Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Today was Rody's last day on the job. He finally reached his goal of having enough money to take his ex-girlfriend, Manon out to a nice restaurant. He closes his eyes, before holding his hand to his chest when he starts to feel this weird thing in his heart again.  

Rody took a deep breath before putting down the cloth and starting to go up to his boss, Vincent. Trying to ignore the feeling in his stomach as he heard his steps until the very last one. There was something in his throat making him stop for a moment before-

"I quit." 

Rody saw as Vincent's eyes slightly widened at the comment, his eyebrows starting to furrow while looking at him. This is the most reaction he had seen him have ever since he started to work here since all he gets is a disappointed look everyday no matter what. 

"..Pardon?" 

"I quit, I uh-You said this was a temporary replacement for someone, remember? I know I was supposed to give you my 2 weeks but you've been seeming pretty angry and uptight lately so.."

"You're probably wanting someone more qualified for the position anyways." Rody said. 

"..Well, the position's still available if you need it. You sounded fairly desperate when you first asked to work here." Vincent replied. 

"Yeah, and now you don't need to worry about it anymore!"  

   ...

"...Do you like the meal at least?" Vincent asked, quietly 

"Huh?" 

"The-the leftovers." 

"Oh! I'll reheat the rest tonight for sure, it's pretty bitter though.." 

"..Right. Have a good night, Rody." 

"You too, Boss!" 

Rody waved Vincent goodbye, ignoring the dreadful feeling in his heart once more. He stepped out of the bistro and felt the cold breeze hit his warm body before going and getting on his bike and looking down at the money inside the envelope. 

"This should be enough." Rody thought.

Rody put the envelope in his pocket and drove away from the bistro and to the nearest phone booth. After a good five minutes of driving he finally found a red phone booth. He got off his bike and went straight inside the photo booth, immediately dialing her number. 

"Hey, Manon!-I know you said we should..take a break and all-But I was thinking maybe we could get dinner somewhere. Your choice, of course! I wanted to say sorry and-" 

"Your call could not be connected. Please call again or try again later. Good bye." 

...

..He dialed her number again. 

"Hey, Manon? Hi, I tried calling earlier but I don't think you were on the phone, I was wondering if you wanted to get dinner. Super casual, but we could go anywhere you want, money's no problem for me so-" 

"Your call could not be connected. Please call again or try again later. Good bye." 

...

And again. 

"Manon? Hello?-I need to know if you'd want anything to eat. T-to eat anything. I want to get dinner with you, if that's alright-" 

"Your call could not be connected. Please call again or try again later. Good bye." 

...

Again. 

"Listen, I-forget the dinner, can I-can I just hear your voice? You haven't picked up the phone even once the past week and i'm-I just need to know you're there.." 

"Your call could not be connected. Please call again or try again lat-" 

Rody slammed the phone, starting to feel warm tears fall down his cheeks. He roughly wiped his tears and picked up the phone again dialing her number once more putting it close to his ear hoping to hear something, anything. 

"Please Manon, I-i just wanna hear your voice again..That's all I ask..please-"

"Your call could not be connected. Please call again or try again later. Good bye." 

...

He'll just have to try again. 

"Your call could not be connected." 

...

Again. 

"Please call again or try later."

...

Again. 

"Your call could no-"

...

Again. 

"Call again or tr-" 

...

Just one more..

"..Please."

"Good bye." 

Rody slowly removed the phone from his ear and back to its original place. He stood there in silence, ignoring the warm tears that would stream through his face. As he stands there in the phone booth silently hearing the crickets chirp, he wonders what to do now. 

Until somebody came to mind. The person that gave him leftovers, the person who bandaged him up, the person who slightly dried his hair and gave him an umbrella when he came in soaking wet from the rain. That somebody that showed he cared..

So he slowly picked up the phone again, slightly putting his fingers on the numbers as he started to dial up the person. He put the phone to his ear, hoping to hear someone again, anybody. He wipes his tears as he hears the phone ring again. 

...

"Hello?" 

"..Vincent, I think I messed up.." 

Chapter Text

Vincent had just finished with some paperwork. This paperwork took him all day, to the point where he couldn't really leave his office. But now he can finally leave his office and take a breath outside for a minute. So he got up from his seat and opened the door. 

As he walked out of his office he realized that everyone was already gone. At least they left the kitchen clean like they were supposed to. As he walked around the kitchen making sure there was no sign of messiness he noticed a red auburn haired person cleaning up a table. 

Rody always stayed late to make sure the tables were clean for the next day. Vincent tried to tell him not to worry that much about it that he'll just check them in the morning, but Rody reassured him that he didn't mind staying late to make sure the tables were ready for tomorrow. 

That was one thing he liked about Rody. But as he watched him clean the table he noticed he had this expression of distress. That made Vincent a little worried, whenever Rody looked like that there was never good news to it. Vincent told himself it was probably gonna be nothing. 

As he continued to look over the table, he saw Rody in the corner of his eye put down the cloth and take a breath before starting to go up to him. God, this was not gonna be good, was it? He watched Rody walk up to him, and noticed his expression got more and more stress than the next. 

As he now looked at the man, he started to wonder what he was gonna say. He was hoping he was gonna say he had a nightmare or he just needed more money. He prayed those were gonna be what he said. He saw Rody stuck for a moment like he was pondering what he was gonna sa-

"I quit." 

Vincent felt his eyes widened. He was completely taken back from what Rody just said. He furrowed his brows while looking at Rody. He knew this was gonna be bad so why was he so shocked. He swallowed down the feeling, ignoring how much his heart was starting to ache. 

"..Pardon?" 

"I quit, I uh-You said this was a temporary replacement for someone, remember? I know I was supposed to give you my 2 weeks but you've been seeming pretty angry and uptight lately so.."

"You're probably wanting someone more qualified for the position anyways." Rody said. 

"..Well, the position's still available if you need it. You sounded fairly desperate when you first asked to work here." Vincent replied. 

"Yeah, and now you don't need to worry about it anymore!"  

...

"...Do you like the meal at least?" Vincent asked, quietly.

"Huh?"

"The-the leftovers." 

"Oh! I'll reheat the rest tonight for sure, it's pretty bitter though.." 

"..Right. Have a good night, Rody." 

"You too, Boss!" 

He watched Rody waved him goodbye as he left. As soon as Rody was out of sight Vincent deeply exhaled. When the hell did he start holding in his breath? But most important question is, what the fuck just happen. He couldn't believe Rody just quit right then and there. 

Vincent put a hand through his hair trying to process everything that just happened. He was really trying to make sense of this but just couldn't. Everything was great, so why quit? Vincent sighed, he needs a drink. So he locked up the bistro and turned off all lights before heading up to his home. 

He unlocked the front door and as soon as he walked in he slumped down to his couch. He reached over to his dining table and got the pack of cigarettes that sat there including the lighter next to it. He took one out and lit it up before putting it to his lips and inhaling.  

God, he can feel himself missing the idiot already. Just knowing that he's not gonna see Rody, or his glowing smile, or his beautiful green eyes, or his nicely disheveled hair...Vincent groaned in frustration, he can't handle his thoughts anymore. He's going to bed. 

Vincent got up from the couch before going over to the kitchen and getting a glass of wine. He drank a little before heading to his room to get a pair of clothes to sleep in. As soon as he got his hands on a fresh pair of clothes he went to the bathroom and got himself changed. 

As he was about to walk to his bedroom to sleep off the events that happened today, he heard the phone ring. He raised a brow before walking over to the living room and sitting down on the couch and picking up the phone. Who can be calling this late at night? 

"Hello?" 

...

"..Vincent, I think I messed up." 

Chapter Text

"Hello?"

"..Vincent, I think I messed up." 

"Rody?" 

Rody ignored how he felt his face warm up as soon as he heard Vincent say his name. If he was being honest he was glad to hear Vince's voice again because he couldn't stand going home and not hearing another's voice other than is own. 

"I'm so sorry to call you so late Vince, but I had..no one else to go to." Rody said, voice slightly cracking as tears started to pour again. 

"Lamoree, what happened?" Vincent replied, with a hint of worried in his voice. 

"I-i tried to call Manon and ask her if she wanted to go out for dinner sometime but not..not once did she pick up the phone. I kept trying over and over hoping to hear her voice again but..to nothing." 

Rody broke down in full tears again, putting a hand to his face as he tried to stop his tears from flowing down his face. He didn't mean to be this vulnerable to Vincent but he just couldn't stop. Rody didn't mind that much though, he would rather it be Vincent he's crying to than anyone else. 

"..I-i just wanted t-to see her a-again Vince." Rody said, stuttering through his crying. 

"I know you did Rody.." 

"God, my heart aches Vince. It hurts so much.." Rody said, as another sob came out from his throat. 

"I know it does."

"I did everything for her, and for what? I just..I knew that she wanted us to have a break but I guess..I don't know, I guess I just didn't wanna let go." 

...

"I'm sorry.You really don't deserve that."

Rody tries to stop himself from letting out another sob but just couldn't. Those words really hit him where it hurt the most. But he guessed Vincent's right. He really doesn't deserve this, does he? He closed his eyes and leaned against the glass inside the phone booth. 

Rody lets out a shaky sigh as he starts to calm himself down. As he felt his tears start to stop, he looked around and had started to realize that he was at some random booth crying to his ex-boss about his ex-girlfriend. He slightly chuckled to himself, seriously what is his life?

"Rody?"

"Sorry, I just realized i'm actually an actual mess of a person." Rody said, as he chuckled.

"It's not your fault." Vincent replied.

"Yea, I guess you're right." Rody said, finally all calmed down. 

...

"Wait, Lamoree where are you?" Vincent asked. 

"Um, if I'm being honest i'm at some random phone booth."

Rody heard Vincent sigh on the other side of the phone. "Go home Rody, get some rest."

"Right, I just want to say i'm sorry for calling so late, I really just needed to talk to somebody or hear a voice again and I guess my mind went straight to you.."

It went quiet on Vincent's side of the phone, but Rody didn't mind that much since he would probably have the same reaction if his ex-boss came crying to him because he was the only person that had came to mind. Speaking about ex-boss he really needs his job back. 

"Uh, i'm not gonna lie with you I kinda need my job back because I really have no other place to go so um can I get my job back..?" 

"..You can have your job back."

"Omg, thank you, thank you, thank you! I can't tell you how much I appreciate it!" 

"Mhm, oh and Lamoree." 

"Yes?" 

"You better not be late, or i'm firing you immediately and i'm not gonna give you a chance to even come back." Vincent said, with a threatening voice. 

"Of course, I'll let you rest now. Goodnight Vince." 

"Goodnight Rody." 

And with that he clicked the phone back to where it belonged. Rody let out a contented sigh, He was glad he called Vince because who wouldn't know who else he would pick to show such vulnerability.

He hoped Vince felt the same way...

Rody eyes widened, as he felt his face turn warm. But not in a way that would describe he likes him and you know stuff like that! Just in a way as friends, well if Vince even considers him as a friend..He looked around and noticed he was still in the phone booth. 

He took a breath before stepping out. As he opened up the door he felt the cold breeze hit his warm body. He should really get home and sleep so he doesn't be late tomorrow for work because Vincent sounded serious about actually firing him. 

And he does not need that so he got on his bike and started to ride back home. Soon after what felt like a few minutes he made it home. He turns on the light before taking off his shoes and slumping down to the couch. He closed his eyes and took a quick minute to rest before actually getting up. 

He got some random clothes off the couch and got himself changed before setting his alarm to 6:00 am. He turned off the light and rested his head against his pillow. He can't wait to go into work tomorrow and hear Vince again..

Chapter Text

"Hello?" 

...

"..Vincent, I think I messed up."

Vincent eyes widened, brows furrowed. Did he just hear what he thought he heard? Was this actually Rody? He was stunned for a moment, he couldn't believe Rody was calling him. Especially this late at night. He didn't know what to say other than,

"Rody?" 

"i'm sorry for calling you so late Vince, but I had..no one else to go to." Rody said, voice slightly cracking. 

"Lamoree, what happened?" Vincent replied, ignoring how he had a hint of worry in his voice. 

"I-i tried to call Manon and ask her if she wanted to go out for dinner sometime but not..not once did she pick up the phone. I kept trying over and over hoping to hear her voice again but..to nothing." 

Vincent heard Rody on the other side of the phone start to cry. Vincent just sat there in silence, not knowing what to say. He's not very well when it comes to comfort since all he knows is to just give them a hug and try to calm them down by that. 

God, poor Rody. It really does sound like he wanted to hear her again. He ignores the turning in his stomach when he hears Rody start to sob. This man is really just a lover boy, huh? Vincent swallows down the feeling of leaving his home and running to Rody to give him a hug. 

"..I-i just wanted t-to see her a-again Vince.." Rody said, stuttering through his crying. 

"I know you did Rody.." 

"God, my heart aches Vince. It hurts so much.." Rody said, as Vincent heard another sob come out of his throat. 

"I know it does." 

"I did everything for her, and for what? I just..I knew that she wanted us to have a break but I guess..I don't know, I guess I just didn't wanna let go." 

Vincent felt genuine sympathy for this dog of a man. He slightly felt his heart shatter at the sound of this man crying, but ignoring it. He thought for a moment..What could he say? He's not good at this things but one thing he would definitely have to say to this man is, 

"I'm sorry. You really don't deserve that." 

He slightly removed the phone from his ear because he knew Rody would break down in another set of tears and he really doesn't wanna hear it anymore because it will just set more guilt through him. So he waits until Rody calms down. 

So before getting up he makes sure Rody isn't gonna say anything to him yet. He puts the phone down and starts to go into the kitchen to make himself lemon water. Once that was finish he went back to his couch, sat down, and picked up the phone again. 

"Rody?" 

"Sorry, I just realized i'm an actual mess of a person." Rody said, chuckling.

"It's not your fault." Vincent replied. 

"Yea, I guess you're right." Rody said, finally all calmed down. 

Vincent slightly smiled at the response. It seems Rody is all calm now. It's nice to see Rody back in his bright spirit because Rody being depressed really does not suit him. Well at least he's safe and sound now..

Wait.

"Lamoree, where are you?" Vincent asked.

"Um, if i'm being honest i'm at some random phone booth."

Vincent sighed before responding. "Go home Rody, get some rest." 

"Right, I just want to say i'm sorry for calling so late, I really just needed to talk to somebody or hear a voice again and I guess my mind went straight to you.."

Vincent felt his heart flutter at that response. He felt his face start to warm up. Did he really come up first to Rody's mind to call for comfort? He felt butterflies in his stomach when thinking about that. He took a deep breath and shook his head to forget the feeling. 

"Uh, i'm not gonna lie with you I kinda need my job back because I really have no other place to go so um can I get my job back..?" 

"..You can have your job back." 

"Omg, thank you, thank you, thank you! I can't tell you how much I appreciate it!" 

"Mhm, oh and Lamoree." 

"Yes?" 

"You better not be late, or i'm firing you immediately and i'm not gonna give you a chance to even come back."Vincent said, with a threatening voice. 

"Of course, i'll let you rest now. Goodnight Vince." 

"Goodnight Rody."

The phone went silent and that was Vincent's signal to put it back to where it belongs. He feels all warm inside now. He really can't believe Rody called him crying about his ex and then asking for his job back. Vincent sighed and took one last sip on his lemon water before getting up. 

He walked to the kitchen and put the cup inside the sink before starting to walk to his room. As he turned off the light and started to cuddle up in his warm blankets, he started to feel himself having butterflies in his stomach again. As He slowly starts to drift off to sleep, he starts to think again. 

His last thought being Rody. 

Chapter Text

                                 Beep! Beep! Beep!   

Rody groaned at the sound at the sudden loud noise. He turned around covering his ears, hoping that it was gonna just shut off itself. Rody sighed, "Its not gonna turn off, is it?" 

He opened up his eyes before getting his upper body up and looking around to see where that sound is coming from. Through his blurry vision he noticed it was his clock beeping. He put a hand over the button and turned it off. He looked over to see it was 6:01 am.

"Just enough time to get ready." Rody muttered to himself. 

He yawned, stretching his arms out before removing his blanket off his legs and getting up. He walked over to his bathroom and started to do his morning routine, which was washing his face, brushing his teeth, and fixing his hair up with a little bit of gel. 

He looked at himself once more in the mirror before smiling at himself and exiting the bathroom. He got his uniform out of his couch and got himself changed. Once done with that he looked at the time once more. It read at 6:39 am. He should start heading out before it gets too late. 

So he quickly put his watch on, his shoes on, before grabbing his keys, and grabbing his bike and heading out. He locked the door before running down the stairs and started heading out to his job. As he drove through the streets, he breathed in the fresh air before smiling to himself. 

"This is really calming." Rody thought. 

After a few minutes he finally made it to the bistro. He locked up his bike and looked down at his watch. It read at 6:51 am. He was right one time! He smiled to himself before heading inside the bistro. He walked in to Vincent wiping down one of the tables. He softly smiled at the sight. 

He saw Vincent put the rag down before turning around to face him. Once Vincent locked eyes with Rody, he waved his hand at him, "Hey Vince!" 

Vincent looked down at his watch before looking back at Rody. "Looks like you actually made it on time."

Rody chuckled, "I didn't wanna make a bad expression of being late after just getting my job back." 

"Hm, well it looks like my job here is done since you're here already." Vincent replied, handing the rag over to Rody. 

Vincent was about to walk to the kitchen but Rody stopped him by grabbing his wrist. Vincent looked back at Rody and raised a brow. Rody let go of Vincent's wrist and put a hand behind his neck. "I just wanna say thank you." 

"For what?" 

"For actually listening to me. It's been awhile since anyone has truly done that for me. So I appreciate that you answered because I wouldn't know what to do if you didn't." 

Rody swore he saw blush on Vincent's face but before he could actually get a good look Vincent turned his head towards the kitchen. "Right. Start preparing the tables, your shift starts in a bit." 

"On it Boss!" Rody replied. 

Vincent left and Rody finished off what Vincent had started on the tables. Once finished with cleaning all the tables, he softly sighed and put the rag down. He was about to walk to the kitchen to put it away but heard the door open. He saw two women and smiled. 

"Welcome to La Gueule de Saturne!" 

                                        ~~

"Hope you have a good rest of your day!" 

Rody sighed, looking down at his watch. It read 1:36. Just a few more hours left! He looked out to see if anyone needed him but they looked contented with the food they already have. He looked out the door to see if anybody was coming, but to nothing.

Rody shrugged, guess he could go and talk to Vincent now. He hasn't really talked to him since this morning, It's not like it was a very busy day It's more like the minute he was gonna go leave to chat with Vincent a customer came in or needed him again. 

He walked through the kitchen doors, expecting Vincent to be standing in the corner observing like he always does but to nobody. He must be in his office then. As he was about to walk to Vincent's office, he started to second guess things. 

What if Vincent went to his office because he was avoiding him? It looks like he was trying too this morning when he thanked him..Omg what if he's trying to ignore him!? Rody felt his heart dropped at the thought of Vincent not wanting to be around him. 

Rody shouldn't feel like this. If Vincent wanted to avoid or ignore him that's his choice, and he has no right to change Vincent's choice. And besides there's like hundred people out there like Vincent anyways! But deep down he only wants him.. 

"Rody, I think there's someone out there waiting to be seated.." One of the cooks said, taking Rody out of thought. 

"Right! I-i'm on it!" Rody replied, walking out of the kitchen. 

Guess he will have to talk to Vincent later. 

                                         ****

It was finally the end of the day and Rody had just finished with his last table. Now all that was left was cleaning up the dishes and cleaning down the tables with a rag. So he picked the dishes off from the last person's table and walked to the kitchen. 

Once inside he noticed that Vincent was still inside his office. He wondered what he was doing inside there. He put the dishes in the sink before getting a rag and wetting it. He stepped outside and started to wash down the tables with the rag he had just gotten. 

After a few minutes of cleaning down the tables, he was finished. Now all that was left was the dishes. He walked inside the kitchen and noticed that there were not that many cooks anymore. He wondered when they left because he swore he didn't hear anything while cleaning. 

He put gloves on and turned the water to a warm temperature before putting soap all over the dishes. He was so in his thoughts that he didn't hear the other cooks leave until one said goodbye to him. Jeez he really needs to get out of his head and focus on something else. 

He finished the dishes in no time. Rody softly sighed, he could finally go home. He was about to walk out but turned to the door to Vincent's office. He should probably tell Vincent he's leaving, right? He took a breath and walked to the door.

He was reaching for the door knob and noticed he was slightly shaking. Why was he shaking? He shouldn't be shaking like this. He doesn't even feel scared! It's just Vincent in there. But what if he was actually avoiding him? Rody shook the thought out his head and knocked three times before opening the door.. 

He walked in to see Vincent looking down at a piece of paper and a cigarette in his hand. Well he doesn't look mad. He saw Vincent look up at him, he's probably questioning why he is inside his office. So he brought a hand to his neck and awkwardly chuckled. 

"Um, I just wanted to tell you that i'm heading out." 

Vincent looked at him, before looking down at the paper. "Right, have a goodnight Rody." 

"You too." 

Rody was about to walk out but felt the sudden verge to keep talking to Vincent. So he turned around and leaned against the door frame. Vincent looked at him once more and raised a brow. He awkwardly smiled at him, "So whatcha doing there, Vince?" 

"..Just some paperwork." Vincent replied. 

"Cool that's cool." Rody said. 

Vincent sighed, "Rody, what do you want?" 

"Are you avoiding me!?" Rody bluttered out. 

Vincent's eyes slightly widened, looking at Rody in shock. Rody realized what he said, and started to stammer out a few words trying to make a sentence, "I didn't-I don't-I.." 

Rody probably looked so stupid right now to Vincent. God, how can he let himself be so stupid to say that out loud. "..I'm gonna go."

"Wait."

Rody turned around and saw Vincent get up. He swallowed down the feeling of intimidation, as Vincent started to walk closer to him. He felt his face start to flush up. God when did he start feeling like this? He was fine this morning, they were fine this morning. What's wrong with him? 

"Are you okay?" 

"Y-yea i'm fine." 

Vincent huffed and crossed his arms, "Lamoree, tell me the truth. You don't just ask somebody if they're avoiding you for no reason." 

Rody looked down and sighed, "I-i don't know. It's just..I feel like you're avoiding me and I don't want to think that because you wouldn't just ignore me for no reason, right?"

"I would never just ignore you or avoid you for absolutely nothing. If this is because I was in my office, I would've been out there like usual but I had a lot of paper work to do so I couldn't leave."

"Right, I don't know what came over me.." 

Rody felt a sense of calmness knowing that Vincent wouldn't ignore him for no reason. He knew he was just being stupid, because Vincent would never! He couldn't..he wouldn't let him avoid him. he needs him.. 

"..Go home Rody, get some rest. You probably need it." 

Rody nodded in response. They both walked to the door, Rody waved Vincent goodbye and Vincent did the same. As soon as Rody left the bistro he felt a cold breeze hit his warm body. Rody sighed, he should probably go home already and sleep. As he drove home he started to think to himself. 

Why was he feeling this way?

Chapter Text

Rody came in at work with bags under his eyes, due to the lack of sleep he had the night before. The night for Rody wasn't exactly pleasant to him, to say the least. He woke up startled by a nightmare, jumping straight up from his couch and clutching his chest hard.

He wouldn't have reacted like this if it was a normal nightmare but this one was about Vincent. 

The last thing he remembered was Vincent looking down on him with a knife and fork with him being on the plate, and getting stabbed with the fork. He swears he actually felt the pain of being stabbed, but decided to just ignore the thought of that because it was all just a nightmare. 

As soon as Vincent looked at him, he went straight to him to observe better. Rody reddened up to the fact of how close Vincent got to him. The red deepened when Vincent brought a hand to his face. His face felt so warm and he didn't even know why. It's just Vincent close to him.

And him only.

"Lamoree, are you okay? You look like absolute shit, and you feel warm. Are you getting sick?" 

Rody brought a hand to his neck, and slightly chuckled, trying to calm his redness down. "Don't worry, i'm not getting sick! I just had a really bad nightmare and didn't get that much sleep."

Vincent brought his hand up to Rody forehead, slightly pressing against it. "Hm, doesn't explain why you're warm though." 

"..Uh i-its just because its..hot! It's really hot in here." Rody replied, bringing a hand to his collar, slightly tugging at it. 

Vincent raised a brow, but didn't push it. "If you say so. Start preparing, your shift starts in a bit." 

Rody saw Vincent disappear from behind the kitchen doors. He let out a breath he didn't even know he was holding in. This is the first time he has ever reacted like this with Vincent other than the other interaction they had 2 days ago. But he didn't react that badly. Maybe it's because he's tired. 

His train of thoughts was interrupted by a customer who came in. Guess he'll have to question it later. 

                                        ~~

Rody leaned against the wall and closed his eyes. Nobody needed him and it sounds like nobody is gonna come in any time soon. He can finally rest. He probably shouldn't because he could get in trouble but it feels so good to just rest his eyes. Just to rest them a little longer..

Before Rody knew it, he was knocked out. Dreaming little dreams that can never be true. He finally is sleeping in peace. No nightmares to intrude in his sleep, no alarm to make him turn and toss on his couch. It's just him and him alone, resting. 

...

"Rody."  

Rody turned his head, trying to ignore the voice. 

"Rody.." 

"Just a few more minutes.." 

"Lamoree." 

Wait he recognized that voice. He immediately opened his eyes and stood up straight. He totally forgot he was at work. When did he even knock out? He swears he was just resting his body. He looked at his boss with an apologetic smile. 

"I'm so sorry, I didn't realize I had fallen asleep. I swear it won't happen again." 

"It's fine, how about you go take a break."

"Wait really!?" 

"Mhm, you can go into my office and rest if you want. I'll cover for you right here. And i'm only doing this because I don't want you messing up somebody's order because you're too tired to focus." 

"Uh okay, thanks Vince!" 

Vincent nodded his head before walking off to a customer that needed service. Rody walked through the kitchen doors and straight to Vincent's office. As soon as he walked into Vincent's office he noticed the paper nicely stacked on his desk, and the scent of distant cigarettes. 

