#cary elwes edit | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

sawtastic-sideblog · 1 year

Text

"I meant to ask. What's the J for?" Peter asks as he hands Lynn her drink.

"Johnathan. After John."

"Well, that's sweet. Does he know yet?" Peter asks as Lynn nods. Lynn walks to her table to wait on Jeff and Corbett to arrive as Adam rushes through the door.

"Is it just me or has this snow gotten worse?"

"It's definitely gotten worse. Hopefully not too much worse. Wanna clock in and get some drinks for Jeff and Corbett ready. I'll get the ladies theirs," Peter suggests. Adam nods and heads back to the breakroom.

"Adam's socks are soaked. He's upset by it. I'll go get him more once I get these scones out," Amanda says walking to the kitchen.

"It's cold out," Pops says observing the snow falling outside the shop. "We may close down early."

"Whatever you think is best," Peter says watching Jeff and Corbett run in and over to the table Lynn is at, chatting with Adam. Timothy walks in a few minutes later followed by Lawrence and finally Mark within the hour.

"Peter," Pops calls from his office.

"Yeah?" Peter asks as he walks into the office.

"Inform everyone that we will be shutting down early. As in now early. Finally got the internet to connect long enough to check the weather. We have a big snow storm coming in. Give them each a bag of pastries on the house. If anyone needs a ride, help them find one."

"Yes, sir," Peter turns and goes to find his coworkers. "Adam, Amanda!"

The two emerge from the kitchen, each with a fresh tray of various pastries. Peter explains the situation and everyone springs into action. Amanda starts bagging up pastries, Adam makes everyone a warm beverage for their journey home, and Peter goes to switch the sign to 'closed' and starts making his rounds and telling everyone the news.

Just as everyone starts to get ready to venture out into the cold, a loud crash is heard. Everyone goes silent as they turn toward the door. Some with looks of confusion, others with concern, and Corbett with fear.

"Mom? What happened?"

"I don't know, honey," Lynn says as she looks to Peter for an answer. He can only stand hopeless staring at the snow covered glass door. Pops strides up to the counter.

"The backdoor is covered too," he says solemnly. "I'm going to make some calls. Adam, Amanda, Peter, drinks on the house."

The three scramble into action, making sure everyone is comfortable. Pops comes back about forty five minutes later.

"What's going on, Pops?" Adam asks from the Old Bitty Commitee table.

"The abandoned building behind us collapsed, according to Jill. She said it was so old that the structure couldn't take the weight of the snow. It fell this way and blocked off at least eight stores on this side. Six across from us. There are people buried out there, so if yall see anybody get them inside. I called the mall office and they said emergency personnel are working on getting us all out, but cars and motorcycles, in Adam's case, are all buried. If we get out the city will be providing busses to get all of us home. For now, everyone get comfortable, charge your phones, computers, whatever you have in case we lose power, and get settled in because it looks like we're gonna have a long night. Happy New Year Ever, everyone."

Concerned whispers go around the shop. Peter goes towards the breakroom with Amanda, pulling Adam along with her, not far behind.

"Remember Pops' birthday? Where we played games and had a movie night here with some of our regulars?" Peter asks Amanda.

"Yeah, I think the games are in the cupboard and we should still have that projector and screen somewhere," she replies while going to rummage through a closet. Adam plugs in his phone and takes his laptop from bag and plugs it in as well. Peter and Amanda also plug in their phones.

"Found the games," Adam says pulling down Monopoly, Clue, Chess, Checkers, a deck of cards, Uno, Phase 10, and some weird headband game. He walks out into the cafe and sets the games down. "I found these if anyone wants to play. I think Peter and Amanda are still looking for things. I'll go back to help them."

"You good?" Peter asks as Adam returns to the breakroom. Adam shakes his head, his cheeks flushed.

"I can't help but feel like an idiot when I talk to Lawrence. I'm a full on fool when I do anything remotely close to public speaking, so having Lawrence here as I talk to a room full of people. I'm just a dolt."

"Don't beat yourself up. It's rough having to talk to people. I get it," Amanda says, placing a hand on Adam's shoulder. Adam shakes his head again.

