Regular Customer (Denbert)

On The House

One of the main reasons Denis loves his job was because he was able to just simply observe. Hundreds of people walk into the café he works at every week, and a lot of people would be surprised to find out just how much of a persons life you see as a barista. There's always high school students lazily wondering through the doors in the afternoons after school or the odd businessman rushing to get to work after his morning coffee. He witnessed many couple's first dates and even their last. Just the other week he'd witnessed a nasty breakup, one that ended with Denis sweeping a broken plate off the floor. He'd always found it so interesting to watch other people and how they live their life, he'd been told several times how observant he is. This is why when he saw the brunette he always looked for walk into the café with red puffy eyes and splotchy cheeks, he was immediately curious as to what could have happened.

Like he always did, Denis observed. Albert had his hands buried deep into his pockets, straining his light creamy jumper. He had his brown beanie which Denis had seen him wear countless of times, but today it was pulled down lower on his face than usual, with his gaze fixated on the ground. Taking small, reserved steps, he eventually reached the till. Denis hesitated for a moment. "Hey, what can I get for you today?"

Denis blinked when Albert didn't reply. He coughed into his fist, seeming to gain Albert's attention, Denis loving the feeling of his gaze directed towards him.

"Can I uh, can I get a caramel cappuccino? Extra sugar with whipped cream please" Albert said while fumbling with his wallet. Same thing he ordered before, Denis noted. "Yeah of course, that'll be $8.50." Denis saw Albert slip his card out of his wallet, about to tap it before Denis swiftly placed his hand on the machine, covering the card reader. Albert looked up at him in confusion, "actually, it's on the house" Denis offered a small smile. Albert paused for a moment, staring at Denis before smiling back at him. "Thanks, I appreciate it."

It had been about an hour after Denis had given Albert his coffee, yet he still remained sat at his secluded table in the corner. Denis glanced over at him, worried. Albert had been swiftly tapping away at this phone before putting it back down, nervously waiting before picking it back up again. This process continuously repeated itself for about 30 minutes until Denis decided to do something about it. The coffee shop was fairly quiet, the faint whirring of the coffee machine accompanying the peaceful silence throughout the café. Although as soon as he began walking towards Albert's table, he began to feel nervous. He didn't even know what he was going to say.

Denis halted just before the table. Albert slowly lifted his gaze to meet his. After a long pause, Denis cleared his throat. "You doing okay?" Denis muttered, but Albert stayed quiet. Sighing, Denis pulled out the mahogany chair across from him, sitting himself down and resting his chin in the palm of his hand.

"You've been sitting here for the past hour" Denis glanced to Alberts half finished coffee, "and you haven't even finished your drink." Albert looked like he was about to say something before deciding against it. "I spent time making that coffee you know?" Denis stated sarcastically, which earned a chuckle from Albert. Albert's growing smile made his stomach churn like never before, proud he'd made him feel good.

"Sorry, I just have a bit going on right now," Albert mumbled while scratching the back of his neck. Denis nodded, unsure of what to say. Sensing the growing tension, Albert added; "do you know of any cheap hotels around here?"

"Hotels? Well yeah, there's a great one around the corner called The Sinclarisse" Denis said scratching at his moustache, "my friends and I always go there when we're too drunk to get home after a night out." Albert raised his eyebrow at that. "Not that it happens often-" Denis attempted to save himself from looking like a moron.

"Right, well I'll write that one down" Albert said, smiling.

Denis chuckled before something dawned on him, "I assumed you lived here, why do you need to stay at a hotel?" Denis pushed, despite the uncomfortable look on Alberts face as he mentioned it.

Albert shook his head, "I do live here, I moved in with my boyfriend after being long distance for so long." It was Denis' turn to raise his eyebrow, noticing Alberts avoidance of the question.

"We had a fight" Albert gave in, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Did you break up?" Denis blurted out, cringing at how fast he had asked.

"No! We didn't break up or anything" Albert cleared his throat as it started to waver, "I just thought it would be best if we gave each other some space."

Denis eyed Albert warily, "or did he just kick you out?"

Albert stared at him dumbly before his features contorted into an expression of annoyance. "You know this really isn't any of your business."

"But he did didn't he, that's why you're the one looking for a hotel?"

Albert stood up abruptly, rattling the table before heading swiftly for the door. Denis reached for his wrist, tugging him back. Albert turned around yanking his wrist back. His glossy eyes had glazed over with tears, wetting his eyelashes. His shiny red lips parted slightly as he swiped his tongue over them. Suddenly Denis was brought back to the present, realising how close they were. Letting go of Alberts wrist, he took a step back.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked that.."

Albert looked dazed before glancing out the window, "it's okay."

Silence surrounded them, only accompanied by the soft patter of rain against the glass windows.

"Do you have an umbrella?" Denis asked, concerned as the soft tempo of rain became increasingly more insistent.

Albert shook his head.

Denis was about to ask if he could walk Albert to the hotel before another thought came to him. Denis locked eyes with Albert before asking; "what if you lived with me?"