He went over to the chair and sat down, resting his head in his hand. He closed his eyes and started to think again. He wondered how long this break would last. He hoped forever because he really is exhausted and deeply needed a good nights rest. But of course he can't have that anymore. 

All cause of the nightmares. 

The nightmares didn't just start last night, no, they started ever since he had the feeling of Vincent avoiding or ignoring him. And he's been having these intrusive thoughts towards Vincent, but of course he'll just ignore them because he doesn't wanna confront them just yet. 

Ever since that night, he's been questioning these new feelings he's having. And the weird part about it is that it's only towards Vincent, and Vincent only. He doesn't wanna question it too much because he'll just fall into a rabbit hole and then he will just become sleep deprived. 

So he decided to ignore the thoughts that kept flowing through his head and actually start to sleep again. Before he knew it he was asleep again. Dreaming thing to think about. It was all so peaceful, until a nightmare decided to come through. It had a different outcome but the same person. 

Vincent

Rody felt itchy all over, but every time he scratched his skin, it was never enough. He kept scratching his skin over and over to just get rid of the feeling, but as soon as he stopped he noticed red lines all over his body. He wondered what they were for. Was this the thing that was making him itchy?

Before he could think on it more he felt a sharp pain in his right hand. He looked to see it was cut off. He groaned, the pain becoming unbearable. Then he felt another sharp pain coming from his left hand, making him scream out loud and dropping to his knees. He didn't wanna look, he knew what it was. 

These were marks to get cut. He looked down to realize he had more on his legs. Rody started to break down in tears, let this pain be over with already. He shut his eyes tight when he felt another pain towards his right leg. Then another on his left leg. God, when will this be over. 

He opens his eyes to see he was missing so many parts of him. How is he still alive? Through his blurry vision, due to the tears, he looked up to see..Vincent. Rody eyes widened. He had a bloody knife in his hand, and before Rody could scream the knife was quickly brought to his nec-

Rody gasp awake, holding onto his chest again. He quickly looked around and noticed he wasn't in the comfort of his home, no, he in a gloomy space. Then he remembered what he did earlier. He went to Vincent's office to rest because Vincent offered. Omg how long was he in here for? 

He was gonna get up but got stopped by the sudden light that came through the door, making him put a hand over his eyes and groan. The door closes leaving the room to be dark again. He uncovered his eyes and saw a person standing in front of the door. He blinked to clear his vision and saw it was Vincent. 

"Vince..?" 

Vincent walked closer to Rody, making Rody to flush up again. Vincent brought a hand up to Rody and wiped a tear that came through his face. Which made Rody question himself, because when the hell did he start crying? He swears he didn't feel any tears go through his face. 

"Rody, you're crying." 

"I'm sorry, I swear I didn't feel myself crying.." 

Vincent furrowed brows, "Why are you apologizing? Did you have another nightmare?" 

Rody silently nodded. Vincent made a sound of acknowledgement, before standing up straight. He sat there thinking to himself, which made Rody start to think to himself. When did Vincent get so physical with him. This morning he touched his face, and now he wipes his tears! Not that he's complaining though. 

"I don't wanna just send you home because you can just have another one of these nightmares and mess up at work..So how about you spend one night at my place. 

Rody eyes slightly widened, feeling his face warm up, "Really?" 

"Yes." Vincent replied. 

Rody got up from the chair and looked to Vincent. Vincent signaled for him to follow him, and that's exactly what Rody did. They went out to the back and Vincent unlocked a door that led to stairs up to his place. Once they walked through the stairs, Vincent unlocked the door and stepped aside for Rody to walk in.

Rody walked in, and saw the gray rug that lay on the ground with the red couch that was next to it. Even though Vincent has a lot of money, he doesn't get the greatest of things, fashion wise. He saw as Vincent went behind the doors that led to the kitchen, probably heading to his room. 

Rody just awkwardly sat on the couch, not knowing what else to do. He still is a little shocked that Vincent would bring him inside the comforts of his home, not that he minds though! Rody ignored the warm feeling inside his heart, when thinking about it. 

Rody heard the door open and turned his head around. He saw Vincent, his hand on the door frame. Rody noticed he changed out of his work outfit and to some black t-shirt and gray sweatpants. Rody raised a brow, seeing the random clothes in Vincent's hand. Before he could say anything, the clothes were thrown at him. 

"Change into those clothes." 

"Uh okay." 

Rody got up from the couch and went straight to the bathroom. He took of his work clothes and got himself dressed into the clothes given to him. Once done he got out and went back to Vincent. He looked to see Vincent setting up the couch. He walked up to him and tapped his shoulder making Vincent look at him. 

"What do I do with these clothes." 

"Just set them down on the coffee table. Anyway you should start heading to sleep, you can sleep on my bed." 

"What no! I'll sleep here, you should sleep on your bed!" 

"It's fine Rody, one night on the couch won't kill me." 

"No seriously i'll sleep on the couch, you've already done so much for me!" 

"Lamoree just go sleep in my room." Vincent said, sitting on the couch. 

"..What if you slept..with me?" 

Rody looked to see Vincent red on the face, but so was he. Vincent sighed and got up from the couch before walking out. He stopped and looked back at Rody. "Aren't you coming?" 

Rody quickly nodded before following along. They both made it to the bedroom, Vincent laying down, and Rody following along. Vincent had his back turned, he couldn't dare face Rody at this moment. Vincent turned off the light and sighed, "Good night Rody." 

"Night.." 

It was all quiet and awkward. Especially when Vincent slightly turned, facing Rody a little, but it soon passed when Rody noticed Vincent was already sleeping. Rody softly smiled at the sight, brushing a piece of hair off of Vincent's face. Rody moved closer to Vincent, putting his head to Vincent's neck. 

He closed his eyes and softly sighed in relief. 

"Goodnight Vince.." 

Chapter Text

Sun came through the blinds of the window hitting Rody straight in the face, making him groan and turn around. But as soon as he turned around he was hit with the beauty smell of food. So he raised his upper body before opening his eyes. He looked around to see that he was not at his home. 

He quickly looked around some more to notice that he was inside Vincent's room, which then led him to remember last night. Vincent invited him inside his home to sleep in for the night, and they ended up sleeping in the same bed..and Rody had cuddled with him before he had fallen asleep..

Omg Vincent must've woken up with Rody cuddling him..

Rody flushed up and groaned covering his face with his hands, at least he didn't have a nightmare. Which was strange but he didn't wanna push the thought. He got up from the bed and decided to walk towards the smell of food. He looked through the kitchen to see Vincent cooking some food. 

Vincent must've heard him since he turned around and faced him. Rody froze up, before awkwardly smiling at Vincent. Vincent didn't smile back but did look at him once more before turning his attention back on the food. Rody was about to walk but got stopped by Vincent speaking up,

"You could go into the living room, I'll bring you a plate of food." 

Rody slowly nodded, walking through the kitchen, "Uh okay!" 

Rody walked through the kitchen, taking one more look at Vincent before walking into the living room. Under all the meanness Vincent shows, is just caring, he swears that just who Vincent is. He sat down on the couch and patiently waited for Vincent to come through those kitchen doors. 

After what felt like 5 minutes, he heard Vincent come through the doors, making Rody turn around to face him. Vincent had a plate of food in his right hand along with a drink in his left. Rody smiled and scooted a little to make room for Vincent. Vincent sat down and put the plate and drink down on the coffee table. 

Rody quickly got the plate and started to quickly eat all of it, which made Vincent silently chuckled, making Rody flush up and slow down his eating. 

"You know the food isn't going anywhere, right?" Vincent said. 

"Yea I know.." Rody replied, swallowing down the bits of food left. 

Rody finished all the food left on the plate, and drank everything down with refreshing water. He looked at Vincent and smiled, "This was a really good meal, thanks!" 

"You know if you enjoyed it that much, I can make something in the morning for you and give it to you before your shift starts." 

"Really!?" 

"Mhm." 

"Are you sure? It wouldn't be too much of a problem, would it?" 

"I wake up pretty early so I have enough free time to make you something, so no it wouldn't be a problem." 

"Oh than okay! It would be amazing if you did that for me!" 

Vincent made a sound of acknowledgement. They stayed quiet before looking at each other. Rody looked at Vincent's face, and noticed how his eyes were just an empty void but still looked so beautiful to look at. And how fit in so well with Vincent's pale skin. God, how did he not notice that Vince was so beautiful. 

He didn't even notice how close he was getting to Vincent. He flushed up, getting all red in the face before backing up. He noticed Vincent red in the face, with his eyes widened, making Rody look away. Vincent made a sound before sighing, "Pardon me, i'm gonna go get ready for work." 

"Okay.." 

Vincent got up, taking the plate and cup with him and disappearing behind the kitchen doors. Rody groaned, he probably made him uncomfortable, but he looked so cute flustered up...Rody eyes widened, face warming up. What is he thinking!? He did not mean to think that especially towards his boss!

But he did look cute..

The kitchen door opened again, making Rody turn his head. He saw Vincent with his uniform on and neater than he looked before. Rody realized he stared for too long when Vincent looked away. He heard Vincent take a breath before walking towards him, making Rody flush up. God what is wrong with him today?

"You should probably get ready too." 

"Y-yeah."

Rody picked up his clothes from the table and went to the bathroom. The minute he was inside he started to spray water in his face. He really doesn't understand why he gets flustered up when he's around Vincent. Every single time if he's too close he will turn red in the face and feel his heart beating fast. 

He really doesn't understand why he's acting like this and it makes it weird because it's towards Vincent, his boss for gods sake! Like he doesn't think a normal person would think that their boss is cute, even though he is. He groaned louder, turning off the water and looking at himself in the mirror. 

Man these intrusive thoughts he has need to leave immediately. 

Rody got himself changed into his work clothes and fluffed his hair a bit before walking out of the bathroom, taking the other pair of clothes with him. He walked into the living room to see Vincent sitting down, reading a magazine with..glasses? Omg how can this man get more cuter?

Rody silently groaned, trying to shut up his thoughts.

"I didn't know you wear glasses." Rody spoke out loud, startling Vincent. 

Vincent looked up at Rody with wide eyes, hand to his chest. "God you couldn't be a little louder coming inside the living room."

Rody chuckled at the sight, "Sorry.."

Vincent took a breath before taking out his glasses, "You didn't know I wear glasses because I don't wear them outside my home."  

Rody was about to speak but Vincent cut him off, "Before you ask, I wear contacts. And speaking of which I have to put them on." 

Rody followed along as Vincent went to receive his contacts from the bathroom. As Vincent put his contacts on, Rody asked another question, "Why don't you wear your glasses to work?" 

"One because the heat from the food is gonna make them blurry and I don't need that and two because I look stupid with them on." 

"You don't look stupid with them on, I think you look cute." Rody blurted out, without thinking. 

Rody eyes widened the minute he realized what he said, getting warm in the face. He looked to see Vincent red in the face too, eyes widened. They both looked at each other in silence before Rody spoke up, "Whatever you think you heard, you didn't." 

"..You think i'm cute?" 

Rody started to sweat, "Um, maybe..?" 

"So you don't." Vincent replied. 

"N-no I do!" Rody blurted out once more, silently cussing himself out. 

"So you do?" Vincent said. 

"Um I guess?" 

"Huh, good to know." Vincent said smirking at Rody, before walking out of the bathroom, leaving Rody stunned. 

Rody is completely red in the face, this man is gonna kill him one day.

"Come on Lamoree! You don't wanna be late for work, do you?" 

"C-coming!" 

Rody took one more look at himself before running out of the bathroom. Vincent had the door open, waiting for him. Rody silently thanked him and walked outside, waiting for Vincent to lock his door. Both went to the bistro and started their shift. The cooks finally came filling the silence that was originally there. 

As Rody continued to clean up some tables he started to wonder to himself, What is this feeling? And why is he only feeling it towards him?

Chapter Text

Rody leaned against the wall, having just got done finishing up the last table. He sighed, looking up at the clock on the wall. It read 1:33. He just needed to finish up at least 6 more hours and he could finally go home. He's not gonna lie, he's definitely gonna miss sleeping next to a warm body. 

Even if it was just one night. 

He looked around to see if anyone needed him, but they looked content with what they have already. With all this free time, maybe he could go talk to Vince. So he looked around once more before slipping inside the kitchen. He walked in to see Vincent leaning against the wall staring at the cooks as they did their jobs.

Vincent must've heard him since he turned his attention towards Rody, making Rody get warm in the face and feel his heart beat faster, making him a little confused but soon swallowed the feeling down. Once he calmed down he did a little quick wave and smiled at Vincent before walking up to him. 

"Hey." Rody said. 

"Shouldn't you be working Lamoree?" Vincent replied, looking back at the cooks. 

"Yea but the people seem to be fine without me and I decided that I should go and bother you." Rody said, innocently smiling. 

Vincent sighed before turning his attention back towards Rody, "Of course you did."

"Anyway, what are you doing?" 

"What does it look like? I'm watching over my cooks as you should be watching over the customers." 

"Eh, they'll be fine without m-" 

"Rody I think somebody is calling for the waiter." One of the cooks said, cutting Rody off. 

Rody looked at the cook before looking back at Vincent, "You were saying?" He swears Vincent had a smirk on his face.

that cute stupid smirk. 

Rody scoffed off, walking out of the kitchen and looking around for the customer that was supposedly calling him. He looked to see that the customer found him and started to wave her hand at him. He took a breath in before giving his best smile and walking towards them, "What can I help you with, ma'am?" 

"I would like a main please." 

"Alright, we will have that for you very soon!" 

Rody took the empty plates out from the ladies table before putting in the order and going inside the kitchen to put the plates in the sink, he was about to walk out but noticed that the trash was full, and that Vincent wasn't there. So he decided to get the full bag of trash and take it out to the back to throw it out. 

When he opened the back door he was immediately hit with smoke. Waving his hand and coughing he turned his head to see Vincent smoking as usual. He threw the trash to the garbage and went up to Vincent, who was still smoking, "You are gonna die at an early age if you keep smoking." 

Vincent inhaled his cigarette before exhaling it onto Rody face, making Rody cough and wave his hand around his face. Once the smoke disappeared, Rody saw Vincent inhaled once more before dropping his cigarette on the ground and smashing it with the heel of his shoe, before exhaling the smoke.

"I think you might've just given me lung cancer." Rody said, jokingly. 

Which made Vincent slightly giggle, making Rody blush, eyes slightly widening. Omg this man's giggle is so cute..Vincent looked up at Rody slightly red in the face and raised a brow, "Why are you red? Did my smoking actually give you something?" 

Rody slightly coughed trying to make himself calm down, "U-uh its nothing." 

Before Vincent could reply one of the cooks came out, "Uh Rody the customers main is done." 

"Right! I'll be right there!" Rody replied, waving Vincent goodbye. 

He came back to the kitchen, getting the main and taking it to the customer, "Here you go ma'am!" 

"Ah thank you." 

He looked around to see if anyone needed him but they look happy with what they have so far, so he looked up at the clock again. It read, 2:03. Just a few more hours and he can relax, and maybe eat something with the money he now has because Manon is sadly no longer in the picture. 

He wonders how she's doing, he even picks up the phone sometimes but remembers there will be no point. He wonders if she actually loved him. He likes to believe she did but remembers how she said how he's not ready for a relationship and is a literal dog when it comes to loving another person. 

He wonders if Vincent thinks of him like a dog..Rody eyes widened, he should stop thinking and go back to work. So he looks up and sees someone ready to check out. He goes behind the register and checks them out, "Have a good rest of your day!" 

He watches as they leave, before going to their table and picking up the plates. He takes them in the kitchen and notices once more that Vincent isn't there anymore. Probably in his office. He looks at the sink to see lots of dishes, he better get to this before his shift ends before it gets bad. 

He gets a wet cloth and goes back to the dining room before starting to wipe down the table that was just used. Once done he heard someone walk in and he gave his best smile. "Welcome to La Gueule de Saturne! How many will be seating?" 

"Just one." The old man replied. 

"Okay! If you will just follow me to your table." 

Rody walked to the table he barely cleaned and suggested the man to sit. The man seated before deciding what he wanted, "Can I get an appetizer."

"Yes you can, it will be coming to you very soon." Rody said, before walking off to put in the order. 

Once done he saw another person ready to check out. He went to them and checked them out before watching them leave. He's not gonna lie, this is getting pretty boring. He only has three customers so far, and he sees no people coming in and he doesn't think anyone is gonna leave anytime soon. 

He heard a ding coming from the kitchen, turning his head he saw the man's appetizer done. He went over and gave it over to the man, "Here you go sir, enjoy!" 

The main took it and started to eat up. Rody left the man alone and leaned against the wall once more, looking up at the clock. It read 2:19. He kinda wishes the place could get a little more busy because this is getting really boring, maybe he could go talk to Vincent again? 

Praying that nobody needs him, he slipped inside the kitchen again. He walked in to see no Vincent so he went to the office door and knocked three times. He waited, leaning against the wall next to the door and looking at the cooks. He wonders if the cooks actually likes their jobs..

"Come in." 

Rody smiled, and opened the door. He walked in to see Vincent inside, looking down and what seems to be reviews. That was until he looked up at Rody. Rody closed the door behind him and smiled, "Hi." 

"What do you need Lamoree." Vincent replied.

"Oh nothing, I just didn't have anything better to do." Rody said, shrugging. 

"So you came to me?" 

"Yup, to chat of course."

Vincent looked at Rody once more before looking back down to the reviews. Rody came a little closer trying to see what Vincent was truly looking at, "What are you looking at?" 

Vincent immediately got the paper and curled it into a ball but before that Rody swears he saw the name waiter on the paper, did someone make a review on him? Before he could ask Vincent spoke up first, "Nothing." 

"Were they reviews?" 

"It was nothing." 

"One of them was about me, wasn't it?" 

It stayed silent between them, giving Rody the sign that he was right. One of them was about him. 

"..The people are just stupid to comment about you, if they don't like your service. They could simply leave." Vincent spoke up, annoyance in his tone. 

Rody blushed up, was Vincent really getting annoyed about the reviews? Does Vincent actually care about what these people have to say about him? The thought of that made Rody's heart stammer, and feel butterflies in his stomach. But he swallowed the feeling down before he could question it. 

"It's okay, they could comment all they want. It's not like I really give a shit about it." 

"But it's not okay."

Rody looked down at Vincent to see him lost in thought. Rody didn't know what to do other than to put his reassuring hand on Vincent's shoulder and smile when Vincent looked up at him. "It's okay, if they really wanted to, they would tell me in my face which they haven't done. So I don't care what they have to say."

"It's good to know you care though."

Rody swears he saw Vincent blush a little but looked away too fast before Rody could actually see if that's true or not. Rody would've stick a little longer but remembered he had customers, "Well I gotta go, talk to ya later!" 

Rody walked out of Vincent, closing the door behind him and walking out of the kitchen. He saw that the some costumers were ready to leave so he checked them out before checking in some more people. After some time it finally started to get busy, leaving Rody no time to have anymore free time. 

And not enough time to have a small chat with Vincent.

After a few more hours of going back and forth of checking people in and checking people out, the place was finally calmed down again. Rody sighed, looking around to see everyone content with their meals. He looked outside to see the sun setting, giving him the sign that they may have to close soon. 

He looked up at the clock, and read 6:48. Yup he was right, they are gonna have to close in a few minutes. He looked around to see about 4 customers, almost finished with their meals. So closing won't be that hard since these people are practically ready to go. He sighed in relief, today was a pretty good day. 

But he was kinda bumped out since he couldn't really talk to Vincent that much for the rest of the day. He doesn't know why he wants to talk to Vincent so much, it just feels right. When he does things with Vincent, it always feels right..He really doesn't know why, or what these feelings are. 

Before he could think to himself more, he looked to see two customers ready to check out. He smiled and went up to them to check them out. After that he went to get their dirty plate to put in the sink. Once he got the plates he went inside the kitchen, and noticed Vincent standing there watching the cooks. 

Rody ignored the feeling in his heart the minute they made eye contact.

He put the dishes inside the sink and noticed it all the plates pile up. He totally forgot he was supposed to wash half of these during the slow times. Now he has a lot of dishes to clean. He sighed at the thought, before leaving the kitchen. He walked in the dining room to see the other two customers ready to check out. 

He of coursed check them out and finally was ready to close up for the day since it was probably 7:00 already. So he switched the open sign to close. After, he went to get the dirty dishes to put them in the sink, again. He walked inside the kitchen and put the plates inside the sink. 

He looked at them and sighed, "he'll clean them in a bit." Rody thought, waving his hand at them while he walked out. 

Rody got the wet cloth that was there and started to wipe down the tables as he began to think to himself once more. He wonders what these feelings are, and why it's only towards Vincent. These feelings began way back but this time they've gotten extreme, and the worst part is that he doesn't know. 

He wishes he does. He walked by the kitchen peeking through to see Vincent. He's been questioning these mysterious feelings since days ago. He doesn't understand why he gets flustered around Vincent, or the feeling in his heart and why everything he does feels right it comes to being with Vincent.

... 

Wait a minute, these feelings feel familiar now that he truly thinks about. These feelings feel exactly the same way he felt towards...Manon. Rody eyes widened, face becoming warm, looking at Vincent once more. 

Oh my God, he likes Vincent.

Chapter Text

Rody couldn't believe it, his face burning in realization, turning away from Vincent and looking back down at the table. He can't actually like Vincent, can he? That's his boss for gods sake! He can't fall in love with him...Right? Rody sighed, if it wasn't for his stupid heart falling for him, he wouldn't be dealing with this. 

Well at least now he knows what these feelings are, but what is he going to do now? Knowing the fact that he likes Vincent, he knows damn well that the minute he finally sees him he'll try and explode his love onto him and confess his feelings right away at first sight. He for sure can't have that happening..

So what will he do...He could avoid him..?

Something spark in Rody, that's a perfect idea! Sure he will suffer for a bit but avoiding Vincent will definitely make him lose feelings. And it'll only be for a bit anyways..He hopes. Rody shakes his head, and finishes up cleaning the table before starting to walk into the kitchen, trying to follow his idea. 

He walks into the kitchen, and quickly notices Vincent missing. He tries to ignore it, walking straight towards the sink and starting on the dishes. He saw a few cooks starting to pack of there stuff to leave, and started wishing that was him. But other than those cooks he saw one still there, cleaning the stove. 

So he decided he should spark a conversation with the person because he really needs to start making friends. If he's trying to avoid Vincent then it's gonna be really boring not talking so he needs to at least make a few friends, and who better yet than the cooks. He'll first start with this person and sooner with the others. 

"Hey." Rody spoke up.

The cook slowly turns their head towards Rody, raising their brow, "Are you talking to me?" 

"Y-yea?" 

"Oh, hi then." 

Rody noticed how the space between them became awkward, jeez how was he gonna do this? "How was your day?"

"It was alright, other than me having to leave my stuff to tell you to do your job." 

Rody eyes widened, mouth opening, "Oh, that was you!?" 

"..Yea." The cook replied, looking at him before looking back down. 

"Oh my bad, I seem to not recognize you.." Rody said, awkwardly chuckling. 

"It's fine, how could you ever recognize me?" 

"What do you mean..?" Rody slowly asked.

"You always spend your attention towards the head Chef, heck you even forget to do your job because you get distracted by him. So how could you ever notice me." The cook replied, finishing up their job. 

"Really, is it that obvious..?" Rody asked, finally finishing up with the dishes. 

"Yes, every cook here has noticed that." The cook said, starting to pack up their stuff. 

"Oh.." 

"Yea, we just assume you probably like him or something." 

Rody eyes widened once more, face turning red, "N-no! That's so not true, I will never fall for Vincent! Like he's our boss, you know? Like that would be so weird to have an employee date their boss, Right?" 

The cook furrowed their brow, looking up from their stuff and towards Rody, "No it wouldn't be weird, actually it's very common. Also it was just an assumption, so you don't need to be that freaked out about it. Unless..you do like him?" 

"No I-i don't." Rody replied, hiding his true feelings. 

"Alright then, you don't need to freak that much about it." The cook said, with a shrug. 

"Right.." 

"...The cooks weren't ever gonna say it but they wanted to get to know you. They think you're a cool guy."

"Really?" 

"Yea, if it weren't for you talking to the head Chef so much they would've talked to you." The cook said, starting to head towards the kitchen door.

"Oh, i'll try to get to know them, then." 

The cook looked at Rody and smiled, before opening up the kitchen door and started to head out but before they fully left the kitchen, Rody spoke up, "Wait, I never caught your name." 

"My name is Charlotte." And with that the cook left, leaving Rody alone. He should probably start to leave too because he just wants to go home and rest. So he looked around before starting to head towards the door. The minute he put his hand on the kitchen door to push it open, he heard another door open. 

"Rody?" 

Rody instantly froze, starting to cuss himself out. He needs to stick to his plan and avoid Vincent. But he doesn't wanna just leave him there so he thinks of something quick, "Uh I gotta go, bye!" Rody quickly said, leaving. 

Before Vincent could reply, Rody was already out. He left the bistro, not even looking back and just getting on his bike. He started to ride home and felt this guilt inside him. He felt rude to just leave Vincent like that but he knew if he replied he would just fallen in love more for him so this was the best option. 

Even if it hurts. 

After a few minutes, Rody made it home. He walked up the stairs with his bike, before walking up to his front door, and unlocking it. He walked in and threw his bike on the floor before turning the light on. He grabbed the clothes on the couch and got himself changed before going on his couch, putting a hand over his head. 

He wonders how long he will have to avoid Vincent for. He hopes it's not for too long..Rody sighed, he should probably head to sleep already. So he got himself comfortable before shutting off the light. After a few minutes, he finally fell asleep. But when he was at peace, a nightmare came through and ruined it. 

Startling him awake, his upper body up, hand to chest as he took deep breaths. Once he calmed down he looked over at the time, it read 4:59. Rody sighed, before laying back down. He tried to go back to sleep but just couldn't so he got himself back and looked around before deciding he should just go into work. 

So he got up from his couch and stretched before walking towards the bathroom. He turned on the light and noticed in the mirror how much he looked like shit. He just waved it off hoping no one will notice before starting to brush his teeth, combing his hair and looking himself in the mirror once more before walking out. 

