aHHHH THE DETAIL OF TALIESIN'S FEED CUTTING OUT AND HIS LOCATION BEING LISTED AS [INVALID] RIGHT BEFORE IT'S REVEALED KINGSLEY HAS BEEN OVERTHROWN!!...maybe it'll be a bit of a search and rescue mission...? 👀👀
And the notes for the Berlin live show!! "An experiment gone wrong has caused Caleb and Essek's continued exploration of the folding Halls of Halas to become an even more terrifying labyrinth, with a...corrupted Caleb Widogast as the maze master." Oh that sounds so exciting!! I know it'd be a lot to hope we get to see Taliesin play Kingsley in both of those, but ohhh...how I'd love to see Tealeaf get the chance to save a "corrupted" Caleb the way his Magician fought so hard to save him from Lucien ; ; It'd be so compelling--
Also, wait, I'm just thinking..........the Berlin live show is so close to the Edinburgh one--just a week away!! So maybe...in the very end of it,, something happens that will be like a little teaser that leads into the Darktow liveshow?? 👀👀 That'd be fun--
ALSO!! PLANK KING KINGSLEY ART!!!! LEVEL 20 KING ART!!! FINALLY!!! and please consider: disgraced/overthrown Plank King Kingsley flirting with Caleb again, that is all--
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Hiccup bit back an exhausted groan as he handed a latte over to the woman across the counter and looked around the busy shop. He wasn’t sure what it was about today, but every entitled asshole must’ve planned a get together to torment this specific coffee shop, it was the only explanation. He was also alone at the register for another two hours because his coworker bailed on their shift again. He was beginning to seriously question how they even still had a job.
He cast a dull gaze towards the door as it chimed its next set of customers and watched as the single most attractive man he’d ever seen walked through the door. His beard was well kept, and his hair was cropped close at the sides and slicked back with what appeared to be enough hair gel to make a construction worker blush. His suit was clean and pressed, but Hiccup could see the clear evidence of defined muscles in those broad shoulders. His face was so well defined, it might as well have been carved from granite, and really how was that fair?
Their conversation drifted over the crowd easily. “Come on, Viggo, just try somethin’ a little different fer once.” The older man nudged him. “These people know what they’re doin’ with coffee. Ya’d be surprised how creative a barista can get.”
Viggo scoffed. “The only creativity baristas possess is as wannabe art majors in need of stable income. I wouldn’t trust a single one of them to make so much as an Americano without the proper guidance.”
There it is. He can be so pretty because he’s a judgemental asshole. Hiccup schooled his face into a neutral expression as the two approached the register. “I’ll have you know I’m actually a STEM major.” He clipped impatiently as Viggo approached with a sour expression.
“How nice for you. Do you have nothing better to do than eavesdrop on people’s conversations?”
“Well, you walked into my job, presumably to be my customer, so… no, I don’t actually.”
The older man beside Viggo turned away, coughing into his hand if only to hide a startled snort. He muttered something that had Viggo’s scowl deepen as he cast a hard look to his companion.
Hiccup wasn’t sure what exactly had come over him, but he was already in this deep. “You’re one of those recipe people, aren’t you? With the exact count of flavor pumps, a specific temperature, and like a milk ratio, I bet. You get the same drink order every time.”
Satisfaction curled in his chest at the sheer offense glittering in the man’s eyes as he stood straighter and clasped his hands behind his back. “Is there something wrong with knowing what I like?”
“Not at all.” Hiccup replied with a smirk. “Just boring.”
“Boring you say? And what would you deem to be a non boring drink?”
“Well, I see all kinds of strange orders here.” Hiccup hummed and turned to the register. “... I bet, I can make a drink even you can’t find fault with.”
The man all but bristled at the challenge but something strange sparked in his eyes. It was a quick spark that Hiccup easily would have missed if they hadn’t been staring each other down in their silent battle of wills. “Very well. If you can make an adequate enough drink, I’ll apologize and give a handsome tip. If it’s bad, I get my usual order, made to my exact specifications, for free.”
