The Phantomhive Cafe (Sebastian Michaelis x GN!reader)

The Kind Coworkers

In the weeks of continuing your work at the cafe you spent all of your breaks going over what the police knew about the copycat Jack the Ripper. You scrolled forums, police reports, stories from when the murders first started popping up. You were putting all of your energy into catching this guy, and needless to say, it was taking a toll on you.

"You look like shit." Bardroy said, making you jump and nearly drop your cup of coffee.

You were out in the back yard, Pluto sleeping soundly next to you as you leaned into his large fluffy body. You sat up with a frown, the shadows under your eyes further proving his point. You did look like shit, and you felt like shit.

Bard sat down in the grass next to you, raising a brow, "You still working on that Jack the Ripper case?" He asked as he took out a cigarette and began lighting it.

You sighed, looking down at your computer, "He just... He can't get away with this." You showed him your laptop, "He's not even killing just women anymore! He's been attacking everyone he can get his hands on!"

Bard glanced at your computer before looking back up, frowning at the desperation on your face. He placed a hand on your shoulder and pulled you against him, making you tense for a moment. He took your laptop and closed it, setting it aside.

"Calm down." He said, allowing you to lean against him, "The last thing we need is you going crazy over this. I get it, he nearly killed you, but obsessing over catching him isn't gonna make you feel any better."

You stared up at him for a while, surprised by how comforting he was. This was Bardroy, the gruff, explosives obsessed chef, holding you against his chest and rubbing your back. It felt... Nice. You looked down and sighed, relaxing against him. You stayed like that for a while, feeling your stress wash away for just this moment.

"You're good at this..." You said after a long, comfortable silence.

Bard glanced down at you before shrugging, taking his cigarette from between his lips and blowing out a puff of smoke, "I get that a lot, actually. I've helped Finny through panic attacks loads of times." He placed his cigarette back between his lips, "'S something you learn to do when you're fighting for your life, I guess..."

You sat up a bit, "Oh, you were in the army, right?" I shifted your weight to look up at the sky, "I guess you were stuck comforting yourself a lot, huh?"

Bardroy leaned back against Pluto, placing his free hand behind his head, "Yep, pretty much. I still find myself having to get through an attack."

You frowned, feeling a whole new wave of sympathy for the rugged man. You placed a hand on his shoulder, "If you ever need someone, call me. I can come over to your place."

Bard gave you a warm smile before putting out his cigarette and standing, "Alright, I won't bother you on your break." He said, stretching before patting your head, "See ya back inside, (Name)."

You watched him walk off, smiling. You and Bard and never had a conversation like that. It felt nice. You sighed and picked up your laptop, placing it back in your lap.

"How about some cat videos instead." You said to yourself, though Pluto heard and perked up. You chuckled and ruffled his fur, "Relax, Pluto, I was joking... Maybe."

Pluto whined and leaned up to give your cheek a lick. You yelped, falling on your back, "Ew, no boy! Your tongue is giant!"

●●●●

You weren't thrilled about having to wash dishes now that you were back, but work was work. You were scrubbing a plate, chatting animatedly with Mei-rin about rude customers or weird things we'd seen on the way to work.