He got his work clothes on before putting on his shoes and his watch before looking at the clock once more. It read 5:10. Pretty early for him to be heading to work but its not like he could go back to sleep so this is the best idea. He got his bike and keys before turning off the light and leaving his home. 

He locked his home up before starting to walk down the stairs and biking his way to work. Half way through the drive he started to recall what happened yesterday. Face turning red, when he started to remember he liked Vincent and silently groaned when he remembered that he was gonna avoid Vincent. 

That was definitely gonna be torture for him. How can he avoid Vincent's beautiful face, Rody smiling at the image of Vincent. He finally made it to work and put his bike down before going to the bistro's door. He prayed that Vincent was not inside, but knew he was wrong when the bistro door immediately opened. 

The door's were always locked until 6:30 and its currently 5:22. He walked in and noticed everything was just how he left it. But then when he was gonna go check the kitchen he was hit with the wonderful smell of food. And that's when he remembered Vincent telling him that he could cook for him in the morning. 

Okay yea he was definitely gonna fail this. 

He just quietly walked to one of the tables, putting his head down. He hoped Vincent didn't hear him walk through the door, but knowing Vincent he probably did. As Rody thought to himself, he heard the kitchen door opened, and smelt the wonderful smell of food more. But he stayed still. 

"Oh Rody, I didn't notice you even arrived." 

Rody stayed silent, trying to come off as sleeping. 

"Rody?" Vincent spoke once more. 

Rody still did not reply. 

"Huh, you must be sleeping.." 

Rody stayed even more still as he heard footsteps come closer to him. Once they stopped he saw Vincent shoes from under the table. He heard a plate put down and before Rody could think more about it, he felt a hand on his hair. He felt the hand brush through his head and he oh so badly wanted to lean more into it. 

"Oh Rody, you probably had a nightmare again, didn't you?" Vincent spoke softly. 

Rody loves how Vincent knew how much he gets nightmares. Rody thought he was about to go to sleep through how comfortable Vincent's hand felt on his hair but he soon pulled away and Rody wanted to whine so badly and tell him how much he wanted for Vincent to brush his hair more but he stayed quiet. 

"I have work to do, hopefully you'll wake up and eat this meal before your shift starts." And with that he heard Vincent walk away and into the kitchen. 

Once he knew he was clear, he put his head up and noticed a plate of food. He looked around before starting to munch on the meal he was given and oh if it wasn't the most tasting meal he had then he didn't know. He wished he could tell Vincent how well he cooked this but of course he can't 

All because he liked him. 

The minute he heard his voice he knew how much he wanted to just scream out how much he likes him. He knew if he saw Vincent again he'll just confess his love and he really didn't need that because he could get fired or something. And that meant being taken away from the love of his life. 

So he would gladly torture himself so he can continue being with his love. Rody soon finished his meal, he was scared to take it into the kitchen but still he did. He slowly opened the kitchen door and took a breath when he notice there was nobody and Vincent's office door was closed.

He put the sink in the dish before walking back out into the dining room. The minute he sat down, a cook walked in. He watched as they looked at him before walking into the kitchen. Rody smiled, this was the perfect opportunity to talk to them! So he got up and went inside the kitchen to see them. 

The cook looked busy doing their stuff so Rody was gonna be the one to speak up, "Hey." 

The cook looked over to Rody and smiled back, "Hi!" 

"Why are you getting here so early?" Rody asked. 

"Oh, I like to come in early so I can prepare the stuff because I know the head Chef isn't gonna do it." The cook replied. 

"Hm, that's good I guess." 

"Why are you early Rody? You're never here until..late." The cook chuckled. 

"Uh I just wanted to get here early, you know?" 

"Sure, it's definitely not to see the head Chef." 

Rody eyes slightly widened, face turning red, "What's that supposed to mean..?" 

"Oh come on Rody don't be so dumb, we all know your only here for Chef now." The cook said, looking over at Rody. 

"N-no! That's not true!" Rody stuttered. 

"Mhm, keep telling yourself that." 

Rody sighed, calming his redness down, "I never caught your name?"

"Oh right, my name is Amelia." Amelia replied.

"And you already know mine so.." Rody said.

"You must've met Charlotte already." Amelia stated. 

"Huh, how did you know?" Rody asked.

"I just do." 

Rody was gonna reply but heard Vincent's office door open up and quickly ran out of the kitchen. He definitely was gonna hear it from the cook but he just stayed behind the kitchen door starting to overhear the conversation that was about to occur between the two. 

"Chevrolet, are you getting everything ready?" 

"Yes Chef." 

"Good, by any chance did you see Lamoree awake?" 

Rody went to the window and started shaking his head hoping the cook will cover him. He saw the chef raise a brow before answering, "No Chef, I did not see him awake from his slumber." 

"Hm, if he still hasn't awakened before his shift then wake him up." 

"Okay Chef." 

"Alright then." 

Rody hid once more as he heard Vincent walk back to his office. Once he heard the door close then he walked back inside. He was about to speak up but got quickly interrupted by the cook, "What was that?" 

"Uh nothing." 

The cook sighed, "That was something. You wouldn't just run away from Chef, in fact you would've talked to him until your shift so it has to be something." 

"Okay so don't tell anyone, but I..i like him." Rody admitted. 

"Oh yeah I knew, like I mean everybody knew." Amelia replied, with a shrug. 

Rody turned red in the face once more, "Okay, you don't need to explain how obvious I am." 

"But anyway, what does that have to do with anything." 

"I'm trying to avoid Vince because I think it's gonna make me lose feelings for him." 

"..That's the dumbest thing to do." Amelia stated. 

"W-what do you mean?" Rody asked.

"Come on Rody, don't be stupid. Why would you want to make yourself lose feelings?" 

"Um because Vince would never fall for a guy like me." 

Amelia took a big breathe in and out, "Rody, your making me believe your actually stupid. What do you mean Chef will never fall for a guy like you? I think he already has. Sure you're like low class and not as fancy or rich as him but I don't think that matters to him." 

"Really..?" 

"Yea! But even though I tell you this I feel like you're still gonna avoid him. I just want you to know that it's okay to feel like this. I think you should pursue it but that's your choice to make." 

Rody nodded, he was gonna speak up but heard the kitchen door open. He turned to see the other cooks there so he turned back at Amelia and smiled, "Thanks for telling me that."

"No problem Rody." 

Rody nodded, and left the kitchen. He made his way into the diner and started to fix up the place before starting the day. Costumers went in and out, ordering and leaving. It went smoothly but he hated how much he saw Vincent standing there and not being able to talk to him, let alone have eye contact. 

He knew that Vincent wanted him to speak to him but let it go instead. He even tried talking to him but Rody made excuses like "The place is really busy." or "Someone needs me." But the sad part is that half the time Vincent would just get ignored by Rody, making him question things.

Rody ended the shift, without talking to anybody the whole day excluding the morning, and God did he hate it. Maybe he should just listen to Amelia and actually pursue these feelings and actually talk to Vincent again because he did not wanna deal with this anymore. He went to bed that night thinking if he should talk to him.

Of course was awoken up by a nightmare once more, and instead of going to sleep he went to work. And it was the same recycle, He would have a nightmare, go to work, eat Vincent's breakfast meal after successfully ignoring him, then start his shift without talking to anyone and after that he would go home and go to sleep. 

After day 3 or maybe 4 of this, he was starting to get tired of this. And he thinks Vincent is too. He doesn't like this and the feeling isn't even away yet. This was a complete fail and he felt like absolute shit and he even looked like shit. He had dark eye bags and just looked like he was dying inside, (Which he was).

It was now the end of his shift. He had just got done cleaning up the tables, and now all that was left were the dishes so he took a breath before walking inside the kitchen. He went straight towards the sink and right when he was about to turn on the water to start cleaning, he heard Amelia speak up. 

"Hey, Chef wanted me to tell you to meet him in his office. I'm not gonna lie with you, he sounded pretty pissed. So if you get fired just know I tried telling you to talk to him. You should've just listened to me. Anyway I'm heading out, I hope to see you tomorrow." 

Before Rody could even reply, Amelia was already out the door. Rody groaned, he really did not need this. He really doesn't need to be getting yelled at by Vincent, and hell he really doesn't wanna get fired. So no matter what he can't avoid this. So now here he was, alone with Vincent in the other room. 

He took a deep breath before walking in front of Vincent's office, and slowly knocking three times. He waited until he heard Vincent's signal to come in. And the minute he heard the cold voice inside say come in, he swears he saw the heaven above start to call on him but its already too late. He's too committed. 

He put his hand to the handle and twisted it open. Once he opened he saw the familiar room, but this time it had a little lamp in the corner making the room feel warmer but he couldn't feel that. All he felt was anger in the room and he knew it was from Vincent because of how much he ignored him. 

"Hey Boss, you needed me?" 

"Kinda surprise you even came in, thought you'll just avoid me again." Vincent coldly replied, still not looking. 

"Look about tha-" 

"You know, I thought we were good. I thought everything was fine, great even. But I'm foolish to think that." 

It broke Rody's heart to hear Vincent talking like this to him, "I didn't mean to avoid you." 

Vincent scoffed, "Yea right, that was all you were doing. So if you really think that just stop lying with yourself.." 

"I'm sorry, if I-i hurt you." 

"If!? You did! I thought everything was good! And you just ignore me and avoid me! You hurt me Rody." Vincent screamed, slamming his hand on the desk, still not looking up. 

"Look I was just trying to figure something out, I never meant to hurt you Vince." Rody said, looking away from Vincent. 

Vincent sighed, getting up and looking up at Rody. Rody heard a slight gasp and looked back at Vincent. When they made eye contact, Rody swears he heard his heart from inside his chest. He finally fully got a look of Vincent and oh did he looked as perfect like he saw him last time, he was about to smile but Vincent spoke. 

"Oh my God, Rody are you okay? You look terrible." Vincent said, walking up to Rody. 

Rody felt his face warm up, heart starting to beat faster than ever. He was about to stutter something out when he felt a soft cold hand touch his cheek. He down at Vincent and saw how he looked concern. He hated how much he just wanted to lean into the touch. He hated how much he just wanted to tell Vincent he loved him.

"Oh Rody, why didn't you just come to me and tell me. I could've helped you with these nightmares." 

Rody hated how much Vincent looked at him with those lovey eyes. He hated how much he missed talking to Vincent. He hated how he hurt Vincent for avoiding him. He hated how much he couldn't even see Vincent's beautiful face. He hated how tears started to fall down his face by just thinking these thoughts. 

And he hated how weak he was for him. 

"Oh Rody, it's okay. Come here." 

Vincent wrapped his arms around Rody's neck bringing him down into a hug. Rody quickly wrapped his arms around Vincent's waist as he cried into Vincent's shoulder. After a few minutes, Rody finally calmed down. Vincent pulled away from the hug and Rody so badly wanted Vincent back in his arms. 

"Why didn't you just talk to me?" Vincent spoke up, softly. 

"I was figuring stuff out and I was afraid that I would put it on you. I was afraid of losing you." Rody replied. 

"Rody, you'd never lose me, no matter what." 

Rody smiled, "Promise?" 

"I promise." Vincent softly replied. 

And for once, Rody thinks he could live with this feeling. 

Chapter Text

Vincent looked up at Rody, admiring every detail of his face. Up to his nicely green eyes, and down to those two moles on his face. Gosh he feels like it's been forever since he really saw Rody, and God knows how long it had been since he last spoke with him, other than this time of course. He knew he missed him.  

Despite Rody literally hurting him, he still feels the need to care for the redhead when he comes looking like he just went through hell, and he doesn't quite understand why. Maybe it's cause he missed him, or maybe it's another reason but he just can't put a finger on what it is. And maybe he doesn't want to yet.

Rody looked down at Vincent, before smiling, making Vincent's heart stammered for some odd reason, "It's nice to see you again, honestly it feels like it's been forever." 

Vincent scoffed, rolling his eyes, "Yea, and whose fault is that?" 

"Look i'm sorry, will you ever find it in yourself to forgive me?" Rody replied, looking at him with puppy eyes. 

Vincent looked at Rody and sighed, "Of course I forgive you idiot, just don't do it again." 

"Swear on my heart I won't do it again." Rody said, putting a hand on his heart. 

"Good. Well you should start heading home, you need some rest." 

Rody nodded, and Vincent walked him to the bistro's door. Rody walked out waving at Vincent, with him waving back. Vincent watched as Rody rode off, before closing the bistro door, and locking up for the night. He looked around before turning the lights off and heading up to his home. 

Once at home, he turned on the lights and sat down on his couch, pulling out a cigarette and lighting it before putting it to his mouth and inhaling. As he smoked he started to think to himself about Rody and why he avoided him. He said he was figuring stuff out and was afraid of losing him. What stuff would make Rody lose him?

Vincent sighed, exhaling the smoke. He guess that's Rody's call to tell him. Vincent looked over to the time, it read 8:01. He should probably get some sleep. He inhaled his cigarette once more before exhaling and crushing it on the table, the smoke slowly fading out. He left the living room and went straight to his bedroom. 

He opened the door to his bedroom and went to his closet to pull out some clothes so he could finally rest. He took out a black sleeve shirt and some grey sweat pants, before getting himself changed. He put his work clothes neatly back inside the closet before finally closing it.

He got his contact lens case from his bed stand and took his contact out before putting it in the case and heading to his bed to rest. 

                                                ~~~~

Vincent slowly opened his eyes, looking around before his eyes adjusted. He sighed, before lifting his upper body up. He turned on his lamp, before looking at the time. It read, 4:30 AM. He took his cover off him before heading out of bed and going to the bathroom to get ready. 

He went in the bathroom, and used it before washing his hands and starting on his skincare. Once he was done with that, he brushed his teeth and finally headed out back to his bedroom. He walked in and went to the closet to take out his work uniform before getting changed, and putting his sleep attire back in the closet. 

He took his contact lenses out of the case before pulling out a little mirror and putting them on. He blinked a few times, getting used to them before putting the mirror and case away and turning off the light. He walked out of his room, closing the door behind him and went to the kitchen.

He got a cup and poured himself water before pulling out a lemon and cutting it up to pour some in the water and cutting a little slice to put on the rim of the cup. He drank it, feeling the tinging feeling on his tongue from the lemon as he finished it up. When he finished, he put the cup in the sink before going to the living room.

He got his shoes that were next on the couch and put them on before grabbing his keys and heading out. He locked the door before going down the stairs and entering the bistro, feeling the cold air hit him. He slightly shivered, before turning on the kitchen lights. He went to the dining room, and to the bistro's door. 

He unlocked it and opened it, taking a quick look outside. It was still dark but it was nice to feel the refreshing breeze hit him. He went back inside and went to the kitchen to cook something up for Rody, just in case he comes in early like he did yesterday. He pulled out a pan and got out some oil to cook some food. 

He poured the oil on the pan before turning the stove on and cooking the food. As he cooked, he heard the door opened due to the bells on them. He looked over to the kitchen window and saw Rody walking to a table and putting his head down. Vincent furrowed his brows, turning his attention back to the food. 

Rody probably had another nightmare. Vincent thought for a moment and had an idea to make Rody some tea to help him through the day. As finished the meal he was making, he went inside his office, and opened up his drawer and pulled out a tea packet. He always has tea in his drawer just in case he needs it for anything.

He got a cup and poured hot water inside before putting the tea packet in. As he waited, he got a plate and put the food he made on it before putting the pan inside the sink. He took the tea packet out and threw it to the trash, before picking the cup up and the plate and heading inside the dining room to where Rody is at. 

He walked up to the table Rody was on, and put the plate and cup down. Rody must've heard him since he lifted his head up. Vincent took a look at him and noticed that the bags under his eyes had gotten worse, making him look worse than he did last time, making him feel more bad. 

"Did you have another nightmare?" Vincent asked. 

Rody just nodded, putting the plate in front of him and starting to devour it, like a starved man. Vincent sighed, putting his chin on top of his hand, "Well I made you tea so it can help you throughout the day." 

"Thanks that means a lot." Rody spoke up, his voice rough. 

"Your voice sounds bad, are you sure you're not getting sick?" 

"I'm not getting sick, i'm just tired. Trust me, i'll get my voice back later." 

Vincent nodded in response, as Rody finished up his meal before chugging down the tea. Vincent saw Rody have a little food crumb next to his mouth so he grabbed a napkin and lifted it to Rody's face, "You have something, let me get it." 

As he wiped the crumb off of Rody's face, he saw as Rody eyes slightly widened, his face turning red. He was gonna question it but heard the door bells ring, making both Rody and him turn their heads. Vincent saw Chevrolet standing there, watching them with furrow brows, as if she was questioning them. 

She looked between the two, and cleared her throat, "Sorry, if I interrupted something.." 

Vincent felt his face warm up, as he backed away from Rody, "You weren't interrupting anything." 

"..Right." Chevrolet said, before walking away. 

Vincent looked over to Rody and noticed how his face was extremely red, making him raise a brow, "Whoa, your face is so red. Are you okay?" 

"Y-yea, why wouldn't I be..?" Rody replied, sheepishly smiling.

Vincent wanted to question more about it but just dropped it, "If you say so. If you want you can rest a little bit. I'm gonna head back over to my office since I have work to look over." 

Rody nodded, looking more calmer, "Alright, don't worry about the dishes. I'll take them to the sink and clean them." 

"Alright." Vincent replied, before walking away and into the kitchen and to his office. He opened the door, closing it behind him and turning on the light so it isn't that dark. He then sat down and started taking out paper work. As he worked on the paper, he came across a review. 

He raised a brow, opening it up and checking it. He read through the many compliments on how the food is, and just as he was about to close it, his eyes came across something about a waiter. This person wrote that the waiter is making the high class restaurant a low one, due to his..look?

That is the stupidest thing Vincent heard.

Vincent got his pen and scribbled on that comment before getting rid of it. Sure Rody is a little messy, and doesn't have the best look for work but that doesn't mean he's making this restaurant look poor. Vincent felt this sort of anger inside of him about the comment of Rody. 

Wait.

Anger? Why is he feeling so defensive towards this comment? It isn't like it's him their saying is messy but he still feels angry that it was towards Rody like if they did say it was him. Why..? He's never felt this especially for another person. Could it be-

"Vince?" 

Vincent was taken out of his train of thoughts and looked to the door before clearing his throat, "Come in." 

Guess he'll have to question it later..

Vincent looked back down to his paperwork as the door opened with Rody entering and closing the door behind him, "Hey.." 

"What do you need, Lamoree?"

"Nothing much, I just want to talk to you since I haven't really spoken with you in a few days." 

"Don't you have work to do?" Vincent said, looking up at Rody. 

"Well yea. Do you not want to talk to me..? Rody said, voice sounding hurt. 

"What?" 

"You're making it sound like you don't wanna talk to me..If that's the case, then i'll stop bothering you." Rody replied, looking down in that sad puppy way making Vincent want to comfort him for some unknown reason. 

"You're not bothering me, and I want to talk to you. I always do.." Vincent replied. 

"Really?" Rody spoke up, happier as if a dog was wagging their tail. 

"Yes, but you really need to start focusing on the job before we start losing people."

Rody sighed, "Okay, I'll get back to work. Talk to ya later Vince.." 

Vincent watched as Rody left the room, sadly like if he turned down a dog trying to go for a walk. Now that Vincent really thinks about it, Rody reminds him of a dog. A very happy and handsome dog...Handsome? Did Vincent actually think that?...No he didn't, his mind is just playing games with him. 

Why would he think Rody looked handsome? 

Vincent sat in silence actually thinking why, but he just shook his head, going back to doing his work, because there is no way he thinks Rody is handsome...Right? Vincent sighed, he should really start focusing on finishing this paper instead of thinking if Rody is handsome or not..

                                              *****

Vincent leaned back into his chair, taking a breath. He finally finished his paperwork, he swears that it took longer than expected. He looked over to see the time, it read 1:33. He should probably check out on his workers, so he neatly stacked the paperwork, putting it in the corner of the desk, and finally heading outside. 

He walked into the kitchen, he was met with the cooks actually doing their jobs. He closed the door behind him before heading into the corner he's usually at. He looked over to the window, and saw Rody serving people. Vincent sighed, seems like nobody needs him, he's gonna go smoke. 

He walked out to the back, before leaning against the wall and taking out a cigarette. He lit it up and inhaled. He probably should stop smoking, but he got so used to it that he just can't stop now. Guess he'll just have to deal with dying early. Not like many people will care anyway. 

As Vincent thought to himself, his sudden thought of train was cut by the door opening. He turned over and saw Rody throwing out the trash. Seems he didn't even know he was there because he didn't even turn his head when he walked in. He saw Rody turn away from the trash with him looking down. 

But it seems the smoke made him look up. Rody looked up at Vincent and smiled, making Vincent feel butterflies, for some reason, "Hey Vince! Didn't even see you there for a minute." 

"Right." Vincent said, inhaling his cigarette.

"I've been so busy that I hardly got to really talk to anyone all day or throw out the trash but now I finally have time." Rody replied, chuckling putting his hand behind his neck. 

"There were a lot of people today?" 

"Yea, since like the morning. Seems everybody wants to eat at a fancy restaurant I suppose." 

"Hm, and nobody left?" 

"Actually no, and i'm surprised because I thought I was being really slow." 

"Good job." Vincent said, inhaling once more before throwing the cigarette to the ground and crushing it. 

Rody's face turned red, making Vincent want to question him, "W-what?" 

"Good job, sometimes it's hard to keep people when the place is busy." 

Now Rody was completely red in the face, his eyes slightly widened, "T-thanks.." 

Vincent silently chuckled, "Your face is so red." 

"Really..?"

Vincent nodded, bringing a hand to Rody's cheek, feeling how warm it was, "And you're very warm. Are you okay?" 

"M-mhm." Rody replied, nodding his head. 

"Doesn't seem like it.." Vincent said, moving closer to Rody, to try and figure out why he was like this.

As he tried to move closer, he felt Rody tense up, making him back away, "Are you sure? You just tense up." 

"I-i'm sure!" Rody replied, sheepishly smiling. 

Vincent wanted to keep asking, but decided to let it go, "If you say so." 

Rody took a breath and calmed himself down, "I better get back to work, don't want people leaving." 

Vincent nodded, "Right." 

Rody smiled at him before walking back inside, and Vincent felt this sort of warm feeling when he saw that. He wondered why he felt that way when Rody would smile at him, but he mostly wondered why Rody would get so red...

Was it him making Rody so red..?

Chapter Text

Vincent felt his face warm up at the sudden thought, why would he make Rody so red? That is the stupidest thought he ever came up with. But deep down Vincent wanted it to be him, and he doesn't know why. He doesn't understand why his heart bumps faster at the thought of making Rody so red in the face. 

Maybe he doesn't wanna know..

Vincent looked up at the sky, and sighed. He should probably head back inside and check in on his workers. So he took another breath before walking back inside the bistro. He walked in to see Rody talking to one of the cooks, which was Chevrolet. He raised a brow, clearing his throat to get their attention. 

Both turned their heads, and quickly Chevrolet went back to work, leaving Rody to stare at him, "What are you two doing?" 

He saw as Rody looked at Chevrolet, before looking back at Vincent, "We were just chatting, nothing too serious." 

Vincent sighed, "I saw that, you know you're not supposed to talk to the cooks when they are working. They can cause a mess up on the order by such distraction." 

"Oh, i'm sorry. I didn't know that." Rody replied, putting a hand to his neck, and apologetic smile. 

Vincent felt butterflies in his stomach, as Rody smiled at him. He quickly turned his head, his face flushing up, "It's fine, don't let it happen again."  

"You good, Boss? Your face is pretty red." Rody asked. 

"Shut up, no it's not." Vincent replied, turning more red.

"Alright, just trying to let you know. No need to be so defensive." Rody replied, shrugging.

"I'm not being defensive." Vincent said, turning back to Rody, despite the red in his face. 

"Alright, if that's what you think...But if it makes you feel better, I think you look cute like this." Rody said, smirking at Vincent.

Vincent eyes widened, face completely red. It seems Rody realized what he just said, since he turned red as well. But before Vincent could replied, Rody beat him to it, "I-i gotta go back to work, bye!"

And like that Rody left, leaving Vincent stunned. Vincent shook his head, trying to comprehend what just happened. He looked up to see the cooks looking at him, making him give them a death glare, "What are you guys looking at. Get back to work before I fire all of you." 

Immediately the cooks went back to their jobs, leaving Vincent to think to himself. Why did he become so red when it came to Rody? He was never like this before, so why now? Vincent sighed, he doesn't understand why he gets butterflies in his stomach, why his heart beats so fast, or why his face flushes and warms up. 

And its all because of Rody, nobody makes him feel or do this other than him. So what could it be? Before he could answer that question, he was interrupted by a sudden cough by a cook, making him get out of his head and look over to them. He should stop thinking to himself and pay attention, how unprofessional of him. 

                                                *****

Vincent felt like he's been standing here for ages. He decided it's time for his smoke break, it's not like anyone needs him. He looked over at the cooks once more, making sure they were doing what they were supposed to before heading out to the back. He leaned against the brick and wall and looked up to the sky. 

The sky was getting a bit darker. The once light blue is now becoming a darker one, the clouds becoming more apparent. He liked it when the sky would become like this. It was always such a beautiful sight to see. Vincent pulled out a cigarette and lit it up, simply inhaling the smoke. 

He looked up to the sky once more, before exhaling. Bringing his cigarette to his mouth and inhaling, looking at the ashes as they fell off the end of where he lit it. As he exhaled, he felt the cold breeze brush against him, making his hair move to the side a little, and slightly shivering at the coldness. 

As Vincent continued to smoke in the comfortable silence, suddenly the back door opened, making Vincent turn his head. It was simply Rody throwing out the trash. Vincent exhaled the smoke, closing his eyes and putting his head back. It seemed Rody noticed him, because he heard footsteps come near him. 

"Hey Boss." 

"We gotta stop meeting like this Lamoree." Vincent replied, exhaling his smoke. 

"I don't know, it seems you're always taking a smoke break when I need to take the trash out. If I didn't know any better, I would have said that you know exactly when I would come to throw out the trash and decide it's the perfect time to smoke." Rody shrugged. 

"Well that's not true."

"Okay, if that's what you say." Rody replied. 

