Hey there. This sort of floated around in my head so I figured I'd give it a go. Hope you enjoy! I own nothing of any final fantasy.
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A gentle breeze rustles the bare trees in the early morning as the sun-kissed clouds make their journey through the clear sky above the magical barrier of Insomnia. Birds chirped, their song echoing in the crisp air while citizens walked along the streets downtown, heading to their respective places of work or home after a long night. You were among them, wrapped securely in your jacket and shivering slightly at the chill air around you. At a brisk pace, the sound of your heels clicking on the ground encouraged you to keep going despite the sand in your eyes. It was early, far too early for you to be awake after the night previous, however, there was no way to change the schedule now. A few blocks later and you fished for the keys in your purse, unlocking the glass door of Miseria Cantare, the coffee shop you work at and hearing the chime of the door announcing that it had been opened echo through your ears. Quickly closing and locking it behind you, a sigh escaped your lips before the hum of fluorescent lights took over, illuminating the quaint shop before you.
Taking a critical look around, you pulled apart the buttons of your coat while walking behind the counter and into the back room. Removing your hat and other outerwear, you shimmied quickly into your uniform, pulling your hair away from your face and began the prep before the scheduled opening time. Your favourite genre of music began to blare from the speakers while you worked, absently dancing and humming the tunes. About an hour later, everything was ready and the aroma of various coffees filled your nostrils. The music was turned down, the open sign flipped on and blinds drawn, inviting patrons to your place of work while you returned to your post behind the counter. A quick glance at the time told you that your coworker would be in shortly and you busied yourself to make a drink for both of you: a Breve for you with Altissian creme and Cortado for Elise, who chimed the bell right on time.
"Hey what are you doing here today?" asked Elise, removing her gloves and accepting her beverage.
"Luck of the draw," you replied, smiling at her.
She huffed, "Too bad. If I knew you were in I would have come in late."
The two of you laughed, your leg coming up to tap her butt with your foot on her way into the back room. A content sigh left you once you took a drink of your coffee, placing it down gently as your first customer of the day walked in to order. This was the start of your long day.
After the first couple hours the morning rush began to trickle in, the lineup nearly outside the door while you and your three other partners rushed to keep up. It was a synchronized effort, flawless as always with this team - a good morning workout that was for sure. During the chaos, you had a tray of six coffees filled to the brim on an order to stay, customers waiting at a nearby table to not block the line. As you were shuffling out from behind the counter, the sudden turn caused you to collide with someone, spilling the scalding liquid all over the two of you with a loud crash and drawing the attention of everyone in the room.
"Oh gods I'm so sorry!"
The words flew out of your mouth instantly in utter shock of your actions. Your cheeks burned with embarrassment, quickly scurrying to have a look at the damage done around you. A man had blocked your path, taking the brunt of the damage and you frantically reached for a roll of paper towels to try and soak up all the brown liquid from his expensive looking clothing. Apologies were still stumbling out of your mouth while your face flushed, nothing else around you aside from the man before you and the mistake you just made. As you kept dapping paper towels on his clothing, a pair of gloved hands stopped you in your tracks, halting your actions and having you look up in confusion.
What you weren't prepared for were the crystal clear emerald green hues that met your gaze. It wasn't just those that caught your attention, eyes rolling over that stern face with flawless features. Resting on the bridge of his nose were glasses that accented him in every way, dirty blond hair swept up from that delicate face and a gentle smile upon his lips while he looked down at you. His hands held yours gently, suddenly radiating heat with a temperature much higher than the spilled beverages.
"I assure you, Miss, it's quite alright," he spoke in a thick accent.
"But your coat-"
"No harm done," he assured, his voice much firmer this time.
"I-"
"We need you!" shouted Elise.
You looked over at her and then back at the man who still had your hands captive. You were reluctant to leave, feeling awful about what just happened but the lineup was starting to overflow outside, letting the cool air in. Taking your hands back, you frantically cleaning up the mess as best you could with what you had, noting the expensive leather of the shoes that you ruined with your mistake. That made you feel even worse, rising to your feet and disposing of the garbage in the waste bin. Releasing a breath, you turned back to the man who's lavish attire you ruined.
