Welcome to Gaia! ::

Zanil is the city of the wealthy and elite. It stands alone on an island, a couple of large bridges connecting it to the mainland. The government on the island keeps it pristine at all times. You won't find trash on the ground or even a random crack in the sidewalk. Potholes were absolutely not a thing. Even the homeless population was almost non-existent. The government does everything they can to keep people off the streets, having multiple programs to offer people a chance to get themselves together. There were even buildings dedicated to give the homeless somewhere to go. All that being said, the taxes weren't on the cheap side but it was well worth it. It was one of safest cities on Earth with everyone taking the moral high ground. It was so safe that parents allowed their young children to walk to school by themselves. It was the perfect city for those looking to get away from the stress of the everyday population.

An alarm on a phone echoed around a studio apartment, causing a mass to stir under the blankets. Like a monster emerging from a lake, a hand crawled out as a groan snaked out. Smack! The hand silenced the alarm before crawling back under the blankets. "Five more minutes?" A husky voice took up the space in the room. "No, I can't afford it." It continued to grumble to itself. With what seemed like a tremendous amount of effort the mass started to move, sitting up. A blonde head was exposed to the early morning sunrise, which lazily laid across his bed. One of the downsides of living on an upper floor, there's no building on the east side to block out the blinding sun in the mornings. Liam wiped the sleepys out of his eyes before placing a pair of frameless glasses on the bridge of his nose. What's the weather like today?, he thought to himself, grabbing the phone that sat next to his pillow.

'Yo- switch shifts w me! Alex is hosting a party tonite! Rebecca will be ther! Help a bro get som p***y!'

It was Jacob, the usual closing shift barista. Liam clicked his tongue, it took him almost two years to get out of those horrible shifts and scheduled for the golden shift, openings. But if he doesn't help Jacob, he will start walking into nightmare of messes like the last time he refused to help him out. He already had a lot of tasks in the morning before the shop even opens. He can't afford anymore to deal with.

'Fine. You owe me BIG time.'

Liam's chipped black nails tapped around the screen in annoyance. Well, ********. I don't need to be up yet. I guess. He mentally clicked his tongue again. It was three am, his usual wake up time to give himself an hour to get ready and to walk a block to the coffee shop. And once there, he had another hour to clean and warm up the machines before the doors were unlocked. He knew Jacob lived thirty minutes away but that's his problem now.

'f** u mean? Helping me get laid is ur favor ; )' He lightly tossed his phone down on the pillow. Rebecca was another barista but with her attending college so much, she rarely showed up for a shift. But with her dad donating to the business on that block so she got away with her no shows. Her perky personality paired with a petite, yet curvy body made her popular with the guys around her. And she knew this. She slept around with anyone she demanded attractive enough out of sheer boredom. She had tried to flirt with Liam the last time she decided to help out with opening shifts. It was annoying and she managed to scare away majority of his female regulars. Those ladies enjoyed the shop's coffee, but their staring tells him they came for more than just the coffee. He mentally shrugged. Him attracting customers like that didn't bother him much, they tipped very well. He managed to buy a new electronic guitar off their tips alone. And it was name brand. He was moving up as a guitarist.

Liam figured he didn't need to stay up since closing shift didn't start til five in the evening. Six hours of dealing with college kids and overnight workers, cleaning, and shutting down the machines. Opening tomorrow will sucked, so he needed to ask about taking a sick day when the boss came in to count the drawers and collect the money to store overnight. He set a new alarm for eight am and took his glasses off. Well, at least I will get a lot of sleep thanks to Jacob. He thought has he flopped back down on his pillow. Sleep claimed him in an instance.

At eight in the morning, a similar scene played out as it did at three. Not wanting to stay in bed much longer, Liam draped his legs off the bed, stretching out his stiff body. There were some chores that needed to get done that he could now get done instead of doing them afterwork like he had planned. He started up his Keurig to brew some colombina coffee while he started to load up his dishwasher with last night's dishes. He paused long enough to munch on a poptart and sip his coffee before he went on a trash gathering hunt. It's been a few days due to his packed schedule recently. But if he was going to have the day off tomorrow, might as well have a clean place to chill in. He might invite a couple friends over to goof around with since he picked up a copy of Tekken 8 finally.

