Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

What happened? Rody couldn't understand what was going on as he was pinned to the ground by a few officers and was stating his rights before him. He didn't know what was going on, what happened he noticed a few customers were giving their reports and statements as well as Vincent’s cooks on what had happened.

Rody looked at his hands and noticed blood on them, it wasn't his blood he didn't even know what happened. He was just as confused as everyone gesture what they witnessed as they pointed at him, he didn't understand what happened. What was going on?

Rody could only move his eyes around as he saw the paramedics wheel someone out on the stretcher, they didn't hide the body well as it took him a while to notice that the person had blank hair and fresh burn marks on them; They seemed to be breathing but very shallow breathing. He did something to Vincent, he knows he did, but what happened? He doesn't even know what happened, there's blood and oil on his hands while he watches Vince being carried away to the nearest hospital as the sirens fill the night air and it makes his blood run cold.

Rody soon realised what he did, what he tried to do.... He tried to murder Vincent Charbonneau. How did this happen? What went down? Why did he try to kill Vincent of all people? W-Why was Manon there staring at him in shock while she has a respirator mask on her face...didn't she die?

What the hell happened…

~~~~~

Rody entered the La Gueule de Saturne and on time a bit too on time he soon looked around and noticed that his Boss Vincent seemed a bit surprised that he arrived."Oh wow, you actually showed up for basic training"Vincent said clearly impressed by his time management.

"Yeah on time too." Rody grinned, He was very grateful that Vincent Charbonneau hired him even though he did skim through the paper work since who has time for that. Yes he knows the rundown of being a waiter and everything but he was all doing this for Manon, he didn't understand why she wasn't answering her calls though nonetheless he should treat her, even though they were taking a break he still loves her and wants whats best for her in the end. Yeah fine money is very tight but who knows he knows Manon is the type of gal who enjoys nice things.

While caught in his thought he looked at Vincent who had his arms slightly crossed."We'll you barely came on time today, Lamoree, but I'll let it slide since nonetheless you still showed up for training."Vincent explained to him.

Okay so Vincent was a bit strict though even though strict he still hired him which he is very grateful for. "So Lamoree, Your resume showed many...Many jobs in the service industry so I assume you already have some of this down."Vincent explained to him calmly.

Rody nodded though he did feel like Vincent seemed to be shaming him, though it was probably in his head. "Yeah, having 28 jobs in the service industry over the course of seven years is pretty impressive when you think about it." He explained rubbing the back of his neck slightly.
Though if he was being honest with himself it was very embarrassing too, since all of his work experience was being a waiter as it was the easiest yet also hardest job ever, since he dropped out of college for many reasons and the fact that this was job number 29.

"Also less impressive when you think about it for 5 seconds more than that"Vincent added, Since he could have done anything else than being a waiter for the last seven years of his life of all things. Okay so he understand that Vincent is indeed shaming him for waiting over seven years, but the only reason why he worked 28 jobs was all for Manon his wonderful girlfriend! Though now 29 in the service industry it'll  be enough since he is working with the world's famous Vincent Charbonneau of all people, which of course will catch his wonderful girlfriends attention.

"But nonetheless Lamoree with those jobs, you likely know now to seat customers. Go to the counter and seat them at the appropriate table and so on, "Vincent added. While Rody nodded a bit still listening to what Vincent was saying to him.

"Just keep in mind how many people are dining, you don't want a large group crowding around a private area" Vincent explained seriously to him.

That is something Rody understood, at least to the point he understands. Big pile means he’ll lose track of time let alone cause a few mistakes here and there. Well before Rody could say anything a customer had already arrived, he looked at Vincent for a moment and went to seat the people who arrived already. He already took action taking them to their seat right off the bat so far he didn't know that people were already coming since they usually take their time guess not since Vincent is a famous chef.

Once he seated them, Rody looked up and noticed Vincent waving him over to talk to him for a quick moment. Of course that made him wonder if he did anything wrong, since he hoped he didn’t screw up right in front of his boss. "Good job, They'll take a moment to see what we're serving today.''Vincent explained to him.

"Once they're ready they'll put their menus down and you'll go check on them "Vincent looked at Rody hoping that he understood too what he's saying. 

Rody nodded though one thing caught his attention on what Vincent said to him, since that made him almost scratch his head a bit in confusion"W-What we're serving today?"he asked him. Surely he meant what the customer wanted right since clearly the bistro must have a menu full of items that the customer wanted no? After all the bistro he worked at the menus had the items for the patrons to pick out from. Was Vincent's menu's different from the others?

"Yes, patrons don't pick what they eat. Instead we have a strict menu that changes daily, You'd know if you read the interview guidelines" Vincent explained, arms crossed clearly unimpressed yet also annoyed with him since well...Vincent had every right to be upset with him.
