FanFiction.Net - unleash your imagination|
Author of 10 Stories |
Café Mocha
Author’s note: Thought I contribute more to Riku.. I haven’t really written a fic to this pair…so…yeah! I mostly written AkuRoku, c’mon now. Riku. is old school! Gotta go back to my roots! Haha.
And yeah…I should be working on ‘A Walk to Remember’ - heh.
Please forgive any spelling/grammar error!
“Here, thanks!” the brunet girl smiled. She took her drink and a holder, a straw already inserted in the icy treat. The petite girl smiled at the other brunet as she turned and began to indulge in her spoils.
Sora smiled at the happy customer and went on to make the next drink. He worked at a local coffee shop, the pay was good for him and he enjoyed his work better than most people. Perhaps he was more of an optimist, either way, he went on with his day with a smile while others dreaded the ground they walked on.
“We need a double shot mocha.” Someone said, Sora nodded and shouted that he got the order. All around him his other co-workers hustled about. It was the lunch hour and people were pouring in much like the coffee they served. It was ridiculous, people were buying coffee as if it was going out of style.
Sora lived with his brother, Roxas, in a small yet comfortable enough apartment. They could afford the rent and make it on bills. Both of them worked two jobs, but it was all right, that was just part of the life cycle as well. Of course, one of them had to complain and it was usually Roxas who did most of the complaining.
Stuff like, “Why is rent so expensive!?” and “Why are they paying us so low! I am so sick of over time!” and at times, Sora would have to agree, it was ridiculous. What ever the reason, Sora was content with his quaint life, or everyone thought he was.
Personally for Sora, he wanted some sort of excitement in his life. It was rather repetitive, his life that is, as of late. When he thought about it, the only thing he did look forward to when waking up was this job.
As odd as that sounded.
It wasn’t the coffee smell, even though Sora was more of a tea person, but he did like the smell of coffee and he did like making people happy. It was something else that made him look forward to the café.
His other job he was thinking about quitting, he didn’t like working at the furniture store as much. It was so boring and at times, he would end up falling asleep in one of the show rooms. It wasn’t his fault that the beds were actually that comfortable.
Anyways, he found the café was better. It was busy, which kept him awake; he met different people, people skills were a definite plus in life, and he got to see this one regular customer everyday he worked. It was nothing really special, so he liked to tell himself, but everyday the same customer would walk in, around the same time and order the same drink and he would always make sure it was Sora who made it.
One of the many perks of working at the café was that Sora knew the man’s name. It was Riku, at least, that’s what he said it was. Regardless, when ever he would come in, everyone knew to ask Sora to make the drink for the man and made sure it was Sora who presented the drink to ‘Riku’. He was a regular and he wouldn’t even bother coming in if Sora wasn’t there.
The brunet had told his brother about the man and Roxas just laughed, “Maybe he likes you.”
“But he doesn’t even know me!” Sora had said.
Roxas shrugged and smiled, “He knows where you work, when you work, that you make his coffee…hell, everyone knows he only wants you to make his coffee!” Roxas said.
“Yeah, but you just don’t like someone…especially if you don’t know them.” Sora reasoned.
Roxas just shrugged, “Maybe he can tell what kind of person you are by your coffee.”
“What?” Sora blinked at that, “That makes no sense.” Sora shook his head. Roxas laughed and shook his own head.
“Who says it has too?”
x.x.x.x
The door opened and the bell hanging above jingled. “Welcome!” an employee shouted and smiled at the familiar man. Sora looked up at the clock that hung above the blenders. One o’clock, right on time. He turned and saw the familiar face of the man, ‘Riku’.
His silver hair framed his face, those green eyes hidden partly behind the fall of his bangs, a small smile on his lips. Sora smiled back a bit before he walked over to the cashier and engaged in a light conversation with that man, “The usual, sir?” he asked.
“Yes please. You know how I like it.” the silver haired man said. Sora just smiled, a little dazed and in awe at how cool the man seemed. He had that soft, sultry voice and Sora just melted inside.
“Right away sir!” Sora smiled and quickly rang the man up. Riku paid Sora five dollars, his usual payment and tipped Sora the left over change. Sora smiled, “Name?” he asked, even though he knew the man’s coffee shop name. It was just procedure.