The day passed Liam by quickly with nonstop cleaning. He really needed to get better at staying on top of that. While in the shower, he alarm went off to alert him that he needed to leave in the next ten minutes to make it on time. The phone kept chiming over and over before snoozing itself. A sigh of relief left Laim as he toweled off and got dressed in a loose, long sleeved black shirt and a pair of black jeans. "Alright, finally sweat free. I feel reborn." He hummed as he walked over to check the time on his phone. "What?!" Not only did he miss his alarm but he was running ten minutes late. His shift already started. "I'm so sorry" two voices sounded at the same time as he was picking up his rings. His hands froze and looked up a woman. "Jinx, you owe me a soda." He apologetically smiled back at her. Hoping if he made her laugh, she would be less upset. He stood up and placed the two rings on his fingers. "Sorry, I really need to get going. I'm late." Liam rushed off, leaving behind one of his rings. A simple metal band that looked a bit beaten up with age.

"I know I grabbed the ring before I left." They continued to mumble as they dug in their pockets. "I had it in my hands, I was putting on my rings, and I ran into the woma-" He trailed off. He must've dropped it when they collided. He was so sure he picked all of them up though. But in his panic, he could've overlooked it. He sighed; there was no choice in this matter. He would have to finish his shift and go out to look for it afterwards. That is if it was still there. The ring was an old one, something his dad gave him during the summer of him entering high school. Said it would always bring him good luck, all he had to do was kiss it and place it over his heart. It was a silly little thing, but it worked to calm his nerves. Which usually helps his luck.

"Liam, you're already late, don't idle in here too long. We got customers and Rebecca is as clueless as ever. Don't tell her dad I said that." Liam's boss complained as she walked out of her office and headed up to the front. "Get to the front now and help me with this rush."

"Understood." He slipped on his apron and jogged up to the front of the store. As he rounded the corner, he saw a line almost out the door of people. The two girls in the front were yelling at Rebecca about burning their latte's milk. When Rebecca saw Liam appear, she immediately switched her expression from annoyed to a sad puppy dog like pout.

"Liaaaam." She whined out to him. "The customers are yelling at me again. You know how I am when I get yelled at." As soon as Liam reached the register behind the counter, Rebecca wrapped her arms around Liam's left arm and squeezed it close to her body. Her ample breasts seemed to almost eat his upper arm. Rebecca's constant need to touch him bothered him greatly. Luckily, the boss was glaring at her which made her grip loosen enough for him to slip his arm out.

"If you properly steamed the milk in the first place like I show you each week, maybe you would have less customers yelling." The boss snapped at her.

Rebecca pouted at the boss and looked up at Liam. "Maybe you could show me. Even Jacob sucks at teaching me." Her whiny voice was already nails on the chalkboard for him and it was only a couple minutes into the shift.

"Whatever, just take the orders. Me and Haley got the drinks." Liam ordered before turning to the two angry college girls. "Apologizes, misses, what was it that you ordered? I'll get that remade for you and refund the order." His voice was extremely gentle and light while handing the upset customers. The girls were smitten by his act and just wordlessly nodded along. "I'm so sorry, for me to remake the order, I would need to know the drinks." He tried again, the girls were in a complete trance. Liam tried to hide the sigh before he turned to Rebecca." Hey, Rebecca." He barked at her, causing her to jump. "What did they order?"

She looked at the girls and back at Liam "Just our seasonal latte, the Pumpkin Spiced one. Both had oatmilk." He now knows why Rebecca burnt the milk so easily.

"You do know our oatmilk has a lower steaming temperature, correct? That's why you burnt it." He grumbled out to Rebecca before turning around to Haley. "Two oatmilk Pumpkin Spiced Lattes." The boss nodded as he took out the oatmilk and espresso cups for the espresso machine. Haley already had the coffee bean grinding up.

"Oh? You're going to teach me?" Rebecca skipped over to Liam, pressing her breasts back into his arm as he poured oatmilk into the frothing pitcher. Why does she have to keep making him so uncomfortable. She knew her breasts were huge and what most guys got hard about. Luckily, Rebecca's personality broke the spell for Liam before it even started.

"Get back to the registers and take orders, your manager already gave you that order!" Haley snapped at her. Funny that she pointed out the Liam was the manager when Haley was the owner and boss. Her words held way more weight than Liam's. With Rebecca back at the register and grumbling out her lines to the customers, Liam was freed up to froth up the milk just has Haley had the espresso shot being pulled next to him. "Sorry, I know you wanted to get away from night shifts. With Jacob wanting tonight off while Erick was still in the hospital, it made it tough to find someone to cover this shift. Alex already asked for this day off a month ago for his birthday. I'll make it up to you, you can come in two hours late tomorrow. Gives you time to sleep in some." This was Haley's way of smoothing out an apology.

