Archive of Our Own

II hardly hears the knock on the door of his practice room over the sound of his rhythmic drumming, a new piece he has just started putting together a couple days. He was hoping to get to share it with his partners and bandmates, III and IV, that evening.

II loves writing music to share with them. He uses his instrument as a vessel to express all of the emotions he wants to share with them. Once II shows them a new piece, they will sit in the studio in the basement of their house for hours. III takes out his bass and IV gets his guitar and they'll play. They have all been making music together for so long that everything comes together so organically. III knows exactly how to make a bass line that perfectly enhances everything II does on the drums. IV starts plucking out a melody and they create these beautiful works of art that they are all so proud of.

Writing and practicing is usually how II fills his time in between lessons when III is busy teaching or doing other work-related tasks. They all have a set time that they need to work the store when they aren't teaching, so whenever he is on a break, the best place to find him is a practice room with a drum kit. The room II is in now isn't the only one with kit, but it is by far the best. It's not as high quality or as much to II's liking as his kit at home because this one sees dozens of young students a week, but it is more than sufficient for II to kill some time and work on some music.

The knock comes once again, accompanied by the door being cracked open. This finally gets II's attention. His face lights up when he recognizes the bright red hair belonging to III, but his smile falls when he spots the look on III's face.

II drops his sticks and immediately stands, opening his arms to invite III over to him. III complies and buries his face into II's shoulder. The position is quite awkward and strains III's back a bit, as II is significantly shorter than III, but neither man seems to mind. Once in his lover's safe arms, III's body begins to tremble as he starts crying.

"What happened, my love?" II's heart breaks as he listens to III falling apart in his arms. A dark part in his mind dreads that something has happened to IV.

III shakes his head, not yet ready to talk. II doesn't push him, allowing him time to let out the emotions he needs to. II's hand rubs up and down III's back to comfort him, even though II's mind is now racing. He is terrified that something happened to IV or one of III's family members, whom they are all extremely close to. They stand like that for a while as III begins to pull himself together, using II as a tether.

"You know the way Lily missed her lesson yesterday and I hadn't heard from her parents?" III finally says with a sniffle, finally taking a step back from II. Lily is one of III's students. She is an adorable six-year old who recently started taking bass lessons, wanting to be exactly like Paul McCartney. The day Lily and her parents walked into Arcadia to buy her very first bass, III had helped them and that evening, could not stop talking to II or IV about how elated she was to have her very own bass guitar. Her raw enthusiasm and excitement quickly made her one of III's favorite students to teach.

A slight blush appears on II's face. "Yes," he definitely remembers the extra forty-five minutes that III had yesterday that partly overlapped with one of II's breaks. III had decided that was a perfect time to start pestering II by getting a little flirty, something they usually don't do at work. Everyone knows that they are together and they don't try to hide, but rarely do they do anything more than simple touches when they are at the store. The quick handjobs in the bathroom that came out of the extra time are not something II is particularly proud of to have happened at work, but he can't say he didn't enjoy it.

"I just heard from her dad. Apparently there was a car crash. Lily and her mum-" III cuts himself off with another choked sob. He doesn't need to finish the sentence for II to understand what happened.

"Oh, III, I'm so sorry," II gasps, feeling his own heart break over the thought of the little girl and her mum being taken from this world way too soon. II didn't even know them well, but that doesn't matter. The world is unfair and no father or husband should ever have to experience the loss of his partner and his child at the same time.

"I just can't believe it," III says in disbelief. "Lily is so young. Was so young," another tear slips out as he corrects himself. "She had so much potential. She could've changed the world if she wanted to."

"I know, III. It's so unfair." II takes III's hand and guides him to the small sofa in the corner of the room since they were still standing in the center of the room where they had met when III came in. "I'm so sorry."

"I shouldn't feel this bad. Can you imagine what her dad is feeling? I was hardly anything to her, it's wrong of me to feel this bad when there are people who were actually close to her that must be feeling so awful," III confesses, not able to hide his guilt from II. They share everything with each other.

"The grief her family is feeling doesn't make it so that you can't also grieve her," II rationalizes. "She was a special kid. You were her teacher. Of course you're going to mourn her."

III is quiet for a minute. That silence speaks volumes coming from a man who is always the loudest voice in a room. III has a loud, bold personality that draws the attention of everyone around him. This quiet is almost unsettling. II gives III's hand a squeeze, letting him know he is here for him.

