Chapter Text
Sunset cast long shadows over the tea shop, threaded with peachy, golden rays that warmed everything. Viktor liked the evening crowd. It was mainly students coming in to study and a few working-types looking to relax after a long day. It was quieter than in the daytime, even though it was usually more crowded. Viktor never minded the fatigue that the day’s end brought. Nights like this were cozy and casual.
The bell signaled another customer, and Viktor turned to see Yuuri, looking as handsome as ever in a charcoal-gray suit. He dragged himself across the doorframe and appeared to be slowly melting into the floor. Viktor knew his days at the office were long and full of important meetings with important people, the likes of which drained him of his energy by the end of the week. He sat in one of the private areas, and Viktor could see through one of the Moroccan-arch windows that he was just barely fighting to stay awake.
“Well, look who it is,” Viktor said with a smile, setting the menu and bell down on Yuuri’s table. “We have a new kabusecha green tea in today. Would you like to try it?”
“Viktor,” Yuuri breathed, a smile pulling at his drooping cheeks. “Hey there. Something relaxing. It’s been a day.”
Viktor smiled, patting Yuuri’s hand as he picked the menu back up. “I have just the thing. Ring if you need anything, okay?”
“Okay,” Yuuri mumbled, shifting on his pouf until he was almost horizontal. “This might sound strange, but… do you have any blankets?” he asked.
Viktor did have blankets. He had a whole cot, actually, tucked away in the back room. He joked with staff that it was for the days that he had consecutive closing and opening shifts. Everyone seemed to take it at face value. No one ever pointed out that he opened and closed every day.
“If I didn’t know any better, it would sound to me like you’re trying to sleep in my shop,” he chuckled. “I have a sweater in the back room. It’ll be a little big for you, even with that lovely blazer, but you’re welcome to use it.”
“Perhaps,” Yuuri said, taking off his blazer, “or perhaps I just want to enjoy your presence.” He pushed himself back up to sitting and draped the jacket around Viktor’s shoulders.
The jacket smelled lovely, like sandalwood and something subtly floral, even though it barely fit across Viktor’s back.
“Oh, are we trading?” he laughed. “I thought you were cold! Give me a moment.” He left briefly and returned with a Tuscany-yellow sweater he’d worn in the chilly morning as he opened up shop. It was big, even on him. He had to admit that he was excited to see Yuuri in it, his delicate hands tucked into the wide cuffs as he snuggled into it on his pouf.
“Here, this may as well be a blanket for how it’s going to fit you.” He smiled, removing the blazer from his shoulders and hanging it neatly on the hook outside of the tea room. “A little tea will get you warmed up.”
Yuuri put on the sweater, and Viktor had to bite his lip to suppress the squeal that was threatening to escape his throat.
“This is the best…” Yuuri hummed, sinking to the floor with his head resting in his arms on the leather cushion. “Thank you, Viktor.”
Viktor felt his cheeks burn a bit. “Of course, dear Yuuri,” he said with a smile. “Let me get you that tea.”
He didn’t realize until the tea was almost finished brewing five minutes later that he still hadn’t stopped smiling. He could see through the Moroccan-arch window that Yuuri was smiling too. It felt… nice. He never believed he was deserving of such unassuming charm and vulnerability, such trust and kindness. He was so used to the numbness of working day in and day out, the constant worry of his bank account rapidly hurtling towards red chewing away at the corners of his subconscious.
But never when Yuuri was there. Around Yuuri, everything seemed good.