The frothing wand whistled out loudly as Liam cleared it after removing the pitcher. "Actually, could I just get tomorrow off?" Liam decided now was the best time to shoot his shot.

Haley frowned up at him as she pulled the cups away. "Liam, I need you in the morning. You know Alex and Jacob are both going to be too hung over and with Erick out ..." She trailed off.

"I get it, I get it. I'll come in but I'll take that offer to be two hours late." He responded. Both turned around to the back counter where two cups sat. Haley added some pumpkin spiced flavored sugar into the bottom of each cup before splashing the coffee in. She gave the cups a small twirl the get the sugar melting before Liam added the frothed milk in. Once he was done, Haley topped off the coffees and handed it to Liam. "Here you go, misses. I apologize for the wait. Please let me know if the coffees are to your liking. I can always remake it for you." The girls took the cups with shaking hands, their faces bright red. They took a sip from their coffee, wincing as it burnt their tongues. They giggled and confirmed the coffee was really good before walking out the store. Haley was at the register, issuing a refund on the order. By next morning, the girl who paid will see the refund reflected on her bank account.

"We got a Cold Brew, iced, large, nothing else." Rebecca called back to Liam and Haley.

"I got this one, it's easy." Haley tapped Liam on the shoulder. They had a large pitcher of cold brew in the minifridge below the counter for orders like these. She just needed to fill a cup with ice and cold brew.

"Thought you were supposed to be at Alex's tonight." Liam asked.

"Haley didn't want me to call out." Rebecca whined back. "Why, do you care who I hang out with? Are you getting jealous?" Why does she look happy while saying this.

"Since when do you care what Haley wants. You used her dad's power before to skip out on work when we needed help." Liam inched away from Rebecca. "Don't get delusional." Liam pointed a finger briefly to the customer infront of her while tilting his head in a silent way of say 'Aren't you going to take their order?'

The shift seemed to drag on like this for a while, Rebecca trying to flirt with Liam and Haley barking at Rebecca to work. Liam is reminded in pure details why he fought so hard to get off of closing shifts.

EDITED ADD-ON

Liam's cell phone chimed in his pocket roughly a couple hours into his shift. He pulled it out and checked who it was. The text was from Blake, a bassist who played in their causal band as well as his gaming buddy. They attended the same high school with Liam when they were younger. Back then their name was Ashley and still went by she/her. They struggled with some drug use while their home life was rocky during the divorce. Luckily, their abusive dad ******** off once things got finalized and Blake dipped when they graduated. They now live with their girlfriend, Yasmine, who they met originally on a Request To Duty lobby.

'Dude, thought tonite was band ********, that's right. He never updated them about his shift change.

'Sorry, got called into ********. Sorry. Got the gang here. They said Yo'

The infamous gang that were made up by Blake, Yasmine, Donald, and Viktor. They all enjoy gaming together often. Liam, Blake, and Donald were in a causal band together. Blake was a talented bassist while Donald brought the energy while he played the drums.

'Yo back guys'

'Lol get back to work or Haley will yell at you wink '

Blake was being a punk on him again. They were always very close, like siblings. They often dyed their hair to match each other. Speaking of...

'Forgot, did you pick up the dye?'

'Ye, we be blue again'

'Cool, will be off tomorrow night. Your place?'

'Ye'

With that, Liam slid his phone back into his pocket and returned to dusting the shelves that the mugs sat on. This was usually his task in the morning but because the crowd cleared out quickly there wasn't a whole lot for him to do. Haley was wanting to busy herself with some maintenace task of the machinery. Rebecca stood outside, passing out some flyers a local business dropped out for them to help pass around. The next several minutes passed in silence.

"Thank you again Liam. Kim texted me an hour ago during the rush." Haley's voice made Liam jump. The shop was peaceful and quiet besides for some soft lofi jazz that was playing. "Erick is doing well. Doctors said he should be released soon."

"Oh good." Liam responded back as he stared into the mug. It wasn't too long ago the Kim went home and found her younger brother, Erick, passed out in the bathroom. He attempted to take his own life by cutting his wrist. He's been an in-patient during this time and Kim often took days off to go and be with him. Doctors said it'll help him out a lot. "I'm happy he got help and is doing better."

The bell on top of the door rang as it opened. "Yo, Liam." Donald called out as he stepped into the shop. "Gimme a cup of joe or something." He chuckled out as he stepped lazily over to the register, tucking his skateboard under his arm more as he dug for his wallet.

"Thought Blake said you're with them." Liam puzzled over the sudden appearance of his friend, who he was informed was at Blake's. He began to punch in a hot medium latte into the computer.

