Chapter Text
Egg.
He’s a college student.
Well.. was a college student. A former student living in the Unstable City.
He doesn’t know who his parents are, doesn’t know what they look like, doesn’t know their name and when he was brought into this world.
All he knows is that, he’s alone.
Sure, you can count his neighbours and usual customers of his coffee shop as people he’s familiar with. Not people he’s relatively close with.
There’s a difference. Sadly.
Eggchan doesn’t complain. He simply accepts what is shown to him, an attempt to keep everything in great condition. Even if it meant enduring loneliness.
He’s lived his whole life surrounded by people he recognises, people he knows, people he’s aware, but never close with.
Sad, sad, life for our dear Eggchan. It seems.
Is what he would say if he gave a single care about his abnormal thoughts. There’s no point crying over spilled milk. Maybe it’s just his luck that managed to get him to survive until this day onwards.
Eggchan slowly tapped on the coffee machine, waiting for it to brew and pour so he could serve the said cup to his usual customer.
Same ol’ routine.
”Here you go,” Eggchan says, slowly passing over the wrapped cup.
The customer smiled at him, “thank you, Eggchan. Your coffees are the best!” The customer had complimented.
Eggchan denied any type of flattery, humble man.
It wasn’t that he hated praises. He thinks it’s because there are more people in the world who deserves to hear that word more than he does. Someone a higher level than him, someone that tries so hard to survive in this cruel society.
Though, he can’t help his chest from thumping at the complimentary. Feeling a little bit egotistical.
What a weirdo.
Does he have a praise kink or what?
The next customer came in and as usual — he simply went straight ahead to work.
His fingers memorising every cup, every recipe, every single button that his mind falters to keep inside.
It was fun. Somehow.
Doing something that’s not just laying around his carpet wishing there’s more fun things in the world for him to indulge in.
“Caramel Macchiato for Minute?” Eggchan raises his voice, calling for the customer who ordered the coffee a few seconds ago.
In an instant, the said ‘Minute’ made his appearance. Thanking Eggchan for making his coffee then paid it with a little tip.
Eggchan bid him farewell, pleased with his performance.
He hadn’t realised the payment came with a 50% tip.
Eggchan stared down at the cash, silence filling the whole room. He isn’t sure what to do when a massive amount of cash is displayed on his desk.
He held the money just slightly, coming into terms that the man had decided to tip him more than he was worth.
In fact, it was more than the maximum budget for giving tips that was only until 30%.
So seeing a large number wasn’t normal.
It’s unusual.
Eggchan didn’t say anything further before stashing it into his envelope.
He’ll have to count soon.
Hours came by which felt like it took years off of Eggchan’s life. Feeling his finger turning sore and numb at the constant physical pressure against iron and steel. It didn’t feel great but it didn’t feel bad either.
After dropping out of college for expenses purposes, working at his friend’s — Mapicc’s shop was the only option to keep himself intact.
With the salary it came with, there’s no chances Eggchan would refuse.
He had forced himself to live without eating for a few days, maximum three until he has enough money to pay for his own meals.
Mapicc had offered at some point, feeling bad that the angel has his stomach empty yet to no avail, Eggchan refused.
Even leading to a small argument between the two in which Spoke — Mapicc’s friend had to step in.
Eggchan doesn’t know Spokeishere.
He’s heard of him from Mapicc’s annoying chatter about his ‘new friend’ he stumbled upon. Having to constantly abide his request of advice, Eggchan is slightly familiar to who Spoke is.
He’s got that rainbow bandana, those white irises, that very oversized jacket that Eggchan will not ask of, a style so different compared to Mapicc.
However, he’d give one point at their similarities. In terms of personality, that is.
Mapicc is loud, Spoke is louder.
Mapicc is sensitive, Spoke is emotional.
Mapicc is stupid, Spoke.. not so much.
Spoke can comprehend issues at some level while Mapicc struggles to understand what it is that is shown to him.
For some reason, that didn’t bother them.
Eggchan wishes for that same connection.
The connection of two best friends.
Not the one where Spoke leaves Mapicc without any sort of communication. Conflicting their friendship.