"I'm so sorry, please come back in a couple hours and I promise I'll make it up to you," you said, shoving a Breve into his hands and returning to your job before he could protest.
Submerging yourself back in the rush, you were able to get another set of coffees to replace the ones you spilled and soon, everything was back to its regular flowing nature. Fatigue started to settle in once the rush was over, a few customers occupying the tables both inside and outside. The white cloth stained as you wiped the counters from the mess made, two of the other baristas taking their well-deserved break in the back room. Elise offered to wait so that you weren't alone, that girl having your back on more occasions than you could count. Taking a drink of your second coffee and plucking a chocolate chip banana muffin from the display case, your eyes looked longingly at the clock on the wall. Once those other two returned then it was time for your break, looking forward to the make-shift breakfast you often had when working here in the mornings. Finishing up a customer, you were relieved when you and Elise stepped outside into the cool air and sat at the table closest to the heater.
"I can't wait for winter to be over," grumbled Elise, huddling close to her warm beverage.
"You and me both," you agreed.
"Don't look now, but the guy you splooged coffee on is coming."
Your eyes widened, turning your head to see what the redhead was talking about. Sure enough, the elegantly dressed man from earlier was making his way over to the shop, emerald eyes fixated on you only. Oh goddess why now? In the bustling of the morning you had completely forgotten about the incident. Your heart hammered in your chest as he drew nearer, anxiety bubbling inside you.
"I said don't look!" Elise hissed from clenched teeth.
Quickly, you tore your gaze away in the hopes that he hadn't noticed you looking. A blush crept to your cheeks as the sound of his footsteps were closing in on you, the only thing your ears could catch and another wave of anxiety pulsed through you. The look on Elise's face told you that he was indeed gunning for you and you had no idea what to do. You weren't made of money, it would take an entire month's salary just to pay for the shoes you were sure.
"Well, I better get back to work," said your partner, rising to her feet.
Your hand instantly reached out to grasp her wrist.
"You can't leave me alone," you hissed.
"Relax. Just offer him a blow job and maybe he'll forget the whole thing."
"Elise!" you gasped in horror.
The reaction gained the results she was looking for, the ability to escape back into the shop before you could stop her again.
"Traitor!" you gritted between your teeth at her smug smile behind the window.
Oh goddess please let him just walk on by. Please, I can't handle this right now.
"Excuse me, Miss," the sound of his smooth, accented voice cut through your thoughts, making you grip your drink tighter.
"Yes?" you looked up, resisting the urge to bite your lip.
"Forgive me for startling you. Our last meeting was far from ideal and I wished to catch you at a calmer time."
"R-right. I'm so sorry I don't have any money but I can-"
He held up a gloved hand, "Please, there's no need for apologies. After all, it was a happy accident and the clothes will come clean in no time. I confess my intentions for returning were to discuss the wrong order hastily placed in my hand. I was unable to provide payment with the way I was rushed out and-"
"Oh gods! I'm so sorry, what did you order? I'll get it right away, on the house," the words tumbled out, nearly incoherent.
You were on your feet before you knew it, ushering him to sit as you waited impatiently for him to tell you.
"I prefer an Ebony-"
"Ebony, perfect I'll get that right away."
Your words were as quick as your departure, shuffling behind the counter to prepare his order. In the rush you had forgotten to ask whether or not he wanted it to go so just for good measure, you made a second one. As an afterthought, you placed your favourite muffin inside the bag and then carried it all out a lot more carefully, using your back to open the door. You placed everything down neatly, holding the empty tray in your hands that wished to tremble under your nerves.
"Here, free of charge. I know it doesn't even compare to how much damage I did but if you need anything else just ask and I'll make sure it's done. Anything, I mean it."