“Deal.” Hiccup rang him in and then turned to his companion. “And what can I get for you?”
The older was fighting the amusement from his face and cleared his throat. “Ya know what, kid? Make two of whatever yer plannin’ on.”
Hiccup grinned and rang up both orders, then turned and pulled down the ingredients. White chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon, and began the process of grinding and brewing the espresso. He pressed the grounds into the funnel and clicked it into the espresso machine, then grabbed the oat milk and some half and half. The drinks came together quickly, and he topped them both with whipped cream, a drizzle of white chocolate sauce, and a generous sprinkle of cinnamon before carrying his finished masterpiece over to the counter.
“Here we are, I’m told it’s basically a cinnamon roll in a cup.”
“You’re told? You’ve never tried it for yourself?”
“I prefer my coffee black.”
The man’s lips parted with what would have surely been another retort but the older man he was with groaned. “Just drink the bloody thing!”
He grumbled to himself and picked up the concoction, meeting Hiccup’s cocky smirk with a stern glare as he took a slow sip of the drink. He paused, took another, then huffed. “It’s adequate.” With that, he paid with a 100% tip and walked away.
The older man took his own, sipped it with a frown and sighed. “Damn sweet tooth…” he reached for his wallet and pulled out a few bills. “Don’t worry kid, ya did good, that’s Viggo fer ‘I like it’.” He handed them over and left to join him at his table.
Hiccup heaved a relieved sigh as the two walked away. “Service workers one, customers… eh. More than I’ve counted.” He turned to clean up the steamer and put away the ingredients. “Good thing my manager wasn’t here to see that…”
_____________
Viggo pulled into the parking lot of Coop’s favorite coffee shop and sighed. He still hadn’t quite gotten over his encounter with that young barista a few days ago. He’d been having a bad enough day already, and that man opted to play with fire. It worked out in the end…
Coop smirked. “Maybe that kid’ll be on shift again today. Gonna let him experiment again?”
Viggo scoffed. “He made one decent drink. It was a fluke.”
“Whatever ya say.”
Coop thankfully dropped it as they walked in and got in line. As luck would have it, the young man was behind the counter. Viggo flicked his gaze to the metal nametag clasped to the brown apron and hummed. The man’s name was Hiccup… he’d remember that for when he needed to file a complaint on employee conduct.
Just as they stepped up to the counter, a young girl came up to Hiccup behind the counter, looking distressed as she tugged his sleeve. He turned to her and Viggo frowned as she whispered something in his ear and showed him a coffee cup. Hiccup’s expression twisted into a flicker of horror before a devilish grin crossed his face.
“I’ll handle it, don’t worry.” He took the coffee from her hand and abandoned the register and marched over to the opposite counter with purpose in his long stride. Viggo admired the fluid motion in his slim figure before he set the cup on the counter and slammed his hands down. “I have a vanilla latte for the weirdo that’s trying to make a teenager call them DADDY!” He shouted, loud enough for the entire shop to hear.
Silence descended upon the store as everyone looked around, expressions torn between shock and horror. Viggo watched in awe of the young man before turning to scan the crowd for the foul perpetrator. The silence was deafening.
“Vanilla latte for Daddy!” Hiccup called again with that same self satisfied expression when Viggo caught sight of a man that appeared to be in his late twenties trying to sneak for the door.
Viggo stepped out of line and snatched him by the arm. “You wouldn’t happen to be the owner of that coffee, would you?” He asked with a charming smile as the shop’s attention turned towards them. “I’d hate for you to forget your drink.”
The man’s eyes widened and he quickly wrenched his arm free and bolted for the exit. Whispers descended upon the crowd and Hiccup shrugged and pulled the sleeve off the cup before handing it back to the girl. “Here, consolation prize.”
“Thanks, Hiccup…”
“Don’t mention it.” Hiccup patted her on the shoulder and returned to the register with a pleasant smile. “What can I get for you two today?”
