Chapter Two ~ Cream and Sugar
(A/N) A heaping amount of sweet fluffy-fluff that may give you cavities...enjoy!
Dimitri set his broken phone down on the cashier's bench in front of an Owlette sales representative. The slightly older gentlemen had short slicked back raven hair and his face split into a wide grin as he recognized Dimitri. "You know, if you break one more you'll get a discount on your next Owlette phone."
The young blonde man let out a groan before saying, "Look, I just need a new phone asap."
"Oh, in a hurry huh?" The rep snickered as he sized Dimitri up. The young man looked quite polished today with his golden hair tied up in a half ponytail, his bangs fell lazily to frame his face. For the cooler day in the Fall season, he wore a tan blazer that tucked over a navy blue collared shirt, slim black jeans, and black boots.
"Hot date?" The rep asked as he rung up a new Owlette phone.
"I...what!?" Dimitri spluttered as he fumbled with his wallet at the nosy representative's question. "No, I'm just grabbing coffee with an old friend."
"Oooohhh coffee eh? You know what they say about 'grabbing a cup of coffee'," the representative's smile curled at the corners.
Dimitri, his face as red as a ripe tomato, stormed out of the store with his newly purchased phone. His text was not some booty request! It was an innocent request to reconnect with a good friend, a very very good friend! The young man cleared his throat as he waited for the cross light. If perchance...one thing lead to another, well, he wasn't going to stop it...
It was almost two as Dimitri ducked into the rustic Golden Deer Cafe. Upon not spotting any seafoam green hair in the crowd, the young man quickly checked his phone, and was relieved not to see any cancelation text. Dimitri ordered a regular black coffee with a little bit of sugar and cream then quickly grabbed a table. Now was the waiting game, but he didn't have to wait long...
Dimitri watched her glide into the cafe as the chatter around him fell silent to his ears. Byleth's seafoam green hair was longer now and she had it up in a ponytail, though her bangs fell softly along her dreamy face. She wore a grey cashmere sweater and the leather strap of her purse crossed over her curvaceous figure to rest at her blush pink toned slim pants, plus floral printed ankle high boots. Byleth looked cozy, warm, and downright huggable. Dimitri gripped his steaming hot cup of coffee, and thanked the goddess it was just made out of paper.
He waved eagerly to catch Byleth's attention, and she smiled gently once soft seafoam green eyes met bright ocean blue. If Dimitri's heart was made of butter, then it would have melted completely right then and there.
The young man quickly rose up from the table. Wait, was that too formal? Maybe he should sit back down and play it cool, uh nope too late - just stay standing. Should he hold out his hand for a shake? No that was definitely formal, oh goddess she's here. "Hi!" Dimitri practically croaked.
"Long time, Dimitri," Byleth remarked dreamily.
"Yeah," the young man smiled before adding, "It's nice to see you again, Professor."
"Byleth," The young woman corrected as a small smile ghosted her lips. "I'm not your professor anymore."
"Ah, yes, of course." Dimitri smiled, as old habits die hard. To him she was still his mentor.
They both sat down, quietly for a moment as Dimitri fished for something to say.
"How was Almyra?" Dimitri asked. "Did you like being a professor at the university there?" He then bit his tongue as he realized he couldn't keep out the slight bitterness that had crept into his voice. It had been the last time he had spoken to Byleth.
Graduation day, five years ago - 'Please, professor, come work with me at Blaiddyd Corp. We...I...need someone of your caliber to help me.' The young man passionately made his case as he wore his tasseled motorboard and gripped his diploma. Dimitri could vividly recall Byleth's soulful eyes that day as she shook her head.
'Dimitri, I didn't want to break the news so soon, but I will be doing a five year professorship in Almyra,' Byleth divulged.
"It was nice," Byleth began, then paused thoughtfully before adding, "But it wasn't the Academy." She then stated gently, "I didn't see you at the reunion."
Dimitri couldn't meet her questioning gaze as he stared down at the cooling coffee cup in between his hands. "I…" What would he say? I was busy with work, I was a mess, I was afraid of facing you...disappointing you.
"Dimitri?" A soft warm hand rested on his.
"Forgive me Pro...Byleth. I was not at my best that time."
Byleth gave him a knowing look, then added, "I'm happy to be back home." She squeezed his hand and Dimitri had to force himself not to slip his hand to hold onto hers. But as quick as her hand rested upon his, it was gone, leaving a warm imprint upon him
"Byleth, what can I get you?" Dimitri realized with a jolt that she had not had any coffee since arriving.
