Work Text:
Sting sat his pencil down. He looked over the problem one more time as a smile crept on his face. He quickly forced his smile down and looked over to Yukino, who was sitting next to him on the couch in the living room. She was tutoring him in calculus, and he believes he finally was able to make out a correct answer on his own. He wanted to contain his excitement to surprise her, however. He lightly tapped her shoulder and pushed his worksheet towards her. She quickly glanced over his problem and he looked at her gleefully.
"It's correct," she finally let out.
"Nice!"
He jumped on the couch happy that he was able to understand the topic. After the disaster that was his last quiz, Sting was afraid that his calculus class will stop him from passing the semester and, possibly, graduating. However, just like an angel Yukino offered to help him, which he definitely had to accept. Even better that all of his siblings were out of the house as Erik was taking Wendy shopping, Gajeel was on a not-date with Levy, and Natsu was out with Gray, Lucy, and Juvia. Him and Yukino were free to be alone at the moment.
"What was that screaming for? Did you finally get at least one question right?"
Well, most of his siblings. Rogue poked his head from the kitchen to look at him. Sting groaned. While he did love Rogue, he was hoping for some alone time with Yukino. The person who doesn't tease him when he gets a question wrong. Instead, Rogue made new plans for the day as he desired to attempt to teach himself how to cook. He tied his hair in a ponytail, brushed his bangs to the side, and donned on Mama's apron as he put himself in the kitchen for the day. Where he was able to hear Yukino tell him what he was doing wrong.
"Yes, all by himself," Yukino smiled unbeknown of Rogue's teasing. "If he continues like this, he'll pass the next quiz!"
Rogue huffed still offended that Sting declined his efforts to help him. "Let me know, if you need my help with anything."
"Not happening! You're awful at teaching," Sting stuck his tongue at him, which caused his brother to glare at him. After the disaster that was in middle school with sixth grade math, Sting has refused to let Rogue tutor him with anything, especially anything dealing with numbers. His yells and insults still haunt him to this day as he can still remember the first time he ever cried doing any assignment all thanks to Rogue. He much prefers his brother his usual calm self.
Rogue shrugged off his insult. "Suit yourself. Yukino want to taste test my soup?"
Yukino's face slightly fell wishing she could say no. "Sure, I'll be there. Sting work on this question," she pointed to their textbook then followed Rogue to the kitchen.
Sting begun working on the question as he heard Yukino yelp from the food and Rogue immediately after apologizing profoundly. He was able to solve the problem rather simply this time around as he's been practicing the formula all morning. Hopefully, he'll be done soon enough, and he can hang out with Yukino. Rogue can tag alone too, he supposed. He heard Yukino plump herself next to him holding a glass of water in her hand. Rogue was still looking at her guiltily as she already specified that she'll be fine. Sting lightly snickered at Rogue's distraught face and handed Yukino his answer. When she looked over it, she gave him a nod signaling that he was correct.
"One more question then I think you have this topic covered!"
Sting's excitement grew once again as he begun lightly elbowing her. "Why don't we go have lunch, afterwards. My treat! Rogue, you can join too, I guess," he slightly raised his voice for that last part.
Yukino shook her head embarrassed by the invitation. "Are you sure? You don't have to pay for me!"
"Yukino, it's fine. I just want to thank my tutor!" he smiled at her.
"That's cool and all. But, you don't have any money."
Sting's expression fell.
"You blew up all your allowance paying me back. You remember that? Don't you?" Rogue raised his eyebrow at him.
Sting fell to the floor defeated. His fun day with Yukino and Rogue was ruined! There's no way he could ask Rogue to pay for him. It would just be an ongoing cycle of him continuously needed to repay his debt to Rogue.
"I need a job," he cried out.
Yukino put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "You could always come work with me."
Sting, immediately, bounced back up due to his idea. He grabbed Yukino in a hug and begun twirling her causing her to giggle in amusement. "Really? You're the best, Yukino!" he exclaimed fondly as he set her down. "Where do you work?"
