It was the same old cycle for Shoto. Go to work early, have a chat with Vox while cleaning then go home and tell Mysa everything that happened. Simple as that, it was like routine at this point. The same old movements, same old habits, same old gossip. Nothing new happened. Nothing sparked when he was at work.
He hated it, the feeling of dread knowing that what he's doing isn't anything exciting or new. Juggling two jobs at once also didn't give him enough time to relax and take care of himself.
This all feels too familiar.
Like he's done this before in the past..
Ah right.
It was when he lost everything. When he watched demons burn down his only home to ashes as if they were mere ants to them. How he watched the village crumble just like how his hope of survival shattered alongside it. Praying to the gods that once showered him in favors and praises are now cruel and emotionless to the begging Shoto.
Tears falling down as he kneeled and prayed at that shrine. Everyday, he remembered he would go there every single day to pray for Ether. To pray that he didn't die and this was some twist test from the gods. Some fucked up dream and shit! But no. He learned it the hard way, he learned that his only friend is forever dead.
No matter how he prayed, when he prayed, he'll never get his friend back. Never ever, it was set in stone. Fate already outcasting their lives. It was something that wasn't avoidable.
The feeling of walking along the fallen leaves that scattered the muddy grounds of his burnt village. He had the same dread he has whenever he goes to work. How did he break this cycle of the same repeated shit? How did he stop? Can he stop? He doesn't know. Not at this point and time.
What could possibly await his future, he can only wonder. He just hopes it'll be more exciting than the usual routine schedule he has caged himself in.
He takes a long sigh.
-x-
There Shoto was again, tidying up the place before the others came by. Some would even come early after knowing Shoto's schedule and come to help and greet him with Vox. It was nice to have company though he'd rather not let them help with a job he tasked himself to do by his own.
Nonetheless, each time he declines their offer of help. They always insist their way till Shoto cracks and leans in their kindness. Even not showing it, he really appreciates the help everyone in the business has been giving him.
It's been almost 3 months since he last came to the place. He remembered how nervous and awkward he was at first glance and impression. He is so grateful that Shu helped him along the way. Otherwise, he'd be socially screwed.
This time, he wanted to come by a little ealier than usual. Wanting to start off the day with a bit of alone time before seeing Vox later on. This time, he remembered to lock the door before cleaning. He doesn't care if Vox struggles to open it, he couldn't give less fucks.
Wiping the kitchen table that all of the chefs use to cut their ingredients, smelled horrible but it was the price to pay for his bet.
It reeked the scent of onions and other foods that he couldn't bear thinking was layed upon there. Having a stronger sense of smell doesn't help cleaning either. Makes it harder actually, some points he'd even wanna throw up everything he ate because god, it smelled so bad.
Shoto jerks up to the sound of someone trying to open the restaurant door, rattling and fidgetting at the locked wooden plank. Shoto stares before finally seeing Vox emerge out of the opened entrance. "Why hello there." He spoke before locking the door behind him aswell. Raven hair drapping over his shoulderblades and down to his back.
"Hey Vox." The waiter greeted back, still cleaning any more nooks and crannies he can find within his eye range. "Need a little help?" His tone already taunting, he just entered the diner! Why can't he wait being a smug overconfident bitch? It's early in the morning, man. Too early.
It didn't leave much of a sour taste to Shoto but still ticked him off just a bit. "Already teasing? Can't get enough of me, huh." Barking back within Vox's challenge, he continued. "But you can start with helping me sweep the floor." He commanded, pointing at the broom at the end of the restaurant.
Vox slid a hand behind Shoto's back and slitherred down to grap his waist and leaning in closer infront of the startled waiter.
"Wha.-" Letting out a confused noise, he looks up cautiously to be met with Vox's gaze. It wasn't an intense one, not dominating or threatening at all. It was rather friendly and soft.. Soothing to some peoples viewpoint.
"Vox?" Shoto called out, confused.
"Maybe I can just sweep you off your feet instead?"
Oh what a flirty fuck. He can see the pride and confidence that radiated off the man who did a pick up line to Shoto. The way his eyes got smaller fom the massive smirk plastered on his pale smooth skin. His rose gold eyes meeting Shoto's indigo irises.
He can see the way he grins with his lips perking up to show a bit of teeth, how he licks his lips as a sign of a taunt to Shoto. Like he was challenging him to fight back or get a reaction out of him.