"This just so fucking shitty," is the thing that III finally says.

"Yeah, it is," II agrees.

III leans in to II. Their bodies fit perfectly together. They have been together so long that II wouldn't be surprised if their bodies actually had started adapting to better fit together. They are perfectly fitted puzzle pieces.

"Do you have to teach again today?" II checks, already knowing III's schedule but wanting to make sure nothing else had come up that he hadn't yet heard about.

III doesn't speak, but he shakes his head.

"Why don't you go home, love? I have one more lesson to teach later, but between me and Stella we should be able to handle the rest of your shift in the store," II reaches up and cups III's cheek with his hand. "I feel like you could use some cuddles with IV."

"But we drove together this morning," III protests.

II shrugs. "I'll walk home, it's no big deal. If you could just leave me that pair of gloves in the center console before you leave that would be great."

It takes a moment, but III eventually gives in. He wants to protest II walking all the way home in the cold, but he really does just want to go home and lay in bed getting cuddled by IV. IV is always like a little bundle of joy, able to lighten their moods no matter the circumstance. The best thing II and III ever did was welcome IV into their relationship.

"Let me go talk to Stella, okay? I'll be right back."

II gives III a kiss on his forehead as he gets up to hunt down their coworker. Stella is a badass musician that could play pretty much any instrument you put in front of her, but she specializes in wind and brass instruments. She has recorded saxophone solos for more than one professionally recorded songs. She is incredible and she knows it. She currently rocking dark purple hair, which all of the young students absolutely adore. He is pretty sure she will have no problem with helping cover for III for the rest of the afternoon, but he wants to check to be sure.

Unsurprisingly, Stella was more than happy to agree to III going home early, insisting that she and II would be more than capable of handling the store on their own. II couldn't be more grateful for her than he is in this moment. He knows that III needs to get home and have some time to process the news and II is so thankful that they have work that can be flexible enough to accommodate that.

As II watches III walk away through the glass doors, his skin prickles with discomfort. He hates this feeling. He hates seeing someone he loves in pain and not having any control over the situation. If II could do anything in the world, he would want to absorb all of III's pain and make it so he never had to feel it again.

Thankfully, the store isn't very busy this afternoon and he has his lesson to distract himself. After he received a text from III saying he made it home safely and would be immediately crawling into bed with IV, II felt better enough to finish his work day. IV is more than capable of taking care of III until he gets home. The rest of the day goes by pretty smoothly for II and Stella, which he is quite thankful for. The last thing he wants is to be worrying about something here when III is so much more important. Still, the second his shift is done, he is running out the door.

The bitter cold winter air bites at II's face as he walks in the direction of the house he shares with II and III. Although they live within walking distance from Arcadia and him and III frequently walk to work, they generally will take the car during particularly cold winter days. Today is definitely one of those days. II doesn't mind though, III needed to go home earlier more than II needs the car now. Besides, it gives him some exercise and time to himself that he doesn't often get.

From a distance, II spots a patron walking out of a shop down the street and hurrying towards their car to get out of the car. They are holding something, which II can't see from this far away.

As he approaches, he realizes that the person was leaving a small coffee shop, Eden's Cafe and Bakery. II has passed this store a million times, every day as he goes to and comes home from work. However, he has never gone inside. If he is needing a coffee when he is out of the house, he usually will just go to a chain coffee shop, but more often than that he would drink energy drinks to get his daily fix of caffeine.

II isn't sure why, but something is drawing him to Eden today. The thought of a piping hot coffee to warm himself up is appealing, but even more than that, II thinks of the smile he could put on III's face if he surprises him with a sugary sweet coffee. He pictures the blush that will turn his cheeks almost as red as his hair at the simple gift. At this point, it is no question for II to head inside.

The relief of the heat inside the store is the first thing that II notices, then the delicious smell of freshly brewed coffee and baked pastries. He breathes in and then lets out the breath, letting himself adjust to the warmth before heading over towards the cash register. He sees two men behind the counter, appearing to be cleaning something. The taller of the two men has his back turned to II and is holding a mop. II watches him as he hands the mop over to the other man and then goes over to a sink to wash his hands. The man still hasn't looked at II, so II takes that as an opportunity to observe him for a moment.