Flustered as you were, you couldn't help but notice his amused smirk up at you, almost as if he were stunned by your ability to mesh words together in such a swift way. Usually you were a little more composed but patrons like this hardly ever came into the shop. The area wasn't exactly high class, not to his calliper anyway.
"Please Miss, there is no need to be nervous. I'm not cross in any way and I'm aware I'm interrupting your break. Have a seat and relax, I merely wished to discuss the beverage."
Your body stiffened, the exact opposite of what he wanted, however, you sank into the chair opposite of him, the tray clutched to your chest as if it were a lifeline. Eyes remained in your lap as you waited for this abnormally composed man to speak, wondering what sort of mistake you made this time. In all the confusion, you couldn't even remember what exactly you gave him, very well something far from his liking if he preferred Ebony.
"The Breve, I've never quite had one like that before. You must tell me the secret," he spoke finally, drawing your attention.
"Oh, its nothing special, I just add Altissian cream to give me the extra kick in the morning. At night I use whiskey and hazelnut, anything to help me sleep. It's very relaxing but I don't do it every night because I don't think whiskey is good every day. Can I get you anything else? Would you like another Breve? We don't have whiskey here but I'm sure you could add some after you leave."
Again your words practically fell out on top of each other, so quickly you had trouble understanding them.
"Perhaps it's a larger kick than anticipated," he kept that amused smirk, meticulously putting together his Ebony.
Your gaze dropped, laughing a little nervously and noting the contents of sugar and cream he put in. It wasn't like you would ever see him again - unless he demanded the money from you for ruining his things. That blow job didn't sound too bad as payment right about now. Eyes widened with your last thought, cheeks flushing at the idea of blowing a stranger. A very slick and beautiful stranger.
"Are you alright?"
That smooth voice again cut into your thoughts, causing you to blush deeper and continue to avoid his gaze.
"Fine," your voice was higher than usual, "I've gotta get back to work enjoy your coffee sorry again and come back anytime for anything you might need."
You weren't even sure if he understood that incoherent babbling as you rushed from your seat and back into the safety of the cafe but you didn't give him time to answer. As soon as you were inside, you darted into the back room and straight to the bathroom, desperate to stop yourself from having a heart attack. You sincerely hoped he didn't come back, knowing you'd be absolutely mortified at having to face him again after the worst first impression you just made. The tray was still clutched tightly to you, sinking to the floor and leaving the weight that settled in on you. When you thought it was safe to leave you did, poking your head out to make sure that man wasn't around before the tension left you and you continued to do your job in that flawless manner, ignoring the glances Elise sent you.
When your shift was over you found a spot of lunch despite that it was well past the time before boarding the train to your next job. It was on the other end of town, Insomnia far bigger inside than it looked. Other citizens crammed inside of the car, not nearly as much space as you would have liked but there was no help for it. The sounds were drowned out by the music blaring in your ears, your gloved hand holding on while you stood, patiently waiting for your stop. The chill air had you shuddering for the umpteenth time that day, walking the rest of the way to Andalus, the bar you worked at. It wasn't often you were scheduled for both jobs on the same day, which was why you were okay doing it today. Working closing last night and then opening at the cafe was tough and you had to close again tonight, however, you knew what you were getting into taking two jobs.
Walking into the hole in the wall, patrons were already beginning their early bird dinner and you walk to the back where you could get ready for your shift. The locker was open for you to retrieve the clothes you packed, knowing there wouldn't be time for you to stop at home before coming here. Scurrying into the bathroom, you put on your ensemble consisting of a backless, low cut pink halter that cropped to tease your abdomen and light blue jeans tucked perfectly into your knee-high leather boots, donning a modest but thick heel. It was a little more provocative than usual for you, however, the first rule of bartending was simple: boobs sell beer. Only at the start of the weekend nights did you go that extra mile to gather in the tips, those being the real money that kept you alive. Fixing your makeup and hair, you were ready for the long night ahead of you, packing your things away and heading out to the floor.
"You're late!"