" I don't think you do, Amanda. I like this guy. I thought he was super attractive the day I fist saw him and I've kinda gotten to know him the last month, even though I don't really talk to him. I see the books he's reading and I look them up. I've read a couple. I listen to the conversations he has with other patrons. He's so smart and kind and funny. I'm in deep, guys. I'm in way too deep."

"I'd say so," a voice from the doorway says. Adam jumps and turns around to find Cal there. His face turns to worry. "I'm not gonna tell anyone. Calm down. I just came back to see if you needed help to find the projector."

"Please," Peter says. "I don't remember where we put it."

"Pops' office. The DVD player is in there and the DVDs."

"Thanks, Cal," Peter says, ruffling her purple hair that is currently pulled into low ponytail. She swats at his hand and follows him into the office. About twenty minutes later, the projector is up and everyone decided that Corbett got to pick the movie. The opening credits to Flushed Away plays on the screen as a thud is heard on the window.

"It's a kid," Mark says as he makes his way to the door. He opens it and plows, head first, into the snow. Lawrence and Lynn stand near the door ready to take a look at the boy. Mark grabs the kid by the arm and drags him through the snow to his body. They make their way through the door. Jeff and Adam push it closed as Amanda and Cal sweep the snow out. Peter and Pops provide them with towels and the two doctors are immediately looking over the boy. He's a teenager probably around sixteen. His blond hair in wet curls against his forehead. Lawrence is checking his pulse while Lynn checks his eyes with her cellphone flashlight. Timothy offers a few suggestions about getting him warm.

"Here, Mark," Peter says as he holds out a towel.

"Thanks."

"You're soaked."

"Snow is water, Peter."

"He's alright," Lawrence says to the worried crowd. "A little cold but nothing life threatening right now, but I do suggest a proper doctor's visit after this."

"What's your name, son?" Pops asks crouching in front of the chair the kid is in.

"Daniel Matthews."

"Where were you coming from?"

"I was out with my friend, Brent. We were trying to leave and got separated when the snow fell. I managed to make my way here. I'm freezing."

"Adam, make him a drink. Peter I think there's at least some shirts in the store room," Pops tells Peter who start walking to the store room, Mark hot on his heels.

"Can I help you?" Peter asks as he walks in.

"I'm helping you find a shirt for the kid. And for me. I'm cold too."

"Fair enough."

It takes the men a couple of minutes to find a box of shirts with the logo of the shop on them. Mark sheds his button up and undershirt, leaving him bare chested inches from Peter, who takes in the view. Discreetly of course. He looks down at the shirt in his hands but his eyes follow Mark's body down to his waistband.

"Like what you see?"

"Considering I designed this shirt. Yes, I do."

Mark hooks his fingers under Peter's chin and makes eye contact. Peter swallows hard and tries to avoid Mark's burning eyes. Mark's hand drops to the shirt and he pulls it over his head. He leans in close to Peter's ear.

"This could all be yours. Just say the word. I'll leave you to take care of that," Mark says as he takes the shirt from Peter's shaky hands. Peter let's out a breath after Mark closes the door. Slowly, Peter sinks to the floor and groans. Feeling the effect Mark has left on him. Painfully so.

The door opens, someone enters, and the door closes again. The person sits in the floor across from Peter. He knows who it is and that they won't take until Peter is ready. A cup and a napkins with a cookie on it enter his view. The pair sit in silence for a few more minutes. Peter finally takes the cup and brings it to his mouth. The scent of chamomile enters his nose.

"My favorite."

"Especially the way I make it?" Pops jokes. Peter nods almost pathetically.

"What's wrong with me, Pops?" Finally meeting Pops' eyes, Peter questions. Sad blue eyes meeting older, sympathetic eyes.

"Nothing, Peter. There is nothing wrong with you. You have a crush on a man. And for the first time, you're letting yourself feel it. At least, a little bit. It's scary, I know."

"Fucking terrifying."

