Icarus had never felt more out of place. Standing in front of the café mirror, he tugged nervously at the pink ribbon tied around his neck, adjusting his maid uniform for what felt like the hundredth time. The pastel pink frills were cute, but not something a paladin like him was used to. His blue tail swayed anxiously behind him as he tried to get used to the outfit.

He glanced over at Ceph, the silver-haired elf, who seemed completely at ease in his lavender maid uniform. The outfit hugged his figure perfectly, showing off his toned midriff and drawing attention to his sharp, elegant features. Ceph flicked his fingers, sending two wine glasses and a bottle floating effortlessly in the air, as if serving tables was just another spell he had mastered.

“You look adorable, Icarus,” Ceph teased with a smirk, his piercing green eyes locking onto the puppy boy’s wide-eyed expression.

Icarus's cheeks flushed bright red as he fumbled with the frills on his apron. “I-I’m a paladin! Not a maid,” he stammered, his ears flattening in embarrassment.

Ceph let out a soft chuckle, floating the tray beside him and leaning in close. “Maybe not a maid, but you pull it off well,” he whispered, his voice playful as always. He gently flicked Icarus’s ear, causing him to squeak in surprise.

“Ceph!” Icarus protested, his tail flicking with embarrassment. “We’re supposed to be working, not flirting!”

Ceph stepped back, laughing. “Oh, lighten up. It’s all in good fun.”

Despite his initial nerves, Icarus couldn’t help but smile. It was typical of Ceph to make light of any situation, and though Icarus found the elf’s teasing frustrating at times, he was always drawn to his carefree energy.

The door to the café chimed, and both of them turned their attention to a group of customers entering. The Enchanted Café was a bustling place, with magical folk from all over coming to enjoy a peaceful moment amidst the chaos of the city. Today, however, the café’s usual staff had taken the day off, leaving Icarus and Ceph to handle the work.

Ceph raised a brow and winked at Icarus. “Let’s get to work, cutie.”

Icarus sighed, trying to compose himself. As the customers took their seats, Icarus picked up a tray, determined to focus on his task. He could hear Ceph smoothly taking orders at the next table, charming the guests with his usual charisma. Icarus, on the other hand, was a little more awkward as he approached his first table, his tail nervously swishing behind him.

“Welcome to the Enchanted Café! Can I take your order?” he asked, his voice a little shaky but sincere.

The patrons smiled warmly, clearly finding his nervousness endearing. As he wrote down their requests, he felt a little more at ease. Maybe this maid gig wasn’t so bad after all.

As the day went on, the two of them worked together, Icarus handling the orders while Ceph performed little tricks with the floating trays and glasses, keeping the customers entertained. Every so often, Ceph would sneak in a flirtatious comment or a playful wink, causing Icarus’s heart to race and his face to heat up.

When the final customer had left and the café grew quiet, Icarus collapsed into a chair, exhausted. He looked over at Ceph, who was still full of energy, casually flipping a spoon in the air with a flick of his finger.

“You did well today,” Ceph said, finally dropping his playful tone. He walked over and ruffled Icarus’s hair, his expression softening. “You should give yourself more credit.”

Icarus looked up, his tired eyes meeting Ceph’s. “Thanks,” he muttered, trying to hide how flustered he still was from the day’s events.

Ceph smiled warmly, leaning down just a little closer. “Maybe next time, we’ll make this a regular thing,” he whispered, his voice sending a shiver down Icarus’s spine.

Icarus’s face turned a deep shade of pink, and before he could respond, Ceph turned on his heel, laughing softly as he walked away to close up the café.

As Icarus sat there, his heart still racing, he realized one thing: as much as he hated to admit it, maybe working in the Enchanted Café with Ceph wasn’t so bad after all.

And maybe, just maybe, he didn’t mind the flirting either.

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Artwork By: @/hakusai_san3
Featuring Ceph again :3 CephalexinA