"I was but dipped. Felt weird being the fourth wheel. Ever since Viktor joined in on their relationship it's just been extra lonely ya know?" Donald said but looked over and winked at Haley. Liam knew about the late night texts and attempted booty calls Donald sent to Haley. Sure, they flirted in the past but after they slept together once, she grew distant with him. Haley rolled her eyes and walked into the back. "Ay, you think that was the signal?" Donald started to step around the counter to go into the back, his hand on the zipper of his pants. Liam held up his hand and shook his head.

"You know the rules, back to the other side of the counter. Haley has asked you to back off. She wasn't interested in causal relations like that. Plus, she's been seeing this nice girl. So, leave her alone." Liam scolded Donald. Donald clicked his tongue and stomped over to a bar stool at the other end of the counter.

"Man, she's crazy. We were amazing together in bed. Best I had and by the sounds she made, I was the best she ha-"

"Donald!" Liam cut Donald off. "She is my boss, reframe from speaking about her like that. I'm starting to think your vulgar mouth chased her off like all your other partners." He began making a latte for his friend and used a brown mug that said Happy Pooping Time on it. "If you want to get laid and such, I know Blake has some short-term partners that don't get fully introduced to the polycule. Surprised you never hit them up."

"I have, when we were in high school." Donald laid his head down on the counter and stared at Liam as he made the drink. "They only really came around when they wanted more bud. I mean I enjoyed the fact they paid with their body. But now, they're off all that s**t." Donald clicked his tongue again. "How about you? Will you let me visit your bed again? Please? I've been so pent up." He sat up and clasped his hands together. Was he really begging to blow off steam with Liam?

"s**t, dude. How long has it even been to be barking up my tree agian? Y'know what. Don't answer that." Liam groaned out as he set the mug down in front of his friend. They've only really been in bed twice. Both times Donald was basically on his knees, begging. Just like he is now. Liam doesn't really go out of his way to hook up or even find partners. So, it's been a while for him too. He let out a sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Fine. You can come home with me tonight. But this better be the last time. You need to really work on finding a good relationship." Donald pumped his fist in victory. "A GOOD relationship. Not some toxic s**t you tend to get yourself into. Use this head to think with for once." Liam leaned over the counter to poke Donald's forehead. Out of the corner of his eyes he saw movement by the window. Rebecca was standing by the window, looking in, glaring at Donald. Does she know how to read lips?

Rebecca came skipping back into the shop when she noticed a lady stepped inside. Placing the flyers down on the counter next to the register, she recited her greeting. "Hello! My name's Rebecca, what can I get started for you?" She bounced in place as the lady looked over the menu, but she settled on a hot chocolate. Rebecca scrunched up her face in confusion, why come to a coffee shop if you're not getting coffee or tea. "Right! One hot chocolate." She punched it into the system and called it back to Liam.

Liam glared over to Rebecca. "I know you know how to make that one without messing up. You should feel a little ashamed that both of your bosses had to save you earlier." She pouted at him before stomping over to the hot water dispenser, she saw the lady pull out a laptop, so she assumed it's a for-here order. She pulled down a mug that read Warning, Hot stuff and started to work on opening a mini chocolate bar wrapper. The store's secret for such a yummy hot chocolate was that they had an American French blended recipe. Sure, they still used the hot chocolate powder, but they also added in real chocolate and a touch of sweetened condense milk for a thicker and richer cup.

Liam returned to his threat he was in the middle of throwing to his friend. "I mean it, Donald. Last time. You know it messes with my heart a bit. Plus you're a good friend, that's it. I shouldn't be doing this with you in the first place. I want you out before I wake up for my opening shift. Okay?" Donald pouted over his mug and took a sip before nodding sadly. "Cut that guilt trip nonsense out. This is how you keep roping me into this mess." His friend looked away and sighed. He wasn't happy with his hollow victory. He was going to get laid but at the price of hurting his friend again. "Also, I think you left Blake's house before they told you but band practice is tomorrow night."

Rebecca came over next to Liam and placed the hot chocolate in front of the lady who seemed to be writing away on a notepad. "So, like, are you a writer or something?" She chirped out, once again bouncing in place. It was a habit she built around guys to get their attention but had forgotten how to turn it off in general. Liam perked up and turned to look at the lady fully now since earlier he gave out a small greeting without fully looking at her. His head tilted a bit as he tried to recall where he knew her from.

