Chapter Text
As the frost of Central Northside dulled with the clinging of The Leafdrop’s shop bell, Dennis let out a deep-seated groan, relaxing his shoulders before scanning the store. The clock behind the front counter read Feb 6 - 8:27 a.m..
“What's up? You’re like, 25 minutes late dude…” Thomas glanced up from where he’d been scrolling behind the cafe’s register before sighing and walking towards a clearly frustrated Dennis.
“Is Andy getting on your ass again?” he halted.
Dennis met Thomas’ eyes, realizing that the barista’s tone had shifted from casual to upset at the mention of his boss. Had his exhaustion really been that noticeable?
“No. I mean, he can be upsetting, but recently he’s been nothing compared to the stress of school. Who would have thought almost 6 years of constant studying and work would lead to burn out.” Dennis fiddled with his hands.
“I get it Den,” Thomas responded, leading the two back towards the cafe’s counter. “But hey, at least you're gonna be out of here soon. Five more months and The Leafdrop is going to lose its employee of the century.” The kid turned and performed expressive jazz hands, clearly hoping to lighten the tense mood that had entered with his coworker. Dennis had to admit that it worked a little. He would miss seeing Thomas so often once his shifts at The Leafdrop stopped.
“How are you guys ever going to manage without me?” Dennis quipped. He knew they would be fine. Thomas and Kassy had managed the cafe basically alone for months before Dennis got hired, and they were much more suited for the job than he was. Dennis never really understood the bisexual barista stereotype until he met them.
Thomas gave a lazy shrug before turning back to the cash register and taking the order of an unfamiliar customer. Dennis shuffled into the breakroom at the back of the store, cramming his backpack and jacket into the claustrophobic locker before donning his navy apron and rolling up his sleeves.
As he wandered back to the cafe’s counter, Dennis spent more time taking in the familiar environment.
The Leafdrop – quaint and cozy just as it had been all those months ago – was a sharp contrast to the sterile environments Dennis normally found himself in at school, now acting as his priority on weekends and infrequent afternoons. The store was overflowing with plants and fairy lights, looking like something ripped out of a millennial’s pinterest board. On this Sunday, morning light filtered in through the cafe’s sheer patterned curtains, casting a warm glow on the store. The gentle lofi station mixed with the hum of machinery created a soundscape characteristic of The Leafdrop. A few regulars were sitting around the shop, and the room emitted a sense of familiarity.
While most med students spent their weekends studying and attending optional conferences, Dennis had to work. After he left home, Dennis had to take odd-jobs for weeks until he could find a part-time position that slotted into his already busy schedule. Luckily, The Leafdrop had an application open that was perfect for him, and while the farmboy’s passion definitely wasn't coffee, he liked the job well enough.
His family spent weeks - hell, months - trying to get Dennis to accept their help, but he always responded by shrugging their worries off, saying he was fine, and everything was going great.
What he failed to mention was that he had been out of a home for months, following his inability to keep up with housing costs. Dennis had spent the better half of the past year working to try and keep up with the debt he was now drowning in, but working as a barista didn't give you many perks.
A perk he did end up getting were the friendships he would end up making with his coworkers, Thomas and Kassy. While the two seemed odd to Dennis at first – unlike anyone he knew from Broken Bow – they quickly became his Pittsburg lifeline as the three spent more time together.
They were the only people who knew about Dennis’ current predicament, and even though he knew it could all go away with a quick call and some overdue reflections, he needed to figure this out himself.
Thomas leaned over the cash register as he pointed out items on the chalk menu to the woman who had now been ordering for a suspiciously long time. He was taller than Dennis by a couple inches, with pale freckled skin and an athletic build that was usually hidden by his outfits which almost exclusively consisted of chunky grandpa sweaters and baggy jeans. His fluffy skunk dyed hair contrasted with the woman whose order he was taking, her auburn bangs soft under the store’s dappled light.
“Whats the name for the order?” Thomas inquired, wrapping up the lengthy transaction.
“Mine’s Cassie, but you can put Pittsburg Trauma Medical Center since it’s for the whole department.” Thomas glanced back at Dennis, clearly noting the fact that he would soon be doing rotations at the same hospital.
“Cassie with a K?” Thomas made a face.
“No, a C.” She lightly corrected.
“Okay, your order should be out in a couple minutes.” Thomas reverted back to his normal demeanor, smiling.