The man is tall, probably nearly as tall as III. His hair is dark and on the shorter side, styled in the perfect way to complement his face shape and features. He is wearing a dark hoodie, but even so, II can tell how broad his shoulders are. He can imagine the defined muscles that cover this man's entire body. Although his shoulders are broad, he carries them hunched over and II can see the tension radiating from him. Regardless, he is definitely a man that II would call attractive.

As soon as he shuts off the water and dries his hands, II turns his attention to the menu so he doesn't get caught staring. Deciding what he wants to order would help as well. The first thing to catch II's attention are the specialty drinks being promoted. All three drinks seem like something that III would order, so decides to go with the one he thinks looks the best. He then starts looking at the menu for something that IV would enjoy. He spots a matcha latte on the menu which he knows IV loves, but some days he is adverse to all the extra calories that comes from the milk and sweeteners. II thinks back to that morning before they all left for work. IV had seemed pretty content and had no reservations about breakfast, so II surmises that IV is having a good day and would probably be thrilled with a matcha.

Having made up his mind, II approaches the handsome barista behind the cash register. He still hasn't fully looked up at II, seeming to be fixated on the counter in front of him. He gives II a small smile that doesn't fully reach his eyes. "Welcome in. What can I get for you today?"

It would be impossible for II to not notice the forced smile or cheeriness in his words. This man is so closed off from the world. He must be having the world's worst day. II's heart goes out to him. His caretaker personality wishes that he could take away some of that hurt and bring a smile to the man's face.

"Can I do one of those chocolate raspberry specialty lattes?" II starts ordering, knowing it wouldn't be very appropriate to start acting like a therapist to this poor, unassuming man. "Extra sweet, please, like with enough syrup in it that you think it's way too much syrup. And do you happen to have oat or almond milk?" When II first met III, he was absolutely appalled by the amount of milk and sugar III would put into a regular cup of coffee. Over the years, III has started putting in slightly less sugar, but not by much. II has grown used to it at this point, but is at times still offended by how much the natural flavors of the coffee get covered up. Of course III doesn't like the taste of coffee, he has never given it a chance to speak for itself, always overpowering it by artificial sweetness.

"Hm, yeah we have both. Soy too if you're into that," the attractive barista says, sounding like he is reading from a script. He probably says these same things to customers fifty times a day, II doesn't blame him for it sounding a bit repetitive.

"Perfect, let's do oat then," II requests. III has recently jumped on the oat milk bandwagon. II personally thinks it tastes gritty and slightly believes that III only pretends to like it because it is trendy, but II will order it for him anyway. "Can I also get a matcha latte made with almond milk?" II asks for the lower calorie almond milk in IV's drink, knowing he would rather that anyway and also feels the same as II does about the oat milk. "And can that one be iced? Even though it's cold enough to give me frostbite outside." II internally shakes his head at the ridiculousness of his two partners. Their strange preferences are so endearing to him.

"Yes, of course. You'd be surprised by how many people are still ordering iced drinks when it's freezing out. Or hot drinks during a heatwave. I guess people really have their preferences, don't they?" II is almost surprised at how many words the barista is saying, as he has seemed so timid and closed off for their entire interaction up until then. It sounds like music to his ears when he hears a little chuckle come from his mouth as he adds II's order into the tablet. II doesn't miss the slight tremble in his hands. The small smile he gives shows II his perfectly white teeth. He really is beautiful. "Anything else?" the barista asks, pulling II's attention back.

II pauses for a moment, having forgotten to consider something for himself. "Yeah, I think I'll just get a black coffee. And maybe a couple of those cheese danishes," he adds on as an afterthought after spotting the delicious looking danishes on display in the pastry case. III is going to love it and IV will probably be happy splitting one.

"No problem. Is that all for today? Can I get a name for the order?" The barista finally looks up at him and II finally gets to look into his gorgeous eyes. They are dark and II can sense the sadness behind them. Curiosity bursts in II, wishing to understand the hardships this man has faced and wanting to take away that pain. II can't help it, he has always had a soft spot for those who need someone to love and take care of them.

"The name is II, like the roman numeral."

The barista's eyes drop as soon as II talks, breaking their eye contact. It was probably only a few seconds that he was looking at him, but to II it felt like it was hours. The barista ends up rushing out the end-of-transaction dialogue and hurrying off to get started on fulfilling the order.

