half-baked

contents may be hot and slightly under-cooked ollie callahan. 26. ennora, ny. line cook at rossi's. (dependent rp account for smalltownrp)

[stirringupsunshine]

( jack innanen /  26 / he & him / local ) OLIVER "OLLIE" CALLAHAN has been spotted in town. They have been living here for 26 YEARS in DOWNTOWN.They are LOVABLE and SCATTERBRAINED, as far as newcomers should be concerned when approaching them at ROSSI'S where they work as a LINE COOK. 

Ollie was always the kid that everyone liked but no one really noticed. He'd always been in the middle; the middle of three siblings, middle of the pack in school, etc. He was known as the fun one in friend groups, and the one people would call when they needed a laugh or a ride home. Being funny got him attention, so he just never stopped rolling with it; even if it wasn’t always the kind he wanted. To no surprise he was class clown for his graduating class.

After high school Ollie tried community college for about a year, then decided it just wasn’t for him. Of course he was the only one of his siblings not to follow through with that. It made him feel like a disappointment to his parents, but they were supportive and let him figure it out without making him feel shitty about it. After that, Ollie drifted through a string of odd jobs, such as a delivery driver, waiter, and dog walker before landing at Rossi's as a line cook. It started as a temporary paycheck to get by, but has somehow become his longest running job. it's something he's actually good at it; both the pizza making and connecting with people.

Ollie knows the regulars and remembers their weird orders and doesn't judge them. He tends to turn a bad day around with a dumb joke or a free slice (which he has a tendency to hand out probably too often). He's easygoing and charming, but underneath is just a guy that sometimes lies awake at night wondering if everyone else is passing him by. While they're all getting married, moving away, or chasing something bigger, he's still working at the local pizza place in the town he grew up in. Most of the time he's fine with that, but every so often insecurity creeps in.

Ollie is that friend that always remembers your birthday and shows up with pizza and a stupid card that makes you laugh until you cry. His apartment is as big as mess as he is, but he has a big heart. He's constantly battling between contentment and longing, but keeps that to himself. He'd rather brighten the world with a goofy pun or something that makes them smile. Ollie doesn’t always know what he wants, but knows he wants to feel like he belongs somewhere and doing something that matters.

a little about him:

Oliver 'Ollie' Callahan (fc: Jack Innanen)

26 y/o

status: happily taken by Diego @mourninglure

sexuality: fluid

likes volunteering at community events bc free snacks!~ but also he likes to feel useful

he loves animals & is always willing to pet sit for anyone

has a bonded dog & cat; Noodle & Dumpling

karaoke & bar trivia are some of his favorite social things to do

is weirdly competitive about arcade games & mini-golf

is a D&D Dungeon Master

is a hopeless romantic

golden retriever energy

shows affection by cooking for people

takes leftovers from work to the local shelter

is close with all of his family and super protective of them or anyone he cares about

more of a lover than a fighter but he'll go to bat for the ones he loves, even if he likely won't win

aesthetics: stickers on a dented laptop, coffee rings on napkin doodles, vanilla candles from the dollar store he thinks makes his apartment cozy, faint smell of gasoline from his beat-up car, keys jingling because he can never find the right one, old sneakers dusted with flour, a faded denim jacket with patches he sewed on, the static hum at the end of an old song on vinyl, soft cotton hoodies with frayed drawstrings

connection ideas:

honestly i'm open to anything & everything, but here are some ideas!

partner - Diego De La Cruz

ride or die/besties - Jimmy Weiland, Diego De La Cruz, Claire Mercer

childhood friends - Claire Mercer

long-time friends - Claire Mercer

neighbors -

D&D buddies -

good friends - Natalie Parker, Calder Briar, Daphne Dohan

friend/sibling vibes -

roomie - Diego De La Cruz

co-workers -

regular customers -

casual friends -

family friends -

father figure/sometimes boss - Elias Coleman

[mourninglure]

“You do spoil me,” he insisted, softer this time, smiling. “You spoil me every time you look at me like you do. Every time you come home and tell me about your day. The seconds spent turning into minutes, days, weeks, and months of being your boyfriend.” His smile curved into something gentler, more vulnerable than his usual playful one. “That’s my favorite kind of spoiling. I don’t need big gestures. I just need you.” He bumped his hip lightly against Ollie’s as he turned back to the stove, listening closely while Ollie talked about the chaos at work.

