Chapter Text
Looking at the flyer in your hand, then to the sign with the Café name on it, you nearly wonder if you've somehow managed to mistake the new cafe for a money laundering scheme. The addresses match up, but the windows are all dark and empty; the place doesn't look like it's been open for business in years...
You've got some free time, may as well investigate further, right? Curiosity killed the cat but the answer brought it back and all that.
Hesitating in front of the small glass door, your hand finds the handle, but you don't get a chance to try to pull when it's pulled inwards by a mysterious force.
The force doesn't stay mysterious for long, a man is revealed in the wake of the door moving, and he's- he's... he's wearing a maid outfit? Your shock must be plainly evident because he shakes his head and sighs before walking away- motioning you to an empty table on the way.
Not knowing what else to do, you follow his direction and sit at the comfy little table, a decorative lace tablecloth that's long enough to cover your legs gently brushing against your skin as you sit down on the plush chair seat.
Glancing around the area, you can see many other tables much like your own, though aside from the man you saw go into the door near the back, no one else seems to be present. Slow day, maybe? Or are you their first customer... Ever?!
The front is pretty suspicious, even with the wooden chalkboard with pretty handwriting and cute drawings advertising their Cafe to the world. Some may even think it's a place to traffic women or the like, what with the only employee seemingly being a man and a rather large one at that. His white hair was pretty striking though, and the cat ear headband was adorable.
Politely folding your hands on the table, you swing your legs a bit as you wait, though you're not sure for what exactly. Presumably, this is a Cafe, so tea and drinks maybe? Seemingly guessing what you're thinking, the same man returns with a tall laminated paper, not even bothering to look at you before he sets it down and leaves once more.
Holding the menu in your hands, you go over the front in amazement. It's very professionally made, and the food looks appealing as well, if they're serving cute cakes like that, then why aren't they a complete hit yet? Maybe it's because the servers are a bit rude, well, at least yours seems to be.
"Choose who you'd like to service you today!" You muse aloud, before realizing that there's a whole chart of guys under the headline. Small profile pictures aside, you can see on nearly all of them that... They've all got cat ears? And they don't look to be fake either...
You thought the tail from that guy's maid dress was just a stylistic choice, could it actually be real? No way... But you're too curious to leave now. It's time to choose which guy you want to be your server though...
"Unflappable and charming, this Yakuza-type is the leader of the Café and more than willing to bend to your desires. Feel free to ask to cop a feel," you snort as you read his description, but decide to go with him as he's the first on the list.
It says to then ring a small bell on the table when you're ready, so you do just that, ringing it once to clearly indicate which server you'd like. A small commotion is heard from behind the door, and then it swings open, revealing another man in a maid dress.
This one is even more muscular than the last, with a cut-out chest so you can clearly ogle his pecs. You resist that urge as he walks over in his white stockings, heels clacking against the tile floor, and bends down right in front of you so you're forced to look right into his chest.
"There you are," your eyes drift to his head, where his ear twitches- your mouth opens but he beats you to the punch, "Yes, they're real. You want to touch?"
Not waiting for your answer, he tilts his head to the side, offering you a chance to stroke one. Despite your better judgment, you lift up your hand and gently pet the ear, which responds to your touch and feels oddly warm. His isn't nearly as fluffy as the other guys, but it's still pretty cool.
Just as quickly, you pull your hand away and fold it back onto your lap, which he laughs at as he stands back up, "Now then, what did you want to order?" He pulls a small notepad and pen out of his apron, clicking the pen to indicate that he's more than ready for whatever you could possibly say.
"Oh, well..." You pick up the menu again and open it, quickly scanning over it before picking whatever looks best, "The lemon cake, with a ginger drink."
He nods, his tail swishing just as bit as your eyes wander down his legs, "Payment is required upfront, so that'll be thirty yen."
Oh, right, this is a business after all, you move your purse onto your lap and grab your wallet, pulling out a couple of bills and handing them to him. Giovanni then smiles and shoves the bills into the top of his dress, much to your shock, and then leaves for the empty counter.
"Hey idiots, I could've sworn I told one of y'all to stay at the front in case we get more customers! And Guzma, bring out a lemon cake with a ginger ale!"