One time, Mapicc had chose to block and peacefully leave Spoke. With a blink, suddenly they’re back together, talking and laughing like Mapicc didn’t tell Eggchan about the bullshits Spoke keeps on doing to him.
Mapicc tells him that Spoke leaves without a word, sometimes abandoning Mapicc and their playful planned events, sometimes even deleting and removing Mapicc from his contact list.
Sometimes they’d get into a really bad fight. All because Spoke didn’t want to communicate.
Eggchan doesn’t wish for that.
Eggchan wishes for the same two friends that helps throughout their journey, the same two friends that laughs when Spoke shows Mapicc a hilarious meme, the same two friends that prioritise each other.
Eggchan doesn’t have that.
He never did.
And he doesn’t think he will for a long time.
”-ello? Earth to Eggchan?” Mapicc’s voice came into play, waving in front of his covered eyes.
Eggchan blinked, taken aback at his thoughts before speaking, “Mapicc?”
”Um, yes, hello? Are you good like, good, bro?”
Eggchan’s wings flutters, “Yeah, dude. Just in a thought.”
”That’s a long thought,” Mapicc teases before placing his elbow on the counter, eyeing his friend in a worried glance.
Eggchan’s lips formed into a small smile, “don’t even start,” but he chuckled before the other could.
Mapicc cocked his eyebrow, “didn’t even think to,” and laughed a minute after.
They both stared at each other for a moment before Mapicc gave him an envelope.
”Your check.”
”But i thought my salary is next week?”
”Well, duh? I just want to give this to you- bro.”
Eggchan pushed the envelope back to Mapicc, refusing for the extra money he’s offering. “I can’t take that.”
Mapicc rolled his eyes, “obviously you can, bruh. It’s not much since your wages is a lot but it’s enough. For this week, at least, I think?”
Eggchan eyed him, not making any progress to accept the offer.
”God- bro, oh my gosh, just take it.” Mapicc pushed it back in which Eggchan retaliates.
”Yo, you know I can’t.”
”Eggchan- I swear to God. I’m not playing this game with you, again. Just take it, please.”
And it’s the please that made him feel guilty for refusing. He struggles to keep his hand on the desk before it completely accepted the envelope.
Eggchan thanked him generously, nothing but sincerity beating in his chest.
”Bro. You don’t know how much you’re helping me right now, bro.”
Mapicc gestured, denying his alliance.
“You need it. Yes, I know you buy those damn cup noodles before going back home, I’m not like, densed, dude.”
And that made Eggchan a little embarrassed. How could Mapicc have known?
If Eggchan knew Mapicc was somewhere near, his senses would’ve aimed his location. Yet, it didn’t.
”Thanks, man. Like, seriously, bro.”
”Don’t say it.”
Eggchan kept the envelope in his hand before placing it inside his pocket, shoving it deep so no one would have the chance to steal it.
Silence surrounded them for a moment.
”Well, I’ll get going now. Wouldn’t want to bother you on your shift, right?” Mapicc had managed to say.
Eggchan flicked his wrist, “yeah, yeah. Go now, you rude old man.”
Mapicc flipped him off and bid his farewell.
Eggchan was sure Mapicc stood a little longer on the front door before he actually stepped out and closed it off.
Eggchan let out a breath he didn’t realise he was holding.
Not only did Mapicc gave him a job, but a check. Not his salary, but for his own health. To buy food and groceries.
Maybe he should buy his groceries after this.
It was 6 PM and that is his cue to leave as his shift is over and Theobaldthebird will take over.
So he removes his apron, placed it onto the hanger before finishing up. Sweeping the floor, cleaned the tables, washed the extra plates before taking his leave.
It was a long day.
Eggchan took a basket and went his way to search for his home essentials.
He went from aisle to aisle for his necessities, sometimes getting something for himself.
He got a toothpaste, his last one is almost running out. Vegetables, he needs to eat something healthy. Meat, for protein. Bed sheets, he’s going to get some anonymous allergy if he’s keeping the same old sheets to use. Snacks, a little treat, and some sleeping pills.
Eggchan isn’t able to sleep.