"Are you the lady from earlier, out on the street?" Liam lazily asked as he slightly pointed at her. "Where's my soda?" He chuckled, hoping that his goofiness will downplay any anger she may still have. He smelled the chocolaty aroma and saw what mug Rebecca has even her. He chuckled again. "Hot stuff." He quickly cleared his throat before adding. ". Ah, our hot chocolate is really good. It's more than you'll expect. Ever had French hot chocolate? It's similar to that."

Donald smirked, "The great Liam is flirting?" He started laughing. "Didn't know you're that down bad."

Liam's face heated up for both annoyance and embarrassment. He was flirting a bit, he'll admit to that. Maybe he was a bit pent up like his friend. Hopefully, after tonight his head will be on straight again. "Donald, just shut up." He turned back to the lady on the laptop, "If that cup isn't up to your standards, please let me know and I can remake it for you. Also, if this man over here bothers you. Please also let me know. He is all bark but no bite but I can shut him up for you." He paused awkwardly for a bit, looking at the lady as he gathered the courage. "I didn't catch your name, what was it?"

"Liam." Haley's head popped out from the back. "I need to run to the bank before they close. Mind watching the shop for me?" Liam nodded in respond. "Good, I'll be right back." Haley darted out of the shop.

Rebecca looked up at Liam, still bouncing in place. "I'm in your care, boss." She batted her eyelashes at him.

"Go back outside and pass out those flyers." Liam ordered at Rebecca. Her bouncing stopped immediately as a pout formed on her face.

She does enjoy the chase like any woman does but Liam was playing really hard to get. But that's okay, it made her want to be in bed with him more. With the impression she got off of him and his friend, looks like getting him to agree to it is as easy as a guilt trip. Rebecca smirked remembering this new knowledge. She'll have to try it out on him another day when Donald isn't here. "Sure thing, boss." She gave a little bounce with the word boss. She gathered the flyers back up and stepped outside.

Donald continued to sip on his coffee, his guilt made it hard for him to look at Liam, so he went onto his phone instead. Liam sighed, seeing this but instead went back to cleaning. Donald was feeling guilty and might even want to back out but knowing how stubborn he is, he won't. He will feel bad til they get to his apartment later. There he knows Donald will drop that act once his urges kick in and will crash into him. He pulled out a stainless-steel polisher and started to buff it onto the mini fridge below. It was nice to get some of the morning cleaning done now so he can have a chill morning. He knows he'll be very tired the next day. But wherever he can conserve energy, he will. His friend is going to drain him dry of that tonight.

Liam nodded as he took the mug from Renci, "One hot chocolate with hot milk coming right up, Miss Renci." He turned around and pulled down a mug that had a purple iridescence about it, it reminded him of the lady. He felt this fit her much better. He heard her continue on with the conversation, nodding along to show that he was listening even though his back was turned to her. "Ha! Tame? That's a new descriptor I've never heard for Donald over there." Liam's shoulders quaked with the uncontrollable chuckles. "I mean he is tame outside of his libido. He's a good friend and a hell of a drummer. Plus, I can kick his a** in any fighters."

With that last comment, Liam finished up preparing Renci's remake and twisted around, setting the mug in front of her. "One hot chocolate with whole milk. I figured you'd like this mug more. Matches your hair." Liam announced the order and smiled.

"Aw, what? How come she gets mugs that matches her hair? Where's the love man?" Donald whined.

Liam pointed to the black mug as Donald drank out of it. "You blind? What color is that mug?"

"Black?"

"What color is your hair?"

"Black?"

"Good, now shut up." Liam snapped the cleaning towel in his direction causing his friend to curl his lips inwards into his mouth to dramatically show he'll be quiet.

"Have you worked here long?" Renci's question made Liam look up at the ceiling as he thought.

"I think it's been roughly three years now?" Liam chuckled as his eyes fell upon Renci. "Hard to say, Haley, my boss, had me working on and off for a while in the beginning while I finished up college. And I believe that was three years ago at this point."

Happy with his own answer, Liam nodded to himself as he put the ingredients he used back up and cleaned out Renci's old mug. Donald slurped the last of his latte down and waved the mug slightly at him.

"Oy, can I get another one of these? Hella good, man."

"Sure, gonna run your card again though. No free refills for friends."

"Maan, okay." Donald pouted and accepted his fate. "How much longer still you're off?"

"Hm, what time is it now?" Liam pulled out his phone and looked at the time. "Well, it's nearly eight now. So, three more hours."