This has gotta be one of the weirdest days of your life...
But your lemon cake does get brought to your table after the first man you saw brought it out, Guzma, apparently. You're given a small fork from your server, and he sits down next to you as you tentatively pick up a small bite and place it into your mouth.
It's... really good. It melts into your mouth in just the best way, and the light powdering of sugar on the top brings a sweetness to the sour and lifts the entire thing up. The sparkle in your eye at the taste makes Giovanni laugh, his elbow on the table as he props his head up in order to look at you from the side.
"Like it?" You turn to him with a smile, nodding, and he chuckles again, "My boys really know how to cook, don't worry about quality when they're in the kitchen."
Washing it down with an appropriate amount of ginger ale, you sigh happily as you sit back in your chair, lifting up your purse to try to grab an extra tip, but his hand comes upon yours before you can pull out your wallet.
"No need, my dear, as our first customer, we're more than happy with just your smile."
Stupidly charming, or maybe his outfit is just making you feel more susceptible to attention than usual, either way, he's been very nice, so you feel bad not tipping.
"Is it alright if I just ask a question instead?"
"Anything for you, I'll answer it all."
"What's up with this Café? You've not got any other customers, and it looks abandoned from the outside..."
"Does it? I'll have to get Guzma to decorate some more then... As for your other question, well, you saw our flyer right? Catboy Café, both things that are very popular- instant success!"
He says that, yet apparently you're the first customer they've had, and who knows how long they've been open.
"I suppose that makes sense," you push out your chair and stand up from your table, "though I do need to get home now, so I have to go."
He stands up with you, pushing in your chair and following you as a previously unseen man exits the counter door and quickly goes to clean up your table. You're curious as you leave, and he picks up on that as he pulls open the door for you, "We'll still be here tomorrow, you know."
You understand his words, "Then... Maybe I'll come back tomorrow when I have more time to enjoy my visit?"
Nodding, he grins as you walk away, only looking back once to see him still at the door, giving you a small wave before returning inside.
------
Strange... But not too strange that you won't come back. You find yourself sitting at the same table as yesterday, once again offered a menu and left to your own devices. This time you can actually hear more going on in the background, and someone is even standing at the counter right by the cash register.
The orange-haired man ignores you though, which you understand, Giovanni definitely pays him to be professional after all, so you appreciate it.
Back at the list of different servers, you go for the one right below, a man named Cyrus, "Cold and not very talkative, this guy will make sure you're treated respectfully, but not much else. Perfect for socially awkward customers!"
Who exactly is writing these descriptions?!
Carefully ringing the bell twice, you're immediately treated to the sound of metal falling to the ground and ringing out loudly, and then a plethora of voices scolding some unknown person for being so clumsy. Despite that trouble, the door opens up a moment later, revealing a man in a blue maid dress with cute frills and black thigh highs.
His blue hair is contrasted by his white headband, and you nod in acknowledgment as he walks over, but he doesn't say anything.
You're both staring at each other, saying nothing... So you cough and turn back to your menu, pointing to the correct item and voicing it in an unsure voice, "Uh- the uhm," it feels like he's staring daggers into the back of your head! "The purple swirl cake here, can I get that? And... some sparkling water?" You're way more nervous with this guy than Giovanni; is he meant to be more intimidating or something?!
Cyrus nods, then walks to the counter to give the little ticket he's written to the guy standing there. Then he walks back to your table and stands right behind you, arms folded behind his back, legs spread in a military-esque way.
You're almost afraid of this guy- pulling out your phone from your pocket, you quickly tap onto a game, some clicker one themed after Rotom— only to then have your entire chair pulled backward, and his face right next to yours.
"I have that game too." He coldly states, and you feel shivers go up your back, "If you tap Rotom's head three times in a row, it will make a cute cat face."
Unable to not comply, you both watch as you tap the little fake Rotom's head three times and then it makes the exact face he said it would. You didn't know it could do that, even though you've been playing the game for more than a year...
You're pushed back to the table, and this time he pulls up a chair to sit next to you, pulling out his phone and putting it beside yours so you can compare Rotoms. The number of times clicked is nearly the same, though yours is a bit higher, and that seems to get his attention.
