Chapter Text
The hustle and bustle of the city was no stranger to your ears as you trudged through the crowded boulevard. The cold zephyr nipped at your fingertips as you shivered and huddled more to your tan trench coat, the night was exceptionally beautiful today, with the moon at its pellucid full-phase.
You sighed as you looked at the torn paper once more which contained a supposedly ‘map’ of the area, which looked like a bunch of scribbled, unkempt lines to your understanding. To the crowd, you seemed to be examining such a complicated mathematical equation with your eye twitching several times.
This area of the city was a labyrinth to you, as you and the four main directions generally don’t combine well. Well, you always did have a bad sense of general direction.
“So turn to the left, wait where’s left again?” You questioned yourself, cupping your cheek in thought.
Nevermind the problematic instruction, maybe it was YOU who had a serious problem.
You facepalmed at your actions and sighed disappointedly, the paper crumbling under your palm and your forehead. This was really a bad idea.
You grumbled and stomped towards the right way, well more like ‘left’ in direction wise. You just hoped that it really WAS the right one. Cursing in your language, you adjusted your hold at your shoulder bag and continued walking.
You sighed for the umpteenth time, and looked at the people you came across. So many eyes, so many individuals with their own stories to share, yet the world lacked that shine now. For everyone had become slaves of their own machines.
You huffed, causing the loose (H/C) strands to part from your upset face.
On your way there you passed many souvenir shops, a bakery and payphone booths. Your boots clicked on the cold and wet pavement as you trudged towards the café.
You examined the cozy-looking building in front of you, the raven cursive letters formed the name of the building, ‘Hetalia Café.’
‘Well, damn.’
The walls were of cream-colored bricks with rough brownish tones splotched onto it rather aesthetically. You could almost hear the soft piano music gracefully resonating inside.
The small electrical lanterns gave a soft orange glow to the establishment, as it was designed to look and mimic candles. The appealing scent of roses whiffed on your nose as you saw two china vases on both side of the doorway, containing the most pristine red roses you had ever seen. The cream sign showed the words ‘Welcome’ signaling its availability to the public.
The café proved to be really popular amongst your class as you could always hear the giggling and squealing of girls over the supposedly ‘hot’ boys working there, but you never really cared about that until your male friend, whose popularity skyrocketed when he worked there apparently, invited you to this notorious café.
Of course, you disagreed but when he said that it was, I quote “on-the-house”, your stingy butt agreed quickly. As you were 100% broke and was on a tight budget.
Besides who doesn’t like free food?
The chatters and shrieks inside the building caused your face to turn wrinkled, it should be forbidden to scream at such a lavishly elegant establishment! Unfortunately, the solid wooden doors gave no view of what was inside the building, you would have to find that out for yourself.
Almost appearing to be hypnotized, your heeled boots clicked on the cobblestone stairs as you examined the blackboard located beside the left china vase. You ogled at the old English calligraphy at the surface, even if it was written with a scratchy chalk it looked really good!
Christmas Promo!
FREE 80% Off on any Food/Services
Lucky 100th customer per day gets it for FREE!!
From November 5—January 5 only!!
---Hetalia Café ♥♥
You examined your scrap of paper with uncharacteristic vigor, you turned the slightly rough paper as your fingers ghosted over the wonderful cursive name.
It was ironic on how his penmanship was beautiful when his drawing skills were an absolute abomination. He was the friend that invited you to view what his workplace really looked like.
Flashback~~
“But (Y/N), we serve really delicious cuisines.” The male whined softly, nuzzling his tan cheek onto your neck lovingly like a puppy would whilst standing behind your chair.
Clicking your tongue, you crossed out the wrong solution as you flipped the page of your notebook and started redoing the synthetic division, again.
“Please Antonio can you fucking shut up? I’m doing my homework you know, just in case you don’t see, blockhead.” You hissed, swatting his head away softly. Not that hard enough to hurt him, but hopefully enough to make him leave you alone.
The Spaniard whined and dragged a chair in front of your wooden desk, plopping onto it rather noisily. He propped his chin onto both of his palms, leaning forward to examine your face.
Feeling his unyielding stare, you shifted uncomfortably and glanced up at your childhood friend quickly.
His soft fern-like orbs sparkled as the sunlight reflected from his enchanting eyes, the shine reminding you of warm summer fields brimming with lush plants. Fractals and shards of green reminded you of the beautiful mosaic windows of the church, illuminated by the soft glow of light. He regarded you with such a loving stare that you gulped and quickly tore your eyes away from him.
