Painting Counties Blue! ○ Wilbur Soot × Reader

15

My expression brightens at the mention of breakfast.

"Shall we worry about showers afterwards?" Wil queries. We nod in agreement, and the two help me up and take me to the kitchen, Wil sits me on a barstool, then sits beside me.

Ash dishes up a plate that consists of a few strips of bacon and two pieces of French toast.

"Ash you're such a fucking—legendary king boss man, what the fuck" I praise him gratefully as he pushes the plate towards me. And one to Wil.

He places a bottle of maple syrup in front of us as he looks around.

"Want some coffee?" He offers.

"Please" I practically beg.

"That would be amazing, thanks" Wil mumbles through a mouthful. After a while we're all eating and drinking coffee, Ash leaning against the counter opposite us instead of sitting down.

He had his phone in one hand as he leant forward, he was simultaneously eating as he scrolled single-handedly on his phone.

"Oh... Y/n, the café is being closed" Ash mumbles.

"What?" Wil asks, eyes widened. I look up, waiting for Ash to continue. It's the only place I can actually work, because it's always either my upstairs neighbors having very loud and intense "fun" or my downstairs neighbor's kids, these apartments are meant for one person or a couple, don't bring your annoying little brats here.

Also the people across from me are always, and I mean always throwing parties or something it's super loud and annoying.

"Yep, it's being replaced by that popular overrated bakery thing. It won't be quiet at all now" Ash mumbles. I bury my my fingers in my hair.

How the fuck am I supposed to finish my work now?

"And now I don't have a job" He mutters, looking genuinely pissed off. I sigh as I get a call from Mandy.

"Hello." I answer grimly.

"Hey, Y/n. I'm sorry about yesterday, although I think I needed to hear what you said because now I realize that I've really been half-assing my job, and expecting you to do unrealistic tasks within ridiculous time frames.

"I remember also you telling me that you have no where quiet to work, so I've thought about it, and I'm willing to meet up to find you an office. I'll pay half of the rent as well, so you don't have to worry too much. I'll pay more if you need, you're a really good editor and I think it would be a massive loss to lose you because I was being a fool.

"I apologize sincerely that I was too blinded by my own work to see that you were struggling. I'm so sorry Y/n." She rambles. I'm surprised to hear any of this and immediately feel guilty, but not at the same time.

"I'm sorry I yelled. When are you free?" I ask calmly. I can feel the others staring at me expectantly, waiting for me to end my phone call as they eat.

"If you're free later this afternoon, I can plan something" She offers. Wil is supposed to stream tonight, and I'm not sure if Ash will hang around, but if he does, I'm sure he can handle half an hour by himself.

"Yep that's all good, what time?" I ask, yawning. My eyes follow Ash as he finshes his coffee, and rinses his dishes. I glance at Wil, who is already staring at me, as always. I pat his fluffy-haired head, his soft hair, which he still hasn't had the chance to wash, bounces back up once I remove my hand.

His embarrassed smile amuses me, as well as his reddened face as he leans into the my touch. When I try to pull my hand away, he takes my wrist, pulling my fingers back into his frizzy mop of curls.

And so I sit there on the phone, combing my fingers through Wil's hair as he pretty much leans on my shoulder.

"How about three-thirty?" Amanda asks. I nod, even though she can't see me.

"Sure thing. I'm eating breakfast at the moment, so see you later" I sigh, combing Wil's hair back as he just smiled softly at me.

"All good, thank you for forgiving my actions, or whatever this acceptance is to you. See you later, Y/n." She sounded grateful before she hung up, the call ending with an obnoxious beep.

".. So?" Ash asks, waiting for context. I yawn again before answering.

"Amanda, pretty much my boss—if I'm being honest—wants to meet up and find an office for me to work in, so it looks like I'll have a new—hopefully—quiet place to work anyway" I smile. Ash looks down for a second before looking back up, smiling.

"That's great, good luck."

Messages: Mandy Hookins.

"Thanks" I smile back, opening the message.

Mandy
Sent a location.

This cafe ok 4 u?

Me
Yep, looks great.

Mandy
also do u no any1 looking 4 a job

my friend needs an editor, but were running low on ppl for the job. pls they just need to no english we r desperate 😔

"Ash. Still need a job?" I ask, receiving a nod. I show him my phone.

He starts to message her from my phone.

Me
Hello. This is Y/n's friend. I'm willing to help, but I'd like to know how much I'd get paid please, if that's okay.

Mandy
unless u have any necessary diplomas, we can't pay any more than £9 oer hour
per*

Me
Would you mind giving me your friend's number? I'd like to get in touch.

Mandy
yep! ofc. u should tag along w y/n n i. ill bring my friend 2. that way all of us can sort out this stuff

Me
If that's okay with Y/n and your friend. Y/n doesn't seem to mind.

He types out as I agree with the plan.

"I'm gonna go shower now, is thar okay?" Wil says as he stands to rinse his dishes.

"Of course!" I reply, Ash not answering as he transfers Mandy's friend's number to his phone.