"Oh, please do not worry about that," Byleth gestured with a shake of her head.
"No, I insist on treating you as I asked you to come." Dimitri stated as he leapt off his chair.
Byleth sighed warmly as she gave in. His persistence had not changed...and the young woman was honestly relieved to see that. "Ever the prince," she softly remarked.
"Heh, I do get that alot," Dimitri replied feeling a bit awkward as he rubbed the back of his neck.
Now waiting in line, Dimitri looked formidable as he loomed above the rest with his strong broad shoulders. 'Oh is he a model?' 'I know who that is!' Excited whispers chirped around Byleth now that the young man was out of earshot. Upon seeing that Byleth was watching, Dimitri gave an awkward grin, that the young woman found absolutely endearing. There were so many things she wanted to tell him, yet still had difficulty expressing herself even after five years. For now, she was just content enjoying this moment with him.
A moment that happened out of the blue, but felt so right.
"Can I tempt you with a cup of Saghert and Cream?" Dimitri asked as he returned. "Unless it's no longer your favorite?"
"Oh, it's still my favorite," Byleth replied with wide eyes as she watched Dimitri set down the plastic container of sweet noa fruit cream topped with slightly tart currents. She had missed this dessert during her stay in Almyra.
"And a black coffee, with a little bit of sugar and cream," the young man added with a smile as he plopped the coffee in front of her.
"Just the way I like it," Byleth sighed as she took a sip of the warm brew.
'I know, I remember…'
He watched as Byleth scooped a spoonful of saghert and cream, closed her eyes gently and sighed in dessert induced bliss. 'Stop staring...you're gong to seem like a total creep!' Dimitri's inner self chided him. Quickly the young man busied himself with the insulative cardboard ring around his coffee cup.
"Would you like to share?" Byleth asked as she realized Dimitri did not have any dessert for himself. "Here" She prompted as she scooped up a spoonful and offered it to him. Without utilizing a single neuron, Dimitri leaned forward and gulped the pudding right off the spoon she offered.
Finally the neurons in his brain alerted Dimitri to the event as his cheeks began to burn red. Then he noticed that Byleth had flushed cheeks too.
"Oh, you have a bit," Byleth pointed to her face, trying to direct where a bit of red current jam lingered on the corner of his lip.
"Here?" Dimitri wiped with his sleeve...and felt himself smear the sticky jam across his face.
Fail, absolute fail! Dimitri cringed as he realized he would die an old single man...until he heard the smallest and most adorable snort escape Byleth. She was chuckling behind her hand and it sent his heart aflutter...it was that or an undiscovered heart condition, but Dimitri's only thought was that he had never seen Byleth look so expressive and could only wish she didn't hide it from him.
"Oh, that was rude of me. I shouldn't laugh at my students." Byleth sighed but her expression was alight with humor. She fished a napkin out of her purse and offered it to him.
"Thank you, but it's former student, remember." Dimitri remarked as he took the napkin. "Plus I like hearing you laugh."
Her fair cheeks flushed prettily again, and Dimitri found himself dabbing at a growing goofy grin upon his face. The young man had not only made Byleth laugh, but blush! Now he just wanted to stay here with her, so he could make her laugh and blush over and over again!
Byleth's phone buzzed as she gave a small gasp, "Oh, I must go." She effortlessly rose to her feet as she bade him farewell. "Thank you Dimitri, I had a lovely time."
And as she turned to walk away, Dimitri felt his world became a bit smaller and dimmer. He needed an excuse to see her again!
"Ugh, wait Prof...Byleth." Dimitri spouted on a sudden whim causing the young woman to pause and peer questioningly back him. "My work is throwing a Halloween Party, will you come?" He asked quickly.
"Yes," Byleth replied, then paused. "Wait, aren't you the owner of Blaiddyd Corp.?" She tilted her head so nostalgically as she looked at him with questioning seafoam green eyes.
"...Yes, and I'm throwing a Halloween Party."
"Should be fun then," Byleth nodded before she turned back around and returned to walking away.
"I'll text you the details…" Dimitri called after her. "Once I figure them all out…" Dimitri whispered under his breath. He just had a few days to plan a Halloween Party.
Annette, his wonderful secretary, was going to kill him.
(A/N) I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Also, an old flame of Byleth's will attend the soiree. Any guesses as to who it may be?