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The first time Caesar walked into the Joestar coffee shop, it was because of the coffee.
At least, that was what he told himself.
The place itself was warm in a way that felt intentional, with soft lighting, a low hum of conversation, and the kind of atmosphere that made people stay longer than they planned, but Caesar barely noticed any of that because the moment he stepped up to the counter, he saw him.
Joseph Joestar, apparently. At least according to the nametag on his way too small apron.
Leaning casually against the counter like he owned the place, which he kind of did, sleeves rolled up just enough to show his muscled forearms, grin already in place like he had been waiting for something entertaining to happen.
“Well hey there,” Joseph said, bright and easy, like they already knew each other. “New face, which means I have to make a good impression, which unfortunately for you includes my sense of humour.”
Caesar raised an eyebrow, unimpressed on the surface and entirely too interested underneath. “That sounds like a threat.”
“It is,” Joseph replied immediately. “So what’s your name, mysterious customer who walked in like he’s judging the entire establishment.”
“Caesar. Caesar Zeppeli.”
Joseph’s grin widened. “Wow, bold name. You Italian? Are you planning to conquer the menu, or just the almond milk section?"
Caesar stared at him for a moment, then let out a quiet breath that might have been a laugh if he allowed it to be. “Yes. One almond iced latte.”
“Of course it is,” Joseph said, already turning to start making it. “You look like the kind of guy who would order something that sounds fancy but is actually just milk with confidence.”
“I could say the same about you,” Caesar hummed in amusement.
“Ouch,” Joseph said, placing a hand dramatically over his chest. “And here I was about to give you the best almond iced latte of your life. I might just spike it with some dirt.”
Caesar leaned slightly onto the counter, watching him work, eyes following every movement with a focus that was just a little too intense to be casual.
Joseph noticed.
Of course he did.
“You’re staring,” Joseph said without looking up.
“You’re talking too much,” Caesar replied smoothly.
“Yeah, that’s part of the brand.”
Joseph finally glanced up, catching him mid stare, and instead of getting uncomfortable like a normal person, he just grinned wider.
“Oh, I see what’s happening here,” Joseph said. “You’re trying to figure out my secret recipe.”
“I doubt there’s anything secret about it.”
“Wow, rude, I put my heart and soul into these drinks.”
“And almond milk. I would hope so.”
“And almond milk,” Joseph admitted.
Caesar’s gaze didn’t leave him, not even for a second, and there was something deliberate about it now, something that made it obvious he knew exactly what he was doing.
Joseph set the cup down in front of him. “Here you go, one almond iced latte, made with care, skill, and definitely almond milk.”
Caesar took it, but his attention was still very clearly elsewhere.
“Do you always look at people like that,” Joseph asked, tilting his head slightly, “or should I be flattered.”
Caesar took a slow sip before answering, dragging the moment out on purpose. “Depends.”
“On what.”
“If they’re worth looking at.”
Joseph blinked once, then let out a short laugh. “Wow, that was smooth, I almost forgot you’ve been staring at me like you’re trying to undress me with your eyes.”
Caesar didn’t even hesitate. “And is it working.”
Joseph leaned forward slightly, resting his arms on the counter, grin turning sharp. “You tell me.”
There was a pause, not awkward, just… loaded.
Then Joseph straightened up again like nothing had happened.
“So are you going to come back tomorrow,” he asked casually, “or was this a one time thing.”
Caesar set the cup down. “I’ll be back.”
“Good,” Joseph said. “I need more opportunities to improve my gags.”
“That might take a while.”
“Wow, okay, I see how it is.”
Caesar came back the next day.
And the next.
And the next.
Always the same order.
Always the same seat.
Always the same look.
Joseph started making his drink the second he walked in, like it had become part of the routine, like it was expected.
“You know,” Joseph said one afternoon, not even looking at him while he worked, “most people just order their drink and leave, but you keep coming back and sitting there like you’re studying me on a petri dish.”
“Maybe I am.”
Joseph glanced up, raising an eyebrow. “That is slightly concerning.”
“I like consistency.”
“Oh yeah, you definitely look like the type.”
Caesar leaned back in his chair, still watching him, still very obviously watching him.
Joseph pointed at him with the spoon. “There it is again, that look, you’re doing it again.”
“What look.”
“The one where it feels like I should start charging extra.”
Caesar smirked slightly. “Would you make more money?”
“Probably, but then I’d have to admit I’m being flirted with at work, which feels like a dangerous precedent.”
“And you don’t like danger.”
Joseph laughed. “Oh no, I love danger, I just prefer if it comes with tips.”
Caesar stood then, stepping closer to the counter instead of staying at his usual table.
That was new.
Joseph noticed immediately.
“Oh, we’re changing things up,” Joseph laughed dryly. “Should I be nervous?”
“Maybe.”
Caesar rested his arm on the counter, leaning in just slightly, close enough to shift the space between them.
Joseph didn’t move back.
“So,” Joseph said, “same drink.”
“Obviously.”
“Wow, you’re really committed to this almond iced latte thing.”
“It’s good.”
“You’re welcome.”
“I haven’t tasted it yet today.”
“You’re going to like it, I made it with extra charm.”
“That doesn’t sound hygienic.”
Joseph laughed again, shaking his head as he finished the drink and handed it over.
Their fingers brushed for a second.
Neither of them pulled back immediately.
Joseph raised an eyebrow. “Careful, you’re getting dangerously close to liking me.”
Caesar held his gaze, completely unfazed. “I already do.”
Joseph blinked, just once, then recovered instantly.
“Well that’s unfortunate for you,” he said, grinning. “My jokes alone should have scared you off by now.”
“They’re terrible.”
“You're terrible.”
“But you’re entertaining.”
Joseph leaned forward slightly, resting his chin in his hand. “Wow, high praise, I’ll take it.”
Caesar took a sip of his drink, still not breaking eye contact.
Joseph huffed out a laugh. “You’re unbelievable, you know that.”
“And you keep talking.”
“Yeah, and you keep coming back.”
Another pause.
Then Joseph smirked.
“You know what your problem is,” he said.
“What.”
“You act all smooth, but you’re incredibly obvious.”
Caesar tilted his head. “About what?”
Joseph gestured vaguely toward him. “The staring, the leaning, the whole vibe, it’s like you’re trying very hard not to flirt while actively flirting.”
Caesar smiled slightly, slow and confident. “And you don’t like it.”
Joseph leaned in just a little more, matching his energy without hesitation.
“I didn’t say that.”
For a moment, neither of them moved, the space between them smaller than it had any reason to be, the noise of the café fading into the background.
Then Joseph straightened suddenly, clapping his hands once.
“Alright, that’s enough of that, if I get distracted any more I’m going to start messing up orders and then my granny is going to kill me.”
Caesar exhaled softly, amused.
“I’ll be back tomorrow.”
Joseph pointed at him again. “You better be, I’m running out of material and you’re my best audience. And cash cow.”
“Your only audience.”
“Gah, figures.”
Caesar turned to leave, but paused just briefly.
“Joseph.”
“Yeah.”
“You’re not as subtle as you think.”
Joseph grinned. “Neither are you.”
Caesar smiled, just slightly, before walking out.
Joseph watched him go, shaking his head.
“Damn,” he muttered to himself, “this is definitely going to get me into trouble with granny Erina.”
But he was already looking forward to tomorrow.