He finally got off the bus as he hurried to the his workplace. Treading along puddles of cold water and fallen leaves, the sun was about to set but still relatively hot in the midst of eve.
Shoto finally opened the doors to the restaurant and was brought with flames thrown at him but at this point, he wasn't all that surprised.
"SHOTOOO!!!" The slayer heard over the music playing in the high-end speakers. How can Mysta yell so loud to overpower the damn sound speakers?
Shoto waved, not wanting to shout like a certain someone he knew and made his way to the group. The more he came closer, the more it seemed like the people were adding up in the table and his line of sight.
First he saw Mysta and Ike. Then Vox, followed by Mika, Shu, Fulgur, Pomu and Uki. And lastly, a guy with blonde hair and a side ponytail alongside what he assumes is the two other waiters he incountered in his shift.
Why were there so many people!?
As Shoto was finally infront of the big ass table for the blonde male to gesture him a seat next to him. "Hey! I'm Luca." He said, greeting the slayer with a firm handshake before pulling the chair for Shoto.
Luca? Like- The Luca? The mafia boss that Mysta is exchanging info to Luca? I mean- He did say that he wanted Shoto to meet him but he thought it'd be a little bit more private of a place.
"Thanks, nice to meet you Luca." Shoto sitting down and squirming around to find a comfortable pose to sit in.
The atmosphere wasn't awkward even if Shoto was the last one to join. His coworker who he assumed was named Alban was just talking to Shu. Vox chattered with Ike alongside Reimu. Basically, everyone had their own little buddy to chit and chat with.
Mysta sipped his drink. "So Shoto!" He called out, drawing ever so much attention to the slayer. "Like the little surprise?" He asked, smirking behind the glass that stood between him and his lips.
Shoto rolled his eyes. "Yeah, what a surprise it is- Is that why the house was empty?" He asked, he almost slipped up and called it the guild but that would cause a lot of questions for others.
Pomu laughed. "It was Mysta's idea!"
"And we all followed along soo." Mika added to the fairy's sentence.
Shoto rolled his eyes once more. "And how'd they get dragged along?" Pointing at his coworkers around the table which caused a couple of giggles and snickers.
"It was easy." Mysta scoffed confidently. "I just found where they lived and bickered all of them to come over!"
"YOU WHAT?" Shoto practically yelled.
Vox patted a hand to the slayer's shoulder as he proceeded to walk around the table to get more water. "Relax, little waiter. He didn't cause harm but more so just confusion amongst us but we agreed to come nonetheless." His boss leaving after exchanging the information to get more water.
Shoto just glared at Mysta and mouthed. 'You are dead to me.' Which everyone saw and worried for the boy but laughed it off in the end.
"Oh shit- Guys, we haven't even ordered." A gray haired boy said with red accents surrounding his eye. A little sssshii was heard from Mysta and Shu from the realization.
"Guess we've been so caught up with chatting that we forgot-" Fulgur said, quickly gesturing to the menu as everyone skimmed through the meals.
Shoto knew almost all of the meals at this point and knew which were the most famous ones. Reimu and Alban probably knew aswell since they were also the ones waitering and catering.
He guessed correctly since the chefs and other waiters didn't bother looking at the menu since they work here- Practically knew the food from the back of their hand.
He did find it amusing when his guildies were staring quickly at each word of the meal to pinpoint what was the best option to order and take.
Vox finally came back with a pitcher of lemon water which Shoto always loved. He always preferred sweeter drinks rather than plain old water. He wouldn't mind a little bit of alcohol in the mix though. Not like he was suggesting they should all get drunk and high in the end of the day.
Small little verbal thank you's were passed out every now and then as they all finally ordered.
"I wonder how these rookies will do." Alban perked up after the waiter got their orders.
Oh wait. Rookies? "Is it because the weekends are the training days for the chefs and waiters?" Shoto asked for confirmation which both Reimu and Alban responded with a yes.
"A shame, they get two days of practice and we get a whole weeks worth of labor?" Reimu joked. She was probably the 'oldest' one of the waiters since she was first to work there compared to Shoto and Alban.
Shoto remembered that she was extremely close with Vox especially. Maybe they had a history together since Vox did technically own the restaurant so she must've signed up since the very first day of production.