Diego hummed thoughtfully, nodding along as he stirred the risotto one last time, letting the creamy texture settle before spooning it carefully onto their plates. “Love really said ‘trial period expired.’ Hopefully it at least helped make the shift go by faster.” He carried the plates over with exaggerated care, setting one down in front of Ollie like he was presenting a five-star dish. “My day was not nearly as exciting as yours. I spent most of it being a lazy potato, did a bit of grocery shopping for us, had lunch with our neighbor and got a bit of gossip that I am absolutely going to tell you later, and then I came home and started dinner." He poured the wine slowly, letting it breathe for a second before handing Ollie his glass.

When he finally sat down, though, the confidence wavered just a touch. Diego looked down at the risotto, then back up at Ollie with a sheepish grin. “If you don’t like this, it’s okay,” he said quickly, words tumbling out in true Diego fashion. “I was watching Hell’s Kitchen and they kept talking about risotto like it was the ultimate test of a chef’s soul, and I was like…what the heck is that? It just looked like fancy rice. But then they kept yelling about texture and consistency and I got invested.” He rubbed the back of his neck, laughing at himself. “So of course I made it. Because apparently I like setting culinary traps for myself.” He leaned back slightly, eyes warm but a little nervous. “I don’t even know if it’s the right texture. It’s supposed to be creamy but not mushy, and I might’ve hovered over the stove stressed-out the entire time.” He chuckled, “Gordon Ramsay would probably call me an idiot sandwich. But I made it with love. And a concerning amount of butter. So that’s gotta count for something, right? Tell me what you think."

[stirringupsunshine]

Diego always knew exactly how to make Ollie's heart melt. He knew his words were sincere, but that didn't keep Ollie from wanting to spoil him in other ways as well. "Oh believe me, I know that feeling all too well. I mean, just having you to come home to, to hug me and kiss me and just spend time with me is more than I could have ever dreamed of. You have me for as long as you'll keep me, babe." Diego was busying himself with getting their dishes ready, but Ollie wasn't going to let a second go by without assuring him that the feeling was very much mutual. Hopefully he knew that by now. Ollie laughed lightly as he grabbed a napkin and folded it into his lap. Why he tried this every time just to be polite he had no idea... it always managed to fall onto the floor with a flutter, but the meal seemed fancy enough to try.

"It really did. Usually, especially when I know you're off work, I'm counting down the minutes until I can see you, but I barely even had a chance to look at the clock! Let alone go to the bathroom," he added with a little groan. "It was nuts. Which I usually prefer but it's so much nicer to be here with you; all calm and quiet. Honestly I'm surprised the animals haven't been begging for scraps while you were cooking." Ollie's gaze hovered on Diego, contently watching him do his thing. He was so beautiful and Ollie still had to pinch himself sometimes. "We all deserve a lazy potato day. But you actually did stuff, so that doesn't count! Guess you're due another one. Maybe when I'm off, and then I can wait on you hand and foot so you never have to get up." Ollie's palms rubbed together excitedly because even though he wasn't that nosy, he loved hearing the gossip. It wasn't like he was going to tell anyone. "Oh damn, I can't wait to hear. I guess that's a perk about living somewhere small, you know? And lunch was good?"

Everything about Diego always endeared Ollie, but he loved how invested he got in his cooking and baking shows. Not because he usually got to be the taste tester (although that was a perk) but because Diego seemed passionate about it, and honestly, he was really good at it too. "I'm sure I'll love it. There's not been a single thing you've made that I didn't like. I've had risotto once or twice when I was a kid, but it was that stuff my mom bought at the store that's like ready made. It was pretty good, so I imagine this is going to be amazing. And if Gordon Ramsay ever called you that, I'd have words for him." Ollie dove his utensil into the risotto and brought it to his mouth to blow on so that it didn't burn his tongue. "It smells incredible. You know, butter is my favorite ingredient. Second to love, of course." He gave a little wink before bringing the bite into his mouth, and he hadn't even fully swallowed before a moan of delight slipped out. "Oh my god, I think this must be what heaven tastes like, babe!" Ollie grinned, reaching to squeeze Diego's hand as he dug in for another bite. "This is so delicious. Come eat with me!"

