P.S. I'm A Creature (BoyxBoy)

Chapter 3

Viktor couldn't remember the last time he had managed to forget where he was in the world. Since the day he was taken, it seemed like he was always counting down to the seconds ever since he first arrived to the Labs. He could recall ever minute of his time there like it was yesterday and never once did he feel like he was ever able to breathe and relax. However...

"You're such a fast learner, you know that? It took me forever just to get the milk to stay on the top!" Kenny said in amazement as he saw the cappuccino in Viktor's hands that held a small leaf design. "I knew I was right to take you under my wing."

Viktor couldn't help the small curve that began to grow on the corner of his lips. The warmth of the coffee seemed to spread from his hands to his entire body, and, for the first time, he felt as he could actually be at ease.

"It was a bit hard in the beginning, but I've been told before I learn quite fast."

"If you don't get this right, it's back in the box with you. We don't have time to deal with failures."

Kenny was the one who suggested Viktor help him with the coffee shop. At first, he was going to call the police but Viktor seemed so...alone. Usually, when someone escapes such a dangerous situation like he did, Kenny assumed he would be wanting to see his family and friends almost immediately, but the white-haired teen seemed so at ease with him and seemed almost scared to leave.

This is only temporary, Kenny thought as he gingerly took the full cup from Viktor's hands. This is only until I know for sure what to do with him.

Also, Kenny felt grateful for the extra hands. He felt bad for using Viktor in a way, but he needed a small break and having someone help around with rent and work was something he felt blessed for. If Viktor wasn't in a rush to get home, Kenny wasn't going to rush either.

"So is this all I need to do?" Viktor asked as he glanced at the almost empty coffee shop with a curious eye.

It was before the lunch rush, thankfully, so Kenny had a bit of time to spare to teach the newbie the tricks-of-the-trade before he was bombarded with customers.

"Pretty much. Sometimes you have to deal with some rude people, but a smile and a nod of the head usually works. Also, just give them their free coffee. A dollar coffee isn't worth getting insulted over." Kenny gave a smile in support when Viktor's eyebrows knit together in slight annoyance.

The blonde tilted his head and was about to ask if he was alright before the small ding of the entrance caught his attention and he rushed to the register. "Look alive! Your first customer!"

Viktor glanced up just in time to see two girls huddle in front of the counter with small giggles and hushed whispers. Kenny was busy trying to get their complicated order and the other stood by ready for when he was handed the cup.

He could feel their stares. He was used to it. Years of getting stared at had made him numb to the feeling, but this didn't feel like the usual type of stare. It caused small pricks of skin to rise on his arms and a bead of sweat to slowly crawl down the skin of his neck. He glanced up and almost stepped back in surprise to see a pair of eyes staring right back at him like a hawk staring at a mouse.

"Do you dye your hair?" The girl asked as she continued to stare at Viktor with eyes full of stars. "It looks so cool!"

Viktor swallowed nervously at the sudden question, unable to answer and all that left his mouth was a inaudible "Uh..."

"How long did it take to get it that white?" The other girl asked from the register. "I would kill to have my hair that color!" She gestured to her own solid black hair with a slight pout as if she had already accepted her fate.

"It's...It's my natural hair-"

"SHUT UP! Do you hear that, Janice!?"

"I DID!"

Viktor cringed slightly at the noise then looked away when he felt a hand grasped his arm gently. Kenny held out two cups stacked together along with a forced smile plastered on his face. He understood exactly how he was feeling in that moment, and that gave Viktor reassurance.

While the girls chattered among themselves over how amazing Viktor was over having something that was simply given to him by nature, he began to make their caramel...mocha? Was that a frappuccino or cappuccino? Two pumps? There was already so much sugar in one. Why would they need two?

He must have been still for far too long because the cups were suddenly taken out of his hands and Kenny was behind him preparing the drinks with ease.

"You'll get them next time." Kenny said with a small chuckle and Viktor suddenly froze.

Kenny didn't expect Viktor to be an expert on coffee on his first hour, and was happy to take the job off his hands when he saw his confused expression. With a smile and a good-bye, the girls walked away happy and still talking about the amazing power of white hair.

"They were quite a group, wouldn't you say?" Kenny said as he turned to look back at his new partner. However, his smile vanished when he saw Viktor's look of utter horror plastered across his face.

He seemed paler than usual, which Kenny thought was impossible at first. His eyes were a dark shade of red and sweat beaded his forehead like he was finished running a marathon. For a second, he thought Viktor had suddenly caught the flu.

"Hey, you alright?" He reached out to touch him and the other flinched back, much to Kenny's surprise, and almost fell back against the coffee equipment.

Viktor felt the heat spread across his chest and the weight of a million tons fall across his shoulders. His hands trembled like he was freezing and his bottom lip shook just the same. He was ready. He was ready like always. He was just waiting-

"Hey!" Viktor blinked and he was suddenly face to face with two different colored eyes and a concerned expression. "Viktor, what's wrong?"

It took a few seconds for him to realize where he was again, and it wasn't where he thought he was. He reached up to wipe the sweat off his brow and swallowed that ball that was lodged in his throat.

"I-I'm sorry. I lost myself there. I was just...nervous..." Viktor muttered. "Don't worry..."

Kenny stared at Viktor for a moment longer before sighing. "If you need a break, just tell me. Don't go blanking out on me like that."

He pulled away from the other man as he tried to compose himself, and Viktor glanced at Kenny one last time as if he was waiting for him to try something. After nothing happened, he finally let himself relax.

"And don't worry about messing up, alright. I don't expect you to be perfect." Kenny smiled and looked back at the register while Viktor stared at him with wide eyes.

I don't expect you to be perfect.