Lexie shouted at you, tossing a bottle your way and pointing to the end of the bar. You snatched the beer mid-air, propping the top off and nodding at the regular perched at his usual seat. From there you were constantly moving, tending to customers while mixing up drinks. The dinner rush had come and gone before she knew it, a small calm before the storm. A few regulars lined their usual seats, most at one end of the bar. You kept an eye on them while Lexie and a couple other bartenders scurried about to keep everything on track. The cooks in the kitchen were sending out food faster than you could keep up and it was only getting busier as the night wore on. It was warm and a thin layer of sweat coated your body which made you glisten in the light. As you rushed back to the bar you accidentally bumped into someone.
"Sorr- oh shit you're tall!"
The man grinned, giving a wink with one of his amber eyes but was unable to comment as you scurried back to keep doing your job. The televisions were all tuned to various sports games, the band playing on stage. People cheered, men and women alike all enjoying their downtime. You danced with some while making your journey to and from the bar, eventually just staying behind and pushing out drinks as fast as you could. You uncorked wine, you mixed cocktails with your style and flair, you poured perfect beer and uncapped bottles. You were on your game and nothing could stop you from doing a job that you were exceptionally well at. A smile stayed plastered on your face while you bumped hips with the other girls, oblivious to the attention you were gaining from a few men sitting at the bar.
As the night wore on, the band was finished and customers began to thin out. You were down two bartenders and the kitchens were closed. Lexie was announcing last call, ringing the bell while the two of you managed to keep everything flowing and all the drinks were out. The hour drew to a close and the bouncers were promptly making sure that people were leaving the bar. There were a couple stragglers, one large man that humbly requested to finish his drink and promised to stay out of trouble and another was desperate to stay and speak with you as much as possible. You were used to this, men who had too much to drink and lingered to try and convince the bartenders to come home with them. Since Lexie wasn't closing, it fell to you to keep them at bay. Luckily there was only one, the larger man you thought you recognized hesitant to leave but did so as soon as Mike, your straggler, had gone out the door.
"You good?"
Drew, the bouncer, asked from the entrance.
"Go home, you need your beauty sleep," you replied, grinning at him.
The man chuckled, closing the door behind him. Swiftly, you locked it to ensure that no one else would stumble back in. You were the last one, lifting up the chairs and beginning the closing process. A heavy sigh escaped you once you were done mopping the floor. All the glasses were cleaned and polished, placed back on the shelf and ready for tomorrow's use. Thank the gods you were only working one of your jobs tomorrow. Fatigue starting to wear away at you, the pace you set for yourself down more than half but you were nearly finished your closing duties. The only thing left was to take out the trash, five bags over full and heavy. Your hands came to rest on your hips, eyes burning but there was only this left and then you could go home and collapse on your bed. Throwing on your outerwear, you picked up all the bags at once and left out the back entrance, right where the dumpsters were waiting open for you to toss away the trash. A grunt came out at the weight forced to lift higher than your head but you managed, the sound echoing in the alley and rattling your spine once you closed the lids.
"Oh gods!"
The scream left you before you could stop it, startled when you were face to face with Mike, your lingering patron from the night. He was standing at the end, blocking your way through with his hands in his pockets. It was easy to see that he was still far too inebriated to be awake, his stance slack and wobbling when he leaned too far to one side.
"Mike, you scared me," you breathed, calming down your heart.
Something didn't feel right, your defences rising with each passing second that he just stood there. Awake and alert, you waited for the man to make a move so that you knew how to handle the situation. Your teeth sank into your bottom lip, looking for a way to safely bypass him so that you could go home.
"Are you okay?" you asked carefully, your body tense.
"I need to get home," Mike's slurred voice reached your ears.
"Okay so I'll call you a cab," you were soothing, trying desperately to shake the feeling of imminent doom.
"I need you to take me home."
"You know I can't do that."
"Take me home."