"Let yourself feel it. Take it slow. Set your boundaries. Let Mark know that you're interested in more than just the physical way you body reacts," Pops says making a vague motion towards Peter's lap. "I just want you to be happy. Give yourself that. I've seen you beat yourself up over things, throw yourself into women when you feel like you've had feelings for a man, and I've seen you going crazy over Mark for a month. Please, Peter, let him in. Let yourself fall. If you get hurt, that's life, but I don't think that Mark will hurt you. He's a gentleman through and through, but he is a big flirt."

"Did you have this talk with Adam, too?" Peter asks chuckling as he sniffs and wipes his eyes with the arm holding his cup.

"No, but I don't need to. He's realized it. Of course, he can always ask questions and come to any of us."

"Pops, I'm scared," Peter whispers meeting his eyes. Tears fall as he tries to quickly wipe them away.

"Talk to him. Nine hours to midnight. Maybe you'll have a new years kiss," Pops says chuckling to himself. Peter throws the now empty napkin at him.

"Crazy old man," Peter laughs. "I'm gonna sit in here a while. Think about things."

"Take your time, son. We'll be waiting."

Peter nods as Pops stands.

"No matter what, Peter, I still love you."

"I love you, too, Pops."

Pops walks back to the group and looks around. The of the four older ladies in the corner booth have taken it upon themselves to each knit a part of a sweater for Daniel. Cal is crocheting parts of it. Adam is refilling Jeff and Timothy's coffees as they play chess. Lynn and Corbett are watching the movie. Lawrence is reading his book, occasionally looking up at the movie or at Adam. Amanda is talking to Daniel and making him play Checkers. Mark walks out of the bathroom and over to Pops.

"I take it you talked to him about me?" Mark asks, although it wasn't much of a question.

"Don't hurt him. I don't have any kids and Peter is like my son," Pops responds, not looking at Mark.

"I promise you, Pops, it is not my intention to hurt him. I really like him."

"I know," Pops nods, "and I know you are going to respect him. You have me, Jill, Amanda, and, now, Adam to answer to. As well as that booth of ladies and many other people who love Peter."

"I know."

"Good. Now, let him come to you and respect his wishes."

Mark nods and walks over to an empty table and starts watching the movie. A few minutes later, he spots Peter walk out of the store room and into the kitchen. Knowing Pops will kick his ass, he stays put and watches as Amanda forfeits her game with Daniel and walks to Adam, whispers something to him, and the pair walk to the kitchen.

"You okay? You didn't walk out with Mark and we saw Pops go in to talk to you. Are you stress cleaning?" Amanda asks.

"Yep! I'm in love with a man. What's not to stress about?"

"In love?" Adam asks. Peter stops in his tracks and looks at his friends.

"Shit!" Peter laughs before whispering, "in love. I'm in love with fucking Mark. I don't even know his last name. Or what he does. Or anything about him other than his order and the fact he likes motorcycles and that he likes me. Oh fuck."

Adam smiles sadly at Peter, who is scrubbing the oven.

"I'm kinda going through the same thing. With Lawrence. So, if you need to talk, I'll be around. We're gonna leave you to it," Adam throws his arm around Amanda's shoulders and leads her out the door. Peter continues his scrub down of the kitchen. At various points Pops, Amanda, Cal, and a few others pop in to check on him, but not getting answers.

"You've been cleaning for about four hours. There's only four hours until New Year. Come celebrate with us," Amanda all but begs.

"I will. I've calmed down, but I want to finish the kitchen. It needed it."

"Can I help?"

"Sure. Sinks and counters are the last things as soon as I get these bowls up."

Amanda helps him put up the bowls and with clearing down the counters and sinks. The pair emerge from the kitchen with Peter stopping at the trashcan to take off the gloves he was wearing.

"Oh, Peter. Your hands. Lawrence!" Amanda calls. The doctor hurries to Amanda's call and eyes Peter's hands.

"Oh, Peter."

"Yeah, that seems the general consensus."

"Come on. Amanda the first aid kit, please."

"I'm fine."

"Your nails are scratched to hell. You've been bleeding. Please, humor me."

Peter sighs and nods. Lawrence carefully examines Peter's hands and cleans them with help from Amanda. Pops and Adam walk in.

"What happened?" Pops asks.

