Chapter Text
What exactly could have been the secret that kept the line at the Devil May Cry coffee shop jutting out of the front door and around the corner of the worn building?
Might it have been the shop’s warming atmosphere? Or possibly the shop’s owner, Dante and his witty charm could take the blame. Whatever the case…the man knew his way around a bag of coffee beans.
“What can I get for you?”
The inquire felt casual yet part of you could detect wisps of flirtation in his husky voice as you took a seat behind the bar.
Dante multitasked beautifully—taking your order while cleansing a mug, meanwhile the other filled to the desired serving for the other customer waiting.
“For you ma'am…would you like cream with that?” He nodded towards the woman.
“Certainly! It’s the special…isn’t it?” The seemingly impatient lady clicked her French tips against the smooth wooden counter, but from the twist in her hips on the stool lead you to believe that work didn’t start 30 minutes ago for her.
Dante smiled lightly to the customer and the many behind her while you just sat by still unaware of what to order. Your mind remained fixed on what kept the small coffee shop so thriving despite him running a one-man crew.
He clearly could use an additional pair of hands so instead of grabbing something to warm your spirit, you requested a job offer.
“Nothing for me but it looks as if you’re quite busy…” The napkin you grabbed took on the form of a swan the longer you sat by thinking now what a ridiculous request to ask.
Dante could handle it, but maybe he couldn’t? Or you actually thought of other things that could happen while working so close to the mysterious shop owner.
Like discovering what gave his coffee five stars in the newspaper or why oddly enough he attracted you with his aged features and charmingly sarcastic vibe.
“Always, but it’s all worth it when they come back for more.” Dante winked to his final customer in line, tipping off her beverage to her with a smirk.
Now the invasion of a family recipe could begin that the morning rush slowed.
“So, do you grow your own coffee beans?”
“I do actually. Everything is freshly made—all home grown here just out back actually. Why? Tryna steal my recipe?” Dante’s grey brows waggled and his side teeth taunted you.
His question felt like more of a challenge like as if he wanted you to try and gather the ingredients yourself if you dared.
“What? No, I just…”
To display he meant no harm in his abrupt accusation, Dante chuckled warmly and shook his head. “Okay so you came in hopes to steal my heart then? To be honest…I’m not a bit convinced.”
“…I just wanted a job…” You spoke delicately.
“A job? You don’t think I can run my own coffee shop?”
“Okay I—”
Suddenly Dante burst into a fit of keeling over laughter that left you to resemblance a traffic sign. He patted your shoulder tenderly, his large hand gripping the bone through your sweater but yet your mind took the gesture to another level.
One in which both of his hands steadied you while your worked your way to a promotion on the boss’s lap.
Get a grip. He’s just an older guy…
Yet you still found yourself advancing for the job opportunity anyway despite your confidence going out the door.
“I just need the extra cash and I thought maybe you wanted some extra help.”
“I didn’t put a now hiring sign out but I tell you what, kiddo. I think I’ve busted your balls to enough pieces to see that you’re worthy enough to work under me. Excuse me, for me…but if you ever feel the need to end up beneath me for whatever reason—”
Dante already liked you and could tell having you around would be loads of fun. He actually invaded your privacy even further by tapping your inflamed cheek, his nose just inches away from yours.
“—Just call in sick and I’ll…we can take care of you! Welcome abroad. Now go and rest for your first day tomorrow!”
Flabbergasted, flustered…you name it. All of the above; you were.
“I…Th-thank you…” You stammered.
Luckily the chiming of the bell signaling someone entering the shop ended the excruciating five minutes of awkward conversation you had to endure with your new boss.
Whatever it took to discover why Dante made the best cup of Joe.
“5AM Sharp! Not 5:01AM, not 4:59AM…”
Gonna go insane even before you even get your badge to clock in.
“Yes, sir.”
“Sir? Ooh I like that. Has a nice ring to it.” Dante grinned past the brunette at the counter who paused for her order. His sparkling blue eyes remain fixed upon you all the way until the third customer.
“Um…okay. Well, see you tomorrow.” Where do you even leave off with this guy?
“Adios!” Dante tossed up the deuce sign despite his back being towards you; not like he didn’t know you were inspecting his every move.
Orientation would be interesting.