THE CAFE OF DOUBLE LIVES...
Chapter 12
During the next following weeks, whenever the Bad-Touch-Trio came to the cafe, 'Aretha' would always pull 'Lovina' away from them. So, the Italian didn't serve them for too long: Arthur in a way, helped reduce whatever interaction Lovino had with the three. This became a daily occurrence that even the other employees working there started to take notice.
On a Monday evening, Elizabeta wearing the Angel-costume (a sleeveless knee-length white dress along with wings which she found delightfully adorable) noted the bond between 'Aretha' and 'Lovina' was upsetting Antonio since he had no luck in conversing with the Italian.
She couldn't observe the scene any further since she had other customers to serve: one of them was her favourite, Kiku, a comrade with similar tastes as her. Giving his order, Elizabeta made small-talk with him, before she noticed the Spaniard approaching them. "Antonio, is there something I can help you with?"
"I...uhm..ah.." Antonio couldn't form his sentence right because he kept looking at Lovina who was busy tending to other customers. The Hungarian felt sorry for him and wanted to say some reassuring words but couldn't because he proceeded to sit at Kiku's booth (Kiku didn't seem to mind that Antonio seated himself there) and asked, "How come there's nobody from our college? Apart from Kiku, the others from our college who only once visited here were Gilbert's brother and his friend."
Elizabeta smiled when she saw how Antonio was now able to talk properly when not looking at Lovino: she was impressed at how Lovina made men go-weak-at-the-knees without trying . 'I wonder what's his secret.' Because she was thinking of other stuff, Elizabeta absentmindedly stated, "That's cause Feliks wants it that way. He doesn't want any of our college-mates to know about this place and goes through great lengths to make sure it stays that way."
Antonio now had a speculative look, "Great lengths? As in Feliks will do anything to make sure this cafe remains a secret from the college students?"
Observing Antonio, Kiku foresaw something, 'Why do I feel like a red flag is being raised,' but before he could warn Elizabeta not to say anymore, she innocently replied, "That's what he said."
Getting up from his seat, Antonio said in a jovial tone, "Muchas Gracias," leaving behind a confused Hungarian and a curious Japanese man.
She turned to look at Kiku, "Exactly what did he thank me for?" She felt restless, not liking the tone of Antonio's voice because though it sounded jovial, it was anything but harmless.
Kiku answered with a pondering expression, "I'm not sure Elizabeta-chan but I think I'll stay to find out."
Elizabeta tried to reassure herself that she was over-thinking it and nothing bad would happened but it didn't calm her as she faltered in serving the various orders to the customers. Feliks concerned for his best-friend, asked if she was alright. Elizabeta lied saying she was fine but she still had an uneasy feeling in her gut: this went on til closing time when she saw the only costumers remaining were the Bad-Touch-Trio, Kiku and Ivan.
Giving his death glare at Ivan, Yao tried to kick him out. "It's closing-time. What are you still doing here, aru?"
The Russian replied, "I'm waiting for my mandatory kiss on the cheek from you." Yao showed a horrified expression and said he never kissed Ivan on the cheek before. He responded, "That's why I'm making it mandatory from onwards, da."
Yao's right eye twitched when he heard that. "I'll give you a kiss alright: the 'kiss of metal' with my wok if you don't leave this instant."
Ivan, acting like a spoilt child, pouted. "Nyet! Why should I be the only one to leave? There are others still here."
Yao tsked at his behaviour but Ivan was right- the Chinese senior didn't mind Kiku being there but he really didn't want to deal with the trio present, especially Antonio. The Spaniard had out-of-the-blue approached Yao days back and created a huge ruckus. He had no clue what Antonio was on about: Yao was ready revert back to his delinquent days and bash the brunette up but instead gave a few swear words before leaving.
During the next following days, Yao noted though Antonio didn't come to Feliks' cafe often, whenever he came, he kept staring at 'Lovina'. The Italian must have noticed this because he kept running towards Arthur for safety and the Brit was more than happy to rush to his aid.
'Aiyaa, I must have caught Elizabeta's ailment because those two are starting to look like a couple.' Now looking at the Spaniard who had a solemn expression, he thought, 'He has the same look he had back then. I've a feeling this isn't going to end well.'
It looked like his presumption was going to be proved correct because Yao saw Antonio standing up from his seat and announced in a loud determined voice, "Lovina, please go out on a date with me this Saturday."