"At the Sabertooth Restaurant."
Sting's face fell as Rogue once again poked his head out, but this time was due to confusion. The two brothers looked at each other gaping in bewilderment. Then look back at Yukino. Everyone in town was, of course, familiar with Sabertooth. They are a popular restaurant in their town known for their delicious cooking. The brothers have eaten there numerous times either with the rest of their family or their friends, when they have been able to schedule a reservation. Rogue and Sting would visit the restaurant more, if the owner wasn't such an awful man. There has been numerous times of him firing and humiliating his workers due to simple mistakes and subjecting them to his verbal abuse.
"Sabertooth?" Rogue repeated slowly leaving Yukino to nod.
"Isn't the boss like awful?" Sting asked her.
Yukino's eyes widened in understanding. "Oh! Well, he's now the former boss. He died like a month ago, and his daughter inherited everything. She was the head chef. Now, she works as the boss and the head chef."
Sting and Rogue looked at each other again still not convincing. "What is she like?" Sting asked.
"Well, that surely is the question," Yukino grinned nervously. "Her father did raise her as a single parent, which was very apparent when he was still alive. However, after he died, she went to therapy and is still working on herself to make sure she doesn't end up like him. She's a bit eccentric and is very competitive and enthusiastic, but I think she means well! She also cooks for us during our lunch breaks and is a pretty good teacher!"
Sting sighed. "Well, I guess nothing would hurt trying it out at least. I can always quit and never return, if things don't work out. When should I apply?"
"Probably, today. Miss Minerva fired all of her dad's workers and is attempting to rehire her own workers. She wants more students to work part - time in the afternoon as a way to familiarize herself with people in her age group since her father didn't allow her to. Today, she closed the restaurant as her and my coworkers are trying to find more staff. She let me have the day off because I wanted to see you two," Yukino explained. "We should hurry, if you want to make it."
"Yeah, I see."
"Rogue!" Sting called frantic. "You can pick up everything, right? I'm sorry, I promise I'll owe you one."
"Actually, I'm coming too. I want to work there, as well."
Sting stood in his spot and turned his around to face him. "Why is that?" he asked curiously.
"I want Miss Minerva to teach me how to cook. This way whenever our mother is not home due to work I can cook for the rest of you," Rogue calmly answered.
Yukino's eyes lit up from this idea as Sting was less amused. She rushed over to him. "That's so sweet of you, Rogue! Who usually cooks when your mother is out?"
"Nobody," Rogue calmly answered as Sting grinned in embarrassment. Seeing the confused look on Yukino, Rogue decided to explain more.
"Natsu burns all the food, everything tastes the same to Erik, even expired ingredients, Gajeel isn't patient enough to watch anything cook, Sting tries to be creative with his dishes and fails, and due to Wendy's clumsiness, she is banned from the kitchen."
"Oh. I see," Yukino awkwardly replied. She looked at the door. "We should get going now. Miss Minerva prefers her subordinates to be on time."
Sting lowered his shoulders and sighed. "We need to clean our stuff up before anyone else comes home, and we promised to watch out for Mama's friends, who are coming."
At that moment, Sting and Rogue's ears stuck up as they heard the garage door close. They knew this signified that Erik and Wendy were home from the mall as he was borrowing the car, and they had someone they could beg to clean their mess. The three of them looked at the doorknob rattling as Wendy opened the door to reveal Erik holding her bags. She saw them and waved enthusiastically.
"I got my ears pierced!" she exclaimed excitedly showing off her new earrings that were shaped like butterflies.
"They look so cute," Yukino complimented her.
Erik set down the bags with a smug smile. "She refused to get earrings similar to mine or yours, Sting."
"It wasn't anything too personal. I just wanted my own style," Wendy pouted causing Erik to pat her head.
"I know," he smirked. "Don't get too worked up. I'm not upset."
His ears then picked up someone's deep breathing, and he prepared himself as Rogue and Sting rushed over to him. He let his body barely flinch as he looked down at his brothers.
