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Virgil had known when he agreed to co-own the chaos bakery that Remus had other regular customers. He'd understood that seeing someone less likely to get into ridiculous balances was likely to be a change for them as well as him once he began running the counter.
He was not expecting Remus to list out who the regulars they knew best were and dare him to guess which was which. Probably should have really, given they had always insisted Virgil was an outlier among them purely from the time he usually visited. Still he didn't care to actually go along with the guessing game today, despite it being the first shift he was on while the other regulars were likely to visit. Remus would definitely be listening in to conversation from the kitchen as well which was as unnerving as it was comforting.
The first customer to come in paused at the sight of Virgil, glancing around the cafe for a moment before back to him. “Not sure if I need to be more or less worried that you aren't Remus.” They greeted, finally coming over to the counter.
“Less. I'm not going to do anything like him beyond the weird flavour combinations this place is known for.” Virgil replied, shrugging as he carried on straightening the cups on the side. “They're in the kitchen today.”
“Alright. Glad he's finally hired someone to help cover shifts I guess. What would you suggest from today's menu?” The guy nodded, looking over the specials board curiously.
Virgil scrutinised the customer for a moment. “Pear and chives hot chocolate. It's odd but good. Really Re just conned their boyfriend into becoming co-owner of this place. Which regular are you, then?”
“Thomas. I'm trusting you on that drink, but can I also have the cucumber and curried tuna sandwich?” Thomas introduced himself, picking one of the sandwiches from the board after a moment deciding.
With a nod and a wave to one of the tables the interaction was done despite them both clearly hearing complaints from Remus that Virgil didn't try to guess who before asking.
It wasn't long after that that the next regular came in, easily recognisable from the pause identical to Thomas's as he registered Virgil behind the counter. “You are entirely expected, almost as much as Remus's contortionist act.” They greeted coming over.
Hearing a clatter from the kitchen, Virgil sighed and turned away. “Thanks, now I have to go get him upright again before a fire starts.”
When he managed to get Remus back to working safely rather than twisting into the most unlikely shapes for a human body the customer was still stood waiting at the counter, leaning over it to try and see through into the kitchen.
“So were you hired to teach Remus kitchen safety or is there another reason to become an employee?” They asked, but pointed at a couple of options on the menu as if their words were an order. Virgil ignored their hands though.
“Steadier wage than being an artist. Are you one of the regulars or just a nosey occasional visitor?” He countered, smirking at the raised eyebrow that got.
The man leant away a hand on his chest in an exaggerated reaction. “I'm sure I couldn't say. Will you take my order now?”
“Sounds like Jan! Or Adrian, whichever name they're using today.” Remus called through, getting both of them to glance back at the kitchen door.
“Great and yeah, anytime you want to say it, I'll take it.” Virgil nodded, not using either name if this person moved between two.
He'd just finished serving Jan or Adrian when the door chimed for another customer coming in, once again pausing although for a lot less than either of the regulars that had come in so far. “Babes, I don't know who you are but you better make coffee with as much espresso as Remus does.”
“I max out at adding four. You the guy that needs cakes choosing for it?” Virgil knew that there were only 3 main regulars and with Thomas and Jan already there, Remy was the last to come in.
“Name's Remy, sunshine and yeah that's me. Who are you?”
“New Co-owner, Virgil.” He introduced, going over to the cakes display to pick a random one. He'd got the notes on allergies for these regulars already so now he knew who was who he could pick their snacks out quickly.
Remy lowered its sunglasses to look him over. “Are you Mr Hot Regular? I gotta say when I heard that title didn't go to me, I was offended. Can't fault Remus's taste though. You are hot.”
“You have two minutes to chose your drink while I murder Remus.” Virgil smiled pleasantly disappearing into the kitchen where his boyfriend had begun cackling.
The Chaos Bakery might live up to its name, but at least it's regulars were welcoming to Virgil becoming co-owner.