Lovino who was conversing with Arthur, turned to look at Antonio and replied in a deary feminine tone, "I've rejected all your past advances. What makes you think today I'll change my mind."
Not backing down, Antonio declared boldly, "I know Feliks makes sure this cafe remains a secret. If you don't go out on a date with me, then I'll go and tell EVERYONE at our college-campus about this place."
Upon hearing that declaration, those present in the cafe halted whatever they were doing and watched as this unusual situation unfolded infront of them.
Francis face-palmed, 'Sacre Bleu, I knew something would happen but not this...' while Gilbert wore a look which implied disbelief but at the same time wanting to laugh, 'Heilige Scheisse, he's finally SNAPPED. It's about time!'
Neither Francis nor Gilbert had a clue as to why Antonio had requested them to stay behind. When they saw him having a serious expression, they decided to comply with his request thinking he would later explain why, but the other remained quiet til now. Had they known this was what their friend was upto, Francis would've tried to convince him to change his tactic while Gilbert would've encouraged the Spaniard even further (adding more fuel to the fire). However, it was too late to do anything, so they both looked to observe what he would do next.
The others present (the 'waitresses') knew one of the reasons why Feliks kept the cafe a secret from those in their campus, was out of concern for them since the idea of meeting their college-mates on a regular basis while wearing dresses, didn't seem really appealing to any of them: now, it looked like the situation will came to that. However they felt they could handle it, judging by the fact that neither Lovino nor Yao were recognized by anyone at the music-event.
Lovino staring at Antonio, thought, 'That bastard can announce to the whole world about this place for all I care.'
Feliks on the other hand, thought differently. He had heard the whole commotion and had walked out of his office. Standing near Lovino and Arthur, he started to slowly panic. 'If Antonio broadcasts this cafe in the campus, then my batchmates will find out that I'm making a mockery of fashion by designing cosplay-costumes.'
He shook his head, telling himself that he was just overreacting but the nagging thought kept coming to him. 'Pervert… That's what I'll be called if this gets out at the college. A HUGE PERVERT.' Being judged and called names were the few reasons why he decided not to expose his crossdressing habit as well: though Feliks showed a lot of spunk, in reality he was actually a shy sensitive person who got rattled easily. So, what was happening now wasn't good for his nerves.
Staring at Lovino, Arthur thought, 'It doesn't look like Lovino will agree to go on this date. Hell, I wouldn't either.' Observing the scene before him, the Brit mused, 'Well, if-worse-come-to-worst, I think we can all handle the pressure of meeting our college mates in drag and pulling it off.' Looking around, Arthur saw Matthew fretting slightly but was surprised to see Elizabeta pale as ever. 'Poor thing, she must be truly shocked by the turn of events.'
Little did Arthur know, how right he was since it was Elizabeta who was partly responsible for the whole fiasco. 'GAH, I hope no-one finds out...' No matter how many times she teased her best-friend, she would never wish for something like this to happen to Feliks. She wanted to hit Antonio with her frying-pan for utilizing the info she unknowingly gave him to blackmail Feliks but felt she had already did enough to make the situation bad and didn't want it to become worse.
Kiku, who was next to Elizabeta, must have read her reactions because when he decided to leave the cafe, he took her along with him outside and told her, "Elizabeta-chan, please don't blame yourself. This was bound to happen since Lovino-kun avoided Antonio-san."
"But the fact remains this is happening because of me: if I hadn't blurted it out to Antonio, none of this would've occurred." Elizabeta continued sadly, "If the guys find out I'm the cause of all this, they would probably get mad at me."
Kiku took her hands into his own and assured her, "I was there at that time: it was a minor slip-of-the-tongue. They would understand if you explained to them what happened."
She shook her head, "I don't want them to know because they might think I did it it on purpose considering my preferences. I'm sure they would come to the conclusion that I'm helping Antonio." Looking completely depressed, she implored, "Please Kiku, I'm begging you, don't let Feliks know about my role in all this because he'll be hurt the most- he probably would cut all connections with me if he found out."
Kiku stared at her for awhile before saying, "I think your relationship with Feliks-san is stronger than you assume it to be." He knew everyone who had come crossed these two felt they were the symbol of the phrase 'thick-as-thieves' (to now have secrets between them didn't seem right). He tightened his grip on her palms to reassure her again, "He doesn't seem like the type to cut someone out of his life so easily. Infact, I feel with Feliks-san, he keeps those he's familiar with, close to his heart: even if the other person rejects him."
