Warning: Mild Language

"I said the next time you pour a drink on me on purpose, I'll slap the shit out of you."

Your co-worker, Denise, narrowed her eyes and leaned closer, all traces of innocence gone.

"I will make your life a living hell if you so much as touch me." She spit viciously before flouncing away with a sickly fake smile.

"You already do, stupid bitch." You mumbled, grabbing a few napkins from the counter and angrily dabbing at the hot coffee she had "accidentally" spilled on your shirt.

Denise had been on your ass since the day you started, always breathing down your neck and purposely messing you up on your orders. She did her hardest to make your job more exhausting than it needed to be and you hated it. The only reason you were still there was because you had no other way to pay for your apartment. Living alone might've been hard, but it was better than living with your parents. Which looked like something you were about to be doing if Denise wouldn't leave you alone.

If it weren't for the usual night stragglers that liked to nurse their drunken headaches with a hot cup of coffee and pastries, you probably would have let loose on the dark haired devil.

"Y/N?"

A  voice sounded and you looked up to see your other co-worker, Vie. She had bright, blue hair and a small diamond glinted on her nose. You got along with her great because the both of you shared a familiar hatred for Denise.

"Hey, what's up?"
She glanced at the coffee stain on your shirt before rolling her eyes.

"I swear, it's like it's her life goal to get her ass kicked."
"I would gladly volunteer to do so."

You both snickered aloud, quickly pulling casual faces as Denise came out of the back room.

"What's so funny?"
"None of your damn business." Vie snapped.
Denise stepped forward, fire in her eyes with her mouth half open, when the bell over the front door tinkled. All three of you turned to watch as a familiarly handsome face walked into the shop.

He had shaggy, silver hair and bright, blue eyes that trained on you the moment he stepped up to the counter. You had seen him around the shop a few times and the rare instances that you held a conversation with him, Denise usually interrupted to shove you aside and take his order.

You were annoyed by it, but it didn't really matter. It wasn't like he was your friend or anything. But, you couldn't help occasionally glancing at him whenever he sat at a table and picked at his food. He would catch you every time, staring back with such an intense gaze that it would light your cheeks on fire.

You shook your thoughts away before stepping up to the register and giving him a welcoming smile.

"How can I help you?" You asked in a bright voice. He tilted his head a little and you noticed a light pink color tinting his cheeks as he looked away.

"I'm just looking for—"
Denise bumped you out of the way at that very moment, shooting him a come-hither look that made you want to throw up. You rolled your eyes and turned to prep the machines as she cleared her throat loudly.

"I can help you with anything you need, sir." She said flirtatiously.

"Actually, I wanted to talk to her, if you don't mind."
You froze.

You could almost feel the heavy glare that Denise was boring into the back of your head.

"Y/N!"

Turning around, you folded your arms and raised your chin, not bothering to smile anymore.

"He wants to talk to you." Denise huffed into the back room and you slowly walked back to the counter, goosebumps racing across your skin as he smirked at you.

"How can I help you, sir?" You repeated.

"Actually, I'm looking for a date. The guy I work with, he loves to throw parties and I'd be damned if I didn't arrive at the next one without you."

Your heart thumped wildly and you fought to control the steady heat that was growing on your face. His smile widened and he gripped the edge of the counter, bringing his lips within inches of yours in a flash.

"I know you've been watching me. Seems only fair to ask the girl that I come here for on a date." He said quietly.
"I-uh..I don't know." You mumbled.
The effect this guy was having on you was making your knees weak.

"I work double shifts and overtime. I don't know if I'd have time to go on a date." His face fell and you wished you could say yes when he grabbed a napkin and pen, scribbling on it and sliding it to you.

"How about this? You go out with me and I'll get you a better paying job. Flexible hours, apartment included."

You brought the napkin closer and your heart stopped at the numbers that he had written next to the word salary. He even managed to include his own number with a cute little smiley face.
"Holy shit." You breathed. He chuckled as you looked up at him with a frenzied expression.

"I can have this job?"
"For a date, of course."
"I—"
"She can't go on a date with you!"
The both of you turned to watch as Denise stomped into the front, her arms crossed over her chest with a smug expression.

"She's not allowed to affiliate with customers in that sense on the clock. I'm afraid you have to leave." She said sweetly.

The man ignored her and turned to you.
"So? What do you say?"

You looked at the numbers once more and back at Denise, who was flaring her nostrils in anger. You immediately made up your mind and untied your apron while walking around the counter. It was like you were having an out of body experience. Although you quickly came to when Denise grabbed your arm as you tried to walk by.

"What do you think you're doing?"
You glared at her before yanking your arm away.
"I think I'm quitting." You snapped.

Before she could say a word, you strode around the counter, took the man's arm in yours and walked over to the door. Your mind raced as you held the handle and you turned to Denise for the last time, flipping her off.

"Oh and fuck you!"

—————

"You look tired." Pietro exclaimed as you ran your fingers through your hair for the trillionth time.

After walking through the city for half an hour, an exhilarating feeling overwhelming you, the both of you ended up on a park bench. You had been talking to him for almost three hours and one of them was spent panicking about being out of a job until he reassured you he would take care of it. You had gotten to know a lot more about the handsome Sokovian and you were entranced by the way his thick accent seemed to roll off of his tongue.

You checked your phone.
2:47 AM.

You groaned.

"Everything alright?" He asked softly.
"Yeah, it's just really early. I should be getting back home." You explained, your eyes drooping slightly. He laughed and you admired the way his hair shone in the soft moonlight.

"Come." He said, standing up and gently pulling you to your feet. Unconsciously, you leaned your head against his chest and he sucked in a deep breath as you closed your eyes. You were exhausted and it seemed as though everything were moving in slow motion as you wrapped your arms around his waist.

"I'm-we have to...home." You mumbled into his chest. A feather light touch on your hair and a deep, resounding chuckle. You felt yourself being lifted from the ground and his arms curled around your shoulders and under your legs.

"Hang on, Y/N."

You forced your eyes open and saw a flash of lightning blue surround you before you were bathed in a fluorescent light, making you cringe.

"Sorry." He said in a hushed whisper.

He laid you on something soft and you immediately snuggled yourself deeper into the covers, the light disappearing and washing you in the comfort of the dark. Your muscles relaxed and soon, you were fast asleep. It was weird that you trusted him, but he made you feel safe and that feeling was enough to leave yourself vulnerable in his hands. Pietro gazed at you adoringly before leaving the napkin on your nightstand and leaning down to give you a soft kiss on your forehead.

"Sleep well, Y/N. And don't forget about our date."