yanderebitchclub | ( catchall ) even now i still dream of you

[ well, the next day is purely uneventful, save for sandalphon finding the remains of last night's mess in the kitchen that izumi had tried so hard to hide. which he cleaned up anyway, but that's besides the point. the Point is that sandalphon's already gone out to work without even waking izumi up to tell him that he's off... though he'd definitely left a kiss on the forehead instead?

ugh. izumi definitely has it bad. he isn't sure when and how he'd started thinking about his master in that way, and the problem is that he isn't sure if it's even acceptable for humans to feel the same way towards their pets. it'd make sense for the cat to fall for their owner down the line, depending on how well they're being taken care of, but for the other way around? not a chance. especially when that fucker lucio's orbitting around sandalphon at his cafe -

wait. that's it. there's an idea. after riffling around sandalphon's closet for some digs, making sure to get a nice hat on, he's off into the streets with his tail and ears hidden from plain sight. thankfully he's been at sandalphon's workplace before, but it's izuumi's first time going there on his own, and he isn't even sure if he's working on his shift right now... but izumi releases a sigh at the sight of sandalphon diligently working at the counter, and he braces himself before walking in.

crap, what does he order first though. he'll probably let sandalphon decide for him, so once he's face to face with his owner at the counter, he tilts the rim of his snapback down rather shyly and asks in an equally shy voice: ]

What's... your bestseller?

[Sandalphon's plenty of things, but he isn't stupid. It takes him a few moments without the ears or the tail to give it away, but he's seen that ridiculously handsome face enough to realize who it is.

He's never heard his voice quite so shy, though. It's a nice change of pace, and he has to bite the inside of his mouth to keep from smiling. Halluel and Malluel are hard-working, but they gossip, and they know him well enough by now that they'd immediately realize something was up if he gave Izumi the fond smile he wants to give.]

Our bestseller is...

[He hesitates, glancing over at his coworkers. He doesn't have the heart to tell him the truth, because most of their bestsellers are laden with sugar to the point that they barely resemble coffee, and the last thing he wants is to recommend something to Izumi that he might not even like.]

...The flat white. If you've ever had a latte, it's not dissimilar...though a bit stronger.

[He makes lattes for Izumi at home sometimes, so he's giving him a point of reference.

Halluel and Malluel are still busy, so Sandalphon leans in slightly, lowering his voice a bit.]

If I may, sir, I'd like to compliment your outfit.

[Even the snapback looks cuter than it has any right to on someone as refined as Izumi.]

[ okay good, because izumi doesn't do well with sweets. a blush creeps up his face traitorously at the compliment, and he throws sandalphon a little pout; izumi would've worn something more suited to his tastes, but he can't really get them with sandalphon's salary, but of course he'd look good in his owner's terribly plain outfit anyway. even if it overwhelmingly smells of him.

ugh, get a grip. ]

Th-Thanks... I guess.

[ but he shouldn't hold up the line, so he digs in his pocket to bring out some money and -

fuck

he forgot the money, didn't he. of course he did. he sheepishly looks back at sandalphon, his eyes pleading. please cover this for him, he'll pay you back at home, ]

[To say the look in Sandalphon's eyes is sadistic is to do it injustice. This is something Izumi might not know, because he rarely brings this mood home with him, but Sandalphon has a reputation: without a doubt, he is the meanest barista in the country. Stores in other towns hear his name and tremble, because he's managed to do what they can't: tell off customers and keep his job based solely on how good he is at it.

But just as the temptation to torment his cat a bit reaches its peak, it subsides just as quickly, and Sandalphon continues speaking as though he weren't just sizing Izumi up like a piece of meat.]

It looks like the person before you offered to pay for the next person in line. Would you like to take them up on that?

[He's already punching it in. He'll just put it on Lucio's tab.]

I'll need a name for the drink, as well.

[He's already writing on the cup though, that devilish smirk back on his face as he does.]

[ what's with that weird, sexy look in sandalphon's eyes just now... it's something that izumi hasn't seen before in all the months he's been staying in his house. is he being smug that his own cat is penniless and has to rely on him in this situation? fuck off with that! he can do whatever he want!

well, except he can't, because cats are still bound to masters in this society. this sucks, but two can play that game.

so he smiles. ]

It's so nice of that gentleman to offer something like that to me. I'll take him up on that offer, then.

[ and smiles even more widely. ]

The name's Sanchan, by the way.

