Chapter Text
England was vastly different from Brazil, really. Ederson could vouch for that. He took note of it the second he came here to study and to get a degree.
With help from his family and a lot of jobs over the years Ederson had raised enough money to get himself into college in Manchester, at the age of 24. Shena Simon Campus. And he'll admit it, it was very difficult. He worked like crazy, everyday, every night, doing whatever he could so he could get out and do something. His parents and siblings understood, they never told him that it was a bad idea. After all, going to college served multiple purposes. You could do so much with it finished under your belt. Though his mom always yelled at him to relax a bit, it was in her nature to be worried about him. He was her little Eddy.
She wasn't wrong, with how much he worked he was barely at home and often came back exhausted. Yet unable to go to sleep till some studying was done. Sometimes after studying he even went out, where his friends were, just so they could play some football. Which was one of the ways he collected money.
He got paid to goalkeep for teams. Of course, not professional teams. He wasn't really interested in going professional. But when people beg him to help them and offer money well.. Ederson was onboard. He helped any team that would ask. Sure, it brought in some awkward situations in which teams who were going against each other wanted to pay him to play for them and it often ended up in fights. But whatever, it's not like it was Eddy's fault.
These games happened during nights, during the day other jobs took priority. One day he was a bartender, another day security, another day he worked as a cashier.. So yeah. Work. Lots of work for Eddy.
It was difficult in the beginning, of course it was, but over the years and after using lots of schedules it got easier. Got even easier when the money was raised and Ederson could finally go to England. He could pay for his flight, his tuition, everything. And he was so excited about that. So was his family. His siblings were patting him on the back and telling him good job when he came into the living room to tell them it was time. His dad was proud of him, he could see it in his eyes. And his mom.. well his mom was happy, but she had cried a bunch.
He was still just her little Eddy.
They all cried when he left. And if Eddy cried too when he got on the plane well.. that's his own business.
College was difficult at first, he had to firstly understand the people. He had studied English from books and knew how to get around conversations but British people had their.. accents. So it was hard. But he made it work, somehow.
At first he didn't have any friends. He woke up in his apartment, went to classes, and went back to the apartment. Besides that the only interaction he had was with professors, people who worked at stores and delivery people.
Then another problem came along.
It eventually got lonely and Ederson missed his home. He missed his family, friends. He missed his home. He missed his mom. He missed Brazil. It got a lot for him. He reminded himself that he asked for this, this was his choice and he spent years and years working to get this. He couldn't just go back, not now. Not when it was too late.
It stayed like that. For awhile.
… then two years into college Ederson met a friend.
A man by the name of Alisson Becker, another Brazilian. A VERY friendly and happy Brazilian, Ederson might add.
Ederson was making his way home from one of his classes and he had stopped by a cafe to get himself a coffee to go. Because he absolutely needed it after spending the whole night studying. And as he was walking out, the door slammed open and he immediately ran into a person, his coffee pushed out of his hands and onto the floor.
Ederson was irritated, who wouldn't be? But then he heard something..
A gasp and then "Me desculpa!- no um- I am sorry!"
And Ederson's eyes had widened, the coffee and incident forgotten for a moment..
"Você fala português?"
Alisson had paused, looking at Ederson in shock, as if it was the most insane thing to hear, someone speaking Brazilian Portuguese.
"... Brasil?" Alisson wondered and Ederson nodded his head..
Then a big grin took over Alisson's face "Let me buy you coffee. Please."
Ederson didn't say no. He hadn't talked with someone in his own language for too long.
And seemingly neither did Alisson, because he had immediately latched onto Ederson. And he made sure, even though Alisson studied in Liverpool and was in Manchester due to a game- Liverpool vs Man city-, that he and Ederson exchanged numbers and stayed in contact. They became pretty close friends not too long after, speaking everyday and visiting each other whenever they could.
It was fun.
And after college ended, after they both turned 28 and 29, well..
They decided to live together. And since they couldn't decide on Manchester or Liverpool they decided to meet each other halfway, in Warrington. They got themselves an apartment and began looking for jobs so they could pay their rent.
Ederson decided to try security, since he was physically fit and plenty strong, while Alisson decided to go with what he studied and became physio.
And it all seemed to be looking well for them. Ederson was happy with the way his life was going and he could see that, while he was tired, Alisson loved his job and enjoyed helping people.
One night though, when Ederson came home from work, Alisson was in the kitchen, making them both dinner. Ederson always told him he didn't need to, after all Eddy's job was a bit easier and he should do it, but the other Brazilian had always insisted. He sat at the bar of their kitchen and the two exchanged a few words, seemingly everything in order..
And then
Alisson perked up, smiling at the other who had just been scrolling through his phone.
"Eddy!"
"What is it, Ali?"
"Let's start a cafe together!"
Ederson slowly looked up, blinking his eyes at Alisson. He was going to say no, say that's a dumb idea, that they had absolutely no idea how to run a business and it would surely fail..
But with those sweet and sparkly puppy dog eyes staring at Ederson well..