II observes him as he works. He clearly knows what he is doing and has likely been doing this for many years. There is a fluidness to his movements that you wouldn't see in an inexperienced barista just starting out. He hardly looks like he is paying attention as he is whisking the matcha and pouring out milk. The job is second nature to him and he looks at home doing this.

II wants to hear his story. He wants to know everything there is to know about this beautiful man. He wants to know the things to say to make him smile. He wants to know how their hands fit together. He wants to know what causes the darkness behind his eyes and what he could do to help him rest peacefully at night.

The barista is making III's hot latte when the other man from earlier returns and approaches him. II hears him swear as he spills some milk and immediately goes to clean it up.

"Seriously, what's up with you today, Vess? You alright?" II hears the other man ask. Vess. Did he hear that correctly? That's an interesting name, II thinks to himself. Probably a nickname, but there have been stranger names, II could look at himself for that.

The two men quietly talk back and forth for a minute at a volume II can barely hear. He doesn't strain to listen in on the conversation, feeling as if it is not his place as a customer to know any personal details about the workers in this store. That doesn't stop him from thinking, though. The other man seems concerned today, which suggests that the handsome barista is not like this every day, or at least not this sad. That gives II a little hope that this is just a bad day for him and that most days are a lot happier for the man. At least, II hopes so. Maybe he just didn't sleep well last night. Unfortunately, II believes the dark circles under his eyes are from a lot more than one restless night.

Wishing to give them some privacy, II pulls out his phone and starts checking some of the notifications he missed while he was at work. He smiles to himself at a video IV had sent him around lunchtime of a golden retriever playing in some snow. IV is such an animal lover, it's a miracle he hasn't yet brought home a four-legged friend from the animal shelter he works at.

It is then that the handsome barista calls out II's name and hands him a tray of drinks and his pastries. The first thing II does is grab his black coffee and take a big gulp of it, enjoying the feeling of the coffee warming him from the inside. II can tell that this is quality coffee as well, the flavors are bold and perfectly balanced with each other. This is definitely a place II will want to come to again.

He thanks the attractive barista before heading out. He has some treats to deliver to the two loves of his life.

II hurries as he walks home, hoping to minimize the amount of time his and III's hot coffees are outside in the sub-freezing temperatures. It would definitely be ideal if the drinks are still hot when he gets home. The surprise wouldn't be as good for III if the latte the attractive barista perfectly crafted was cold by the time he received it. At least IV's matcha is supposed to be iced.

When II gets home, the house is quieter than usual. Normally if it is just III and IV home alone, II would come back to the sound of video games or movies coming from the TV. Maybe some bantering and loud laughter. Sometimes even moans of pleasure, which is one of II's favorite things to come home to. On those days, he would drop everything at the door so he could join in. But today, everything is quiet.

II kicks off his shoes at the door and carries the tray of drinks and pastries to III's bedroom, where he knew he would find his two lovers. Unsurprisingly, III is cuddled up under the blankets and IV is pressed up against his back, his arms wrapped tightly around III's body. III almost looks small in this position, which is an unusual sight as III is much larger than both of his partners. IV is running a hand up and down the length of III's body, knowing the touch settles him. He is placing soft kisses to the back of III's neck. There is nothing sexual about the movements, it's just one man providing love and support to another man he loves.

IV glances at II when he appears at the door and his face lights up at the sight of the drink tray. "Hi, II!"

At the sound of II's name, III lifts his head and gives II a small smile at the sight of him. It warms II's heart how him arriving home can make his partners visibly happier. There is so much love between the three of them, it's hard to think he could ever want anything more.

"Hey. How are you doing, III?" II asks as he approaches. He takes III's drink from the carrier and puts it on the bedside table beside him.

III gives him a shrug. "I'll be okay. This just really fucking sucks."

"Yeah, I know, love. We'll do everything we can for her dad, right? We can go to the funeral and give him everything we have at Arcadia that shows Lily's progress in her lessons and that sort of thing," II offers, knowing that giving III a plan to focus on would make him feel just the slightest bit better.

"Yeah, okay," III agrees.