“Riku.” the brunet nodded, quickly writing the name down on a clear cup and walked away, quickly making Riku’s drink. He threw all the necessary ingredients in the blender, blending the concoction up. Sora then took the clear cup and quickly squirted a rain of caramel all around the sides of the cup and proceeded to pour the caramel ice blend in the plastic container. He then reached under the counter and took out a can of whip cream, quickly spraying a small mountain on the top of the drink before drizzling more caramel on top of the whip cream.
Though it sounded sweet, the drink was more like a caramel ice cream drink. Sora popped the top on and turned, “Riku?” he called.
The silver haired man walked up to where Sora was and smiled at the brunet. That smile always made Sora melt inside and made him inwardly sigh. It should be illegal to look that handsome. “Thank you, Sora.”
“Hah…” Sora smiled back, his face turning a light red. “No problem,” he quickly recovered. He smiled brightly at the man who smiled back. He then took a sip of his drink and grinned. “Is it good?” Sora asked.
“Perfect.”
“Heh, good.” Sora nodded, “I…well, I should get back to work.” Sora said awkwardly, yelling at himself at why he had to announce that to Riku. Turning sharply on his heel, he quickly got back to making many more different assortments of drinks. He could feel the other man’s eyes on him and he dare not look over his shoulder. After a moment or two, how ever, he finally glanced over his shoulder and to his dismay, Riku was gone.
Maybe it was all his imagination.
x.x.x.x
“Good work today everyone! Split the tips!”
Sora took his share of the well earn tips for the day and said good bye to his fellow co-workers. He shoved the petite amount of money in his pocket, shrugging his coat on as he exited the café and out into the winter night.
He sighed, his breath fogging around him. He was about to start his way home when he paused. Across the street was that man, Riku. Blinking Sora made eye contact with the man; he wasn’t sure whether he should keep walking or go over and talk to the man.
His mind was quickly made up for him as he saw the man cross the street and started walking towards him Sora blinked, his eyes wide as he swallowed. Well, what was he to do now? Sora shifted on his feet, the snow crunching beneath his weight. He smiled though, greeting the man warmly with his pearly whites. “Uhm…hello.” Sora said.
“Good evening.” the man said smoothly. He smiled at Sora, his silver hair covering his face in the most appealing way possible. Sora liked how it gave Riku a mysterious appeal, something the ladies would swoon over if this were to be a romance novel.
“Uhm…were you…waiting for…me?” Sora asked quietly, his voice dropping at the last word. He looked down, his face red. Maybe he shouldn’t have been so hopeful, what gave him the right of mind to assume that he was waiting for him?
“I was.”
Sora did a spin on the inside, but he kept his cool, “O-oh? What for?,” he then started to jump to conclusions, “D-did I make your drink wrong?” Sora stuttered.
“Oh no, the drink was superb as always,” he said. Just his using a word like ‘superb’ made Sora go in awe. Though it was a small word, it made anyone who used it sound so much more elegant. Sora thought to use it later on in his life, but not now.
“Oh…haha, that’s good.” Sora paused, “then, uhm…what ARE you waiting for?” he asked.
“I was wondering if you would like to have diner with me.” he asked casually. Sora’s jaw dropped.
“M-me?” Sora managed to squeeze out before his throat closed. Well, you certainly don’t have this type of opportunity every day. Sora was flabbergasted, what was he to say? It wasn’t everyday a man of this status, what status he didn’t know, asked out the ordinary drone of the world. Sora looked around, was he on Punk’d? Shaking his head and realizing that Riku needed an answer, Sora opened his mouth, but nothing but a mere squeak escaped him.
“I take it you don’t know?” Riku asked smiling.
“Well…I….we don’t even…KNOW each other.” Sora said, looking down.
“I know you make the best coffee I ever had.” Riku started, “That you’re young, around nineteen or so. I know your brother works just as hard as you. I know you’re a kind person and a bit shy.” Riku said and he could have continued on, but Sora’s shocked face made him stop.
“…” Sora gaped like a fish, “You can tell all that just from drinking my coffee?” Sora asked, amazed. He didn’t know one could do that.
Riku laughed deep in his throat, “No, I’ve seen you and your brother before and I’ve seen you enough times to know you’re a nice person.” he paused, “and shy around me as far as I seen.”
