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The Lotus Pier Cafe was hopping as ever, and Wei Wuxian was at his best. Despite his bosses continually chiding him for his relaxed attitude, they couldn't deny that the customers were more often than not endeared by his impish nature and friendly charms. He did his work quickly, remembered the regulars' favorites, and even if he toed the line, he was still one of the best baristas they had. Today was looking to be good too - the manager was leaving him alone, the tips were great, and it was almost time for his favorite customer to come in.
Almost on cue, the doorbell chimed and Wei Wuxian perked up to see the familiar dark hair of the tall man holding the door. Lan Wangji normally came alone, but for once there was a small pair of younger boys that walked in behind him, dressed in the same formal white shirt that Lan Wangji was wearing. One boy smiled timidly as he looked around while the other was already craning his neck to see the menus behind the counter.
Wei Wuxian didn't miss a beat, waving his arm over the heads of the rest of the crowd. "Lan Zhan! You made it! And you brought students this time!"
Lan Wangji for his part found Wei Wuxian immediately, giving a polite nod of the head as he joined the end of the line; his students stood with him, a little embarrassed since they'd been called out. No one gave them grief or mind though; the place was already busy with people enjoying their own conversations and drinks, and when people came to the Lotus Pier enough, they found that Wei Wuxian's excited chattering was as natural as the hiss of the espresso machine.
As they made their way up, the two students relaxed, and were smiles once they reached the counter. "Hello Mr. Wei," the shy student said after a glance to confirm on his name tag. "It's nice to finally meet you. Mr. Lan says he comes here every morning."
At this Wei Wuxian's smile widens and he raises a playful brow at Lan Wangji. "I see! Talking about me to your students, Lan Zhan? I'm so honored! I must make a good impression."
"Mn," Lan Wangji replied, with all his usual inflection. Wei Wuxian got the feeling he was a strict teacher, but the way his two students hovered around him for protection gave him the sense that he was still pretty beloved by at least some of his class. To confirm this, the taller man turned his golden eyes to the two students. "Get whatever you like. I will handle things."
"Mr. Lan," the shy boy began, looking worried, "It's really okay, you don't have to–"
"I'll have a dirty chai and a sugar cookie!" The other student piped up, beaming wide. Wei Wuxian laughed as he punched in the order, a cup already in his hand.
The shy student gave a sigh but smiled. "A black tea… With cream, please."
"You got it, kiddos," Wei Wuxian assured them, already accepting Lan Wangji's punch card and cash; before they could ask, he grinned and gave a wink. "Don't worry about your teacher here, I already know what he likes!" There seemed to be more implied with that statement, but Lan Wangji just gave another "mn" and received his change, which he dumped into the tip jar before ushering his students off to wait for their drinks.
Wei Wuxian worked with his usual speed, and while they were mid sentence he set the cups down, silly little faces drawn on each one. "There we are then! A dirty chai and sugar bomb cookie for the excitable one, our best black tea with full cream for the sweet one, and your favorite Lan Zhan! One chili cocoa blended cappuccino with extra whip - and look! I got the whipped cream to look like a bunny this time!"
"Mn, it's very cute Wei Ying," Lan Wangji replied, not responding to the baffled expressions of his students as he picked up the drink and took a sip. 'Thank you. We need to get going."
"Of course Lan Zhan, it's always great to see you! You kids mind your teacher!" With that, he whisked away to the front counter again to take the next order; Lan Jingyi held his drink and treat as they trailed a little behind Lan Wangji, muttering softly.
"Have you ever seen Mr. Lan drink anything but water and mild green tea?" He asked his fellow student.
Lan Suzhui shook his head, cradling his tea in both hands. "No… But, Mr. Wei said it was his favorite? Maybe he has a sweet tooth…"
They didn't pursue further though, and their questions went unanswered as they headed back out from the bustling cafe.