"I know this whole situation sucks. I'm sorry," II apologizes. Although it is nobody's fault, II hates that III is feeling this loss right now and wishes he could take that away. He hates seeing the people he loves upset. He has been like this for as long as he could remember, always wanting to be the lifeline people could grab on to in order to save themselves.

It's especially hard to see III like this. He has always been so filled with joy that it's almost alarming when he's feeling anything else. III has the biggest heart, so full of love that he wants to share with everyone. He loves everything he does. He loves his job teaching bass and guitar lessons. He loves playing his instruments and creating music. He loves knitting and gifting at least one handmade blanket to just about everyone he cares about. He loves reading love stories with happy endings. Everything in his life is built around love and spreading the wonders of life to everyone around him. He has always been one to find a silver lining in everything, for as long as II has known him. That is why it is so difficult and heartbreaking every time II sees him in a state like this. He hates when something so bad has happened that not even III can find a way to smile through it.

"I feel so awful for her dad," III says, shaking his head in disbelief.

II and IV don't say anything. They can't. they can't imagine how it would feel to be a parent who loses a kid like that. That must cause suffering beyond comprehension.

"You know that coffee shop we pass every day? Eden?" II changes the topic as he hands IV his matcha, which he seems so excited about. They can't spend all evening dwelling in the grief or they would never stop. II needs to make III and IV smile and he needs to accomplish that soon.

III and IV both say yes.

"I decided to stop there on my way home. I hoped a surprise would cheer you up a little bit. The coffee is good," II explains. "They had a chocolate cherry latte that I thought you'd like."

III picks up his drink and takes a sip and his eyes widen. "Wow, that is really good. It's perfectly sweet, too! I can hardly taste the espresso."

II chuckles. "I'm glad. I asked for it extra sweet, but you never know if they're still not going to do enough or if they are going to do way too much."

"Well they did it perfectly this time. This is delicious."

II takes a seat at the end of the bed. The gnawing that has been eating away at II's insides ever since III came into the practice room with a look of devastation on his face finally fades away a little. He is so relieved to see the joy coming from III over such a small surprise, a latte made just the way he likes it.

IV also takes a sip out of his drink and lets out a groan of happiness. "Damn, this matcha is so good."

"It's still matcha. It's still probably fucking gross and tastes like grass," III chirps. II bites back a laugh, hiding it behind taking a sip of his coffee. Just like the way he and IV agree about oat milk, II and III feel the same about matcha. But if drinking a matcha is going to make IV happy, II will buy one for him every single day.

"They had some good looking pastries too. Cheese danishes," II hands over the bag to III, who eagerly grabs one out. On a day like today, II doesn't even mind that they might spoil their appetites right before dinner, which he will likely start cooking soon.

III hands the bag with the one remaining danish in it back to II, who passes it along to IV.

"I'll split it with you if you don't want the whole thing," II offers. He didn't want to make IV feel guilty if he didn't want the entire danish, but wanted to give him the option to eat as much as he wants. IV grins at him, pulling the pastry in two and passing one half along to II.

"You two will have to come in with me one day. You should see that barista, he is gorgeous," II tosses his head back and groans, picturing the way his muscles perfectly filled out his hoodie and the stunning features on his face. The strong jawline, the perfect smile, the beautiful color of his eyes.

This grabs III and IV's attention. "Oh, really? Tell us everything," III demands, no longer paying attention to his pastry.

II loves how comfortable the three of them are in their relationship that makes it possible for them to chat about attractive men in such a casual manner. There is jealousy and no hard feelings because they all have so much trust in each other. Even more than partners, they are all best friends and that is something best friends talk about. It is a fun part of their relationship that they know isn't going to go anywhere unless thoroughly discussed first, such as in the case with welcoming IV into the preexisting relationship between II and III.

When they met IV, yes, they did both think he was attractive, but more than anything they could tell that he was special. As they started getting to know him, both II and III realized they were developing feelings. That was the first time anything like that had happened between them. As the weeks went on, they figured out that they didn't want to not have him as a close part of their lives and cautiously broached the topic of opening their relationship to him. That was the best thing they had ever done and would never regret that for a minute. IV was the first and only other person II and III felt anything like that about, but II has an itching feeling deep inside that maybe things will be like that with this barista as well. II can sense that he is special, and he needs them.

"He's so tall, almost as tall as you, III, and handsome. Dark hair, muscular, very broody. Definitely your type, IV," II explains, making a lighthearted jab at the tall, dark, and handsome IV usually falls for when they are pointing out guys. "He seemed sad."