-Well, YEAH.- Sora thought -I think anyone would be-. Sora nodded how ever and was unsure what to say, so he settled for, “Oh.”
“Well, perhaps I should have asked something more lighter.” Riku said, he shifted, digging around in his back pocket. He pulled out his wallet and pulled out a business card. Sora gingerly took the piece of paper and looked down at it. -Riku…and his phone number!- Sora’s eyes widen approvingly.
“Just give me a call if you want to hang out.” the man said and tucked his wallet away. Sora looked up.
“I would love too!” Sora quickly said. He snapped his mouth shut immediately; did that make him sound to eager?
How ever, Riku smiled, “Would you?”
“Yeah! I mean,” Sora looked down at the card, “I would go with you now, I mean, you don’t SEEM like a serial killer, but I have to go meet my brother…,” Sora mumbled the end of his sentence.
“Ah, I see.” Riku nodded, “That’s fine, perhaps tomorrow.”
“Yeah! Tomorrow would be great! I have no work tomorrow…” Sora smiled. The silver haired man nodded.
“All right, tomorrow it is. Should I meet you here?”
“Oh!,” Sora fished for his cell phone, “Did you want my number?” he asked.
“Sure.” Sora told Riku his number, his cheeks red from the cold and from slight embarrassment. They exchanged a few more words before Sora glanced at the clock on his phone.
“Shit! Roxas is gonna kill me. I’m sorry Riku! I have to go.” Sora said, looking up at the man helplessly.
“It’s ok, I understand.” Riku said. “Do you need a ride, by any chance?”
“Uh…” Sora would have said yes then and there, but he just barely met the guy. Or rather just now started to have conversations with him. Sure he seemed friendly and trustworthy, but Sora didn’t know that. The brunet worried his bottom lip, “Well, actually,” Sora said, “We live close, so I can walk home easily.”
“All right then.” Riku nodded, “Just call me tomorrow if you wanted to hang out.” the older male said and with a polite nod, murmured another good evening and walked away. Sora watched the man walk to a very classy silver car. Riku unlocked the vehicle and slipped into the driver’s seat. Sora waved from where he stood, watched Riku drive away and let put a sigh he hadn’t realized he was holding.
He then turned slowly, the snow shifting beneath him as he started his long journey home. His house was within walking distance, it was just really cold. Sora was beginning to regret not taking up the ride with the man, but he didn’t know him. That would have been awkward.
Sora decided he should tell Roxas about his day, his older brother would know what to do. As he walked home, a small smiled broke across his lips. Well at least he had Riku’s phone number.
x.x.x.x
Roxas was cooking diner in the kitchen. He glanced at the clock hanging above the sink and frowned a bit. Sora was late. He wondered vaguely where his brother could be and as if on cue, the blond heard the front door open. The blond poked his head out of the kitchen and saw Sora beginning to shrug his jacket off. “Hey! Why so late?” Roxas called.
Sora looked up, “Man! You won’t GUESS what happened today after work,” Sora exclaimed, walking into the kitchen to talk with Roxas.
“What happen?” Roxas asked as he continued to stir the contents of the pan.
“Well,” Sora started, propping himself up to sit on the kitchen counter, his legs kicking back and forth, “As usual, Riku came in and got the same thing, caramel ice blend.”
“Uh-huh, and?”
“Well, today after work, I walked outside, and you know who is there?”
“…Riku.” it was more of a statement than question.
“Yeah!” Sora said, looking at his brother, looking and sounding shocked “And you know what he asked me?” Sora asked, getting excited as the event replayed in his mind.
“What’d he ask?” Roxas inquired, slightly intrigued now at the tone of voice Sora had now adopted. He could tell his brother was excited about something; so it meant what ever happen was good.
“He asked if I wanted to go out to diner sometime!” Sora exclaimed.
Roxas paused and looked at Sora, “…he asked you out!?” Roxas shouted.
“Well…no…just…to diner.” Sora said. “He didn’t ask me out, are you crazy?” Sora laughed, “He just want to be friends…”
Roxas gaped at his brother. Well, he would figure it out eventually, “Ok…so…what did you say?” Roxas asked, slowly turning back to what he was cooking for the two of them.
