Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The bell rings as Dev steps into the shop. The smell of espresso lingers in the air mixed with the smell of sweet vanilla. He walks up to the counter of the cozy cafe, plush chairs are sitting in the corner in front of a faux fireplace with a TV installed above it.

“Hello, welcome to Cloudy cafe, how can I help you?”

There was a barista standing at the counter, he was about the same height as Dev. Red hair and freckles dotting his face, his eyes were reddish brown, hell even his hoodie underneath his black apron.

“Hey, uh I heard that you guys do a vanilla cappuccino with a monster in it. Could I get that please?” Dev grimaced it didn't sound the most appealing but he’d take anything to help him cram for college.

The barista nodded his head. “College kid?”

“Yeah, just trying to survive my midterms.” Dev shuffled on his feet.

“Yeah, I feel you. Doing the same thing as well right now. All-nighters have become a daily thing at this point-” He laughed. “Could I get your name for the drink?”

“Oh! Yeah, it’s Dev.”

“Interesting name sounds like a game developer.”

“Yeah it's ironic I’m studying coding in college right now, simply meant to be I guess.”

“AAY same! Fellow game coder.”

“I knew you looked familiar. We are in the same lecture hall right?”

“Yeah, I think so, room 407?”

Dev nodded and glanced down at the barista’s apron and saw his name tag ‘Kier’. It was written in a cursive font with a smiley face at the end.

“Well, I’ll see you there Kier.” Dev smiled.

Kier walked to the back of the shop, turned on the espresso machine and grabbed an original monster from the fridge. He placed the cup under the machine filling it up quickly topping it off with vanilla creamer. Placing the drink into a disposable cup Kier filled the rest of the empty space with the monster.
Kier grabbed a marker off the counter scribbling on the cup before handing it back to Dev. It said, Developer with a doddle of a cat on a skateboard staring back at him. Dev looked at him unimpressed.

“Have fun studying-” Kier had a shit-eating grin on his face. He knew what he did.

Dev started back at him. “Have fun working.” He smirked back.

He went to sit down on a plush chair pulling his laptop from his bag. Time to cram..again. He sighed but opened his laptop and began watching past lecturers. Even though he’s barely missed anything it all seems foreign.

He sat the cup beside him and shuffled through his bag for his notebook and a pen. The professor droned on in his ears, he couldn’t seem to focus. After what seemed like hours but was merely only twenty minutes, Dev sighed and focused his attention on his cup.

The cat was surprisingly well drawn, at least the cat seemed to be having a good time skating down the edge of his cup. He glanced at the liquid inside, it smelled interesting. He prepared himself for the worst and took a sip… and immediately spit it out. Kier laughed when he saw him.

“Not your taste?” Dev shot him a defeated glance and shook his head. “That tastes like actual vomit. No offense!” He added with a hurried tone. “It’s uh. Not great?”

Kier stifled his mouth before he could keel over from laughing. “I’ve heard it’s not the best but I haven’t seen anyone drink it yet.”

Dev laughed, “So I’m your guinea pig so you wouldn’t have to suffer?”

Kier nodded, “Yup, no way in hell I was going to try that myself. Seems like I still won’t”

Dev looked down at the cup. Kier caught his sigh and spoke up. “Do you want a different drink? Something on the house?”

“Are you sure? Like won’t you get in trouble?” Dev looked back towards the counter before walking away from his bag towards Kier.

Kier waved him off. “I won’t get in trouble. Hell, I mostly run the place. I’m not sure I’ve seen the owner more than like twice.” He grabbed the cup from Dev’s hand, promptly dumping it out and throwing out the cup.

Dev gasped dramatically, “The cat! You killed him!” Dev feigns disgust and places a hand over his heart pretending to cover a wound. “He was my closest friend.” He wipes away a fake tear from his eye. Kier laughs holding onto the counter for dear life. His face flushes red from the laughing, tears pool in the corner of his eyes. “We need a funeral for the cat now. Rip Skateboard Cat, you will forever be missed.” He grabs a paper towel from the counter and places it over the lone cup. “Sleep well Skateboard Cat, I love you.” Kier whispers trying to hold back the amusement in his voice. He blows a fake kiss to the cup cat. Dev bursts out laughing. “Any way-” Kier continues, “What drink did you want?” Dev looked back up towards the menu.