Viggo watched him carefully, amusement glittering in his expression as he took in the prideful young man with newfound respect. The way he delighted in putting that man in his proper place was something Viggo could appreciate. He imagined the boy didn’t take anything lying down. “Surprise me.”
______________
Viggo became one of Hiccup’s favorite regulars after that day. There was almost never a shift he worked anymore where he didn’t see him. Sometimes he was dressed in a suit, and other times he looked fresh from the gym, with hair still a little wet from the shower, and his t-shirt straining under bulged muscles.
He would always get his drink and then take a seat at the bar with either a book in his hand or his laptop out in front of him. When things were slow they would chat while Hiccup cleaned and restocked, interrupted only by the occasional customers. Hiccup started finding himself wishing for those slower shifts just so he could better enjoy his time with Viggo.
Today was one of those slower days, and Hiccup lounged against the counter, bored out of his mind as he watched the only other customers in here with him. A couple of his fellow students from the college a few blocks away, buried in their laptops and notebooks. Before his mind could drift to his own classes, he heard the door chime and perked up when Viggo stepped inside, in his neatly pressed suit.
“Your usual?” He asked playfully, already reaching for the coffee beans.
“Naturally.” Viggo approached the counter with a charming smile and pulled out his card while Hiccup got the drink ready. “It appears you’ve had a relaxing day.”
Hiccup snorted and set the espresso to brew. “More like boring. I could’ve used the time to study.”
“Surely a break from your studies isn’t so lamentable.”
“It would be better if I was off the clock.” He got the mug ready and called back over to Viggo. “How about you? Was your work day relaxing?”
“Hardly.” Viggo scoffed and pulled out his book. “Deadlines are quickly approaching and budgets are not balancing. It's been equitable to a spa.”
“That good, huh?” Hiccup grinned and poured the espresso into the cup and stirred in a bit of cinnamon and water. He poured the steamed milk over the coffee and slid it over the counter. He watched Viggo take a sip of the drink and bit back a small chuckle when his expression twisted. The man stood and wandered over to the coffee counter, and Hiccup watched in horrified amusement as he grabbed the sugar and proceeded to dump it into the drink.
After the first two seconds, he was biting back laughter as he went to make a new, sweeter concoction. Hiccup placed the new drink on the counter and disappeared into the back to grab a few items for restocking. When he returned, Viggo was staring at him in disapproval.
“... What?”
“I did not order a new drink.”
“Well, you didn’t seem to be a big fan of the Americano Breve.”
“I still intend to drink it.”
Hiccup rolled his eyes fondly and nudged the other one closer. “Just take it. I’d hate for you to come all the way here and leave unsatisfied. Besides, you violated that poor coffee with the amount of sugar I watched you pour into it. Does it even have a flavor anymore?”
Viggo burst into laughter and took a sip of the new drink. “I suppose this one is more to my tastes.”
_______________
Hiccup was behind the counter with his manager, working through the endless line of customers, groaning internally when the door chimed with more people just as he managed to get the espresso machine cleaned up. His manager stepped over to the machine and began prepping a drink.
“I’ve got this one, Hiccup, can you go get the stock list?” His manager held out a post-it.
“Uhm… sure.” Hiccup shrugged and took the note, then disappeared into the back. It didn’t take him long to gather the stock list and return to the front, where he caught sight of Viggo at the counter with his manager.
He slid a cup over to Viggo and smiled pleasantly. “Your usual, mocha breve with whipped cream.”
Viggo clicked his tongue as he caught Hiccup’s gaze, a frown twisting his handsome features as he pulled out his card. “... I thank you for your expedience…” he bit out, paying for the drink before he went to settle at a table in the corner, instead of his usual spot at the bar.
Hiccup watched his manager slump and heave a sigh. “He’s in a bad mood today…”
“You say that like it’s a regular occurrence," he teased as the man slumped over with a heavy sigh.