“I said not yet, because we didn’t know each other.” -Well- Roxas thought -At least he’s smart enough to get to know the guy first- Roxas nodded.
“Oh? And?”
“Well,” Sora started to play with a loose thread that hung off his shirt, “He gave me his business card and I gave him my cell.” Sora said. Roxas was about to open his mouth to say something, but refrained.
“Ok…and?” he urged Sora on.
“Well, I’m supposed to hang out with him tomorrow…” Sora said, looking at Roxas.
The blond looked at Sora as he turned the stove down to low to let the stir fry he made simmer a bit and keep warm, “Tomorrow? And do what?”
“Well, I don’t know.” Sora said, “I guess just hang out. I told him we should get to know one another first and all…so…yeah.”
Roxas gave Sora a skeptical look, “Sora…”
“Oh no! Not the tone!” Sora wailed. He jumped off from the counter and walked out into the living room.
“No! Sora! Get back here!” Roxas shouted. He followed his younger brother, “Get back here!” he said.
“Roxas, I know what you’re gonna say!,” Sora cleared his throat and imitated his brother, “Now you know he could be a stalker or a child rapist! Don’t get too carried away! You don’t know him! I want you to be in a public place. Etcetera etcetera…” Sora sighed, “I get it, I know. I AM nineteen you know.”
“And I’m twenty, I know more about the world than you do.” Roxas said, arms crossed. He was not at all amused by Sora’s little imitation, was that REALLY supposed to be him? He forgot to cross his arms, silly Sora.
“A year!” Sora defended.
“Still living longer than you!” Roxas said.
“Argh! Look, I’ll call you if anything were to happen, though I HIGHLY doubt it would!”
“…”
“Don’t give me that look! Don’t be so condescending!” Sora said, pouting a bit. Roxas sighed.
“If he tries to rape you-”
“WHAT!? Roxas! What in the good God world makes you think he would do that!?” Sora exclaimed.
“Well, Axel-”
“Oh man, you did NOT just compare Riku to AXEL.” Sora shook his head.
“…you have a point.” Roxas muttered.
“Look, I’m responsible, you know this.” Sora said, crossing his own arms.
The two brother stared at each other. Roxas just wanted Sora to be safe and he didn’t know anything of Riku. The only thing he DID know about the man was what he saw and what Sora told him. Sure he joked that the man could have liked him, but it actually coming into light was a whole different story. Riku seemed ok, he did like Sora, whether Roxas wanted to admit it or not. Roxas sighed, scratching his head. Well, with his impression of the silver haired man, he was labeled ok for now.
“Ok, what ever, but if anything happens-”
“Call you, I got it.” Sora rolled his eyes. Roxas just smiled.
“I just look out for you.” he said.
“Yeah, yeah, I know.” Sora smiled. Roxas laughed and motioned for Sora to go eat.
After the clean up of diner, Roxas announced he was going to Axel’s place. Sora asked why so late and Roxas just blushed a bit saying something along the lines of that Axel gets a it lonely. Sora laughed and hassled his brother the whole time he was getting ready.
The two had been going out since they were in high school and Sora had to admit he was a bit envious of his brother. He admired how close the pair managed to stay after all these years. It was quite remarkable. Sora had asked Roxas if he expected to be with Axel for the rest of his life and Roxas just gave Sora a terrified look.
“Forever? With THAT?” Roxas gasped, “Man…that would suck.” But Sora read between the lines. Roxas was actually saying, “Forever? With the one? Man, that would be so wonderful.” Sora knew the two loved each other deeply.
He was really envious.
Roxas said good night to Sora, walking out the front door. Sora was now left alone, Roxas saying he’d be home around one or so. “If I don’t call by then, send a search party for me.” the blond said. Roxas had an excellent habit of never being late to anywhere, and if he was, the whole world’s feng shui would be out of balanced.
“Will do,” Sora said with a mock salute. Roxas rolled his eyes, but smiled.
Sora walked towards the bathroom, ridding himself of his work clothes. He took a quick shower, trying to scrub away the stench of labor. When he had dressed, he remembered he had left Riku’s card in the pocket of his pants. He dug out the white card stock paper and stared at it for the longest time.
