Prompt: Lysaedion + "Character A is stuck working in coffee shop on Christmas Day and Character B is the lonely soul spending their whole day there. All the basics here: domestic, coffee shop, holidays, soft"
Masterlist
It was midnight, officially Christmas day, and Aedion was stuck sitting in the most uncomfortable chair in all of Erilea. His eyes were watching the board above him at the various flights coming and going. It seemed every flight was right on schedule. Except his, the flight out of Adarlan and to Terrasen International.
The snowstorm in his home country grew too intense for planes to leave or enter for the moment. Resulting in the possibility of missing the annual Ashryver-Galathynius Christmas dinner. Explaining to his father and most of his extended family would be easy. They would understand. Aelin, on the other hand, would not. She'd Reprimand him going on about how he should've taken an earlier flight.
Every year, the cousins stood side by side, inflicting chaos and mischief. Not that they didn't any other time of the year, but Christmas was unique. There were sure pranks they could only pull during this season. Now she'd either be faced with doing them all herself or not at all. Not to mention their ruthless ugly sweater competition. At least with him here, she’d win the competition no questions asked. Only Aedion posed a threat to her insanely creative sweaters.
Shifting his weight, Aedion leaned back into the chair. He was attempting to relax, which seemed impossible. The ancient chair groaned loudly as he moved this way and that. His gaze flicked to elongated windows surrounding the floor. He was glaring at the snow flurries and planes leaving. As if this whole rudding affair were their faults.
Twisting and turning in this godsdamned Hellas forsaken chair did nothing to ease his frustrations. There was no sleeping tonight. Not with this seat and the overhead announcement continually going off. They were stating what he already knew. Once that ended, other passengers waiting went to play music and watch films off their laptops. Taking him ages to get close to resting. Then the process would repeat. He would need caffeine to endure this stay.
Gathering his belongings, Aedion made his way towards the small coffee shop of Rifthold cafe. Pulling along his suitcase as he did so. He came to an immediate stop. Seeing the girl behind the counter. From this distance, ten feet away from the cafe's entrance, he could tell she was striking. Dark tresses thrown atop her head, ivory skin, a stark yet illuminating contrast. Like a moth to a flame, he was helpless in being drawn in by it. Her chin settled in the cup of her hand as the woman scrolled aimlessly on her phone.
As if she felt his gaze, the woman flicked her attention towards him. He froze, feeling a heat to his cheeks under her piercing stare. Not only for being caught. But by the striking emerald green of her eyes that seemed to look into the depth of his soul.
"Hey! Are you going to come in, or are you just going to stand there like a creep?" The stunning woman question.
"You're not closing soon?” Aedion asked. As badly as he needed coffee, he wasn’t going to make this poor girl stay open for him.
The gorgeous woman gestured around, "Does it look like I am?" Aedion said nothing, "Twenty four hour shop. Come on. You look like you could use some company."
He laughed, "Now who sounds like a creep? Trying to goad me into your establishment."
"Fine. Don't come in then."
"You already offered," he quipped, "No, turning back now." Hand tightening on his suitcase handle as he entered, striding up to the counter with that Ashryver swagger. Every step towards her, this stunning mystery woman, felt like a step to the next stage of his life. Whatever that entailed.
Unlike its sister shops with ornate displays, intricate details, and heightened awnings, the coffee shop was nothing spectacular. In comparison, this location was a small, albeit elegant, hole in the wall. Quaint and humble with well-crafted tables, rich mahogany flooring, granite countertops compared to its predecessor. Aedion chanced a look down at her name tag, Lysandra.
"Pretty name." she bit down on her lip, masking a smile, "Thanks. What can I get you….."
"Aedion." a crooked grin placed on his too handsome face as if he stepped off the cover of one of those cheesy romance novels. Golden hair sweeping down to his shoulders, the brightest eyes of turquoise with a rim of gold. Gods teeth. Lysandra shook away the impending rose tint from her cheeks. He must've caught the flush of color. His grin seemed to widen when those stunning eyes met hers, "Coffee, black in the tallest cup you've got, please. I have to be up all night."
"K.," she blinked, realizing how unprofessional that was, "Okay. Right. I mean just one moment."
