Work Text:
You've worked at this coffee shop for a few years, but no one has caught your eye like this man has. He's been coming in for a month now at the same time, always ordered the same thing, and sat at the same spot. He has beautiful light ashy blonde hair that shows off his bright teal eyes. Even if he had eye bags, his eyes shined bright. They could attract anyone's attention. His voice is soft and gentle, alluring. His face has delicate features, nothing too harsh. Whenever he came in, you always made sure to take his order. His name was Albedo. Albedo usually ordered something sweet that would probably make you question if that's a healthy amount of sugar. You made sure to write his name correctly and put a smiley face on it. Some days you had to save him a seat if it got busy. Today was different though he seemed a bit… upset.
You greeted him like you usually did, "Hello, what would you like today? Your usual, I assume?" His reply surprised you. Normally it is a "Yes, please," but this time he replied differently.
" No, thank you, I would like something with a lot of caffeine." The confusion seemed to show on your face when he started explaining why he was ordering that. "You see, I'm planning on studying late today."
You relaxed some, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you explain why you're getting that. I was just a bit surprised you ordered something new. Anyways I'll make your order right away." He nodded his head and went to his usual spot.
As you were making his order, you remembered how tired he looked. Well, you did hear from your customers that midterms were starting, so he probably was a college student. You finished making his coffee and put his name on it, 'Albedo.' In your opinion, it was a beautiful name.
One night, You searched it up to see if it meant anything, and to your surprise it did. It meant 'In alchemy, albedo is the second of the four major stages of the magnum opus, along with nigredo, citrinitas, and rubedo. It is a Latinicized term meaning "whiteness.”’ It was a unique name to have. You then realized you were starting to get lost in your thoughts. You hastily put the smiley face after his name and headed over to the end of the counter. “Albedo,” you called and waved to him. He came over and reached for the cup. As you were handing him his coffee, the coffee sleeve slipped, causing you to spill the coffee on both Albedo and the floor.
Upon realizing what you had done, you quickly grabbed some napkins and clumsily handed them to him.
“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.” You kept on apologizing as you went over to then clean up the mess on the ground. Albedo proceeded to bend down to help you clean up the mess. After cleaning up and getting him a new coffee (on the house), you offered to get him a new shirt he could use.
"I'll get you a new shirt if you want. We have extra shirts in the back. I'm sure it wouldn't be that big of a deal with my manager," you rambled on, "I can also pay you back since it's my fault in the end-"
"No this is fine enough," he said, slightly lifting his cup to indicate getting him a new coffee was enough. "Though I would like to take up your offer of a new shirt." You nodded.
"I'll get you the shirt then, you can come with me to make sure we have a shirt that fits."
"That sounds good." Smiling a bit you led him to the back. You made sure to tell your coworker to handle the orders until you were finished.
Once entering the storage room, you looked for the box labeled 'Uniforms'.
"What size is your shirt?" you asked while still searching. You at least wanted to make sure they had the size needed.
"I'm a medium I believe," he said as he watched you carefully.
"Ah, I believe I found it. It's a bit high though." Jumping up to get it, you could only touch the box with your fingertips. You felt someone brush against your back and grab the box. You looked behind you to see Albedo on his tippy toes getting the box. He passed the box to you, and you realized you were staring at him. "Thanks," you said with a slight blush.
"It was no problem. I saw you struggling to grab the box so I decided to help you out." He looked away with a tint of pink on his cheeks.
Looking down, you opened the box and dug through it.
"I found a medium. Here, try it on, I'll turn around. Tell me when you're done," you said to him turning towards the closed door. The only light that was on was the small light on the ceiling. He hummed in acknowledgment. You heard a rustle of clothes then silence, then another rustling of clothes. You imagined what he looked like underneath his shirt. Did he have muscles? Were they defined or bulky? Maybe he was just fit, or perhaps he wasn't fit. The worst part of it all is that you wouldn't know anytime soon.
"Hey, I'm done." It was such a waste you couldn't see such a beautiful man's body. Whoever got to date him was lucky.
"Excuse me..." Oh well, you never had such a chance with him in the first place, but that was fine. You hoped whoever got with him treated him right. Out of nowhere, you felt a tap on your shoulder.
"Hm?" You turned around to see Albedo.
"The shirt fits me," he said close to you.
"Oh, sorry I was lost in thought."
“Let me put up this box, you can leave without me if you want," Walking over to the shelf you put the box on a shelf anyone can reach. When you turned around, you saw that he was still there. Albedo opened and held the door for you.
"Thank you. It seems you've done more things for me than I have for you. I'm the one that spilled coffee on you," you said, lightly laughing as you walked out of the storage room. The door closed behind Albedo as he followed you.
“Here let me treat you to dinner. To make things even," you said, a bit embarrassed to ask this.
"No, it's fine you don't have to," he said hastily declining the offer.
"I insist. Come on, who can deny free food?" You said persistently.
"Now it sounds like you're trying to offer me candy in your white van," Albedo said slyly.
"Wah- Now you're making me sound like a creep!" You pretended to cry dramatically, "I'm deeply offended by what you said."