Donald leaned back and groaned as Liam took the mug away and prepared another hot latte for him. "Dude, don't groan. Sucks for me too. I'm normally in bed now or soon. I already feel myself getting sleepy. Think I'm going to make a cup for myself." Liam groaned back to Donald as he fiddled with the espresso machine. As the shots were being pulled, Liam opened the mini fridge and dug behind everything and pulled out a hidden mug. This was his favorite mug he liked to keep a secret from the other workers and seeing has he was the only one that cleaned out the interior of the fridge, it was safe.

He set down an old Devil May Cry mug and poured some cold water into it. The pump in the machine seemed like it wanted to join in on the groaning as well as it finished the pulls. Liam took one of the small espressos shot cup and tipped it into his mug and the other in Donald's mug. Quickly, he frothed up some milk for the latte.

"Here." Liam set the mug back down in front of Donald as he took a sip of his Americano. He walked over to the computer and punched in another latte. "Card." Liam demanded. Donald flicked the card over to Liam who barely caught it. "Your aim still sucks."

"Shut up." Donald mumbled before sipping the latte, wincing as he burnt his tongue again. "Hot." He hissed out before blowing on his coffee.

Liam walked the card and recipe over to Donald and handed it to him.

"Are you the manager or something? Seems like you could run the place by yourself.” Renci asked, coming out of what seemed to have been a daydream.

"I am, I'm a morning manager. One of the two managers here. And yeah, I do basically work this place by myself these days. My coworker that helps me out has been in the hospital lately."

Liam leaned against the back countertop to face both Donald and Renci as he sipped his coffee more. It really seems dead from what he remembered of night shift.

Haley came rushing back, "Change of plans, Liam." Rebecca slipped back inside when she saw the state she was in. "I'm going to need to close this store down early tonight and handle some emergency paperwork. Liam, come in tomorrow at seven, please."

"Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, just need to handle something that just came up. Can you be here tomorrow at seven?"

"Yeah, I can. Don't worry."

"Okay, good, I did promise I'd give you a couple hours tomorrow to make up for for tonight. Just clean those mugs and I'll handle everything else. Rebecca, clock out now and head home."

"O-okay?" Rebecca was hella confused by this but her excitement to leave still shone through on her expression. She skipped over to the computer and clocked herself out. "Night, Liam!" She purred to him, wiggling her fingers with a small wave before skipping out of the front doors.

Liam frown at Donald and Renci. "I do apologize but looks like we need to quickly finish our drinks for the evening." He started to gulp down his beverage, happy that he only filled it halfway. He cleaned up his mug and wiggled it to the back of the fridge again.

"Done!" Donald called out as his panted a bit. The foam mustache on his face showed he powered through the hot drink to try and beat Liam. But again, he failed to beat Liam.

"I can see that." Liam leaned over and brushed the foam mustache off his friend with his thumb. "I still won." He stuck his foam-covered thumb into his mouth and sucked it clean before grabbing the empty mug. Donald sat there with a red face, stunned. But Liam was too busy cleaning to notice his friend's reaction.

"Are you done. Miss Renci?" Liam gently asked her. Once she nodded yes, he also took her mug and cleaned it up. He dried his hands off with a towel as he nodded to the two mugs, flipped upside down on the drying mat. He'll put them up in the morning if Haley didn't get to them. "Alright. I apologize again, Renci. Looks like an emergency came up and we must close the store. I hope this didn't scare you off from returning." Liam offered a shy smile to her. "I'll make you a free rich hot chocolate, on me. We typically open at five am but tomorrow will be a late day with me coming in at seven instead." When she got up to leave, Liam waved to her. "Hope to see you soon!" He called out to her when she started to step outside.

"I wonder what that was about?" Donald said as he looked towards the back, where Haley disappeared to.

"Honestly, no idea. This is out of character for her. But whatever it is, I know it's important. She never closes early, let alone open late." Liam walked over to the computer and clocked out before shutting it down for the night. "C'mon, let's go to my place."

"Sick! Did you buy the newest Tekken game yet?" Donald said as they stepped out of the front doors.

Liam took a second to pull his keys out and locked the doors. He kept the lights on for Haley to move around safely. "Yeah, ready to get owned in that as well?" He chuckled as he started to walk down the sidewalk, towards his place. Donald followed alongside of him.

"Naw, man. It's finally your turn to go down. I've been practicing."

"Oh ho, looks who's cocky."

"b***h, I'll show you a c**k." Donald snapped back as he made a jerking motion by his groin before opening his fist in Liam's face. The jester was supposed to mock the action of a "facial". Liam only rolled his eyes knowing he wasn't the one that got facials.

"Uh huh." Liam's response was the last of the comments shared between the two. They finished the short walk in silence.