Wait, yeah- Why did the newcomers get a two day training when Shoto had to waiter and cater for weeks even when he was all new to everything? It was weird to think of and he couldn't find a clear certain answer but I mean, he did somewhat like it better at the moment. It kept his mind away from his.. Other job.
Their food finally arrived as they all thanked the waiters and chefs for the meal.
Shoto was a simple man, he got a steak, mashed potatoes and a few veggies on the side. It's an iconic meal to get when everything else feels too overwhelming to eat.
"Is there any wine available?" Shoto heard. He looked over and saw that Uki was the one asking for this request. Of course, his friend Uki was always someone to prefer alcohol over any type of liquid.
"Certainly! We can order some now or later if you prefer." Ike spoke, still as formal and elegant as a flower even in and out of work. A true man of the charm he could say.
Shu perked up. "Are we all gonna get drunk at the first course?" He teased. Depending on how you take it, it may seem like he was a coward of drinking alcoholic beverages but in the other spectrum, he may sound like he was teasing them for being so excited to alcohol at the first meal.
"We can afford to wait." Luca ushered with a smile. Everyone seemed to get along with each other quite well. At first glance, they seemed like pairing completely different friendgroups together. Like a perfect puzzle piece.
-x-
They all ate and finished their food contently, some even giving a sigh of satisfaction.
"That was soooo good." Mysta and Alban said in sync which caused them to gush and fangirl about being higher beings. Shoto only laughed, they're like father and son at this point.
Mika nudged Uki. "Hey, there's a karaoke." She whispered, already scheming a plan to get everyone to sing.
She grabbed Pomu's arm and dashed to the station to sing. Holding both mics, they started singing to heart's content.
"YOOO!! Mysta! Let's sing, come on!" Luca urged the detective, also grabbing his arm and dragging the reluctant boy with the girls.
Shoto was glad that this restaurant was known for it's loud qualities. It reminded him more of a night club but fancier since the food was well made and cooked but everything else was basically a party waiting to happen.
Pomu and Mika sang Diamond City Lights, a song that Shoto hasn't heard in years. He remembered joining a live concert of the actual singers and doing the chant. He was with his guildies at that time which caused them to drag Shoto to sing with them.
"Bitch! Come here." Uki yelled over, grabbing the slayer's arm. What is this? Finders keepers? Each verse and lyric just hyped up everyone in the group to get more people to sing with them.
"Shou! Come on, we need one more member to sing." Mika said inbetween singing her lines and talking to him. Knowing he can't escape the situation, he began singing. Whooping and yelling of cheers were heard from everyone singing as the people seated were watching in a giggling laughing fit.
The chant of the song finally came which made Shoto drag all the people he knew that can come along and sing it.
The whole table was almost left abandoned since everyone practically knew the chant. He was surprised seeing Reimu jump up and bring Alban with them. I guess they're really warming up to Shoto and the others.
Others who didn't know the chant just danced along to the beat and laughed. It was like some sort of concert. Shoto didn't know what came to any of them to embarrass themselves at his workplace but everyone, even strangers were cheering along and having a blast.
The song ended and Luca punched in their number for the next song. Mysta was whining and groaning to the mafia when he saw the song play it's melody.
The song was Envy Baby and it was a song that Luca loved singing with Mysta whenever Shoto was busy with work.
"Jamamama ma!" They both sang, Luca singing it with pride while the detective was still trying to warm up and calm his nerves which eventually did happen.
"It's amazing~!" A high pitched girl voice rang out which got EVERYONES attention since the ones singing were two men?
Mysta laughed at the sudden shocked faces from Luca's girl voice who they joke about naming it Lucy.
"I'm ready. This, this lover baby!" The two boys sang in sync, harmonazing in ways Shoto didn't know Mysta could be that coordinated.
Looking around the room, he saw Ike convincing Shu and Vox to sing with him. Reluctant at first, both of men got charmed by the chef and ran up to the stage.
He never suspected Ike to be the excited singing type on stage but it contrasted his personality extremely well. They pressed in their song in que as they cheered and danced with Mysta and Luca.
The song caught the mafia's eye. "Yo! Hope in the dark? I know that song, can I join you guys?" He asked, leaving Mysta struggling but still enjoying the song.