“I think I’ll play it safe. Just vanilla chai tea please?” Kier nodded and grabbed out the tea bag as well as the vanilla foam. He quickly made the drink then turned his back towards Dev grabbing the marker off of the counter. This time he drew a frog with a wizard hat with Developer once more written down. At the very bottom was his number and his name scrawled out on the cup. Dev tipped Kier, throwing ten dollars into the jar before grabbing the cup. He looked at the frog before seeing the number and flushed.

Kier gave a light smile as the blush covered his freckles to the tips of his ears. Even now his face was matching the rest of him. Dev smiled before pulling out his phone and typing in Kier’s number, he sent Kier hi. “I’ll see you in class?” Dev asked.

Kier nodded, “And most likely here again. Finals are rough-” Dev laughed lightly. “Text me, you have my number now.” Dev smiled and grabbed his bag and walked out the door. Dev waved as he left, the bell chiming as the door shut. Kier waved back with a smile. Kier checked his phone and sure enough Dev did text, the hi was there earlier as well as a gif of a wizard frog. Kier added Dev to his contacts, and if there was a small heart next to his name that was between him and God.

His alarm went off to signal closing, the start of his shift was shit but at least the end was nice. Hopefully now Yello would get off his back for being alone. He shut down the espresso machine and wiped and swept every surface before locking up the front and heading out the back door. He grabbed his bag and responded back to Dev, a doodle of skateboard cat that he did on a napkin with gravestone behind him. Dev sent back a sad face but drew his own less done well version of skateboard cat with his eyes crossed out. Kier began his trek home with a smile on his face and a new person in his contacts.

Chapter Text

The brisk air swept around him before shutting the door, the ding of the bell singled his arrival. Nearly everyday Dev has been coming into the cafe, half way to study but mostly just to talk to Kier. Dev always came in later in the night that way it would never be busy whenever he stepped inside. Since they met a couple weeks ago they have hung out both in class and outside of it. The most common place was in the cafe. The studying was simply an excuse to hang out together , both knew it, Dev never did study while he was there. They elected to ignore that fact.

Kier looked up from the counter glancing up towards him. He gave him a small wave before leaving the counter and walking towards him. “Same as normal?” Dev gave a nod, “Same as always. Maybe this time it will work enough to force me to study.” He gave a small laugh. Kier shot him a beaming smile, though he’d never admit it no matter how much Yello teased him. Hanging out with Dev is the best part of his shift, hell even his day.

He busied himself with making the drink trying to hide the dumb smile on his face, it never seemed to go away with Dev there, he steeped the tea before preparing the foam pouring it on top.

After the drink was finished he pondered on what to doddle this time. In the end he drew a small picture of a dog with a party hat. Each time Dev ordered something he would get a different drawing on his cup. Dev was the only person the Kier would draw for.

Like usual the drink was on the house but each time Dev would always leave a ten dollar tip. No matter how much Kier protested this. The tip itself would cover like two large drinks though no matter what he said Dev did it anyways. He grabbed a cup for himself, steeping a glass of green tea, since it was only for him he didn’t doodle. He left behind the counter and sat down on the plush chairs with Dev, who was only pretending to study. He looked up from his definitely real work and thanked Kier for the tea.

He saw the cup that Kier was drinking from and noticed the lack of any markings, that simply wasn't going to do. Though not much of an artist himself that wouldn't stop him.

“Hey, do you have a marker I can borrow for a second?” Kier nodded and grabbed him a black sharpie from the counter, his expression was a tad curious. As soon as Dev received the marker he snatched Kier's cup from the table, turning it away from him. Kier sat there very fucking confused, what in the hell was Dev doing?

After a minute of marker on the cup, Dev placed it down on the table triumphantly. Kier picked up the cup and inspected it. On the side of the cup was a crudely drawn version of a snake with stick figure arms, he laughed.

Dev just shrugged, “Figured I couldn't be the only one with something cute on my cup. Though not sure if I'd call my.. creation cute.” Kier shot him another smile and a giggle, “Oh no you're learning! So I'll be replaced-.” He cut himself off with a laugh.