“Thank you so much, and sorry for the inconvenience.” She leaned in, “Usually we would go to the chain cafe down the street but they were closed today." The woman sounded understanding and apologetic, leaving Dennis afraid of what was in store.
“It’s totally okay, and you are very welcome.” Thomas responded before turning on his heels and pulling Dennis into a whisper.
“She just ordered 6 medium lattes and 3 black coffees. I swear to god I might quit before you do.” Thomas muttered.
Nine orders at once was not characteristic of The Leafdrop. Dennis could barely handle three coffees simultaneously, let alone almost a dozen.
“All right, you take the black coffees while I get started on the lattes, and lets hope no one else needs us for the foreseeable future,” Dennis leveled, still partially hung up on the fact that she was from the hospital he would be doing rotations at, come July.
Thomas nodded as the two quickly got to work.
-- X --
After 8 and a half hours of the cafe, Dennis was so exhausted he could barely move. This week had been long, and he was about ready to give up 30 minutes before Thomas finally declared The Leafdrop as closed for the day. Luckily, not many people showed up after the morning rush so Dennis was spared from a painful sleep-deprived encounter.
The morning light was now gone, replaced by shadows cast from the building above. At some point, the noise playing through the speakers had morphed from nondescript lofi into Twenty-One Pilots and Hozier. Thomas’ taste in music was good enough for Dennis, and he was appreciative of the energy it was giving him now.
“I have no idea how I’m supposed to wake up tomorrow.” Dennis wearily exclaimed, “I feel like I just spent 3 consecutive shifts in the ER.”
“Who knows? I have a feeling that nightmare might become a reality for you in the very near future.” Thomas murmured, too exhausted to morph his tone into one that made it clear he was at least partially joking. The boy yawned before continuing, “Was school really that bad this week?”
“I had two exams and a buttload of assignments, so yeah, it was rough. There's a reason why most med students treat it like a full-time job.” Dennis’ tone came out more frustrated than he meant.
“I’m sorry,” Thomas responded genuinely before yawning for what felt to Dennis like the hundredth time this shift. While he knew of Dennis’ situation, there wasn't much a junior in art school could do to help an MS2. Thomas still lived with his parents, and harboring a 24 year old from Nebraska probably wouldn’t go over the best with his family. The two stood in a comfortable silence for a minute or two before Thomas jumped up, startling Dennis.
“Oh, before I forget! Kassy needs you to open next Saturday because she’s helping her sister with something that morning.” Thomas continued, “That means you have to be here at 7:00. Is that ok? I know you’ve never opened before so I can come in if you don’t think you’ll be able to-,” the kid started to backtrack when he saw the lifeless expression on Dennis’ face.
“No, I can do it.” Dennis responded, “You two carry this place on your backs already, I would feel terrible if I made you come in on your one day off.”
“Thank you so much Den! You're a life saver.” Thomas exclaimed, jumping up and down in circles.
“Alright, on that note I think I’m gonna head out,” Thomas returned to his previous state of calm, “Are you okay to finish up here or do you need my help?”
“I’ll be ok.” Dennis responded.
“Alright. Feel free to call me if you need anything ok?” Thomas called from the back. He was still pulling on his worn carhartt jacket and canvas crossbody when he walked back into the cafe.
“Of course. See you next Sunday."
“See ya,” Thomas remarked before slipping out into the bustling streets of Pittsburg.
Dennis spent the next couple minutes tidying the store before he too escaped for the day.
-- X --
Saturday could not come fast enough.
After another grueling week of school, Dennis wanted to do anything but go into work. Since he’d promised to open for Kassy last weekend, he had gotten a total of 12 hours of sleep, and now felt even more tired than he had at the end of his last shift. But he’d insisted, and money was tight so he couldn't exactly blow off a shift. Especially since he would probably get fired if he did.
After struggling with the front door’s unfamiliar keys for what felt like 30 minutes, Dennis finally broke into the empty store. The usual warmth of Thomas and Kassy’s presence was missing, and left him feeling weirdly alone as he wandered towards the back and began setting up.
Once he was done tidying the shop and prepping the counter, he spent a couple minutes setting the music before walking to the front door and flipping the sign to read, “Open”.
The earliest guest of the day was a new face for Dennis, who was sure that one of the regulars would be the first one in. The man had frosted ashy hair and a short but fluffy beard, paired with a firm canvas jacket and neutral cargos. He was taller than Dennis, who met the guy’s amiable brown eyes as he walked up to the register. When the stranger smiled, his crow’s feet deepened, making Dennis melt on the spot.
