when they were out that it was fine, and he was fine with it, but it still felt strange.
“Break time.” He called and Andy looked up from the books and scattered items across the table, grey eyes going wide a little and relaxing. Smiling at Joe. “Time to eat Mr.H” Andy laughed shaking his head and pulling his coat off the back of the chair.
“I can’t call you Mr.T that’s weird.” He tugged it on following Joe out into the shop. “Want me to bring anything back for you?” Matt shook his head waving his hand at the two and Andy nodded. “Okay be back in an hour. Don’t burn down my shop.” He teased following Joe out and pulling his hood on. They were eating at the bakery today by Andy’s shop, a change of scene from Super Fruit, plus with the rain and the location the place was a bit far.
They ordered taking seats by the window. “So are you coming over on Halloween like we talked?” Andy offered, flicking a straw wrapper at the other and Joe laughed nodding.
“Yeah we close early that day and everything, it’ll be the first time I get to see inside your house, or see your house at all.” Andy shrugged, it wasn’t that magical or that big of a deal to him but he guessed he’d seen the outside of Joe’s apartment so many times the other had to be curious to what Andy’s place at least looked like.
“It’s in the woods, real spooky.” He teased and Joe flicked his own wrapper at the smaller.
“We're doing dinner tomorrow right? After my shift?” Andy nodded, climbing up to grab their food and drinks and bring it back to the table, handing Joe his stuff from his order and pulling his own.
“Yeah and I wanted to see that new movie that came out….with that actress from the one movie you like?” Joe hummed nodding and taking a bite from his sandwich. “I already got us tickets to kind of skip the line so we can go whenever after we eat.” He nodded and the two of them focused on eating their lunch, talking about some plans they had next week before the holidays started.
They cleaned up heading back to the shop, and Matt looked up, turning back down to his book. “Have a nice time kids?” He hummed, and Joe froze, looking at Andy who’d also stood still going wide eyed and blushing. Joe looked down at his wet shoes and Andy shook his head.
“Shut up Matt” He mumbled. “I...Thanks Joe I’ll see you tomorrow.” He waved bye, smacking the taller on the back of the head and scolding him in a soft tone before vanishing behind the counter and into his room. Joe stared at the other, and looked down again pulling his hood on and heading to work.
As he made the walk and was left with his thoughts, he couldn’t help but find himself over-analyzing the time he had been spending with Andy lately.Two people going out together and doing stuff together, but that implied the two people liked one another. Joe liked Andy, fuck did he like Andy. The smile and laugh the other hand, his voice, and the little gap in his teeth when he smiled real wide. His soft voice, and gentle tone when he talked about stuff, or how quickly he’d ramble on when he found something he enjoyed talking about. He joked with Joe a lot, he also was a million miles out of Joe’s league, Joe was human, and he didn’t like using magic. Why would a witch want to date that? Ignoring that, he was...just Joe.
Fuck, fuck he wasn’t going to shake any of this now, he was going to make things awkward and ruin everything instantly. Andy was...there was no way he saw these the same way, saw Joe the same way. Which was fine, Joe was fine with it. Completely fine. When he’d first met Andy and they started hanging out he was glad to have someone to be friends with and he was still glad for that, just that. Someone to be friends with. He should cut back their hanging, maybe he kept asking the other for lunch, and dinner and breakfast, he was going to think something. Maybe Joe would make him uncomfortable, but what if he asks why Joe’s not hanging out with him anymore. What if he thinks Joe doesn’t like him at all. Fuck...that wolf made everything far more complicated than he wanted to admit.
He shrugged his jacket off shaking the water off and hanging it, checking his phone. He had texts and hoped they were from Andy, but Patrick’s name was bright on his screen.
<The pipes are frozen again> He rolled his eyes, and shoved the phone in his pocket. Trying to shake off these thoughts of his handsome witch friend for now, and focus on stacking records. It was definitely easier said than done...
“What are you getting dressed for and why am I not invited?” John poked his head around the corner, watching Andy tug on his black jeans and shirt. Digging around for his hoodie in the mess of laundry one of them was suppose to fold but forgot along the way. John should do it when he’s got tomorrow off and everything, he just got distracted sometimes.
“Because I’m hanging out with Joe, and you can sometimes make it weird.” Andy hummed, slipping his arms into the hoodie and pulling it over his head before tugging his coat on. John made a noise of surprise.
“Me? Make things weird with the mundie?” He shook his head. “I’m offended you think this…..” Andy shook his head shoving his phone into his back pocket with his wallet before shutting the light off to his room and stepping out. Shutting the door behind him and pushing past John.
