Chapter Text
Even’s day was not off to an amazing start.
It was snowing, which was, granted, a fairly normal occurrence, but he’d underestimated exactly how cold it would be. His fingers were practically numb, and the sweatshirt he’d pulled on was not even close to being warm enough. Then, he’d fallen asleep on the bus, and in his rush to get off, forgot his bag and had to chase it a couple blocks before he could get the driver to stop for him. As far as days went, it was going downhill a lot faster than it should’ve been at 10 AM, but there was plenty of time for things to turn around. Probably.
He was planning on spending most of his time in the cafe. There was nothing he really had to get done, and it was just nice to be somewhere other than his bedroom on a Saturday. He came almost every day during the week, usually in the morning, and he knew all the baristas as a result. The weekend was when he actually got to enjoy the place, and the easy, quiet atmosphere was a relief from his family’s packed apartment.
Today, the small shop is nearly full, but his normal table by the window is empty. He drops his bag, smiling at the thought of one of the baristas saving the spot for him. They all had started looking out for him gradually over the past year as they watched him work through so many of his problems in his corner table of the cozy cafe. Here, much to his surprise, was where he felt most at home.
He finds Sonja behind the counter and gives her a grateful smile. She gives him a little wave. He gets up to wait in line, and with the huge rush, it’s a while before he can order. Usually he beats the crowds, but today with all the minor catastrophes he was right in the middle of the weekend rush.
He looks out at the strangers idly, taking in scraps of faces and clothes and conversations. Sometimes he’ll draw them on napkins, if he really has nothing else to do. He likes to make up their conversations and favorite songs. Everyone is so odd, he’s realized, even if they seem to be ordinary.
There’s one who catches his eye, he’s standing three people back from Even in the steadily growing line. He’s staring at his phone with an expression that looks too worried for the relaxed environment of the cafe. Suddenly he knows that he’ll do anything to get that expression off that boy’s pretty face.
“Thanks for chasing the rabble away.” He says, stepping up to the counter.
“It wasn’t easy. You’re 45 minutes late. Maybe next time get emotionally attached to a bad table? Please.” Sonja grabs a cup, scribbling his normal order on the outside.
“And I’m paying for the kid with the hat. Three back.” Even mutters as Sonja starts to ring him out. She first raises her eyebrows and then knits them in understanding before she grabs another cup.
“What do you want it to say?” She asks, uncapping the pen.
“Blondie.” Sonja laughs, narrowing her eyes, and Even amends. “In the snapback.” She cranes her neck to peer at the anxious looking boy a few feet away before stealing a smiling glance back at Even.
“Cute. Good luck.” She winks before handing him back his change. “He’s been in here every day for the past couple of weeks. I’m actually surprised you haven’t seen him before. He probably comes here more than you at this point.” Even wonders how he missed him. A face like that would’ve caught his eye. “He comes early though. 6 AM sometimes. Later on the weekends though obviously.” Even notes the information for future reference. He hears his name from the other side of the room, and gives Sonja one last smile before grabbing his overly sweetened coffee.
Back in his seat by the window, tapping his pen on one of the blank pages in his notebook, Even waits for the boy to get to the head of the line.
“What?” He hears Blondie say.
“It’s paid for.”
“This isn’t a bar, people can’t just pay for my drink.” He sounds flustered, and Even worries for a second that he’s only made the boy more upset.
“Apparently they can.” Sonja responds coolly.
“I’m Isak. Did they know my name? How am I-” He’s cut off by a shout from the other end of the counter.
“Blonde with a snapback! Wait, seriously?” The other barista puts down the cup, huffing a laugh.
“Blonde with a--” the boy--Isak--sputters. He’s started to blush, and Even finds himself smiling. “I didn’t even order. I don’t even know what it is.”
Shit. Even hadn’t thought about that. He was drinking what amounted to chocolate flavored black coffee, so that’s probably what they gave...Isak.
“There’s a long line. If you’re not going to buy anything else I’d really like to help the next customer.” Isak shakes his head, apologizing under his breath as he moves to get the drink. Sonja mouths “next time” from behind the counter as Isak wanders away and Even glares at her.
“Jaevel!”1 he mouths back in mock anger.
Even watches the boy as he combs the shop for an empty seat, and sees his frustration after finding every table full. When Isak wanders close enough, he gives a small wave, a tentative invitation to...what? Join him? Say hello? But it doesn’t matter; the younger boy doesn’t say anything, just gives a tight lipped smile and keeps walking out the door.
Even watches as he stops outside in front of the window, taking a tentative sip of the drink. He shudders slightly in surprise (at the sweetness, he thinks) but he doesn’t throw it away immediately. But, he appears a bit more calm as he trudges back down the sidewalk, Even’s drink in his hand. From inside the café, Even counts it as a small victory.
With any luck, he’ll get to try again next week.