After setting in the man's orders, Shizuo decided to wander around the restaurant a bit since he really had nothing better to do than to go check up on the Orihara guy. Normally he would have been much more courteous to a customer, but this particular one was making it extremely difficult for him to display any kind of good mood around him.
At this point he couldn't stand near the man without sensing that he was being creepily observed, or hearing some obnoxious or odd remark. It was bad enough that his boss was regularly checking on him like some uptight parent who was suspicious of their teenage kid.
Shizuo was never able to control or hide his emotions very well, especially his anger. This was why working at such a top-notch restaurant where all the pompous wealthy people went to dine wasn't exactly a match made in heaven.
You'd think that after such a long time of working the same job you would get used to all the bothersome and unmannerly customers who would occasionally appear here and there. And while it was true that the waiter had met countless of irritating people who somehow always managed to get on his last nerves in their own distinctive ways, he just still couldn't get over it, or call it bridge under the water like some people say. He knew that it wasn't the best to hold grudges, but you just had to see some of the people he came across!
As he recalls hit, his first week working at the restaurant was pretty good. Well, that was until some idiot spilled his own drink all over himself and then blamed Shizuo for the mess! The blonde tried to ignore it and politely accept the blame, but the colorful string of curses that came out of the man's lips made a vein pop out of his forehead.
Another time this family came with their rambunctious little kids and the grouchy grandparents. Obviously, none of the adults of the group understood that this wasn't exactly a kid appropriate restaurant. But how were they supposed to understand that when the father was disgustedly wasted when he strolled in, and the mother's mascara clotted eyes were glued to her smartphone. A perfectly manicured finger rose up to shoosh him so that she could finish her text when he tried to greet them and escort them to a table. Their two sons' hollers and snorts were widely heard at every corner of the building. To top it off, the grandfather was shooting him the stink eye and the grandmother continuously flashed him a crooked toothy grin. The displeasing bunch had Shizuo on the verge of bursting in rage with their constant complaints and demands. I asked for extra ice boy! Hurry up with the food dammit! It was a nightmare, and the only reason Shizuo didn't lose it when one of the boys catapulted a greasy onion meatball at his vest, was because his co-worker Tom had offered to take on serving the table.
At the time Shizuo had counted that as the absolute worst people he had to serve at the restaurant, but the hotshot sitting before him now bet to change that.
"How may I help you now sir?" He said through clenched teeth. It wasn't that this man had a bad attitude, but it was as if he was purposely trying to make Shizuo pointlessly run back at forth from the table to the kitchen delivering and changing his orders. The man's strange and cocky character alone was enough to make him dislike him. He had brought the man's complicated order with every detail asked for set and ready. The strained smile on his face threatened to disappear when the raven man tsked and asked that the platters to be returned. Apparently the soup was too cold, although Shizuo begged to differ as his fingers instantly numbed when he placed down the scorching hot bowl on the table. Oh and of course the raven didn't hesitate to include another long list of orders and requests right after.
This was freaking ridiculous. The man hadn't even touched his food yet and he didn't want it! About ten minutes later Shizuo returned with the new order and was sent away again. This guy really didn't know when to quit did he? At this point Shizuo was now seething with anger. He did his best to be polite and tolerant, he really did, but being ordered around back and forth as if he was some servant was testing his patience!
Ok. So that technically was his job, but that didn't mean that this was any less aggravating. What was interesting about Shizuo Heiwajima was that as much as he tried to pursue a quiet and calm life, he tended to be very unpredictable; always relying on his gut sense. Of course he wanted to keep this well-paying job and eventually earn a promotion from his snarky boss, but right now he was solely focused on the smug man sitting at the table who refused to try his perfectly good soup. And because of that, just like he usually did, he did the unexpected. He sat down across from Izaya with a determined look on his face and firmly pushed the bowl of soup in front him. The raven man's eyes widened with amusement.
"Since you already invited yourself to my meal, why don't you just go ahead and take the first bite?"
"Sir. I highly suggest that you try the soup before I take it away again. I assure you that it's at a cooler temperature than before and very delicious. Our chefs are very well trained professional, and qualified people that prepare these fine dishes for esteemed customers, such as yourself. "
"If you like it so much, why don't you take the first bite? I don't mind sharing". Izaya responded and pushed the bowl back to Shizuo. He then took his spoon, scooped up the liquid and held it up to the blonde's lips.
Shizuo cleared his throat and hesitantly pushed the hand with the spoon back. "I..Uh, This is what you ordered is all. I'm just saying that you won't know if you like it or not unless you try it." He concluded. Shizuo pushed his chair back to stand up but his quick hand tugged his wrist back.