Letting go of her hands, Kiku advised, "Elizabeta-can, talk to him before the unnecessary guilt wears you out."
Elizabeta bit her lip in worry before giving a slight nod. When Kiku left, she was about to enter the cafe when she decided to call Adnan up. She knew Antonio and him were batchmates. 'Maybe, Adnan can talk some sense into him.' Entering the cafe, she proceeded to go towards the changing-room to get her cellphone.
Meanwhile in the cafe-hall, Antonio asked the Italian out for the date again. Lovino snorted, "I'm afraid the answer is a big fat f*cking n—"
"YES!" Feliks cut Lovino off mid-sentence.
Startled by Feliks' sudden outburst, Lovino stared at him -furrowing his eyebrows in annoyance- before turning to look at Antonio, "And by 'yes', he means nev—"
"Like totally!" Feliks again interrupted.
Lovino growled, "BOSS, may I speak with you in the 'Stop-Contradicting-Me' room," and proceeded to walk towards Feliks' office. When they entered the room, Lovino banged the door shut. "What the f*ck was that about!"
Feliks, taking a seat behind his desk, requested, "Please consider Antonio's request."
Lovino huffed while sitting on one of the chairs present, "Enlighten me why I should consider going out with that Spanish bastard."
"I totally don't want my college-mates to find out about this place." Lovino was baffled by Feliks' reply and asked why. The blond offered a sad smile. "When you discovered about the cafe's existence, what did you call me and the cafe first?"
Lovino bit the inside of his mouth: the words 'pervert' and 'sissy pervert cafe' rang in his mind. He later sighed. "It doesn't matter what I thought in the beginning- I don't see the big deal in letting others know about this place. They might come to appreciate it like we do."
The blond leaned back on his armchair. "Not everyone can be understanding. Besides, designing cosplay-costumes is like an insult to the very aesthetics of fashion: many fashion-designers will agree that I'm making a mockery of our field by designing these clothes no matter how rad it looks."
Lovino propping his chin on his fist,. "If that's the case, then why the f*ck does Francis visit here? Isn't he also in Fashion designing?"
Feliks had a faraway look on his face. "Ah, I'll always remember the look on Francis' face when he first arrived here. For someone who was famous for being a slut, his expression in the beginning totally read that I was lacking in integrity for running the place like this. However, he was kind enough to promise me to keep this place a secret."
Lovino, still not convinced, asked, "Did you ever consider maybe you misread his reaction?"
"I, like, always tell myself that but honestly, I never want to relive it again. So, I'm begging you: please consider Antonio's request." When Feliks saw Lovino not answering, he revealed, "You know the Drama dept is putting a show soon, so he'd be totally busy the next following days. Maybe this whole situation will become a one-time-thing"
Lovino frowned, 'What makes you think he won't use this blackmail again. I remember the last time when I hit him, the bastard held that over my head til the bruise on his face got better.' Though Lovino enjoyed the dates (he would never admit it), the fact remains is that he was a guy but Antonio thought of him as a girl and that just didn't sit well with him.
Frowning even more, Lovino felt Feliks' predicament had so many holes in it that it was making his head spin. 'F*ck, what will he do if the other customers meets someone who attends our college and tells that college-student about this cafe?' He wanted to point this thought out, but he noted the blond really looked like he was at his wit's end, so he held his tongue, 'I guess he thinks his problem is huge, because it's his problem.' He didn't feel like leaving Feliks in the lurch: after all, the guy did help Lovino in getting a stable job when he failed all his previous job interviews.
Trying to assess his situation, an idea suddenly appeared in Lovino's head. Thinking it through, he felt it was a solid plan but he wasn't sure how the others would react to it. 'Only one way to find out.' Getting up from his seat, Lovino looked at Feliks and said, "You owe me big time."
Feliks watched as Lovino left the office- after awhile, the next thing he heard was someone roaring, "WHAT!" and rushed out to see what the commotion was now.
At the dorms, Heracles and Adnan were sitting on their beds facing each other, practicing their lines for the 'Julius Caesar play'. The Turk begged, "Please, let's take a breather"
Heracles sighed. "You do realize we don't have that much time left. You've one of the main roles in the play- can't you take this more seriously."
Adnan felt peeved at his reprimanding tone. He didn't need to be reminded they didn't have any time because Heracles had been doing that nearly everyday. The 'Annual Theatre Show' was coming up and their professors will grade the students based on their performances: this was one of the reasons why Adnan & Heracles haven't been showing up at the cafe since they both had roles in the same play, enacting Brutus and Caesar respectively. Since Heracles role was small in comparison's to Adnan's, he decided to take on the director's role as well. Hence he has been quite authoritative.