Unless he swallows down his sleeping pills, of course. But that’s a different story.
He took his sweet time at the counter, manually scanning the codes himself as he’s independent, he claims to be.
It feels good doing things without anyone’s help. It doesn’t necessarily mean anything. He just likes the feeling of doing things his own way, without anyone’s help interrupting or internally disturb his peace.
He scanned the items one by one.
Wait, one item was missing.
He eyed the inside of the basket, scanning what he was missing until a hand somehow placed his said toothpaste on top of the scanning desk.
Eggchan turned his head and saw the person wearing a hoodie.
Very mysterious.
”Thanks,” Eggchan had said.
The person didn’t reply, simply watching Eggchan’s every movement as he scanned the toothpaste and paid it with his cash.
Eggchan looked like a lost child.
For some reason.
Eggchan placed his items into the paper bag, by himself, like the narrator had explained.
He turned his head in a swift motion before thanking him once again then left without listening to any type of response the mysterious person could have given.
Eggchan didn’t really want to hear anyone.
He feels overwhelmed, without a reason.
He could sense everything, hear everything, see almost everything even though his eyesight is the worst thing known to mankind.
He held the paperbag in his hand, tightening his grip. He isn’t sure why he’s feeling too much, it feels weird and uncomfortable. He shifts once in a while when his arm starts to ache, switching hands back and forth.
When he arrived, it was 8 PM.
Quite late compared to his other estimated time of arrival. He’d normally arrive around 7:30 PM. Let it be because he found a stray animal at the side or his trip to the grocery store, it was never past 7:50 PM.
Today, he would say, is different.
His senses died down the moment his back was hugged by comfortable sheets. His couch.
Wow. Eggchan’s apartment wasn’t that bad.
It was clean, just a little clothing here and there but nonetheless it was clean enough if anyone ought to come by. Which is never, by the way. Eggchan placed his bag onto the kitchen counter, leaving it to get himself clean and ready.
Tomorrow will be okay.
Eggchan woke up in the middle of the night. At 3 AM.
He isn’t sure why.
All he remembers is that he took his sleeping pills shortly after arranging his new-bought items home. He must’ve passed out.
But how is he awake?
This never happened.
Eggchan sat up on his bed. Rubbing his eyes in a circular motion as his drowsiness hasn’t left him fully.
It took Eggchan four minutes to regain control.
He stood up and went to the bathroom, washing his face with cold water to wake his sleeping energy.
Eggchan didn’t try to ask questions how the sleeping pills didn’t effectively work like it’s supposed to do.
Was it because he’s exhausted? Oh well, Eggchan doesn’t want to think.
His hair is disheveled, messy and ruined by the way he was positioned on his bed. If anyone was with him, they’d be able to see his bright blue eyes staring down at the cup in his hand.
There’s a reason why Eggchan rarely ever gets a haircut.
To keep his eyes hidden.
Why? Someday, Eggchan will explain thoroughly.
So for now, he keeps sipping his coffee like his life depended on it.
It feels weird drinking coffee in a cup that’s not the shop’s.
In fact, it feels weird not being in the shop.
He has so much time until his shift at 2 PM.
Maybe Eggchan should do something.
But what should he do?
Eggchan stepped out of his apartment, taking the lift to the lowest level so he could feel the coldness of air facing him when the door opens.
It feels relaxing.
He walked to God knows where.
Maybe to FamilyMart. Looking for anything to chew on.
Though, that simply stopped when the floor rattled against him. Losing his balance in the process.
”What the heck, bro?” Eggchan mutters out. Eyeing his surroundings before his eyes landed on Arachn1d, one of the profound hero of Unstable City, then to Gambit — the known villain throughout history as he commits mass destruction.
Eggchan stood and watched the scene unfold with so much curiosity and.. annoyance?
How the hell do they have this much energy early in the morning, three in the morning specifically?
Eggchan’s chest rose and fell as his wings began to flail, warning him to go somewhere instead of watching a fight between their greatest protector and their greatest enemy!
“Give it up, Gambit.” Arachn1d had requested, sword in hand as it is turned towards the villainous.