You know that look too well.
“Antonio, I swear. Don’t look at me like that, I already told you. I am not going.”
His stare intensified grabbing your right hand and clutching it softly causing you to let go of your pencil.
Your gazes locked as his face got dangerously closer onto you, expression almost shifting when you felt his warm, minty breath brushing over your dry lips.
His eyes swirled with passion, intimacy and coy as he examined your slowly shifting face, morphing into that cute, embarrassed expression. Your cheeks slowly rosening and your breath hitching noticeably.
His pink lips flashed a mischievous smirk as he tilted his head subtly.
“But (F/F) is on-the-house just for you, mi amor.” He faked-whined.
You quickly slapped him on the head, causing him to chuckle at your actions while massaging it to soothe the pain. You sighed, crossing your arms and leaning back on your chair, hoping to create some distance between you.
You knew that Antonio wouldn’t really do anything bad, but that was the closest he had ever become to you. Even though he does it all the time when he was trying to make you do something, it still made you really uncomfortable.
Sensing your discomfort, Antonio sat straight and spoke.
“I’m really sorry if I offended you with my actions, (Y/N). It’s easy to forget about boundaries when I’m with you. It wasn’t my intention to disrespect you, really. I just really want you to go into that café y’know.” Antonio said, words slowly decreasing in volume as he fiddled with his blue school blazer. An obvious mannerism you saw when he was undoubtedly nervous.
You sighed, drumming your pencil onto the wooden surface of the desk.
“It’s okay, Toni. I was just surprised and I thought you were really going to y’know, k-kiss me…” You stuttered out.
Antonio smiled and grasped your right hand again, raking his thumbs softly on your skin. Looking at you lovingly with his orbs, once again.
“You know I wouldn’t do that without your consent, (Y/N).” He flipped it, kissing the back of your hand softly. His lips felt like cotton against your skin, as his long eyelashes fluttered like the ghostly wings of a butterfly.
You rolled your eyes and chuckled.
“You smooth Spanish bastard.” He smiled at your words and continued to massage your palm.
“Just as long as (F/F) is free then I will go there, okay?” The brunette fisted his hand and whispered ‘Yes!’ with the expression of uttermost joy.
“I promise, señorita. This is going to be the most memorable night of your life.” He stated, winking at you playfully.
You raised an eyebrow at his statement.
“Geez Toni, you make it sound like a one-night stand.” You snickered continuing to solve the math problem, unaware of his smirk which was directed onto you.
-----
Folding the paper neatly and stuffing it to your black wallet, you looked at the varnished wooden door and took a deep breath. Sucking in a breath, you pushed the door softly, causing the connected bells to chime signaling your arrival.
The soft crackle of the burning wood in the fireplace reached your ears as the soft orange lighting painted your horrified face.
You did not see it coming.
The inside of the café was warm on contrast with the weather outside, and it was just as cozy as you expected it to be, with electrical candles illuminating the place. The shimmering elegant ornate known as chandeliers hung on the cream-colored ceiling, bookshelves littered the walls of the café and you could almost see several Shakespearean books. The furnitures were also nice to look at, with the chairs’ legs being carved into a majestic Corinthian style.
The high-pitched shrieks of fangirling women resonated through your eardrums as you examined the supposed to be ‘decent’ café.
Flashes of cameras disrupted the nice glow of the café, as your face morphed into that of confusion. Girls squealed in unholy ranges making you think that they were absolutely possessed, why were they screaming so enthusiastically? Blame the waiters.
Why the waiters?
Oh, well because they were wearing literally nOTHINg for the upper body, with an exception of a lone collar and individually colored ties!!
Oh and not to mention, they wore mid-thigh black aprons which looked more like a skirt to you, and hopefully thEY WORE SOMETHING UNDER THAT SHAMELESS PIECE OF FABRIC.
Your breath seemed to be caught up to your throat as you backed towards the wooden door. You expected a café, you expected something that was ethical and decent, not something like this.
“Holy nuggets, did I just enter a gay bar?” You stated amidst all the fangirling, causing some of the people to look at you curiously.
Realizing your mistake, you awkwardly backed away and grabbed the handle of the door. Examining the confused crowd whilst waving your free hand up and down.
“D-Don’t mind me! Just continue living your life—or somethin’, bye! ” Sporting a closed-eyed smile whilst clutching the handle tightly, you were ready to get the hell out of the goddamn place but unfortunately was stopped when a warm hand clasped on your hand which was on the handle.