Dev snorted, “The teacher is being overtaken by the student, imagine that.” Kier doubled over, grasping his chest, “I’m not sure my job is in too much danger yet.” He pulled out his phone and decided to take a picture of the cup. “Ah truly art worth admiring, this should be in the museums instead of the Mona Lisa.” Dev went red from all the laughing, “They should call me the next Van Gogh!”

Kier laughed even harder, “Dev-” He got cut off by his own laughter, “Dev- Van Gogh didn’t paint the Mona Lisa, you do know that right?”

“He didn’t!? If he didn't, who did?” Kier took a second to think, “Leonardo Dicaprio I think?” Dev gave him a disbelieving look, “Do you fucking mean Leonardo da Vinci? Leonardo Dicaprio is an actor, he did Titanic or some shit.”

Kier flushed a bright red, laughing loudly, “OH SHIT-! I think you’re right!” Dev just about died beside him leaning on him trying and failing to cover his laughs. Now Kier was bright red for a different reason. Dev’s right arm landed around Kier’s shoulder as his face pressed into Kier’s shoulder while laughing. “God we are both so dumb-” Kier nodded in response. Abruptly Kier’s phone rang, spooking them both. Dev pulled away quickly while Kier picked up his phone. The caller ID rang showing Yello’s contact. He quickly answered throwing it on speaker.

“Kier? You there?” Yello’s voice rang through the cafe. “Kier?”
“Hey yeah I’m here why?” A sigh of relief rang through the phone. “Dude, you were supposed to be home like 15 minutes ago. I thought you got kidnapped or something- did you miss the bus or something?” Kier picked up his phone and saw the time, well now he would miss the bus. The last one had already left. “Shit- I’m sorry man I didn’t realize the time. The cafe isn’t even closed yet. My shift alarm didn’t go off or something.”

Yello sighed, “Do you have a way home? I’m glad you’re safe but not like either of us own cars or anything.” Dev pipped up, “Kier I can take you home. I have a car.” There was a pause before Yello spoke once more, “Kier is that Dev? The person you’ve been talking about for like weeks now?” Kier flushed again, “Yeah that’s Dev, sorry Yello, we were hanging out at the cafe.” “As long as you get home safe I don’t care. I’ll see you soon.” Yello said and hung up.

“Yello?” Dev asked? Kier nodded, “My roommate, he gets worried for me sometimes but a great friend you know.” Dev thought for a second. “I think I’ve heard his name before, my roommate Boosfer talks about him sometimes, I just didn’t know he was your roommate as well.”

He hesitated for a minute, “Um, before you went home would you wanna grab food or something? I’ll pay!” Kier nodded, “As like a date?” Kier asked jokily hopeing the Dev wouldn’t pick up on the waver in his voice. Dev blushed a bright red before nodding hesitantly. “I mean if you didn’t want to that’s fine we can just go as friends or something-” Kier cut him off still red, “I didn’t say no did I? I’d like to go with you..as a date.” Kier looked at the still technically open cafe, “Just let me close up really quickly.” He brushed his hand on Dev’s before he stood up. Dev’s mouth was still agape. If Yello found out he would never live this down. Oh well it was worth it.

Dev stepped out to heat up the car while Kier finished his duties, they were done at least, not well but he had more important things to do right now as he stepped outside to meet Dev. Locking the door behind him.

Chapter Text

The moonlight shone, illuminating the pair. The car door clicked as Kier shut it behind him. The heat warming the car was a nice change from the bitter cold out there. With his apron off Kier was simply left in a light red sweater, shivering slightly as he watched as Dev set up music on his phone. He was about to pull out of the parking lot till he noticed Kier shivering, goosebumps rising on his arms.

He shrugged off his blue hoodie and handed it to Kier, leaving him in a black tee shirt. “Won't you be cold?” Dev shrugged, “Eh I run hot I'll be fine.” Kier threw on the hoodie, it had a certain smell to it, vanilla and clean linens. It just made sense that he would smell like that. He smiled slightly, “Thank you.” The hoodie did have a smidge of scent of vanilla chai tea, most likely since Dev always seemed to be drinking one ever since the monster coffee incident.

