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“Sorry, I'm late-!” Rody said.Vince was already wanting to quit, what boss was late to his own employee's training? Didn't he set the time?“It's nothing.” He said instead.“Right, I take it you didn't have service jobs in a while, right? The resume says so.”“I haven't, didn't think I'd be coming back to them either.” He mumbled the last part under his breath.“Alright! There should be some customers coming in, so I'll walk you through it.”As if scripted, the door chimes jingled as a person walked in.“That's someone now! Go try seating them- oh and, try picking the best table for the customers to sit at.” Rody said.Vince nodded along, walking over to the customer, “Table for one?” He assumed. “Ah, yes please.” The customer nodded.While seating, Vince sifted his mind through the menu. Which had a… let’s say an interesting palette. It was all like his boss pretended to be a professional chef only to microwave nuggets when he got home. Nevermind Vince’s judgmental attitude, the customer already knew what they wanted.“I’ll have the grilled hanger steak.” A dish that was familiar to Vince. He nodded and went on his way to hand the order to the chefs.“Oh, it looks like you already have this down!” Rody let out a dopey grin.“What?” Vince said, “Did you expect me not to know how to serve people?”“A- Ah right… Well, I’ll let you take care of the customers by yourself! I’ll be in the back!”“Understood—”“And just call me Rody! No need for any titles!” He interrupted Vince, waving off as he jogged to the kitchen. Vince only let out a groan in response, so much so for a ‘professional’ business. More customers rolled in with cheery faces, it looks like this atmosphere wasn’t compatible with Vince, who preferred a much more quiet setting.Orders were taken and delivered, tips were given from a generous amount to barely anything. Either way Vince was blowing through them like steam, most likely from his want to get over with his shift.Rody, on the other hand, watched Vince from the window. “I think I made a good first impression!” He’d think to himself, “Maybe I’ll cook something for him- wait, is that too weird for a new and fresh hire? I’ve done it before but what if he doesn’t like it—?”“Rody!” One of his chefs yelled, a small fire had set off from the stove.“I’ll take care of it!” Chaos ensued as Rody immediately grounded himself and rushed for the extinguisher, needless to say someone’s food was going to be delayed. And Vince heard it all from the open bistro window.The customers he was serving heard it too, “Is there another accident in the kitchen?” The woman chuckled.“It seems so,” Vince groaned, “Pardon them for the… noise.”“Oh it’s okay! The chaos is what Rody’s bistro is basically what it’s all about.” Vince paused when he heard that, the customers actually enjoyed this unprofessionalism? “You don’t mind it, at all?”She shook her head, chuckling and digging into her food. Vince took that as a sign that he should go back to serving other customers. While he doesn’t like it, he can’t say Boss isn’t smart if this is his marketing. It does bring in a lot of customers.~“Ah, Vince, wait a second!”“Yes? What is it B—” He caught himself, “Rody?”“I made you something!” He handed Vince a take out box. Vince wasn’t all for take out, but he took it. “What is it?” He asked.“Just a lil something I do for all my new hires! It’s cake, enjoy it alright?” Rody rambled off, only letting Vince get a “Mhm.” In. “Oh-!” He continued.“Also, you did a great job back there! Keep it up!”“... Thanks.” Vince relaxed his shoulders. At least his Boss wasn’t a total asshole.When Vince got home to his apartment, he sat at the dinner table and opened up the box. A little pink cake sat there, decorated with hearts and such. If Vince was stupid, he’d think Rody fell in love with him at first sight.Normally he’d make his own food, but this time he picked up a fork and dug into it.Big mistake. (Or, mild mistake?)The taste hit Vince like a punch to the gut. It was inviting but it had a funky flavour. Like the food was begging for attention or love. So much so that it was suffocating itself. He took his time to swallow before taking another bite.Vince didn’t think he could take another bite. He’ll finish it some other time, he’d think to himself as he shoved it into the fridge.