"Man you're pretty good, you wanna add each other? On the game, I mean," you can't believe that just left your mouth, but he doesn't seem to mind, taking your phone and inputting his friend code as you scramble for his phone to input yours.
As you trade them back, chatting idly about the game, Guzma appears with a small tray, "Hey idiot, you're supposed to serve this stuff yourself, you know?"
Cyrus seemingly ignores him, standing up and taking the tray before sitting down beside you again. Placing it on the table, he offers to take your phone as you eat, comparing the different stats of your Rotom as you marvel at the sight in front of you.
The cake is covered in a galaxy glaze, and though you feel bad ruining it, the cake itself tastes amazing in your mouth. The purple yam is sweet and filling, and though you don't touch the sparking water, you appreciate it nonetheless.
As you set down your fork and wipe your mouth with the napkin, you lean in to watch Cyrus, who's busy playing with your Rotom. The app is meant to distract you from stressful situations and provide some entertainment, but he seems enamored almost.
Curious, you ask, "Do you like Pokemon a lot?"
"I like Pokemon a lot more than I like people," he answers honestly, handing your phone back to you, "but... you've been nice to be around."
You blush, quickly looking away and thanking him, as he pulls out your chair and offers a hand to you, so you take it and he helps you up, even though you don't need it.
His hand keeps hold of yours as he walks you to the door, opening it up and escorting you just outside before letting go.
"Please come back again," he bows respectfully, and you do the same, which makes him chuckle as he turns around and heads back inside. You watch his tail swish almost happily... Before smiling to yourself as you walk home.
-----
The third time's the charm, as they say, and this is the third day you've visited the cafe just this week... You nearly feel like they've got you wrapped around their little finger, but so far you haven't seen any other customers yet. Even with the new decor inside the windows, there's no one else, maybe they need a bit more...
Menu in your hands, you decide to go for their third server, "The DILF of your dreams, if your dreams involve being berated by an older man with a cane and a bad attitude. Ask to see under his eye ornament thing if you like scars."
Does Giovanni write these? You have to wonder if it's him, since he's the boss and all that...
Ringing the bell three times, you hear a soft cheer from one of the men, though you're not sure who, and then a thud against the door that even scares the man at the register.
You soon learn what made the noise as the top end of a top-heavy cane pushes open the door, revealing a surprisingly modest and frankly long maid dress on a man with long green hair.
He scans the shop for any customers, before coming upon you, a devilish smile crossing his face as he fixes his cane and walks slowly towards you. "I knew you'd choose me, your taste is much too refined for these other louts."
Eh...? Staring at him in confusion as he stands in front of you, confident as he decides your order for you, "You'll like the egg and cheese omelet." Turning around, he yells it to the man at the register, who shoots a dirty look at your server before leaving the cash register to go to the back- presumably the kitchen.
"You guys serve breakfast food?"
"Nope, but he will make it special just for you."
"Ah..."
His cane thuds against the ground, gaining your attention just as you look away from him, "Eyes on me! You chose me, now you have to appreciate me in all my glory!"
Scary... Are people really into this?
"Come now love, don't look so sad." Love? Is he trying to flatter you? He moves around the table and sits down next to you, which makes you realize just how tight his dress actually is. You have no doubt that if he didn't have an apron, you'd be able to see—
"Pay attention, darling, you don't have me forever," his hand finds your chin and pulls your gaze up to his face once more, which makes you blush, just slightly. Pet names are your weakness, plus he isn't that bad-looking, just a bit frightening with an imposing presence.
He also seems a bit conceited, but you won't voice that bit.
"So... What's up with your eye?"
That successfully distracts him, he lets go of your chin and brings his hand up to the thing over his eye. "This? It's just a scar," he flips it up and reveals a fully healed scar, along with a blind eye. You gasp, which inflates his ego as he explains how he got such a wound.
"I was attacked by a vicious Pokemon, you see, and in the ensuing tussle, I had to use all my wits to survive... Though he got a good swipe on me, I ultimately prevailed in the end."
Genuinely impressed, you clap for him, and he turns his head to gloat just a bit more. "Of course I'd survive, if I hadn't then I never would've gotten to meet you, my love. How sad of a life it's been to live without you..."