Erik sighed. "What do you two want?"
"Great! You and Wendy will clean! We need to go, bye! We love you two!" Sting blurted out in one breath then ran out the door.
Wendy and Erik eyes widened in surprised as the two looked at Rogue shocked not being able to move a muscle.
"See you two at dinner," he muttered then left following Sting as he grabbed Yukino with him.
Sting and Rogue were running to the all familiar location of the restaurant. Rogue was immediately able to catch up to his brother even with carrying Yukino on his back, who was feeling guilty about leaving clean up duty to Erik and Wendy. She also explained that the restaurant currently has six members of the staff, including her and Minerva Orland. When asked if Sting and Rogue were familiar with any of the employees, Yukino just looked away too guilty to further explain. At last, the three reached the restaurant and Yukino had to let the brothers relax for a few minutes catching their breath. She peered through the door and luckily found that no new person was, yet, hired.
Yukino looked back at her friends. "You two ready?" she asked, which they replied with a nod of their heads leaving her to open the door.
The restaurant looked different since the death of the former owner. The walls were patterned with gold and black ribbons as circular tables were spread around. The restaurant was not too big as it used to be only a family owned and ran business before the hiring of new recruits. There was a light chandelier at the center of the roof near the small stage, which usually was unused. Finally, the greatest change was the an emblem resembling a saber toothed tiger above the manager's door.
"I thought you weren't coming in today, Yukino?" they heard a voice.
They looked over to the podium near the entrance to see the host. Sting groaned as he was familiar with him and his usual large, fluffy hat. Rufus Lore saw him as well and looked over to realize Rogue was there too as his usual smug demeanor was replaced with a scowl of annoyance.
"Oh, Yukino, why did you bring the twin 'dragon slayers'?" he rubbed his head.
Sting let out a breath preparing for the argument to follow. Rogue's eye twitched as a similar scowl replaced the calm look on his face.
"Still calling us that? I wouldn't insult the person who has the right to beat your ass."
Rufus left the podium to bring his face closer to Rogue to be able to look down upon him. "That was a lucky day for you, and you know it."
"I recall you practically begging me stop," Rogue stated unphased. "You're lucky that Sting and Gajeel were there or you'd have been worse."
"Sting, what's going?" Yukino whispered to him staring at the two men.
"Rufus graduated from our high school last year, but before he left, he said that Rogue and I had no style. Then Rogue beat his ass. That's why Principal Gran Doma banned fighting actually," Sting explained narrowing his eyes.
"He! Should be in jail!" Rufus seethed pointing his finger at Rogue.
Rogue shook his head. "Oh, no. Did you forget my threat made sure you didn't press any charges? Or are you too much of a self centered bitch that you forgot?" he reminded him.
Rufus continued to glare at him. "How's it like to being the most forgettable of your siblings, Rogue?"
"With looks like mine, I think my legacy is secured. I'd think about making myself more memorable, if I were you, though. You're just the guy who looks like Freed Justine that lost that contest to Gray."
"Insulting my looks are we? I always knew you had no style," Rufus smirked at him.
Rogue then attempted to jump Rufus, but Sting was already prepared and made sure to that he grabbed Rogue before he was able to lay a hand on him. Yukino stood there shocked to see this side of Rogue, while Rufus stood there smirking at him not being able to touch him.
"Okay, why don't we calm down?" Sting panted still attempting to hold Rogue down, who was shaking his head and refusing a peaceful resolution.
Due to the noise, the kitchen doors opened to reveal another staff member who was in charge of picking up the tables and any necessary items. He looked at Rufus confused and then laid eyes on Sting.
"Sting!" he called out to him.
Sting let go of Rogue and looked back. "Orga!" he rushed over and slammed his hands on his to high five of him.
Yukino let out a sigh of relief that at least the two brothers get along with Orga. She looked back at Rufus and Rogue and, unfortunately, still saw them scowling at each other.
"I didn't know you were here, Yukino," Orga realized as he was holding Sting.