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He took his break behind the bistro instead of the designated lounge area. It was too small for him anyway.But as much as he would've liked, he was accompanied by no other than his Boss. “So, what were you doing before?” Rody had asked what seemed like his third question. Vince only sighed as a response, taking a puff of his cigarette.“I majored in culinary, I’m not ready to use it yet.” He said, “why?” Rody would echo like a little kid.“I have to get proper funds and such, it’s nothing worth listening to.” He continued to occupy himself, but Rody was persistent.“But I want to learn more about you!” he said, “You know, get the chance to really know each other at least…”“Why don’t tell me about yourself, then?”“Eh?”“Tell me about yourself,” Vince massaged his temples, “are you really going to get closer by just asking questions about myself?” That got a realization nod from
Rody.“Ah… I uh, don’t know where to start actually.” Rody said.“What did you major in?”He let out an uneven chuckle, “it's surprising but I never majored in culinary stuff! I was actually majoring in hospitality.”Vince dragged out another puff, “Hospitality?” He said.“Yeah! I know it's kinda weird how I ended up at this position, but I wouldn't be anywhere else! Plus, everyone is having fun so…”Ah, there's Rody's rambling again. Vince nodded along to his words as he glanced at the red head's lips.“I also did this for Manon!” That caught Vince's attention, and he preferred not to hear that name again.“We haven't talked in a while… b- but I'm going to treat her to something good! I swear!”“I'm sure you are…” he looked away, finishing his cigarette.“Is everything okay?” Rody asked, “you don't look too good…”“Fine. I just should get back to work.”“Awh, really…?”He tried not to grin at that, “you set the times… remember?”“Aah right! Hoo, I need to start writing these things down…” He said.“I'll get back to work.”“Oh! And if you can, throw out the trash at the end of the day please!” Vince only hummed in response to Rody's request.~“Isn't the waiter so stuck-up?”Vince froze and looked over to the table. “Yeah, I missed the old one… it's like he had the life sucked out of him.”He let out a breath, it's not like he wanted to be here either. “Ignore them.” He told himself.Yet, they continued, “How does Rody even let him work here?”Excuse them…? He worked hard just to get a job! What do they mean by that?Rody wondered that too, “Need another break?” He walked up to Vince.“I'm fine.” Vince massaged his temples.“I'll go talk to them, just… take it easy, yeah?”“... yeah, I understand.” He nodded.Rody flashed him a smile and made his way over to the table., before heading off to the table with the gossipers.“How’s everyone doing?” Rody asked, keeping up his cheerful persona.“Good, good.” One said, “Never a dull night at your bistro Rody!”“Mhm, say, I was working but I couldn’t help you say some… interesting things about my new hire!” He said.“Oh yeah, he’s an odd one, isn’t he?” they said, “Hey, why’d you hire him..?”“Well, I think everyone deserves a chance! Look, I know he may seem emotionally constipated and all… but just let him adjust alright? He’s a great guy.”Vince listened to Rody words from another table, is that really what Rody thinks of him? Or is it just to save face? An “Excuse me?” snapped him out of his thoughts.“Apologies…” He’d say, “just a bit out of it, what would you like again?”He should make himself something after his shift.~After throwing out the trash, his mind wandered back to those words. Too stuck up? Has life sucked out of him? It bothered him much more he’d like to admit, don’t get him wrong. He doesn’t care… Just that nobody likes to be shit on for no apparent reason.“Vince…” he looked up to the man who called him out, Rody.“Are you okay?” He said, “They didn’t hurt you too much, right?”“... I’m fine, Rody.”“Hey, here.” He handed Vince another take-out box, “you look like you need it.”“You’re… making me something again?”“Of course! Why wouldn’t I?” He said.Vince was about to say something, but decided not too after seeing Rody’s smile. “... I see, thank you, Boss.”“Rody.”“Right— Thank you, Rody.”“Take it easy, alright?” Rody asked, “I’ll be in my office if you need me.”“Noted…”He paused as Rody left. He took a peek at the box, chocolate-dipped churros. With yet again, cute decorations. Vince’s eyes narrowed at it, the food was still begging for love. “This is going into the fridge.” He sighed to himself.When he got home, he peeked at the churros again, before noticing a note.“Wanna hang out? I’m hosting a dinner party on the 21st! :D”
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“What made you treat a customer like that?”“Boss- I'm sorry-”“Sorry doesn't cut it!” He said, “that customer said no peanuts! What if they had an allergy!?”“Boss!”Rody pinned the chef against the wall with a thud, “that man probably hates us now!” He said, “you think he'll ever forgive us?”“H- He said it was okay…”“Well maybe he's a fucking liar!” Sobs streamed down his face. “Next time, I expect perfect customer satisfaction!”“Yes… boss.”“I didn't hear you.”“Yes boss!”“... go, I'll make you something after your shift.”The chef walked past Vince without a word. His mouth was slightly agape as he processed the scene.Was all that… Rody?He paused, before giving a few light raps on the door, “... Boss?”The sobs died down, beginning to be replaced with sighs and pants. The door knob shook as he opened it.“What's up?” He smiled, as if nothing ever happened.“I… I saw the note.” He said, “I just wanted to let you know I'm thinking about it.” He changed his answer.“Really?” The shine in Rody's eyes came back.“Really.” Vince said.“That's great! Hey, why don't you come in for a bit. You are a bit early after all.”“Well, it wouldn't hurt to do so…”Rody let out a quiet “yes!” As he fully opened the door, letting Vince walk inside. Papers were everywhere as if a burglar broke in and trashed it. The only remotely clean part was the desk. Which was decorated with a small rack of envelopes and a tray of chilli peppers.