"I'll be coming back tomorrow too!" You don't know why you said it so easily...
"So eager to please... You really are precious."
A slam at the table makes you jump, a carefully crafted omelet with a ketchup heart on top greeting you when you look over, along with another death stare before the cashier walks away.
"Don't eat that," Ghetsis says, pulling the plate over to him before grabbing and fork and cutting into it. "Not unless it's from my hand," he offers you the bite on the fork, and you gladly accept it.
Being fed by a handsome man, carefully observing his ears as he triumphantly goes on and on over some story about himself, it's a different experience than the others you've had here, but nice nonetheless.
When he helps you out the door, he playfully smacks your butt with his cane, and though you nearly scold him, you decide against it. Something tells you this guy in particular doesn't really care about the boundaries of others...
Still, you had fun.
-----
Menu once again back in your hands, you yawn as you go over the words once more, barely able to register them after the tiring day you've had at work.
They're really working you to the bone lately, you haven't even had time to appreciate the new decorations in the windows.
Might as well go for the fourth server this time, "This pair is inseparable despite their constant feuding, so don't let their multiple divorces scare you, they've gotten re-married more times than they can count. Who knows if you'll be included in that next marriage..."
"Pfft," you roll your eyes, but ring the bell four times, "I see they've really got all bases covered here in terms of appealing to the masses..."
Sitting up straight as two men come out of the back door, you can barely hear some scolding from Giovanni just as they start walking towards you. The taller one is much beefier, in a near skin-tight dress with slits at the thighs to expose even more leg, his beard almost off-putting compared to his soft face.
The shorter of the two is a similar outfit, though his is themed red, both having a diamond cut out on their chest to expose their chests to you. It's a bit indecent even... This place probably isn't child-friendly, now that you think about it.
"H-" you don't get a chance to finish your sentence, the taller man grabs onto your jaw and immediately starts to fawn over you.
"So cute! We've been missing out on talking to you this whole time- how dare you wait so long to ask us to service you? I'm Archie by the way, but you can call me anything you want!"
The other, Maxie then, pushes up his glasses and shakes his head, "I apologize on his behalf, he knows no manners."
You get it now, they're meant to play off of each other in order to attract more customers interested in their dynamics...
"Cute." Archie stops completely, and you realize too late that you said that aloud due to your sleepy brain.
"You hear that Max?! They think I'm cute!"
"Oh, and you know for sure it was directed at you?"
"Oh, so you think I'm undeserving of it then?"
"Of course, you're a brute with the personality of a stray dog."
"Says the nerd with his nerd glasses! Real men don't need that sort of stuff!"
You turn back to your menu, pointing out what you want, "The... The Mermaid Surprise... With a Sprite, thank you..."
Maxie nods, apparently memorizing your order as he walks away without writing anything down. His other half stays with you then, sitting down and immediately going on a tirade about how much better he is as a maid... You're a bit too tired to completely get it, and when he bends down to fix his shoe, making you note his bare legs, you reach your hands out to touch his ears.
He jolts at first, before fully turning his head to make it easier for you to pet him, melting into it with no shame. "Soft... So very soft..."
"Of course I'm soft, I always make sure to keep myself in tip-top shape to impress the ladies- and the guys too!"
His partner returns, shaking his head at the display, you seem happy though, so he lets it slide, pulling up a chair to sit on the opposite side of you. Unbeknownst to him though, you purposefully let your purse slide off of your lap and onto the floor, luring him into bending down and picking it up.
As he sits back up, he is a moment too late to pull away, your hands touching his ears and causing him to nearly scream, face turning red in embarrassment both from his squeal and your attention.
Even though he made such a noise, and can hear Archie snickering, you still stroke his ears, sleepily noting, "Warm, and soft."
Leaving you alone with Maxie, Archie leaves to grab your food, and only when he returns do you let go of the redhead in order to pick up your fork and start eating.
The surprise in the Mermaid Surprise is a simple yet elegant cake, the design reminiscent of shimmering mermaid scales with a fruity-tasting cake inside. Sipping on your Sprite in between bites, you finish eating and wipe your mouth before sitting back.
