Chapter Text
Another slow day. Lasko softly groaned, wiping down the countertop again. Not that he could blame anybody; the rain was coming down hard enough to deter even the more stubborn locals. It was just fine with him, though; he could get some work done in the peace and quiet, and perhaps even sneak in a little bit of studying while he was at it. The owner of the cafe, The Roasted Bean, was a fire elemental herself, and knew very much what it was like to go to school at D.A.M.N. Thankfully, he always carried an assignment or two on him. Before he could make any further plans, the bell rang as the door opened. Lasko glanced up, and nearly froze.
Freelancer... Looking just as gorgeous in a nearly soaked hoodie as they did when they first stepped into the cafe, Lasko watched nearly breathless as they took the time to wipe their boots in the entryway, double checking their backpack for something. As Freelancer swiped wet hair from their forehead, giving him their signature wide smile, he could easily hear Huxley in his head, saying how Lasko was absolutely crushing on them right now. But he couldn't help it! When every laugh felt infectious, and every glance cast his way nearly made him blush, and how that smile felt like home–
"--alright there?"
"O-oh! Sorry, what?" he stammered. And right out of the gate, his idiot status was showing.
Freelancer, thankfully, gave him a sympathetic grin. "Long day?"
"Unfortunately," he agreed. "A-anyways, welcome to The Roasted Bean, w-what can I get for you?"
Freelancer chuckled. "I think my addiction has me here enough for you to remember what I order."
"The cafe mocha with an extra pump of chocolate," shot out of his mouth before he could stop it. Realizing how that looked, he added, "R-right? I think that's..."
Another signature grin. "Got it in one."
"Right... A-any artwork today, o-or...?"
"Surprise me."
With another nod, he set off to work. This was familiar, something he could focus on without coming off as weird. And without making him nervous. Alright Lasko, you've got this, you did this thousands of times before... But there was something about today, and the way those deep eyes were watching him as he worked. He wasn't put off by it, or intimidated. Damien had argued enough with Lasko to recognize the latter. What was it, though? Daunted... flustered... terrified? The last word certainly showed in the way his hands shook, slightly messing up the foam design. He froze, gathering himself again, and hoping they didn't notice. A quick side glance was stolen before he started again. Were they hiding a smile? Oh God, they noticed, didn't they? Shit!
Taking care to try to salvage the mistake made, he carefully presented the mug to the waiting Freelancer. "There we are, p-please enjoy," he stammered, trying to hide the worst of his blush. They smiled and nodded, delicately taking the small tray over to a table. While working on getting himself back into control, absently wiping down the same counter spot, he snuck looks over to them, watching them set up a laptop and a variety of school books at the table around them. It was an organized chaos that perfectly took up the corner table they sat at, yet seemingly dedicated to the coffee cup as a makeshift shrine.
They took a slow sip, savoring it, before setting to the task before them. Lasko couldn't help but admire (yeah, that was the more appropriate word) them here. Every move they made seemed fluid, a well-choreographed dance of consulting the numerous textbooks before typing away on the laptop. He wondered what it was they were studying; the sudden furrowed brow and randomly flipped pages back and forth answered that soon enough: Advanced Magical History. Damien had to have loved talking the professor's ears off about how there were more inconsistencies and glossed over areas than actual answers.
The door opening broke him from his thoughts, showing a small crowd was coming his way. He easily distracted himself with the orders that came flying in, his moves sure and steady as he poured multiple steaming cups. The first group led to another, and yet another, time passing in a blur. By the time the crowds had cleared, the next person standing before him was Freelancer. "O-oh! All done?"
"Yeah," they sighed. "I think I'm going to need something stronger than coffee to make a dent in this."
Lasko just now noticed the book bag slung over their shoulder, and felt a little down over the thought of them leaving. "Ah. I can u-understand that." The awkward silence lingered a little too long, before he kicked himself back into gear. "Well, t-thanks for coming anyways."
"My pleasure," they replied with a wink, before turning to leave, the hood sliding back up. Lasko watched them leave for a little while, before sighing to himself. They were probably just teasing him at this point, since he couldn't think of anything else of what it could be. He knew he didn't have the same looks or charm that his coworkers possessed, and even though it was kind of Huxley to say that people could be into shy, nerdy types, he had yet to see anyone as sweet as Freelancer with someone like--
He paused, the napkin he was about to discard catching his attention. There was some writing on it... wait, was that a phone number? And a message?! Smoothing out the napkin on the counter, he read the message carefully.
'Sorry for staring, you just look like my next boyfriend'
His hand clapped over his mouth, just barely stopping the shocked noise that escaped it. That was a phone number, with a pickup line! For him! No, it had to have been for someone else. Wait, who else would it be for? He was the only person Freelancer really talked to, right? And if they did talk to someone else and Lasko didn't notice, they would have just given the message directly to whoever, right? And it was one of the coffee shop napkins, so this had to have been just made today, unless they made it a different day and simply misplaced it, because he knew well enough how many of his own papers got scattered around in his own flurry of work, but then it wouldn't be fair to hold onto this if it really was meant for someone else, and it would only be polite to contact Freelancer and let them know that they left something behind--
Oh God, they have Freelancer's phone number! Should he call from the work phone? No, it probably wouldn't be recognized and just sent to voicemail. Well, not like his cell phone would be any different. But, there was text messaging. He debated with himself for another solid five minutes, and went through a few rough drafts of texts, before finally sending it:
Hey i think you may have left something behind
This is Lasko btw
From the Roasted Bean
It took a few minutes for a reply to come back, but he had to stop himself from dropping his phone in his haste.
u really had me concerned that i forgot a textbook lol
but you're right. I did forget something
Lasko frowned, reading the last message. Their table was clear, he could easily see that. And everything had been set on the tray when it was returned to him. Frowning slightly, he picked up the phone again.
What did you forget
The kissing emoji that was sent in reply had Lasko blushing all over again. Dammit, they weren't even here, and he was already a mess! He turned the phone over before covering his face, almost positive that Freelancer could see him through it! Okay, so… that really was for him… Think, Lasko, think! What would a normal person do right now?! Before he could put a plan together, his phone buzzed again.
maybe you can try to teach me the latte art sometime
?
Sure, when my heart’s not ready to pound out of my chest! Taking several calming breaths, he tapped out a response.
Im free on monday night
Is 7 okay
Lasko stared at those three little dots as they appeared and disappeared. Dammit, that was too soon, or too forward, which was ridiculous since Freelancer had sent a kissing emoji for crying out loud–
its a date ;)
He reread the words a few times, the meaning sinking in. A date… it’s a date. He has a date! With someone who’s interested in him!! He allowed himself a little celebration, feeling the day brighten up for him.
Until anxiety set in again. What does someone wear on a first date?!