"I scrubbed shit too hard. Made my hands bleed."

"Will he live, Doctor Gordon," Adam jokes.

"He will live. His hands will be sore for a few days, but he will live."

"Good. We need him," Pops says.

A couple of hours later and someone has started a count down to midnight. One hour and fifty six minutes. After bandaging Peter's fingers, Lawrence asked Adam to talk. Pops provided his office. The two walked out a hour later and sat together at Lawrence's usual table. They have been chatting and laughing since. Corbett befriended Daniel and they played cards together and watched movies until they fell asleep. Corbett in Jeff's lap and Daniel with his head on Lynn's leg, his hand holding Corbett's. Jeff and Lynn are watching Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The Old Bitty Commitee had long since finished Daniel's sweater, but he fell asleep before they could give it to him. The five commitee members are watching the movie, Timothy is playing a game of chess against Pops. Amanda is sitting with Peter. Both taking glances at the movie as they play rummy. Peter is also taking quick glances at Mark, who hasn't talked to him since their conversation in the store room.

"Go talk to him," Amanda whispers. Peter shakes his head. They keep playing and watching movies. Their game soon ends and Peter can't focus so they just watch the movie.

"Fifteen minutes until midnight," Gladys says excitedly. Exclaims of tired excitement sound from around the room. Peter doest hear them. He's staring at Mark, who is falling asleep. His chin resting in his hand. He looks so peaceful. Peter can't take it. He stands and walks past Mark, tapping his shoulder. He continues walking to the storage room. He sits in the spot he sat earlier. The door opens again and closes behind Mark, who sits across from Peter.

"Can I help you?" Mark asks. Peter shakes his head. "Then why did you tap me? If you don't want to talk, I'll go back to my table."

Mark goes to stand up but Peter grabs his wrist. Mark sits back down and looks at Peter. Peter look distraught.

"Hey, it's okay. Whatever it is."

"It's you."

"I figured."

"I'm scared."

"I know."

Peter nods and looks at Mark.

"Don't hurt me, please," Peter whispers. Mark nods but doesn't make a move even though he wants to hug him and hold him tight.

"I would never dream of it."

"What's your last name?"

"Hoffman. You?"

"Strahm. What do you do for work?"

"I teach history at the community college. You're a barista at the best coffee shop I've ever been to."

"Where did you grow up?"

"New York. Divorced parents. No relationship with my siblings or my father. I have a very straned relationship with my mother. We rarely talk."

"My dad died when I was twelve. Mom and I have dinner every Tuesday. If we're together, you have to come."

"I'd love to. What was your favorite subject in school?"

"I liked English. I like to read. Lawrence and I are thinking about starting a book club."

"That would be fun. I'd join."

"What is your special interest?"

"Other than you? Maritime. I like shipwrecks."

"That's morbid."

"A little, but I'm also a true crime junkie."

"Me too," Peter finally looks at Mark.

"Acid bath killings?"

"What was wrong with Haigh?"

"I don't know."

"Black Dahlia?"

"Fucked up," Mark says. Peter laughs a little and Mark watches his eyes light up. They fall into a comfortable silence and stare at each other.

"I really like you, Mark."

"I really like you, too, Peter."

"I'm scared all of this is new to me."

"I know. I won't hurt you."

"I know."

The crowd in the shop start counting down from ten. Peter looks at Mark wide eyed.

"We don't hav-"

"I want too."

"Five, four, three, two, one! Happy New Year!" Everyone chants. Lynn and Jeff share a quick kiss, Amanda and the commitee ladies toast their drinks to the New Year, Daniel and Corbett sleep through everything, Timothy and Pops shake hands, and Adam and Lawrence share their first kiss.

Peter pulls Mark by his shirt and kisses him timidly, but with passion. Mark pulls away first and leans his forehead against Peter's.

"Happy New Year, Peter."

"Happy New Year, Mark. Kiss me again."

"Gladly," Mark says, leaning back in.