[The nickname is enough to throw Sandalphon off, and he gives the crowd in the cafe a quick scan, somewhat alarmed. Izumi wins this round.

But it's alright, because there are no himbos in sight. Lucio's ears are terrifyingly good, and if he heard someone else saying that name, there's no way he wouldn't show up to see what was going on...]

...Sanchan, is it...doesn't that sound like something you'd name an animal? Like a pet?

[He's not stupid enough to contribute to Izumi getting caught, so aside from saying this just to test the waters and perhaps startle him a bit, Sandalphon doesn't let the conversation linger here:]

Though actually, I'm occasionally called that sometimes, too...since we have the same name, I'll make your drink to my own exacting standards.

[Though he was going to do that in the first place. If Izumi risked this much just to come to his cafe, then it must be for his coffee, right? And even if he'd be okay with receiving it from someone else, Sandalphon wouldn't feel right letting someone else make it for him in the first place. Izumi is his cat, after all; he should be the one to take care of him, even if he's doing something as reckless as this.

When he hands the cup over, it says, in writing small enough to be covered by a hand, located near the decaf checkbox, "Don't expect any sleep tonight!" Just vague enough that he can say Izumi ordered an absurd amount of caffeine in his drink and it's a joke between friends, but pointed enough that Izumi should know to expect some...well, perhaps not punishment, because Sandalphon's actually quite enjoying this, but it's not quite a reward either. Mostly, he wants to see if he can get Izumi to make that pleading look one more time...]

...Here you are, Sanchan. A flat white, made with our special house blend. And...

[He carefully slides a vanilla bean scone on a napkin toward him, too. Izumi doesn't usually eat sweet things, but these are small enough that maybe it's fine? But for all that Sandalphon's trying to pass this off as just another customer...it's still Izumi, and he can't help but want to spoil him a bit with whatever treats he can find for him.]

[ he'd thought up that nickname in the fly, but to be honest, izumi has always wanted to call his owner that. but sandalphon didn't even give one to his pet, so why even bother? but the look in sandalphon's face right now makes him feel like he won this weird battle they had.

izumi watches sandalphon work on his order, mesmerized at the sight of sandalphon mixing and blending the ingredients in a cup after he busies himself with the coffee maker. it reminds him of how he's taken sandalphon's morning coffee for granted, because now he's rather liked it if his owner makes coffees for him and him alone, without everyone in this coffeeshop breathe down his neck. he startles a little when sandalphon hands his order over, raising a brow at the free scone, and looks up at him with a bit of rosy cheeks. ]

...Thank you.

[ there's that meek voice again before he scuttles away, making room for the next customer who'd definitely just saw them eyefucking each other at the counter. so did halluel and malluel, who'd pull sandy aside and ask him about the cutie at the counter just now.

he finds an empty booth far, far away from the counters and quickly claims it, only seeing that note just now. if izumi's only pink in the cheeks earlier on, he's blushing furiously at the thought, looking up to stare at sandalphon from his seat with knitted brows. what the hell?! he can't just say that to his pet, even if he's a customer! even if there's probably nothing going on between them and that this is just a precaution because coffee can fuck up his sleeping schedule! nothing more!

and yet... he wants to dream, as he takes his first sip of the flat white and humming happily at how great it tastes. sandalphon truly knows what he wants, after all. ]

[As Izumi watches the coffee machines, he'll be able to watch Sandalphon answer Halluel & Malluel and then turn a bright shade of red himself before shooing his coworkers off to take care of the customers in line. He glances over at Izumi's table and immediately looks away once their eyes meet, huffing stubbornly.

He circles around the cafe, visiting some customers at the table, before finally making his way to Izumi's, ducking into the booth and letting his work persona loosen just a bit, giving him a quiet smile. He'd thought about scolding him for sneaking out, but it's been so nice to see him that it doesn't matter anymore.]

It's time for my break, so I thought I'd stop by.

...Do you like it?

[It has less milk than a latte, after all, and Sandalphon wasn't about to put the kid gloves on and sweeten a drink he gave to Izumi just because he's his cat.]

[ izumi takes one more sip of the drink, licking his lips. ] I wouldn't mind you making it at home sometime, at least.

[ and that's the closest thing izumi can utter as a compliment. it tastes different, yet familiar at the same time, and he relishes in the warm feeling in his stomach that's not just cause by the coffee. ]

Were you surprised, though? About me dropping by.

[ guilt suddenly washes over him as he looks away for a moment, taking the vanilla scone and nibbling it. it's a perfect complement to the drink as well; sandalphon really is that good with his job that izumi's now wondering why he isn't getting paid more. ]

...If you're angry at me, I understand. I'll go when I'm done.

