In the morning, Avery was no wiser, but at least he was well-rested. Thanks to having the afternoon shift, he could sleep in, only waking up at 11 a.m. His breakfast was practically lunch, but with the contents of his fridge, it would have been that way regardless.

Though he didn't cook often, soups were his specialty; they were not only quick to prepare but also easy to reheat, and for his stomach—after a night spent on his feet and consuming some alcohol—they worked like a miracle. 

Today it was tomato soup, and while he was scooping it up with a spoon, he had time to think.

Yesterday’s interaction with David had shown him that there was no need to make any hasty, big decisions. If he understood correctly, the CEO was giving him time and, in a way, even power. David had clearly shown he desired Diablo, and now it was the companion's turn to react. 

Avery couldn’t pretend that flirting with him had only been a game, or just work he was being paid for. Not only did the kiss between them suggest that it hadn’t been just business, but even the fact that the blond had been betrayed by his blushing in the café was a clear sign that the attraction between them wasn’t one-sided.

Even so, the barista still had concerns.

David liked Diablo, and although Avery was Diablo, that wasn’t his entire identity. He didn’t even share the same appearance with him, since he was styled with a wig and makeup. The only thing that still looked the same was his body. However, he didn’t want his relationship with David to be based only on carnal desire.

Relationship… 

He couldn't believe what he was just thinking. 

There was no chance the two of them would become a couple. Not that Avery had a problem with something secret, since he knew David wasn’t ready to come out, but even in secrecy he was afraid David would eventually grow tired of him.

Maybe he should visit a psychologist for his abandonment issues, but for that he would first have to have time.

The thought of his previous life almost made the soup taste bitter on his tongue, but he wasn’t going to let it unsettle him. His hair was a reminder that he lived his life his own way, and maybe that was why he now had trouble adapting again to a new situation he didn’t have directly under control.

With so many thoughts first thing on Friday morning—or rather his morning—he decided he wasn’t going to stay at home alone with them. It was only affecting his mood unnecessarily and causing him stress, and he definitely didn’t need that.

Even though it meant he would arrive at the café earlier and there would be a greater chance of running into the brothers, he told himself he would simply stay hidden in the back and drink his coffee in peace. He didn’t usually drink much of it, but on a day at the end of the week it was a necessity.

Since it was warm outside, even with early autumn in full swing, he chose the longer route. It allowed him to check out the neighboring businesses and see what had changed in the time he’d been too busy to just walk around the city. 

During the week he was at the café, and at its end he worked at the club. It was hard to speak about free time in his case, since he mostly slept through it so he wouldn’t be overwhelmed by exhaustion. Fortunately, he didn’t have friends outside work, so there was nothing to regret about that.

Making new friends as an adult was more difficult than it seemed. Practically everyone Avery met were either his coworkers or customers, so he didn’t have much space to form closer relationships.

Joshua was currently the person closest to him, and that was exactly why he hated letting him down. That was why he always showed up to work on time and took every shift, no matter how tired he was. Fortunately, that wasn't the case today; his step was light and his body full of energy. 

It almost looked like a positive day, until he suddenly spotted something he had to check out more closely.

Although as a companion he had a strict rule about not revealing his identity and not sharing personal information, somehow he forgot about it when he thought he recognized a familiar face, and certainly not in the way he was used to seeing it.

After a few more steps, when he gained a clearer view, he suddenly stopped, faced with a dilemma—whether to cross his own boundaries or walk away.

At the sight of the man in tears, trying in vain to stop them even through the darkened car windows while his shoulders shook with sobs, his heart decided for him.

With a few quick final steps, he approached the red car parked at the side of the road. It stood among other cars and didn’t stand out at first glance, so it was no wonder the man behind the wheel thought he would have privacy there and that no one would likely see him.

Fate must have intervened, though, because if Avery had taken the shorter route, he never would have run into him. This way, however, he felt it was a sign to go and help.