Liam held the door open for Donald as they reached his building and stepped onto the elevator. Both men were scrolling on their phones, in silence still. Beep. The elevator reached his floor, and both got off. "Ready to lose again?" Liam broke the silence as he pulled out his keys and opened his front door.

"Loss? Dream on." Donald scuffed at his comment.

Both of the kicked off their shoes before setting into the rest of his apartment. Donald started to hang back a bit by the door, suddenly nervous. Liam didn't pay any attention to his friend's sudden shift in attitude. "You hungry?" He asked as he reached the kitchen counters and turned around to Donald.

He only had a second to register Donald's face before his friend closed the distance and slammed his lips onto his own. Liam froze up, this was the first kiss they shared together. Donald was a firm believer that kissing was too romantic and intimate. Recalling this memory made his heart race as his eyes fluttered close, as he moved his lips in time with Donald's. His friend eagerly opened his mouth and tasted Liam's lips when he realized he was returning the emotion. Again, Liam followed the lead and opened his mouth, deepening the kiss.

Donald started to frantically grip at Liam's clothing, wanting them off as the kissing sped up. They broke apart for a second, panting heavily as they helped each other shed their shirts. Their lips met again with more hunger as they stumbled over to his bed. Donald pushed Liam down on the bed and removed his pants as Liam slipped out of his. With nothing between them anymore, Donald crawled on top.

--

Both men laid in a mess of blankets and pillows on Liam's bed. Their chests were rising and falling with each pant. Liam took his usual role in receiving but something seemed different with his friend tonight.

"Liam?" Donald's voice sounded next to him.

"Hm?" Liam hummed back.

"I think I love you."

Liam sat up and looked down at Donald. "What?" His heart was racing again. For so many years, he denied the crush he had on him for the sake of their friendship. But to hear his friend confess to him made a huge smile grow on Liam's face. "Look me in the eyes and say it again."

Donald looked over to Liam, held his gaze for a bit before softly saying, "I love you, Liam."

And with that, Liam pounced on Donald. Their lips hungry and passionate as their roles reversed for round two.

--

Liam's alarm on his phone blared in across his apartment. Like a zombie waking and rising up out of the ground, Liam sat up and shut his alarm off. Donald laid asleep next to him, their bodies still naked and tangled in each other. He smiled as he brushed the hair from his sleeping eyes. After a couple more sessions, with a pause in the middle to munch on some midnight ramen, Liam finally asked Donald to stay in the morning. He wanted to treat him to coffee at work before Donald had to head off for work.

"Donald." Liam nudged him. "It's time to wake up. I need to get ready for work."

Donald groaned as he stirred. Liam planted a light kiss on his lips. That woke him up. "It's morning, already?" He slowly sat up and sucked in air as he winced. "<********, I'm sore."

"First time receiving?" Liam teased.

"Yeah, actually." Donald looked up at him. Liam felt his face heat up.

"C'mon, if we shower together, we can cut our time in half. I gotta be there soon."

"Okay."

The two of them didn't bother to get dress and slowly wandered to the bathroom. Liam started up the shower, turning the water to a higher temperature to help with their sore muscles. Donald stretched and yawned. He tried blinking sleepies out of his eyes as he scratched his butt.

"Okay, water's ready." Liam checked the water and turned to inform Donald. His friend nodded and stepped inside the shower first. Should he still think of him as his friend after that confession? Liam shook his head and stepped inside as well.

As the shower progress the more Donald woke up. "Man, these early mornings are rough, dude."

"Yeah, you'll get used to them after a bit. I came to enjoy them."

Donald looked at the back of Liam before a devilish smirk grew on his face. He pounced on Liam and bit down on his neck.

"Ow! Donald!" Liam cried out as he sucked to suck and bite more. "You're going to leave a hickey, dude!"

Donald latched on Liam to prevent being pushed off. Once he was satisfied with his work he pulled back. "I know."

"What are we now, horny high schoolers?"

"I mean, yes minus the high schooler part."

"Shut up and finish rinsing off. I'm done." Liam stepped out of the shower and dried off. He started brushing his teeth when Donald shut the water off and stepped out. "I got an extra toothbrush below; you can use it." Donald walked over and bent down to open the doors of the vanity and found a toothbrush still in its package. He popped it open and started cleaning his teeth too. Liam spit out the extra paste and popped in fresh contacts in his eyes before planting a peck on Donald's cheek. His friend blushed but continued to brush his teeth. "I'm going to get ready, you can borrow some of my clothes. Just give them back tonight at band practice."