[Sandalphon switches sides in the booth, sliding in next to Izumi and reaching under his hat, behind his head, to gently scratch at the base of his ears.]

I'm not angry. If I were, I'd have just told you to get out because you didn't have any money. You're being careful, and...you should be allowed to do whatever you want, even if I'm not there.

[He pulls his hand back; too much tousling and the hat might come off and give Izumi away.]

So I can't be mad at you for wanting something that should be yours to begin with. I'd prefer that you sneak to places I am like this, so you have me as an excuse if you get caught, but...

[Sandalphon sighs, leaning back against the booth.]

...As long as I know where you are, and as long as you're careful...until you can go wherever you want by yourself, you've got my permission to leave the house.

[He'd hate to make Izumi feel trapped in his own home. He'd hate that more than anything.]

[ the headpat is more than welcome, and if they were at home, izumi would've snuggled on top of sandalphon and purr to his heart's content. but they're in a booth where anyone can see them, so he's doing all he can not to drop his guard. ]

...Don't worry. I've made up my mind about staying with you.

[ even if his conflicted feelings towards his master are unfounded. despite all the touch and caresses and longing looks from afar. ]

So. What do you mean by this little note here, maaaster?

[ yeah, he's not dropping it anytime soon. like is it about the coffee or... whatever sandalphon has in mind when they get home later? ]

[Sandalphon flushes a faint red, as he usually does, over being called "master" in such a teasing tone. He knows Izumi does it to fluster him, but that doesn't seem to stop the actual flustering from happening.]

It's...

[He'd intended it with all the innuendo Izumi is implying, but all of a sudden it feels like if he says it out loud, he'd be breaking some unwritten rule between them. If he admits that it's flirting...if he admits that any of this is flirting...]

...Well, what did you think it meant? What kind of things are you imagining to make you ask that kind of question?

[He leans in just a bit too close...so close that he could answer more definitively if he just leaned in a bit more. The smirk is back, but only because this is the only way he knows how to avoid saying that this is flirting without shutting down the possibility.]

[ and now it's izumi's turn to be flustered. he didn't expect sandalphon to take the bait that easily, nor reel izumi in with a smirk that's - totally sexy on him, not gonna lie, and with how close they are in proximity, it feels as though izumi has forgotten to breathe.

but he can't let sandalphon win. not yet. so he smiles back, leans even closer to sandalphon to whisper in his ear. ]

Do you really want to know what's on my mind right now?

[ because he's internally screaming right now. but aside from that, he'd be lying if he said that he hadn't entertained the thoughts of him and his master going all the way, testing the limits of their relationship. he isn't stupid, sandalphon has two functioning eyes and can be just as attracted to him like any other guy out there - but this feels different, somehow. ]

Because I'm thinking about--

[ the front doors of the coffeeshop is then thrown open, and another white-haired blue-eyed bastard waltzes in before izumi can tease his master over. he'd almost jumped into the air in fright, but he hides behind sandalphon's back anyway, peeking over his shoulder and hissing under his breath. like what the fuck? why's that guy doing here? and did he plan to barge in the middle of all this?! ]

[The look of utter disgust on Sandalphon's face when he glances over at the door couldn't be any clearer. His least favorite customer...Lucio. And it's too late to avoid his gaze, because the moment he catches sight of his favorite barista, Lucio smiles and waves. Sandalphon's eyes simply narrow a bit more in response as he gently rubs at the small of Izumi's back to get him to calm down a bit.]

Of all the times...I'm on break, you shameless waste of space.

[As evidenced by the fact that he's huddled together in a booth with another man. Actually, this gives Sandalphon something of an idea...]

Incidentally, my boyfriend stopped by to visit me. I'll entertain you another day, so leave us be.

[He barely finishes his sentence before he leans in to kiss Izumi, his free hand sliding back behind his head to hold the hat in place just in case his ears jump and jostle it. Dating between cats and their masters is normal, but Izumi's gone to such lengths to hide it, after all...and he'd still have to explain how Izumi got here unattended, besides.

Much as he'd like to, Sandalphon knows better than to push his luck, and the kiss is over relatively quickly. Just enough to get Lucio to excuse himself, looking a bit like he's just been stabbed.]

...Sorry about that, Izumi.