“... what's…”“What's with the chilli peppers?” Rody said, “Haha, weird I know. I just like the way they burn my throat!”“Do you just enjoy them like that? No nothing with it?”“Ahaha… yeah… yeah.”The silence deafened the room. Vince couldn't talk about that- his favourite was lemons, but he meant that in a general term. Not just pure lemons. (Although, something felt wrong in saying that.)“And what about the envelopes? Are they for work?” Vince changed the subject.“Sometimes, but I usually write to Manon! She's the best!”“... I can tell.”“She's been busy apparently, but she made time to come to our dinner party! Isn't that great!”Vince almost didn't catch the “our” part of Rody's words.“Oh? You need help setting up the party, don't you.” He said.“Aah, um… maybe.”“... I figured. I'm getting paid, right?”“Of course I'm paying you! All you have to do is help me put up decorations and you can have fun afterwards.”“Right, right. I'll come if I can.” Vince said, “but that's not guaranteed.”“I got that!” Rody grinned.Vince looked to the walls, looking at the place he assumed the chef was pinned against. He didn't expect for Rody to have such… wild outbursts.Furthermore, he was questioning Rody's entire character. If he only saw this so late into this job, what else was he hiding from him?“When do you need me to come?”“Oh! I'm thinking seven? Just an hour after your shift!”“Understood… make sure you're not late.”“D- Don't worry man! I set the time after all…”“Last time you said that you were late to my training…” he groaned.“Look, I promise, alright?”“You better be…” Vince flicked Rody's forehead.“Heh, feels like I should be calling you boss.”“Maybe you should.” Vince said. He let out a tiny grin, which Rody swore was a mix of amusement and teasing.“Ah, there. It's one of my backup keys! Just in case my alarm doesn't work…”“Hm, I don't know where you live.” He said.“Oh, my apartment's just above the bistro actually! It's cheaper to live like that.”“Mhm. Noted.” He nodded.“I'll see you there! I- If you come after all…”~Sometimes Vince wished he had a better umbrella. Because he was stumbling into the bistro with an umbrella that was inside out and clothes that were wet as a cat in water.He sighed to himself, trying himself off with his handkerchief and stumbling up upstairs.“Rody! I'm here!” No answer… looks like he slept in during his nap. Grabbing the
keys from his pocket, he unlocked it.Yet, before he could open it swung open. “Sorry! My alarm didn't work…” Rody said still in a plain white shirt and black shorts.“Wait- why are you wet?” He asked.“... My umbrella broke in the wind.”“Oh, here I'll lend you some of my clothes! If you want I can run a bath for you or-”“I just need a towel.”“... are you sure? You're soaked Vince!” He said.“I'm fine…”A light sneeze from Vince said otherwise.“Come on… I'm not letting my own employees be sick!” He tugged Vince's wet sleeve.“I won't be sick, Rody…”“As if! C'mon, I'm sure I have some sweaters. Oh- ah worry about the help another time.”“Wait-” Vince's protest was ignored as he was dragged off into Rody's bathroom.“I'll get you some clothes, take as much time as you need!”The door shut… Well, he wasn't the one to just up an opportunity if Rody's insists. He pulled the clinging clothes off his body, folding them and setting them onto the counter.By the time he was done, Rody had found something for Vince to wear.“I didn’t know what you’d like, so I just got you one of my sweaters!” He’d say while putting a wrinkly outfit in Vince’s hands, “Come out to the living room when you’re ready.”And while the sweater was quite large for Vince, he admits it’s better than standing around in wet clothes.Making his way back to the living room is when he froze. Rody was greeting a girl at the door way. She had her signature headband in to complement her hazelnut hair, and her smile was as bright as he had remembered.He wished he didn’t.“Oh! Vince! Come meet Manon, she’s the girl I’ve told you all about!” Rody said as he noticed Vince.“Nice to meet you.”“Vince—?”“I'm here to help with decoration.” He cut her off. Maybe he should’ve made up an excuse not to go.“C’mon Vince,” Rody said, “I’ve told her all about you too! You’ll get along great- I’ll go make you guys something. It’s still a while before all the other guests come!”“...”“...”“Vince—”“I’m not interested in women anymore, Manon.” He glared.“It’s not that anymore…” She said, “I’d… I want us to have what we’ve had before, friendship.”“Is that just another way to butter me up?”“Vince, please? You’re one of the reasons I came here!”He had a hard time believing that, but he remembered customer reviews about him being “too stuck up”, so he caved in. “Fine,” He said, “But don’t try anything funny.”“... Thank you, Vince.” She smiled.It started at small talk, on how the other met Rody. Catching up on their lives, and the struggles they had. Vince’s shoulders still tensed, but he noticed them relax just a bit as Manon talked, and even more so when Rody came back in the room with two plates of pasta.“I’m back! How’s everyone getting along?”“Everything’s going great!” Manon said.“Yeah, great…” Vince would’ve liked to say otherwise, but he figured that was just him being stubborn with himself.“Well, eat up guys! I’ll just be in the kitchen.”“Oh, do you mind if I help?” Manon asked.“O— Of course!”Rody’s face flushed red as he stumbled back into the kitchen, Manon only giggled and turned to Vince.“You can come help us if you like.”“I think I’m fine, I’ll just eat my own food.”As soon as Manon left, Vince didn’t even take a bite. He knew it would taste pitiful anyway.Now, he wasn’t the one for snooping, but that scene he saw in the morning made him wonder: what else was his happy-go-lucky boss hiding? Vince snuck into the corridor and made his way past to the bathroom, and into what he presumed to be Rody’s bedroom.He knew it would be messy— but it also caught himself off guard at the same time.