"I'm here to talk to Miss Minerva about hiring Sting and Rogue," Yukino explained.
Rufus face fell in disappointment leaving Rogue to smirk at his misfortune as Orga smiled happy to work with the two brothers. Sting jumped down and ushered Rogue closer to hug Yukino to show their appreciation. Unfortunately, the kitchen doors opened once gain as Sorano stepped out with Dobengal.
"Don't touch my sister like that," Sorano pointed out Sting causing him to let go of her immediately.
"Sorano? You work here?" Sting asked trembling.
Sorano raised an eyebrow at him. "Yes. Is that an issue? You seem very comfy with Yukino. Are there things you don't want me to see? Dobengal! Can you believe the way he treats me?"
Dobengal attempted to answer her before she cut him off. "I would much rather her be this close to Rogue, but, no, Sting is the one that must always be near her. Do you think they're hiding anything from me, Dobengal?"
Once again, Dobengal tried to answer her, but, this time, Yukino spoke. "Of course, not, Sister! Sting is just very affectionate. And, I am close to Rogue! So, I don't know what you mean by that."
"What do you expect from those two?" Rufus asked exaggerating. "Dobengal, don't you agree that they would make an awful addition to the staff?"
"Rufus, you shouldn't say that," Orga said, instead of Dobengal, causing Rufus to roll his eyes to hide his guilt.
"Yukino, when you and Rogue get married that would make Erik and me family," Sorano said fondly.
"I'm sorry, but is there an engagement that I have that I do not know of?" asked Rogue rhetorically.
"Sister! You already know that I don't feel that way to Rogue."
"Oh thank god," Sting sighed in relief. "Hold on why do you want to set Yukino with Rogue of all people."
Sorano raised an eyebrow at him. "He's my favorite of all your siblings besides Erik."
"Oh, thank you."
"No problem, Rogue."
Rufus shook his head. "Sorano, I thought you were better than that," he muttered.
"The best one is Wendy."
"Orga?" Sting asked confused.
Orga started scratching his head. "When I babysit Chelia, I see Wendy with her. She's such a nice person. Rufus, you're there too. Who's your favorite?"
"Not Rogue!"
"It's the insecurity talking," Rogue shooked his head in pity.
Rufus looked at Orga. "How do you even know them?"
"I was a senior when they were freshmen at high school. Also, I see them at the basketball court, and they usually bring Laxus with them," he shrugged. "Are you alright, Sting?"
Sting was looking around the restaurant noticing one vital person was still missing. "Where's Miss Minerva?"
"In the kitchen," Sorano, Orga, and Rufus replied in unison.
"I'll go get her," Yukino volunteered but was stopped by Sorano.
"Hold on, we still don't know if Sting even should work here," Sorano reminded.
"And Rogue!" Rufus added.
"We should still ask her, though," Orga said softly.
"Ask me what?"
Minerva Orland walked out the kitchen with Dobengal at her side. Her hair was still up in a high ponytail from her time cooking, but she has already removed her attire. When she walked out, she snapped her fingers at Rufus signaling him to retrieve her boa scarf. She sat down at the table nearest to Rogue and Sting and looked at them as she was pointing to the chairs across of her. Yukino slightly pushed them into the seats.
"Dobengal, did you tell Miss Minerva about Sting and Rogue?" Rufus asked annoyed.
"Yes."
"Don't you dare smile at me like!" Rufus's attempt to jump on Dobengal was stopped by Orga holding him by his coat's collar.
"Quiet, please," Minerva calmly ordered ceasing the fighting. She looked over at the two men across the table and noticed Rogue staring at her. "Is there a reason why you're staring?" she smiled at him.
"My apologies, Ma'am. I just didn't expect you to be so young."
She raised her eyebrow. "Now, you're going to make me blush. You can drop the 'ma'am'. Miss Minerva will suffice. I'm not even older than Orga, yet!" She could feel the brothers gaping at her. "Yes, balancing this restaurant and my studies has been difficult, but due to my assistants, It's working out rather well. I already hired a very dependable staff to take over the restaurant in the mornings and when I'm busy."