[chxsingthunder]

Iggy snorted. "Yeah, except I don't fuckin' trust anyone," he pointed out. And he may have said it like it was a joke, but it wasn't really a joke. He genuinely had difficulty trusting people. There were plenty of people he cared about, he could even say he loved some of them in a way, but trust was different. "I mean, I won't hit on him if you really don't want me to, but I can't guarantee he won't hit on me. Look at me," he said, smirking. "I'm fuckable. It's kinda my thing."

[stirringupsunshine]

"Dude, I'm offended! We've known each other since high school and you still don't trust me?" Ollie wasn't actually offended, he understood. And he figured his tone would give way to that. "Maybe it's your thing, but sharing is not mine. Please don't hit on my boyfriend. I mean, I know he's gorgeous, but c'mon, that's not cool. I'm trying to help you out, bro."

[joshuaballsett]

[littlesugarnspice]

Claire needed to get away from things happening in her life, and so she decided that instead of sitting in her bedroom tonight, she might as well go out instead, even if it was cold and the town was mostly empty at this hour. Still, the businesses worked in the hopes of getting someone to come ina nd get themselves warm and fed.

She walked into Rossi's and started unbuttoning her yellow coat with numb fingers. She was surprised at the bustle in there, perhaps having misjudged just how many people would prefer to go out even in the snow. She headed down the aisle between tables when she heard the all-too-familiar voice. She looked up at Ollie, who was shouting as if his energy was coming from a recharged battery. As usual, she was amazed and confused by it.

"I was actually planning on getting pasta, don't kill me," she said as she stopped close to him, leaning a hip on the counter between the tables and the pizza ovens.

[stirringupsunshine]

Ollie was thrilled to see Claire pop in; they went way back and he felt like it had been so long since they properly caught up. His grin widened at her quip before a chuckle sputtered out. "Now why would I do that? As much as I love pizza, the pasta here is just as good! Although it's awful late and cold to be out right now. What are you doing, crazy woman?"

His tone was light and playful; he knew Claire would never think anything by it. He adored her, plain and simple. "You don't have any gloves on though, seriously?" Noticing this, Ollie reached under the counter for his mittens and tossed them onto the counter. "C'mon, Claire Bear. At least put those on until you defrost. I won't kill you, but the cold very well could."

He was full of energy (as usual) but the lateness of the night may have tipped it toward delirium. "Which pasta are you thinking? Choose wisely, my friend."

[mourninglure]

The kitchen smelled like garlic and fresh herbs, warm light spilling from the single overhead fixture onto the cluttered counter where Diego had everything spread out like a battlefield he was winning. He stood at the stove in an old band tee, dark hair falling into his eyes as he stirred a simmering pan of creamy mushroom risotto, the rice glossy and just shy of perfect. A cutting board nearby held the remnants of chopped shallots and thyme, and two plates waited on the small table he’d already set. Diego hummed along under his breath, tasting the sauce with the tip of his spoon before adding a quick grind of black pepper. He was in that focused, happy zone where the world shrank down to the sizzle in the pan and the quiet rhythm of stirring as he waited for his boyfriend to return home.

The front door clicked open, followed by the familiar jangle of keys hitting, and Diego’s head lifted just as Ollie stepped into view. “Hey babe! Just in time,” he called out over his shoulder, voice bright and warm, giving the risotto one last gentle stir before turning the burner down low. “Dinner’s just about done.” He wiped his hands on the dish towel slung over his shoulder, then reached for the bottle of red he’d splurged on earlier—nothing crazy, but the label looked fancy enough to feel special. He held it up with a little grin, eyebrows raised like he’d pulled off a heist. “How was your day? Look, I got us some fancy wine.” He set the bottle down and crossed the small kitchen in two steps, leaning in to press a quick kiss to Ollie’s lips. “Sit, sit. I’ll pour.” ( @stirringupsunshine )

[stirringupsunshine]

Although he worked at a restaurant all day long, nothing smelled better than the scents currently filling the air of their kitchen apartment. Their apartment. Together. That thought still filled Ollie with so much joy; he didn't know if it was something he'd ever get over. It seemed Diego had been hard at work getting dinner ready, which Ollie could have kissed him for (and he would!). He was starving. He laughed brightly because he'd opened his mouth to greet his boyfriend right at the very same time. "Baby! Hey!" Ollie set aside his bag and shrugged off his jacket, then enthusiastically closed the space between them. Ollie's eyes met Diego's warm molten ones before falling down to the bottle of wine; it looked fancier than any Ollie had ever tried, that was for sure. "Oh damn, good job, babe. Any special occasion or just because?" The small peck to his lips had Ollie melting, and though Diego insisted he take a seat, he wasn't ready just yet.