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If depression was a room, it would be this one.Nevermind the large buckets of peppers and tequila- when was the last time Rody even cleaned the place?Vince tried to walk through the mess without stepping on papers, tissues, or any clothes that had yet to be put in the closet… he hoped Rody didn't just pick a sweater off the floor and give it to him.His eyes were lured to Rody's drawer, which was still wide open.He slowly walked to the drawer and looked inside, through the files of papers and wrappers were small keys. Vince recognized a few of them.The key to his apartment, the restaurant key, and more importantly-The freezer key.He was never allowed in the freezer, that was the only thing Rody was ever firm to him about.“Where do you think you're going?” He'd say, “You don't need to be there.”“I was just checking if we ran out of something…”“That's not your job… Look, I'll check our supply, don't worry about it!”“Wait-”“Plus only I have the key after all.”He thought back to that moment. Rody had smiled back there, but it almost seemed strained and passive aggressive. He didn't know why he was doing this- but he grabbed the key and snatched it in his pocket.Whenever either good or bad timing, the door creek.“Vince? What are you doing in my room…?”“I-” he paused, “I wanted to give back your clothes.”“Oh! Just keep them. It doesn't look like they'll be tight around you any time!”“What do you mean by that-”“C'mon I'll give your clothes back when they're done drying!” He dragged Vince out the room, “I don't you didn't mind the um… mess.”“Um… no.” Vince said.Well, that was passive aggressive encounter two…Not wanting to ruin their relationship, Vince decided to go back to the living room In which guests already flooded the room. He saw Rody, who had already gone back to his cheery personality.New objective: Avoid him at all costs. In fact, if it wasn't for Manon he would have left at all costs.He shuffled himself over to the drinks table, hoping to just waste his time. Maybe he should just leave. He'd apologize to Manon later…“Vince!” Someone said.“Excuse me-? Who said that-?”“Vince, It’s me. Shane. University, remember?” He ran a hand through his blonde hair.Ah… That’s right. He hadn’t seen him in a while. “Um… How’s it been…?”“Aah same old, same old. Rody was rambling all about you. Did you like, what, save him from a fire?”“He’s just like that… Pardon me, I have to go.”“But-”“I’m leaving.” He said.“Hey,” He held onto Vince’s shoulder, “C’mon, catch up with an old friend will you? You need to practice socializing more anyways.”“Hah… Fine.” Vince groaned.“I wanted to know why you switched majors anyway…”“Is… Is that all you wanted to know?” He asked.“Hey, I think it’s a good sentence starter.”“I just felt like I didn’t fit in business.” Vince said.“Oh really? Everyone felt you were just bad at it!”That made Vince pause, “... Pardon?”“Yeah, you were condescending a lot. I mean, no wonder you were flunking it!”Shane started rambling on, and Vince felt like it was a worse, more annoying version of Rody’s rambling. Can’t anyone give him a break?“And-”“I’m. Leaving.”He couldn’t take it anymore and walked off to another corner of the room, his eyes scanning for Manon. His gaze settled on the brunette, who currently had her arms wrapped around Rody’s. Before he could’ve turned his gaze, she returned it.She smiled, and waved him over. Vince didn’t feel like saying no to her, so he mentally prepared himself and made his way over. He hugged his body firmly as he focused on Manon, doing his best to ignore Rody. Or how odd he’s been…“Vince,” She said, “Is everything okay?”“I’m… I’m fine.”“If you want, we can stay in the kitchen. Just us?”“Actually, that sounds nice.” He sighed and let out a smile, enjoying that he and Manon still knew what the other enjoyed and disliked.Rody suddenly let go of Manon, “Wait, where are you going?”“I’ll be back, alright? I just want to talk to Vince a bit!”“But…”“You’re a great friend, Rody, but Vince and I haven’t talked in a long time!Rody looked like he wanted to say something else, but he instead nodded and smiled. “I mean- Alright! If you still need anything just come to me!” He said.Manon smiled and gestured to Vince to follow her as he followed suit. She turned to Vince and held his hand, rubbing it in a way to comfort him.“Is it too loud for you?” She asked.“No… No it’s not that,” He said, “Just had a sour moment with someone.”“Oh? With who?”“An old university friend. I think I told him about you before… Shane, remember?”“Oh yeah! What happened, weren't you two good friends?”“I… I don’t want to talk about it.” He looked away.“Hey, it’s okay. We can just enjoy our time together!” She smiled.Vince sighed and relaxed himself, letting Manon rub his hand and patting his back. Sure, some quiet time wouldn’t hurt… especially he hadn’t had it in a while.~“... Rody?” Manon asked.“Yeah?”“I know what you’re trying to do again. Just talk about it, please?”“Eh? I’m fine Manon!” He smiled.“Rody…”His smile faltered, as he sighed and hid his face. “I’m sorry.”“It’s okay. Just take the cookies back, alright? You need them more than me.”