"That's remarkable," Rogue complimented. "We heard about your father. We are sorry for your loss, of course."
Minerva let out a low cackle. "The only thing you should be sorry about is not attending the party I threw, when he died!"
Sting and Rogue looked at each other confused then forced out a laugh to balance out with Minerva.
"So, you two want to apply for the job?" Minerva asked them reverting to a businesslike tone.
"Yes, please," Sting answered enthusiastically.
Minerva looked over to Yukino, who was nodding her head, and ignored the distraught Rufus. "Well, I do trust Yukino's judgement, so why don't I open the restaurant for today and test how well you two do? If today runs smoothly, you two can have the job! What do you say?"
Sting smirked at her and Rogue calmly smiled. "We say you're on, Miss Minerva!" Sting replied.
She stood up and removed her scarf. "Wonderful, now which one of you two wants to help me in the kitchen?"
Rogue immediately stood up raising his hand and blushed from embarrassment. Minerva saw his enthusiasm as cute and chuckled. She pointed at him, which caused him to put down his hand and smile happily that he was picked. Minerva proceeded to look at Yukino.
"Yukino, you're going to be helping me with the kitchen as well. Blondie, you're on waiting duty with Sorano. Have fun! Let's go." she ushered her way into the kitchen waiting for Rogue and Yukino to follow her.
Rogue looked back at Sting and mouthed "She's really pretty" before following her and Yukino into the kitchen. Sting gave him a thumbs up for encouragement then reverted his attention to Sorano, who was glaring at him.
"I guess we're working together," he forced a chuckled.
She sighed. "Let's get you fitted for clothes. There's a cute crop top that would look great on you."
Sting's eyes begun sparkling. "You think so? That's the nicest thing you've ever said to me!"
The rest of the staff members returned to their usual locations as well. Dobengal went to the kitchen to help out with meal preparations and any dishwashing before he would return to waiting tables once customers arrive. After Orga went to the back to bring in new materials, Rufus changed the closing sign to open and updated this new information onto their sites. Soon enough, customers begun arriving as Rufus started seating them down and bringing either Sorano, Sting, or Dobengal to wait on them. Sting, soon enough, became known as the "charming crop top waiter".
"Hello! It's such a nice evening today! My name is Sting, and I will be serving you. Why don't we begin with drinks?" Sting continued to smile to his customers as they giggled when they saw him.
Sorano rolled her eyes at the view, but she couldn't help but agree that Sting was a very charismatic waiter. It definitely made sense why the customers enjoyed seeing him. She giggled to herself. Maybe he's good enough for Yukino after all....
Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Minerva was teaching Rogue how to cook. There were struggling at first as Rogue didn't know any of the utensils by name, but he has begun memorizing and learning their proper terminology. Thankfully, Yukino has been great help as well. Besides those minor issues, Rogue was assisting her fairly well. He was listening to her instructions and asking questions to better understand her method. She begun to let him cook the easier dishes himself with assistance and pointers from herself and Yukino.
Rogue was chopping onions when he heard Miss Minerva speaking. "You know you haven't told me your name, yet? Or your relationship with Blondie." She turned her over to him for her to see her devious smile. "Scared that I might do some digging?"
He gave an awkward chuckle still not used to her sense of humor. "My name is Rogue Cheney, Miss. The one you refer to as 'Blondie' is my brother, Sting Eucliffe. The different last names comes from the fact that we're not by blood. Most people comment on that and since we have three other brothers and a sister, we have had to explain this often as we all have different last names."
"Oh. So big famiy. Sometimes, I wish that I had siblings. I grew up feeling very alone, and he didn't help with that at all. I think that's why I'm so fond of Yukino. It's like having a younger sister that I always wanted."
"Thank you, Miss Minerva, but I would advise you to be careful saying that around my sister as she can be very, uh, extreme!"