Rubbing his temples, Adnan replied, "I'm too stressed to concentrate right now. A little relaxation won't do me harm." He didn't say anymore when his cellphone started ringing.
Heracles saw the Turk smile before answering it. "Merhaba Elizabeta... Oie, you sound upset. What's wrong?" He later saw Adnan's face contour-in-astonishment as he kept saying, "No way," every ten seconds. This went on til he hung up, keeping his phone aside while being quiet for some time.
Not liking the suspense, the jade-eyed man stated, "Unless you're going to inform me that your linguistic skills has regressed to that of a pre-teenager, would you mind telling me what's going on. Is Elizabeta alright?" Breaking himself out of his thoughts, Adnan told him what all Elizabeta mentioned. Hercules replied, "I see. I guess the term 'No way' is appropriate to be used in this situation."
Adnan nodded. "I know right. Why the hell is Antonio at the cafe! Doesn't he have to prepare for the role of 'Marc Antony' as well? How come he gets to have the time to enjoy and relax." Hercules answered Antonio's role wasn't that huge. Adnan responded, "It's still not fair."
Heracles raised his eyebrow. "Aren't you missing a very important detail which Elizabeta just shared?"
The Turk casually stated, "Oh, you mean about the 'blackmailing issue'? Well, Antonio has always been over-dramatic. But I've to admit, I never expected him to retaliate in that manner."
Seeing how the Turk made that comment had caught Heracles' interest, so in an inquisitive tone, he had asked, "What do you mean by that?"
"I noticed Antonio was slowly falling for 'Lovina'. So, I advised Lovino to stay away because apart from the fact that Antonio thinks Lovino is a girl, unrequited love is the harshest thing in the world. Hence, I told him if he wasn't going to give what Antonio wanted, then cut him out of his life. Lovino, in the end, took my advice." Pinching the bridge of his nose, the Turk came to the realization, "Aman yarabbi. What a huge hassle this situation is slowly becoming and I'm partly at fault for it."
Adnan then heard Heracles mumble in contempt, "Humph, you seem so in tune with Antonio's emotions yet you don't notice the emotions of ones who are close to you." He now looked at the jade-eyed man and felt puzzled when he heard that statement but before he could inquire about it, Heracles questioned, "So, what's going to happen at the cafe?"
"Ah well, the last thing Elizabeta mentioned was that everything seems to be at a stand-still but it looks like Lovino won't agree to go on the date: blackmailing Feliks to pressure Lovino to his demands isn't helping Antonio with his image." Adnan thought about it for awhile and stated, "Maybe, in the next coming days, I can preoccupy Antonio with various tasks at the Drama-dept, then he'll be unable to visit the caf..."
Heracles interjected, "Ilithios, haven't you done enough already?"
Adnan slightly annoyed, retorted, "So you're suggesting to do nothing?"
Heracles -now had a bored expression like he had something better to do than having this conversation- answered, "To me, it looks like the more you keep Antonio away from something he likes, the more determined he becomes to get it. And since he's bull-headed, I don't think talking any sense into him will now work: it's better to just wait and watch."
The jade-eyed man later got up from his bed, which had startled Adnan. "What are upto?"
Stretching his limbs like a feline and then cracking his knuckles, the Greek replied, "You were complaining that you were stressed and that's why you can't concentrate on rehearsing the lines, right? The only way for us to move forward is for you to relieve your stress."
Adnan felt his cheeks burn, 'We haven't done that in a long time. Kahretsin! I'm wearing Donald-Duck boxers. How embarrassing,' while closing his eyes as he waited for Heracles to approach him.
But instead he heard Heracles say, "Why are you sitting like a statue?" Opening his eyes, he saw Heracles near the pantry, taking out various ingredients. Adnan in return asked what he was doing to which the other revealed, "Setting up the materials so that we can bake a cake. I've always found baking to be relaxing."
Feeling ashamed for assuming otherwise, Adnan went towards the kitchen-stove and took out the rest of appliances needed for baking.
x
A/N: Antonio looks like the bad guy? With Lovino avoiding him for so long, something was bound to happen ... Seems like Lovino's relying on Arthur now? Well, since Feliciano isn't around often, Lovino unintentionally makes the next person closest to him as his support-system ... Arthur's reason for being there for Lovino? Stay tuned ^.^