Vincent rolled his eyes, slightly shaking his head. He then remembered he needed to check the time, so he looked down to Rody's wrist and spotted his watch. He quickly grabbed onto Rody's wrist making him yelp, as Vincent took a look at the time. It read, 5:44. Did he really spend that much time standing in the kitchen?

Vincent let go of Rody's wrist, but Rody just kept his hand still. Vincent raised a brow, "You can take your hand back." 

Rody slightly flushed up and brought his hand back up to his chest, "R-right." 

"How busy was it today?" Vincent asked, taking one more inhale of his cigarette before crushing it to the ground. 

"Not that busy, some people came, some people left. Nothing new." Rody replied. 

"Hm, alright." 

"Oh, the tea you gave me earlier is helping a lot!" Rody commented. 

"Really?" Vincent replied. 

"Yea, so thanks for that. I really needed it." Rody said, smiling at Vincent.

Vincent felt his heart beat faster as he looked at Rody smiling at him, his face becoming warm. As Vincent stared at him, he felt the cold breeze hit both of them, making their clothes and hair slightly start to move to the side. He felt the air become still, as he began to feel his hand connect to Rody's.

Rody was still softly smiling at him, with those loving eyes. Vincent felt his hand burning under the touch of Rody's. He felt warm everywhere, especially his face, as he continued to stare into Rody. Vincent slowly interlocked his other hand with Rody's so both of their hands were touching. 

Vincent swears he can hear his heart beating, as he holds onto Rody's hand. He knew he should let go, but it felt so good to hold hands with Rody. And he doesn't even know why it feels good. He just feels it's right, like his hand was supposed to be connected with his. 

Vincent felt as Rody began to rub his thumb softly against his hand, feeling as Rody's grip was firm against his. He looked down to where their hands were, looking down Rody's hand. He looked to see that Rody's hand had a lot of texture to his palm, as well as his knuckles were a bit roughed up. 

Also his hand was a bit larger than his own. Vincent watched as Rody softly rubbed his thumb against his. He wishes he could stay here forever but he knows he can't so he finally speaks up, "We should probably get back to work."

"Yea we should, or the others will think we went missing." Rody softly replied. 

Both didn't wanna let go but they knew they needed to so Vincent slowly pulled his hand away, looking back up at Rody. Rody looked down at Vincent and smiled, making Vincent warm up again. Vincent was about to start walking back but Rody spoke up, "If you didn't notice, your hand fits perfectly against mine." 

"I noticed." Vincent replied.

"Really?" Rody asked. 

"Yes, it was like it was meant to be." 

He looked over to see Rody flush up, making Vincent smile slightly. He looked at Rody once more before walking back inside. He walked in to see the cooks still doing their jobs. Vincent walked over to his usual spot and stood there. He turned his head when he heard Rody walk back inside. 

He needed the time again so he called out to him, "Lamoree." 

"Yes, Boss?" Rody said, facing Vincent's way. 

"Let me see your watch again." 

"Alright." Rody shrugged, bringing his wrist to Vincent.

Vincent looked at the time, it read 6:32, "Close at 7:00, understood?" 

"Of course, Boss." Rody replied, walking back to the diner. 

Vincent was back to thinking to himself. He can't believe that he held hands with Rody. They were talking and then all of a sudden they began holding hands, and gosh it felt good. And the thing is, Vincent doesn't even know why it felt good, it just did. Deep down he knew he wanted to do it again. 

But he knows he shouldn't. Rody is his waiter, nothing more. Even if he wishes there was something more. Vincent sighed, he should probably check if he has anymore paperwork he needs to do. He walks to his office, before opening the door and walking inside. He looked at his desk and saw the paperwork nicely stacked.

Vincent looked over at the time once more. It read 6:57. Huh, that was fast. He should probably check into the diner, and see if anyone is still there, other than Rody. So he looks over at his desk once more before leaving his office and heading outside the kitchen and into the dining room. 

He walks inside to see Rody checking out two more people, before closing the bistro's door and changing the sign to close. It seems Rody didn't noticed him because when he turned around he was quickly startled by the sight of him, which made Vincent slightly chuckle. 

"Jeez Vince, could've warned me or something. You scared the hell out of me." Rody said, putting a hand to his chest. 

"Just seems you need to pay attention more." Vincent replied.

"Sure, or maybe you need to be a little louder when coming inside a room." Rody commented. 

Vincent just rolled his eyes, and crossed his arms, "That was the last to go, right?" 

"Yup, now all I need to do is clean the tables and dishes and then i'm finally gonna go home and rest." 

"Alright, i'll leave you to it." Vincent said. 

"Aw, you don't wanna keep me company?" Rody replied. 

"Is that what you want?" Vincent asked.

"Not gonna lie, your company would be nice to have while cleaning up." Rody shrugged.

"Better get started then before I leave." Vincent said, leaning his lower body against a table. 

Rody quickly rushed and got a wet cloth before beginning to wipe down the tables, with Vincent watching. As Rody wiped down each and every table, Vincent just stood there, watching him. As Rody continued to wipe down the table, Vincent decided to start up a conversation. 

"So, what are your nightmares about?" 

Vincent raised a brow, when he saw Rody slightly cough as if he choked on something, "What was that?" 

"What are your nightmares about? Maybe if you talk about them, they'll show up less." 

Rody slightly turned red, as he wiped the last table, "Uh there basically just me getting murdered or chopped up." 

"Do you know who is murdering or chopping you in these nightmares?" 

Rody looked up at Vincent, making Vincent furrow his brows, "Uh, no I don't. It seems like every time i'm about to catch the person, they um disappear I guess." 

"Really?" 

Rody nodded, "Really." 

Vincent felt like he was lying to him, but decided not to ask about it anymore, "Get on with the dishes." 

"Right." Rody replied.

Both walked inside the kitchen and Rody started on the dishes, washing each dish with gloves on. Vincent turned to see Chevrolet packing her things to go. He wanted to ask if she cleaned everything correctly but decided to let her leave in silence. But before she left she spoke up, "Bye Rody!" 

Rody turned his head towards Chevrolet and smiled, "Bye!" 

Vincent just waited until Chevrolet was out of sight before speaking up, "You guys know each other?" 

Rody shrugged, "Yea, we barely just started talking." 

"So like friends?" Vincent asked. 

"Yea, if she considers us that." 

"What do you mean?" 

"Well I consider her a friend, if I found out she didn't see us as friends then, are we really friends? You know?" 

Vincent nodded, he knew Rody just wanted to be friends with her, but deep down he wanted to ask if he liked her in a different way. He felt his heart drop at the sudden thought of Rody liking someone else, and he didn't know why. He shouldn't feel like this, if Rody wanted to like someone then he can. 

Even if it breaks Vincent's heart..

"Anyway, I finished the dishes." Rody spoke up, putting away the last dish, before taking his gloves off.

"Looks like your finish for the day." Vincent commented. 

"Yup seems like I am." Rody said, looking around to see if he needed something else, but came to the conclusion that he was fully finish with work. 

"I'll walk you to the door." Vincent said, leading towards the kitchen door. 

"Alright." Rody replied, following along. 

As they walked to the bistro's door, Vincent felt Rody's hand brush against his, making him feel warm inside again. Before even making it to the door, Vincent and Rody interlocked their pinkies together. They walked in silence until they were at the door. Rody looked at Vincent and smiled, making Vincent slightly flush up. 

"I'll see you tomorrow, Vince." Rody said, let go of Vincent.

"See you tomorrow, Rody." Vincent said, taking his hand back. 

Rody looked at Vincent once more before getting on his bike and riding off. Not one of them commented on why they held hands and maybe Vincent was grateful for that because he wouldn't know what to say if Rody did speak up on that. He just knew that he wanted so desperately to have his hand back with Rody's. 

And he doesn't understand why....What is this feeling he has and why is it only towards Rody?

Chapter Text

Vincent sighed, he should probably close, since questioning his feelings will probably send him into a rabbit hole. So he locks up the bistro's door, before turning the lights off, checking around once more, before finally heading up stairs to his home. He unlocked the door and entered his silent home. 

He turned on the light, the warmth lighting blooming throughout the whole living room. Vincent walked into the kitchen, turned on the light, before heading towards his fridge. He opened it up, and took a look inside before deciding on making a smoothie. So he grabbed blueberries and strawberries, before getting a banana.

He closed his fridge, before putting the ingredients down on the counter. He opened up a cabinet, to get out his blender. As he connected his blender, he started to take out some blueberries and strawberries to put in the blender. And before adding the banana, he cut it up into pieces so it could be easier to blend. 

Once the ingredients were all in, he went back to his fridge and pulled out the milk, before pouring some in the blender, and putting it back into the fridge, along with the leftover berries. He closed up the blender and turned it on, the loudness of the blender filling in the silence. 

Even though Vincent doesn't wanna eat, his body still needs the nutrients so making this smoothie will have to do. He waited for a minute or so, before stopping the blender. He shook the blender a bit to get everything even, before removing the lid. He got a cup before pouring the smoothie inside. 

He put the blender in the sink, and went back to the living room, with his smoothie. He sat down on the couch, before sipping on the smoothie. He knows he shouldn't be surprised when there isn't any taste to it, but he still has hope sometimes. 

Vincent sits in silence as he drinks on his smoothie. But as he began to finish up his drink, he started to rethink about what occurred earlier today. Especially the hand holding between him and Rody. He puts his cup down, leaning back against his couch, as he begins to think to himself. 

Gosh the hand holding between them felt amazing, but he must admit, it felt like they were more than friends at the moment. He felt his face warm up, at the thought of that. But he shouldn't think that, they are just friends, that's it. Vincent felt a little hesitant on just admitting they are friends and nothing more. 

He doesn't understand why he feels hesitant, it's the truth after all. And he can totally accept that. Vincent looks down on the hand that held Rody's, before squeezing his hand, and turning away. They're just friends...even if he wishes for more without knowing why..

Vincent sighed, he should go to bed. 

He turns off the lights from the living room, before taking the cup and heading to sleep for the night. 

                                                  ****

It's been a few days since then, and Vincent hasn't fully forgotten about that day. Each night he remembers the way Rody smiled at him, and blushes up at the image that pops up in his mind, making him question why he's even blushing from the start. 

And sometimes Vincent looks down at his hand and still feels the lingering warmth he had when holding Rody's hand. 

But other than that, everything else has been normal. Vincent would do his paperwork, then get out of his office to check on his workers, before taking a smoke, and conversing in a conversation with Rody. And then after all that, he would somewhat question these random feelings. 

That was just how it's been the past few days. That was until today. Vincent would head into work, do his paperwork for the day before leaving his office and checking on his workers. It should be around the afternoon already so he went and took his smoke break.

Vincent went outside, leaned against the wall, before lighting up a cigarette and inhaling it. He looked up to the sky, seeing all the clouds slowly move around. He always felt calm when it came to looking up in the sky. As he continued smoking, somebody else came out. 

He turned his head, and was met with Rody. He inhaled his cigarette once more before dropping it to the ground and crushing it, "Do you need something, Lamoree?" 

Rody slightly chuckles, "Um, somebody asked for you." 

Vincent raised a brow, "Somebody asked for me?" 

"Yea." 

"What did you do?" Vincent asked, in a threatening tone.

"I-i did nothing!" Rody stammered out. 

Vincent just shook his head, "Right, lead the way to the person that wants to see me." 

Rody nodded in reply, opening up the door for Vincent. They walked through the kitchen and to the dining room. As they entered, Vincent looked around to see if he knew the person asking for him. But before he can do that, Rody spoke up, "He's right there." 

Vincent turned his head, and immediately felt his breath hitch. His eyes slightly widened, eyebrows furrowed. What is he doing here? He felt Rody's stare on him, making him turn his head. He turned to see Rody with a concerned face, making him calm himself down. 

"Well, lead me to their table." Vincent spoke up. 

"Before we do that, are you okay?" Rody asked. 

"Yes, now show me the table." Vincent said, rushing. 

"Say you're okay." 

"What?" 

"If you're okay then say i'm okay." 

"I-i'm okay." 

Rody stared at him for a few moments before softly smiling, making Vincent's heart skip a beat. Rody took Vincent to the table, and Vincent tried his best not to show anything other than professionalism. He walked up to the table with Rody before clasping his hands together and giving his best service smile. 

"You asked for me, sir?"

Vincent watched as he looked him up and down, before sickeningly smiling at him, "You changed." 

Vincent was gonna reply before realizing Rody was next to him, so he turned his head towards Rody, and muttered to him, "Go check on your other tables, i'll call you if I need help." 

Vincent saw Rody hesitant at first but still nodded, "You got it, Chef." 

And like that Rody walked away. Vincent sighed, before turning back to him. He was still sickeningly smiling at him, making Vincent wanna walk away, but instead he kept reminding himself he needed to be professional. So he asked once more, "You asked for me?" 

"Yea I did." 

"So what do you need help with, sir?" Vincent asked, a little annoyed now. 

"Well I don't really need help, I just wanted to chat with you."

Vincent sighed, dropping his service smile, "What do you want, Charles." 

"Wow, what a way to talk to a customer." 

"You are no customer, you're just here to annoy me." 

"Hm, you may be right. Or maybe i'm here to ask something." 

Vincent furrowed his brows, "Ask what?" 

"For you to give me a chance." 

Vincent's eyes slightly widened, as he began to feel anger boil up inside of him, "Pardon me?" 

"You heard me. I want you to give me a chance." 

"Now why would I ever do that?" Vincent said, putting a hand to his hip. 

"Because you changed, I changed. We both changed, especially me. So come on, I can treat you better than I did before." 

Vincent scoffed, crossing his arms, "Yea right, I don't care if you changed. I will never make the same mistake twice." 

"Oh come on, why are you playing hard to get?" Charles asked. 

"I'm not playing hard to get, I'm simply rejecting what you have to say." 

"Come on, remember the good times we had?" 

Memories started to flood through Vincent's head, with it being the both of them. But then he remembered why he doesn't want to accept whatever this man is thinking, "You cheated on me. You treated me like shit. The only good times we had were when we first started dating. So there are no good times to remember." 

"Okay fine, I cheated on you. But it was only once!" 

"Once a cheater, always a cheater." 

"Don't be like that, baby." 

Vincent visibly cringed at the name, his anger just rising, "Don't ever call me that." 

"Why not? You always used to love it." 

"That was me before, when I didn't know who you really were." 

"Give me a chance, I promise i'm a changed man. Come on baby, don't you still feel a spark between us?" Charles said, reaching out his hand interlocking it with Vincent's 

Vincent pulled his hand back, taking a step back, before loudly saying, "Don't touch me." 

He immediately found Rody by his side, when he said that. Vincent's eyes widened, realizing that he might've caused a scene. He looked over to Rody, and found him staring at him with full concern. Before he could speak, Rody beat him to it, "Are you okay?" 

"I-i.." 

Vincent watched as Rody glared over at Charles, his eyebrows furrowing, "What did you do, sir?" 

"Me? I did nothing, I was just simply talking to your boss." 

"Doesn't seem like it, you did something to startle my boss." 

"I'll say it again, I did nothing." 

"And i'll say it again, you did something." 

Charles scoffed, "Why are you even this defensive? Are you his boyfriend or what?" 

Vincent felt his face warm up, at the question. He looked over to see Rody turn red in the face as well, but still kept glaring at the guy. Then all of a sudden he felt a hand connect with his. He looked down to see Rody holding his hand. He looked up to Rody and raised a brow at the action but kept quiet. 

"And if he was my boyfriend, then what? You gonna do something about it?" Rody spoke up. 

Vincent almost lost his breath, when he heard Rody say that. He looked over at Charles, and saw how angry he was, making Vincent feel a little better. Vincent felt his heart beating as he rethought what Rody said. And he was a little shocked at how much confidence was in Rody's voice when he said that. 

Vincent found himself liking the confidence in Rody's voice, when he said he was his boyfriend. 

"You know what I think I need to catch up on some stuff, i'm gonna head out." 

Vincent quickly released himself from Rody's grasp and rushed outside to take a breathe. As he quickly opened the door to the back, he found himself holding his chest tight, as he took deep breaths, looking up at the sky. What just happened?

He can't believe his ex came to his workplace to ask him for another chance, especially after all the shit he put him through. Out of all the people it had to be him. But gosh, he did not expect Rody to say he was his boyfriend. He felt the anger disappear as he began to blush up, feeling his heart race. 

What is this feeling? He feels so..happy that Rody protected him in front of Charles, and saying he was his boyfriend was just the cherry on top. He doesn't understand why he feels like this, thinking about this. It just makes him wanna spin around and giggle, how weird. 

He hasn't felt like this in awhile, and gosh does it feel kinda good. Vincent sighed, focusing his attention towards the sky. What is this feeling, and why does it feel so good, so natural..He wishes he understood. 

Gosh he feels so many feelings at once, it's making him overstimulated. He feels happy but then he feels angry, its all so confusing. Why is this happening? His breathing starts to get faster. He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to calm down. What is this feeling? Why is all his emotions out? What's going on-

His thought of train was quickly interrupted by someone coming out. He turned and saw Rody, with that same concern he had in his face a few minutes ago. Before Vincent could speak up, he got interrupted by Rody, "Are you okay?" 

Vincent gulped down all the feelings he had, before answering, "I'm fine." 

Rody stared at him for a moment, before sighing, "No, you're not fine, are you?" 

Vincent's eyes widened, tears starting to form. Nobody ever saw him through, nobody ever cared enough too...Vincent broke down in tears, running to Rody, as he brought him into an embrace. Vincent would never let himself get this vulnerable, but he couldn't keep it in anymore. 

He hasn't cried in a while, so boy did he cry. He covered his face into Rody chest, as he cried. Broken sobs, and muttering. He felt Rody wrapped his arms around him, feeling the firmness in his hand. Sometimes he forgets how strong Rody is, due to him not even being able to hurt a fly.

It's a good reminder sometimes. 

Broken sobs just kept coming out of Vincent, one after the other. He never once let himself fully let himself cry like this, he was never really allowed too. It was shown as weak to others, but crying to Rody makes him feel safe, he doesn't feel weak for the first time. 

Through broken stutters, Vincent spoke up, "W-why do I f-feel everything all at o-once..?" 

"Sometimes that happens, and we don't know why.." Rody softly replied. 

"I-i don't wanna feel l-like this, Rody.." 

"I know, but trust me it will pass on." 

Vincent just continued to cry, and Rody was there to calm him down. Rody drew little circles and hearts on Vincent's back, in hopes it will calm him down. And it worked, Vincent tears soon stopped, and now here he was holding onto Rody, as he drew random things on his bike. 

It all felt so relaxing. Feeling Rody's warmth, hearing his heartbeat, it was like he completed a piece of him and he doesn't understand why...its okay though, he knows he'll understand soon. 

Just as he finally calmed down, he started to feel panic through him. He totally forgot they were still at work. He took Rody away from his job, the customers..Vincent released himself from Rody's embrace, and looked at him in panic, "I-i took you away from your job. The customer! T-they might'v-" 

"Everything is taken care of, Vince. Just breath, I don't want you going through another breakdown." 

Vincent did what he was told, he took deep breaths again, before he was finally calm. Vincent closed his eyes, before taking one last breath and opening his eyes again. He opened his eyes to see Rody softly smiling again, and for once Vincent slightly smiled back. 

"Are you okay?" Rody spoke up. 

"Yea, i'm okay." Vincent replied. 

"I know the timing is bad but do you want to talk about that costumer? Was he someone you knew?" 

"I-he was my..ex." Vincent muttered. 

"You have an ex!? I-i mean, that's..shocking to say the least." 

"Yea, I suppose it is shocking." 

"May I ask, why did you guys break up?" 

"He wasn't always the best. I mean the first few weeks in dating, he was sweet but after a while it became exhausting dating him. He never wanted to hang out like we used to and the only time he did wanna hang out, it would only happen so he could..use my body. I always rejected him into getting into anything more than kissing, I told him I wasn't ready, so he ended up cheating." Vincent explained. 

"Oh Vince, you didn't deserve that." 

"...Yea, I guess you're right on that." 

"So why did he come back?" 

"He came back to ask if I could give him another chance. He said he changed, but I don't believe that. And I moved on a long time ago." 

"I'm glad you did." 

"Me too.." 

Vincent felt his face warm up, his heart beating fast. This feeling feels so familiar, and he can't figure out what it is. He looks at and Rody and Rody softly smiles at him, resulting in him slightly smiling back, butterflies swarming his stomach. He wonders why he feels this..or what it is.

And why does this feeling feel so familiar..?

Chapter Text

The sun rose through the curtains, hitting Vincent straight in the face. Vincent groaned at the sudden light hitting him, making him turn around where there wasn't light. He felt himself relaxing once more, snuggling deeper in his sheets, sighing softly at the warmth.

And just as he was about to go back to his slumber, he was hit with the realization that the sun shouldn't be up. Immediately Vincent opened his eyes, lifting his upper body up. He turned his head towards his clock, reading the time on it. It read...6:51! Panic rose in Vincent, he was late!

Everybody must be already waiting for him!

"Shit!" Vincent muttered.

Vincent quickly rushed out of bed, running towards his closet and pulling his work clothes out. He got himself changed, before throwing his sleep attire on his bed. He rushed towards the bathroom before pulling out his toothbrush and toothpaste. Quickly, he put tooth paste on his brush before brushing his teeth.

As Vincent brushed his teeth, he fixed up his hair, pouring some water before putting gel and brushing through, making it look as good as it can. After that he put some water in his mouth before spitting it out. He wiped his mouth before leaving the bathroom. He rushed through the kitchen and towards the living room.

He quickly put his shoes on before grabbing his keys. But as he was about to leave, he felt everything get blurry. He turned back, quickly getting his glasses and leaving his home, not bothering to lock the door. As he rushed down the stairs, he put his glasses on.

He quickly ran through the bistro before making it to the entrance. He quickly noticed all the cooks out there, so he opened up the door. But before letting them enter, he spoke up, "I truly apologize for my late absence, I seem to have not set my alarm last night. So, I need you guys to get things started, fast."

All the cooks nodded in agreement, and Vincent moved aside. As the two last cooks walked in, he saw Rody ride by, before parking his bike. Rody nodded at him, trying to walk past him, but Vincent stopped him, pressing a finger to his chest. Rody stopped in his tracks, looking at Vincent, before furrowing his brow, and awkwardly smiling.

"Why are you late? You usually come in early." Vincent asked.

"I had a nice dream..for once, and accidentally slept in. And why are you questioning me? You were late as well." Rody pointed out.

Vincent just rolled his eyes, "Just get started on your shift."

"Um, before I do that, why are you wearing your glasses? I thought you hated wearing them."

Vincent scoffed, "I do hate wearing them. And I'm not wearing my glasses."

"Yea you are, look." Rody said, reaching for Vincent's glasses before taking them off, and showing it to Vincent.

Vincent was a little taken back, seeing that Rody was right. Vincent sighed, he must've not noticed he got them when he rushed out of his home. He needs to go back up and put his contacts on, because he is not gonna be around work wearing glasses.

"I guess I didn't realize I picked them up. I'm gonna head back up and put my contacts on, I trust you to keep everything calm."

"You got it, Boss! Oh but before you go, let me.." Rody put Vincent glasses on and smiled, making Vincent's heart skip a beat, "There we are! Looking amazing with them already!"

Vincent just shook his head, turning away and walking off, ignoring the fact that his face warmed up at Rody's comment. Vincent walked back up the stairs and to his home. Just as he was gonna unlock it, he realized the door was already unlocked. He must've forgotten to lock the door too.

Vincent walked through his home before making it to his bedroom. He walked in to see his sleep attire on his bed, messily scattered. Vincent shook his head, how can he be this messy? He walked up to his bed before picking up the clothes and neatly folding it.

He placed the neatly folded clothes on the edge of the bed, before going up to his nightstand. He picked up the contacts before opening up the drawer and pulling out a little mirror. He opened his contact case up and carefully got one of his contacts before putting it in his eye, blinking a few times to adjust.

As Vincent put the other contact on, he started to think to himself. He still can't believe he overslept, he shouldn't have let himself do that. And he wouldn't have, but he supposes that he is losing some of his sleep. He can't help it that his sleep is getting taken away by these thoughts that won't stop.

It's been two days now. He could be getting ready to finally sleep and all of a sudden he gets hit with the memory that Rody said he was his boyfriend, and then get these feelings about it, before questioning what these feelings are and its just becomes this whole thing, making him somewhat stay up.

He literally stares at the ceiling at night as he thinks about what this feeling he has is and why it's only towards Rody. And he swears he felt this feeling before, because it feels so familiar. He just doesn't know what it is yet, he'll figure it out sooner or later anyways.

Vincent blinks a few times, getting himself adjusted to the contacts. He closes the contact case before putting the little mirror away. He looks towards the clock, it read 7:11. He should probably get back to work now. So Vincent left his room before heading to the kitchen.

Before he left the kitchen, he grabbed a granola bar before leaving the kitchen. He went inside the living room, before taking one last look and finally leaving his home, locking the door behind him. He walked down the stairs and to the bistro.

He walked inside the kitchen and noticed all the cooks working on meals. He would've walked inside his office as usual but he walked past his office and to the dining room. He walked in to see Rody serving one of the customers. Once he saw Rody going to the window to retrieve one of the meals, Vincent walked up to him.

Before Rody could pick up the meals, Vincent stopped him by pushing the granola to his chest. Vincent saw as Rody raised a brow at him, probably questioning why he was handing over the little treat. So Vincent spoke up, "Take it."

"Um, okay." Rody replied, taking the treat and putting it in his waist apron, before speaking up once more, "Why are you giving me this?"

"Because we both woke up late, and I usually make you something. So i'm giving you this so you could at least have something in your stomach." Vincent said.

"Aw, I knew you cared about me!" Rody commented, brightly smiling.

Vincent turned away from Rody, face warming up, "Shut up."

Rody laughed in response, making Vincent's face feel even warmer from embarrassment. Rody calmed down, and took the plate from the window, before looking at Vincent's face and smirking, "Wow, look at you, didn't know you could get this red."

Vincent rolled his eyes, trying to get himself to calm down, "Just get back to work, Lamoree."

"Aw don't be embarrassed, I think this look suits you." Rody said, in a flirtatious tone, before winking at Vincent and walking away.

Vincent was a little taken back, his heart starting to race. He quickly left the dining room and went straight to his office, closing the door behind him. Vincent leaned against the door, taking a breath he didn't even know he was holding. What the fuck just happened?

Vincent put a hand to his heart, gosh it felt like it was going 100 beats per second. Why is he feeling like this? He never react like this before, especially not this bad. Vincent sighed, trying to calm himself down. Why does he feel like this when it comes to him?

Nobody else makes him feel like this, it's just him that does...

Vincent got off from the door, and headed towards his desk, sitting straight down and pulling out paperwork. He should stop thinking and get to work..

                                                  ****

Vincent finally got finished with his paperwork, he neatly stacked it before pushing it to the side. He leaned back into his chair, stretching out his arms before looking over at the clock. It read, 3:05. He should probably check on his workers since he's been in his office since 7:00.

Vincent got up from his chair before exiting his office. He walked into the kitchen and quickly noticed Rody talking to Chevrolet. He cleared his throat to get both of their attention.

Which ended up working since both looked at him before moving away from each other. Chevrolet went back to working and Rody just stood there, awkwardly smiling at him.

Vincent furrowed his brows, and crossed his arms, "Shouldn't you be working as well, Lamoree?"

"I-i would be working, don't get me wrong, but there's not much people so.." Rody replied.

"I don't care if there's not much people, you should still be supervising over them, even if it's just one person. You shouldn't be here talking to the cooks, especially when there working."

Rody gave an apologetic smile to Vincent, making his heart skip a beat, "I'm sorry, Boss. I never meant to be such an interruption. I'll get back to work now.."

"I..Your not an interruption Rody, I just can't have the cooks getting distracted. They might mess up an order and I can't have that happening." Vincent replied.

"I totally understand Vince! I'll get back to work now." Rody said, giving Vincent a little smile.

Vincent gave a little nod at Rody before watching Rody walk off into the dining room. Vincent walked to the corner he was always in and looked over at his cooks. As he supervised them, he started to think to himself once more.

Vincent couldn't help but feel like he just turn down a dog when he told Rody to go back to work. Especially when he said he was an interruption, which he clearly isn't. He's just a person who likes to talk a lot especially to others.

There's nothing wrong with that.

It's quite sweet that Rody does that, now that he thinks about it. He takes time out of his day to talk to people even if he's busy. Rody is truly a good man who deserves everything he desires. If Vincent could he would give Rody everything he wants, no matter what it is...

Vincent felt his face warm up as he realized what he just thought. He felt butterflies in his stomach, as his heart raced. He should really stop thinking and actually pay attention to his cooks. So he took a breath, before starting to supervise his cooks.

As Vincent watched their swift moves on how they cooked, he couldn't help but go back to his thought. He can't believe he actually thought that. And he couldn't believe he actually meant it. He doesn't know why he means it but he just does.

Vincent took a breath in and out, he's gonna take a quick smoke break to get out of his thoughts. So he went outside and leaned against the wall. He took out a cigarette and lit it before inhaling it in.

As he smoked, he couldn't help but get these thought that formed to his head that were about Rody. There were about his disheveled auburn hair, his dumb green eyes, his stupid smile...

Vincent inhaled a little deeper this time, keeping the smoke in before exhaling. He should really stop thinking about him..But he can't for some stupid reason. This man always find his way back into his head, it's awfully annoying..

Vincent inhaled once more before crushing his cigarette into the wall and dropping it to the ground. He looked up to the sky, watching all the clouds as they slowly moved. He doesn't understand why of all people Rody comes back to his mind. He doesn't understand the feeling the forms inside him whenever he gets to close to Rody.

He doesn't understand how this feeling is familiar. But he swears he felt it before, but he doesn't know where or when he felt it, he just did..

Vincent sighed, he should get back to work now. So he went back inside to the bistro. As he entered the kitchen, he saw his cooks working, as they should be. He walked back to the little corner he is always in and decided to supervise them.

As he supervised them, he couldn't help but turn his attention to the window where he saw Rody talking to a costumer. He had this stupid smile on his face, but Vincent could tell there was something else. There was something in his eyes as he spoke to the costumer.

Vincent raised a brow to this, did Rody and the costumer have a connection of some sorts? Rody looked at her way differently then he looked at Chevrolet or him. As Vincent thought to himself on what they could be, he noticed how the girl gently touched Rody's arm as she laughed.

Vincent felt repulsed as she did that. He stared at her up and down, feeling more disgusted by her. He hated how she rubbed his arm as she laughed. What was so funny she needed to rub his arm? She could laugh but touching was just going to the extreme.

It look like Rody didn't mind as she rubbed his arm. Vincent felt his blood boil when he saw her look at Rody with something in her eyes. It looked like the look of..love.

Vincent immediately felt jealousy burst through him as he thought that. They..she can't love him!...Are they together? Vincent felt his heart shatter at the thought of Rody already being in love with someone. The jealousy rose in Vincent as Rody smiled down at her.

...

Wait..Jealousy?

Vincent stopped in his tracks as he started to realize what he was feeling. He shouldn't feel jealousy.. right? Rody could love whoever he wants, and he shouldn't feel anything about it..but he couldn't help but wants it to be him that Rody falls in love with...

Vincent eyes widened, his face burning, as his heart started to race. Vincent finally realized what the feeling was..it was love. That meant..Vincent fell in love with Rody. Vincent breath hitched, he likes Rody.

...

He needs some fresh air.

Vincent walked away from the corner he always stands in and pushed the door that lead to the back open. Vincent quickly leaned against the wall, looking up at the sky as he took deep breaths. He can't believe it. He likes Rody. That explains the feelings he's been dealing with.

He should probably be more freaked out but he just can't help but feel like everything has just been solved. If he was an actual responsible boss he would not accept the feeling he has towards his waiter, but what's a little feeling gonna to do? He doesn't mind pursuing the feeling.

He likes Rody, his waiter. Who would've guessed?

Vincent looked up to the sky, looking at the clouds slowly go away. As he analyzed the clouds in silence, he heard the door open. He turned his head and saw Rody with the trash. He couldn't help but feel his face blush up.

Rody turned around and gave him a smile, "Hey, I didn't expect to see you. I thought you were in your office."

"Well I've been here so."

"Hm, well I'm gonna head back i-"

"Who was that girl?" Vincent blurted out, interrupting Rody.

"I-what girl?"

"I noticed you talking to someone, and I couldn't help but see there was something between y'all."

"..Oh! The girl I was talking to was somebody I liked in college. She rejected me but I guess she finally found feelings for me." Rody explained.

"She asked you out?" Vincent asked.

"Yea but I rejected her since I don't have feelings for her." Rody said, shrugging.

Vincent softly sighed in relief, "I would've guessed you had feelings for her."

"Nah, I like someone else." Rody said.

"Who?" Vincent quickly asked.

Vincent noticed Rody panicked for a moment, before he spoke up, "I like.."

Rody stared at him for a moment, making Vincent raise a brow at him, "You like..?"

"Uh...nobody! I like nobody." Rody said.

Vincent knew he was lying but he didn't wanna push him so he accepted the answer, "Okay."

Rody nodded in response, "Well we should head back now."

"Yes I suppose, but before we do that, what time is it?"

Rody looked down at his watch, before looking back up to Vincent, "It's time for closing."

"Go close up then."

"You got it, Boss!"

Rody went back inside and Vincent was right behind him. Vincent walked back to his corner and looked to see the cooks already packing up. He watched as each one of them left, leaving only him and Rody.

Vincent walked into the dining room and saw Rody wiping down the last table. He cleared his throat, signaling to Rody that he was there. Rody looked up at him and gave him a smile, and Vincent felt his heart skip a beat.

"Hey Vince, I'm just finishing up with this table and I'm good to go."

"Okay."

Rody wiped the table once more before he put the rag away. Rody walked up to Vincent and gave him a thumbs up, "Now I'm done!"

"I'll walk you to the door." Vincent said.

"Oh the little treat you gave me tasted amazing! Thanks for it!"

Vincent felt his face warm up, "I'm gla-"

"Vincent?"

Vincent slowly turned his head at the voice that called him. He turned to see his ex. He felt disgusted grow on him as he looked at Charles. He sighed, "What do you want now?"

"Oh don't be like that. I'm here to ask for a chance again."

"I thought I told you I don't want you anymore."

"Oh come on, your single, I'm single, your changed, I'm changed, we are perfect for each other."

"First off your for sure did not change and second off I'm..not single."

"Your not single?"

"No."

Charles scoffed, "Okay then where is your boyfriend?"

Vincent turned to Rody and without thinking said, "Right here. Don't you remember?"

"I-he's actually your boyfriend?"

"Yup."

"I..don't believe you."

"What?"

"I don't believe you. Do something to prove your actually dating him."

"Fine."

Vincent wrapped an arm around Rody's shoulder, before bringing him down and kissing his cheek. Vincent pulled away from Rody's face but still kept his arm around his shoulder. Before he spoke up he felt an arm wrap around his waist. He felt his face warm up as he felt the grip tightened.

"Is that enough proof?"

"..I guess I'll leave you alone."

And like that Charles went away. Vincent removed his arm from Rody's shoulder, but Rody still kept his arm around his waist. Vincent blushed, he cleared his throat and Rody quickly removed his arm.

"Sorry."

"It's fine.."

Both Vincent and Rody's face were red due to what just happened. Vincent can't believe he just gave Rody a kiss to the cheek. He knew he didn't need to prove it anything but he still enjoyed doing it..

"Well I should head home.." Rody spoke up.

"Yea, I'll see you tomorrow. Drive safe."

Rody nodded and smiled at him once more before getting on his bike and riding off. Vincent watched Rody as he drove off to the distance. Vincent smiled to himself, he just might be lovesick. But he's okay with that..

Chapter Text

                                                   ~Click~ 

The warm lighting quickly bloomed through the living room as Rody switched the light on. He took his hand off the light switch before bending down and taking his shoes off.

He paired them together before moving it aside and walking away. He walked by his couch and went to his bathroom. He opened the door and switched the light on before looking in the mirror.

Rody stared at himself for a moment before realizing his hair was starting to grow out. He brought a hand to his hair before pulling it to see how much longer it has gotten.

He looked to see it wasn't that grown out but it was getting there. He probably should cut it but he doesn't want to. He kinda likes this look on him...Maybe Vincent will too..

Rody looked down as he blushed at the image of Vincent complementing his hair. He looked back at the mirror and noticed how red he was.

Wow, he didn't know Vincent had this much of an effect on him.

...

Well he does know since he thinks about this guy everyday to every hour of every minute to every second. But can you blame him? Who can resist a guy like Vincent?

He's fine looking, he has the most perfect body, his hair is always neat, his skin is perfect, his eyes are a nice shade of black, his real smile is adorable, and don't even get him started on how soft his lips were when they kissed his cheek.

He wonders how his lips would feel against his..Rody felt his face burning at the image of Vincent kissing him. His hand would be on his cheek as he kisses him, and Rody's arms would connect with his waist as they start to take this further..

He could just imagine how Vincent would look under him..

Rody's eyes widened, his face feeing like it's on fire. He really shouldn't be thinking about Vincent like that. But he can't help but just imagine how wonderfully Vincent will feel against him..

Rody sighed, that's it he's going to bed. Rody turned off the bathroom light before walking out and going to his couch. He got some random clothes and took his uniform off before changing into some sweatpants and a shirt.

He walked up to the microwave and pressed a button to switch the light on before going to his other light switch and turning the light off. He walked to his couch before falling onto it. He brought a his blanket over him as he put an arm over his eyes.

After a few moments Rody fell into exhaustion and soon fell asleep, his dreams all being about Vincent..

                                                    ~~~~

Rody slowly opened his eyes, before fully having them opened. He raised his upper body before stretching. He looked over to his clock and saw it was 5:35. He should start getting ready for work.

Rody took his blanket off his legs before throwing his legs off the couch and on the floor. He stood up and walked over to the light switch and turning it on, the bright warm light quickly bloomed through the house.

Rody walked back to his couch and picked up his uniform before getting himself changed. He put on his pants, then his white undershirt, before buttoning up his vest and tying up his waist apron.

He threw the clothes he wore to sleep to the couch before walking over to the bathroom. He turned the light on before going to his sink.

He got his tooth brush and some toothpaste before starting to brush his teeth. He brushed got a.good 5 minutes before spitting out some leftover toothpaste and rinsing his mouth. He wiped his mouth before moving onto his hair.

He got some gel and fluffed up his hair before calling it a day. He looked in the mirror one more time before turning off the light and walking out. He grabbed his watch before putting it on and going over to his shoes.

He bent down and quickly put his shoes on before standing tall again. He looked at his watch and saw it was 5:56. He should start heading out now. He picked up his bike and got his keys before turning off the light and leaving his home, locking the door behind him.

He walked down the stairs before going on his bike and riding too work. The ride was short but it felt nice since the fresh air kept hitting him. He quickly arrived to his work place due to there being no cars and parked his bike before walking to the door. 

He looked down at his watch one more time to see it was 6:07. He opened up the bistro's door and quickly got a sniff of some food. He smiled, Vincent was making him something. 

He walked over to the kitchen window and saw Vincent focus on the meal is was making. Rody softly sighed, he loved to see Vincent all focus when he cooks a meal. He looks so adorable each time..

Rody face felt warm at the sudden thought. He shook his head before stepping inside the kitchen. As soon as he walked in Vincent turned his head. Rody waved at him, "Hey Vince!"

"Hi Rody." Vincent replied.

"Whatcha doing?" Rody said, stepping closer to Vincent, with his hands behind his back. 

"Making your meal, I don't want you to go starving."

"Aw, I love to know you care!" 

Rody looked to see Vincent's face turning red, as he slightly turned from him. He always looked so cute when he gets flustered..

"Shut up, before I throw this in the trash and you do end up starving." Vincent threat was empty since Rody knew he didn't mean it.

"Yea, sure you will."

Vincent just rolled his eyes at Rody's response but still has some redness on his face. Rody saw as Vincent turned off the stove and went to grab a plate before putting the food on it.

He then gave to to Rody, "Here."

"Aw thanks Vince! But can I get a fork or something? So I can actually eat this you know. Can't let a good meal go to waste, especially if it was made by you."

Vincent turned more redder as soon as Rody said that. Rody smirked at Vincent's reaction, before watching him get a fork and putting it on the plate. 

"Here now shut up." Vincent said.

"Will do." Rody responded before diving in on the food.

As Rody ate his food, Vincent watched him. Rody could feel his stare but he couldn't care at all. He quite actually likes it. Vincents attention is on him and him only..

Rody finished up the meal and moved the plate aside before sighing, "That was absolutely delicious! Thank you Vince."

"Your welcome. And by the way your a very messy eater." Vincent said.

Rody saw as Vincent grabbed a napkin and brought it beside his lips before wiping it, "You have crumbs all over your mouth."

Rody felt his face warm up, Vincent was extremely close to him. He couldn't help but just want to lean it and feel how soft Vincent lips are. Rody felt his face turn warmer at the thought before quickly shutting his eyes. 

"All done, now you look presentab-..Are you okay?"

Rody took a breath before opening his eyes and looking down at Vincent. He looked to see Vincent with a confused expression. So he awkwardly smiled at him, "Sorry, I'm okay."

"..If you say so. Anyway you should start getting ready for work. Your shift starts in a bit."

"Yea will do, Boss."

Vincent nodded and Rody waved goodbye before stepping out of the kitchen and going inside the dining room. He looked back before looking straight ahead and getting jump scared by someone right there.

Rody yelped at the sudden person in front of him, his hand on his chest. He looked to see it was Amelia and she seemed just fine as she was laughing at him Rody sighed, "That was not funny. You scared me!"

Amelia slowly calmed down, "I'm sorry but that was pretty funny."

"Shut up. Shouldn't you be working anyways?" 

"Okay, but before I do that, I just gotta ask, are you and the Chef dating?"

Rody face warmed up at the question. He stuttered for a moment before replying, "I-..No we're not!"

"Hm doesn't look like that to me but whatever you say." Amelia said, before walking past Rody and stepping in the kitchen.

Rody was stunned for a moment before shaking his head and going to the one of the tables. He looked at his watched and saw it was 6:30. Some of the cooks should be coming in soon.

Rody for a wet cloth and started to wipe down the tables. As he wiped down the tables, he couldn't help but think about what Amelia said. She thought they were dating? 

How dumb...

..Do they act like their dating? He means sure they talk a lot and hang a lot at work but that doesn't mean anything! It just means their good friends even though Rody doesn't want them to be friends..

But if Vincent thinks their just friends then their just friends, final.

...

Rody took a breath, he wishes Vincent saw him more than friends. He so badly wants Vincent to like him as much as he likes him. He wishes they were more than friends..

Rody sighed, he should get started on his shift.

                                                 ****

"Thank you for coming, have a nice day!"

It was now the middle of the day, and Rody had just finished with one of the tables. He looked to see the there weren't many people. Just two tables filled with two people.

Seems like he has some free time, but before that he has to clean the last table. Rody walked over to the table and picked up the plate before heading towards the kitchen.

He walked in and saw the cooks doing nothing. He also noticed that Vincent wasn't standing in the corner he always was in. He put the dishes in the sink but before going to wash he looked over at the trash.

It was pretty full, he better take it out before working on this. He walked over to the trash and picked it up before heading outside. He walked outside and was hit with smoke. Rody coughed before going to the trash can and throwing the trash.

He turned his head and saw Vincent smoking, as usual. He walked up to him at waved, "Hey Vince!"

"Lamoree." Vincent greeted back.

"You smoke way too much." Rody commented.

"I really don't." Vincent said, taking one last breath of his cigarette before crushing it and looking at him.

"Yes you do. Everytime I find you outside your smoking."

"Okay, so?"

"Do you not care?"

"Care for what?"

"That you might die from this?"

"I'm not gonna die from smoking."

"Yes you are!"

"No I'm not."

"..Okay maybe not but it's still a possibility!"

"I guess I'll just have to wait and see."

"..Do you really not care if you die?"

Vincent shrugged, "I don't know, I just..don't really have a reason to be living right now."

"Your bistro?"

"I mean it could die with my legacy for all I care."

"Your parents?"

"I don't..talk to them."

"..Your workers?"

Vincent huffed, "My workers?"

"Y-yea!"

"I mean I don't really know them other than you of course."

"..Would you have a reason to live if it was me then?"

Vincent looked at him for a moment before crossing his arms and looking away, "I guess I do have a reason to live."

Rody widely smiled at Vincent, "Really?"

"Yea..Doesn't mean I'll stop smoking though."

Rody smiled quickly vanish as he sighed, "It was worth a try."

"But..i'll try to not smoke as much."

"You mean that?"

Vincent looked at him and nodded, "I mean that."

Rody softly smiled at Vincent, "Glad to hear. I better get back to work."

Vincent nodded and Rody waved once more before walking back inside. He walked past the cooks and went back to the dining room. The people were still there but the second they saw him they were ready to leave. 

He checked the people out and was left with nobody. He looked down at his watch and saw it was 3:21. It should be getting busy in a bit. But before that happens he should probably clean up these tables. 

So he picked the plates up from each table before going to the kitchen and getting them clean. As he wash the dishes he felt a presence near him so he turned his head and saw Amelia.

"Hey." Rody said, before turning his attention back onto the dishes.

"Hey!" Amelia responded, in that joyful tone of hers.

"You need something?"

"Not really just wanted to chat."

"You do know if Vincent came out right now we would both be in trouble."

"Okay first off, I would be the one to get In trouble, not you. And second of all, he's not even here so it's fine."

Rody sighed, as he finished up with the last dish before putting it away and drying his hands. He leaned against the sink before looking at her, "Okay what do you want to talk about?"

"How are you?"

"I'm fine. You?"

"I'm glad you ask! Okay, so I saw this guy when I was at this store shopping and oh my gosh he was so fine! Like when I tell he's fine, he is fine. And as I was finishing up with my shopping he went up to me and asked me for my number! I of course gave it to him and now we're talking. So I am doing amazing."

"Glad to hear your relationship status changed."

"Yea...But enough about my relationship status, what about yours? Finally have enough courage to ask out Chef?"

Rody face warmed up, "First off, I can ask Vince out whenever I want. Second of all, I'm not asking this man out."

Amelia groaned, "Why not? You guys are perfect for each other!"

Rody faced turned even warmer at Amelia's comment, "Because he only sees me as a friend. Nothing else.."

"Rody you gotta be lying. Chef does not see you as a friend."

Rody raised a brow, "What?"

Amelia sighed, "You can't be that stupid, can you? Don't you see it?"

"See what?"

Now Rody was confused, what was he supposed to see? 

"The love in his eyes! Aren't you the man of love, how do you not noticed that? It so obvious he likes you too!"

Rody huffed, Vincent liking him? Yea right, he would have to be dreaming if Vincent actually liked him back. Love in his eyes, what a lie...Right?

"What are you losers talking about?"

Rody turned his head and saw Charlotte standing there. He hasn't really talked to her in a bit. It's nice to hear from her again though.

"Oh nothing much, just how Rody is dumb enough to not see the love in Vincent's eyes." Amelia comment.

"Hey! I'm not dumb, Vincent doesn't see me as anything, other than a friend." Rody said.

"Oh wow, he is dumb." Charlotte said, agreeing with Amelia.

Rody groaned, "You don't get it! We're just friends! Really good friends."

"Do you even want you guys to be friends?" Charlotte replied.

"I-..."

"Exactly, stop trying to convince yourself when you don't even want to believe that."

"I don't convince myse-"

The bells from the door rang through the dining room to the kitchen, making Rody cut his response. Rody looked back and saw two costumers. He looked back at Charlotte and Amelia and spoke up, "He just sees us as friends, nothing else."

"But you guys don't even act like friends-" Amelia responded.

"Yes we do!" Rody replied, cutting Amelia off and walking away from her and Charlotte.

They are just friends. Vincent doesn't have love in his eyes when he sees him, they just don't see right. If Vincent sees him as a friend than that's what he'll be..

Even if he doesn't like it.

Rody sighed, he should stop thinking and get back to work.

                              ________________________

"Thank you for coming in! Have a good night!"

Rody went to the door and flipped the opened sign to close before walking away. He just finished the last table now all he needs to do is clean and he could head out. 

He went to the table and picked up the plates before heading towards the kitchen. He walked into the kitchen and saw the cooks already packing up. He put the plates into the sink before going to Amelia.

"You heading out already?"

"Yea, the guy I was talking about earlier wants to talk to me at like 8:20 so."

"Oh well good luck on that!"

Amelia put her bag on before smiling, "Thanks! I'll see you tomorrow!" 

"See you tomorrow!" Rody said, waving her goodbye.

As he watched Amelia leave, he felt a hand on his shoulder before seeing Charlotte walk in front of him. He waved once more, "Bye Charlotte!"

"See ya, Rody!" Charlotte spoke back, before leaving the bistro.

The rest of cooks left as well, leaving only Rody and Vincent. Rody turned his attention back on the dishes before turning the sink on and getting started on them. There was only three plates so he finished pretty quickly.

After he dried his hands and went back to the dining room. He got a cloth before wiping down all the tables. Once he finished, he broomed a bit before calling it a day. 

Well it looks like he could finally go home.

Rody better let Vincent know. Rody left the dining room before entering the kitchen and waling to Vincent's office. He knocked a few times before walking in.

He walked into Vincents office and saw Vincent putting away a stack of paper before looking up at him. Rody smiled and waved, "Hey, just wanted to let you know I'm heading out."

Vincent looked at him for a moment before nodding. Rody smiled and waved once more, before turning around. He was about to walk away but was stopped.

"Wait, actually do you wanna come up to my home?"

Rody turned around to face Vincent, as he raised a brow, "What for?"

"I just wanna make you a meal. I feel like you need it." Vincent responded, looking away from Rody.

"I mean sure! If you want!" Rody said, agreeing to Vincent's plan.

"Great. let me just lock up and then we can head up."

Rody nodded and watched as Vincent moved away from his desk to turn off the light before exiting his office. Rody followed behind as Vincent check the place before locking up the bistro.

He turned the lights off from the dining room before walking to the kitchen and checking it once more before turning of the lights and leaving. Rody was behind him for the whole thing, following along.

Vincent unlocked the door to his stairs before opening the door. Both Vincent and Rody entered before walking up the stairs in a comfortable silence.

They made it up to Vincent door, and Vincent unlocked it before opening it up and signaling for Rody to entered. Rody entered, with Vincent behind him. Vincent then closed the door before locking it.

"You can have a seat, I'll be right back." Vincent spoke up.

"Okay." Rody replied.

Vincent nodded before exiting the living room, leaving Rody all by himself. He took a sit like requested and waited. He looked around the room and noticed nothing has changed from the last time he was here.

He looked back at the kitchen door. Vincent must be getting himself changed..Rody can't help but wish he was with him as he got himself changed into something comfortable.

...

Rody face felt warm, he really has to stop with these thoughts! Just imagine how Vincent would react if he knew Rody was thinking these things. He wouldn't wanna be his friend anymore and Rody can't have that happening. He can't lose him.

He won't lose him.

Rody heard the door open, making him forget his thoughts and turn his head. He looked to see Vincent with a black sleeve shirt that fit his upper half, and some gray sweatpants. Vincents hand was on the doorway as he looked at him.

Gosh, this man looked fine.

"You can come to the kitchen if you want, I started making the food already."

"Uh yeah sure!" Rody said, getting up from the couch.

Vincent moved out the way so Rody could come inside. Rody stepped inside the kitchen and was hit with the heavenly smell of food. He sat down on the dining table and he waited.

He saw as Vincent went back to the stove and worked on whatever he was cooking up for him. As he looked at Vincent, he couldn't help but let his eyes wander. He looked down to Vincent waist and couldn't help but just imagine how it would feel to wrap his arms around him.

He would wrap his arms around his waist as he put his head on his shoulder as Vincent would make a meal. He would press soft kisses to his neck as a sign he loves him. And maybe if all goes well he could let his hands wander even further-

Rody's face warmed up, okay he should really stop thinking. Rody shook his head and looked back to see Vincent putting the food on the plate. He got a fork from one of the drawers before putting it on the plate and handing it to Rody. 

Rody looked down at the food and saw It was steak. He looked up at Vincent and smiled, "Thanks!"

"Mhm..Would you like wine?" Vincent asked.

"Uh yeah I would like some!" Rody replied.

Vincent nodded his head before walking over to the cabinet and taking out a bottle of wine. He grabbed a cup before pouring it and walking over to Rody. He put the cup besides Rody's plate before sitting down.

Rody had already dove in on his meal. Vincent watched as Rody ate like a starved man. Which he clearly was. But he doesn't care, at least he's eating some good food. Honestly, he hasn't really eaten a meal during dinner in awhile.

He has money but he guess he's just been tired. It's nice to have someone think of you enough to make you a meal, especially if the person is your crush. Rody finished up the food before chugging it all down with the wine he was given.

Rody sighed, as he relaxed back into the chair, "That was absolutely delicious."

"I'm glad you enjoyed it." Vincent said, getting up and taking the plate and cup from the table and putting it in the sink.

Vincent then grabbed a napkin from a little bag and went back up to Rody. He leaned against Rody's face, making Rody feel warm again. Why was he so closed? Rody wanted to lean back but felt like he was unable to.

Vincent brought a hand to Rody's cheek and wiped his wiped his mouth, "You really have to stop eating messy. You have the steak grease all over your mouth."

Rody didn't say anything back, he couldn't. His face felt extremely warm due to Vincent being so close to him. His mouth practically just an inch away. If he just leaned in he would be able to feel his soft lips again.

Oh how Rody so badly wanted too..

He felt Vincent stop wiping his mouth, making him look down at him. He watched as Vincent stared at his lips before looking up at him, his eyes longing for something that Rody couldn't quite place what. 

Both stared at each other, their faces now red. The air became thick as they looked at each other. They were extremely close, both could practically feel each other's breath. 

The air felt hot, as they looked at each other. Their face were just a few inches apart, if one of them leaned in they would connect, making them kiss. But they didn't.

But both Vincent and Rody would be lying if they said they weren't think of doing it.

Both of their faces felt hot. Vincent looked at Rody with these longing eyes as if he was asking for something. Rody looked back at him with these begging eyes. They looked at each other, waiting for one of them to do something, anything. 

But none of them did, so Vincent spoke up, "Do you wanna stay?"

"I-i mean if you want me too." Rody replied.

Vincent moved back from Rody, and removed his hand from his cheek, "It's pretty late and I don't want you getting injured on the way home. I'd rather you just stay for the night."

"I'm fine with staying here." 

"Great, I'll get you some clothes to rest in. I'll be back." Vincent said, before walking out of the kitchen, leaving Rody all alone.

Rody let out a breath he didn't know he was even holding. What just happened? They were so close, their faces were just mere inches away. Maybe if he had leaned in he would've been able to feel his lips. 

...

Why did Vincent look at him with those longing eyes, like if he wanted something..Rody sighed, what was it that Vincent want?

..Maybe he was thinking the same thing he wa-

The door opened, quickly interrupting Rody's train of thoughts. He turned his head and saw Vincent with a pair of clothes.

"Here." Vincent spoke up, throwing the clothes at Rody. 

Rody catched them, an got up, "Thanks, I'm gonna go change."

Vincent nodded and Rody left the kitchen, going straight to the bathroom. Rody walked in the bathroom before turning the light on and closing the door behind him.

He quickly got changed before folding his work clothes. After, he looked himself in the mirror. He looked tired, but mostly kinda messy. Rody shrugged, it's not like he cares how he looks.

Rody picked up his work clothes and walked out the bathroom, turning off the light on his way out. He went back to the kitchen and saw Vincent putting away a dish. 

"Thanks for the extra clothes, but where do I put these?"

Vincent turned his head before speaking up, "You can put them on the table."

Rody nodded before walking over to the table and putting the clothes down. Vincent walked up to him before talking again, "We can sleep on my bed together. If you want."

Rody face felt warm again, butterflies in his stomach, "I-i wouldn't mind."

"Okay, let's go then."

Rody nodded and Vincent lead them to his bedroom. Vincent opened the door before moving aside for Rody to come in before walking after him, closing the door behind him.

Rody went on the other side of the bed before sitting down. Vincent turned the light on before getting on the bed and getting comfortable. Rody somewhat did the same, but couldn't help but be a little stiff.

Vincent turned off the light before laying down. Both were quiet, until,

"Goodnight, Rody."

...

"Night Vince."

And they both finally rested for the night, leaving everything they did behind...for now.

Chapter Text

Vincent slowly felt himself waking up. He opened his eyes for a quick second before closing them back up and cuddling back into some random warmth he felt.

He feels so tired due to the warmth he's been given right now. He really wants to stay in this warmth forever instead of getting ready for the day.

..But he should probably get up now.

Vincent forced himself to try and get up, but was quickly stopped by something holding him tighter on the waist. Vincent opened his eyes and raised a brow.

Who is holding him?

Vincent looked down and saw Rody asleep as he cuddled into him. Rody's head was somewhat on his chest, while his arms were around his waist.

Vincent felt his face go warm, he totally forgot Rody stayed over. What even happened last night?...Vincent eyes slightly widened as his face burned up as he remembered what happened.

...

They almost kissed.

Vincent face feels like it's on fire as he remembers how close he was to Rody's face. If he had just leaned in, he would've been finally making his dream come true.

..But he wanted him to lean in. 

He thought maybe he likes him back, but he could just be wrong. Vincent sighed at the thought of Rody not liking him back.

He hopes he's not wrong, because if he is he wouldn't really know how to deal with that..

Vincent took a breath before looking down at the sleeping body cuddling him. He softly smiled, before bringing a hand to Rody's hair and softly combing through it. 

He looks so calm..

Vincent brushed through Rody's hair, making a soft sigh come from Rody as he leaned into the touch. Vincent almost made an aw sound by the reaction Rody gave him.

Vincent didn't wanna get up now with Rody holding him and being so cute. But he needs to get ready for the day and make this guys food before they go to work.

So Vincent slowly escaped Rody's grasp, before making sure he didn't wake up. Vincent looked down and could tell that Rody knew nobody was there anymore.

So Vincent brought a hand to Rody's hair once more before combing through it to make sure Rody's was sound asleep again. He combed through it before bringing his hand to Rody's cheek, and softly stroking it with his thumb.

Rody snuggled into the touch, making Vincent sit down on the bed as he looked down at him. God, this man is gonna be the end of him. He looks so adorable when he sleeps..

Without thinking, Vincent leaned down and brought a soft kiss to Rody's forehead before pulling away. He should probably start getting ready for the day now.

Vincent took his hand back from Rody's cheek before getting up from the bed. He looked at Rody once more before softly sighing, "Rest, mon cheri.."

Vincent looked away from Rody before walking out of the bedroom, closing the door behind him. Now he could get ready for the day.

                                                    ****

Rody slowly opened his eyes, before lifting his upper body up and stretching. He looked around and noticed this wasn't his living room. He raised a brow, where is he?

...

Oh he's at Vincent's house! How could he forget? What even happened last night?.. Rody's face immediately burned up, as he began to remember the events that happened yesterday. They almost kissed.

God, how could he forget that..?

If he just leaned in he would've finally felt Vincents soft lips..But he was afraid. What if Vincent doesn't like him back? Just imagine his reaction if he did kiss him, he would've never want to talk to him again.

...

Right..? He means Vincent was the one that leaned in first, but it was just to clean his face..right? Maybe Vincent does like hi--No! What is he thinking? Vincent just sees him as a friend, that's it.

...

Rody sighed, he should stop thinking and get up for the day already. So Rody threw his legs over the bed before getting up and walking out of the room, closing the door behind him.

As soon as he stepped into the hallway he was hit with the heavenly smell of food. Rody smiled, he loves when Vincent makes him food.

It makes him feel loved for some reason. When he was with Manon he would always make the food for her, never the opposite.

But now when he's the one receiving the food, it makes him feel like he's worth something and he doesn't really know why..

Rody opened the door that lead to the kitchen and walked in to see Vincent putting food on the table.

Vincent turned his head as he heard him, before sighing, "You came right on time, I was just about to wake you up so you can eat."

Rody made a sound in response before going to the table and sitting down. He saw as Vincent pushed the plate towards him before sitting across from him.

Rody looked at him and smiled, "Thanks for making this for me."

"It's no problem, now eat."

Rody quickly dove into the food, enjoying each and every bite. As Rody ate, Vincent stood up and grabbed a glass of water to give to Rody for him to drink after eating his meal.

Vincent got the glass of water before putting it aside Rody's plate and sitting back down on his seat. Rody quickly finished his meal before moving it aside and drinking his water. 

Rody sighed, "That was a pretty good meal."

"I'm glad you think so." Vincent responded, getting up from his chair and picking up the dishes.

Vincent walked over to the sink and put the plate and cup down before walking back over to Rody, "I'm gonna get myself ready, okay?"

"Yea, do whatever you need to do." Rody responded.

Vincent looked at him for a moment before nodding his head and walking off. Rody decided to sit there and wait for Vincent to come back. 

                                                 ****

Vincent had just gotten done changing into his uniform. He went to the mirror before grabbing a brush and starting to comb through his hair.

He got some gel before brushing through his hair once more and finally having it neat. He then went over and got his tooth brush and tooth paste before brushing his teeth.

After he put his things away, he looked at himself once more in the mirror. Looks like he's ready for today. He picked up his sleep attire before turning off the lights and walking out.

Vincent went to his bedroom and entered the room before putting his clothes in the closet. He looked over to his bed and noticed it being messy. He walked over and neatly started to fix up his bed.

After he went over to drawer and took out his contacts, he quickly got his mirror before starting to put his contacts in. He blinked a few times before putting his contact case away, alongside with the mirror.

He then looked at his room once more before walking out, closing the door behind him. He walked back into the kitchen and was quickly met with Rody changed into his uniform.

Rody looked up at him and smiled, "Hey, looks like your ready."

"I guess you are too." Vincent replied.

Rody chuckled, "I got bored waiting so I just decided to change into my uniform."

"Hm, do you need to fix your hair or?"

"Nope, I think I'm ready!"

Vincent made a sound in response before walking up to Rody. Rody was about to say something but was quickly stopped by Vincent pulling him down by his tie.

Rody was about to react but felt hands comb through his hair. Is..is Vincent fixing his hair? He felt butterflies go through his stomach as his face started to warm up.

He stayed quiet as Vincent fixed up his hair. After a few moments Vincent removed his hands from Rody's hair, "There now you look presentable."

Rody stood up straight and smiled, "Thanks."

"..We should start heading down before it gets too late."

"Yea."

Vincent and Rody left the kitchen, the door closed behind them. Vincent quickly put his shoes on before getting his keys and opening the door. Rody left with Vincent right behind him.

Vincent locked the door before starting to head down the stairs. They soon made it to the bistro. Vincent opened the back door before moving aside for Rody to enter.

Rody entered with Vincent right behind him. Vincent turned on the kitchen light before moving to the dining room with Rody following him.

They both entered the dining room and Rody quickly noticed Amelia at the door, "Oh Amelia's here." 

Vincent turned his head and noticed Chevrolet standing there. He quickly went over to the door and opened it up for her. She entered the room and muttered a thank you to Vincent before noticing Rody standing there.

She furrowed her brows, the door was locked, how could Rody enter the bistro?

She'll have to ask him in a bit, so she went into the kitchen and started getting ready. Now it was Vincent and Rody alone in the dining room.

Vincent walked up to Rody before speaking up, "I'm gonna start on my work, you should start getting ready for your shift."

"Yea, will do Boss!"

Vincent nodded before walking away. Rody looked around in the dining room before entering the kitchen. He walked to Amelia and smiled, "Hey."

"Hi Rody."

"You getting ready for the day?"

"Yea..hey quick question, how were you inside if the door was locked?"

"Um.." 

Should he tell her the truth? He trusts her, she's a good friend of his now, "To be honest, I stayed over at Vincents house."

"Really?" Amelia said, a little smile coming to her face.

"Yea, he invited me over and how could I say no."

"What did you guys do? Did you guys finally hook u-"

"Whoa! Okay, he just invited me to eat and it became late so he let me stayed over, end of story." Rody said, his face turning a little red.

"Aw, I thought you guys finally got together."

"Nope.."

"Hm, there's always next time I guess." Amelia said, shrugging. 

Rody rolled his eyes by the comment, his face burning up a little.

"I got to get to work, I'll talk to you later."

"Talk to you later Rody!"

Rody walked away from the kitchen and entered the dining room. He decided to clean the tables once more before starting his shift. As he cleaned the tables more cooks started to come in. And soon enough it was time to get the day started. 

Rody switch the door sign to opened and looked at the door, he hopes today is gonna be a good day.

Chapter Text

Rody sighed, before leaning against the wall. The day barely started and he was already bored. Sure it was 9:00 am and nobody really comes in at this time but still, he's bored. 

He looked around before walking away and in the kitchen. He walked into the kitchen to see all the cooks chatting about whatever came to mind. 

He looked over and saw Charlotte and Amelia talking and decided to go over to them and give them a little wave, "Hey guys!"

They both looked over and him and Charlotte smiled, "There's my favorite waiter. We were just talking about you."

Rody chuckled, "The only waiter you guys have. Anyways what were you guys talking about?"

Amelia giggled, "Oh just how you spent the night at Chef's place."

Rody face slightly warmed up, "O-oh yea.."

"What's with the sudden stuttering? Something happened last night that you don't wanna tell us?" Charlotte spoke up.

"N-no! And nothing happened, he just made me a meal and then I stayed over due to it being late. That's all.." Rody said, in a defensive manner. 

Charlotte put her hands up and chuckled, "Alright, alright. No need to be defensive."

"It's hard not to be.." Rody muttered.

"Anyways, enough of you two bickering. I have to update you guys about the new guy I'm talking to!" Amelia said.

"Oh yea, last time I heard about him, he wanted to talk to you, right?" Rody asked.

"Yea! So glad you remembered! Unlike somebody here.." Amelia replied, glaring at Charlotte.

"Hey, not my fault that talking about relationship bore me out. Well unless we're talking about Rody and the Chef's relationship." 

Rody's face warmed up once more as he looked at Charlotte chuckled at her comment before looking back at Amelia, "So you were saying?"

"Oh he asked me out that day and now we're dating!"

"Oh I'm so glad for you!" Rody said.

"Yea good for you." Charlotte said as well.

"Thanks guys! I'm so glad we're dating, he's so sweet."

"Well I'm glad you found your perfect match, Amelia." Rody said, smiling at Amelia.

"Yea..now that we're on the topic of dating. Are you dating anyone Charlotte?" Amelia asked Charlotte.

Charlotte looked over at Amelia, her face turning slightly red, "N-no."

"Why the sudden stuttering Charlotte? Something you don't wanna tell us?" Rody said, mocking Charlotte.

Charlotte stayed quiet before silently groaning, "Fine, I like someone. Don't make it a big deal."

"Who?" Amelia said, immediately prying.

"..I'm not saying."

Amelia softly sighed, "Fine, have it your way."

"Well whoever it is, I hope their a good match for you." Rody said.

"Thanks." Charlotte replied.

Rody was about to stay something when suddenly he smelt a faint cigarette burning out. He looked over at Vincents door before looking back at his friends, "I'll be back guys, I gotta go check on-"

"-On your crush, yea go do your thing." Charlotte interrupted.

Rody face turned slightly red before shaking his head and walking over to Vincent's office. He knocked on the door a few times before letting himself in. 

He walked in and saw Vincent smoking a cigarette as he looked down at what looked like a review. Immediately Vincent looked up at him and burnt his cigarette.

Rody smiled before closing the door behind him, "You didn't need to burn your cigarette."

"You don't like when I smoke though." Vincent replied.

"Well I said I didn't want you to do it too much." Rody commented.

"Hm, you owe me a cigarette now." Vincent said before putting his head in his hand as he looked at Rody.

"Hey! You burnt it out, not me." Rody said, defensively.

"Your fault though." Vincent said, flashing a smirk at him.

Rody heart skipped a beat as he saw Vincent smirked, immediately he sighed taking the loss, "Okay fine, I owe you a cigarette."

Vincent chuckled, making Rody feel butterflies in his stomach, "Why are you here? Is it dead out there?"

"Yea..it is around nine so they don't really come in that much." Rody replied.

"Hm, well if you want to stay for the time being you can." Vincent offered.

"Really?"

"Yea, I don't mind. I actually like your company." Vincent commented.

Rody face slightly warmed up, "Well I like your company too.."

Now it was Vincents turn for his face to turn slightly pink. Both stayed quiet before Rody spoke up, "So–um what are you doing?"

"Oh, nothing important." Vincent said, crushing up the paper he had.

"Oh was that a review? Did they say anything about me?"

"Nope."

Rody pouted, "That sucks."

"Yea, maybe next time." Vincent said.

"Yea, maybe.."

Rody looked down at his watch a noticed it was already ten, "Oh I should head back out there, it's already ten. Usually people come in at this time."

"Okay."

Rody nodded before waving goodbye and waking out of Vincent office. He walked past the cooks and into the dining room. And it seems like he's on time because someone just walked in.

"Hi, welcome to La Gueule de Saturne! How many people are you with?"

"Just two." The woman commented.

"Alrighty, just follow me." 

Rody took them to a table for two before setting down a menu, "Signal to me when you done ordering."

After a few moments of waiting be heard them and so he walked over to the two and got out a little notebook, "What can I get you guys?"

"We will both have an appetizer." The woman said.

Rody looked over at the other woman and she agreed and so he took their menus and smiled, "We will have that out for you shortly."

Rody walked over to the kitchen window and ring in their order. As he waited another two people walked in and then another and soon became a whole dining room filled with people.

Leaving Rody no time to relax.

                                                  *****

Rody leaned against the wall as he took a breath, finally the restaurant was calm again. He spent the entire morning working on people and now he finally can take a break. 

He looked over the the people before walking away and inside the kitchen. He quickly walked past everyone and picked up the trash before heading out to the back.

He walked outside and was quickly hit with a pile of smoke. He coughed before moving out of it and throwing out the trash. He looked over and saw Vincent leaning against the wall as he smoked.

Rody couldn't help but be memorized at how fine this man looked smoking. But as he quickly zoned out he heard Vincent clear his throat making him come back.

"Why were you staring so hard?" Vincent asked.

"Sorry, I zoned out." Rody said, awkwardly chuckling.

"Hm, is it busy in there?"

"Not anymore. Pretty glad for that, I needed a quick break."

"You know, you could've asked if you needed help." Vincent said.

"Eh, it's fine. I don't really care that much about it." Rody replied, shrugging.

Vincent made a sound in a response before inhaling his cigarette once more and dropping it to the ground, crushing it with his heel. 

Rody walked over to Vincent before going in front of him, "Did you finished your work already?"

"Yea, now all I need to do is supervise you guys. Make sure you all are doing your job correctly."

Rody found this comment as the perfect time to flirt with Vincent so he chuckled before speaking up, "I wouldn't mind you staring at me." 

Vincent raised a brow before he smirked at him and slowly leaned closer to Rody, "Yea?"

Rody face felt warm as he didn't expect Vincent to actually flirt back but decided to go along with it as he leaned closer, "Yea."

The air felt hot between them as their faces were now close to each other. All of a sudden he felt a finger to his chest and realized Vincent leaned closer, "Well how about I just–"

"Hey Rody, I think someone is calling you–" Amelia looked up and saw Rody and Vincent close to each other.

Quickly they parted ways, both their face covered in red. Amelia didn't know what to do at that moment except mutter a sorry and slowly go back inside.

"Well I guess you'll have to finish that thought later.." Rody spoke up.

"Y-yea.."

Rody nodded before awkwardly walking away and back inside the bistro. He looked at Amelia and sighed, "I was so close."

"I'm sorry! I didn't know!" Amelia apologized.

Rody didn't reply back, instead went back inside the bistro and went back to working

                                                ~~~~

Vincent leaned against the wall as he let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. He did not know he could flirt back like that..but God how Rody looked so hot flirting with him.

Vincent face extremely warmed up as he imagined Rody flirting with him in bed. How Rody would close the gab between them as he flirted with him..

Vincent face was hot as he shook his head from those thoughts. He should not think of Rody like that..but its so hard to not think of Rody like that.

God, this man has him on a choke hold..

Vincent took a breath before calming down and walking back inside. He walked inside the kitchen to see the cooks working on meals.

He walked to the corner he always stands in before crossing his arms and observing his workers, but mostly his attention was towards Rody the whole day. Not that he'll ever admit that..

                                  ______________________

It was now the end of the day, and the only people left at the restaurant were the cooks, Rody, and of course Vincent. Rody cleaned up his area before walking inside the kitchen to work on the dishes.

He walked into the kitchen to see the cooks packing up, he walked to Amelia and spoke up, "You leaving?"

"Yea, I'm so tired." Amelia said, sighing.

"Same.."

"Oh, again I'm so sorry for interrupting you guys! If I knew I would've never interrupted." Amelia apologized.

"It's fine, I'll try again when all of you guys leave." Rody said.

"Oh, your gonna try again?" Amelia asked.

"Yea..I don't know why, it just feels right to try again." Rody commented.

"Well good luck, give me an update tomorrow. Anyways I'm heading out. Bye Rody!" Amelia said, saving Rody goodbye.

Rody waved goodbye before feeling a hand on his shoulder and seeing Charlotte walk in front of him, "Bye Charlotte!"

"Peace out Rody!" Charlotte said, throwing a peace sign at him.

The rest of the cooks left after that, leaving only Vincent and Rody to be in the restaurant. Quickly, Rody started working on the dishes, he put his gloves on before starting to work on them.

As Rody washed the dishes he began to hum a tune that came to his head. After a few moments he finally finished the dishes. He put the last dish away before taking the gloves off and moving them aside.

He leaned against the counter and took a breath before standing up straight. He was about to walk to Vincent's office but the door got swung opened. 

Vincent walked out of his office and immediately made eye contact with Rody, "Oh Rody, I thought you left already."

"Well I would've left, but I needed to wash the dishes. Can't leave the dishes to be dirty now, can I?" Rody replied back.

"You do know you can ask me to do them, right?" Vincent commented.

"Well yea, but what kind of waiter would I be if I did that?" Rody questions.

"..I guess your right." Vincent agrees.

Both were left in silence giving Rody the perfect opportunity to continue where the left off earlier, "And plus, what kind of gentleman would I be if I let you do all the cleaning work?"

Vincent chuckled, "Not a good one."

Rody smirked while stepping closer to Vincent, "Exactly why I have to deal with all the work so you can just sit back and relax."

Vincent looked at Rody before moving closer to him, "Well, it wouldn't be fair of me to let you do all the work, now would it?"

"No, but just imagine how nice it would feel to sit back and simply relax."

Both were now close to each other again. Vincent pressed a finger to Rody's chest before looking him up and down and responding, "How about you imagine how nice it would feel if you just sat back and relax and let me deal with all the work?"

"Well, what work are we talking about?" Rody questions.

"Well just imagine how nice it would feel to have someone cook for you, clean for you, take care of you.."

Rody made a sound in response, feeling more lovestruck as he began to imagine how Vincent would be as a housewife..just imagining how he would look cooking, cleaning, caring for him..

Vincent leaned even closer before giving Rody a seductive look, "But there's two different works i'm talking about and one is specifically for you. If you get what I mean."

It takes Rody a moment to register what Vincent is trying to say before his face gets full on red, his eyes widening as his eyebrows furrow. Quickly, Vincent leans back and laughs, "Gosh, the exact reaction I wanted."

"H-hey! That's not funny!"

Vincent just laughs even harder, making Rody turn even more redder, "I'm sorry, I'm just messing with you."

"Well not funny." Rody says.

"Aw, is someone upset?" Vincent said, in a mocking voice.

Rody just glares at him, making Vincent chuckled, "Don't flirt if you don't know how to take it."

"I do know! You just took it to far!" Rody said, defensively.

"Clearly you've never took it to the extreme."

Rody just rolled his eyes, clearly still upset. Vincent looks at him before crossing his arms and sighing, "Fine, I'm sorry. Better?"

Rody looks at Vincent before taking a breath, clearly not being able to stay mad at him, "..No, but I'll take it."

"Great to hear. Anyways it's getting late, let me walk you to the door."

Rody makes a sound in agreement before both walks to the door. Vincent opens the door for Rody before looking at him, "Drive home safe, okay?"

"Okay.."

Rody gets on his bike before looking at Vincent, "Sleep well."

"You too. I'll see you tomorrow."

"See ya." 

Vincent waved goodbye before watching Rody drive off into the distance and locking the door to the bistro before closing for the night.

Soon, Rody makes it home, unlocking his door and throwing his bike to the ground. He turns on the light before quickly getting himself unready for the night and finally heading to bed.

But as he was about to rest he couldn't help but go back to when Vincent looked at him seductively. Never did Rody ever expect to see that side of Vincent but he's glad he did because that man looks hot.

He looks even hotter than he did before. Rody could just imagine how he looks in bed like that. He would lean closer to him as he takes advantage of him with his looks..

..Rody should go to sleep now before he gets carried away with these thoughts. But as he was about to rest he couldn't help but get thoughts about Vincent only playing with him as a friend.

Fear took over him as he imagined Vincent only flirting with him as a joke, as if their just playing around as friends. Rody eyes opened, looking straight up at the ceiling, does Vincent actually like him?

He means he literally held hands with him, they've almost kissed, he's flirted with him, they slept in the same bed together, for God's sake! They aren't just friends, are they?

..Rody sighs, he should go to bed now. He'll question more about this later. Rody got himself comfortable before closing his eyes and resting for the night, his last thought being about Vincent.

Chapter Text

Rody felt himself waking up, making him slowly opened his eyes. As he opened his eyes, he couldn't help but feel as if he was sitting down on a bed. He looked down and realized he was.

Rody furrowed his brows before looking around. He was in this dark space, nothing showing but him and this bed. He looked down at the bed and noticed the sheets were red and soft.

Rody looked up before taking a breath, "Hello?"

Nothing responded back to Rody, making him start to freak out. He really doesn't wanna deal with a nightmare right now..He was gonna try again but heard footsteps approach him.

Rody's heart began to race, slowly freaking out in fear of what's to come. As the footsteps got closer he could slightly make out that it was a person. His breath slightly fastened as they got closer to him.

He looked at the person up 'n down, "W-who are you?"

The person didn't respond back, making Rody more nervous. Finally they came into the light and Rody could make out that it was..Vincent?!

"V-vince?" Rody stuttered.

Vincent didn't reply, he just got closer before invading Rody's space. Rody felt his hand touch his cheek as his leg went in-between his legs. Rody felt his face flushed up as he looked up at Vincent.

He seemed to not have an expression, he just stared at him in a way he couldn't explain, making his heart race even faster. He felt Vincent's hand released his cheek before cupping his chin and making him look up at him.

Rody gulped, "What are you doing?"

Vincent softly shushed him, "Just enjoy it."

"Wha-" 

Rody was interrupted by soft lips pressing against his. Rody's eyes quickly widened, his face feeling as hot as ever. He felt his heart race as butterflies invaded his stomach.

What is going on right now?

Rody didn't know what to do right now other than simply kiss back. So he closed his eyes as he kissed back, quickly placing his hands on the others hips. Gosh, Vincents lips were so soft..

Rody quickly brought Vincent in as he deepened the kiss. He felt arms wrap around his shoulders as the other deepened more of the kiss. Soon enough both pulled away, looking at each other as they panted.

Rody didn't wait anymore time and pulled Vincent back into the kiss. He didn't wanna let this go, he didn't wanna let him go.

Not when he finally has him to himself.

Rody licked Vincent's lips, clearly asking for entrance. Quickly, Vincent opened his mouth and Rody sticked his tongue inside, making the other make a soft noise in respond.

Rody pulled away from the kiss for a moment of air, a string of saliva connecting both Vincent's and Rody's lips. Rody looked up at Vincent and couldn't help but be memorized at how flushed he looked.

Rody smirked, before bringing his head down to Vincent's neck and starting to bite down at any space he had. As he did so he couldn't help but enjoy the little whines that came out of the others mouth.

God, he is loving every moment he is spending right now.

Soon enough Rody pulled away and looked up at Vincent. Vincent looked down at him and softly smiled, "I think it's time to wake up now."

Rody raised a brow, "What?"

"Wake up, your going to be late to work.."

Rody felt confused, looking up at Vincent as he began to vanish.

"Wake up."

...

Rody opened his eyes and was greeted with his coffee table in front of him. Rody looked around and noticed that he was back in his boring living room and not with Vincent anymore.

Rody felt his face flushed up, what did he just dream about right now..?

Rody doesn't know what to think right now other than to just get up. He raised his upperbody up and felt an uncomfortable feeling down there. He raised a brow before removing his blanket.

He looked down and noticed the bulge showing through his pants. His eyes quickly widened as his face became hot. He was not expecting this.

He looked over at the time and realized he was going to be late to work. Rody quickly groaned, what is he going to do? He doesn't wanna..take care of it..

..He'll take a quick cold shower.

Quickly he rushed and got his work clothes before heading inside the bathroom and closing the door behind him. The shower being heard turned on from the inside.

                                                    ****

The bathroom door opened after a few minutes and a shivering Rody could be seen come out. Rody held tight onto himself as he was trying to warm himself up.

God, he hated cold showers, especially when its for his..nevermind.

Rody looked over at the time and realized he was really late. His eyes widened, as he quickly rushed to put his shoes on. After, he got his watch and put it on before grabbing his keys and bike before rushing out the door.

He quickly ran down the stairs and started his trip to work. When he arrived he saw nobody waiting for him, making him nervous. He parked his bike before walking inside the bistro.

There stood Vincent, his arms crossed and looking straight at Rody. Rody awkwardly chuckled as he started to think of an excuse.

But before he could speak up, Vincent got to it first, "Rody, you are 10 minutes late. Why are you late? Your usually here early."

"Look I..um-"

"I don't wanna here it, I just want you to understand how important it is for you to get her on time."

Vincent stepped closer to Rody, making him feel warm inside. He then heard Vincent talk again but he couldn't help but see him as the version he had for him in his dream.

Rody felt his face flushed up, his heart beginning to race as he tries to control his thoughts. He quickly shut his eyes before looking away so he doesn't vision Vincent like he saw in his dreams anymore.

"Rody? Why are you looking away?"

Shit, quick Rody think of an excuse! "Um..I don't know..?"

Perfect excuse Rody.

"I–I don't have anything to say to this anymore. Get to work, your lucky nobody came in yet. If this happens again, I'm deducting money from your paycheck. Understand?"

"Mhm." Rody muttered.

He heard silence before hearing footsteps leave the dining room. He opened one of his eyes before opening both and looking around. Vincent was gone now.

Rody took a breath, what the heck was that? How can he stare at Vincent now? If he tries to face him, he'll see the dream version instead of the real life one.

God, why does he have to be dealing with this?

The bell could be heard and he saw a costumer come in. He guess he'll have to deal with this later..

                                                 ~~~~

"Thanks for coming by!"

Rody waved goodbye to the last costumers before walking to their tables. He picked up the dirty dishes before walking to the kitchen. He entered the kitchen and noticed the trash was full.

He sighed, he guess he'll have to take it out now.

He put the dishes into the sink before getting the trash and walking out the back door. Immediately, he was hit with smoke to his face as he opened the door. 

Rody slightly coughed before walking to the garbage can and throwing the trash out. He turned his head and was greeted with Vincent looking at him. Rody made eye contact and smiled, "Hey."

"Hello." Vincent responded.

"I see your smoking." Rody said.

Vincent glared at him, "Calm down, this is my first smoke break."

"Better be, don't wanna hear you died on a random Tuesday due to lung cancer."

Vincent chuckled at that, making Rody feel butterflies in his stomach, "God, your too caring."

"I've been told.." Rody said, chuckling.

"But that's a good thing.." Vincent said, looking up at Rody in a way he couldn't describe.

And then all of a sudden he was brought back into his dream. He saw the same Vincent he saw in his dream, making him began to feel warm inside. God, he wants to stare away but he can't..

Why can't he look away? He needs to look away before-

"Rody? Are you okay? Your really red in the face again."

Rody came back to reality and saw a confused Vincent staring him. He awkwardly chuckled, "Yea, I'm fin-Wait, did you say again?"

"Yea, you turned red in the morning as well but I didn't wanna say anything."

Rody felt his heart race, "O-oh? Yea don't worry about it."

"You sure?" Vincent asked, stepping closer.

Rody stepped back, afraid he might deal with that again, "Yea it's nothing.."

Vincent stared at him before shrugging, "If you say so."

Rody nodded before looking at the back door, "Well I should head back inside. Don't want anyone leaving."

"Oh, yes, do what you need to."

Rody nodded before waving goodbye to Vincent and walking back inside. He walked past the kitchen and let out a breath. He should focus on work before his mind wanders again..

                      _____________________________________

Vincent looked towards the backdoor before leaning against the wall and sighing, why did Rody back away?

Did he make him uncomfortable? Fear went through Vincent, he hopes not.

Recently, he's been trying to give Rody signs he likes him but he doesn't know if there working. He hopes they are because if not then he'll be doing all this for nothing.

As Vincent thought to himself, he began to wonder what was making Rody so red. Last time he had this thought, he thought that it was him making Rody so red but now he's unsure.

He was at least 50% sure Rody likes him back. He figured he might like him because of the way they act. No friends flirt with each other, almost kiss each other, have an unsolved tension with each other.

They are not friends, but Vincent can't be too sure. He tried doing things more intimate towards him so he can get the signal he likes him but it seems to not be working if he's being honest.

..maybe he'll have to try harder.

Vincent looked at the backdoor again, yea, he'll try harder.

Maybe then Rody will get the hint he likes him..

Vincent took one last breath before standing up straight and walking towards the backdoor. He opened it up and was greeted with the cooks doing their jobs.

Vincent went to the corner and crossed his arms, observing his cooks as they worked, allowing himself to get small glances at Rody as he worked around the dining room. He'll never admit to doing that though.

                                                   ....

Rody waved goodbye to the last four costumers before switching the sign to close and walking away. It was finally the end of the day. Rody walked up to the table and grabbed the last plates before heading inside the kitchen.

He walked in and saw the cooks cleaning up as well. He walked over to the sink before putting the plates down and looking over at the trash. It was full again. Rody sighed, he guess he'll have to take it out.

He walked outside and noticed the distant scent of cigarettes. Vincent was just smoking, wasn't he?

Rody threw the trash out and was met with Vincent looking up at the sky. Rody looked up as well and noticed how beautiful the clouds look combined with the pinkish, purplish hue in the sky.

He looked back down at Vincent and smiled at how memorized he was towards the sky. But before he knew it he heard his voice come up, "Why are you staring at me?"

Rody felt his face warm up as his heart began to race, "I-i was? I-i swear I didn't noticed.."

Vincent looked over at Rody and smirked before walking over to him and looking at him in a way he wish he knew, "I didn't say I mind it."

And like that Vincent left back inside the bistro, leaving Rody to be in silence. Rody turned back at the door, his face becoming hot as his heart raced even more.

What was that? Did--did Vincent just flirt with him right now?

Rody stayed in silence, his thoughts beginning to race. He stared at that door for a moment before coming back to reality, his thoughts beginning to calm down. But one still popped up.

Why would Vincent flirt with him?

is he trying to tell him something? Maybe he's..hinting at something? Is he hinting he might like him?

Now Rody knows that's a bit of a stretch but he can't be fully wrong. Even though he's been thinking their just friends, he knows deep down they're not. They are not friends especially with the way they act towards each other.

But Rody can't be too sure. He'll need more time to figure it out and right now is probably not the time.

So Rody took a breath before walking inside the bistro. He walked inside and noticed almost all of the cooks have left already. Dang, did he take that long

He walked over at the dishes and silently groaned, he really doesn't wanna take care of these. Maybe he could ask Vincent..?

..He doesn't know how to feel about that.

So he grabs some dish soap before sighing, he will simply have to deal with it. He was about to grab a dish but he heard the office door opened. He turned around and there stood Vincent, his hand on the entrance as he stood.

Both made eye contact and Rody smiled at Vincent, "Why hello Vince."

Vincent slightly smiled, "Hello Rody."

Vincent stepped closer to Rody, making Rody feel nervous and excitement at the same time, "I see you doing the dishes."

"Yea, can't leave them dirty now, can I?"

"I guess not. But.." Vincent moved even closer to Rody, moving his hand away from the sink as he leaned closer to his face, "They can wait."

Rody looked down at Vincent, their faces mere inches away. He doesn't know what to do or what Vincent is planning. But he can't help but feel excitement light on him.

"What are you trying to do?" Rody questions, his voice slightly low.

"Well, what are you thinking?" Vincent said, smoothly, his eyes landing on Rody's lips before going back onto his eyes.

Rody looked at Vincent before smirking, "I can't say, but I do have an idea.."

"Yea? What's your idea?" Vincent said, seductively.

"Well.." Rody took a step forward, making Vincent take a step back. He kept doing that until Vincent was leaned against the counter. He then placed his hands on Vincents hips before lifting up into the counter, making Vincent make a sound of surprise.

He released his grip on Vincent's hips before putting his hands onto the counter and leaning into Vincent, "I wanna hear what you are thinking before I saw my idea."

Vincent looked at him up 'n down before leaning in closer, placing both his hands on Rody's chest, "Well, I was thinking we could maybe–"

"Sorry, I forgot my bag-"

Both Rody and Vincent turned their head and saw Amelia standing there, her eyes widened as she stared at both of them. Quickly, Rody backed away from Vincent and Vincent jumped off the counter, both their faces getting covered with a red tint.

Amelia quickly grabbed her bag and slowly backed away, "I'm sorry if I interrupted something. Have a goodnight."

And like that she quickly left without another word, leaving Rody and Vincent to be an awkward silence. Both didn't stare at each other, redness still covering both of their faces.

"So um I think I should head out now." Rody spoke up.

"Yes, don't worry about the dishes, I'll take care of them." Vincent replied.

"Okay, well have a goodnight Vince." 

"Goodnight Rody."

Rody awkwardly waved before exiting the kitchen and leaving the bistro, leaving Vincent to be alone with his thoughts. Quickly Vincent leaned against the counter and let out a breath he didn't know he was holding.

Vincent stood in silence, trying to process what just happened. God, why did she have to interrupt them.

..At least he got the information he needed. He's now 100% sure Rody likes him. Vincent just hopes he knows he likes him back..

                                                    ****

Rody came home, and immediately fell onto the couch. God, what just happened right now? And why did Amelia have to come and interrupt, again? 

Rody sat in silence, thinking to himself. As he thought to himself, he couldn't help but have this one specific thought keep coming through.

..Does Vincent actually like him?

Chapter Text

Rody's face immediately warmed up at the thought. Vincent can't actually like him, can he?

...

Okay maybe he does, but Rody can't be too sure. He'll need to figure something out so he can see if Vincent reacts to it. But what can he do?

..An idea popped into Rody's mind as he smiled, he can ask Amelia to flirt with him! And if Vincent reacts to it then he'll know he likes him.

God, he can be brilliant sometimes.

Rody sighed, he hopes this plan works. Rody looked down at his watched and noticed it was already 8:00 PM. He should probably be heading to sleep.

So he got up from the couch and quickly got himself ready for bed before laying back on the couch and covering himself with his blanket. 

Rody closed he eyes and took a breath before finally resting for the night. 

                                                   ****

..Rody felt himself waking up, causing him to open up his eyes. He looked around before lifting his upperbody up. He looked at the clock and saw it was 5:46 AM. 

He should probably get ready for work. So he did a quick stretch before removing his blanket off him and getting up. He got his uniform before heading to the bathroom.

He walked in and turned on the light before closing the door behind him. He looked in the mirror and quickly noticed how his hair was getting longer. He raised a brow before reaching for it, slightly tugging.

He could tell it's getting up to his shoulders. If he grew it out some more he might even be able to put it in a little ponytail. But for now he'll leave it as it is. So he got a brush before combing through it.

He then got some gel before putting a little on his hand before combing through his hair with the gel in his hands, making sure to make it look neat.

After he saw it looked presentable, he got his toothbrush before getting some toothpaste and washing his teeth. He washed out the toothpaste with some water before spitting out some residue.

Finally, he got himself changed into his uniform before looking in the mirror and smiling, he's ready for work. He got out the bathroom, turning the light off as he closed the door behind him.

He put his sleeping clothes on the coffee table before grabbing his watch from there and putting it on. He then got his shoes on before looking at the time. It read, 6:00 AM.

He should probably start heading out before it gets too late. He got his bike before grabbing his keys and heading out the door. He locked the door behind him before stepping down the stairs and getting on his bike.

He then started to ride towards the bistro. The ride there was quiet and peaceful. Not much cars were around and the sun was slowly starting to rise. And soon enough Rody made it to the bistro.

Rody walked in and quickly smelt the smell of food. He smiled, Vincent must be making him food. He's always so grateful that Vincent wakes up early so he can make him food.

It's obvious Vincent likes him but Rody just wants to make sure. Rody looked around the dining room before going to the kitchen. He stepped inside and was met with Vincent cooking something in the pan.

Rody went up closer to Vincent before speaking up, "Hey Vince!"

Vincent turned his head and noticed Rody standing there, "Hello Rody. I didn't noticed you arrived."

"Well, you did seem distracted making this dish so." 

"I'm focus on it because I'm trying something new. I've never made this dish before."

"Really? How come your making it now?"

"I thought I should see how it would come out. It was a recipe from my mother." Vincent turned the stove off before grabbing a plate and putting the meal on it before handing it over to Rody, "And I want you to test it out for me."

"I'd be honored to." Rody said, grabbing the plate from Vincent. 

Rody got the fork before shoving some of the food inside his mouth. He was quickly hit with all kind of flavors. It was the perfect amount of seasoning with a hint of something sweet, making it all come together.

He made a sound of satisfaction as he swallowed the food. Vincent waited before speaking up, "So how is it?"

"It tastes amazing! It's one of the best food I've ate so far!" Rody commented.

Vincent felt his face warm up, "Really?"

"Yea, good job Vince." Rody replied, giving him a smile.

Rody quickly noticed the blush appear on Vincents face, making him chuckle, "Are you okay?"

"What do you mean?" 

"Your turning red." Rody said, chuckling.

He noticed how more red Vincent turn as he looked away from him. Rody couldn't help but laugh out loud, making Vincent embarrassed, "Shut up."

"Aw, don't be embarrassed Vince. If you were to ask me, i'd say it's a good look on you." Rody said, winking at Vincent.

Vincent rolled his eyes despite there still being red on his face, "Just eat your food."

"Gladly." 

Quickly Rody dove back into the food. And in no time the plate was empty. Rody put it into the sink before washing it and putting it away. He looked at Vincent and gave him a soft smile, "Thanks for the food."

"Your welcome. Now, get ready for your shift, work is about to start soon."

"Will do, Boss!" 

Vincent made a sound of agreement. Rody face a quick wave before walking inside the dining room. He walked in and quickly saw Amelia walk into the bistro's door. 

She quickly noticed him and smiled before going up to him, "Hey Rody!"

"Hello Amelia." Rody greeted back.

"I thought you were gonna be late again." Amelia commented.

"And miss out on getting breakfast? No way."

"I forgot Chef makes you food in the morning."

"Speaking about Vince, I have a plan."

"For?" Amelia questions.

"I want to make sure Vince likes me so I have a plan to see if he reacts to it and your involved in it."

Amelia raised her brow before putting a hand on her hip, "Why am I involved?"

"Okay hear me out. Later on when the bistro is finally calmed down, I'll go to you when I know Vince is standing in the corner. And then we'll flirt with each other. And if he reacts then I'll know my answer!" Rody explained. 

Amelia stared at him before thinking for a moment and finally replying, "I don't know, that might get me fired.."

"It won't, I promise! Please I need to know if the love of my life actually likes me."

Amelia stayed quiet before sighing, "Fine, I'll do your plan. But just know you owe me."

"Oh thank you, thank you, thank you!" Rody said, cheerful.

"Yea yea, whatever gets you two one step closer to getting together." Amelia said, smiling up at Rody.

Rody smiled back before looking over at the door and seeing more cooks walk in, "Well we better get started for work. Remember the plan, okay?"

"Don't worry, I will."

Rody softly sighed, "Good to hear."

"Well I better be getting to work, talk to ya soon Rody."

"Talk to ya soon!"

And like that, he knew his plan was settled. Now all he needs to do is wait. He looked down at his watch and saw it was 7:00 AM already. He should probably switch the sign to open.

He walked over to the door before switching the sign and waiting. Soon enough a costumer came in and Rody started his work for the day.

                                                   ~~~~

It's been a few hours now, and the bistro finally had calmed down. Surprisedly, there was a rush during the morning so he took the whole morning going back and forth.

But now he can finally take a breath. He looked down at his watch and saw it was 2:56. Dang, he didn't expect it to be the afternoon already. He then remembered his plan and quickly looked inside the window.

Vincent wasn't there. Rody sighed, great he needs to wait even more. He still decided to walk to the kitchen though. He walked in and saw the cook relaxing. He walked up to Amelia and Charlotte and waved, "Hey guys!"

"Why hello Rody." Charlotte greeted.

"Hi Rody." Amelia also greeted.

"Do you guys know if Vincents in his office?"

"Oh I think I saw him go to the back, why?"

Rody lit up, "We can do my plan!"

"But he's not in his corner yet?"

"When we hear the door slightly open we can start flirting!"

"I guess that could work."

"If you want, I can see how Chef reacts to it." Charlotte said.

"Perfect, that would be great!"

And suddenly they heard the door slightly open, and Rody winked at Amelia before grabbing her hand and putting on his chest. Amelia looked up at him and smiled.

Rody smiled back, making sure to put his best look on, as well as Amelia did. And then Amelia spoke up, "My, you are..handsome."

"And your..beautiful."

And before Amelia could respond, the back door closed. Quickly Rody turned around and noticed Vincent has not came back. So Amelia and Rody looked at each other before stepping away from each other.

Amelia quickly wiped her hand on her apron, "Ew, I never want to do that again!"

"Yea me neither.."

"Not gonna lie guys, your acting sucked." Charlotte added.

Rody looked over to her, "How did he react?"

"He was shock at first before he took a step back and leaving the seen. In general, he looked stunned."

Rody felt butterflies in his stomach, he knows his answer. Vincent likes him back.

"Well? What do you think now?" Amelia spoke up.

"He likes me back." Rody said.

"Why do you sound kinda upset?"

"Because what do I tell him? He probably thinks we like each other!" Rody freaked out.

"Did you not have a plan after this?" Amelia asked.

"No.." Rody muttered.

Amelia sighed, "Just say we were acting for something."

"Like what?"

"..My date! You can say we were practicing for my date later on!"

"Good idea!" 

"Go talk to him, now." Charlotte said.

"I will! I'll just pretend I'm taking the trash out." Rody turned around and noticed the trash piling up, "Well not really pretending since I do need to take it out.."

"Well have fun doing that!" Amelia said.

Rody sighed, before walking over to the trash and getting it before walking out to the back. He walked out and went straight to the garbage can before throwing out the trash. 

He turned out and noticed Vincent standing there. Rody could notice he was upset, making Rody feel a little bad. But he needed to do it! But still he felt bad now.

Rody walked up to Vincent before softly speaking up, "Hey Vince."

Vincent stayed quiet before quietly speaking up, "Hello."

Vincent didn't stare at him, making Rody start to freak out. Did he actually make him upset? He swears he didn't mean to! God, what should he do?

"..Are you okay?"

"I'm fine." Vincent replied dryly.

"Doesn't look like it. You wanna tell me what's wrong?"

"..I–its nothing."

Rody knew what he was upset about but still wanted to be make sure, "Come on, don't be like that. You could talk to me." 

"..I noticed you and Amelia were doing something. Are you guys dating?"

"What? No way!" Rody said.

Vincent looked over at him, "You guys were flirting."

"Oh, you saw that?" Rody knew he did, but he had to pretend he didn't noticed.

"Yes."

"Well don't worry about it. We were practicing for her date tonight." Rody explained.

"She already has someone?" Vincent asked.

"Yea. Trust me, the chances of us liking each other are zero."

Vincent looked more relief then he did a moment ago, making Rody feel okay inside, "..Good to hear."

"Is that why you were acting this way? You thought we were dating?"

"..No." Vincent said, but Rody could see through him.

"Right." Rody replied, chuckling.

Rody looked down at his watch and noticed it was already 3:29, "Well I better be going back to work. Don't take another smoke break when I leave."

"I won't."

"Good, I'll talk to ya soon!"

Vincent nodded and Rody waved before going back inside. Amelia and Charlotte looked at him and smiled.

"So?" Amelia asked.

"He was definitely upset but I explained to him which calmed him down."

"Now that you know he likes you, when you gonna finally ask him out?" Charlotte asked.

Rody's face turned red, "Soon. When the time is right."

"Well whenever that day is, just know I'll be cheering for you!" Amelia commented.

"Good to hear, well I better get back to work. Talk to y'all soon."

Both Charlotte and Amelia waved and Rody waved back before stepping inside the bistro and continuing on work for the day.

                            ________________________________

Rody waved goodbye to his last table before walking off. He went to the table they were just at before walking to the kitchen. He put the dish inside the sink before walking out and going back to the dining room.

Rody looked down at his watch and saw it was 6:00 PM. He just needed one more hour and he'll be finish for the day. He looked over and saw he only needed one more table before the dining room was empty.

He sighed, he guess he'll just stay here for a bit. Rody leaned his head against the wall before closing his eyes. He felt himself blanking out and finally relaxing..

"Lamoree."

Rody opened his eyes and looked down to see Vincent standing there, his arms crossed. Rody stopped leaning against the wall before smiling, "You need something, Boss?"

"After this costumer I need you to close." Vincent said.

Rody raised a brow, "This early?"

"Something came up, I'll tell you in a bit. But do you understand?" Vincent asked.

"Yea, I'll close. Don't worry." Rody replied.

Vincent nodded before walking off inside the kitchen. Rody wondered why they would be closing early. But before he could think the costumer asked for their check.

Rody quickly went over to give it to them before getting the money and letting the costumer leave. He went to the door before switching the sign to close. He then went back to the table before getting the fish and going inside the kitchen.

He entered the kitchen and saw all the cooks packing up. He went to the sink before putting the dish inside and walking off. He walked to Amelia and waved, "Hey."

Amelia turned her head and smiled before looking back down to her stuff, "Hey Rody. Do you know we're closing early?"

"Yea, Vince let me know already."

"I wonder what he needs to do. He said he had gotten last minute news so." Amelia said, finishing up her stuff.

"Yea me too. Anyways I'll let you off since I need to do the dishes." Rody said.

"Well have fun doing that. Imma head out, see ya tomorrow Rody!" Amelia said, waving goodbye to Rody.

"Bye Amelia!" Rody waved back before going to the sink.

He turned on the water before getting some soap and starting to work on the dishes. As he worked, he heard each and every cook leave, until the only two people in the bistro were him and Vincent.

And finally he wash the last dish before putting it away and turning off the water. He dried his hands before looking over at Vincents door. He should probably let him know he's gonna head out.

He walked over before knocking and letting himself in. He walked in to see Vincent putting everything away. Vincent then looked up at him and Rody smiled, "Hey, just wanted to let you know I'm heading out now."

"Actually–" Vincent finished putting everything away before getting up from his seat, "–I need a favor from you."

Rody raised a brow, "What do you need?"

Vincent walked over to Rody before speaking up, "I need you to cater people."

"Why?" Rody asked.

"Because I got last minute news that everybody I know was gonna show up to my home to have a last minute dinner party. And I need a waiter to serve food to them." Vincent explained.

"And I'm the waiter?"

"Yes, I'll pay you. Please I need this one favor." Vincent said, giving Rody a look he knows he can't deny.

Rody looked at him for a moment before sighing, "Fine I'll be you waiter."

Vincent gave him a small smile, making Rody feel warm inside, "Thank you, I knew I could count on you."

"Yea, yea." Rody said.

"Now let me close up so we can start going. The party starts at 7:30."

Rody nodded and Vincent turned off the light before closing his office door and making his way to the dining room. He went to the door before locking up and turned off the light. 

He then went back to the kitchen and turned off the light there before heading out to the back and starting his way up his home. And through the entire thing, Rody followed behind like a lost puppy.

Soon enough they made it to Vincents home. Vincent unlocked the door before opening it up and letting Rody go inside. After Rody went inside, he went right behind him before closing the door and locking it.

"Just make yourself comfortable. I'm gonna get myself change before starting on the food." Vincent said.

"Okay." Rody agreed.

Vincent nodded before disappearing behind the kitchen door, leaving Rody to be by himself. He looked around before sighing, he guess he'll just sit here while he waits for Vincent.

                                                    ****

Vincent went to his bedroom before turning on the light and closing the door behind him. He went to his closet before pulling out and outfit and getting himself changed. He then put away his work attire and leaving his room.

He went to the kitchen before opening up the fridge and seeing what there is to make. He saw a few things that could be easy to eat for them. So he took them out and started getting to work.

                                                     .... 

Rody sighed, he was extremely bored. He's been waiting for some time now. As he waited he laid down on the couch, covering his eyes with his arm.ge removed his arm though to look at his watch.

The time read, 7:18. Rody covered his eyes again, Vincent should be ready by now. He took another breath before getting up from the couch and walking over to the door.

He opened it up and saw Vincent neatly putting the food on little plates. He saw how focus he was before moving away and taking a breath. Rody chuckled at the scene, Vincent must really like being perfect.

The chuckle must've been loud because Vincent looked at him, "What?"

"Nothing." Rody replied.

Vincent stared at him before looking like he remembered something, "Oh, I need you to try something."

"What do you need me to try?" Rody asked.

"I need you to try–" Vincent got another plate filled with three things and walked over to Rody before handing it over, "–These."

"Uh-okay." Rody said, getting one of the snacks.

He ate it and instantly was filled with happiness. This thing tasted good. He made a sound giving Vincent a signal he likes it, "So?"

"It's good!" Rody said.

He then grabbed the others one before shoving them in his mouth. He closed his eyes and he ate them. They were so good, he doesn't think he'll like anyone's food others Vincent's, he swears.

"Are they good?"

"Mhm!" Rody swallowed the food and looked at Vincent, "They were absolutely delicious!"

Rody saw a pink tint show up on Vincents face, "Really?"

"Yea! It's always a pleasure eating your food Vince." 

"Thanks." 

Before Rody could reply, a knock could be heard from the living room.

"Oh that must be the guest. You get the plates as I let them in." Vincent said.

"You got it!" 

Vincent nodded before walking out of the kitchen. Rody walked up to the food and wondered which one to take first before picking one up and walking out. He walked inside the living room and saw a girl giving Vincent a hug.

Rody raised his brow, he wondered who she could be to him. He shook his head before standing in a corner, waiting for everyone to relax first before he could pass these treats out.

As he stood there, he couldn't help but notice the girl talking with Vincent. He stayed there watching before slightly moving closer to them to hear what they were talking about.

"Oh my Vincent! It's been so long since I've seen you! How have you been?" The girl spoke.

"I've been fine Zoe. How have you been?" Vincent replied.

"So her names Zoe.." Rody thought.

"I've been good as well! Gosh it's been forever! You look different!"

"You as well." 

The girl scoffed, putting a hand on her chest, "Me? Different? Trust me, I look the same since college. But you, you look happy." Zoe said 

Rody felt confused, did Vincent not look happy back then?

"Do I really?" Vincent questions.

"Yes! When I first met you, you were this quiet, depressing kid. And now here you are, a professional chef, that owns his own restaurant that actually happy." Zoe explained.

"Well a lot has changed, I must admit."

Zoe softly sighed, "It has, hasn't it?"

Rody wonders what could've changed between them. He then realized he should probably be passing out the treats, so he quickly started moving around.

He went to each and every person. Some said yes, some denied. And now he was left to hand out the last one to Zoe. He went up to both her and Vincent and spoke up, "Would you like one?"

Zoe turned around and smiled, "No thank you."

Rody nodded before looking at Vincent and walking away. He went back inside the kitchen and picked up the other tray before doing the same thing again. 

Once again some denied and some said yes. Another repeat with the last dish before he was left with nothing. He left the trays there before walking back out. 

He looked around and saw everyone communicating, making him feel a little lonely. He looked over at Vincent, wondering if he should interrupt or not. 

...

He guess he'll have to interrupt. He walked over to them and quickly spoke up, "Sorry for interrupting but the little treats are finished with."

"Oh, okay then." Vincent replied.

Rody nodded, "Again, sorry for interrupting."

"You weren't interrupting! What's your name?" Zoe asked.

"Um, Rody."

"Well, I'm Zoe! Who are you to Vincent?"

"He's my waiter." Vincent said, Rody nodding in agreement.

"That's nice! Surprise he hired you though. You look..not as neat. No offense." Zoe said.

"Offense not taken." Rody replied.

"Well, what brings you to work here?" 

"I needed a job. This was the only one that took me." Rody explained.

"Not surprising.." Zoe quietly said.

"Zoe!" Vincent muttered.

"No offense!" Zoe quickly said.

"It's okay." Rody said.

"Sorry about her Rody. Shes always been like this." Vincent said.

"It's okay, really." 

Vincent gave a small smile, making Rody feel butterflies. 

Zoe giggled, "Two love birds, I see."

Both Vincent's and Rody's face turn red, making Zoe laugh, "God, I needed this reaction!"

"Be quiet." Vincent replied.

"I'm sorry!" Zoe said, calming down.

Vincent just rolled his eyes, calming himself down. Rody as well. Zoe looked between them before grinning, "So are you guys dating?"

"No, we are not." Vincent quickly said, his face turning slightly pink.

"Okay! No need to be defensive." Zoe said, putting her hands up.

"It's hard not to be." Vincent replied.

"Anyways, you think you could fetch me a glass of wine?" Zoe asked.

"Fine. Do you want one Rody?" Vincent asked.

"No I'm okay. Thank you." Rody replied.

"You sure?" 

Rody nodded and Vincent went on his way to the kitchen, leaving Rody and Zoe to be by themselves. Zoe brought Rody closer, "So tell me, do you like him?"

"What?"

"Do you like Vincent?" Zoe asked once more.

"Um–yes." Rody said.

"I knew it. So do you think he likes you back?"

"I mean yea, I'm pretty sure Vince likes me back."

"Vince? God, he must really like you. One time I called him that in college, he almost bit my head off." Zoe explained.

"Really?"

"Yea. You must mean a lot to him Rody."

Rody nodded, taking that in. Vincent came back with two glasses of wine. He handed one of the glasses to Zoe before sipping on his own. Zoe took a sip of her own drink.

"So where did you guys meet?" Rody asked.

"Oh we met through college." Zoe said.

"How?"

"Well I saw this awkward silent kid by himself so I decided to befriend him. He didn't like me at first but I kept bugging him so it ended up working out."

"That's nice." 

"Yea..Trust me Vincent was a lot different back in college. You probably wouldn't recognize him."

"Is that true Vince?"

Vincent nodded, "I was way different. I was the quiet kid who looked like a freak. Everyone thought I would fail because of my looks but I had better grades then everyone."

"Oh my God, and get this, he had long hair and wore glasses." Zoe said.

Rody snickered, "You had long hair?"

"Yea.."

"I would've bullied you in college." Rody said.

"How were you in college?" Vincent asked.

"I was a kid that thought he was everything. I was popular and everybody liked me. I used to call the weird kids freaks and girls were on me back and forth. Believe me, I was way different in college."

"That doesn't sound like you, if I'm being honest." Vincent said.

"Trust me, I was like that. And sooner or later I ended up flunking my grades and getting kicked out. Soon enough I became a loser in everyone's world. I became humbled after that."

"I did not know that about you Rody." 

"Because I never talk about my college years." Rody said, bringing a hand to the back of his neck.

"Trust me Rody, you became the person you needed to be." Vincent said.

Rody looked at Vincent before smiling, "Thanks.."

Chapter Text

Vincent nodded, giving Rody a little smile. Both stared at each other for a moment, forgetting that Zoe was still there.

She looked between the both before clearing her throat. Both looked at her and she chuckled, "Sorry for interrupting whatever that was."

"It's fine." Vincent muttered.

Zoe looked down at the watch she had on before sighing, "Well I think I should start heading out. It's getting pretty late and I still have work."

"Oh yea, I'll walk you to the door." Vincent replied.

Vincent looked around and noticed majority of the people have left already, leaving the three to only be there. Huh, he must've not heard them. 

Vincent opened the door for Zoe before waving goodbye, "It was nice chatting with you Zoe."

"It was nice chatting with you too Vincent. I hope to talk soon." Zoe said.

"Me too. Have a good night." 

"You as well." Zoe said before waving goodbye and leaving down the stairs.

Vincent watched for a moment before closing the door and locking it. He turned around and noticed Rody wasn't standing anymore, instead he was sitting down on the couch.

He walked over to the couch before sitting down next to Rody. He looked over at him before looking away. They stayed in comfortable silence before Vincent decided to speak up, "Do you wanna stay for a bit?"

Rody looked over at Vincent and shrugged, "Yea, not like I'm in a rush."

Vincent made a sound in response before everything went back to silence. They stayed together in a comfortable peace. And as they stayed there, Rody got an idea.

He was gonna attempt to put his arm around Vince's shoulders

So he pretended to yawn before stretching out his arms. Secretly, he slowly placed an arm around Vincent's shoulders without trying to get caught.

He stayed stiffed for a moment before slowly relaxing his arm onto Vince's shoulders. He didn't know if Vincent like it or not since he stayed silent.

He stared for a moment before looking away, starting to think if he should remove his arm. As he thought to himself he began to retract his arm.

But before he could fully remove it, Vincent grabbed his hand and placed it back on his shoulders. Rody became stunned for a moment before chuckling, "So you don't mind."

"Shut up before I remove your arm." Vincent replied, leaning back against his arm as he crossed his arms, as well as his legs.

Rody rolled his eyes, a smile plastered on his face, "Sure you will."

Vincent looked over at Rody, "Don't test me Lamoree."

Rody looked down at Vincent with his eyes, "Not trying to."

Vincent stared at him for a moment before looking away from him. Rody looked away as well, enjoying the silence they had between them. He then brought his arm up to look at the time.

It read, 8:58. He should probably start heading home since he does have work tomorrow. He looked over at Vince and noticed he was closing his eyes, presumably resting.

He didn't wanna interrupt his rest but he did wanna sleep so he cleared his throat to get Vince's attention before speaking up, "I think I'm gonna head out." 

Vincent looked over at Rody before nodding, "Let me walk you out."

Rody nodded before removing his arm and getting up before actually stretching. Vincent walked him to the door before opening it up and moving aside for Rody to exit.

Rody left his home before waving at Vincent, "I'll see you tomorrow Vince. Sleep well."

"You too. Ride home safe." Vincent replied.

Rody nodded before waving goodbye and leaving down the stairs. As he walked down the stairs he heard Vincent door close and lock behind him. He stopped in his tracks and looked at the door.

"..Why can't we be together already..?" Rody muttered.

He stared at the door some more before leaving down the stairs and down to his bike. He then drove home and slept for the night, the question still lingering on his mind.

                                                ~~~~

Rody felt himself waking up. He slowly opened his eyes before looking around and lifting his upperbody. He yawned before stretching out his arms. He looked over at the time and saw it was 5:57. 

He should probably start getting ready for work. So he removed his blanket before placing his feet on the ground and standing up. He got his uniform before walking to the bathroom, the door closing behind him 

He turned the light on before looking at himself in the mirror. The first thing that caught his eyes was his hair. It looked longer than yesterdays. It must've grown out overnight. He wonders if it'll...

Rody got a bundle of his hair before putting it out into a pony tail and turning to the side to see it. His eyes widened as a smile creeped on his face. It worked! He could actually put his hair in a little pony tail!

He looked around for a tie before finding one and giving himself a small pony tail. He looked and noticed how much better he looked. He smiled, Vince will definitely like this new look of his..

Rody felt his face go warm as butterflies filled his stomach. He looked up at his blushing self before shaking his head, he should get ready now. Rody did his morning routine before getting into uniform and calling it a day.

He looked at himself once more before turning away and turning the light off before opening the door and heading out the bathroom. He walked to his couch before putting his sleep attire down and looking down at his watch.

It read, 6:23. He should probably start heading out. Rody got his shoes on before going to grab his keys. As he grabbed them he couldn't help but look at the calendar next to them. He looked at it and saw its Vince's birthday today.

.. It's Vince's birthday?!

Rody eyes widened, how could he forget? God, he didn't even give him a gift or anything..Rody quickly got his wallet before looking at how much cash he has on him. He pulled out his money before counting it.

Rody counted up to around 200 dollars. Rody thought for a moment before coming up with a idea. Maybe he could take him out for dinner?...Yea! He could ask him out for dinner for his birthday!

God, he could be smart sometimes..

Rody put the money away before getting his bike and heading out of his home, locking the door behind him. He went down his stairs before getting on his bike and starting his ride to work.

After a few minutes of riding, he finally made it to work. He walked in and noticed the place wasn't quiet as usual. He looked at the kitchen window and saw all the cooks already there, no Vince in sight.

He sighed, Vince must be working. He walked over to the kitchen before stepping inside. He looked over and saw Amelia preparing. He walked over to her before speaking up, "Hey."

Amelia looked up at him before becoming stunned, "Your hair.."

Rody furrowed his brows, fear coming through him, "Yea, what about it? Does it look bad?"

"No! It looks so good! It suits you!" Amelia said, looked at it.

Rody chuckled, putting a hand to the back of his neck, "Really?"

"Yea!" Amelia replied.

"Thank God, you scared me for a moment." 

Amelia chuckled, "Sorry, I was shock for a moment. But I think it looks good."

"Thanks."

"Chef will definitely like it." Amelia said teasingly.

Rody felt his face warm up, as he rolled his eyes, "Shut up."

Amelia laughed, "I'm just saying he'll like it."

"Hopefully." 

Rody looked down at his watch and saw it was already 6:49 AM. He should probably start getting ready for work.

"I'm gonna start my shift so I'll talk to you later."

"Oh yea, me too. I'll talk to you later." Amelia replied.

Rody nodded before waving and going to the dining room. He looked around before making sure everything looked alright and finally switching the sign to open.

He waited some more before a group of people came in. He guess his shift just started.

                                                  ****

"Thank you for coming by!" 

It was now the middle of Rody's shift and he just finished with his last table. He walked to their table before picking up the dishes and heading towards the kitchen.

He walked in and put the dishes in the sink. He then looked over at the trash and noticed it was dirty. Rody sighed, he guess he'll have to take it out. He walked over to it before picking it up and waking out.

Rody walked out and was hit the familiar scent of distant cigarettes. He must've been smoking. Rody threw the trash out before looking and seeing Vince leaning against the wall.

They both made eye contact and Rody smiled before speaking up, "Happy birthday, Vince."

Rody noticed how Vince became stunned, "You know it's my birthday?"

"Yea? We're friends Vince, how could I not know it's your birthday?"

Vince looked away and shrugged, "I don't know, some of my friends don't exactly remember my birthday."

"Well, than they're not your friends." Rody replied.

Vince made a sound in response. Rody went closer to him before talking again, "So what are you gonna do for your birthday?"

"I'll probably end work early but other than that, I guess nothing." Vince said.

Perfect.

"Well, how about you let me take you out?"

Rody quickly noticed the pink tint that came on Vince's face, making him give out more explanation, "For your birthday! Let me take you out for your birthday!"

"Oh.." Vince looked down for a moment before looking back up, "Are you sure?"

"Yea! I don't want you to do nothing for your birthday. It's a supposed to be a special day for you!" 

"Then I guess yea. I'll let you take me out for my birthday." Vince replied.

Rody smiled at Vince, "Great! We can go after wor-"

"Actually i'd rather end work early so we can go home and change into something more appropriate."

"Oh..yea that works too!"

Vince gave him a small smile, making him feel butterflies, "Then it's a plan."

Rody nodded in response before remembering he still had a job to do, "Well I'll talk to you later. I gotta get back to work."

Vince nodded. And Rody gave a quick wave before heading back inside. He walked by the cooks and out the kitchen before continuing his day at work.

                                                ~~~~

Rody was about to take some plates from the last table he took care of but someone waved at him. He turned before going up to them, "Yes sir?"

"Can I have the check?" 

"Oh, yea I'll have that right now. Give me a quick moment." Rody replied.

He walked over to get the check of the costumer. As he was checking everything he heard someone call his name. He looked up and saw it was Vince.

"You need something, Boss?"

"Close after this costumer." Vince said.

"Alrighty." Rody replied.

Vince nodded before walking away and disappearing behind the kitchen doors. He walked up to the costumer and gave them their check before letting them pay and leave the restaurant.

He then walked to the door and switched the sign to close. He then picked up the last plates that were there before heading to the kitchen and putting them in the sink.

He then turned on the faucet and begin watching them. After that he turned off the faucet and put the last plates away. He wiped his hands clean before looking over. All the cooks were gone already, even Amelia.

Dang, she couldn't even say bye?

Rody shook his head before heading towards Vincents office. He knocked before letting himself in, "Hey, just wanted to let you to know I'm heading out. What time do you want me to come get you?"

"Let's say around 7:10 to 7:15." Vincent replied, getting up from his desk.

"Okay, I'll see you then." Rody replied.

"Oh before you go, where are you talking to go?"

"Oh um–" Shit, he didn't exactly think where he would take Vince..God what does he say? "How about you pick? It is your birthday after all."

Perfect thinking Rody.

"Oh well–I know a cafe close by. Would that sound good?" Vince said.

"Don't ask me. Do you think that sounds good?"

Vince looked down before slowly nodding, "Yea, it sounds perfect."

Rody nodded, "Then it's settled. I'll see you soon. Bye!"

Vince waved and Rody left him alone. He walked out the kitchen before walking out the dining room and leaving the restaurant. He got on his bike before driving and going home.

Soon enough he made it home. He went up the stairs before unlocking his apartment door and going inside. He turned on the light before quickly going to see what he can wear.

He picked out a green yellowish with white collar and a white long sleeve shirt underneath with blue jeans. He got himself changed before fixing up his hair again and calling it a day. He put his shoes back on before getting his bike and heading out of his home.

He locked the door behind him before heading down the stairs and starting his drive to the bistro. After a few minutes he made it to the bistro. He parked his bike before letting himself in the restaurant. 

He went through the diner before going to the back and opening the door that lead up to Vince's home. He walked up the stairs and couldn't help but feel a little warm inside.

He can't believe he's gonna hang out with Vince outside of work. It's almost like a date..

Rody quickly noticed he was already at the door. He knocked and waited for a moment before seeing the door open. He looked and saw Vince wearing a comfortable outfit.

"You ready to go?" Rody asked.

Vince nodded before closing the door behind him and locking it. As they walked down the stairs Vince spoke up, "Your here early."

"Well can't let this day go to waste. Especially if I'm gonna be hanging out with you." Rody said.

He saw as Vince rolled his eyes but still a small smile appeared on his face. They soon made it down the stairs and to the bistro. They left the restaurant and Vince locked the door behind him.

"So, where is this cafe?" Rody asked.

"Just down the road, it's a walking distance." Vince replied.

"Okay, let's go then." 

Vince nodded and they both started their walk over there. As they walked Rody decided to spark up a conversation, "So, how old are you?"

Vince looked at him before looking away, "I don't wanna say.."

"Oh come on, tell me!"

"I'm..I'm 29." Vincent muttered.

"Your 29?!"

"Yes, don't make a whole big deal."

Rody chuckled, "Sorry, I just can't believe your that young."

Vince scoffed, "I'm not young."

"Yes you are." Rody replied.

"Okay fine. Well how old are you?" Vince asked.

"I'm 31." 

Vince raised a brow, "You're 31?"

"Yea?"

Vince made a sound in response, making Rody furrow his brows, "What? Do I not look my age?"

"Well, kind of. I thought you were older to be honest.." Vince replied.

Rody huffed, "What? You thought I was older? I don't know wether to take it as an insult or a compliment."

"Take it as compliment." Vince replied.

Rody was about to reply but realized they made it to the cafe. It was little but very nice. There was an outside area with lights hanging and the inside looked cool too. It all seemed calming.

Vince was about to open the door but Rody stopped him by grabbing the handle and opening it up for him. Vince looked at himself before rolling his eyes and walking in, Rody right behind him.

They sat down at a little table and a waiter came up to them, "Hello, what would you guys like?"

"I would like a black coffee, you Rody?"

"Um–can I get a caramel latte." Rody said.

"Alrighty, coming right up!" The waiter said, before leaving.

Rody looked at the waiter as she left before looking back at Vince, "Black coffee?"

"I don't like anything else."

"Yea, but doesn't it taste bad?"

Vince stared at him for a moment before it clicked in Rody, "Sorry I forget that you can't taste.."

"It's fine. Do you know what you want to eat?" Vince asked.

"Um, I'm not really hungry but I'll probably get a croissant with chocolate inside. You?"

"I'm not hungry." Vince replied, looking out the window.

"Come on, you can't just have black coffee." Rody said.

"It's fine, I don't need anything."

"But it's not enough. It's your birthday."

"Trust me, being here with you is enough to me." Vince replied.

Rody felt his heart race as Vince said that. God, what this man does to him.

"Alrighty, here are your coffees. Will you guys want anything to eat?"

"I'll have a chocolate croissant please." Rody said.

"Okay, will that be all?"

Rody nodded and the girl gave a smile before walking off. Rody took a sip of his latte before looking over at Vince. He was drinking his coffee as he looked out the window.

Rody couldn't help but notice how pretty he looked. He felt his face warm up as his stomach felt full of butterflies. Vince then looked over at him, making him grab his latte as he looked away.

He heard a chuckle come from Vince, making him look over to him. He was about to say something but the waiter came by again.

"Here is your chocolate croissant. Enjoy!"

Rody took the croissant and ripped a piece before eating it. It tasted amazing! He wondered if Vince would ever make him one..

"Do you want a piece?" Rody asked.

Vince looked at him before shaking his head, "I'm okay."

"Come on, just a little piece!" Rody plead.

"Really Rody, I'm okay."

"Please, for me?" 

Vince looked at him before sighing, "Fine."

Rody smiled, and he grabbed a piece before handing it over to Vince. Vince ate it and swallowed before looking at him blankly. 

"Look I know you couldn't see how it tastes but at least you ate something. That's all I care about." Rody said.

Vince didn't say anything back instead just spilled on his coffee as he looked back outside the window. Rody finished up his side of the meal though. He ate up his croissant before drinking the rest of his latte.

Rody looked over at VInce and noticed his coffee was also finished so he spoke up, "You ready to go?"

Vince looked at him and nodded. So Rody flagged down the waiter and asked for the check. He opened it up but Vince took it.

"Hey! Let me pay for it."

"I'll pay for it, don't worry about it."

"No." Rody snatched the check back and put the money in there before closing it up and leaving it on his side, "It's your birthday so let me treat you."

Vince stared at him before shrugging and getting up, "If you insist."

Rody looked at him for a moment before getting up as well. They both walked out the cafe before starting to walk back to the restaurant.

"Thanks for paying for me and taking me out I guess."

"It's not problem, I wanted to do something special for your birthday." Rody replied.

Vince made a sound in response. As they walked Rody noticed a park with no one in it. He quickly grabbed Vince's hand before leading them to the park.

"Where are we going?" Vince quickly asked.

"To the park!" Rody replied.

Rody stopped when they were in front of the playground, "Let's go down the slide!"

Vince looked at him before huffing, "I'm not doing that."

Rody pouted, "Come on, it'll be fun!"

"No, I'm not child."

Rody sighed, "Fine then I'll go myself."

Rody didn't wait for Vince reply, instead he went on the playground before going to the slide. He looked to see it was a tunnel slide. He took a breath before going down it.

One thing he didn't expect was him to go so fast. So he quickly went down the slide and slid through the ground. He lifted his upperbody and rubbed his head, "Ow.."

And before he could process what just happened, he heard laughter, a laugh he's never heard before. He looked over and saw Vince covering his mouth as he laughed.

Rody felt his heart race as his face felt warmed up again. Vince had such a pretty laugh..He doesn't even care he's laughing at him, he's just glad he got to hear Vince's laugh for the first time.

He chuckled as he got up. He walked over to Vince and the minute Vince saw him, he started laughing even more. He didn't know what what do other than just stand there.

He noticed how Vince got extremely red though, making him chuckled. He looked so adorable laughing. He then look around and noticed some people looking at them weirdly so he decided to head out.

"Let's get going." Rody said, taking Vince's hand as they walked out.

Vince calmed down soon enough, taking deep breaths as he began to do so. Rody looked down at him before smiling, "You looked like you had a great time."

"Sorry, I was gonna help you but I couldn't stop laughing." Vince replied.

"It's fine. Honestly, this is the first time I've seen you laugh." Rody said.

"Really?" Vince said, looking up at him.

"Yea, you looked..happy."

Vince didn't reply, instead just looked down. Rody looked at him before quietly chuckling, "Can't believe I hear your first laugh by me hurting myself though."

"Sorry.." 

"It's fine."

Soon after they made it to the bistro. Vince let go of Rody's hand before unlocking the door and looking back at Rody, "Thank you for today Rody."

"No problem, just glad to see you happy."

Vince nodded before walking up close to Rody. Rody was about to ask what he needed before suddenly feeling soft lips kiss his cheek. He became stunned as he looked down at Vince.

Vince's cheeks were a pink tint as he looked away, "Thank you Rody, truly. I had a good day today."

Rody put a hand to his cheek before sheepishly smiling, "Your welcome Vince. I'm glad I could make this day special."

"Yea..Well I'll you go but I'll see you tomorrow. Goodnight Rody."

"Goodnight Vince." 

Vince gave him a small smile before letting himself inside the bistro, soon disappearing from the inside. Rody took a quick moment before widely smiling and making a yes! sound.

Not only did he make Vince day good but he got a kiss on the cheek as well! God, this man has his heart beating..

If only they could do so much more..

Rody stared at the bistro before grabbing his bike and heading home for the night. His dreams being all about that kiss..