Lysandra turned her back facing Aedion, taking a breath reaching for the grounds preparing to make a fresh cup. She wasn't going to give him cold coffee. She reminded herself to relax. He's just another patron-only coming in for coffee, and that's it, regardless of how attractive he is and how charming he seems. The way he smiled at her warmed her from the inside out. She didn't know how to handle this information. Usually, men don't have this effect on her. There was something about him that pulled her in. Perhaps it was just a case of loneliness or his eyes. That looked oddly similar to her friend, Aelin. They spoke daily since she moved home back to Terrasen to be closer with her boyfriend. Lysandra understood it. A part of her was envious in a way. She didn't have many friends outside of Aelin and her group.
Without Aelin to hold them together, the group slowly dispersed. Which brings her thoughts back around to the first idea. Loneliness. For her as well as him. Maybe he only seems kind to her given the day and the time and the fact he's here instead of wherever he wants to be. With family or kids, his kids. A girlfriend, boyfriend, wife, husband.
She shouldn't be thinking of things like this. It's not her place to pry or be curious if he has anyone. Aedion is here for coffee. Just coffee and nothing else. He's only a customer. Who's name is Aedion, she reminded herself, enjoying the sound of his name. He told her his name after all. With these ridiculous thoughts rummaging in her head, Lysandra forgot what she was doing until the smooth voice from behind spoke up.
"Your uh..your coffee grinds are spilling over."
"Huh?" Lysandra glanced down, looking at the mess of grinds pouring over onto the tiled floor, "Shit." Quickly placing the grinds and filter down, running to the back for a broom and dustpan.
Lysandra's phone started going off. Popular began to play from Wicked. Aedion chuckled at the song. Knowing it was Aelin's favorite from the musical. Like everyone else in their family, he wasn't a big musical fan. However, they were all in support of Aelin's dream of a life in the theatre. Every time he was over, every time they had sleepovers as kids, she played Wicked. All the songs on repeat. Once she saw it live, it was over. Aelin being Aelin, put on an entire show for him and their family. So it's safe to say the musical has been thoroughly ingrained in his mind. He didn't realize he fell into a rhythmic tapping to the song and began murmuring the lyrics, "I'll help you be popular. You'll hang with the right cohorts, You'll be good at sports. Know the slang you've got know."
Lysandra swallowed deeply, regaining her composure before stepping in front of this man again. Not only was he gorgeous, but his singing voice was also velvety smooth. Like the warmth of the sun on your skin, she wanted to bask in and soak up the sound. "Stop it, Lysandra." she told herself, "You're being ridiculous, and remind yourself to yell at Aelin later." straightening her shirt, Lysandra clutched her broom, heading towards the counter.
Her phone ceased for the time being. Aedion continued the song, "So let's start cause you've got an awfully long way to go."
Lysandra resisted the urge to sing along. He was a customer and waiting on his order. This was a business. "I'm sorry."
"It's fine," he replied. Ceasing the singing immediately , forcing out an odd laugh.
She missed the honeyed baritone already. His cheeks flushed, running a hand through his blonde locks, scratching his fingers against the scalp. Lysandra started to sweep the grounds up. The awkward silence between her and customers she hated but could withstand. With him, it felt deafening. Watching the bristles push the grounds into the dustpan, she cleared her throat.
"So Broadway guy, huh?"
"Nah," he waved a dismissive hand, "My cousin is obsessed. I've heard this particular show so many times the songs became engrossed in my head. Someone can say 'one short day' and I'll reply with "in the emerald city'"
"Oh." She picked up the dustpan tossing the contents into the trash.
"I mean, I can be a Broadway guy," she threw a glance his way over her shoulder, laughing brightly.
"That easy of a change?"
"Hey, I do it for my cousin all the time. Why not for you, Lysandra? Who gets flustered at my very presence?"
"Ha, ha." she deadpanned, reaching for the broom, attaching the dustpan to the handle. "You're certainly full of yourself."
Aedion's gaze followed her as she picked up the mess. The little time he's spent with the barista has been the most relaxing he's experienced in months. He couldn't explain why or how he felt comfortable this woman's presence, only that he did. All he wanted to do now is talk to her, get to know her.
When she looked at him, the twinkle in her eyes told him her matching smile is not fake. But genuine and authentic. Like she wasn't just smiling at him because he was a customer. She was stunning to look at. If art could be a person, it would be Lysandra, the barista. Just these few moments alone with her, he could tell she was so much more than a beautiful face. Her jubilant mannerisms, the easy conversations, and she enjoys Wicked of all shows. A win for him, given Aelin, seems to screen anyone he's interested in. Not that he was interested in her like that. They'd only met, but work for her was slow, and he had to stay awake for any news of his flight. Why not strike up a conversation. He leaned over the counter, propping an arm on the small space, his chin resting over his hand.