Looking at both men, your head starts lulling, and they realize very quickly just how tired you are as you pass out in front of them.
Lucky for you, Archie allows you to sleep on his lap as you recover, while Maxie explains everything to his boss, Giovanni just smirks and explains to make sure that you're satisfied, leaving them both to watch over you as you rest.
When you wake up after a good long nap, the sun is long gone and you apologize profusely, while Archie laughs and Maxie assures you that everything is okay. They both walk you to the door, the taller man waving excitedly as you walk away, while the shorter waves politely, both smiling when you look back at them.
Embarrassing... But at least they aren't holding it against you.
-----
The cashier? He's also been a server the entire time... "With a personality akin to a Gallade serving his princess, this Pyroar-maned man is ready to seduce even the most prickly of people. Tell him about your work, maybe he'll offer you a job."
Sounds pretty romantic... Maybe he's a flirt? Might as well see what he's like... You ring the bell six times, but he doesn't make a move. You look back to the menu that clearly shows his picture next to his name and description, then back to him. He just sighs and continues staring at nothing, bored out of his mind since there are no other customers.
Hesitantly, you ring it again, but he still makes no move. It's only when you reach to go for a third round that you hear someone come out from the back and walk up behind him to alert him that he's needed- Giovanni then points at you, before waving with a smile.
You wave back, making eye contact with Lysandre as he leaves his station at the cashier to instead come to your table.
Pulling out his notepad, he stands there and sits for you to give him your order, despite not even asking for it. You understand his movements though and quickly pick up the menu, "The orange cream shake please."
"No drink?"
"Er, isn't a shake already a drink?"
"Good point." He doesn't bother trying to make small talk, walking away and giving the ticket to Giovanni before opening the door and disappearing behind it.
Left alone, you twiddle your fingers, before hearing yelling. The door opens back up, and you expect to see him there, but it's Ghetsis instead- with all the others trailing behind him. Of course, they all intend to drift to your table, though it's so small that they can't pull up enough chairs to sit by you.
So instead, you get up and move to a booth, being caged into it the moment you sit down and scoot over.
It's strange seeing them all in one place for once, "So, what's up?"
"We've been kicked out, it seems." Maxie crosses one leg over the other, and you hear Archie smack it before they start bickering with one another.
Cyrus explains further, "While we can all cook fairly well, Lysandre insists on cooking the food he serves himself. It's one of the only clauses in his contract."
"So this really is like a full-blown business, huh..."
They all nod, and Giovanni yells from the register, tail moving back in forth in anger, "Of course it's a real business! We're all professional and they're all paid!"
He says that, but you've been the only customer so far... Your giggle draws the attention of all the men, and you start up a conversation about their features. Specifically, how does one exactly become a catboy...
All while you talk, you can all hear the kitchen filled with noises of mixers and blenders, and you swear a chainsaw at one point- before hearing a yowl and then a white-haired man comes running out of the kitchen. He stands behind Giovanni at the cash register, before crouching down out of view, while you show confusion.
"Oh, Guzma? He's the newest recruit, so he's still trying to get used to working aside all of us." Ghetsis turns to call out to him, but you grab onto his shoulder and ask him politely not to, so he doesn't.
Instead, you ask, "So you've all been working together for some time?"
They all go silent, and you worry that you've asked something inappropriate, but a cold unemotional voice answers, "Giovanni ran us all out of business underground, then recruited us to work here. It's taken a while to get things running though..."
While you could probably guess what he means by that, you're gonna choose to stay ignorant in case there's some shady stuff involved. After all, you did assume this place was a money laundering scheme at first...
The noises in the kitchen stop suddenly, and all conversation ceases as heels click on the tile floor, all the way up to the door, which is kicked open by red heels.
Stunned, you watch as the black tight-clad man walks to your booth, a red maid dress hanging off his shoulders and dress just shirt enough to highlight his legs, sets down a tray and slides it over to you.
Placed in said tray is a spoon along with a large glass cup with several layers and a dazzling set of toppings. Your mouth waters at just the sight, picking up the spoon and spinning it in your hand before scooping a potion off of the top and putting it into your mouth.