One hand still at the smaller's waist, Shoto didn't dare move an inch. Was he intimidated? No, but somewhat in awe? In shock, maybe. A tad bit speechless on his end as he proceeded to blush without knowing. He wished he could hide his emotions better.
Vox's smirk slowly drawing to an end when he realized where Shoto's eyes skimmed through and focused on.
His lips.
He was staring at his lips. Lust wasn't in the waiter's eyes, far from it. It seems like a cloud, something he could let his body relax to and melt into the touch. Like true love, not always heated and for sex and tension but actual romance. You can feel the love off of the kiss, off of your partner that you cherish fucking well.
Before realizing anything, their lips met. Soft and airy, romantic. Like a smooth silky cherry petal flowing through the winds of a breezey day. It was like something bloomed inside of his caged heart, like Vox was the unknown key to his secured safe. A robber stealing his love and soul, like a siren luring him by his lustful voice, sinking in the depths of the sea which he considered was called love.
His hands making its way behind Vox's neck, wrapping around with pure desperation to cling on like he depended on it to live.
The taller's hands trailed throughout the slayer's slender waist which caused Shoto to flick open his eyes from the sudden realization
The touch brung him back to reality, the reality that he and Vox were kissing. He was kissing his boss. A man he looked up to, someone he feels so.. weird towards to?
What is this feeling? Why was he feeling a hint of guilt mixed into his smoothie of emotions? Is it cause of the rule he gave himself?
A rule he swore to follow by, by his heart and mind. Innocent or not, he swore he would never fall inlove with another that wasn't Ether.
Ether, the one he truly loved- The one he believed was his true love, his soulmate that got away too quickly for Shoto to reach and save.
But why? Why does he feel what he felt to Ether so long ago towards.. Vox..? When? When did he start feeling a sense of comfort towards the bastard. When did he actually like his company and effort to make time and plans for Shoto.
Was it ever since the beginning? Because no matter how much he tried, he physically and mentally couldn't pick a time he hated Vox. He'd even say that he felt bad if he ever hated Vox for whatever.
All of their banters were just fun silly things that he never payed any mind to, right? Maybe that's what he saw in his eyes but what did Vox see?
Is he inlove? If so, does the other feel.. the same.? Maybe he's getting his hopes up for nothing, maybe this'll be a whole Ether situation again. Getting close to someone who you think will stay with you forever and ever till they fucking abandon you and leave you to rot!
Ditching you heartbrokened and disappointed. Left a bitter metallic taste in Shoto's mouth and he knows it wasn't from Vox's lips on his.
Pulling away, he stared wide-eyed. Faintly covering a hand over his mouth, a fury of crimson red flushing over his cheeks to his ears. He felt like his head could explode any second now.
Looking at Vox who seemed the same level of shock with his eyes wider than usual and lips pursed together, as if he was hesitating to say something. Meanwhile, Shoto's mouth was a tad bit open. Like a kid creaking open a door to check on something sneakily, leaving most of the opening closed but peeping in and out once in a while.
"I-I-" He couldn't form words- Not right now, not after what happened between them earlier. Who kissed first? Was it Shoto? Was it him? Or was it the heat of the moment? A quick little kiss that meant nothing at all and they just did a mini slip up- Yeah, an accident.
"I am so so sorry- Vox, Iâ I didn't mean to-" Apologizing excessively, he stuttered throughout his speech. Leaving many gaps and stops to breathe and compile his thoughts and words together. He did feel like he was suffocating, when did the room become so hot? He swore this restaurant was air conditioned.
Before he could continue apologizing, Vox cut him off as he saw how much the slayer struggled forming words and sentences. "I-.. It's okay, Shoto!" He let out a small puff of air as an attempt to laugh and soothen the situation they were in. He reached his arms out to th shorter, about to hold onto his shoulders to calm the stuttering mess down but hesitated midway.
Would it be really appropriate for Vox to touch Shoto without his consent? Especially after kissing each other just a few minutes ago. Would this damage the relationship they so fondly have?
Resisting the urge to hold the boy as a way to calm the jittering beast that escaped the lips he just met with his own, he planted both of his hands on his own waist. Charmfully smiling, he joked. "I liked it so don't worry, okay?" He half-heartedly admitted before finally succumbing to his touchful urges and ruffled the shorter's hair.
Leaving calmly, he left Shoto alone with his thoughts.
What the fuck.