Albedo chuckled softly. "Fine, I accept your offer."
Your eyes lit up. "Okay what time will be good for you, I'm free after work. My shift ends here in about 2 hours." You looked up at the clock, then looked back at him.
He thought for a moment before saying, "Well, technically I'm free this evening. So, after you are done working is fine."
"Great! I'll meet you in front, if that's okay with you?" He nodded.
"I'll be waiting in my usual spot then." You both walked over to the front counter. Albedo went over to his table with his coffee while you went back to continue working.
Around 2 hours later, you waved goodbye to your coworker and met Albedo at the entrance. He had changed into a new shirt and said he would return the work shirt after washing it.
"I probably should've worn something nicer than this," you said looking down at the ground.
"I think you look fine. Do you have a place in mind to eat?"
"Yep! I’ve had an idea where to go since you agreed to my offer," you said excitedly as you pulled out your phone from your purse. You quickly typed in the name of the restaurant and showed Albedo the screen.
"See, I've been saving up some side money to go here and I have enough for two people so don't worry. Not that I've been wanting to go with someone else, I just thought that if the food is really good there and I don't feel like cooking then I have the chance to eat there again." You explained how you heard so many things about this place from your coworkers as well as some friends. You just didn't have enough money to eat there initially or at the time. Now you have an excuse to go and not eat alone.
Albedo just smiled silently as he watched you ramble and listened to you intently. Nodding and agreeing with you occasionally or just commenting on something. He didn't interrupt you, which was nice. It was nice to know that someone was listening.
When you guys got to the restaurant, you both were laughing and having a good time talking.
"Oh, we're here..." you said with a sigh, "Time goes by when you're having a blast."
Albedo chuckled, "It sure does. I certainly had a fun walk here." He opened the door for you and you walked in. Inside had an expensive but not lavish feel to it. It also had a cozy, homey feel. Along with the big windows, plant decorations, and warm-toned colors, the restaurant was deserving of praise just based on the interior. The restaurant wasn't that busy but you still had to find an empty table to sit at.
When Albedo and you sat down, you ended up in the back near the outdoor seating. The sun had begun to set and the sky was stunning. Albedo was facing the window, the orangey glow of the sun reflecting off of him. Although you two were conversing, you couldn’t help but look at all of his features. Wow, he really was beautiful. Everything he did was attractive.
You guys ordered and you could feel your wallet aching over how much it would cost. At some point you found yourself fawning when he pushed a piece of his hair behind his ear as he spoke. “So, when they found out you can mix these certain two chemicals you get an explosive reaction, they… are you listening to me y/n?” Albedo asked
“Hm? Oh yeah, sorry I was just thinking about something.” Thinking of you “That reminds me, you said you had a little sister. Can I see her?”
“Sure, let me show you.” He pulls out his phone and clicks around some. Albedo then shows you a picture of a short, smiling girl with a red messenger hat and blonde hair.
“Awww, she’s so cute. How old is she?”
“She’s seven right now. Do you have any siblings?”
“Yep! I have two brothers. They're both older than me, so I’m the youngest of the three. Sometimes it’s annoying being the youngest since they both like to tease me so much, but I had fewer chores to do than them.” You talked with a smile as you recollected the memories of your youth.
You looked up and saw Albedo staring at you with a soft expression. You were about to comment on it, but then the waiter came and delivered the food. “Here’s your food, enjoy.” He said briefly.
“Thank you.” You both say. You start to dig in, thinking how it was worth the money.
“How do you like your food?” You ask before taking another bite.
“Well, I’d say it’s pretty good. I hope their cake is as good as their regular food. What about you?”
“Mine tastes yummy. Glad I could finally come here. Wait did you say cake?” You asked when you finally processed the rest of what he said.
Albedo looks at you with a smile. “Don’t worry. If it’s about costs, I will pay for my dessert.” You smiled slightly at that.
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By the time you two finished, night had already fallen. Albedo offered to walk you home. You didn’t even have to think twice about it before you took the offer.
You guys gradually got closer together as you walked. Your hands brushed against each other, daring to come together. Albedo took the initiative and interlocked your fingers together. A pink blush dusted your cheeks and you looked up at him. Teal eyes found yours as you saw him in all his beauty. The stars seemed to shine just for him.
“Sorry for holding you up for so long.” You apologized when you arrived at your home.
“It’s alright, I had a lovely time with you,” he said. Albedo looked over at you, seeming a bit nervous. You noticed this and offered a smile before you spoke.
“Is there something wrong?” You asked softly. He shook his head, but his cheeks turned crimson red.
“Well, this is me,” you said as you walked up the front stairs and unlocked the door. You turned around to face Albedo once more.
“I had a good time.” Albedo looked up at you, gaze soft.
“Yeah me too,” his voice was nervous, and his eyes flicked around. “A-and if you’d like we could do this again. Only if you’d want to-” He stopped talking when you walked down and kissed his cheek.
“I’d love that.” You smiled wide and walked back up into your house. Albedo was left there standing, hand on his cheek, and a dumb smile on his face.