Chapter Text
Zack sits up, looking at the two with the energy that can only be described as a hyperactive puppy. He stands up immediately, smiling at Squall in particular “Squall! Dude, you won’t believe what just happened!”
“I probably will.” Squall says unenthusiastically
“Well, Sephiroth put me on the schedule with YOU and Noctis! All week!” Zack sounds a little too happy about that one.
Squall, however, is the opposite. His face drops in horror. He’s not with Lightning or Cloud. The only two tolerable people around. Even if Cloud can be corny, he’s still quiet and competent. Lightning keeps everything together, she’s the best waitress here. Squall works well with them, why the HELL would Sephiroth, their boss, change it up? Squall believes this is genuine torture.
Zack looks at Riku and beams even more. “Oh, you’re Sora’s friend, right? He says so much about you! He’s shown me photos of you and him doing all sorts of stuff. I’m Zack Fair, nice to meet you!”
Zack walks over and shakes Riku’s hand, firm grip and all. The man is strong, extremely. “Yeah… likewise.” For some reason, Riku feels like he’s getting Deja Vu. God, he’s talking to an older Sora.
Zack beams at Riku, taking in the younger man’s appearance. “You’re an island boy, huh? I can see it, even under all that style. I bet you lived near a beach, you give off the vibes!”
Riku’s taken aback by the quick (and correct) guess. “Wow- yeah.. Yeah, actually. I take it you’re from a rural area, too?” Riku asks with a slight smile.
“You know it! I’m pretty far from home, but I do fly back and visit my parents every chance I get you know?” Zack says with a smile, happy to talk about home.
As the two men talk, Squall stares at the door Zack was kicked from. It’s not an abnormal occurrence; Zack’s always been a talkative nuisance, but he’s definitely one of the reasons the shop has such a happy demeanor.
Squall does sigh when he sees the door open once again. This time, Aqua walks out in her normal barista uniform, a dark blue shirt, long sleeved, collared, and buttoned up. A grey apron with the top folded over the bottom. Black slacks, and dress shoes. Completely professional in all her glory, she eyes Zack with a small smile on her face.
“Sorry, lightning kicked you out again. Well, this one was kind of deserved…” She says awkwardly, looking at Squall. The man looks a little irritated, for obvious reasons.
Zack smiles sheepishly, he and Tidus were messing around in the breakroom. Get this, they were arguing over the pronunciation of "Deciduous". “I’ll take this loss, Lightning likes me anyways. I think…? I can’t ever tell with her… He mumbles that last part to himself
Aqua and Squall do share a look, one that says “She barely tolerates him.”
“Uh, anyways! Squall, I heard you and Zack are on schedule together. I think the two of you balance each other out, you’ll be all right.” She offers a comforting smile, doesn’t do much. However, Squall gives her a nod of acceptance.
She then looks at Riku and her face lightens up a little.
“Sora’s friend, right? He’s just the nicest kid ever! He and Ven- or, well Ventus in your case. The two hang out from time to time. Do you know Ventus— or Roxas? I’m assuming you do. (They’re more or less her children at this point)
Riku looks out the window for a moment, thinking of Ventus. He’s cool and all but, he actually prefers Roxas over Ventus. Despite the two being twins. He looks back at Aqua, nodding his head softly. “Yeah, I know Ventus and his twin, Roxas. I mainly hang out with Roxas and his friends when I’m not hanging out with Sora.”
Zack raises his hand to ask for permission to chime in. “Quick question, everyone knows everyone, right? So… why does no one talk about Sephiroth? Is he really one of those shut-ins? Oh, what if it’s worse. What if he’s trying to become an influencer…?!” Zack makes a shocked face, like that one screaming painting (The scream)
Unfortunately, that does get a chuckle out of Squall and Aqua. Hell, even Riku looks to the side to hide his full smile. The empty cafe’s once nonchalant and gloomy nature has now turned into… clowning on their boss off work. The rain outside is finally slowing down, maybe Zack really is a good luck charm.
Aqua clears her throat and looks outside. “Oh, it’s finally stopping. The rain, I mean. I’ll make sure to check the weather and see if it’ll start back up again. But, I do have to go home and deal with my own golden retriever.” She smiles to herself, she loves him. “Bye, you three!” Aqua is the first to leave, the bell ringing, signaling an exit this time.
Zack takes this moment to pat Squall on the back before he goes. “See you tomorrow, Squall!”
Squall sighs loudly, but he does like Zack for the most part. The man is just loud, but pleasant. “See you.” He says quietly.
Zack wants to rub it in his face, he wants to tease Squall, he wants to also get it on recording. He decides against it and does a two-finger salute to the two men. “Bye! Hope to see you again, Riku. And tell Sora he should swing by.” Zack leaves, the bell ringing once again.
Riku and Squall stand up at the same time. Awkward timing. They stare at each other, having an entire conversation with their eyes. Then, they try to leave at the same time. Blocking each other. It’s really embarrassing, like two bots. Squall stands still, and Riku leaves first with a small wave. Then, Squall leaves. The rest can close up shop, whatever they’re doing back there.