Aesthetics

[SLASH] Caffeine- Part 1

Aaron Diaz never really understood the meaning of such things like joy and love; He simply never got to experience them when he was younger. Instead, he had to grow up to become an adult who did things because he was supposed to, not because he wanted to. That was the life he was supposed to have (according to his parents), and Aaron could never spare even the quickest of moments to appreciate the sun's warmth, let alone indulge in menial love. So the tall, twenty-something-year-old, with his dark hair and sky blue eyes, trudged through his fate like a reluctant child who had to leave the Pet Store. He did this to make his parents proud, and obediently realize their dreams for them. To be the son they had always wanted, especially after all the mistakes he made as a teenager.

The brunette focused on studying and getting high grades. He attended a good university and had an apartment with decent rent, which was close enough to his day job at a popular coffee shop that allowed him to walk there, instead of having to pay for a car. He tended to his customers, smiled that sometimes-painful smile, went home, studied, slept, went to class, and earned decent scores. Of course, he ate too, but it was more the rushed morning coffee and bagel, along with the afternoon cup of ramen, rather than something substantial enough to have him energized through day. But it was enough. Enough to keep him from falling asleep during tests, enough to help him put up with all the demanding people around him-his parents included, and most certainly enough for him to notice Michael Pearson noticing him.

- - -

The day started as any other Saturday, honestly. Aaron's alarm rang at 8:30 AM, effectively waking him for a day of working and studying. The brunette showered and tended to his morning toiletries, then dressed in normal attire for a workday in winter: dark jeans, a black long sleeved v-neck, and some old, comfortable boots. Aaron slipped on his coat, grabbed his keys and cellphone, and then swept out the front door of his apartment, locking it as he left. The twenty-one year old opted for the stairs this particular morning, foregoing his normal route to the elevator. He was halfway down his fourth flight of stairs when he made a mental note to go to the gym later. When he was two stories up, he cursed silently as he tripped and almost fell down the stairs. By the time he reached the lobby of Novae Apartments, his legs were subtly aching, and Aaron could've sworn he didn't live that far up.

Either way, he had a job to get to and a ten-minute walk ahead of him, so the young man pushed through the entrance doors and strode down the busy, snow-laden streets. His breath came out as puffs of vapor as he walked, and a violent shiver wracked his body, causing Aaron to pull his coat around him tighter. The brunette grumbled to himself.

He never liked winter.

Aaron was more of the spring type of man, loving the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers and vibrant colours. At least with spring, he could view some semblance of nature. The brunette sighed, peering into the windows of the boutique he was walking past, noting the extravagant dresses on display. He checked his watch and sped up.

He was late.

Aaron blew out a breath, cursing the stairs at the apartment building. Slightly jogging now, the undergraduate made his way down the crowded sidewalk, careful to not run into anyone. Half a block later and Aaron could finally see the cozy little shop. He was practically running by this time.

At 9:57, the brunette pushed through the glass doors of the coffeehouse, and was greeted with the wonderful smell lattes and pastries, along with a host of people waiting for their morning cup-of-joe.

"Diaz, you were supposed to be here ten minutes ago!" One of the baristas, Ashley, called out from behind the counter. She was also the co-owner of the shop and his boss. Aaron smiled sheepishly at her, slipping past the counter to join Ashley and his other coworkers.