“Viggo used to only come with his coworkers, but lately he comes in on his own more often… he’s… particular about his drink. It’s the same every time. Mocha breve with three tablespoons of chocolate sauce instead of two, extra foam, and shaved chocolate on top. The milk can’t be more than 145 degrees, or it tastes burnt. The first time he came in, I had to remake it three times because the flavor profile was off. He also has… high expectations of service.”
Hiccup laughed. “That’s hard to believe. He just lets me do whatever I like.”
He yelped when his manager seized his shoulders, eyes as wide as saucers. “What do you mean you get to ‘do what you like’?!”
“I…” Hiccup looked away and shrugged. “It’s exactly as I said?... I just- make whatever and he drinks it. Sometimes he gives me restrictions, like no raspberry or no caramel or chocolate, but otherwise it’s something different every time.”
“... I hate you. Truly, I do.”
“Wow, thanks.” Hiccup rolled his eyes and shoved him off.
“I’m serious, Hiccup! He’s your problem from this moment forward.”
_____________
Hiccup groaned miserably, face down in his text book. His notebook and calculator were beside him, and a half finished equation was written out on the page while his brain slowly died. He only had about an hour left before he had to clock back in. He was supposed to have all morning to work on this, but his coworker called out again and his boss called him in. He heard a chair slide across the ground at his table and shifted to peer up at whoever had chosen to interrupt his pity session.
He was shocked to see Viggo Grimborn standing over him with amusement lighting up his otherwise stern expression. He settled in the chair and pulled out his book. “I take it your studies are going well.”
“Is that how it looks?” Hiccup peeled himself off the page and sat up with a yawn and a stretch. He reached for his coffee and frowned when he realized the cup was empty. He sighed and abandoned the cup in favor of his pencil. “I’m a better actor than I thought I was.”
Viggo snorted and leaned against the table. “I take it you’re on your break?”
“I worked a surprise double today. So I’m trying to knock out as much homework as I can. I might actually have time to sleep tonight.”
“I see. Have you eaten then?”
“Uh…”
Viggo chuckled and stood. “Say no more. While my college days are behind me, I remember what it was like. I’ll make you a deal. I will get you another coffee, on the condition you also eat a meal. Perhaps you will think clearer after that.” He didn’t even give Hiccup an opportunity to respond before he headed for the counter.
“Wait, that’s not-... and he’s gone.” Hiccup groaned and leaned back in his seat. Heat crawled up his cheeks and he glanced back down at his text book with a huff. Viggo was concerned for him… something warm swirled in his chest and before he knew it, the man was back, with a piping hot breakfast sandwich, a bowl of fruit, and a steaming black coffee.
“Your coffee order is atrocious.”
Hiccup laughed and dragged the cup closer, enjoying the fragrant smell of the bitter drink before he took a sip. “I told you I like it black.”
Viggo snorted and pushed the food closer. “Eat.”
____________
Viggo heaved an exhausted sigh as he pulled into the parking lot of the coffee shop. Valentine’s Day… a truly exhausting day at the office. He didn’t mind all the corny heart decorations, or the exchange of chocolates, but there were ten bouquets in his back seat and a pile of letters from various ‘potential suitors’ all vying for his favor. His brother insisted he give at least a few of them a chance, that perhaps he would actually enjoy the company of at least one of them.
Viggo really wished Ryker would cease his interest in his bedroom partners.
He walked into the shop, closing his eyes as the pleasant smell of coffee and pastries wafted throughout the room. Hiccup’s voice chimed over the crowd, bantering with one of his customers.
That cheerful voice, just on the edge of sarcasm, allowed warmth to curl in his chest. It was an adorable sound, that chased away the exhaustion in his mind. He wondered what concoction the young man would come up with today. Would he make one of Viggo’s favorites, or would he try something new? Would it taste like fruit or caramel? Hot or cold? He’d come to love the little moment of unpredictability.