Gambit could only do so much but laugh, he laughed that he’s sure everyone could hear their desperate banter. “Are you serious, Arachn1d?”
Arachn1d’s eyes gazed against the demon.
By his looks, Eggchan could see his anger coming in by the way he’s gripping his sword.
“I’m not saying it twice.” Arachn1d warned.
Gambit stared at him.
One,
Two,
Three,
And Gambit was nowhere to be found the moment Arachn1d blinked.
The hero looked around, searching for the lost enemy before his senses sparked above him.
Gambit was holding his mace, flying down with his elytra. It was obvious the demon was going to demolish the hero in a hit.
That is, if Arachn1d was stupid.
Arachn1d dodged in a motion, the mace almost hitting the sides of his face. Thank God, Arachn1d had his spider senses.
Gambit chuckled, surprised that his trick didn’t work on the City’s greatest protector. “God, seriously? Are you gonna dodge everyday?”
”Oh, I can do this all day.”
”Yeah, bro. You definitely got that power, I believe you, bro.” Gambit taunted.
That gave him a reaction and a little angered spider in return.
Eggchan stood still.
Despite being an angel, his intelligence to survive in a very awkward situation is low.
What the hell is happening?
No, Eggchan is not going to explain what he had just witnessed.
He is not going to tell Mapicc what had occurred early in the morning although he’s one hundred percent sure many others heard the rumbling.
Which is why he’s seated on the chair inside Mapicc’s delightful coffee shop whilst listening to the TV news. Gawking at the fact Eggchan was at the scene.
”This morning, we heard some intense noise around the Unstable City. Apparently, our beloved hero, Arachn1d fought with—“
”Turn that off, goodness gracious,” Eggchan pleaded to Theo who hums in return, obeying his request.
Theo brewed a cup of coffee, ignoring the stressful noises coming from the angel.
Today, as Eggchan forgotten, had his shift with Theo. A friend of Mapicc Eggchan doesn’t know very well except for what he is and where he came from.
Mapicc’s mouth just can’t keep itself closed. That’s for sure.
Another worker had their shift on Theo’s usual meaning his schedule had to be changed in order for the newly worker to settle into their very new environment.
Theo didn’t show any signs of distress. Just sighs from here and there.
Eggchan is truly grateful Theo isn’t that pressing. He’s chill. At least for his first impression.
”So, do you, like, not listen to the news, or?”
Eggchan takes his words back.
”Ugh, no, bro. I know about the issues from here to there but I’d rather just not listen to any.” Eggchan replied, welcoming the customer that entered.
Theo nodded, doing the order Eggchan gave him.
“What do you think of the villains?”
And that caught him off guard. Really.
He didn’t really ask himself that.
Was there a reason to?
Eggchan slightly gulps, hesitating to answer before going straight on, “I mean.. I don’t know, bro? They’re villains for a reason but then again, looking at our shit ass society system, they aren’t exactly, um.. in the wrong?”
Eggchan stumbled upon his words while he spoke, fidgeting with the screen on his hand whilst he took a few more orders.
Theo, on the other hand listened to his speech.
”That’s a thoughtful message.”
”Thanks. I try to let it not be.”
Theo chuckled, for the first time on their shift. “Are you always this negative, bruh? Anyways, you’re right. The villains aren’t entirely wrong. It’s their way of doing the job is what makes it so..”
”So?” Eggchan asks.
Theo shrugs, “what makes it seem like they lost their morals. I don’t think anyone can lose their humanity in themselves.”
Eggchan hums. “You are, like, the first person to ask me this, dude. But yeah. Their ways of making the system better goes against all moral laws, but their intentions haven’t.”
Theo didn’t reply. Eggchan isn’t sure why.
So he continued taking orders, making sure Theo receives them as it goes back and forth until it hits 4:50 PM. A break.
They went ahead inside their rest room, leaning against the couch and possibly showering inside the bathroom.
Thank Mapicc for having basic human decency.
Eggchan got out of the shower and wore himself some oversized shirt Mapicc had bought from a thrift store, said he ‘needed to wear something else other than that almost tight suit.’ It doesn’t look bad.