Fuck. He was attractive.
“Oh, um… hi. My name is Dennis… what can I get for you?” He stammered, and sounded more like a bumbling mess than a barista. All of a sudden, the cafe felt like a million degrees, and Dennis was starting to get feverish.
The man lightly chuckled, rocking on his heels before responding with a much more leveled tone, “I’ll get a medium latte. To go.”
“All right, that’ll be 4 dollars and 25 cents”, Dennis reoriented himself, "What's the name for the order?”
“Michael.” He handed Dennis a $5, “Keep the change.”
“All right Michael, I’ll have that right out for you.” Dennis smiled at the man whose face could now be put to a name.
“Thanks Dennis,” Michael smiled back, causing another wave of pink to shoot up Dennis’ cheeks. After waiting for the older man to find a seat alongside the opposite wall of the cafe, he turned around to start prepping the latte, trying not to think about the fact that the most attractive person he’d ever seen was now sitting in the coffee shop he worked at.
Right as he finished the order, Kassy walked in, smiling as she glanced around the mostly empty store.
“Morning Dennis.” She grinned as she wandered behind the counter, “I see you’ve met Michael”.
“Oh. Do you two know each other?" Dennis glanced between the two, before getting Michael’s attention with his now finished latte. The man smiled and walked towards the coworkers to grab his coffee.
“Michael’s our newest regular. He’s been here all week,” Kassy seemed casually indifferent as she spoke to both him and Dennis, “Same medium latte every day at open. You would’ve missed him if I wasn't busy fixing Marley’s broken washing machine.” She pointed over her back as if to suggest the laundry machine was in the break room. It wasn’t.
Dennis smiled towards Michael before handing over the latte and turning to watch Kassy saunter away.
“See you tomorrow Michael.” She waved behind her, not looking back, “Give me a minute Dennis.”
Once she had disappeared into the back of the store, Dennis turned back to Michael who was now holding out another $5 dollar bill.
“Oh, you already paid.” Dennis waved his hands in protest, “you’re free to go sir.”
“This is the best latte I’ve ever had.” Michael let out a smirk, “Please take it.”
“Oh- um… thank you so much.” Dennis could barely muster the energy to speak. He was frozen.
“See you tomorrow, Dennis,” Michael waved goodbye as he dipped out of the cafe, hoisting his bag over one shoulder.
Kassy broke the silence when she exclaimed, “Yo.”
Dennis, who just realized he hadn’t moved for a couple seconds, swiveled to face Kassy who was now leaning on the break room’s doorway, looking at him with wide eyes. Her black locs were covering raised brows, and her mahogany complexion was donning a knowing expression.
“What?” Dennis tried to sound confused, but he knew what Kassy was referencing.
“I just spent the first five minutes of my shift watching Michael undress you with his eyes.” She deadpanned, “What was that about?”
“There is no way he was thinking that” Dennis gulped, “I literally just met the guy, what are you talking about.”
Kassy stared Dennis down before pulling out her phone and making a call, “I’m telling Thomas you’re opening for him tomorrow.”
“Why?”
“Partially because you were late to your Sunday shift last week,” Kassy glanced at Dennis before grinning, “But I also don't think I could let myself sleep at night knowing all the chemistry that would be wasted between you and…” She gestured her hand towards the surprisingly empty cafe and Dennis, clearly insinuating that she meant Michael.
Dennis started setting his Sunday alarm for 6:45.
-- X --
Opening Sunday went about the same as Saturday, except for the fact that it was raining cats and dogs outside.
The morning light still hadn’t hit Pittsburg as Dennis shuffled into the cafe. Partially because of the fact that it was 7:00 a.m., but also because the clouds above the city were thicker than molasses. He rang out his soaked umbrella and prepped the shop, bringing out disposable rain bags because of the inclement weather.
Michael showed up at 7:34, and was the first customer again. Unlike yesterday, he was soaked. The man was much less intimidating when his hair was plastered to his face.
”You look like a wet dog.” Dennis unsuccessfully held back a smile.
Michael glared at him before sighing, “I forgot to check the weather and was running late today.” He shrugged, “By the time I was outside, the umbrella was no longer an option.”
”That sucks. Same order as yesterday?” Dennis changed the subject.