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Vince didn’t dream often. But the last few have been plaguing his mind. Ever since he saw Rody’s outburst, he’s been having… Uncanny dreams. His body would itch and burn, and he would be packaged and presented in various ways.This dream was no different.He had been laid on a plate within a forest of sauces and garnishes. His body was small and unable to get away by the fork who soon pierced him.It burned him as the cold metal froze him. The two contrasting pains fighting over the other, as if trying to be more sickening than the other. A single tear would roll down Vince's cheek as he felt impending doom.And when he looked up to see who did this-That same odd redhead. Who smiled the whole time as he picked up a knife and-“Vince?”What-?“Vince!”“Hah-!” Had he been dozing on the job?“Vince, are you alright?” Rody asked, “you've been dozing off for a while!”“I- I'm fine. I'll go back to work-”“Vince… you came in half an hour early. You don't even live that far away!”“Ah… Pardon me. I've just been thinking about things, not a lot of sleep lately.”“Oh! If that's a case you can take a rest in the lounge,” He said, “I know it's not your thing but-”“Actually… I can… talk to you before I do that?” Vince asked.“Of course! Whaddya wanna talk about?”“... Was this really all for Manon?” He asked.“I mean, yeah, why?” Rody said.“You can't just open an entire bistro just for a girl… there has to be something else.”“Oh haha… you don't need to know about that.”“... Pardon?” Vince asked.“A lowly waiter doesn't need to know that.” He reached a hand to Vince's collar tightly. Almost lifting him off the ground, only leaving Vince's toes touching the ground.“Wha-”“I'll tell you one thing, Charbonneau. I know everything about you. You are nothing but powerless scum.”“Rody…?”“...”“Bahaha!” He dropped Vince, “The look on your face!” He said, “Alright, go off now. I don't want my employees feeling anything less than great!”“U- Understood.”… What the fuck was that? Forget odd- Vince doesn’t even know what’s going inside Rody’s brain. He hurried to the break room, the further from him the better. Just- He just needed to get away from him.He shut the door behind him as he let out a breath, wiping the sweat off his neck.Was Rody playing with him? Is this all just some sick game to him? Vince's mind flooded with questions and no answers.Tapping his foot, he hastily took out a cigarette and lit it, taking a long puff from it.If he fell asleep, would he have that same dream again?Fuck it, he felt like he would die without a good's night sleep.Throwing the cigarette in the trash, he laid down on the couch and felt as the cushions swallowed him.~He still felt exhausted. His hands were shaky and mind foggy.Yet here he was, after his shift, sitting in Rody's office with only the two of them.“C'mon, tell me what's wrong!” Rody whined, holding onto Vince's arm.“I'm fine.”“Vince…” He said.“I'm serious.”“But-”Vince paused, “Please just answer my questions.”“... what?” He asked.“Rody, for christ's sake you know what I mean,” Vince said, “I ask you something and then you become an entirely different person.”“And the obsession with Manon, or the collection of peppers and tequila… I know you're hiding something, Rody. But you keep acting like I'm crazy.”“... do you have to be so nosy?” He asked.“What-”“And here I thought you knew how to respect someone else's privacy!” Rody smiled, “this kind of stuff is for me to know. And no one else.”“... God I'm sorry I-”“It's fine… just, go home, will you?” He asked.“... Understood.”~Vince tapped his foot as he waited for Manon to pick up.“Hello?”“Manon? This is Manon, right?” Vince asked.“Yes… Vince?”“Mhm, I want to talk. About Rody.” He said.He heard an audible sigh from the phone, “I'm not one to spill secrets, but I'll help the best I can!”“Well…” He swallowed, “Has Rody… ever seemed two-faced to you?”“Hm? In what way?” She asked.“Like- he just randomly seems passive aggressive. Or just overly emotional with his outbursts…”“Ah that… He's not mentally well, Vince.” She said, “Please don't pressure him, he's just been going through a lot.”“... And?”“I promised Rody I wouldn't say more.”“Okay fine-” He said, “what about his food? Have you noticed anything weird with it?”“No… never.”“What about why he opened the Bistro?”“I- I don't know that one…”“Manon, please?” He asked.Manon sighed, “Rody lost his ability to taste when he was young. He opened it because he just wanted to give people what he could never have, good food.”“I… See. Hey I'll… come over if you want?”“Yeah, I'd like that. Is everything okay though, you seem so shaken up.”“Fine, just… need to talk to someone.” He said.“Is that so? Well, Alright then! You can talk to me whenever, okay? I promise.” She said.“Thank you, Manon.” Vince sighed.“It's no bother, I'll see you soon.”Vince hung up the phone as he left the booth. He let out a breath as he looked up to the sky.
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He must have looked like he saw a ghost, because Manon let out a gasp as she saw him.
“V- Vince? What happened? Are you alright?” She asked.
“... We need to talk.” He said.
Manon went quiet, but nodded and let him in. They sat on the couch together, their eyes met as Vince held in a breath.
“Pardon for my lack of dignity, but what's wrong with Rody?” He asked.
“You… mean this mood swings right?”
“Yeah.”
“Well, I don't know for sure, but I guess it's from all his bottled up emotions.” She said.
“Like it's an outlet for him?”
“Exactly. I've seen them, they're weird at best… I tell him that he needs to open up or he'll push more people away, but he just pushes me away.”
“Do you know how he lost his sense of taste?” Vince suddenly brought up.
She shook her head, “all I know is that he got into an accident, not even the media could get what happened.”
“I see… Manon, could you… help me talk to him about that?” He asked. Manon's shoulders raised at that.
“But… why?”
“Because I'm not going to watch him just waste away pathetically.” He said, “Plus, I want closure on his actions.”
Manon sighed at his harsh words, not that she was surprised, “Alright, I'll help you,” he said.
~
“Sorry Rody, I'm with Vince right now. I'll talk to you later, alright?”
He replayed that line in his head over, and over, and over. He had called her today only to be pushed away again? Was it his outburst again?
“God- God fucking dammit Rody- get yourself together,” He said, “they're just friends! Just… friends.”
He downed another shot of tequila, only feeling the burn of his throat. He hated it- he hated it, he hated it.
But it was better than nothing.
What did Vince think about this… joke-? No that would be ignorant- what would Vince think of his threat he made?
He didn't comment on it earlier, but he knew what Vince was thinking. His hand moved over the papers, several recipes, many of which were crossed out.
They said the main ingredient was love, so why wasn't it good enough?
“No, don't listen to them.” He'd say, “I’ve had full five stars reviews! Who cares what they think… and who cares that they say my food is…”
“Miserable.”