Eggchan actually likes it.
Theo laid on the couch, relaxing his eyes as his hands played with his hair.
”Do you know about the Spyglass?”
”Spyglass? You mean the one that’s with Gambit?”
Theo huffs, “yeah.”
Eggchan nodded, putting on his sweatpants. “Sure. He’s had appearances around our coffee shop last week, didn’t he? Why are you asking, bro?”
Theo kept quiet, fidgeting with his hoodie strings. Eggchan can tell he’s nervous.
”No reason. Just worried.”
”For him or for this place?”
”This place, obviously. You dickhead,” Theo grumbled at Eggchan’s lack of respect.
Eggchan laughed. Out of anyone, Eggchan is sure Theo doesn’t have any sort of relationship with the Spyglass.
Well, he thinks.
Theo looks like the type of person to not involve himself to any danger.
”Kidding. I’m sure you’re not buddy-buddy with them or whatever, dude.”
”Buddy-buddy? Who the hell says that, man?”
It is six PM.
Theo’s shift ended, Eggchan hasn’t.
Not until nine PM.
Since the coffee shop is 24 hours, the new worker will probably take their shift around ten until twelve.
Eggchan prays for their stable mental health.
Customers rarely enter when it’s six, seemingly due to the business and safety precautions.
However, they do become lively when it’s eleven, for some reason Eggchan cannot fathom.
What good does it do if they choose not to come at six but arrive at eleven? Isn’t it.. weird.
Eggchan won’t bother.
There are a few customers to come and order but they rarely ever dine in, mostly takeaway.
Eggchan was just cleaning the counter until the door ringed.
It wasn’t the sudden doorbell ringing is what shocked him.
It wasn’t the sudden urge to run away is what shocked him.
It was the fact the person stood in front of him now is none other than Gambit.
The villain.
The destruction bearer.
Eggchan stood in his stance, processing what is happening in front of his covered eyes.
His wings fluttering every now and then as the Gambit stood still.
”Yo. Can I order?”
It’s six PM.
It’s six PM.
Dear, God, it’s six PM.
Eggchan took a while to regain control over his shocked behaviour before snapping out of his trance, completely going back to doing his job.
”Sure. What would you like to order?”
”Caramel Frappe, please.”
Wow. Even a villain has a sweet tooth.
”Is that — not a little too.. sweet, for you?” Eggchan fumbles.
Earning a stare, he kept his mouth shut.
”Okay. That’ll be four and sixty six cents.”
“Alright.”
Eggchan got to his work right away, making sure he doesn’t mess anything up before serving the said order to the demon.
Eggchan stared for any sort of reaction. Dislike, interest, anything.
Gambit tasted his lips for a minute.
”It’s good.”
Eggchan took a deep breath. “Thanks. Knew that.”
Gambit looked at him, really looked before a smile formed around his corner.
“You’re confident. Dude.”
Is this demon trying to make a casual talk with a normal civilian? An Angel?
”Well, what can I say?” Eggchan chuckles. It wasn’t on purpose.
”Mm. Sure. You’re good at this. Last shop was bitter.”
Eggchan’s gaze stayed onto the demon, “is it the Bumblebee’s one?”
Gambit shrugged, “I guess so.”
Eggchan managed a half-suppressed laugh, “Dude. Theirs are like, super bitter. No taste. They don’t even sell hot coffee.” Eggchan rambles.
Gambit’s shoulders aren’t tensed anymore.
”Yeah. I can see that.”
”I like their Macchiato, though. Much more better compared to ours.”
Well. That’s a first.
Eggchan has never, and when he says never, he has never ever downgraded their performance.
”Is that, like, top selling here?”
Eggchan shrugged his shoulders, “I guess? A second to our Affogato, I’d say. Our usual customers buy Macchiato a lot, funny, right?”
What he wasn’t expecting was making the villain laugh.
It had never crossed his mind that a monstrous villain would ever laugh — especially because of him.
Eggchan didn’t mind. He’s not complaining.
Though, he does keep in mind that this.. is a villain. Someone who can kill him for a single mistake.
Eggchan won’t take that risk.
