Vanitas x Female! Reader ♡ One-Shots of the Better Half

Not So Cold

☆

January was well under way, and the frigid weather showed no signs of letting up.
In fact, severe weather warnings had been issued throughout the whole of Departure Town.
The snow was due to hit that evening, so many had already grabbed a few essentials and scarpered for home, catching the last trains into Radiant City, fearful of being stranded.
Still, that didn't stop the citizens of the smaller town going about their business much as they had before. The market traders still yelled out to entice passing trade, beat up buses still hissed  as it picked up shivering huddles of commuters, sporty types still jogged through the park.
(Y/N) smiled, seeing one such runner making his way towards her.
"Hey Riku!" She called out cheerily.
"Hey (Y/N)! Where are you heading? I thought you had plans with Ventus today?" The silver haired male huffed out, stopping to jog on the spot before her.
"Yeah I did, but he slipped on a huge patch of black ice outside Soras's, so now he's at deaths door, apparently."
Riku shook his head, laughing.
"Man, I would not wanna be Roxas right now."
(Y/N) grimaced. "With Ven going into his 'amateur dramatics' routine? Nah, me neither."
Riku pulled at each ankle, stretching his legs.
"Well, maybe I'll swing by and see him later if the snow doesn't get too bad. Anyways, I gotta run, see you (Y/N)!"
(Y/N) waved at the retreating figure of Riku, before continuing through the frosty park.
She had decided to stop by 'Wayfinder Coffee House' for a (Y/F/D) to warm her up for the journey home, and if she hurried, she'd make it just before closing time.
She glanced down at her watch as the cosy glow from the large picture windows illuminated the street. 15 minutes to spare, enough time for them to whip up a to-go cup.
She pushed open the small wooden door, a pleasant wall of heat brushing her stinging pink cheeks. She gently pulled off her gloves, tucking them in her pocket as she looked about the cafe.
There were a few stragglers left, nursing half empty mugs, reading newspapers and talking amongst themselves. Maybe they had simply lost track of time, or couldn't quite bring themselves to leave the beautifully warm chairs they were currently squished into.
The lighting was low and soft, the decor rustic, mimicking that of a ski chalet. It was one of
(Y/N)'s favourite haunts, even during the summer when they served up wicked chilled coffees.
Approaching the counter, she spotted a strange figure leaning rather languidly against the bar.
(Y/N) guessed he was a new employee, decked out in the form-fitting black shirt and red apron of Wayfinders. He was perhaps a few years older than she was, tall, of slim build and with unruly, spiky black hair. Piercings were dotted down the length of his left earlobe, and his shirt sleeves were rolled up to show beautiful, detailed tattoos. His eyes were of the deepest gold, currently narrowed in anger at the phone in his hand. He looked rough, ready, and effortlessly cool.
(Y/N) stood before him awkwardly, waiting for him to notice she was there, conscious of the rapidly approaching closing time.
She stood for a few moments longer, eyeing his name badge,  which read 'Van', before deciding to address him directly.
"Excuse me?"
His eyes flicked up to meet hers, and she gave him a bright, friendly smile.
The young man stood staring at her, not saying a word. He blinked, seemingly perplexed, his cheeks slowly flooding with colour.
(Y/N) felt a touch embarrassed.
"Is everything alright? Do I have something on my face?" She asked, brushing off her cheeks.

Maybe those cyclists in the park had flicked her with mud on their way past and she hadn't noticed?
She saw this 'Van' swallow, before shaking his head.
"Uh...no, its nothing I just-erm..." he coughed to clear his throat, shoving his phone into an apron pocket.
"I'm fine."
(Y/N) nodded, smiling at him as he continued to blink at her.
A few seconds ticked by.
"Am I too late to order?"
"Order...?" He frowned at her like she was insane for a brief second, before his eyes widened in realisation. "Oh right! No, no you can still order."
She saw him scramble under the counter top, his deepish voice croaking as he muttered inaudibly under his breath. He finally produced a book of order slips and a pen.
"So, what'll it be?"
(Y/N) gave him her order, which he scribbled down in fluid cursive, pulling it hastily from the pad, effectivley ripping it in half.
He glanced back up at (Y/N), his eyebrows pulled together in a scowl. She simply gave a quirk of her lips, hoping he'd relax a little.
He certainly seemed wound up.
"Are you new here? ...Van, is it?" She asked kindly, nodding at his name tag. He eyed her for a brief moment before glancing down at the tag himself, half of the order slip still in his hand.
"Uhh yeah. Just started Monday." He quickly jotted down her order on a fresh slip, turning to hand it to the blond barista behind him, who was watching the proceedings with a slightly smug look. (Y/N) didn't't recognise him, he must've been new too.
"It was a (Y/F/D) right?" Vanitas asked, suddenly unsure.
(Y/N) nodded, doing her best to hide her small smirk.
He ran a hand through his raven locks.
"And its Vanitas."
"Sorry?"
He scowled again, his cheek twitching. "My full name is Vanitas. Van for short."
(Y/N) nodded her understanding. "Nice to meet you, Vanitas."
He continued watching her, a small smirk on his face. The barista behind him nudged his shoulder.
"Van?"
"What?" Vanitas growled sharply, turning.
"Is this to-go?"
"What?"
The barista signed heavily.
"Is the order to-go Van?"
Vanitas raised an eyebrow, before glancing back at (Y/N), his mouth forming a question.
"....to-go." (Y/N) confirmed, laughing freely this time.
Vanitas gave her a dazzling smile, nodding his head.
"Right. I knew that."
The young barista rolled his eyes, before busying himself with the steaming, hissing machine in front of him, a sly grin on his face.
"Man, I had no idea you'd act this lame around girls you like."
Vanitas started, turning with a fierce growl to his very pleased looking colleague.
The blonde only smiled sweetly, before proffering the cardboard cup to Vanitas, who could only mutter a bugrudging "Thanks Prompto." before swiping it from his grasp.
(Y/N) buried her face in her scarf, coughing lightly to hide her amusement.
"Don't mention it!" He chirped happily, before pulling off his apron with a woop, making for the back room.
"Quitting time!"
(Y/N) glanced down at her watch.
"Yikes, I've kept you guys too long. What do I owe you?"
Vanitas tapped away at the register, casting small, almost regretful glances in her direction.
"2.50."
(Y/N) rifled in her purse, coming up with a crisp note.
Vanitas handed over the change, to which (Y/N) dropped with a clatter into the nearby tip jar.
She saw Vanitas's slightly confused expression.
"For such great service." She clarified with a playgul grin.
The tall male scratched the back of his neck bashfully.
"Uhh, thanks. I'm not normally such an idiot though."
(Y/N) gave a small wave of her hand, putting away her purse. She reached out for the hot beverage that Vanitas was still holding.
"No worries. Well, be seeing you Vanitas. Have a good night!"
He watched her make for the door, his lips a tight line, his fists clenched.
"Wait!"
(Y/N) turned. "Yes?"
"Maybe I could...walk you to your bus? I just have to clock out and grab my things then I'm free. I don't have to close up today so-
its cool if you'd rather go I mean-"
"Vanitas."
He stopped, his cheeks slightly pink as he rubbed his arm nervously.
(Y/N) gave him a mischievous smile, her head to one side.
"I'll wait outside for you."

☆

A/N: Short, cliche, but fun to write.
Also, surprise guest star: our boy Prompto from FFXV! Wooo!