“First of all, you keep calling him a mundie. Which already makes things weird though thank you for never saying it to him.” He laughed. “And second, I can have friends besides you and Mix.” John gasped in horror and Mix’s head poked up from the other side of the couch.
“What’s this about other friends?”
John cut in before Andy could say anything else. “Andy’s got a date with Joe.” The smaller shoved the blonde glaring at him.
“Well good for them. Call us if you're going to be out past curfew dear.” Mix flopped back down to laying on the couch and John whined.
“Maaatttthew he’s got a date. Our baby is growing up how can you be so calm about this.” Andy glared at the other.
“It’s not a date John, were going to Super Fruit for dinner and that’s it. We’ve eaten there before, a lot after we’ve gotten off work.” He’d been out with Joe a few times since the first time they’d went out together. The small little hanging outs growing a bit longer, or shorter even but more frequent. Andy often walking over to the record shop after he closed up and getting dinner with the other, or just a smoothie if Matt was making dinner. Walking back towards the others house and then home. It was nice, they had nice conversations about various things and Andy found himself enjoying the others company more and more. Joe was...he was. A mundie, but he was also just more curious than anything, he was willing to learn and understand instead of continue hating or assuming the things Andy did. They didn’t talk just about that though, Joe shared his music, or they’d talk comic books, or movies. Sharing a lot of the same interests in the world around them.
“See Jonathan. He’s just having dinner with his boyfriend.” Matt grinned at the smaller and Andy flipped him off.
“Fuck you two. It’s not a date!” He called, shutting the door behind himself as loud as he could and walking down the path towards the record shop. Shoving his hands into his jacket pocket he hummed softly to himself, stepping on the stone path and following it down the familiar way towards the main city.
These weren’t dates, it wasn’t dates when Matt and Andy went out and got food, or when John and Andy got food...though it was when Matt and John went...but they were dating. People dating went on dates. Andy didn’t date. He didn’t let people close to him like that, because it wasn’t good, wasn’t safe and he was better just having friends. Better having Matt, and John….and maybe Joe now. Which was a change, but he could have friends. Friends were fine. Dating wasn’t, and him and Joe weren’t dating so it was fine.
“You could walk by me to and that’s cool.” Joe called, and Andy jerked looking around the buildings, and at the taller next to him realizing he’d made it to the others work already. Certainly he wasn’t walking that long, he didn’t even remember passing his own shop. Fuck that was dangerous.
“Oh...man sorry I must of gotten stuck on a thought.” Andy laughed, blushing a little and shifting. Joe waved his hands at the other, tying his scarf around his neck and turning to lock the doors to the shop up.
“It’s fine, you stopped when I said something.” He laughed, gesturing for Andy to lead the way to the cafe next to them crossing over the path that was the road, and over to the building colorfully labeled Super Fruit. Mitch waved to them from behind the counter, and Scott grinned giving them a thumbs up and the two moved to take a seat at an open table. They’d become regulars almost, enough to at least have a regular item that the two who owned the place made, and Joe usually always tried the item of the day, Andy did if it was vegan so they ended up with that on top of their usual. Mitch brought their orders over, laying some kind of weird bowl next to the drinks and not even explaining it just left them alone with the colorful creation. Two spoons, meaning vegan so Andy snatched one up.
Joe’s face scrunching up and sticking his tongue out at the sour taste of the food, Andy laughing across from him shaking his head already figuring out the weird tart cream they were going for, and not sure why but he guessed it was one of those days. Teasing the other for not being able to handle it and getting a berry flicked at him. Joe paid, catching it before Andy could, an ongoing game between them and the two headed back towards the others place.
“One day I’m going to walk you home.” Joe laughed hunching down to hide in his scarf as they walked.
“Be inconvenient, and strange.” He laughed. “We live out in the woods on the edge of town. Away from the city. It’s a good walk but we all enjoy it at times, have the car for emergencies though…..you’d spent a long time walking there, and walking back.” He laughed at the pout the taller was giving him in response. “One day you can walk me home.” He offered. “And then we’ll drive you back to spare you the torture of the far walk back.” Joe shook his head.
“Doubting my fitness there huh?” He shook his fist at the other and Andy laughed.
“You come to my shop for back issues, of course I doubt your fitness but it’s probably also not very good for it.” Joe blinked, smile dropping before coming back again with the shake of his head and he tossed his arm over the smaller.
“You're a good man Mr.H.” He teased, and Andy shrugged, not pushing the arm away right away but they’d made it to Joe’s house so he ducked away stepping back to the end of the sidewalk. “Thanks for walking me home again as always.” Andy nodded.