He paused, putting a hand over his face and pushing his chair back.
He'll make something for Vince again- after all, he seemed to be enjoying them well! Yeah, that's it. No need to be so edgy Rody! You can just give him another meal, apologize, and it'll be brushed under the carpet.
Deep breaths, Rody, deep breaths. He picked up the phone again.
“The number is unavailable, please try again another time.”
“Oh, Rody… what did you do?” He’d ask himself.
~
The next day he came into work, he found a take-out box on the cashier table.
“Sorry if I scared you, I hope this will make you feel better!” The note said.
Vince was even surprised he acknowledged it this time. He held the box in his hands, it would be rude if it didn't taste like real food.
He sighed, he'll try to finish it, but he didn't promise himself any guarantees.
Work passed by smoothly besides from that, his feelings about Rody didn’t. Now when he looks at him, he just sees him as some sort of grey sludge. Vince thought of it as his food, both him and the food tiring and empty.
Snapping himself out of the vision, Vince confirmed the time, and then went to Rody.
“Boss, can we talk?” He knocked on Rody’s office door.
“Oh, come in!”
Vince nodded despite being on the other side of the door, he twisted the knob and walked inside. Rody had been humming to himself, scribbling doodles on the side of his papers (that would probably be lost in some mystery pile again).
“What is it?” Rody asked with a smile.
“It’s about what happened yesterday.”
His smile faltered. He sighed, standing up from his chair. “... Hey, look. I know it seems bad, but I’ll make it up to you! Do you want anything else?”
“Just one thing,” Vince said, “Are you okay?”
“... what?”
“You heard me, boss. I want to know what’s up with you and why you’re acting like this.” He said.
“I’ve just been through some stuff, Vince. You don’t need to worry about it.”
“You’ve had outbursts at me, I think I deserve to know at least some of what’s going on.” Vince said.
“... okay.” He said, “Um, you know how I was majoring in hospitality, right?”
“Right.”
“Well, ah fuck how do I put this-? Um, I never actually graduated… got me uh, in a lot- and I mean
a lot
of bad situations.” Rody ranted.
“I wasn’t intending on opening a bistro either. But then Manon….”
“Manon..?” Vince asked.
“U- Um. She suggested it. So of course I did it for her!” He said, “But… she wanted me to open it up- because of uh… my lack of taste. She thought that if I opened it up, I could at least have the emotion of taste by seeing others taste.”
There it was. The lack of taste. Vince only sighed at that and nodded.
“Do you mind not having as many outbursts?” Vince asked.
“... Sorry.”
“It’s fine,” He said, “Look, I don’t dislike you. You’re fine, alright?”
“Really?” Rody asked.
“Yeah, really. Now, I should go now…”
“Ah- wait! One more thing for you.”
Rody dropped a box of matches in Vince’s hand. “What’s this for?” Vince would ask.
“You uh- smoke right? I don’t know a lot about it but I figured you could use these to light them! Just carry these around and had some to spare.” He said.
He had these around? Alright, he’ll keep that in mind. “Thank you, boss.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Rody didn’t know what was wrong with him. He splashed water in his face before looking back up at himself.
“You don’t like him, Rody.” He said to himself. Even if he knew he was lying.
It was jealousy, he was sure of it. I mean, Vince had the galls to chat up Manon as if Rody wasn’t there! Then again, he was the one to introduce to the two… He dried his face off with a towel as he groaned.
That’s it. He’ll win Manon back, he swore! They were the perfect couple before, so why wouldn’t they be the perfect one now? He’ll give her everything she’d ever want, never treat her badly, never make her feel terrible. Manon will be his.
The feeling just ached inside him more. Something inside him replaced those words, yet he ignored them. Work starts soon anyway, he soon get himself together.
~
Vince. Vince was all that clouded his mind. His gaze often wandered down to the waiter’s lips. He wondered, has Vince enjoyed all of his gifts? Did they taste like love to him? Rody would never ask him that, but he really didn’t want the guy to hate him.
His mind was always all over the place, but he really liked Vince! Not only does Vince treat him kindly like Manon, but he was also a friend he hadn’t had in awhile. A genuine, true friend.
Vince on the other hand did not think that at all, his gaze wandering to Rody, unknowing of all the things Rody had just thought and continued to think. He wiped up the last of the tables as he silently wished to just go home.
Don’t get him wrong, Rody had good intentions, but he’s also… Rody. Regardless, he’s not letting up his guard anytime soon.
Maybe if he’s quiet enough he can—
“Hey, Vince?”
Why did he have to think that?
“What is it, Rody?” He asked.
“Do you mind testing out a few new recipes for me?”
“Ah… I’m not sure,” He said, “I’m kind of busy after this. Why the sudden request?”
“I just want to make my food the best!” Rody smiled, clasping his hands together. If he had a tail it would be wagging.
As much as Vince was tired, he didn’t want to upset Rody, “... Alright, let’s be quick then.”
“Yay! I’ll make them all fresh for you!” He said.
And then there they were, Rody sitting across the table waiting for Vince to take a bite of the few dishes spread across the table. He swallowed, before taking a bite of the steak in front of him. The taste… was still the same.
It was not only suffocating to eat, Vince would also describe it as overwhelming. The flavors went well together but it was like it was nothing compared to a lump of coal. His eyes narrow as he tries to make out the good parts of it.