A wolfish grin on his features, "One of my better qualities." he winked.
She laughed again, taking the broom and dustpan away, returning it to the backroom. Lysandra adjusted her shirt and redid her ponytail before heading back to the counter. She didn't face Aedion yet, opting to make the coffee first.
His gaze was on her, strong and steady, but she didn't get that creeper feeling. Where she could tell, the guy was checking out her ass and ogling her like a prized possession. No Aedion started on at all of her, with interest in her. Not her body.
"Can I call you Lys?" he asked. She nodded, busying herself with prepping a pitcher of coffee, focusing more on what she's doing this time instead of notions in her head.
"I hope it's not forward. Are you seeing anyone?" Lysandra froze—shoulders stiffing at his question. Lysandra almost dropped the grounds again.
"That's a little personal, don't you think?" she teased. Aedion swore he heard a flirty jest in her voice.
Aedion pushed off the counter, rubbing at his neck sheepishly, then pulling on the charming facade that has worked on so many people. "It is. I’d hate to ask a taken woman to have coffee with and keep me company in my night of loneliness."
She snorted, "You sound like I'm going to fall in love with you in a night." sliding a carafe under the machine, pressing the button. Lysandra faced him again. The corner of her lips upturned as she smirked.
"As they say…" he leaned back onto the counter. Inching as close as he dared. Lysandra copied his movements, "stranger things have happened." he crooned
"Oh?"
Popular began ringing in between them. Startling Aedion, he happened to glance down. Stranger things indeed occur. When an icon of his cousin popped up on Lysandra's, "Yeah, like my cousin calling you for one."
"A-Aelin is your cousin?" she croaked out, never breaking eye contact attempting to silence her phone, accidentally answering it in the process. Aelin's voice pierced through the receiver.
"You can't just say there's a hot guy in the air-" Lysandra quickly shut off her phone.
Shoving the damned thing in her back pocket, making a mental note to fly directly to Terrasen and murder her dearest friend. As if this night wasn't embarrassing enough. An amused grin that suited Aedion all too perfectly displayed prominently on his features, as they both spoke at the same time.
"Aelin is your cousin?" "Who's this hot guy?"
Though given the way Lysandra rushed to shut her phone off and the desperate way she tried to change their subject of conversation to Aelin, he had an inclination of who it was. Causing his smirk to grow.
"It's not you," she claimed.
"Right." he clicked his tongue, pointing behind him, "Because it's that guy."
Lysandra stood on her toes' tip, looking beyond his broad shoulder at an older man snoring, mouth hung open. Most likely in his 40s, possibly 50s if the receding hairline was any indication. His mustache was as stout and wide as his belly. He gave off the appearance of someone unaware of the term shower. Still, she kept on. Her hand resting on her hip, pointing her chin up at Aedion. She had a point to make here and was damn sure to make him listen.
"Yes."
"That guy." Lys nodded with confidence, "The guy who's smell I nearly gagged on earlier in the night. Who looks like he's had a bit too much fast food."
"Don't be rude. That's my dream man." she retorted. Her tone curt and direct. He balked at her falsified confession.
Lysandra made to pour him a cup. She handed it to him, now with the customer's smile, fake and plastered. She looked as if she's ready to slit your throat in the middle of the night. Aedion immediately discovered he preferred her real smile over this.
"Your coffee, not hot guy." she teased. "It's on the house."
"Truly so generous of you. As it was your fault for being flustered by a guy who's apparently not attractive." His fingers overlapped hers, dragging gently along her soft skin. He halted the movement at her knuckles. Those damned eyes, like early morning sun of pristine waters bearing into hers. Her heart pounded in her chest, a bird wanting to break through its cage, lips parted as she breathed heavily. All sense of self seemed to slip away. It was only him and the way his fingers moved from left to right and back again. Any indication of jabs and laughter dispersed from either of them, "Have coffee with me, Lysandra. It's Christmas. Were just two lonely, single people."
"I'm working."
"There's no one here but us. You're having a friendly chat with a patron. Occupying them while they wait for a flight." Then he added it again, "It's Christmas."
She sucked in her bottom lip, "when you put it that way. Go sit at that table in the corner." A genuine smile played across her lips. His entire body warmed from the sheer look of it. "I'll be there in a moment."