“Always will, see you next week same time.” He waved and Joe grinned standing out on the sidewalk until he couldn’t see Andy anymore, going in after that.
Through the window he could already see that a few of the tables had customers sitting and smiling over delicious treats. His hand hovered over the door handle for a moment and he wondered if he should go in or not. Taking a deep breath of the chilly autumn air he decided to step in, the bells chiming to announce it. Brunette locks bounced around her delicate features as Ro looked up toward the door to see Chase walk in. A smile brighter than the sun and an energetic wave was given to him and she motioned for him to come closer to the counter.
“Hiya! It’s Chase, right?” He could feel the warmth in his cheeks and he nodded.
“Mmmhmm. That’s me.” He giggled and ruffled his hair before looking down at his shoes and fiddling with the hem of his henley.
“So how did the interview go? You went right?” He looked around to see if there were customers in line that he’d be putting off by delving into conversation with her. Seemed the only people there already had their food and were paying the two of them no mind. He realized she was staring at him, one arm on the counter, and the other was propped up so her chin could rest in her hand as she looked at him.
“Oh! It uh- it went great actually!” He wondered for a moment if it sounded lame to live at the place you work, or to say you got an apartment in the same interview as your job, so he kept that bit to himself. “They hired me on the spot.” His shy smile turning to a wide grin that rounded his cheeks and crinkled the corners of his bright eyes.
“Did they really?!” She clasped her hands together in excitement, “Oh Chase, that’s great!!” She was so excited for him, she couldn’t possibly imagine how fantastic he was feeling about the whole thing. “So what was the job, anyway?” She quirked a brow and tilted her head, looking past Chase for a moment to wave goodbye to a couple of people who were leaving.
“Well...well for now I’m an intern.” He shrugged and stuck his hands into his pockets, “But they want to hire me for a job-job I think, once they’re channel gets really going.”
“Channel?”
“Yeah uhm- they call themselves ‘internetainers’. They have a daily variety show, Monday-Friday online.”
“So you got a job in show business?!” She practically squealed, with stars in her eyes.
“Well I mean, kind of I guess. I just get coffee and stuff right now.” He shrugged and that signature sheepish smile slipped over his features.
“You should...come by my shop for the coffee.” She shrugged, trying to make the offer casually. “I make a mean cup of java- and it’s apparently on your way to work.” Her vibrantly coloured lips were in the sweetest of smiles, and he felt weak in the nails. Clearing his throat he shrugged and his brows knitted together.
“Eh, sure. It is on the way.” He tried to mirror her casual tone, but the rosy colour in his cheeks was visible, and she felt her own cheeks growing rather warm. “Anyways- I just thought I’d come by and uh, update you I guess. And thank you again for the cookies and cocoa.”
“No worries! I’m glad you liked them.”
Silence filled the space between them, and the last of the customers had left while they were talking. He knew he should say something else, but he couldn’t think of anything and his shame-o-meter was headed off the charts just standing there like a dork. He found himself looking at the pastry display, looking at all the freshly baked goods. Ro opened her mouth to say something, but he spoke first.
“Do you- do you think I could get one of those?” He pointed to an apple cider fritter and she grinned.
“Of course!” She went to take it out and put it on a plate for him.
“Oh- to go please.”
“Oh.” There was a tone to her voice Chase couldn’t place as he watched her move to put the plate back and put the fritter in a thin paper bag. “You uh...you got somewhere ya gotta be?”
“Yeah. I’m actually only on my break right now. I gotta be heading back soon.”
“Oh, I getcha.” She smiled, and put a strand of hair behind her pointed ear and handing him the bag.
“How much?”
“Three dollars.” She helped up three fingers, and rung him up. He had already paid and the transaction was complete but he was still just standing there in front of the register. She raised a brow and he broke from his reverie, blushing and giggling nervously.
“Oh well um- thanks.” He held up the bag, “I bet it’s delicious.” He began to walk clumsily backwards, grinning at her as he reluctantly headed to the door.
“You’re welcome. I’ll see you tomorrow, yeah? For coffee?”
“For coffee?!” His eyes lit up for a moment and then he remembered, “Oh! Oh yea, uh-of course! Yeah sure I’ll- I’ll see you in the morning for coffee.” She flashed him a brilliant smile and waved as he walked out the door. Once he was outside and hit by a chilly breeze he exhaled a breath he hadn’t realized he had been holding. Superfruit was so close to the studio, and it’s where Stevie said Link and Rhett always get their morning coffee and smoothie. Ro’s was so much farther but- maybe a nice long walk in the mornings before work would be good for him, he thought to himself as a wide grin spread over his face and he made his way back to work.
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