"Just a sec," he flirted, cupping Diego's cheeks and reveling in the warmth of them as he stole another kiss, this one slower and lingering. "You spoil me way too much," Ollie insisted, a goofy, giddy grin drawn across his lips as he drew back, fingers tenderly pushing some of the dark locks that had fallen into Diego's eyes out of the way. "Thank you, okay. But next time I'm spoiling you." Never in a million years did Ollie think he'd have the chance to come home to someone so special, so loving and wonderful as Diego. He was in complete bliss. "My day was fine, thanks! It was really slammed and I honestly don't know why? Maybe really belated post Valentine's break-ups?" He ventured a guess as he pulled out one of the kitchen chairs and settled into it. "How about yours? Besides spending it making something that smells like heaven?"

[echoquery]

Happy Valentine’s Day. It is now. ↳ requested by @kateharper

[stirringupsunshine]

@mourninglure

[midnitemoonlight]

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"Nah, your puns are good. Frozen....not so much," he said with a slow shake of his head. Regardless, Jasper was glad Ollie was here. Now he had a ride and a friend to keep him alert through the rest of his shift. "Like one dude a while back, but that was before it was this bad." Jasper glanced back out at the snow banks that lined the streets already. The plows had come through once already, but it was only a matter of time before it became hazardous again. And judging by the snowfall, it was about due for another round.

"I've been so tired, dude," he said in disbelief before taking a sip of the redbull that had been sitting on the counter in front of him. "Which is fucked 'cause I know I'm gonna go home and be waaaay too jacked to go to sleep." Jasper's eyes suddenly lit up. "Oh, dude. I almost forgot!" He leaned down to grab a shopping bag full of assorted candy and snack cakes, plopping it on the counter with more force than the snack cakes would likely have appreciated. "Okay, so technically these are expired, BUT this stuff like doesn't reaally go bad, man."

· · ───────────── ·✶· ───────────── · ·

[stirringupsunshine]

"That's fair. I'll try and limit any Disney puns to the classics." Ollie shook his head, although it didn't really surprise him that there had only been one customer in this mess. It didn't really bother him, although he didn't have much of a choice either unless he wanted to forfeit some shifts. The bright side was that it was fantastic cuddle weather, which he was always happy to use as an excuse when he made it home. "How come you're so tired?" He asked, a little concern in his voice. "Like, any particular reason or just the usual?"

Ollie nodded in understanding. "I have the same problem. I chug soda and coffee and anything with caffeine all day and then I'm wired when I get home." The bag of treats ignited a playful spark in Ollie's eyes. "Dude, how could you forget? No wonder you're tired, you must be having sugar crashes all of the time," he teased, digging through to see what kind of goodies were in it. "They definitely don't, they have so many preservatives in them they could probably last decades. Like if the apocalypse ever hits, that might be the kind of stuff we're surviving on."

[staticvoids]

Arden pushed through the door of Rossi’s, the bell jingling like it was announcing trouble. The heat from the ovens hit him first, then the smell of dough and sauce and that faint char of pepperoni crisping up. He shoved his hands into the pockets of his worn leather jacket, shoulders hunched a bit against the noise, but his eyes flicked straight to the bloke behind the line—Ollie, curls wild, flour everywhere, grinning like the place wasn’t on fire. He let out a low chuckle, dry and a touch sarcastic, stepping closer to the counter so he didn’t have to shout over the chaos. “Evening, mate,” Arden said, words clipped and rolling off the tongue easy.

“Usual’s tempting, innit? But I’m feeling reckless tonight. Surprise me. Just don’t make it one of them pineapple monstrosities, yeah? I’ll walk right back out if I see fruit on my pizza.” He leaned an elbow on the counter, dark eyes scanning the menu board like he hadn’t already memorised half of it in the six months he’d been haunting this town. A smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth, his rebellious edge still there even in something as simple as ordering food, “And cheers for the free drink. I’ll take a Coke if you’re offering. Proper cold,—none of that flat, lukewarm rubbish.” He paused, tilting his head slightly. “You look like you’re about to conquer the world back there. Or at least feed half of the town before it closes. Is it usually this chaotic?”

