Rainier hummed low and turned to the customer that was still kicking up a fuss. He would have loved to stay out of the situation but he still walked over to talk to him. He just pulled him as if they had known each other for a long time, whispered something in his ear and the guy quickly nodded and handed over a few bills then bolted out of the cafe. Rainier gave a nod of approval and turned back to the counter. "Is my order ready?" He asked as he handed over the money to Zeke, "that's for Cassian's dry cleaning, make sure to hand it over. How much for my coffee?" He asked as he grabbed his wallet.
"It's on the house. I'll be sure to tell Cassian to thank you later," Zeke said with a cheeky smile. Rainier groaned but otherwise said nothing. He looked towards the bathroom before leaving with his drink in his hand. He hadn't gone very far when he heard the bell chime and soon after, he was met by the familiar fragrance that he had grown used to, almost liked it even. He didn't turn around to acknowledge the bearer of the scent but he was sure that it wouldn't keep him from talking to him.
"I... Uh... Um... Thank you," said the voice he had grown used to. Only this time it was softer than usual, almost as if he were... shy. Rainier turned around then. He had always seen Cassian in a hoodie and jeans or sweat pants. But this time he looked different. He ran his hands through his silver locks in an attempt to calm his nerves when Rainier turned to face him. He had an agenda with today's meeting but it wasn't going to plan. He wanted to at the very least impress Rainier with his appearance so as to increase his chances of getting an answer to his proposal. Well, that's not an option anymore. He had to resort to using his charms instead.
Looking down at Cassian, Rainier suppressed his smile as he looked him over. He noticed he was wearing a Mocha Avenue custom T-shirt. Were it not for the coffee strain on his jacket, he would say he was dressed to impress. He knew his staring was not making Cassian any less nervous but he enjoyed it. He's never seen him this squirmy before and it was making him a little bit happy. Cassian cleared his throat drawing Rainier out of his thoughts.
"I was hoping to invite you to a party I'll be attend this coming Friday," he said in a business manner as if submitting a proposal to his boss. Rainier was tempted to accept but he knew he had responsibilities to attend to that Friday. He had a party of his own to attend and he couldn't bring Cassian with him. Even if he was allowed to bring a friend, Cassian wouldn't be the first nor the last to come to mind. He didn't want to scare him off by throwing him into his world of blood and monsters. He was too pure for that. He sighed softly.
"I'm sorry. I have other things to attend to on that day," he said trying to sound somewhat apologetic. He didn't feel it but he tried to show that he was feeling it. Out of courtesy.
"Are you rejecting me again?" Cassian whispered. He was genuinely hurt but he didn't want Rainier to know that. That didn't keep him from noticing it though. He sighed softly.
"Look..." He began but Cassian shook his head and looked up at him with a smile.
"It's okay. I know you're busy," he said as he grabbed his elbow in a weak attempt to hold himself together. "I guess I'll see you next time?" He asked hopefully.
"Uh... Yeah," Rainier said weakly. He had never seen Cassian so broken up about him not being available. It must have been pretty important for him to invite him. He had already gotten used to him being able to bounce back in a few minutes but that's not the case this time. He just hoped that the next time they met, he would actually be free. That way he would hang out with him, then hopefully, Cassian would see how boring he actually is and he would lose interest in him. But why did the thought of that possible outcome bring him an unfamiliar ache? He sighed and turned away to go to work.
Cassian watched as he left and once he was around the corner he dug out his phone and hit the speed-dial, as the phone was ringing, he looked around as he lost the desperately hurt look he was wearing. He thought playing innocent would win him some leeway with Rainier but he's not gotten anywhere. That was a bummer.