Work Text:
(Sova) Sasha works at a coffee shop. He's a student at a local university, and since he has only his grandma he needed money, so this job was a good fit. He worked after uni, went to his flat to finish his tasks, and then repeat. He had a few days off sometimes, which he prefers to spend on work out - he didn't like to feel weak. Nothing really changed from his first year at this place.
Until recently.
Sasha glanced at the time on his phone.
8:47
The flower shop is opening at 9 am. He's too early, but he just couldn't handle himself - his body just moved here, even though it was his day off when he can get enough sleep. But there was someone who is better than a few hours of sleep.
Sasha first saw him when he glanced through a window at their cafe. He heard that there was some flower shop opening next to them, but it didn't interest him much. He saw a man in the showcase of the shop, taking care of various plants and flowers. The man's smile was so soft, as like his movements. His wavy, black hair framed his face, sometimes falling on his eyes. Sasha was far from him, but he knows that he also had long lashes.
He's pretty - Sasha thought, but before he could catch his thoughts he met the gaze of the pretty man. He looked surprised for a moment, but then he smiled just like he smiled at his flowers and waved at him.
Sasha, after a moment of confusion, waved back, smiling lightly.
The name of the pretty man was (Cypher) Amir. He was six years older than Sasha but smaller than him - younger man could easily lift him if he'd like. His skin was sun-kissed, much darker compared with Shasha's, but he liked that a lot for some reason.
When Amir's visits became regular, they managed to get along pretty well. Maybe it's because of Amir's charming nature (which is more likely be true) or Sasha's work skills (you learn a lot in such places believe me), but the result is one - every noun during lunch they would chat for a bit. Amir would tell him about flower language and its meanings with Sasha listening, sometimes adding something from himself - about coffee or uni, with older man smiling at him warmly. It became his favorite part of the day.
That, however, wasn't enough. Sasha considers himself calm and disciplined man. But when it came to Amir, all of his self-control started to melt away, replaced by various thoughts.
I want to hug him
I wonder how his hand feels like
He's so small
Wish I would take you out for a nice dinner
His hair is so nice
He knew what was happening with him, so he decided to try his own luck - it's better than being a coward.
The line of his thoughts was suddenly interrupted.
– Ah, Sasha, good morning! Today's your day off?
– Yes, – he agreed, turning to face a smiling man, the one he's been waiting for.
– In that case, – the man continued, opening the door to the flower shop. – how may I help you?
–I need flowers, – he started, stepping in after Amir. He admired how nice this place was, full of living energy. Plants were visibly taken care of, and even cut flowers stayed nice and beautiful. – but I need them to have a certain... meaning. So I hoped you could help.
– It would be my pleasure, dear one – dear one, which was just a nickname, yet it managed to heat Sasha's face because how else he suppose to react to a commentary from a man like this? Gods, he wanted to give him a nickname too. – so what exactly are you searching for?
– I don't know how to explain, really. – and it was true. He didn't know what he wanted to message by those flowers, but he wanted it to be right and clear. – it's not for me, it's for another person.
– Oh, – for a second, Sasha thought that aside from being surprised florist sounded a bit... lost? But he forgot about that as Amir continued – in that case, maybe you can describe what you feel for that certain person? We can start from this if it doesn't bother you
– No, it doesn't, really – he then tried to focus on his feelings, what he wanted to show Amir. – um... I think I want this person to know that I'm enjoying their company and that I want to know more about them and share more time together to show how important they are to me.
– Excellent! Let's see what we can get you... Oh! - he turned to red flowers next to him – Tulips, symbolizing perfect love for another one. They are not luxurious, but still very nice to have...
Sasha nodded, listening to the details. Every time he asked Amir about flower meanings, the florist could go for hours, talking about different meanings and types. He would lie if he tells he didn't enjoy every single one of those conversations.
– Or, maybe, this one, – Amir continued, looking at another bunch of colorful flowers – beautiful lilac, which holds the meaning of first love, important memory, – he holds a bunch of flowers near to himself, and Sasha swears he stopped breathing for a moment. Because Amir looked somehow even more adorable, surrounded by little purple petals. His slim hands stroked a few of them gently, gaze admiring their bright color.