[stirringupsunshine]

Ollie was always happy when a regular popped into Rossi's, and he greeted Arden with a bright grin just like anyone else. Although he had only been in town for some time now, Ollie hoped he'd stick around because he seemed pretty cool and like he didn't mind Ollie's tendency to ramble. "Of course! I mean, it's the usual for a reason, right? Comforting, no surprises or jump-scares." Ollie laughed brightly at the mention of pineapple; it was always a decisive subject when it came to pizza. He personally didn't care for it, but wasn't in a position he could judge someone if they did. "So no pineapple or anchovies? I could totally combine them together." He couldn't help teasing, though any attempt at a straight face was quickly broken as he burst into laughter again.

"For real, I'd never torture you like that. Well we have a new hot honey pepperoni and it's pretty good, if you like the sweet and spicy combo. Besides pineapple, is there anything else you don't like?" The drink dispenser was within close enough range that he could still chat while filling up a glass of coke, with plenty of ice because he too understood and could not stand a flat soda. "Here you go, man. Free refills too," he promised. "Lately with the weather it's come and gone in spurts. Like the brave ones come out to grab some food here and there but for some reason today it's been really slammed. Maybe since the sun decided to make an appearance today. But what are you up to besides getting food?"

[fashiondesignermonroe]

Bobbi was on her computer looking up some stuff she might need for the shop while browsing through some websites she sees some clothes her customer would like she would order them then hears someone say something and looks at the person and smiles at them. "Sure i can help you out just come with me." she said getting up from her disk and walks over to the guy.

[stirringupsunshine]

"Perfect, thank you! I'm in charge of picking out something for my mom, for Valentine's Day. From me and my siblings. And I honestly don't know what to choose. Any suggestions? Maybe something that's not too fancy or pricey? She's not much of a flashy person."

[chxsingthunder]

When he realized it was Ollie, his expression softened, and he nodded. "That's basically what happened," he said, rolling his eyes. There had been a dance floor, after all. And at many points of the night he'd felt like the whole room was spinning out of control. So...basically what Ollie had said. "I didn't lose my keys. I deliberately left them somewhere, I just can't remember where that place is. So really, they're in the safest place imaginable, where nobody will ever find them," he reasoned, shrugging. He couldn't help but smirk at the invitation, raising a brow. "Is this your way of finally inviting me for a threesome? I mean, the answer is yes, obviously, but you can just come right out and say it, y'know?"

[stirringupsunshine]

"Ah, that's kind of smart. Except for the part where you don't know where to find them either. I think you need to make a few back-ups and pass them along to people you trust. Unless you want to make breaking into your own place a regular thing." Ollie laughed, his eyes giving a playful roll as he patted Iggy on the shoulder. "Dude, you know I love you and all, but I'm not sharing my man with you, or anyone else. He's stuck with me. But if you want some food and a place to hang for a bit and promise not to hit on my boyfriend, you're still welcome over."

[josettewells-deactivated2026041]

to  josie,  being  a  good  personal  assistant  meant  staying  late  to  get  some  stuff  done.  even  if  that  was  stuff  that  mark  hadn't  necessarily,  or  specifically  requested  her  stay  late  to  do.  but  frankly,  with  how  new  she  still  was  in  ennora,  she  welcomed  the  excuse  to  be  needed  somewhere.  though,  after  however  many  hours  of  dedicating  herself  to  unnecessary  overtime,  josie's  stomach  finally  alerted  her  that  it  was  well  overdue  to  be  fed.  letting  her  nose  guide  her  to  the  nearest  and  most  appealing  smelling  place,  she  finds  herself  standing  outside  rossi's.  the  inside  looks  busy  and  chaotic,  and  that's  exactly  why  she  pushes  the  door  open. brow  immediately  arched  up  at  the  voice  seemingly  directed  her  way,  looking  around  to  see  if  anyone  else  was  listening  and  coming  up  short. “  that's  alright,  i  don't  mind  waiting,  ” it's  half  a  lie,  given  her  stomach  is  rumbling  louder  than  ever  before.  but  he's  so  nice  about  it,  and  quite  frankly,  she's  too  tired  to  find  somewhere  else. “  um,  well  considering  i've  never  been  here  before,  i  think  i'd  have  to  go  with  something  new.  but  i  could  be  open  to  being  surprised.  ” 

[stirringupsunshine]

Ollie always recognized new faces around town, and as he blew some of the curls out of his eyes, it was then he realized that either she was, or it was just her first visit to Rossi's. Which she confirmed immediately. "Well you are in luck, because you're about to taste the best pizza in town. And that's not just me being biased, although I totally am," he replied warmly. "Tell you what. I'll throw in some garlic knots or bread-sticks while you wait, your choice." He slid the menu across the counter to her with a bright grin.