Donald spit into the sink. "Okay. I already know which shirt I'm stealing." He chuckled.

The two of them exited the bathroom and changed into clean clothes. Donald snagging a Five Finger Death Punch shirt. Liam slipped on a lightweight, black sweater and some fitted pants. He slipped some chains around in the belt loops so they could hang and dangle. His go-to rings slipped back onto his fingers. "Ready?" Liam called out as he zipped up his boots.

"Yeah." Donald slipped into his Vans. "Let's go."

On their walk to the coffee shop, the two walked closer than the night before. Their hands barely brushing against each other. Liam unlocked the shop and let Donald inside. Donald gingerly sat on the loveseat off on the side, preferring something soft while he was sore. Liam silently went through his normal opening routine and clocked himself in.

"Here, the coffee I promised." Liam handed Donald a coffee of his own creation. He considered it a secret menu item that very very few knew. When Donald realized what it was he sipped it excitedly.

"Hell yeah, dude. This is still the best coffee I've had."

Liam blushed and turned back to the counter. "Expect more now that we're dating."

"Dating?" Donald paused.

"Yeah... After you confessed to me and all. Isn't it normal to start dating afterwards?"

"I mean, yeah, I confessed but I'm not sure if I'm ready to commit."

"Donald! You can't just confess to someone and then turn around and go jk I can't commit."

"Look, man. I really do love you. The only one I've felt this way for before. But I feel like I have a lot more to experience before I want to settle down. Y'know."

Liam's heart sank into his stomach. "Yeah, I guess." He softly mumbled. He silently went into the back to turn on the kitchen equipment for the cook that comes in. She wasn't a talkative person and only stuck around to get the treats for the day made. She was newer compared to Rebecca but at least she was really good at her job. Liam slowly dragged his feet back to the front and saw the empty mug sitting on the bar counter but no Donald. Of course.

He heaved a sigh and tried to focus on work. It took almost thirty minutes before the first of the usual crowd started showing up for their coffee as the cook slowly started to bring fresh food out to the display case. The ladies eager to see Liam's smile. He struggled with putting a fake one on.

Liam looked up from making a mocha for a customer. "Oh, hey." He paused to recall her name. "Renci? Give me a second and I'll be right with you." His voice was flat and monotoned. As he turned back around to finish up the drink, his shoulders looked like they were carrying some invisible weight as they drooped. The ladies standing off on the side were whispering to each other. They took turns trying to figure out what got their favorite barista in the city so down and asking each other how to cheer him back up. When Liam rested two mugs down in front of them, one of them handed him a fifty-dollar bill.

"This is for always making the best coffee around, thank you for making my rough mornings better."

"Thank you, that means a lot." The emotion those words should hold didn't reach his face or voice. "Helping people have better mornings is why I'm here." A small, fake smile curled the corner of his lips. He stepped over to the computer screen and started to place the bill into a jar next to it.

"Oh no! Sweetie, that's not a tip. I wanted to give you a gift. Wasn't sure what you'd like so I figure money is the best gift to give." The middle-aged woman sadly smiled at him.

Liam's eyes widened. "Ah! I apologize. Thank you again." The lady chuckled and repeated her thanks as she picked up for mug, her friend next to her already had a hold of their coffee. The two wandered further into the lounge area to pick out a small table that had two chairs pulled up to it. Liam slipped the money into his apron pocket before turning to look at Renci. "I apologize about that. Let me guess, you want another hot chocolate?" Another fake smile creaked into place as his hand hover over the screen, waiting for confirmation on her order.

Liam followed Renci's gaze to the empty loveseat and tilted his head, confused before she turned and gave him her order. "Teas? Hm, our Earl Grey Black Tea with bergamot flowers is rather popular if you like stronger teas. For something lighter, I can offer our Dragonwell Green Tea." He listed off the two bestselling teas off as she dug around in her bag.

A bottle of coke was placed on the counter and slid towards him. He could see his name written on the lid of it. Pay off the soda debt? Liam chuckled and picked it up. He turned it around in his hand as he looked at it. No one seriously took him up on his joke soda debt, so this lady definitely brightened his day. "It was a joke. I feel both bad and happy. Bad that I made you buy me this but happy that you're the first to pay off their soda debt."

He placed it in the mini fridge below, he'll drink it on break later. "Thank you, though. Be a nice treat for my break." He walked back over to the register. "If any of those teas don't sound good to you, just let me know what your go-to flavor profile is and I can see what we got. We don't carry much in the ways of teas since our focus is coffee here, sorry."