It’s made with love, something that really wasn’t helpful in the culinary world, but was the best thing he could think of.
“What do you think?” He asked.
“... The texture is good.”
“I don’t care about that,” Rody said, “Just tell me the overall gist of it! I’m never the one for big fancy things.”
For a bistro owner, Rody should probably be more keen on stuff like that. Vince continued eating anyway.
“It’s good, something you’ll definitely serve at the bistro.” He lied.
Rody bought it well, “Great! I think that’s all I need you to test now, but I have just one more question.”
Vince held up a hand, swallowing before speaking, “what is it?”
“What do you think of Manon?” He asked.
“... Did you… invite me here just to talk about her?”
“No, yes- I mean-! Maybe… just a lil.”
“Well she’s fine. I don’t know why you’re asking but she always knows how to care for others.”
“Mhm, good, good… Now, what do you think of me?”
“Pardon?” Vince asked.
“We’re friends, right?”
“... Right. You're a kind man.”
“And?”
Was Rody waiting for Vince to say something?
“You… You have a kind heart.” He said.
That seemed to satisfy Rody, as he smiled and stood up, gathering the few plates and placing them into the sink.
Rody went into his spiral of thoughts. He definitely likes Manon. Rody’s sure of it, how could Vince not? Her thin and tall stature, her narrow eyes and gentle smile and—
He realized who he was also describing in his mind. He snapped himself out, you can’t think of your friend that way Rody! Maybe though… maybe…
Vince likes lemons, right? Does he see Manon as a lemon? Ah he kids himself, that sounds stupid!
“Thanks for helping me out, Vince,” He turns back to the man, “I know we’ve been kind of rocky but I’m glad we’re making up for it!”
“Right, right…” Vince said.
“Say, do you mind just hanging out with me again? You’re nice to be around…”
Vince just paused and nodded. Classic Vince, always so quiet! Rody was used to that already, so it wasn’t a big deal.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Sometimes when he looks at Rody, he wonders what the hell is going inside that brain of his.The more odd encounters he gets with him, the more the urge itches him to find out what's wrong with him.He knows he shouldn't, but that redhead confuses him so much sometimes. He can barely keep a meal from setting on fire, is incredibly ill mannered and informal, and can just become passive aggressive out of nowhere.In fact, he hasn't seen Manon in a long time. Normally Vince wouldn't care, she does have a busy schedule, but he's also noticed a change in Rody.Many changes, actually. So, so many things that he can't put his finger on.“Vince,” He'd hear Rody say.“You're a great friend!”“Stay a bit longer for me?” And the so ons Vince would hear from the man. He seems… less obsessed with Manon, more with him.While Vince thought this, Rody was in his office, preparing something for him he assumed.He looked back, before leaving and quietly rushing down the stairs. Freezer key in hand.Vince didn't know why he had chosen the freezer to look out of all places, maybe if he was stupid he would say it was calling him. But he guessed it was his uncomfortable curiosity.He went inside, it seemed like a normal freezer… but, but no. Rody wouldn't be like that. There would always be something wrong and off with Rody.Continuing to look inside, he landed on the fridge. He had to open it.A locket of Vince and Manon. Did Manon always keep this- wait- Manon…?He clutched the locket in his hands, before he heard.“Ah, Vince! You shouldn't be here!”And then it went black.~He was tied with coarse rope when he woke up. Vince's mouth opened to say something, but the cold froze his lips.He struggled for a bit, before managing to be able to sit up. The gravity of the situation hit him- or his numb legs.“Need to get out-”“Need burn the ropes.” He said to himself, grabbing the matches.He held them in an awkward way as he charred the ropes enough to shimmy out of. He was now standing, but his body ached to move.He wouldn't be able to get out in this condition. Vince first thought of the matches and the rope, but he knew the rope would burn out too quickly and the matches would be too small…Could he stop the cooler? His eyes landed onto the cooler up on the shelf. Okay, that's too tall for him. Bags of flour? Sure, but he wouldn’t have anything to stop it. After stacking the bags, he tries a bottle of cooking oil first, but it doesn't work.He tries a small few more bottles and bags of miscellaneous things. Yet nothing he finds manages to work. His fingers become a shade of pink, the cold is stabbing him. Then it hits him-A bone. It takes him a while, but he manages to cut one of the meats in there and take the bone out. After he manages to stop the cooler, he fishes around in his pocket. No more freezer key.… Looks like he’s breaking the window.Shards of glass shatter onto the ground, and he lands on his knees. Sighing, he picks out some shards out of himself. He pants to himself, before he looks around.There’s a whiskey lemon cake on the counter, and before he can even process the situation, a door creaks open.“...”“...”“Rody don’t you dare—”Rody rushed to him, pushing Vince to the wall as he struggled against the chef. Then-His ear rang, or, where part of his ear should be. It was a haze for a moment, and Vince froze for a moment.“Y- You- Rody what is wrong with you!?” He shouted uncharacteristically, “You just-”“Still no taste…” Rody said.“Are you even listening to me-? You ate my damn ear. Do you just eat people!?”“Bleh, of course not Vince! Even if I did it wouldn't taste like anything anyway.”“But-”“Heat of the moment, silly. What? You think I like eating?” He said.“Rody-”“Eating fucking disgusts me, Vince. I see all these people and I wonder how they enjoy such gourmet shit, what's the point if a burger feels the exact same to me?”“Rody! Rody, do you hear yourself right now?” Vince said, “This feels like you're going mad.”“Maybe I am, maybe I have been…” His eyes wandered to the cake, “You know, that was a gift for you.”“Manon- did you-”“Bahaha no silly! You think I'd put meat in a cake? Didn't you major in culinary- wait you've never even landed a position as a chef right?”“Then why her? Why me for Christ's sake!?”“You loved her, didn't you? I saw you… You were so close, closer than I would ever be. At first I thought was jealous of you but-”“Maybe you…”“No- Rody don't-!”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
His mouth opened, but he couldn’t speak a word. Rody only smiled as he grabbed onto Vince’s collar, and dragged him to his apartment.