They backed out of the lot pulling onto a main road. With it being late January the snow was built up on the ground, small snowflakes filled the air. Driving down the road the night seemed to be ethereal, the light reflected from the traffic lights painting everything in colorful hues. The snow reflected this brilliantly mixing the shades from the differing lights.

Music streamed for the car speakers, bringing together a relaxed vibe. Lights faded in and out but the hum of the stereo was constant. Kier risked a peak at Dev, a smile graced his features, his fingers followed the beat of the music. He thrummed a small tune on the steering wheel while humming along. At this moment Kier was content.

The ride drone on small quips of conversation graced the two before pulling into a small restaurant. A lovely dinner sat in front of them. While the parking lot seemed barren, the inside seemed lively and bustling. Neon lights shined from the dinner. The bass of the music floated from the door.

Dev parked the car, stepping out and opening the car door for Kier. A soft laugh escaped him, “Quite the gentleman aren't you?” Kier stepped outside. “Well it makes a good first impression.” Kier rolled his eyes and snorted “Ah yes first impression as if we don't know each other. The first interaction I had with you, you proclaimed that Skateboard Cat was your best friend and I killed him.”

Dev put a hand on his heart, “He was my closest friend. I grieve for him every day.”
“Uhhuh totally, wow I thought I was your closest friend. You wound me-” Kier laughed. Dev shot him finger guns and smirked “Wow and I thought we were more than friends~” That shut him up real quick he let out a sputerted protest. He could feel the rising heat on his cheeks, at this point his face had to be permanently red.

Dev grabbed his hand and led him into the dinner. 1950’s Rock and Roll music played from a jukebox filling the dinner. The dinner seemed to be stuck in the 1950’s, red checkered tablecloths and large leather booths. Light fixtures hung from the ceiling, the stain glass showed Coke bottles. The entire place was covered in vintage Coke merch. Neon lights light the outside, an open sign. A fridge sat in the corner filled with glass Coke bottles. “How did you manage to find this place?” Kier looked around in disbelief. Dev shrugged, “They are one of the only places that are open at 3am.” He led them across the diner, “Plus good cheap food so I kept coming back.”

Kier looked around as Dev found an empty booth for the two. A small booth sat in the corner hidden from the rest of the dinner. Sitting down across from each other Dev reached for a laminated menu and handed it to him. “So some wild college nights?” Kier jokes.

Dev laughed,” Ah yeah definitely, the all nighters after I procrastinate on a paper. Very wild-”
Kier flipped through the menu while Dev continued, "Hence the god awful monster concoction” He whispers, “That was one of the worst things I’ve ever had the misfortune of tasting.” He let out a dramatic shudder.

Kier let out a hearty laugh, “It was worth it at least. You got to meet me.” Dev fidgeted with his hands and blushed, “It was worth it.” Kier softly smiled and looked back down at the menu.

Classic feel good foods lined the pages, Dev pointed to a column on Kier’s menu, “You should get the milkshakes, I swear they make it the best here.” Kier nodded, “I’ll have to try it then, I think I’ll get the strawberry one.” Dev nodded, “It’s pretty good I'll say.” While their waitress took down their orders the two continued to chat, Kier grabbed Dev’s hand running his thumb across his hand. A dusting of pink lined his face highlighting his eyes.

The milkshakes arrived sitting tall in the glasses, whipped cream and cherries lining the top of the glass. Strawberry for Kier and chocolate for Dev. The condensation built up on the side of the glasses. The waitress sat them down with a smile, “Can I get you two anything else?” Dev pipped up, “Could I get the mac and cheese please?” She nodded, “And for you?” She pointed towards Kier with her pen. “Just an order of your chicken tenders please.” She scribbled it down on her notebook and stuck her pen in her apron pocket. “Alright folks that will be out in a few minutes!” She walked towards a swinging door to the kitchen.

The food was whisked out shortly steaming as the waitress brought it over. “Here’s that for you two. Do you need anything else?” They both shook their heads and thanked her for the food. Hulking plates of food sat in front of them, the scent luring them in.