Moaning at the taste, you can see Lysandre puff out his chest with pride, and hear the other men sigh at his display. Their reactions don't matter when the food is so good though! You had an inkling of an idea at the quality with the omelette Ghetsis made him make, but this is truly out of this world!
The special treat is gone before you know it, and you gleefully lick your lips before wiping your mouth with your napkin. Still excited from the experience, you turn to the man and praise him, "Amazing! I've never had anything like that before!"
"Of course," he scoffs as he waves the other men away, to which they begrudgingly leave to return to their proper jobs. "I made it for you, my dearest," he slips into the booth beside you, expertly slipping his hand up your arm and to your cheek.
Turning your head to the side slightly, he gets awfully close as he speaks, "I know you appreciate me more than any of them, after all, I've worked hard for this reward..." Holding your breath, you prepare for him to kiss you, but he pulls away at the last moment with a sly chuckle. "Worked up over a little flattery? Too cute. Especially for a place like this."
Looking up at his head as he crosses his arms, closes his eyes, and relaxes, you see his ears lying nearly flat, which tells you that he really is just as confident as he seems. He's comfortable even, which is good, you guess.
"Do you not like working here, Lysandre?"
"It's fine, not that we ever get any customers, but I'm used to dealing with all sorts of people, so when we do become popular, I'll be ready."
You contemplate his words, thinking of your own desk job and how boring it is to wait for customers to ask for your assistance. Though you can only help over call, dealing with them can be rather bothersome, especially if they turn too mean or try to argue with you. Maybe it's best this place doesn't get popular then, so you can visit them anytime... But that's a selfish thought.
"I can't wait for when this place really blows up, I've seen all the stuff you've added since I started visiting. Maybe you should host an opening event to really catch people's attention?"
His eyes open up, and he hums, "I'll bring that up to the boss then. It's Friday after all, so maybe the weekend would be best..."
"I'm sure as long as you're there, everyone will be stunned and buy lots and lots of food."
A light flush crosses his face at that, looking away from you as you go into a little more detail on how to attract more customers. You check the time just as you finish, and decide that you need to go. He agrees, walking you to the front door and standing with it open just a little as you walk away.
"Come back soon," is all he says, and you give a small bow, promising that you will.
-----
How long has it been? You got caught up in that business outing and they forced you to go along or else they'd fire you, and now it's been several weeks since you've had a chance to visit the RR Café...
Walking along the street, you turn the corner and nearly bump into someone- they apologize and help you back up, but then you notice the person in front of them. A whole lot of people, actually.
"What's up with the line?"
"Oh, this? It's to get into the new Café that opened up the other week!"
New Café... Rainbow Rocket?! Thanking him for helping you up, you jog to the front of the line, hoping to catch sight of any familiar faces, but the only person at the door is a tough-looking punk guy. Definitely not a catboy either... But the darkened windows have been renovated, leaving only a slight tint that allows you to see through into the inside.
There you can see the men you got accustomed to serving other patrons, and seemingly having a blast. Giovanni is happily chatting with an older woman, Cyrus is sitting next to someone who looks quite emo, Archie and Maxie are busy having a fake argument with each other while the couple at the table laugh, while Lysandre and Ghetsis work behind the counter to serve customers and make sure people pay.
They all look... satisfied. Did your idea for having an event to bring more customers in actually work? Now they've got a steady stream of people coming in, and then some, it's a shame you had to miss it though.
The Café is popular now, which means you won't have time to visit it anymore, the long wait lines of other places are what made you decide to risk it on that flyer in the first place...
Lamenting the loss of your favorite Café, you take a detour in the alleyway to avoid running into the line again; it's not a very wide space, so you tread carefully to avoid clashing with the dumpster- only to have the backdoor open up and completely smash into you.
Knocked down to the alley floor, you groan in pain and bring your hand up to your aching head, all while the man responsible quickly tosses a trash bag into the dumpster and then comes to your side.
"Ah shit, that's my fuckin' bad, let me get your some ice or somethin'—"
You both realize at the same second who you are, pointing at each other and saying the same things, "It's you!"
Silent for a second, you then start to laugh, which he follows suit as he helps you up and inside.