Aedion wandered to the small table. Sliding into the chair, not much more comfortable than the seat he was recently in. At least the company was far better. He watched Lysandra fix herself a cup. She seemed to be the middle when it comes to adding to her coffee. Him, taking it black. He tried adding sweetness once, per Aelin's request. Aedion swore his teeth would fall out. Aelin, as mentioned, he wasn't sure she enjoyed coffee with how much cream and sugar she put in it. Then there was Lysandra, who used two packets and three splashes of cream. A moment later, she joined him.
"So then lonely patron. Where should we start?"
They fell into a comfortable rhythm, the conversation holding a smooth ebb and flow. Aedion knew how quick Lysandra was to respond in his jests that a conversation between the two would keep. He was taken aback by the strength of it. Soon as he finished a sentence, she was right there, continuing with another story or extending the one he told with one that matched his. He could see why she and Aelin were such good friends. Though according to Lysandra, they didn't start that way. Getting on each other's nerves hourly. Aelin stayed up all hours of the night. Lysandra preferred sleeping. Their shared love of chocolate, fashion, and Broadway, and oddly enough, the same guy, is what brought them together.
He knew of the college senior Arobynn. Aelin brought him once. Aedion never cared for him. The way he possessively eyed his baby cousin and the guy's ass-kissing abilities were less than impressive. One day He asked Aelin what happened and a coldness burned in her eyes when she'd say we broke it off. Never brought it up again. Lysandra seemed to give the sentiment. He wasn't going to press the subject on a dark moment when then things were comfortable.
"She's the Glinda to my Elphaba." Lysandra said, a fondness taking over as she stared into the paned glass, "sounds stupid, doesn't it."
"No," she flicked her attention to him, glaring out the word liar to him, "Yeah, it's cheesy, but it's endearing in a way, and I get it."
She hummed, looking away as he laughed at the action. His boyish laugh lightly bounced off the walls in the small cafe. "What about you and Aelin. I've never seen a cousin relationship, so close like siblings. It seems you two are. It’s sweet."
He flushed, "To me, she is my sister. Don't tell her that. Gods don't." he took a sip of his lukewarm coffee. Setting the cup down, his hand pulling down his face." She'd never let me live it down."
Lysandra watched him talk animatedly about his younger cousin. She found herself adoring the way he spoke and moved at the same time. How effortless it was to be. To talk of any and everything. Even with Aelin, there's something she'd keep to herself. With Aedion, that feeling ceased to exist.
Aedion continued talking of his past how he lived with her for most of his youth. His father was always off working in a specialized military unit known as the Cadre. With just himself and his mother in their lavish house, oftentimes, it grew quiet only the two of them. During his father's tours and special ops missions, they stayed at the Galathynius household. Aelin was always his partner in crime, a kindred soul. Together they caused enough hell for all of Erilea. Lysandra leaned back in her chair, finishing off the contents in her up. Wondering what a childhood between the two would be like. He told her of a time they went camping up in the staghorn mountains, encountering a ghost leopard. Her eyes glowed in excitement and awe.
Her tone was dreamy as she talked, "I love ghost leopards. They're my favorite."
Aedion glanced over incredulously. "Have you been up close with one?"
"Well, no. But they're magnificent, beautiful creatures." She added.
"That won't hesitate to tear you apart and eat you." He admonished, "The most terrifying experience of my life. I almost died, Lys! Then you'd be spending this Christmas alone." "
"It'd be quieter," she suggested; he looked over with offense.
A low chuckle fell from her while changing topics, "It's good to have a relative you're close with it."
"A pain in the ass sometimes, but yeah, you're right."
"More coffee?" she asked, "I’m getting another cup."
"Sure. Don't get flustered this time," Aedion teased. Lysandra rolled her eyes. He heard the word ass from under her breath.
When she returned, It was her time to take the lead—speaking of her sister Evangeline, who she practically raised on her own, In a not great side of Adarlan. Explaining they had different fathers. She made to reach for her phone. His guess was to show him a picture of her younger sister. The barista thought better of it, curling her hand around her cup instead. He assumed she remembered why she shut it off and let it go. Showing him later was always an option. Regardless, she proclaimed her love of Evangeline like she was her daughter instead of her sister. Aedion listened with intent as he exclaimed her mother often gone all hours of the night and day, so it was mainly her and Evangeline. Lysandra dropped out of college from what he learned, forgoing dreams of being a fashion designer to care for their sister. He found out that her mother was arrested two years ago for Evangeline, that meant going into the system or Lysanadra's care. Evangeline was now fifteen versus her twenty-five. He asked if Aelin knows and she replied with a far off no. Lysandra didn't have to say. He knew by her stance, the distant look, and the ghost of a smile that she wished it were different. She wanted to stay in school and keep her dreams. But Lysandra was quite content with her life.