Looking at the foreign hand clasped onto your gloved one, you slowly locked eyes with the perpretrator.
Locking eyes with those familiar gleaming pools of dark emeralds, you already recognized him. You were sure that you absolutely looked like a gaping fish out of the water. Well, who wouldn’t be when a half-naked man was literally inches away from kissing you?
Antonio grinned as he tilted his head subtly, his chocolate locks swaying slightly with him. His lips showcased an eager smile as you craned your neck whilst gazing at his almost hypnotic orbs.
“I’m glad you made it, princesa! I thought you’d change your mind!” He piped up.
Meanwhile the fangirls shrieked in the background, some shrieking things like ‘Kabe-don!!’ and other atrocities, needless to say the high-pitched noises caused you to break away from your trance.
You tried so hard to not look downwards instead propelling your murderous glare towards his enchanting eyes. He beamed at you softly like the little sunshine he is.
“Why in the name of Nutella jars would you invite me to a fuckin’ strip bar?!” You questioned him angrily. Though the intensity of your words contrasted with your flushed and embarrassed expression, he slowly smirked at your statement.
“But this is a very honorable café, amor. You just came right when it’s our Fanservice Hours. ” He stated, slowly leaning towards your red face.
You shifted your gaze sidewards, covering your mouth with the back of your free hand.
“Stupid shitstain! Why the hell would you wear something like that on the damn winter?! Please j--just get out of my face, I can’t talk to you normally with this close p-proximity… ” You stuttered, softly pushing his shoulders back.
Antonio backed away from your personal space whilst you played with the cuff of your coat sleeve, still harboring the blush from before.
The Spaniard was about to say something when you suddenly grabbed his ear tightly and proceeded to drag him towards somewhere. He whined while trying to get your grip off of him but only failing, grunting softly he let you drag him to who-knows-where.
You two entered the ‘Employees Only’ room, not giving two shits about the unnoticed confused looks from Antonio’s co-workers. You shoved your grip off of him, making him stumble backwards and rub his reddening ear softly.
“Why would you do that (Y/N)? That really hurts.” He whined, fake tears brimming at the corners of his eyes. You stomped towards him and grabbed his scarlet tie forcefully, pulling him to your eye level.
“You stupid idiot! Why in the name of enchiladas would you bring me to this kinky-ass stripping bar?!” You glowered at him.
Seeming to be unperturbed by your violent outburst, he tilted his head cutely and spoke:
“Because it’s really fun in here, (Y/N)! And you really need to have some fun you know.” The brunette stated tenderly.
“That’s a stupid reason.” You deadpanned.
You suddenly let go of his red tie and pinched the bridge of your nose softly, taking deep breaths to calm your anger. Antonio rubbed his neck awkwardly, a sign of worry and uneasiness towards your mad state.
“Heh, I fucked up again didn’t I?” He stated sadly, causing you to glare at him once again.
“Glad that you’re aware, Carriedo.” You hissed at him, causing the latter to anxiously rub his elbow.
Sighing, he stated forlornly.
“Look I really apologize if the café isn’t to your utmost liking, sorry if I just wasted your time going here, (Y/N).” He stated.
“I really just didn’t expect something like this, okay? You should’ve at least informed me of such…happenings in this place.” You countered, voice levelling suddenly. Taking guilt on his sad expression, you let out a sigh and continued.
“I’m really glad that you want me to enjoy myself more, Toni. But we could’ve just went somewhere else you know, somewhere actually decent.” You placed your hands on your waist.
Antonio met your gaze profusely, eyes shining with new-found determination. Grabbing both of your gloved hands, he leaned his face towards you sharply.
“It may look like some cheap-ass bar when we’re dressed like this, but actually this café is really nice! We prohibit any kind of overly sexual interactions here too, so you don’t have to worry about anything at all! ” He beamed.
With eyebrows twitching, you deadpanned at him.
“What about that moment ago when you were all over my face, isn’t that some sort of intimacy??” You stated.
“Not really, chica. I just wanted you to stay so I figured out that holding your hand that was on the knob would be a way to stop you.” He mused.
“Are you shitting right now? About that weird cosplays, do you mean the workers here always dress weirdly, especially in the damn winter? Is it even worth the pay??”
“Si, (Y/N)! We even cosplayed as vegetables one time! Of course I was the toma—esperar. Didn’t they say that tomatoes were fruits??” Antonio mumbled the last part quietly.