[He murmurs as soon as Lucio's far enough away not to overhear them. He'll apologize as many times as it takes if he's mad about his first kiss being like this...though as far as Sandalphon himself is concerned, there's no one else he'd have rather shared his own with.]

[ the kiss was over before izumi's mind even registered it, looking a little dazed when sandalphon pulls away to shoo lucio off. he feels as though his entire body is burning, from his lips to his cheeks to even his crotch, and he silently curses himself for already being so turned on from their constant flirting in such a secluded location. if sandalphon hadn't held onto his cap, izumi would've been exposed for what he is, too.

give him a moment to recompose himself, and: ]

What... was that for?

[ he can feel himself getting mad, for some reason. ]

Did you kiss me just so you can drive him off? You can do better than that! That was my first kiss, moron!

[ he still couldn't bring himself to believe it - that sandalphon actually likes him with no strings attached. also yeah, he could've timed this better and now izumi wants to disappear under the table and everything. ]

[A part of him had been expecting this kind of reaction. It's only normal to be angry at someone who's taken your first kiss for such a petty thing. But even so—he'd meant every second of it, and Sandalphon feels himself getting defensive.]

I...no! Do you really take me for the kind of person who...

[He stops mid-question, already knowing that the answer to it is yes.]

...I-It was mine too, you know! I wouldn't have just given it to anyone! I'm not that desperate! If I...there were other ways I could've gotten rid of him, but I...

[This would be so much simpler if he could just talk about his feelings like a normal person, but of course he can't.]

...No. Never mind. You're right. I shouldn't have done that.

[The hand on Izumi's lower back stays where it is, despite the tension between them; in spite of it, Sandalphon still wants to touch him.]

[ the hand on his lower back is reassuring in a way; it just means that sandalphon doesn't want to part from him after all that. it means that maybe he does genuinely like izumi as more than a pet if he's holding him like this in such a public location. but izumi doesn't want to be seen like this by so many people, especially his competition. he can't help but feel bad for lucio for a little bit too... just a tad.

he purses his lips, and then, avoiding sandalphon's gaze: ]

Can... Can I take this coffee to go? I'll wait for you at home instead.

[ before they both fuck up more than they already did. ]

[It's a good thing Izumi's looking away, because Sandalphon would never forgive himself if he let him see the sheer panic on his face. He wouldn't blame Izumi if he just turned tail and ran away from home after this.]

...Of course. Be careful on the way home.

[But if that happens, this is his own fault. Sandalphon slides out of the booth, giving Izumi a gentle pat on the head, and gets ready to get back to work. He glances back at him one more time, but...staring would probably hurt his pride, wouldn't it? It's best to just leave him alone, then.

...When he gets home, hours later, he stands outside the door of his apartment for several long moments. He's got to apologize...he's been rehearsing it all day in his head, and now it's time to do it for real. Finally, he opens the door, calling out.]

Izumi...I'm home.

[And then he waits.]

[ izumi did wait as soon as he got home, as soon as he changed out of sandalphon's clothes into his own loose-fitting ones. all while he's pondering over what had just happened at the shop earlier because who wouldn't overthink about something like that? it actually made him so tired just thinking about it that he passed out on the couch, only waking up when sandalphon had arrived home.

he stretches, tail curling, and he sits up and peeks at sandalphon from his place on the couch like some guilty child who's awaiting punishment. he dimly remembers the coffee he'd brought home, now cold on the coffeetable, and his heart sinks at not being able to drink it properly after coming all that way to visit his owner and watch him in his element.

anything he'd say right now might make things worse, so izumi opts to stare at sandalphon from afar, blue eyes glinting with... anticipation? because his lips still tingle at being kissed, and he's wondering if sandalphon would taste like the works he has to make every single day. ]

[The relief on Sandalphon's face should be obvious even from a distance. He barely remembers to take his shoes off and doesn't bother taking his jacket off at all as he rushes over to Izumi. Thank goodness he's here...thank goodness he hasn't run off, even if Sandalphon would have deserved it if he had.]

Izumi...

[He pulls him into a tight hug. Everything he wanted to say has vanished from his mind, even after going over it for hours while he made coffee. He's just so happy to see him, so sorry for everything...and before he even knows it, he's loosened his embrace just enough to kiss Izumi again—this time, with all the feelings he's been grappling with, with no audience to make a point to. It's just the two of them, the same as always, and still, Sandalphon wants to kiss him like this.

He has for quite some time, truthfully. He can explain himself later, but for now...for now, he only wants this. He only wants Izumi.]