Michael caught his eyes and smirked, “Yes. Thank you Dennis.”
He pulled out $10 dollars.
”Oh you really don’t need to do that again…” Dennis put his hands up, “Even the tip last time was more than necessary.”
”They definitely don’t pay you enough.” Michael retorted, “And I think cute baristas deserve a little extra. Aesthetics are important in the cafe industry.” He comfortably smiled at Dennis.
The aforementioned ‘cute barista’ was — once again — frozen.
”Oh- uh… you? That’s-“
Michael cut him off before Dennis could embarrass himself any more, “Take it.”
”Thank you.” Dennis responded, slightly more grounded. He steadied himself, then reached out for the $10, frantically slotting it into the machine before putting the change into the tip jar.
By the time he looked back up, Michael was already leaning against the wall of the cafe, scrolling on his phone the same way he had yesterday.
Dennis let out an anchoring sigh before getting started on the drink.
When his latte was finished, Michael sauntered back to the counter, meeting Dennis’ eyes before the mousy barista looked away. Their hands grazed as he took the drink before beginning to walk off.
”Oh, Michael!” Dennis called out. The man halted in front of the cafe’s door before turning around.
”Give me one sec…” Dennis disappeared into the back, not waiting for an answer.
When he emerged from the break room, he was holding an umbrella towards Michael, who had resumed his spot, leaning on the counter.
”So you don't get soaked.” He muttered, “Just give it to Kassy or Thomas when you come in tomorrow.”
Michael glanced between Dennis’ hand — which was now holding the umbrella — and his face. He hesitated before smiling and accepting the offer.
”Thank you” Michael said, warm and genuine.
”You're very welcome.”
Michael actually made it out of the store this time, leaving Dennis with peace and quiet for approximately 5 seconds before a tuft of brown and white was making its way into the shop. The kid took off his headphones before glancing at his coworker.
”Why did I just watch Michael leave with your umbrella?” Thomas’ thumb pointed towards the block, while his face donned a genuinely confused expression.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Dennis tried to keep his composure, holding the nape of his neck before breaking out into a genuine smile and looking down at the floor.
”Oh.” Thomas’ expression morphed into one of omniscience.
”Can you not?” Dennis said, smile faltering as he dropped his hands.
”I don't know what you're talking about?” Thomas playfully retorted.
-- X --
As more customers made their way into the store, the day discovered its rhythm. The two spent hours keeping up with orders before the shift found a lull and Thomas turned towards his coworker.
“What happened with Michael this morning?” Woah, way to ease me into the conversation, Dennis thought. Thomas had clearly gotten the gist of their encounter, but he was nosy, and the gist wasn’t enough. Dennis decided honesty was probably the best policy, as lying clearly wouldn’t get him anywhere in the 21-year-old’s creepily all knowing presence.
“He gave me another $10 dollars for a medium latte and then called me a ‘cute barista’” Dennis made air quotes with his hands, “He was drenched when he walked in and I offered him my umbrella. He accepted.” Dennis shrugged, making the whole thing out to be a regular encounter. He was screaming internally.
Thomas screamed externally. Like a little girl.
”You guys are cute.” He composed himself, “I could see it working”.
”Thanks for the vote of confidence.”
“I mean it.” Thomas started to clean up around the counter area which had slowly become a mess during the morning rush. It needed a reset. He continued, “You’ve needed something other than school and this place for a while.”
”Whoah.” Dennis retorted, “You're acting like the guy asked to marry me. He just said I was ‘cute’.” Dennis did the finger quotes again. As much as he tried to play it off, that simple comment had ruled his mind for the past 3 hours.
“Den, you sound insane. ‘He just said I was cute’.” Thomas mocked Dennis with a whiny tone and rolled eyes before resting his face, “What I mean is that I think you could use a distraction. A little flirtation never killed anybody. And hey, if it does blossom into something else, even better.”
“Thank you Thomas”, Dennis meant it this time. It was clear his coworker was being genuine.
“You’ve got it dude”, Thomas patted his shoulder before the shop bell rang, “I’m gonna tell Andy your opening on weekends now. I’ll bullshit something about how you said you wanted to up your hours.”
”For 30 minutes a day?”
”Like I said… bullshit.” Thomas turned back towards the front counter and began taking the order of an unfamiliar face.
That was how Dennis got stuck with opening the Leafdrop for the next 5 months.
Some art I made for the fic!