"So are you only knew to Rossi's, or Ennora as well? I'm pretty good at knowing everyone around here, but either you've been living under a rock, or you're fairly new." Ollie was doing his usual yapping, and when he realized so, he chuckled. "Sorry, I'm kind of a chatterbox. I'm Ollie. Just lemme know what appetizer and drink you want and I'll get them to you while your order is cooking. As for a surprise, do you have any allergies? Anything you love or hate?"

[fateofbrxs]

Jack Innanen on Instagram Stories 02/14/26

[mourninglure]

Diego’s whole world tilted the second he saw Ollie standing there—curls still dusted with a little flour, that easy, sun-bright smile already aimed straight at him like a spotlight. His heart did that ridiculous flip it always did, like it forgot how gravity worked for a second. The boredom of the last thirty minutes evaporated; everything was just Ollie now. It took him back to the very first day he had ever seen Ollie and how the world stopped then too. He felt the heat crawl up his neck the instant Ollie hit him with that hushed, flirty line about what he really wanted being off the menu.

Diego ducked his head for half a second, cheeks blooming pink under the warm café lights. “Baaabe,” he laughed, soft and a little helpless, pressing a hand to his own face like that could hide it, “you’re making me blush. You can’t just say stuff like that when I’m supposed to be a professional.” But he was already leaning halfway over the counter, drawn in like gravity, and before he could talk himself out of it, he closed the last inch and pressed a quick, sweet kiss to Ollie’s lips—barely more than a brush, but enough to make him sigh happily against Ollie’s mouth, like he’d been waiting all day just for that tiny contact.

When he pulled back, his eyes were sparkling, still a little dazed. “And I’m definitely not the coolest in the cosmos. That’s all you, my love. Always has been.” He gave Ollie one more lingering look—pure adoration—before he spun toward the espresso machine with a bounce in his step that hadn’t been there five minutes ago. “Alright, hold on. I’ve got you.”

He worked fast, but not rushed—tamping the grounds with care, pulling a perfect double shot, steaming milk until it was silky. A little vanilla syrup, a swirl of caramel, the works. Sweet, warm, exactly the kind of thing Ollie filled him with after a long shift. When the drink was done, Diego carefully piped a tiny, lopsided heart into the foam with extra precision, then—grinning like a kid who’d just pulled off the best prank—he wrote his number in careful, loopy digits right across the top in caramel drizzle, circling the heart.

He slid the cup across the counter with a flourish. “Did you one better,” he said, voice warm and proud. “Foam art is my love language.” He glanced around quick—no one waving for a refill, no line forming—then leaned his forearms on the counter again, close enough that their hands could brush if they wanted. His gaze locked on Ollie’s, soft and open. “How was your day at work today, sweetheart?” he asked, like he hadn’t already gotten the play-by-play in texts all afternoon. “I missed you.” It was silly—ridiculous, even—they’d been texting nonstop, they literally lived together, they’d woken up tangled in the same sheets that morning—but Diego said it anyway, because it was true. He was just a boy stupidly, happily in love, and Ollie was standing right there looking like everything good in the world. So yeah. He missed him. Always would.

[stirringupsunshine]

There was always an unmistakable smile on Ollie's face any time that he was around Diego, but it bloomed into something unbelievably bright whenever he was able to draw a blush out of him. Which, honestly was not difficult because it was just in Diego's nature, but Ollie adored it. "You say that like you think it would stop me. It just makes me want to keep on until your cheeks are cherry red." Ollie laughed softly, his eyes darting around for a moment as his voice dropped. "Don't worry, no one else is around to notice. You're still being very professional if you ask me. At least you aren't jumping over the counter after me or something."