He took a step closer and somehow your body was tenser. It was a struggle to keep yourself breathing normally, not wanting to aggravate him and make a mistake. Snowflakes began to fall lightly from the sky and you pulled your jacket tighter about you, suppressing a shiver or any invitation for him to draw nearer to your position. It didn't work, Mike continued his stumbling pursuit and you scanned around for the best opening, heart hammering in your chest.
"Mike you need to turn around and get in a cab," you tried again to deter him from coming close to you.
It didn't work, you could see the determination in his eyes. Setting your jaw, you moved your feet as fast as you could, hoping to catch him off guard and push past him. Lady luck was not on your side, Mike swiftly reaching out and blocking your path. A pair of hands gripped your forearms tightly, a cry escaping your throat as he slammed you against the brick wall. Pain exploded through the back of your head where the connection was made, dazed at the impact, however, the pain helped you focus.
"I'm taking you home."
Mike's voice was heavily slurred, his warm breath on your face smelling like a distillery. Panic flooded through you when you felt his body pin yours against the wall.
"Mike you need to stop right now," you warned.
It was futile, you were unable to move no matter how much you tried. Despite being completely drunk, this man was strong.
"I'm taking you."
Those final slurred words made fear grip your heart. Mike was closing in on you and you struggled to stop it from happening. It was hard to avoid him, the man pushing himself into you in order to stop your protests. You screamed for help, knowing that it would fall on deaf ears at this hour. Tears stung the bottom of your eyes, Mike's head just about to close in on yours, body trembling in fear at what was about to happen.
And then he was forcefully ripped away.
You were stunned, watching as Mike was thrown to the other side of the alley by a man much larger than anyone you had ever seen before. Stuck in shock, your eyes never left the scene as Mike scrambled to his feet to face your saviour in defiance. The tension made it hard for you to breathe as you waited for someone to make a move. Mike was still heavily intoxicated, eyeing you down which caused the other man to block you from view.
"The lady said no," the gruff voice reached your ears, calming you down.
What felt like an eternity was really only five minutes, Mike scoffed and then stumbled out of the alley, leaving you with the strange man that saved you from being assaulted. Relief swept through you, shoulders dropping as the tension melted and you were finally able to breathe. The large man turned to face you, keeping a fair distance but you his eyes looked oddly familiar, a blur of amber that you thought you caught earlier in the night.
"You okay?" he nodded at you, gaining your attention.
"I think so," you nodded, "Thanks I... didn't think anyone was out this late."
He grunted, "Didn't like the look of him all night."
"Oh, are you a new bouncer?"
Shoulders shook as the sounds of laughter filled the alley, a more welcoming sound than your earlier distress. You were confused as you waited for him to finish, not quite sure what exactly was so funny.
"No sweetheart, just a guy out for a drink on his night off."
"Well, thank you. I appreciate it."
"No sweat."
"Come with me I'll... I'll get you that drink. I think you earned it."
A bright smile found your face as you led him around the building and unlocked the front door, allowing you both access into the warm haven. Once the large, wooden door closed you were sure to lock it before turning on a couple of lights and coming behind the bar. The man took a stool and sat, the same seat he was sitting in the whole night. It all came back to you, noting how little he had actually drunk while keeping an eye out on the girls. He may not be a bouncer but you knew that he was harmless and immediately felt at ease.
"What are you having?" you asked him.
"Your pick," he smirked, removing his coat and revealing tattoos all along exposed arms.
Glancing at the time, you knew you needed a drink to settle your nerves, pulling out a bottle of dark brown liquid and two shot glasses. You didn't even wait before downing it, immediately pouring another and consuming that as well. The burning down your throat was welcoming, the last of your tension melting away with it. When the glass was slammed down on the bar you noted the raised brow in your direction, matching his stare.
"What?" you lay a hand to your hip in an almost challenging manner.
He smirked, "Nothin'," he replied, throwing his head back much like you had done and gently placing his glass on the wood of the bar.
Once he was finished you almost shrank under his gaze. It was almost challenging and you were drawn to it completely, showing your own smile before pouring another drink. This was going to be an interesting night.
...
thanks for reading!