"Of course!" Ike spoke with a big grin as Vox and Shu chatted on if they can successfully do this or not.
"We need one more person though." Shu spoke over and they all turned to look at the nearest person next to them which was Shoto.
They all dragged the slayer to sing with them even though he promised that he would only sing Diamond City Lights. From afar, it looked like fangirls swamping over their favorite celeb to sing with them or something.
Shoto agreed but it was more forced than his free will. He's glad that Mysta played the song on repeat back then to the point he memorized the whole song.
"Party Time!"
"Woo!" Shoto woo'ed, he always loved that part of the song and can you blame him? It's a fun part.
As everyone was tired and drunk since some drank while everyone sang, they called it a day.
Alban being tipsy called Sonny to pick him up and so did Pomu and Mika asking Finana and Nina to rescue them from any accidents that can occure from their drunken state.
Mysta opted to drink more and just go back home with Luca who wasn't that drunk but can still take a cab when needed.
Reimu went home with Ike and Shu while Vox needed something to do so he'd tag along with them later on.
Fulgur drove Uki home and payed for everything since he was the only sober one throughout the whole thing. Shoto will definitely thank Fulgur a million stars after this.
Everyone was pretty much set to go home without any risk of dying half way except Shoto.
He didn't have anyone else to go home with since Mika and Pomu didn't have any more space for Shoto and Mysta planned to stay longer which the slayer actually just wanted to leave already and flop into bed.
It's fine, he's gotten home drunk every now and then so he shouldn't be into too much danger, right?
"Shoto?" Someone called out his name while the slayer grabbed his bag to leave. He hummed back in response before lazily looking back at the source of the voice to see Vox.
"Yeaah..? Mngh- What is it?" He asked, slurring over a few of his words and stumbling over the chair that kept him balanced.
Vox raised a brow. "Are you really gonna go home in that state?" He asked in disbelief when Shoto nodded. How dumb can this waiter be?
He shook his head. "You're not going home like that. Atleast not alone." He spoke, having a hand over the slayer's shoulder which Shoto just looked at him confused.
"Mmngh.. Bitch? I can.. walk home by my...self." As much as Shoto thought he sounded demanding and mean, he just sounded dumb and meek towards Vox's pov.
The demon sighed and rolled his eyes. "Whatever you say, my boy. Let's get you cleaned up and I'll call a cab for you home, okay big man?" He said, gesturing Shoto to the restroom with him since he also needed a touch up after a chaotic night.
The slayer reluctantly agreed and found himself leaning more of his weight towards Vox when they entered the bathroom.
Shoto leaned over the sink, hands on the edge of the marbled sink as he gave a big sigh. Maybe he shouldn't have drank so much. He had work tomorrow, fuck.
He muttered under his breath, loud enough for Vox to hum in response for something much clearier than a mutter.
"I sAid-" Shoto hicked. "I said that I'll have a shit day at.. At- work, dumbass." He hissed, venom in his voice. Probably because he was a bit pissy.
"Who said you're going to work?" Vox replied, tying his hair up in a high ponytail and leaving some strands to fall near his face and cheeks. Black hair contrasting such a white snowy fair skin that Shoto could only imagine how smooth it was.
Shoto scoffed. "I need money.. Bitch." Ouch, who knew drunk Shoto was bitchier than he was normally. Certainly took Vox by a bit of a surprise.
The demon didn't push any further but just urged the slayer to wash his face and that he'll wait outside. Shoto nodded, finally getting his privacy.
Once his boss left, he sighed and cursed at himself.
He rinsed his face. The cool water touching and hands and skin, a rewarding feeling when everything else feels like shit at the moment.
Patting his face with a dry towel he had in his bag, he checked his hair at the mirror. All frizzy and untamed, like a big fur ball. He shook his head which didn't really help his locks that much but he couldn't care less and headed out.
"Ready?" Vox asked, patting the boy's hair to slightly untangle some flying loose hairs that sprung up. Shoto nodded as the demon escorted the slayer outside.
"Your address?" He asked and Shoto just stared.
"Huh."
"Your address so I can get a cab for you." Vox cleared up but Shoto was still tipsy enough to play hard to get. He scoffed and glanced away. "I can go home by myself, didn't I tell you that already?" He said, still not giving up his address.