Ever since the man challenged him with a fire in his eyes, intent on defending his honor as a barista. Or perhaps simply his honor as a person. Whatever it was, it had earned Viggo’s respect. When Viggo realized that passionate attitude extended beyond defending himself, Hiccup had far more than his respect. He had his attention.
Hiccup didn’t know it, but he also had Viggo’s affection. He found himself thinking of the man more often lately. How was his shift going? How were his studies progressing? How did he prefer to spend his free time? He spoke a bit of his friends and family, but did he have a partner? Somehow that thought brought him no comfort.
He watched Hiccup light up when he approached the counter. “Viggo! Happy Valentine’s Day! How are you doing?”
A fond smile graced his expression as he watched Hiccup turn to begin making his order. “I’m well, thank you. I hope your day has been pleasant.”
“Of course! All the grumps are spending their time at the bar today. Today’s been a breath of fresh air.” He grinned as he turned to face Viggo, pouring the cream into his cup. “And with you here, it just got that much better.”
“I’m truly honored.” Viggo paid for the beverage and waited patiently as Hiccup placed a tray on the counter. He smiled down at the artistic rose painted atop his coffee, and quirked a brow at the little plate of chocolates next to it. “There’s a treat with this one? I don’t recall this shop selling chocolates.”
“A little holiday surprise. Let me spoil my favorite regular a little.”
“Your favorite, you say?” Viggo picked up the tray and moved to take a seat at the bar. “Very well then, if you insist.”
The young man looked relieved when he accepted, only for his attention to immediately be drawn away by the next customer. Viggo sighed and settled in to watch him work, and smiled as a gentle, floral smell drifted from his cup. He savored the taste, immediately picking out the notes of vanilla, cardamom and rose. Viggo laughed a little and set the cup down. “How festive…” he went to grab one of the chocolates and paused when he noticed a slip of paper tucked under the plate.
“Oh? What’s this now?” He pulled it out and flipped it open, heat creeping up his cheeks as he read the words.
Will you be my Valentine?
A small, amused laugh escaped him. He looked back up at Hiccup as he prepared another drink. “Hiccup, my dear? A moment please.”
Hiccup paused and looked over his shoulder. He smiled and popped the espresso into the machine before he wandered over. “Need something? More sugar maybe?”
“What time does your shift end today?”
He paused and his gaze flickered over to the note in Viggo’s hand. A warm smile spread across his face, lighting up his entire visage. “I’m off at four today.”
i yearn to choke him, he yearns to be choked, we all yearn to choke him as a treat
very mild smut under cut
your hand in sousuke's hair, tugging gently. the other is snugly wrapped around his throat as you ride him.
he's only slightly taken aback by your little bout of spontaneity, of course, but once he settles into it he's really into it.
he's telling you to grip harder. harder still.
"more," he rasps out, his voice small while your hand constricts the sides of his neck. not crushing. just finding the right amount of pressure.
the smirk on his lips melts into a look of concentration as he tries not to finish right then and there. trying to maintain some modicum of control. he barks out orders but he's met with your lips clashing greedily against his to shut him up.
a moment passes—making incredible work with your hips and hands—and his eyes begin to flutter shut, brows knitting together, concentrating on trying not to finish.
how cute, you think to yourself. who would have thought his resolve could break so quickly with you in his lap?
suddenly he's real quiet. not silent, given the way he's panting, but close to it. you smile as you peck his lips again. you think you hear the makings of a moan after you quickly release and constrict his neck.
"what was that?" you tease, encouraging him to moan like he means it.
and he does well enough as the next roll of your hips, the next tug on his hair, and the light squeeze of your thumbs unravels him. you throw a hand over his mouth to savor the feeling of that sweet sound resonating in your palm.
you watch him jerk timidly beneath you and with another kind squeeze of his neck, you swear you can see his eyes roll back.
red flushes his cheeks when you're finished with him and tiny imprints of your fingers decorate the sides of his neck. he's utterly spent from the gratifying torment of your hands. his head lolls and he pants heavily. what a beautiful sight.