"Oh, then let me guess. You want to bring him home and wrap him in a warm blanket and smoother him with love, right?" IV asks, knowing his partner very well. After all, that is how IV ended up with them.

"He just seemed tense, like he carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. I just think he deserves a little relief from it all," II defends himself. "I just wish I could make him happy."

"I know, babe. That's why we love you so much," IV responds, reassuring II that he understands why II is so protective and just wants to bring happiness to everyone.

"Did you get his name?" III asks.

II shakes his head. "No. I think the other guy working there called him Vess? But I don't know if that's his name or what."

"You'll find out next time."

"Wouldn't that be weird?"

"No, plenty of people know the name of their barista," IV shrugs off II's concerns.

"You have to go back tomorrow," III insists.

"No way," II declines. "I don't want to look desperate! If I've never been there before, wouldn't he think it's weird if all of a sudden I start showing up every day?"

"I think you're overthinking it a bit, babe," IV giggles. He reaches a hand out towards II, who takes it and gives it a gentle kiss.

"I don't even know when he will be working again. How am I supposed to guess his schedule? What if he's only there part time and thinks that I'm a creeper or something who is stalking him?" II rambles.

"Yeah, you're definitely overthinking it," III laughs. What a beautiful sound.

"Why do I feel like you two are ganging up on me? IV, you're supposed to be the rational one here, babe," II scoffs at his partners.

"You wish. He's been around for too long now, I've corrupted him," III teases.

IV rolls his eyes and pinches III's nipple to get him to back down, earning a little squeak from III. "I am the rational one, that's why I can call both of you out on your bullshit. III is just acting like III and you need to figure out what you want to do about this guy. Knowing you, you won't want to let it go without knowing if he's okay. The first step to do that is as simple as figuring out his name the next time you see him. First you learn his name. Second is when you take him to bed."

II shoves into IV's shoulder. "Fuck off," he groans in annoyance.

IV laughs at II's frustration. "Seriously though, there's no need for any other big plan for now. Just be friendly with him and see where it goes."

II huffs in defeat. IV has always been too in touch with human emotions for his own good. He knows exactly what they need and how to break those things down into digestible bites that seem so much more manageable. "Fine. I'll ask his name the next time I go back if I can find a way to not be creepy about it."

III and IV both grin in delight. "Well, we can't wait to meet him," III teases.

"Ugh, you two are ridiculous," II groans. "It's like you two are my mum trying to get me to introduce you to a crush."

It isn't until a few days later when II finds himself back outside of Eden again. It had been a busy few days with work and attending Lily's funeral with III. But finally, II has the time to make it to Eden before they close to bring more drinks to III and IV. II's skin prickles in excitement over the thought of seeing the handsome barista again, when he realizes he has no idea what his work schedule is and he might not even be here. II decides it doesn't matter. Even if he isn't here, III and IV would still love some coffees, so II goes inside anyway. They have been relentless about teasing him about his crush, but II doesn't mind. He is confident they would feel the same if they met him too.

He is delighted to see the barista behind the bar when he walks in. He appears to be cleaning, likely after a busy morning. II can't hold back the grin on his face when he sees him.

"Afternoon. How are you today?" he greets II.

"Just great. Glad to see you again," II doesn't even feel embarrassed at his excitement in seeing him.

He catches a slight blush on the barista's cheeks. How adorable. "Good to see you too. I guess that means the drinks were good." He says the last part almost like a question, like he needs II's reassurance that he did his job properly.

"Ah, yes. They were excellent. We loved them!" II replies, thinking of how III has spent every day the past few days begging II to bring him home another latte.

"So what can I do for you today? Trying something new?" he asks.

He helps II select a coffee roast for his drip coffee and they banter a little about III's drink preferences and how he made it exactly the way III likes last time. He orders him a white chocolate macadamia nut latte this time, extra sweet of course, knowing that is one of III's favorite types of cookies and hoping that it tastes just like it.