"Well, I can always ask Mysta who's still here for your address-"
Shoto sprung back, clicking his tongue and interrupting Vox. "No! That's not- Nngh- Fine. It's near the forest, it doesn't really have an address." He admitted which just caused the demon to let out an amused chuckle.
"No address? How can you possibly get home then? Here, I'll take you there instead big lad." He reached a hand out to Shoto for him to balance himself on again.
Every inch of his brain is telling him to not take his hand for some reason but he was at an all time high at the moment so he easily held the demon's hand and agreed.
-x-
For some reason, Vox never let go of his hand and neither did Shoto. Maybe it was for balancing purposes or maybe for Vox to keep an eye on him if the slayer was stupid enough to dettach himself from the chef.
But he liked the closeness nonetheless. His hand was cold, a feeling Shoto preferred over warmth.
"Is your home near?" Vox asked, still looking straight ahead as Shoto's eyes couldn't help but wander around every now and again.
Startled by the sudden question and sound. "Uhm- yeah? A few more minutes. My house is a tad bit far from the.. restaurant.." His voice still sluggish and slow as his mind was working on 2 braincells an hour.
The demon hummed in response. It was getting really dark, it was about to pass midnight or so and he didn't know if he'd have enough time to get home.
"It's.. Nngmh- Really late, isn't it.?? Maybe you can um- crash over at mine for a... a bit, yeah mhm.." He said without really thinking of future him cursing at himself for this offer.
Vox glanced over Shoto who still had rosy cheeks from the alcohol. "Really? Is it really okay for me to stay over your place?"
The slayer just stared at him confused. "Yeaah??? What's the prob with that?" He asked but Vox just dismissed his confusion with a simple 'It's nothing' and just let Shoto to try and figure it out.
He wasn't in the right mindset for any of these mind games he thought the demon was playing so he just shrugged it off and went along the trail of his guild.
-x-
They finally arrived at the guild. Vox was surprised to say the least, a house in the middle of nowhere and the midst of a forest? "Are you really safe in this enviroment, Shoto?" Vox asked since he knew that demons didn't roame that far from here.
Shoto rubbed his hazy eyes while unlocking the door. "Yeah? There's not much harm here.. I can handle myself and others if- If harm does come near. Don't worry." He replied, getting a bit less drunk and more on the sober side. Though the toxins in his body is still calming him from the thought of Vox staying over in his demon slaying guild.
He opened the door to find Mika and Pomu passed out on the couch. He figured that Fulgur tucked Uki to bed and went to his own bedroom.
Vox just walked passed the people he just partied with who were presumbly laying on the sofa, snoring and smelly from the alcohol. What a sight indeed.
Shoto then pointed at the bathroom that he once bathed in when the incident with Hana happened. "You can- take a shit or take a shower if you want- I don't think you uh- want to smell alcohol when you sleep so yeah.." Vox nodded, still taking in his surroundings.
"This is my room. I'll move Pomu and Mika to their own rooms and I can sleep on the.. couch and you can sleep here, okay?" The slayer said, gesturing at his bedroom.
Vox turned to the purple haired boy. "Why can't I just sleep with you? Your bed seems big enough for the both of us and the couch doesn't look that comfortable." He replied which caused Shoto to think about that offer.
I mean, what's the harm? Vox will just sleep on the other side, not like Shoto would kick him off or anything.
He shrugged. "Sure, if you want then I'm down. I'm gonna take a um- shower, I'll be back. You can use the bathroom from downstairs to shower if you want. You can check my closet if you have any clothes of mine that can fit you." He said, getting a towel ontop of the said closet before Vox spoke.
"And what if there's no clothes that fit?" He asked as he skimmed through Shoto's clothes that were organized and neat. "I can go to Fulgur's room and get some of his clothes. You both seem like you have the same-ish built so yeah." He replied, waving a hand as he spoke with a relaxed voice.
Vox nodded as he watched Shoto go to the bathroom as he did the same.
-x-
After a few minutes, the slayer was done and was brought with Vox wearing clothes that Mysta bought for him. He scoffed, of course the ones that were not his size fitted Vox.