Minerva and Rogue both snickered as they were both familiar with Sorano and her overprotective nature to know that Yukino was not exaggerating. They the doors open and immediately ceased their laughter in case it was her. To their relief, it was Orga assisting in waiting duties.
"You three doing alright?" Orga asked.
"Yes! I wonder why the rest of you didn't bring Rogue sooner. He's absolutely delightful!" Minerva smiled at him.
Rogue could feel his face turning hot. "Thank you, Miss," he stuttered quietly causing Minerva to chortle.
"If only, Rufus could hear that," Orga smiled lightly. "You should invite Rogue to your next fencing match. Your team is ruthless. It's such a beautiful sight. It encourages me to be as enthusiastic as I can be during basketball. I even took the liberty to sing to my team to encourage them."
Yukino, Rogue, and Minerva stared at Orga for a minute feeling sorry for his basketball team as they all had the misfortune of hearing him sing before. It's no wonder that Rufus is the only person that can tolerate it. Yukino decided to break the silence hoping that Orga does not realize the issue.
"I actually didn't know you were on the fencing team, Miss Minerva! Are you really that good as Orga says?"
"Not really, Sister," Sorano appeared on the doorway with a gaping Sting. "She's decent but she always loses to Erza when it comes to the finale. She also struggles against Kagura Mikazuchi a good amount of times." Sorano shrugged and grabbed the plates. "Come on, Sting, we don't want to be late."
Sting closed his mouth. He looked at Minerva, who was wearing a calm smile. "I had nothing to do with that," he simply stated before leaving.
Orga, Yukino, and Rogue looked at Minerva in fear wondering what would happen. "I'm poisoning her the next time I see her," she hummed.
The restaurant continued to be open until sunset. It was a very successful day as the customers crooned and gushed about the new waiter. For younger people, he was considered very attractive as many attempted to give him their number, to which he just blushed and politely rejected. He was called adorable by older people as they too attempted to see him up with their sons and daughters. Rogue was becoming a steady learner and could already remake the soup that he was working on the morning to an actually edible dish.
As Minerva ended the day, she called for a final meeting to reveal the results. Sting and Rogue were sitting at the center table to where they were looking straight at the Sabertooth emblem. Yukino and Orga were giving the boys encouraging thumbs up as Rufus and Sorano were scowling. Dobengal volunteered to finish cleaning up the kitchen as he knows the chaos that would ensure when the boys receive their announcements.
Minerva pursed her lips together and then continue to smile. She begun humming softly as she was looking through papers in front of her. "You both have been hired."
Orgo immediately begun howling in joy as he also attempted to sing in celebration before Rufus calmed him down. Yukino hugged Sting and let him twirl her for the second time of the day. Sorano, while discontent, allowed him to have this moment thinking he deserved it. Rogue smiled to himself smugly as he and Rufus created a peace treaty for when they were at work. However, outside of work was still fair game. The moment became even greater as Dobengal came out of the kitchen bringing in Minerva's surprise celebratory dishes she's made for everyone. Yukino, Rufus, and Dobengal set the table for them all to eat together as Sting and Rogue were expressing their gratitude to Minerva.
"However, I do have a special condition." Minerva continued as the restaurant went quiet.
"I would like for you two tomorrow to bring in your family. As I am the only one not too familiar with them, surprisingly, I would love to meet them!"
Sting and Rogue looked at each other in shock. As Stings smile rose, Rogue’s face was more and more confused.
"That would be amazing, Miss Minerva! Don't worry we'll bring them and Laxus here tomorrow!" Sting replied enthusiastically.
The rest of the staff members did not seem to have a similar reaction at all. Rogue and Yukino looked at each other in fear knowing that they would have to prepare themselves for cooking the large amount of food that Natsu and Gajeel would order. Dobengal sighed realizing the ruckus that always follows this family. Rufus groaned wondering how he'll have to accommodate for a snake that can wrap around a person's body. Only Orga was excited for the opportunity to see and challenge Laxus to anything. However, one thing was for certain. Minerva Orland does not know what's coming.