Not that he wouldn't want that, but as much as he loved to draw that bashfulness from his boyfriend, he definitely didn't want to get him fired. The feather light kiss was enough to hold Ollie over for now, at least until they had a little more privacy. His breath caught a little as his mouth pressed back, a smile still lingering but this time it was much softer. He could feel his own cheeks growing warm and pink, matching Diego's. It was like he always knew exactly what Ollie needed, what he'd been missing when they were apart. Even after keeping in touch all day long between shifts.

"Agree to disagree? Because I don't know that either of us is going to win this argument." Still, his boyfriend's words made Ollie's heart flutter, like just about everything else he said and did. He watched from across the counter at him making the espresso with ease, his own gaze just as full of affection. Diego made it look so effortless, but also incredibly artful. Ollie was always excited to see what kind of design he came up with, and never left unimpressed. He couldn't stop smiling, eyes full of light when Diego returned with his drink; and as always, it looked too pretty to consume.

Caramel was his very favorite, something Diego had picked up early on, and he noticed the little lopsided heart, which looked similar to Ollie's attempt at Christmas, and that tore a soft chuckle from him. "I love your love language. Even your lopsided heart looks perfect," Ollie murmured happily, his eyes focusing on the numbers scrawled across with the syrup. "Wow, this is incredible, babe. Have you been practicing this? I hope you aren't giving your number out to all of the customers." He was of course joking, his laugh and smile immediately giving that away. Ollie trusted Diego with his whole heart, but it really did look so immaculate. "I think I should take a picture of this first. I'd really be devastated if I lost this really hot barista's number." He winked playfully as he whipped out his phone and did just that.

"And to think you were worried about not looking professional. This is truly art. You impress me more every day." Noticing the closeness of Diego's fingers and the lack of customers, Ollie's own drifted over to brushed against them and squeeze gently. "It was fine; kind of hit or miss. We had a few busy runs but with the weather I think a lot of people are hunkering down. Of course it's much better now," he assured sweetly, eyes adoringly gazing into Diego's. "How about yours? Has it been like this all day?" Gingerly he brought the back of Diego's hand to his lips and dropped a tender kiss to the back of it. "I missed you too. Though I always do." He had been spoiled by them living together that any time apart felt like an eternity. "Are you hungry? Because I have our special staying hot in the car."

[joenateuser]

JACK INNANEN la chienlit c'est lui! via Instagram

[accidentalfireworks]

ft. @mourninglure (diego) 😘

[midnitemoonlight]

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"Oh god, do not with the let it go references, please," he said with a playful roll of his eyes. "Glad you came by anyway. Your boy is kinda stranded out here" Jasper was one of the last in his friend group to get his license. He still hadn't gotten it. After failing the first test, he swore up and down that he would go back and get it and he hadn't stopped saying it since. Unfortunately, he never did go back in to retake it. "Bus stopped running about an hour ago." he probably should have called someone, but now he didn't have to. Dumb luck, really.

"It's been so slow," he whined. "Most people don't have a death wish," Jasper gave Ollie a shaming look, though not too shaming, as he did still need a ride and it wasn't his fault that the looming weight of capitalism kept him risking it all. "Slow is tolerable sometimes. But I forgot the switch today, so I'm bored as hell." Jasper had gotten in the habit of playing video games at work. He wasn't sure if the boss knew, but they let people off the hook for worse so he wasn't too worried. "Usually when I'm slow, you're busy...how was tonight?"

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[stirringupsunshine]

"Oh c'mon, you know I can't resist a good pun! But okay, okay, I'll lay off of them. This time. But you're stranded, for real?" He knew about Jasper's license situation but hadn't realized he was completely stuck without the bus or anything. "Man, you should have told me! I'm sure between Diego and I we would have figured out a way to get you home. But hey, I'm free. I can hang around for a bit if it won't bother you, then give you a ride home after." That drew another chuckle from Ollie. "Not a death wish. I'd just like to think I'm very brave," he mused.

"No, really, I wouldn't be out in it if I hadn't worked, but I'm glad now because if it's already been super slow I wouldn't want you to have to spend any more time here than necessary." It was always weird when the weather turned because work could be crazy busy or dreadfully slow, depending on whether people prepared or not. "It was pretty slow there too, honestly. But there have been some insane storms where we get overloaded because people don't stock up and just order a shit-ton of pizza," he explained. Luckily tonight wasn't one of them. "Have you even had a single customer, besides yours truly?"