"I'm sorry, I can't imagine.." he trailed off.
"I think you could. By the sound of it, if you had too, you would've done the same for Aelin." to that, he had to agree. There's nothing he wouldn't do for her, "You have a point there. Still doesn't mean I can't be sorry."
"I don't need your pity," she replied defensively.
For the first time in almost four hours, an awkward silence circled them. Aedion opened and closed his mouth several times, yet nothing came out. He didn't know how to proceed after that. What subject to change they should go to after this affected her in such away. His heart told him to reach out and take her hand. An act of reassurance and support. His mind told him that's weird, and he barely knew the girl. And doing so would freak out. He wasn't an excellent listener by any means. Always doing what he felt like. Before his head interjected, he extended a hand to the lonely woman across the way, who seemed to give up so much of herself. He thought deeply about her story; what if that was him and Aelin. The sacrifices and jumps he would go through just to make her dreams come true. He took a chance, squeezing her hand. To his surprise, she squeezed back. The silence curved into something peaceful between them. The loudspeaker came on overhead, breaking the instrumental holiday music, "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, we regret to inform you that due to inclement weather, Flight 3506 will, unfortunately, be canceled. We are terribly sorry for the inconvenience…"
Aedion went blank, the rest of the announcement dying in his ears. He was officially going to spend the rest of Christmas alone. Eventually, Lysandra would leave to go home to her sister and him--he would be home ordering take out. Gods, Aelin was going to be pissed. The bottom palm of his hands repeatedly tapped into his temples, pressing into his head. Christmas was their holiday, and he should've listened, taken an earlier flight, but he didn't. Now, this.
Lysandra watched him with concern and a fit of slight jealousy. Witnessing someone be this upset over not being with their family on Christmas day. A wild idea hit her. They barely scratched the surface of knowing each other. But in the spirit of the holiday season and her too-big heart and the growing affection for this man. Lysandra couldn't resist the temptation of the idea. The need to help out someone similar to herself and a relative of one of her dearest friends.
"Aedion." his fingers laced together over his brows, "I know this is probably odd, being we just met in all." his hands lowered, staring at her in suspicion, "I get off in a little over an hour. Mala, this is weird. You shouldn't spend the rest of the day alone."
"What are you asking exactly?"
"Well.." brows pushed together, she chewed her lips, nervously, "Do you want to spend Christmas with me? We could video call Aelin and your family. I can give you my address and number. After your rest, a bit, call me? Don't worry about my sister. I think she'll love you."
"I-" He'd video call his family regardless. The chance to spend the rest of Christmas with her, he couldn't pass it up, "You're serious?" Her expression remained the same, steady and sure. "I don't know what to say."
Lysandra only smiled as she stood, taking both of their cups, tossing them in the trash. She moved to the register, writing down her cell and address on receipt paper, returning to him and handing her information. Immediately he punched in her number and then her address. "You say thank you. And you'll be there. Obviously."
"Thank you, and I'll be there."
Lysandra stayed by the table as he gathered his coat and suitcase. Before he looked at her, feeling his body warmth from their closeness. Aedion cleared his throat, nodding thanks while gripping the handle of his luggage. He was making his way out of the quaint little shop stopping at the entrance. He glanced over his shoulder. Winking and flashing a crooked smile, a promise to see you soon.
More than 300 US flights canceled, thousands delayed during Labor Day weekend
More than 300 US flights canceled, thousands delayed during Labor Day weekend
More than 300 flights into, within or out of the U.S. during Labor Day weekend were canceled as of Saturday, as well as thousands delayed.
Saturday evening found 346 flights canceled from Friday through Monday, in addition to 8,228 flights delayed on Friday and Saturday.
The numbers were larger including international flights, 7,263 canceled across all four days and 35,382 delayed during the…
More than 300 US flights canceled, thousands delayed during Labor Day weekend
More than 300 US flights canceled, thousands delayed during Labor Day weekend
More than 300 flights into, within or out of the U.S. during Labor Day weekend were canceled as of Saturday, as well as thousands delayed.
Saturday evening found 346 flights canceled from Friday through Monday, in addition to 8,228 flights delayed on Friday and Saturday.
The numbers were larger including international flights, 7,263 canceled across all four days and 35,382 delayed during the…