The next morning, rescue workers have made their way to the shop. The Denlons, Timothy, and Daniel, who is now wearing his sweater, help the commitee to the bus. Cal trails along with their things. Amanda follows, dragging her feet. Adam and Lawrence walk out hand in hand, smiling at Pops along the way. Pops smiles back and goes to find Peter and Mark. He finds them still in the storage room, where they had talked until they fell asleep.

"Peter, Mark, wake up," Pops shakes them as he speaks. Peter groans and opens his eyes.

"What do you want, old man?" Peter asks groggily.

"Don't be mean, Peter," Mark says, eyes still closed.

"The rescue workers got to the door. They're letting us go home."

The men start to move. Mark lifts his head off of Peter's chest and looks at Pops. Minutes later, the men are at the door.

"We'll wait until the storm is over to reopen and clean up," Pops says as Peter and Mark walk past him.

"Good choice. I'll be asleep on my couch for three days then."

"With me by your side, I hope," Mark says, hopefully.

"Yeah, we need to talk more," Peter answers as he steps onto the bus. Adam and Lawrence have seats across the aisle from them. Peter and Mark take them. Adam and Peter smile at each other and share a fist bump.

"What's that?" Lawrence asks.

"What's what?" Adam asks back, playing dumb.

"That fist bump."

"Friends can't fist bump, Lawrence?" Adam asks, mocking offense. Lawrence chuckles and takes Adam's hand.

"Not the way the two of you did it, my dear."

"Yeah, there's something weird going on," Mark agrees. "They're already cheating on us."

"I would never," Adam defends. Peter frowns and looks at Mark.

"I wouldn't do that. I know what it feels like."

"I'm joking, Peter. I'm sorry. It wasn't a good one."

"It's okay."

"I accept the apology, too, there, Mark," Adam says.

"I'm sorry to you, too, Adam."

"So sensitive," Lawrence jokes.

"Sensitive, my ass," Adam says.

"Alright, everybody, listen up. I have a clipboard coming around. Put your address down and we will get going," the bus driver says. The passengers write down their addresses and when the bus pulls up to Peter's apartment, he and Mark get off together.

"Bye, Pops. Call me when we open again," Peter says as he passes the man. "And thanks for the advice."

"My pleasure. Have a good few days off, Peter. See you around, Mark. Take care of him."

"He will know nothing but pleasure for the foreseeable future," Mark winks. "See ya around, Pops."

The men enter Peter's apartment. Mark takes a look around the living space.

"I think we're about the same size. I'll get you some pajamas and I'll wash your clothes," Peter says as he disappears into the hallway. A minute later he is back with a stack of clothes for Mark, while wearing a pair of sweats and a hoodie. "Bathroom is first door on the right."

"Thanks."

Once Mark is in the fresh clothes and Peter has started the washer the men sit on the couch. They talk about boundaries they have with certain things which eventually leads to them cuddling and watching Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.

"Hey, Mark?"

"Yes, Peter?"

"What's your Hogwarts house?"

"Slytherin. You?"

"Griffyndor."

"Sounds like you, babe."

"Babe?" Peter moves to where his chin rests on Mark's chest. Mark looks at him, slightly worried he's said something wrong. Peter smiles. "I like it."

Mark let's out a breath and chuckles.

"Good."

Peter leans up and gives Mark a quick kiss. Mark's hand moves from behind his head to Peter's cheek, keeping him in place. Peter pulls away and looks back at the screen.

"Hey, I-"

"Shhhhhhh," Peter interrupts Mark again. He watches as Snape kills Dumbledore. "Everytime I watch this movie, I think the outcome will change. It never does."

"I've never see any of these movies. You just turned it on."

"Then how do you know your house?"

"Students. They also think I'm a witch. I haven't told them any different."

"Oh, cool, so my boyfriend is a witch."

"Boyfriend?" Mark asks. Peter looks at him in panic.

"I mean , if you want, we don't have to label it or anythi-" Peter is cut off by Mark swiftly sitting up, wrapping him in his arms, and kissing him.

"I've wanted nothing more for a month. I'm so glad I decided to walk into the shop."

"Me too."

Mark quickly kisses Peter again before laying back and pulling Peter on top of him. The pair drift off to sleep to the sound of Harry Potter.

15 notes · View notes