Sora was quite excited about spending the day with the silver haired man. He would finally get to know his so-called ‘number one’ fan. He had always wondered about the older male, but never really asked. After all he didn’t want to break the customer-employee rule. If there were such a thing. Sora wasn’t sure. He’d google it later.
Sora flopped down on the couch, the small business card in his hands still as he gazed at those ten digit number. Maybe he should call him now? -No…it’s late…- Sora thought as he glanced at the clock on the VCR.
It read ten fifty-two. Yeah, it was late. But maybe he should check if it was the right phone number. -Argh…stop making up excuses to call him!- Sora chided himself. He sat up and glanced at the phone, debating in his head. He could call Riku and just chat, or he can just wait till tomorrow.
The options weighed heavy and Sora found himself reaching for the phone. He picked up the white cordless and stared at the number pad. He then looked to the card, then back at the phone. He sighed, so what was he waiting for? Frowning to himself, he nonchalantly started dialing Riku’s number. He held the device to his ear and right when he heard the first ring, he slapped his forehead, “ARGH! WHAT AM I DOING!?”
He was about to hang up when someone picked up, “Hello?” Sora froze, his first instinct was to hang up. He didn’t say anything, “Hello?” the person asked again.
Finally Sora snapped out of his shock and spoke up “Uhm! Yeah, uh…is this…uh, is this Ri…Riku?” He asked quietly at the end, feeling shy if he got the wrong number.
“Yes, this is he.” there was a pause, “Sora?”
“Ahah!” Sora laughed, “I…yeah, this is me! I’m mean, yeah, Sora!” The brunet scowled at himself, why was he acting so weird?
He heard Riku laugh a bit, “How are you?”
“I’m…good.” Sora said awkwardly. He fell down on his couch, fiddling with the card in his hand.
“I’m glad you called, what’s up?” Riku asked and he too sounded like he was getting comfortable somewhere.
“Nothing much. My brother just ditched me to go see his boyfriend. So…I…remembered your number and called.” Sora said. “I mean!” he quickly stammered, “I didn’t call you because I was bored, I mean, I was, but like, not that you, uh…” he quickly forgot why he was apologizing.
Riku laughed, “You worry too much. It’s fine, I’m glad you decided to call.” The silver haired man was in his bed, his laptop resting on his lap. He was going over his payments for the month, also bring up charts from his work.
“Yeah? I mean, well…your welcome.” Sora laughed a bit hesitantly. He wasn’t sure why he was acting so giddy and so weird. He never got like that over anyone. Then again, the man did have that sort of influence on him after all. Riku just exuded a sophisticated aura and it made Sora try to be more polite and more regal.
“What are you doing?” he asked. Sora briefly registered the fact that Riku had one of those sultry phone sex voice. He immediately slapped himself for thinking that, literally.
“Uhm, just sitting on the couch, watching TV…” Sora said as he reached for the remote and turned the TV on. He sat back, holding the phone close to his ear. “You?” he asked more calmly.
“I’m paying some bills and working.”
“Work?”
“Yes, just pulling up charts.”
“Oh I see.” Sora nodded as if Riku could see. He wondered if he should ask what Riku did, but would that be too forward?
“Are you curious about what I do for a living?” Riku asked, sensing Sora’s curiosity.
“Uhm, yeah, but I didn’t want to be so forward.” Sora explained.
“Haha, it’s ok, after all, I did come to you.” Riku said.
“That’s true…” Sora murmured, “Ok, what do you do?” he asked.
“I’m in international business affairs.” Riku said.
-My god!- Sora screamed in his head -even his JOB sounded sophisticated!- “Really?,” he asked, mildly intrigued. He sat up a little, “What is it? Like…you travel right?”
“Yes, I travel, but sometimes I just use the computer.” Riku explained.
“That’s so awesome! You must be rich!” immediately, Sora snapped his mouth shut, “I mean! Uh! Sorry! I didn’t mean to sound so-”
“It’s all right, you apologize to much.” Riku said cooly into the phone. He smiled, finding the brunet’s outburst terrible cute.
“Yeah, I know, sorry - I mean! Argh…” Sora laughed and hid his face in his arms as if Riku was actually there. At that moment, the ice seemed to have been broken.