"Stay a little," Izaya insisted. "Take a break from bustling around the restaurant all day and enjoy yourself, even if it's only for a moment."
"I really need to get back to work and-It's not appropriate for me to be sitting here right now." He tried to reason, but one look into those gorgeous crimson eyes and it took a lot in him to the fight the urge to stay. He swallowed thickly.
"C'mon, it's not like you have anywhere else to be, right? You are supposed to be serving me today after all."
"Sir. Please understand that by the rules of my job, I really should not be sitting with one of our guests. It's not correct for me to be doing so while I'm on duty."
"Is it not true that your job at this restaurant is to make my meal and experience as enjoyable as possible?"
"Of course it is. It is my job to ensure that all your needs are taken care of, so if you would like me to get you another drink or bring the rest of your meal, I would be more than happy to do so.
"Good then, because I am asking you to sit down and take a break. It's painfully obvious that you need one. I mean, anyone can tell by the fatigued look on your face that you try to hide, or the way that your shoulders are slightly hunched forward just show that they are tense." Shizuo was getting pretty irritated with this conversation that just kept going in circles. What part of the obvious fact that waiters are not supposed to sit with the people that they are serving did this man not understand? Despite his irritation, he was curiously intrigued by the person across from him, but a little cautious as well. Throw in those wretched butterflies in his stomach, an exhilarating excitement and a baffling allurement and those feelings all jumbled up made for the perfect storm.
Shizuo exhaled audibly and and leaned back into his chair.
"Ok then. I'll stay for a little while if you really want me to."
"Wonderful!" Izaya clapped his hands childishly, which brought out a small laugh from the blonde. "I'm curious, for starters what's your name?" Izaya questioned leaning forward. He grabbed his bowl of soup and started eating from it. His undivided attention on Shizuo who was surprised by the sudden interest in the food.
"Shizuo Heiwajima. And you are Izaya…"
"Izaya Orihara." The raven filled in. "Shizuo Heiwajima," He said slowly as it rolled off his tongue. He then grinned and said, "I like it. How long have you been working here exactly? I haven't been to this restaurant for a long time, although you look oddly familiar."
"Uh, thank you. I've been working here for about a year and a half now. It's a good place, I like it." This was awkward. Really what was the point of him sitting here when he could deliver the man's meal so he could leave faster? Said man across from him kept shooting him questions, like what his favorite food was and if he had any siblings. So far he himself had found zero information on the other, and was now seriously debating on the best way to leave this weak conversation. Should he just get up and go get the food? Pretend that his break was now? Say that his boss wanted to talk with him and that he he'll be right back?
"I can tell that you're not paying attention anymore so is there something else you want to talk about?" Izaya inquired; a sly smile on his face.
"No! I just-uh.." He stammered. Dammit! Why did he always do that? "I should get the rest of your food now, this was... nice..but I need to get back to work." He quickly got up and grabbed the now empty soup bowl before he could be convinced otherwise.
Ah, I suppose you're right then. I'll be waiting for that otoro!"
Shizuo couldn't help but stare at how the man's face lit up with delight as he took a bite of the fish.
"Mmm, this.. Is so.. Amazing!" Izaya said between bites.
"I'm glad you enjoyed it." The waiter said with satisfaction. He didn't cook this, but the good reaction from a customer meant a good reaction from his boss.
"I've had otoro in a bunch of places before, but this," he stated and took another bite. "Is truly the best. I'm definitely coming here again!" He assured the waiter, who internally cringed upon hearing those words.
After standing there for a little bit more, Shizuo went off to the break room and let the man finish his meal. He opened a door with an "employees only" sign nailed to it and was about to walk in, but the annoying sound of women giggling and talking all at the same time made him take a step in the opposite direction. He was not in the best mood to try and block their constant shrieks of laughter and dumb chattering at the moment like he usually did, so he went out the back door to smoke a little. Smoking really helped him relax and unwind on stressful and tough days, like this one. He enjoyed the sound of cars whizzing past by and the chilly air prickling his skin. The sun was going down and the sky was a beautiful mix of tangerine and coral.
Shizuo didn't notice how much time had gone by, but he suddenly realized that he should go in and check up on Izaya. He rushed inside the building and made a sharp turn to the tables area only to find that Izaya was no longer there. The otoro was completely gone as well, but a signed check, a very generous tip, and a piece of paper with a number printed on it was all that was left by him.
