Fapochiho

It had been a week since Penny kicked Noah out. He knew he was in the wrong, but hadn't realized how long she could hold a grudge. She told Lucas what happened and he took her side. After receiving a severe scolding, at least Lucas continued to talk to him. He missed Penny.

The hotel honestly wasn't too bad. It had a soft bed, bath, and even room service. He was paying for the room by taking extra shifts at the coffee shop. Today was his turn to close.

As much as Noah hated himself for it, he was nervous. That alpha, the betas called Bane, had been hanging around in the park lately. So far he'd managed to take earlier shifts and leave when there were still people in the park, but since he was closing he would be by himself when the park is dark and deserted.

Lucas wasn't working today. It was just Don and him.

"You sure are quiet today." Noah jerked his head up, startled.

"Easy kid, it's just me," Don chuckled. "Jumpy too it seems." Noah thought he could see concern in Don's eyes. But if he had it was just for a second. That's what Noah liked about Don. He didn't treat Noah like an omega, but as an equal. Like when he showed up for work after getting attacked, Don didn't make a big fuss of it. He silently handed Noah some bruise cream and went back to work. Not giving him looks of pity like everyone else was in the shop.

"My shift's over," Don thought out loud, causing Noah to tense up, "but I think I feel like a coffee. How 'bout you make me one of those Fapochiho things?"

Noah sighed in relief and laughed, "you mean a Frappuccino?"

"Yea, that. 'Bout time I tried one of those."

Tears were beginning to pool in Noah's eyes out of laughter and relief. Funny how thing are ten times more amusing after being depressed for a week. "You own a coffee shop! How do you not know what it's called?"

"Bah! Gimme a break, I'm old. Now where's my coffee?"

For the rest of Noah's shift Don sipped on his Frappuccino, making little comments here and there on spots Noah forgot to mop. Once it was time to lock up, Noah was grumbling about how he'd never mop while Don was around again. It now being Don's turn to laugh.

Noah knew this was coming, but it didn't make him any less anxious. "...well, I guess I'll see you during my next shift..."

Don thought for a second. "You still livin' at that hotel?"

Noah stared at him, perplexed. "How'd you know?"

"Lucas scolds as loud as my own momma used to," he chuckled.

"...ah. Well yea, why?"

"The missus wants me to bring home some take out. Isn't that nice Chinese restaurant next to ya?"

"Er, I think so." Noah shrugged.

"Well then let's get moving." Don began to walk ahead as Noah stared after him.

"What an odd man," Noah mumbled.

"I heard that! Now get yer ass over here 'fore I leave ya."

The walk was relatively short and filled with silence.

As they reached their destinations a phone rang.

"Not me," Noah said as he patted his pockets.

"Oh dear," Don muttered as he pulled his phone out of his back pocket, "it's the wife...."

"Hello, honey," Don muttered, guiltily.

He quickly pulled the phone away from his ear as his wife yelled loud enough for even Noah to faintly hear, "where the hell are you? I lit candles Donatello. Candles!" Noah blushed as he felt he was unintentionally intruding on a rather private conversation. Don must have saw as he too turned red.

He turned away from Noah and muttered, "Sugarplum—".

She cut him off. "Don't you 'Sugarplum' me! The water is getting cold. Since your not here I'll just have to get in by myself."

He pleaded, "I was just getting a coffee, I'm bringing home Chinese food!"

"Should I..." Noah pointed towards the hotel.

"What are you doing drinking coffee at this time of night? You said you hate how it makes you feel before bed! And I told you I made dinner! You have 15 minutes to be home and nak—"

Don's face grew a shade of red Noah had never seen as he vigorously waved for Noah to head inside the hotel. Noah chuckled as he watched the elderly man half walk and half jog his way back home. Noah had never felt so lucky to have met Don as he did right then.