“Don’t fight, okay? You know what’s best for you.” He said, smiling.
Did he? He wasn’t sure of anything— not even his hearing- it all rang. It rang and muffled almost all other sounds.
“I haven’t even shown you the real surprise!”
He shoved Vince into his apartment as he thrashed and cursed under his breath- the exit was right there- he could make it- couldn’t he? Vince let out a gasp for air as his eyes followed the redhead who brought him into the kitchen. He was going to back away but-
A knife was held up to his throat, “Don’t move.”
He paused, his eyes looking towards the table. Dishes were crowding the table like a game of claustrophobia. Rody eased him into his chair with his puppy smile and slid the first dish over to him- mushroom and goat cheese puffs.
“People say that love is the most important thing in a dish, so I put all my heart into it! You have to eat it all, alright?”
“I-”
“You have to!”
“Rody-” What was this man thinking?
He ate Vince’s ear, and now he’s acting like a puppy.
Vince mentally prepared himself, and decided he was not one to die today. He took the first one and took a bite.
Oh.
Oh god.
It tasted horrid, like Vince was going to vomit if he took another bite, and he supposed he wasn’t good at hiding that. Rody shoved his hand in front of Vince’s mouth.
“Swallow.” He smiled.
Vince was questioning if he’d prefer death over this or not. Nevertheless, he choked it down, feeling every bit of it go down his throat.
“You love Manon, don’t you? Well now you can keep a bit of her forever!” He said.
“I don’t-”
He slid a stuffed butternut squash towards Vince, and with his heart he wished for that to be anything else
but
Manon. His eyes wandered up towards Rody.
“She was right, I did have to let go and move on… but, you didn’t have any problems with her, so I figured you two should be together forever!” He said, “Aah- so weird right? I know it’s not the best but… I tried really hard! If you want I can make you more?”
“No- no it’s- it’s fine…” Vince shook.
“Are you sure? Dinner is not over yet Vince. You haven’t eaten much… Do you want something else? I’ll make you anything!”
“I-”
“Anything for you-”
“I don’t want anything-!”
“... what?”
“Just kill me already. Just do it. I hate you and I hate your food. Why haven’t you killed me like her?”
“... oh, I don’t actually know.”
“What do you mean you don’t know!?”
“Haha, maybe I drank too much… Who knows! But like- who would wanna kill you? I'd never ever see your face again! Do you know how sad that would make me?”
“Just take a picture- that’ll do.”
“Would it? Maybe it would- you’re so smart Vince!” He said.
He leaned into Vince.
“You’ll eat all of this, right? Of course you will!”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Through quick thinking Vince punched Rody and ran off into his Office. Making sure to lock the door as soon as he got in.
Dear god, Rody, what happened to you? He would think to himself. The door would thud, before calming down. He could see it- he could see Rody’s silhouette from the other side. He could wait him out- but what time was it? How long would it be until Rody just finds a way to break in-?
He fished around in his pockets, only matches. Groaning to himself, he craned his neck to the mess of Rody’s office. Papers now soaked from an empty and shattered tequila bottle on the floor.
Isn’t tequila flammable… yes, that’s it. He grabbed the shattered bottle. Before turning to the door.
“Rody?” He called out.
“Vince-? Haha Vince, did I scare you? I didn’t mean to promise, I promise!”
“... You’re… Forgiven.”
“Really!?”
“If,” He said, “You come into this room and don’t do anything to me.”
“Okay… I promise.”
Clutching the bottle tight, he unlocked the door and backed away, moving his hands behind his back.
“Apologize.” He said.
“R- Right… Look- I didn’t mean to, I’ve must’ve drank too much and-”
Vince shoved him to the ground.
“Vince-?”
Without another word, he smashed the bottle into the side of Rody’s neck repeatedly. Blood sprayed out and stained the papers once more. Leaving Rody in a puddle.
“Thank christ you gave me matches, didn’t have a light on me…” He said, lighting up a cigarette.
“How-”
“Keep these in another pocket, maybe you would know if you weren’t incompetent.” He glared.
Tears formed in Rody’s foggy eyes. Vince groaned, he took one last puff before he threw it onto the stain sheets and left the building. The flames surrounded the bistro as he watched from outside.
He supposed he would have to lay low for now… What he needs right now is a bath and a long, long rest. He trudged on further, stumbling his way to his apartment and shedding off his work attire as soon as he got inside and closed the door.
Vince stared at his clothes again, bloody and wrinkled. His ear still rang and Vince felt that he would die if he didn’t do something about it. He made his way to the bathroom, hastily fixing up his ears and slipping into the shower.
“... I should sleep in tomorrow.”