A 1950’s jukebox was close to them. Kier excused himself to use the bathroom and Dev hatched a plan. It was rather simple woo Kier with a 1950’s love song and pretend that he definitely did not do that. Dev rummaged through his wallet before pulling out some quarters and walking over to the jukebox. Kier walked out of the bathroom as Dev put in the coins. He leaned up against the jukebox and looked at Dev quietly. “So whatcha planning on playing?” Kier laughed as Dev stammered. Dev didn't notice him walking out of the bathroom. “Oh uh, nothing?”

Kier looked him up and down, “Sure- I definitely believe that.” Kier said sarcastically. He walked over and plucked up a vinyl and handed it to Dev. “If you wanted to ‘woo’ me try this.”

“Who said I was trying to ‘woo’ you?” Dev replied defensively. He shrugged, “I don’t know- maybe the sneaking and sifting through love songs? Or maybe you jumping ten feet after I saw you? Oh who knows.”

Dev ignored him, not at all because Kier was completely right, couldn’t be that. He glanced at the vinyl, “Hopelessly Devoted to You”, from Greece. Well at least it was a classic and damn catchy too. “If I didn’t know any better I’d say you’re trying to ‘woo’ me~” Kier turned to him, “And what if I am?” Dev sucked in a breath before deciding to not reply instead throwing the vinyl in the jukebox and playing it.

The two walked back to their booth, Was that too far? Did he read into Dev wrongly? Maybe this was just flirting for fun and Dev never meant it. He jumped as Dev gripped his shoulder. “Kier? Are you okay?” Kier blinked, zoning himself back in. “What? Oh yeah I’m fine sorry I just zoned out for a sec.”

Dev looked at him suspiciously, “If you’re sure.” He dropped the topic but it was obvious he didn’t believe him. He perked up the light catching his blue hair, “Hey! It’s our song! Where no one is definitely trying to ‘woo’ the other.” Kier looked up, entranced by him, Dev was humming along and tapping his fingers to the beat. “Hopelessly devoted to you~” Here at this old diner with Dev, Kier was content.

The duo non-committedly an easy conversation breaking the silence. After the song ended. With Dev here it was easy to forget everything else, minutes flew by like seconds. As the milkshakes dwindled down and the food got cold. The only way to break the illusion of no time passing was the steady build up of snow frosting the windows slowly getting heavier. He took notice of this, pointing it out to Dev. “We might want to get going-” Kier paused, looking at the frosted glass. “I don't fancy being stuck in this weather”

Dev nodded, “Do you want me to drive you home?” He paused looking at the snow, “Or I could drive you over to my place-.” A gradual blush was building up on his cheeks. Kier shot him a beaming smile, “I would like that.” With that Dev smiled back at him, he nodded, paid the bill and grabbed Kier’s hand leading them up to the front of the diner. The wind whipped and howled as they opened the door.

Snowflakes whipped around them quickly covering them in a flurry of white. Kier and Dev raced to the car as the wind never relented. Even though they had not been there too long Dev’s car was covered by snow though it was quickly wiped off. And with that they sent off to Dev’s dorm. Hopefully it will be warmer there.

Chapter Text

The car halted to a stop as Dev pulled into the driveway to his dorm building, a small apartment that he shared with Boosfer. Kier quickly pulled out his phone and texted Yello.
‘I'm not gonna be at the dorm tonight staying with Dev.’ Kier’s phone lit up,
‘oooh? Be safe, use protection ;)’ Yello replied.
‘Kys’ Kier texted back. Fucking Yello. He shut off his phone, tucking it into his black jeans pocket. Dev lightly grasped his hand, “Kier? Do you still wanna go inside?” Kier nodded quickly, “Yes! I would like to!” Kier smiled at Dev and began to exit the car, Dev followed him.

The keys jiggled in his hand as Dev creaked open the door to his apartment. The lights were turned off with only the TV in the living room lighting the room up. A man was sitting on the couch in a white t-shirt and sweatpants, bright green hair, he was scrolling on his phone. He glanced up. “Dev? Hey man what’s up?” He stood up and noticed Kier, “Hey dude, are you the dude that Dev keeps talking about.” Dev flushed and rolled his eyes, “Shut it Boosfer, this is Kier he works at the cafe I go to.” Boosfer nodded, “Use protection~” He laughed and winked as he walked off. Dev flipped him off, he only laughed harder.