They started to converse about their day, Sora ranting time to time about his day in the café. Riku listen with open ears, giving his input on what the brunet should do in what predicaments. Sora rambled on how about he and Roxas were tight on money, yet still managed to lead comfortable lives. He told Riku about how their parents basically kicked them out once Sora turned eighteen.
“By then, Axel had offered his place so we were ok. Then both Roxas and I got jobs and yeah. We’re where we are today.” Sora said. He realized he had just basically told Riku his whole life story by accident. It was just Riku was so easy o talk to.
“I see, well, as long as you are doing good.” Riku said.
“What about you?” Sora asked, laying down on the couch.
“Well, I am an only child.”
“Lucky.” Sora laughed.
Riku laughed too, his work not even near half done as he found talking to the brunet was much more fun, “I’m twenty two, I have a steady job and…well…I don’t know what else to say.”
“Well, how about why you wanted to get to know me?” Sora asked.
“I always saw you in the shop,” Riku started, “and at first, I just thought nothing of it. But after every time I came in and ordered, I found, I like your coffee the most.” Riku admitted. Sora felt his cheeks flush, thankful that Riku couldn’t see. “So I thought, I want to get to know him. I always saw you interact with others, and you seemed very kind, polite.”
“Is that why you always ordered from me?”
“Well, that and,” Riku paused, smiling a bit. He was actually a bit embarrassed to admit to something, “I like the way YOU make my coffee.”
Maybe it was just Sora, but the way Riku said that last sentence, it made Sora almost drop the phone and die right then and there. It was the type of situation when you are listening to a song and the singer said a phrase in just the right tone; it makes the listener melt and they have to replay that part of the song over and over.
It was something akin to that and Sora shuddered. “O-oh? Well, it’s nothing special really…” Sora managed to mumble, “I mean, I make it just as good as the next guy…”
“Yes, but I like YOUR coffee.”
Sora gapped like a fish, “I…well…thank you.” Sora said, blushing all the while. He was glad Riku couldn’t see him. In fact, Sora wondered if one could blush so hard that your head would start to hurt. Because at the moment, Sora’s head throbbed with a dull pain. He sighed and put his head in his hand, though his head hurt, he wanted to keep talking with Riku.
“You’re very welcome.” Riku said, smiling. He continued to tell more about himself to Sora, telling the brunet that he was attending college still, and thought about doing free lance writing. Sora was so amazed at how successful Riku sounded. Sora felt embarrassed now ranting about his simple life. He said this to Riku and the man just laughed.
“Don’t be, we all have our troubles.” Riku said. He shut his laptop and set it aside and he slid into bed fully. He leaned back against his pillows, enjoying the sound of Sora’s voice in his ear. He wondered what it’d be like to actually have Sora’s voice in his ear. “It’s all part of life.”
Sora smiled at that, “That’s true.” he murmured. After a moment, he yawned, fatigue from the day overcoming him.
“Are you sleepy?”
“A bit…”
“You should go to bed, we can talk tomorrow.” Riku said, his voice also full of sleep.
Sora smiled. What was it about people’s voice that when they get sleepy their voice adopts this sultry, husky tone? Sora found it utmost appealing; Riku’s voice was just like that. His voice was deep, sleep covered and he had just slightest crack in his voice. “Ok.” Sora agreed.
“So, what time would you like to meet at?” Riku asked.
“Well…I’ll call you when I’m ready?”
“Sounds good.”
The brunet smiled, “All right, I’ll see you tomorrow then…”
“It’s a deal. Good night, Sora.”
“Night Riku.” and Sora waited for Riku to hang up first, Riku doing the same. “Uhm…h-hello?”
“Yes?”
Sora laughed, were they both doing the same thing? “Ok, ‘ll hang up and then you.” Sora said.
“All right,” Riku laughed.
“Ok, bye.” Sora said.
“Haha, bye.”
Another pause. Sora laughed again, “Ok! Bye for reals!”
“You’re so silly, just hang up.” Riku laughed. He sat up and shook his head, never had he had this sort of thing happen to him. It was rather…cute.
“I know! I was juts - ok! Ok! Bye!” and with that Sora hung up. He threw the phone across the couch and laughed.
Riku put his own phone back on the receiver and shook his head, a genuine smile on his lips. He couldn’t wait till tomorrow.
-end 1-
:
:
:
:
