Work Text:
August has always been the loud type, well, except around you. And you know he is because you can always here him down the halls. But the moment he turns that corner, as silent as a ghost. And since you've noticed, a singular thought hasn't been able to escape your head: maybe he has feelings for you... And maybe he doesn't (he totally does).
But seriously though. It's so obvious that he does, well at least to you. Though you haven't exactly mentioned you observations to anyone, the other cleaners at HQ have probably noticed to. The way August goes quiet and slightly red when seeing you, how whenever you two are in the same room you always feel eyes tracking your every move, how your outfit was definitely one of the better crafted ones (or maybe you're just being biased). Because if you were being honest, you definitely like August back. I mean how could you. He was tall, had gorgeous hair, hot as fuck, had a genuine personality, and ect ect... Truly though there was only one problem. Not only did he really talk around, he also blanked out. Like you knew he was listening, you'd often mention something that you'd like and Enjin or Eishia would always approach you with that very thing in hand. It was more like he had a system override. He was processing the information. But was just processing different things at different speeds, like focusing on how those earrings look good on you rather then immediately understanding what you're saying.
You've once mentioned how you wanted to get better at baking. It was a small comment said in passing when talking to Eishia when having gone with her (and August) to visit their grandma. You happened to have a job in the area so you decided to might as well make a short visit as you knew the siblings would be there. But just a few days later Eishia had shyly approached with a baking and cooking book in her hands. She told you that it was from herself, though it was obvious that she was lying.
And just the other day you were hanging out with your wonder, glorious, receptionist Semiu. You were hunched over her back, arms wrapped around her shoulders and neck as you watch curiously as she did her work. It was calm, serene even as you watched her work. You had work of your own, but let's not talk about that. But someone was definitely talking, more like yelling, when you heard a loud and harsh crash coming from August office where he worked on all his designs. You jumped in surprise and look to just see August standing at the end of the hall in this ridiculous pose. He had his legs spread slightly with his head looking up and finger pointing at the ceiling. You even look in the direction he was pointing at, to find nothing really. He did look cute though, so you'll give him that one.
"HOT MAMA SEMIU! I NEEEEEEED YOU RIGHT NOW!" And this must be a regular occurrence as Semiu barely even looks up from her paper work scattered from her desk.
"You made clothes f'me again?" She asks calmly.
"ABSO-FUCKING-LUTELY!" August yells, this time switch arms to point. But that doesn't matter, as all you can do is watch in awe at him. He rarely acts like this around. Most he's ever done was sport a cheeky grin on his face when he thought you weren't looking. Unfortunately for you, seeing him this comfortable only lasted a few seconds as Semiu decided to open her mouth.
"Then reader can just get them for me. I've pushed to much work back to go now." August's head snapped to face you and you swear you've never seen a man code switch so fact before. You don't even understand what's going on. One second he looks like that poster for that musical that came out years, and the next he nods at you with a stumble in his step, pink on his pale cheeks, and walks away quietly. You feel your eye twitch as your gaze slowly lowers to Semiu whose hand is held over her mouth. She doesn't actively say anything, but you can tell she's attempting to hide her smile.
You didn't see him for a while after that which was understandable. He was embarrassed, well he looked embarrassed, and probably just didn't want to see me for a while. I mean the thought was cute, but it hurt that there was a chance that he was purposely ignoring. So then, you called an emergency girls meeting. These only happened once in a while. When one of the girls, between Riyo, Tomme, Semiu, or you need to share tea or opinions that just can't wait.
Both Tomme sat the bed in soft pajama's with Riyo sitting on the floor between he legs as she got her hair brushed. You had asked the two if they wanted to have a girls night, and sensing something was amiss, they agreed readily. "Can I ask you guys a weird question?"
Tomme and and Riyo perked at this giving you their full attention. "Finally," Tomme said with a sigh, "I've been for whatever you needed to tell us." Riyo nodded against Tomme's thigh, definitely on the verge of falling asleep.
"Thanks..." You mutter under your breath, but you can't help a small smile making its way to your lips. Tomme can always tell when something it eating at you, always noticing when something is wrong. While mean she can get ahead of herself, for example finding Tamsy suspicious of something, she tends to notice things the same way a mother would in most other situations. "Okay I don't want to be delusional, and I've actually been thinking about this for a good few months now though I wasn't sure if anyone noticed. But I really think that August has a crush on me. Like romantically."
There was a short silent pause, aside from Riyo's gentle snoring.
"Ah," Tomme smiled gently. " He does, not like he told me, but it's obvious that he does. Everyone knows it. But the real question is if you like him back." You wasn't sure if you were comforted by what she said or annoyed. Because on one hand, you have confirmation that he likes you, but on the other hand everyone knows that something might be there but unanimously agreed to not actually not stepping in. At least on your side of the equation.
"I do like him back, I like him a lot. And now I know what I should do." Tomme, you, and a sleeping Riyo went over the plan in quiet whispers. And before long it wasn't just you three. Enjin had been dying for the moment someone would make a move, and Eishia who was surprising awake at the time was happy that the girl her brother has wanted for so long want him back.
Phase 1:
While not required, just for piece of mind, Enjin, Eishia, and Semiu when later informed, all agreed to test August a little to see if what they were thinking was true. For Semiu, she was able to use her Jinki to see if that could show her anything about his affection. And according to her, even without her Jinki she knows that August wants a piece of that. She had also made a joke about showing him some of her magazines and saying how you'd look good in them, though you don't know if it actually was a joke or not.
With Enjin, he just stook to casual teasing. Calling August's girlfriend whenever mentioning you in conversation, making jokes about your type but just describing August, as well as some other things. Once when walking down the hallway, you noticed Enjin and August walking in your direction. The moment Enjin saw you, he immediately smirked. "Hey August's girlfriend," he yelled out with a small wave. You waved back trying to not smirk as well.
"Hi Enjin! Hi August!" His freckled face flushed pink and you almost want to faint right then and there. He looked so precious you could barely contain yourself. Enjin winked at you before throwing a arm around August's shoulder and practically dragging him to you. You almost felt bad for the man, but you just wanted to be 100% sure. No taking risks even though it barely is one. You three (though it was just mostly you and Enjin), proceeded to talking for the next few minutes. With each and every time you turned your head from August, you felt a heated gaze trace your body down to the core. But thankfully, for both your and August's sake, Enjin allowed you to walk free. Though you couldn't help but hear a quiet "I know you like her" and "I just want it to be perfect."
For shy little Eishia, she didn't really do anything extreme. Just tried to mention you in conversation more. The type of music you like, your favorite color, how you really liked breakfast this morning but not the one a few days ago, anything that could help her dear brother. I was nothing much, but it was effective, as just after a few days of doing this you've gotten your results: there is no way he doesn't have feelings for you. And having that conformation sure did feel good.
Phase 2:
Being honest here, you guys didn't plan for this part whatsoever. You guys thought that you would be able to think of something later, but later had unfortunately become now and you guys still had nothing. You, Eishia, Tomme, Riyo, Enjin, and Semiu were all crowded around her desk. You could feel the gaze of the of the cleaners wondering why a group like yours were suddenly as tight as could be but you just ignored it. The waiting was becoming unbearable and you needed to do something about.
"August obviously isn't going to confess anytime soon," Tomme said and there was a whisper of agreement coming from everyone else. Eishia nodded solemnly while Enjin whispered about how August should just man up already. "So it's safe to assume that it's all left onto reader here to break the tension here.
"Yep. I really just want to get this whole thing over with, so at this point I might as well confess right now." The rest sighed, it was understandable and definitely the most simple move to make. Confess quick and easy and get it over with.
"You could but that wouldn't be fun would?" Riyo said, her thin legs swinging off the desk where she sat. "You have to make the moment one to remember, one that shows that you tried to show what you've felt for so long. While you can just walk up to him, tell him that you want him, that isn't something that fits you or August." Riyo's voice was calm and steady as she spoke, surprisingly mature especially for her. Enjin bared his teeth proudly, smoke pouring from his mouth.
"What she said! You need to make your confession something that he'll cherish forever reader! You can't just be plain and boring when we know that isn't your thing!" Semiu pulled at the back of Enjin's collar to get him to stop yelling but the words had already flown out. His hands slowly went to him mouth and gave a small shrug, "oops."
Phase 3:
Having asked Eishia, she told you while he didn't really have a favorite snack, he really liked cookies as that's what their grandma always made for them from when they were little to even now. So using the book that 'Eishia' gifted you, you got to work. You tried to look for a cookie recipe that screamed August, which is fitting because you could always hear him screaming whenever you were out of sight. But after so long you opted with something simple, chocolate cookies but in the shape of hearts with a hand written note spelling out you feelings for him. The first batch, though good for a first attempt, wasn't good enough. You wanted it to be perfect, not matter what. You knew that him rejecting you wouldn't be a major issue, it was obvious from the start. But that didn't stop you from being nervous about the whole thing. And eventually, with batch after batch, you finally got it right. They were perfectly shaped, had a glorious amount of chocolate chips in each cookie, and tasted divine. And you luckily had extras from your previous batches to have as a snack. But these, were for August and him alone (unless he wanted to share ofcourse).
And now the final step of your plan was in motion. You were stationed in the kitchen, mountain of dishes still in the sink, as you waited for a call. Enjin was in the lounge room, waiting for if August were to stroll, Semiu was at her desk, and Eishia was in her infirmary, and Tomme and Riyo were near the kitchen and keeping an eye out for August. It probably didn't need to be this over planned but that would be boring according to Enjin. With whomever August would bump into first, they would direct with to the kitch, telling him a snack was waiting for him there. Once August had left, the person will call everyone else to alert them that he's on the move. Everyone else is on the look while start washing to trying to look busy.
You rubbed you hands together nervously, hoping and even praying that this would go well. It was probably over planned sure, almost like a low budget spy movie, but that's just the type of person you were. You would be so sure of yourself, especially when others confirm that you're right, yet always double down to make sure it doesn't fail. Also, as embarrassing as it was to admit, this is pretty fun weirdly enough. But that's not what matters, what matters is making your feeling known to the person you like the most.
"Get ready," said Semiu, "when I told him he practically sprinted to the kitchen. He'll probably there in a minute." You felt your heart speed up as you hear Semiu's voice come from your collar. You clumsily started washing the dishes of your own masterpiece. You were so nervous that you swore that you could hear your heart beating loudly in your chest. But strangely enough, the sound was getting louder and louder by the second. Until it was clear that it wasn't your heart making that sound but footsteps. Rapidly coming your way. You kept your head on the dishes in front of you as not even a second later August came flying into the kitchen. His long blonde hair was wind swept, a light pink dusting his cheeks as his mouth let out small gasps for air. He looked gorgeous.
But almost immediately after meeting your eyes, his body seemed to almost shut down. His posture straightened to an extent, almost like he trying making himself look professional. Though it didn't really work as his orange glasses were very much crooked on face. You let bout a small gulp and that same heat you felt whenever around August traveled with the movement. "If you're here for the cookies they're in the fridge, there's a metal lid over them." You tried to make your voice sound less strained, you really did, but the words came out all short and cut. Thankfully though he didn't seem to notice, just silently making his way to the fridge with a small trudge in his step. You held your breath as heard the fridge open close before a light thud, probably him setting down the plate on the counter behind you. After lifting up the lid, August would find the cookies and the love letter. You heard his breath hitch and you knew for a fact what just happened.
He just read the letter.
You held your breath as a second past with nothing being said. Then a second and a third. Nothing had been said in five seconds and it's killing you from the inside. "August," you started but nothing else came out. It was like a pair of hands hand wrapped themselves around your neck. You heard the light clink of metal against the plate a footstep. In just two strides he was directly behind you, back to chest. You felt your ears grow hot as slowly but surely he bent down wrapped his arms around your waist and pressed you snuggly against him. You bit your lips and tried so hard to focus on washing the dishes. Though that was definitely hard as he had buried his face in your neck, sliding a leg between yours trapping you. You wanted to curse so bad, so badly you wanted to curse this man on how he made you right now.
"My sweet muse I am so sorry," those were the only words he spoke. They were quiet, sure, but clear. You placed the dish down and grabbed onto the edges on the counted when he latched himself onto you tighter then before. His arms, which were lean and surprisingly strong pressed into your stomach in the best way possible, the very tips slippinging under my shirt. His body continues to press me down against the counter and sink. The edge of it digs into me but it only make me even more excited. But I'm also glad he didn't completely bend me over, just a little over a foot it./p>
The two of us stay like that for the next few minute, the only sound passing between us is the sound of our intermingled breathing. Some time during this, his hold on me loosens and disappointment runs through me. But I stay still, enjoying how content August seems right now. But even I can't stand it, I need to know his answer. Not from anyone else, but from him. But before I can speak, he beats me to it.
"I was planning on confessing to you in a few days." My breath hitches but he continues. "I had overheard Enjin yelling about you confessing, and that had confirmed everything for me. I've been working on a few outfits for you, clothes that seem like your style, clothes that'll good on you if you ever wore things like it, and sets that I want to see you where for me and only me behind closed doors. I'm sorry not noticing how you felt sooner, for you having to be the one to confess and not me, for not talking when you're around." You can't help but let out a sigh of relief at his words, easily removing the weight you've been feeling for so long.
"It's okay August," you laid your hand on top of his, intwining your fingers. "I except your apology." And this time it's him who sighs, the tension in arms disapeering quickly.
"Now," August said backing away from you now. The warmth that you had left as soon as he did and you bite your lip so then a sad whimper doesn't come out. He's smiling now, the same smile I see him everyone else whenever he is in his element. He removes the metal lid from the cookies before turning to you. "Now, LET'S FUCK UP THESE YOU COOKIES YOU MADE ME! THEY LOOK GOOD AS HELL!" He yanks you by the shirt and brings a cookie to your lips. "Say ahhh."
You try not to laugh, you really do, but it just pours out. You bury your face into neck and cry out laughing, finally getting what you wanted after so long. You always thought that the shy side of August was cute, but seeing him like this was even better. You finally got a slice of what everyone else saw. He lifts you head up and presses a sloppy kiss on your cheek. "MORE FOR ME THEN," he says before taking a bite. You poured all your love into the cookies, and now he can finally know what you've been giving him for so long.