Guzma helps you sit on a chair in the large break room, telling you to stay put as he leaves, and then returns with a small baggie full of ice for your head. Sitting down across from you, he doesn't say anything as you nurse your budding headache.
He's the first one you saw the day you came here originally... The one you thought had a headband on, but now you can see his black ears twitch slightly, showing his nervousness in this situation. They're tipped with white too, which is utterly adorable. Your shocked he's wearing glasses and not a maid headband though, maybe he is meant to be more of a bad boy type?
Trying to break the tension, you voice your question, "Is the Café popular now?"
"You fuckin' bet it is, we've had nonstop customers ever since that little event you suggested. Now we never get a break!"
"Oh, I'm sorry."
Realizing that he sounded rude, he sits up and shakes hands while trying to explain himself, "No wait- we're actually all really happy that the place is booming! We have been making good money and getting good tips and all that stuff, everyone loves us!"
You smile, "I know, it was a joke."
Lidding his eyes, he raises up one eyebrow to ask if you're serious, and you nod, laughing, "It was cute seeing you freak out just a bit trying to make me feel better! At least it means you're a good host!"
Guzma scoffs, "Nope, I'm still just the little helper boy back here, Giovanni says I can play host to anyone till I get my act together."
"Your act?"
"Yeah, you know... My niche, what sort of demographic I'm s'posed to play to get maximum cha-ching?"
Right, all the others have a set schtick to appeal to certain customers, any good host would play into a specific one to offer a dynamic experience the others can't.
Pondering his words, you hum thoughtfully, ice shifting in your bag as you place it directly onto your head. Closing your fist and smacking it into your open palm, you exclaim, "The soft-hearted bad boy! You know the type that looks all hard and mean and acts tough, but rescues baby Pokemon from alleyways and helps old ladies cross the street!"
"Eh?" You stand up, walking over to him before bending down to his level.
"You're totally kind and sweet, despite having a mean mug and a naturally pissed-off attitude!"
He raised his hands to put them between you and him, "I get it I get it! S-stop pressuring me! I know all your suggestions are good but- but ya really don't have'ta corner me!"
Despite his pleading, you don't move, entirely serious, "Yes, you're playing exactly into that role, how are you so good at this?"
His blushing face greets you as you stare at him, quickly more and more nervous before maneuvering himself out of the chair entirely by slipping out from it.
Embarrassed, he leaves the break room with you in it, quickly laying down on the nice sofa with your ice pack after wasting your energy on motivating him. Tomorrow your head is gonna hurt so bad, but today, you want to enjoy this while you can.
You stir lightly as someone enters the break room, expecting Guzma- but it's Giovanni instead. His light purple dress is just as pretty looking as it was last time, motioning you to give him room as he sits on the other end of the sofa.
"Hey, I heard you got hit with a door." Well, that's certainly putting it bluntly, "But I wanted to ask if you'd like to work here."
"Here? At RR Café?"
"Yeah, I want you behind the scenes. You understand the tropes of the guys, and how to attract customers, it was only by following your advice that we were able to attract all these people."
"No no- you guys would've become popular no matter what, you're catboys in a Pokemon world after all! Pokemon hybrids were in style last decade, so now its—"
His hand grabs onto yours, "Shut up and listen, you really helped us out, and I know that job of yours is terrible. So just work for me and enjoy your catboys all day long."
Really? Your eyes shine with the question, and he nods, so you hug him tightly, and he holds you just as hard.
Hearing a shocked gasp at the door, you shoot up and immediately hug Guzma too, kissing his cheek before stepping back and chuckling at his expression. He shakes it off, blushing brightly as he offers you a Skitty mug full of cool Sprite, "Uh- this is for you. If you want it."
"I do, thank you Guzma." You take the glass and sip out of it, before adding, "You can call me Manager from now on though."
"Right, Manager," is what he says without hesitation, before realizing what he's just said and gasping aloud. "Manager?!" Not even waiting for your answer, he picks you up with ease and lifts you up, asking again, "Manager? When!? I was gone for two minutes!"
Seems you'll have to get a proper handle on this catboy Café... You nearly forgot just how well-built they all are.
At least he's got a cute face to offset the muscle.