"....siiiiiigh"
Alisson smiled
"Is that a yes?"
"We'll see"
"Yeah??"
"Yeah"
"Yeah!"
—2 years later—
"Eddy…"
Damn it..
"Eddy..!" And he's being shaken..
Why can't he just have five more minutes? Why is he like this?
"Eddy come on! It's time to wake up"
Ederson groaned and turned so his back was to Alisson, his face planting into the pillow he was laying in.. "Ali, I worked till 3 am yesterday.." His voice was growly from sleep, but that didn't seem to phase the other, who just ran over to the other side of the bed to shake him again. Gently, duh, it's Ali, he couldn't hurt a fly.
No, seriously.
Ederson had to get rid of them whenever they got into an apartment. And then Alisson got sad because they are alive just like them. It was interesting to see how much Alisson cared for other beings.
"I know, I know, at least it was your last day"
That's true..
"But you have to get up, I made us coffee. We drink it and then we go."
… go???
Ederson turned his head, tired red eyes looking into Alisson's very much awake and excited ones. The other had found his way onto Ederson's bed, sitting on the edge of it and turned towards him, sending him a bright smile..
"Go where?" He mumbled
To which Alisson chuckled "It's the day, Eddy!"
"What day?"
"First day!"
"So??"
Alisson frowned "Cafe.." his eyebrows furrowed, "How could you forget?"
What fucking-
…
Ederson suddenly sat up "Oh, right, yeah it's opening today.."
Alisson's smile was back, though not at 100 like it was before. It was more.. sad, like he got when Ederson didn't want to do something Alisson wanted to..
"We can wait?" He suggested
To which Ederson shook his head "Nah, it's okay.. Get out of my room, I'm gonna get dressed"
And there it was, the 100 smile. Alisson got up "I'll be waiting for you in the kitchen"
"Got it" Ederson watched Alisson walk out of the room and close the door.
… this was going to be a disaster. Ain't no way they were going to actually get this to work.
But.. if it made Ali happy well..
Why not try?
—
Alisson and Ederson's cozy cafe in Warrington exuded a warm and inviting atmosphere, which was no surprise considering Alisson had worked on most of the interior and exterior. It was situated on a quaint corner, it was not overly spacious but rit adiated charm and comfort. The exterior featured a few small, wrought-iron tables and chairs, and umbrellas to protect from rain, inviting patrons to enjoy the fresh air. A charming wooden sign above the entrance proudly announces the cafe's name. O café Brasil.
Inside, the decor was a blend of Brazilian culture and British coziness. Rich, earthy tones dominate the interior, with warm terracotta walls and dark wood furnishings. Soft, ambient lighting casted a welcoming glow, creating an intimate setting. The walls were adorned with Brazilian artwork and photographs, showcasing the owners' heritage. Ederson had suggested the idea, Alisson had eaten it up quickly.
The heart of the cafe was a beautifully crafted, espresso-stained wooden counter, behind which Alisson and Ederson were to work to prepare delicious Brazilian pastries and drinks. A mosaic-tiled backsplash added a touch of vibrancy to the space.
The aroma of freshly baked pastries wafted through the air, tempting customers with an array of coxinha, pastel, and pão de queijo which Ali was busy making while Ederson walked around the cafe, setting down menus. The menus boasted a selection of Brazilian drinks, including refreshing Mate and tropical fruit juices. Each drink was served in vibrant, hand-painted ceramic mugs that both of them worked hard on, adding a pop of color to the rustic setting.
Cozy corners were furnished with plush, cushioned chairs and small wooden tables, ideal for those seeking a quiet, relaxing spot. Light music worked in the background, quiet so people could relax in the place.
All in all Ederson could say he’s very proud of what he and Ali had created. It was beautiful and cozy, exactly what you’d want in a cafe. Somewhere you could just close your eyes, enjoy a book, talk to a friend or friends. It was… nice.
Now it was just a matter of if people were going to even look at the cafe and come in. Ederson hoped to god they would. They couldn’t keep this thing alive just out of pocket, they needed to make money. Both were very aware of that.
“Eddy!” Ali walked out from the kitchen and stepped behind the counter, sending the other Brazilian a bright smile. He was tying a cafe apron around his waist, a dark brown one. They decided on that color so it could fit their clothes, black jeans and black t-shirts which had their cafe’s name engraved on the right peck in beautiful cursive letters. Ederson already had his own as he was walking around the tables.
“What’s up?” Eddy asked, setting down the last menu on the last table, which was right next to the entrance of the cafe.
“Wanna do the honors?” The other said, happiness evident on his face and in his voice. He was clearly ecstatic to be working with his friend. And Ederson wouldn’t say it but he was pretty excited for this too.
Eddy sent Alisson a small smirk “You want me to turn the sign?”
“Mhm!”
Eddy nodded his head before turning around and making his way towards the door. He took in a deep breath and crossed his fingers..
“Come on” Eddy whispered to himself, “Let this work.”
And he turned the sign as Alisson cheered from behind them.
O café Brasil was now open.