“Oh well! Anyways this café isn’t all that bad you know, everyone here is friendly too!” He gestured to his co-workers, who you did not even notice.
Realizing your mistake of dragging the Spaniard to the ‘Employees Only’ room, you quickly apologized.
“Oh! I didn’t notice that this was the employees’ room, I’m really sorry for the disturbance!” You stated, bowing apologetically towards the males at the room.
Hearing an obnoxious laugh nearing your figure, you tore your eyes open and looked up to the person.
Locking gazes with the brightest vermillion eyes, the unknown male grinned at you. His powdery white locks and translucent skin reminded you of the cool shades of winter snow, though his aura was nothing but warm, inviting and a teeny-tiny bit mischievous. He towers over you with such height that you wondered if all the males here were freakishly tall--or you were just too short.
Sadly, it was probably the last one though.
Sporting the same small outfit, his smirk seemed to widen as he examined your eyes. The way he handles himself flaunts an unlikely air of confidence while the bunny headdress added a comedic factor at his appearance.
He was a truly unique albino.
“Girls would actually kill to get to your place now, liebling. Going in this room means giving us the opportunity to call the police on you. ” The silverette whispered raspily, the corner of his lips tugging upwards.
Tracing his bottom lip tardily, he lowered his head and locked his mischievous orbs on your own pair. Exhaling a smirk, he regarded you with a very seductive look.
“And yet you just waltz in like it’s no big deal, hm? Wie unanständig von dir.” You raised an eyebrow at his last statement.
“I really apologize for the trouble mister, I didn’t know. But I didn’t quite understand your last statement..?” You questioned.
The albino grumbled and crossed his arms childishly while Antonio chuckled and patted the others shoulder comfortingly.
“Nice going, amigo! Your smooth talking is almost there!” The Spaniard snickered while the vermillion-eyed male swatted the other’s hand away and playfully punched Antonio’s shoulder.
Antonio smiled and faced you once again.
“No te preocupe- I mean, don’t worry about that, mi cielo! Trust me, I wouldn’t dare call the police on you.” He smiled sweetly.
You sighed, feeling relieved after his proclamation and smiled at him back.
“So chica, are you still going to stay here for a bit..?” Antonio trailed off.
You shrugged back.
“Maybe there’s more here than the initial sight, just as long as (F/F) is free okay?” He chuckled at your statement.
“Well then. Señores, ya oyeron a la dama. Let’s get back to work.” The other males just either chuckled or grumbled at the Spaniard.
“Non é necessario che me lo ricordi, bastardo.” grumbled an irritated male voice.
Some males muttered amongst themselves while blushing in different shades of scarlet and pink, you looked at them confused but quickly realized why they were flustered causing you to become embarrassed as well.
You immediately excused yourself after you saw some males already removing or unbuttoning their clothes, blushing profusely you went out the room and closed the door quietly behind you.
Some males heaved out a sigh and continued changing their attires, engaging in chatters and silent arguments.
The albino huffed as he examined your retreating figure then locked eyes with the Spaniard beside him.
The vermillion-eyed teen rubbed his chin and smirked knowingly towards Antonio whilst the latter smiled back at him and messed his own brown tresses.
“The 100th customer, huh?”
Situating yourself beside the wall and plopping noiselessly onto the wooden chair, you rested your chin on your palm and pressed your corresponding elbow to the smooth surface of the table.
Examining the vase of delicate flowers on the center of the table, you smiled softly as you traced the smooth and fresh petals with your fingers.
It was a bunch of various blossoms, yet they were all equally ethereal and lovely.
You could recognize some flowers on the collection: Lilies, Peonies, Roses, Sunflowers, they even had Cherry Blossoms!
The loud screams and shrieks of women were already gone due to the fact that they already left the establishment. Leaving you and a small number of tame women seemingly enjoying their individual meals.
The soft crackle of the wood and the graceful dance of the flames seemed to lull you onto a state of drowsiness as the soft piano music resonated delicately throughout the café.
You felt your eyes close as your ears seemed to focus on Chopin’s Nocturne Opus 72 No. 1 in E minor, painting a soft and satisfied smile onto your face.
Maybe a short nap wouldn’t be too bad after a long day.
You rested your arms completely on the table and snuggled your head above them, feeling yourself drift away from reality.
Sadly, you were alerted by footsteps that neared your sleepy figure. Rubbing the sleepiness out of your eye, you turned to see a male holding a tray of your most beloved (F/F).
He was…