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Challenges listed at the bottom.

Word Count: 1223


A Personal Offer


Working at a coffee shop hadn't been Harry's intention. He'd had big plans for his life, plans that included being a chef, working in one of the best restaurants in London.

Then he'd taken over Remus' coffee shop kitchen during the summer of his last year at University, and even after he'd graduated, he hadn't ever thought to leave.

He loved working there. He loved that he could bake to his heart's desire—Remus never complained about there being more desserts—and he loved that he was left to his own devices to play with recipes and flavours.

Not that every creation turned out well, of course, but it was still nice to know that he was able to experiment.

More than that, he loved the people he worked with. Remus was the best boss he could have asked for, and the other staff had quickly become his friends.

And, perhaps the best thing of it all, while Harry was having fun in the small kitchen of the coffee shop (that was quickly becoming part bakery) word was spreading about him and his cooking.

People were actually travelling just to come to the coffee shop these days. Remus was delighted, of course, and it made Harry's day when someone said that they'd come just for his brownies or pies.

Despite him not quite following the plan he'd set for himself, Harry couldn't be happier in his job, and he thought that maybe that was more important.

"Ouch."

Remus turned around to see Harry sucking at his finger. "That's hot, don't touch that."

Harry gave him an unimpressed look. "No shit."

Remus snorted.

"Why are you in here anyway?" Harry asked, frowning. "This is my domain."

"I… was looking for chocolate," Remus admitted. "And then decided to make a milky coffee. Which is why that jug was hot."

"There's literally a coffee maker in the front," Harry pointed out. "Why would you choose to weaponise a jug instead?"

"I feel very attacked right now," Remus said, shaking his head. "Why are you coming at me with logic?"

Laughing, Harry threw a tea towel at Remus. "Get out of my kitchen, you heathen."

"I need to run to the bank, are you at a stopping point on the cooking?" Remus asked, popping his head through the door.

Harry wrinkled his nose but then nodded. "I think so. How long are you going to be?"

"Half an hour?" Remus offered. "Less than an hour, definitely."

"Hmkay, that's fine," Harry said, wiping his hands on a towel. "But when we close, you're gonna have to clean up by yourself while I finish up the pies."

"Deal," Remus agreed. "I'll be as quick as I can."

Harry waved him off and then grabbed one of the pinnies from their hangers, following him out to the coffee shop floor.

It was quiet—Wednesday afternoons were rarely anything but—and he checked in on the people already seated before perching himself on the counter, swinging his legs back and forth.

Probably not the most professional picture, but he didn't really care, and Remus never had either. They weren't Starbucks, they were far more relaxed. If people didn't like that, well, there were plenty of other coffee shops in London.

The door tinkled as someone pushed their way in, and Harry glanced over to see if it was any of the regulars he'd grown to like.

Instead, he found himself looking at a handsome man in a sharp suit, his hair quiffed just so, his dark eyes piercing.

Harry nearly swallowed his tongue.

He had a type and lord almighty if this man wasn't the epitome of it.

He hopped down from the counter, and then leant against it, waiting for the man to approach. Even his walk was sexy, and Harry had to subtly check that he wasn't drooling.

"Welcome to Moony's, what can I get you?" He asked, when the man reached the counter.

"Latte and," the man paused as he looked at the display of baked goods, "A custard tart, please."

"Sitting in, or to go?" He asked, turning towards the coffee machine.

"To go," the man replied. Harry nodded and set the coffee off, before he boxed up one of the few remaining custard tarts. He set them on the counter, and rang the man up.

"Thank you," the man murmured, tapping his card on the payment machine before he picked up his purchases.

"Have a nice day," Harry said, as he walked away.

Harry definitely drooled over the back view.

"Harry," Remus called from the front of the shop.

"Minute," Harry replied, pulling the brownies from the oven. He prodded them gently, smiling at the consistency, before he walked over to the door. "What's up?"

"You've a customer."

"Me? What?"

Curious, he stepped out of the kitchen and then blinked when he found the handsome man he'd served just the afternoon before.

"Hi?"

"You made that glorious custard tart I enjoyed yesterday?" the man asked, tilting his head.

"Ah. Guilty as charged," Harry said, relaxing slightly.

"Your baking is wonderful," the man murmured, stepping a little closer. "But is your cooking as good?"

"Harry's a natural cook," Remus put in, smirking slightly when Harry glared at him. "But if that isn't enough, he graduated in Culinary Arts a little over a year ago."

"Remus," Harry whined. "Can we not?"

"I'm allowed to be proud of you, hush," Remus replied. Thankfully, he got distracted by another customer and wandered off. Harry turned back to the handsome man.

"Yes, I can cook."

"I'm in the market for a personal chef," the man said. "And I'd quite like to trial you, if you're amenable. I've never had pastry quite like you served me yesterday, it was most wonderful."

Harry blinked. "I, uh. Already have a job?"

"I'm sure we can come to some sort of arrangement," the man replied and Harry had to force himself to not daydream about the kind of arrangement he'd like with this man.

"I… we can talk about it?" Harry offered. "After work one evening, perhaps?"

"I'd love to take you for dinner," the man replied, and there was a glint in his eyes now that made Harry think he hadn't been subtle at all in his appreciation.

"To talk about the job?" Harry clarified.

"Amongst other things. I'm Tom, by the way. Tom Riddle."

He held his hand out for Harry to shake. As Harry did, he quickly lifted Harry's hand to his lips to press a kiss to the back of it.

"I… I'm Harry," Harry replied, stuttering slightly as his hand was released.

"So. Dinner?"

"I'd love to."

"I'll pick you up at seven this evening then," Tom said, stepping back. "Perhaps you can bring dessert? I'd love to show you my… kitchen."

Harry stared and then nodded. "I can do that. Or, I uh. Could bake something for you there? If I'm to think about working for you, I should try out your kitchen for myself."

Tom's lips quirked up. "I look forward to it."

He turned on his heel and left, leaving Harry to stare after him in wonder.

"That sounded more like a date than a job offer," Remus said, startling him.

"I… really fucking hope so," Harry agreed. "I should… the brownies."

Remus snorted. "Sure, Harry. The brownies."


Written For:

Trope of the Month: 17. Coffee Shop!AU

TV Spree: 4. "I feel very attacked right now."

Amber's Anime Adventure: 2. Creation

Limited Edition: Children's Books: Alice in Wonderland: Curious

Valentines or Palentines: Valentines, Day 5: HarryTom

Days of the Year: 35. January 28th - Fun at Work Day: Write about someone enjoying work

National Hobby Month: 3. Baking

Play God Day: 38. Natural Cook

Flowers: 12. Wisteria: "That's hot, don't touch that."

Alphabetti: H: Harry Potter

365: 362. Heathen

Insane House: 43. Coffee Shop!AU