Shoto forgot to bring his clothes with him in the bathroom so he just opted to get out and get a pair of clothes and back in. Of course, he had a towel covering his areas. Just cause Vox was the same gender, doesn't mean Shoto wanted him to see his parts that will remain private.
He didn't mind his chest being exposed though. He may only do it rarely but he wasn't in the right mind nor place to care much and he doubt Vox would do anything with the image of him being shirtless.
Vox glanced at Shoto. "Forgot your clothes?" He added while he scrolled through twitter on his phone as he laid on the slayer's soft white bed. It felt like heaven at this very moment of how his body sank through the fabric and the fluffy pillows that his back rested on.
Shoto nodded as he finally got a pair of clothes. He forgot that he couldn't sleep in his underwear only because there was another human being with him in bed.
Getting the most comfiest clothes he can find, he went back in the restroom and tried them on. He never had any pajamas so he just had to settle for his casual wear.
A loose tank top and shorts that were flowy and not tight whatsoever. He sighed and smiled to himself at the mirror before walking back out and taking his phone in the process.
He got a closer look at Vox who was under the blankets but most of his body was still fairly visible. The window in the room wasn't closed with the curtains so the moonlight tainted the demon's smooth looking skin. It was like some sort of painting that should be hanged up in a museum.
He was wearing Shoto's big and loose shirts that had long sleeves but the raven haired male just rolled it up all the way to his elbows. His hair was also tied up in a messy bun and he wore glasses.
He didn't know Vox had shit vision. But it made sense since it only added to the smart vibe that he always radiated at work and outside of it.
His room was fairly dark and he usually had a lamp open when he went to sleep but for some odd reason, the light from the moon that shined through his unclosed window felt more peaceful than any other artificial light. So his room was nicely lit by the moon.
He hummed contently as he finally climbed over his bed and tucked himself under the sheets. The only thing visible from him were his hands to check his phone and his eyes to his hair that peeked through.
It was like a cat peeking over a cardboard box to check it's owner. It was an amusing sight especially to Vox who he always saw the slayer in a more demanding and tough demeanor.
Shoto carefully texted his best friend Mysta who he remembered was going home with Luca.
Shorto
'Hey babe, hope you're home safe. Drink some water. Goodnight.'
Some part of Shoto wanted to cringe at how nice he was being but he knew that he couldn't go a day without being overly worried for his friends. They were like family to him at this point and he didn't wanna lose any of them again. Not like Ether.
He scrunched up his nose by the thought of his old friend that died because of him. He didn't like the thought of it. It always ate him whole whenever he spiralled in it.
Vox noticed the reaction. "Anything bothering you?" He asked, still scrolling through twitter as it was amusing seeing what's the latest new dumb fuckery he can watch and see.
"Nothing, just thinking of shit." Shoto responded, some of his words sounded bitter in his mouth which wasn't his intention.
Vox clicked his tongue and went back to looking at twitter. "If it's about work then I can make adjustments for it."
It wasn't about work but knowing that Vox might be able to adjust a few things to his schedule left something warm in his chest.
Shoto just quietly nodded. He noticed that he didn't have the others contact numbers of his coworkers.
"Vox?" The slayer perked up, his voice still a bit hoarse at the start. The demon just looked back at him with a hum. "Do you have the others phone numbers?" Vox nodded and Shoto gave his phone to his boss for him to type out the contact info.
"Do you want Alban and Reimu's?" He asked, finishing the numbers for the chefs. He now asked if Shoto wanted to numbers of the other waiters.
The indigo eyed boy nodded like a stray cat before Vox looked back at the phone and typed the contacts.
He gave the phone back to the slayer and a small thank you was exchanged back with a fond smile to Vox's face.
Shoto noticed the time once his phone was brought back to him. It was around motherfucking 1 am! He had work not so long after and he needed as much sleep as he could get so he can handle his headache.
"Vox, I'm gonna sleep. You should too." He spoke, positioning himself in the fetal position that made his back turned to Vox. His boss hummed before he heard him place his phone near the table of the bed and felt Vox shuffle around to sleep.
Shoto could feel the demon's breath go up and down every now and then as his own breathing pattern synced. His eyelids felt heavier as he finally fell asleep.