Dev sighed, “That’s Boosfer, my roommate.” Kier just laughed, “Don’t worry Yello texted me almost the exact same thing. Our roommates are… interesting, to say the least.” Dev smiled, “Anyways,” Dev laughed, “Do you wanna watch a movie or something? I can make some popcorn-” He trailed off looking at Kier for approval. “Sounds good to me! I can melt the butter-” They walked to the kitchen as Dev pulled out a bag of Jiffy Pop, throwing it over the flames to the gas stove. Dev pointed to the fridge, “Butters on the top shelf on the door.” Kier nodded and pulled out the butter and threw it on the counter, Dev pulled down a small pot for Kier. “Oooh getting fancy here aren’t we Jiffy Pop you spoil me.” Dev winked, “I’m supposed to, it would be a shitty first date if not.” He flushed, “This is a date right?” Kier nodded, “Thought that was kinda obvious Dev.” Dev punched Kier on the arm playfully. “Woww hitting me on the first date that’s fucked up man-” Dev just laughed, “Oh whatever idiot-”

A burning smell flooded their senses, Dev turned back around “OH FUCK THE POPCORN!?”
Kier died laughing, hitting the countertop as Dev frantically turned off the flames on the stove. “It might sound crazy but I think the popcorn might be burnt.” Dev gave him a look, “No fucking shit.” Kier giggled again, “So no popcorn?” Dev nodded, “No popcorn..but still a movie?” Kier nodded, “Course but I get to choose it. Not trying to burn the TV too by letting you pick it.” Dev laughed, “Yeah sure I’ll bring you to my room, I don’t trust Boosfer to not be dumb.” “Lead the way man!” The duo walked to the bedroom, Dev opened the door to a small but cozy room, a large bed in the center, a pc in the corner, with a larger mounted TV in the center of the wall across from the bed.There were light gray walls with posters covering them.

The two laid in Dev’s bed, a dark navy blue comforter pulled over them trapping in the heat, Kier snuggled into Dev’s side as a random movie was turned on, some Friday the 13th movie. Dev jumped as a girl was slashed on screen Dev jumped and pulled him close and tucked his face into Kiers shoulder. “You alright man?” Dev just nodded, “I didn’t expect the jumpscare” He mumbled in Kier’s shoulder, “I got you, I’ll fight Jason Vorhees also not anywhere near a summer camp so I think we have some low odds to meet him anyways-” Dev snickered, “I suppose not-”

A scream on the TV blared, “JESUS-!” Kier laughed, “You’re alright man? We can turn off the movie..” Dev shook his head, “It's okay.” Kier just hummed, “I didn't know that you didn't like horror.” Dev shrugged, “I do like it, it just scares me sometimes.” Kier smiled, “It's cute-” Dev flushed, “Shut up!” Kier laughed “You are! It's true!” Dev ducked his head fully under Kier's arms. He glanced up staring at Kier's lips, fuck he's beautiful. He turned away, if only I could kiss him. Dev flushed.

“Dev? Earth to Dev?” He glanced past Kier’s lips and to his eyes, he looked concerned. Kier waved his hand across Dev's face. “You okay man?” Dev paused, “I really wanna kiss you-” Kier paused took a shaky breath, “Then do it-”

Dev grabbed Kier’s chin pulling him in closer leaving a chaste kiss upon his lips. Kier leaned forward, gripped Dev’s t-shirt in his hands and pulled him back to another kiss. Though maybe he pulled a bit too hard as they kissed but both fell backwards onto the bed with Dev landing on top of Kier. They both started wheezing, “Jesus Kier!-” He was immediately cut off as Kier traced his hand across Dev’s lips. “You're so pretty, like genuinely.” Dev rolled his eyes, “Trying to woo me aren't you.” Kier shrugged, “Maybe, but I think I already did~” Dev flicked him, “You're such an idiot, I love you”. Kier smiled, “I love you too, you dork.”