”Maybe I should try that tomorrow,” Gambit muffled between sips, taking his sweet time to finish the coffee Eggchan served him.
Eggchan nodded, agreeing with his statement.
”God, please do. I need to know your opinion, a villain, of our coffees.”
Eggchan didn’t fail earning another chuckle from the demon.
His wings fluttered, pleased.
”Sure. Do you always need people’s opinion or something?”
”Yes.”
”Such a people pleaser.”
Eggchan eyed at the demon, taking great offence yet made no retaliation against it. Just listening and humming as he continues wiping wet cups.
Silence was all they could hear for a while. Adjusting between each other’s presence.
Out of anything Eggchan has ever encountered, he never thought to have a casual conversation with someone he’s definitely supposed to report.
Well, does he really have to?
Civilians have rights, after all.
It didn’t feel wrong, didn’t feel like it was a sin to be sitting with a destructive man even though he’s confident it’s a sin.
Especially when this specific man killed a lot of innocent people.
He won’t mention that those ‘innocent people’ come with greedy politicians.
“This your shift?” Gambit asked, tapping on the cup handle.
Eggchan’e eyebrow lifted, confused at the sudden change of pace, “you can say that. Well, not really. My shift starts at 4 PM. Depends on the schedule. There are new workers recently so my shift changes every now and then.”
Gambit hummed, taking the information into account. Why? That’s for himself to know, apparently.
None of them said a word. Simply enjoying the surroundings that covers them as they both observe one another.
Gambit isn’t sure why this.. barista still hasn’t made a report. Unbeknownst to him that the said barista is scared shitless.
Last coffee shop… yes.. Gambit remembers barely.
He remembers watching the cry of that barista for making a call of his appearance.
Eggchan watched as the demon shook his head, seemingly to have some troubles.
”You good?”
”Yeah. Just remembered something.”
Eggchan huffs, “that’s sad. Do you always get some sort of reminders?”
Gambit gave him a stare, taken aback.
”Yeah sure.”
Eggchan didn’t press any further.
“What’s your name?”
Eggchan’s wings flailed, warning him for danger that might come his way if he revealed that information.
”Who’s asking?”
Gambit looked at him, taking details of the angel’s features. “Me.”
“Is it that important?” Eggchan teases, hoping to ease the intense mood walking around the air.
Gambit sips his coffee. “Wouldn’t you like to know.”
Eggchan laughs, really laughs.
”Maybe next time. I’m not really the one to tell my name to people I’m not really close with, let alone a villain..”
”Worth a shot, I guess.”
Eggchan chuckles, giving the demon his receipt. “So it seems.”
Gambit eyed the receipt at front, taking money out of his bloodied pocket and placing it on the desk.
Not only did a random customer gave Eggchan a 50% tip, this guy placed a whole ass stack of cash.
Eggchan took a step back, trying to make sure this isn’t God playing tricks on him. “What the heck?”
Gambit muffled something that he wasn’t able to point out, much alike to his wings fluttering.
”Bro. Do you know how you look like right now?”
”Are you seriously trying to put me into jail?”
Gambit shook his head, “are you dumb? This is your payment.”
”Dude. You can’t buy me. I’m just a barista.”
Gambit’s fingers stayed on the bridge of his noise. He can’t believe this guy.
”The hell are you talking about? It’s my payment.”
”THIS amount of cash? Are you trying to bribe me???”
Gambit stared at him. “Dude. You know what, I’m leaving.”
Eggchan looked at the cash then at the villain then the cash then the villain.
”You’re crazy. Genuinely crazy.”
”Thanks.”
Eggchan took the cash, placed it inside the money box. “Thank you.”
”Don’t mention it,” Gambit rubbed the back of his neck. Refusing the thanks before actively leaving the shop.
It’s 7:45 PM.
Eggchan did not think of what he saw this morning.
Did not think about what to tell Mapicc.
Did not think about the conversation between Theo.
He only thinks about a certain purpled haired demon who came into Mapicc’s coffee shop, ordered a caramel frappe and placed a stack of cash worth two months of his home expenses, bills, and itinerary.
Eggchan kept his mouth shut.