He missed how he was the one admired.
– Ah, and how could I forget about them! – he went to a little flowers a few steps ahead. – carnations have different meanings, depending on colour. Dark pink means the beginning of love, and red ones imply admiration and adoration to the one who takes it as a present.
Admiration. Adoration.
Those words fit perfectly in what he wanted to show.
– Yes, I think they're perfect – Sasha said when older man took a moment to fix some of the flowers. – I'd take red ones, with a bunch of lilacs.
– Wonderful choice, they would look very nice together – florist smiled softly, gently picking flowers to form a bouquet.
Sasha has found himself mesmerized by those movements again, like he was almost every time when he looked at Amir through their window, quietly admiring his beauty.
Little did he know that he wasn't the only one in such situation here.
– Here you go!
Amir handed him a nice bouquet of red and purple flowers, packed in a beautiful manner. Sasha then reached for his wallet, only to be stopped by a hand on his shoulder.
– Please, consider this as a gift. It was really nice to help you. – he said as another gentle, warm smile formed on those lips. Yet it felt even warmer for some reason.
– Thank you very much, Amir. – he returned smile back at the older man, taking flowers from his hands.
– Good luck, dear one. I'm sure they would like it a lot.
Sasha nodded, making his way out of the store, admiring flowers again.
When he was gone, a little sight escaped from florists. He was glad Sasha found someone he likes this much, he was surprised when he knew that such a handsome barista didn't date anyone. But one little part of him wondered how would it feel with such sunshine by your side.
He shouldn't think too much of it though, so he decided to turn his attention back to work.
...only to see a familiar figure at the door.
Sasha was, here again, holding the same bouquet. But there was also a cup with a little bag in his other hand.
He quickly approached to the florist, standing just a few inches away from him.
– That's for you – he handed a cup with a bag to a stunned man, which he took after realizing it was for... him?
– Oh, thank you, – he managed to say, still surprised by others' actions. He recognized the smell imminently – Americano with a pinch of cinnamon and almond bun.
Something he always buys at the coffee shop next to him.
– I also consulted with a specialist, he recommended me these flowers so I can express myself right. – barista continued to say, his face turning a little bit hotter every minute. – And that's for you, too.
He handed him a bouquet, looking sheepishly at him.
Slowly, brain cells in his head started working.
Sasha wanted a bouquet for someone special
Someone about who he wanted to know more
Someone who he really liked.
Oh
Quiet oh escapes from him, as he feels like his face is getting hot too. He wants to cover it with his hand but both of them are busy, so he's all flustered for Sasha to see.
– But it doesn't have to mean something more, of course, I just wanted you to know.
O, crap, he was silent for too long, wasn't he? He needs to say something now, he doesn't wanna ruin this. Because it seems he wants it as much as Sasha does.
– Thank you very much, sweetheart, – he finally managed to say – I really appreciate that, and, – he paused to place little bag with a cup on a table nearby. – I'd like to know you more as well.
The smile that blossomed on the younger man's face was as bright as it's owner. Even at work, he was usually not as expensive but he still seemed to light up people's moods around him. Amir was one of the lucky ones, as Sasha would sometimes catch his gaze and smile lightly, waving to him in return.
He was really lucky, wasn't he?
– Would you like to take a walk with me later? I know a good place out there, we can visit it.
– Sure, I think I will be free at eight.
– It's a deal then? – Sasha asked, extending his hand in question
Amir nodded, smiling and taking his hand, only for Sasha to bow a little and press a light kiss on his hand.
– See you at eight then, petal. – barista said, quickly disappearing from the shop, not showing how red his face become.
Amir was no better, as he tried to cover his face with his free hand, feeling a bunch of butterflies in his stomach.
He won't be able to think straight for the next long minutes, but he knew one thing for sure.
He's going on a date with Sasha, and he'll be here at eight.
Amir can hardly wait.