Picking a drink for IV today is a little more of a struggle. IV was having a bad day this morning, only able to eat about half of his breakfast. He knows his partner and he knows that it is unlikely those feelings will go away throughout the day, so II doesn't want to order him a drink that will make him more concerned about the calories. Not that a matcha latte is high in calories anyway, but there are some extra from the almond milk that II knows IV won't want. Instead, he orders him an iced coffee with just a splash of almond milk and a little bit of sugar free caramel. II knows that should be easier for IV to drink and will still be a happy treat with the sweetness.

Once he finishes ordering, the barista gets everything input into his tablet. "Was it for II?" he asks.

II beams at the thought of him remembering his name from that one short meeting that happened days ago. The optimist inside of II hopes this means that maybe he had spent the past few days thinking of II almost as much as II was thinking of him. He realistically knows how unlikely that is, he is just one of dozens of customers that he would see in a day. There was nothing special about II's order. But even so, he remembered. Either this man is a genius and just knows everything, or II made just enough of an impact on him to occupy a small space in his mind.

"You remembered!" he exclaims, happily. "Yes, it is II. Now, since you know mine, I think it is only fair if I can get your name?" II hopes he doesn't sound too flirty, but this is the perfect opportunity to fulfill his promise to III in getting his name.

"Uh, it's Vessel," the barista, Vessel blushes again.

II smiles. "Thank you, Vessel."

He must have heard correctly the other day when the other man called Vessel "Vess". That must be his nickname. It is a unique name and II wonders the story behind it. He assumes that Vessel was not the name his parents gave him when he was born. II definitely wasn't the name his parents gave him either. He wonders the story behind that. Why Vessel? There are so many things II wants to learn about him.

As Vessel works, II notices the bags under his eyes look a little darker than they were last time he was in. Once again, there is a slight tremble in his hands. He first makes II's drip coffee, which he hands over to II to sip while he waits for the others.

II wonders what has happened to Vessel to make him anxious like this. Vessel appears to be comfortable in his job, clearly he knows what he is doing. It is unlikely that it's anxiety about his work that is making him like this. To II, it is obvious by his closed off nature that something dark has happened in Vessel's past and he has spent a lot of time struggling to get over that. The clear level of exhaustion is proof that it is something he has been dealing with for a long time. II had hoped the tension and exhaustion that was so visible last time would have dissipated, at least a little. Unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be the case. That makes II want to protect him even more.

Vessel reminds II somewhat of IV when they first met. IV was not so distantly out of a toxic relationship that left him with crippling self doubt. IV had met III first, he had stopped in at Arcadia to buy guitar strings, which III helped him with. It wasn't until a couple weeks later when III spotted him in the crowd at a gig and introduced the two of them. II had immediately felt the urge to protect IV, just like the way he is feeling with Vessel. It took a long time for II and III to convince IV that he was worthy of love again, but they were persistent. Once they convinced IV to open up and let them help him, he blossomed. He turned from a struggling, heartbroken man into a beam of sunshine, a bundle of joy who loves giving and receiving love to everyone he can reach. Watching the light return to IV's eyes is one of II's favorite memories.

II is not afraid of taking this on with Vessel too. Vessel desperately needs someone to love him and allow him to finally be removed from the self preservation that is causing so much tension in his body. Even if it doesn't get anything past just friendship between them, II knows that himself, III, and IV are the right men for the job.

II pretends he wasn't staring too much when Vessel finishes making III's latte and hands him a tray with the drinks on it over the counter. II is almost sad that his time that is socially acceptable to spend with Vessel today has come to an end, but he is confident that he'll be back in a couple days.

"Thanks, Vessel. The Guatemala was a good choice," he compliments Vessel on his coffee recommendation. "So much better than coffee from home." That statement is very true, their coffee maker at home makes awful coffee, extremely bitter no matter what they do with it. That is why II so frequently will only drink energy drinks in the morning and leave III and IV to drink the sludge coming out of their coffee maker.

II shoots Vessel a wink as he takes his tray of coffees and heads to the door. He hopes Vessel is taking this as harmless flirting and not getting uncomfortable by II. II is interested in him and wants to know more about him. He has no intentions on stopping coming to Eden. He is going to have to bring III and IV here to meet him at some point, especially if he wants to cross over the line between barista and customer to friends. He will just take it one day at a time. He is in no rush. Even if he just gets the tiniest bit close to Vessel each visit, II will consider that a win.

II walks out of Eden, drinks in hand with a new mission. He is going to bring the light back to Vessel's eyes. He is going to make him happy again.