[ the moment sandalphon rushes in to embrace him, that was izumi's breaking point. because after all that, sandalphon only wanted to hold him all this time despite izumi's outburst from the shop, and it only made izumi realize that maybe he should stop holding back from his own feelings too. especially when his owner made it crystal-clear with a kiss that sealed the deal.

so he kisses back, enthusiastically so, scrambling onto his owner's lap as if they'd done this before. they're both new to this kissing too and it's painfully obvious, and izumi pulls away to breath for a moment and to stare at sandalphon with bright eyes and even pinker cheeks.

he really is handsome like this. and it's something that izumi wants all to himself, as shallow and selfish as that sounds. even so, his lips curve into a smile, soft and warm. ]

...Welcome home.

Edited 2020-01-25 23:55 (UTC)

[Sandalphon can't help the tender, loving smile that blooms on his face in response to Izumi's quiet words. It's the kind of expression he's always been so careful to hide whenever he felt it tugging at the corners of his mouth, one too soft and good for someone as jaded as himself. But how could he do anything but smile, when the object of his affections returned a kiss from him?]

...I've wanted to do that for a long time. I'm...sorry for taking so long.

[He isn't the brightest when it comes to social situations and cues, but even he had been acutely aware of the tension building between the two of them for some time now. Dodged glances, more daring intrusions into personal space...all of it unspoken, wonderful, and terrifying.

But as much as he'd enjoyed the dangerous waltz they'd been performing together, this is better. Having Izumi settled into his lap like this, feeling his lips against his own...it's all so much better than he could have ever even imagined.

He pulls Izumi back in to kiss him again, still just as clumsy as the first. It's still not enough, he hasn't had enough of him—and so he gently cups Izumi's cheek in his hand and nips at his bottom lip, trying to coax his mouth open, praying he isn't biting too hard. They'll need plenty of practice with this, between their combined lack of experience, and now is as good a time as any to start.]

[In an effort to drum up more customers, the cafe that Sandalphon works at has been cycling monthly themes. For ones with holidays in them, the theme is obvious; for months with no real celebrations, it's been largely up to the votes of the customers that has swayed what the theme of the cafe has been. One month it was the color yellow, another month it was ice, and every time, the uniform Sandalphon wears has been changed accordingly.

This time, however, the option with the most support is maids.

Needless to say, he's less than enthusiastic about this. But his job is in jeopardy if he doesn't cooperate, and the first order of business is to make sure it fits. Creating uniforms every month means that of course they've gotten good at sizing their employees, but the maid outfit isn't built quite like any of the other uniforms he's had to wear. There's a skirt, for starters, and his particular uniform is backless.

How is he supposed to know what a good fit feels like, though? He's never worn a dress before. Though he does know someone who would know...and so, reluctantly, he finds himself clutching his uniform in a paper bag, asking Izumi for a favor.]

...You're a model, so...you would know if something fit me if I wore it, right? You'd be able to tell if something wasn't in the right place?

[He's being very intentionally vague because he doesn't even want to talk about it, but in his haste he's left a small bit of lace and frills visible from Izumi's standpoint.]

Of course I would. I'm not about to let you parade out of here looking like a reject. That'd be humiliating for the both of us.

[ sandalphon should've expected by now that izumi can be real nitpicky for his own good, but maybe this is a good thing. izumi's dropped by the shop a couple of times already whenever he has time for respite so he's aware of the monthly themes at sandalphon's workplace, but the frills and lace did not escape his eyes one bit. ]

So what're they going to make you wear this time? I thought only hosts and waiters are the only ones who usually cosplays at your job. Unless they gave you a kick up the stairs already?

[ he's grinning, because of course he is. he's proud of his bf doing a wonderful job at work despite bemoaning how much he hates everyone there, and very curious of what's in that paper bag he's holding. let him see! ]

Normally, you're right...it should only be the hosts and waiters.

[Even when they do more intricate themes, the baristas usually just get different colored aprons or shirts and maybe some accessories to attach to them.]

But given the nature of this theme...and how popular it was, they felt as though they had no choice but to change the way things work this time.

[He can feel his cheeks heating up as he carefully removes the backless, short-skirted maid dress from the bag. Why are people like this? Why is this what they almost unanimously voted on???]

I haven't even tried it on yet, but...even if I did, I wouldn't know what to look for. I need your help.

[It's going to feel too small no matter how well it actually fits him, so a second pair of eyes is critical.]

( catchall ) even now i still dream of you

catboy in cafe...!

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the supreme primaid

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