We'll shit Rody didn't even know that was part of the guidelines, to be fair he skimmed it." I uh...Skimmed it"He confessed to him. Really there was so much information that he couldn't read all of it so he looked at the important parts and zoned out half way before saying yeah he understood what he was signing up for though he should have REALLY read the whole daily menu changes after all. (He is an idiot after all)

Vincent pinched the bridge of his nose and took in a deep breath before heading towards the kitchen though not entering it but he just left Rody alone for a bit. Yeah Vincent was probably mad at him, he hoped he wouldn't get fired for skimming the fine print since it was an honest mistake on his part. Though he did hear Vincent speaking to a few people in the kitchen where were probably the cooks, he might as well say hi to them later on or Vincent probably might introduce them to each other soon enough who knows.

Well that didn't matter when he went over to the customers since they set down their menus taking their orders. Clearly the ordered one of the appetizers which he wrote down quickly before heading towards the kitchen.(even though he had no clue what kind of appetizers it was)

Before he reached the kitchen Vincent stopped him a bit before explaining what to do next. It was nice that Vincent was helping him out since he honestly needed to get used to the whole area, till he became very familiar with his surroundings in the end. Though he caught his eyes on the cooks who seemed to be watching him studying him a bit, which he gave a soft wave at them in which to his relief and surprise they waved back but of course Vincent shot a quick glare at his cooks which made them go back to working.

"Okay once you have their meal ticket bring it to the marker between the window and the door, that'll send it to the kitchen. " Vincent gestures to him showing where to put it."Also don't mind the cooks they're nosy" he added that last part.

Rody just nodded but still, at least the cooks were friendly enough but he didn't understand what he meant by that his own cooks were nosy. What does that have to do with anything? He was about to ask but Vincent clearly knows to keep him the conversation on something else then random topics.

"The cooks will start to work on whatever order you have right away, but keep in mind they prioritise cooking the desserts,side,main,and appetizer in that order. Don't pester or distract the cooks if it's taking too long" He explained to Rody, too, to which Rody nodded understanding what was being explained to him.

Alright so far everything has been a breeze he knows where the widow was to pick up the food and even though it was a bit odd that Vincent was watching him he knew it was for a good reason for that. Now speaking of the food, the food was already done, he took the plate and went towards the table setting it down for them which the customers thanked him.

So far the shift had been going great, he went towards the table, ordered their food again once they finished the appetizer and so on. He was at least getting the hang of it but once they were done with the food Vincent approached him. "Once they're ready for the bill, go behind the counter and check them out "Vincent explained calmly to him.

That did seem a bit weird but not all restaurants were the same but nonetheless he went over towards the counter where the customers were as he checked them out, he was honestly surprised that he got at least 200 Euros from just serving them. Which honestly score and it was a good amount of money as well, he could buy something for Manon with this money. Maybe a necklace or a ring, a wedding ring with his and her birth stone would be wonderful as well.

Though he had to get that thought out of his head as he went over to Vincent to know if there was anything else to do and Vincent pointed to the plates on the table where he served the customer." Once the customers are done with their meal, make sure to clean their table. I don't want guests thinking we leave messes out in the open. I run a restaurant not a food bank"

Well Rody should have guest that but nonetheless he went over towards the table and was surprised that the customers actually stacked the plates for him. It did make it less a hassle for him to stack and carry the dishes himself but he was happy they did that in the end it made his job a bit easier. Though when he gathered the plates and went towards the garbage in the kitchen it turns out the garbage was full, did he need to take out the trash? He looked over at Vincent who just rolled his eyes at him.

Vincent looked at him and sighs"Just throw the garbage back outback Rody than you can place in a new trash bag"He explained to him.

Of course Rody felt his cheeks burn up as the cooks snickered and looked away trying not to laugh to at him but stopped when Vincent shot a quick glare at them. Yeah he knew that, he totally didn’t just look at Vincent for confirmation, he just wanted to confirm it is all.  (Though it was embarrassing he didn't even know if it was his job or not too take out the trash) He was sure it didn't matter since everyone who was working for Vincent had to either wash the dishes or take out the trash so he should have done that from the start instead of looking at him like a dumbass as they laughed at him.

Man turns out that Vincent is a huge stickler for the rule's or something, fuck maybe even a perfectionist of all things, but so far he was getting the hangs of things.

Soon Vincent left him alone after that, pretty much satisfied that he understood his role. Though for Rody this is something he never experienced throughout his whole life. As of now he took care of the customers, served them and wrote down what was needed for their satisfaction, who knew that working for a famous chef would be this hard mainly with a weird menu of all things. 

Though something did catch his eye about his new boss, even though he seemed to be a bit of a stickler for perfection. While he on the other hand is the embodiment of imperfection of all sorts he lives in a dump of an apartment, while his toilet is flooding but won’t mention that to Vincent, since to be fair…It was embarrassing to say the least.

Rody sighs softly as he checks the time and notices that barely a minute has passed. “Seriously?”he muttered before sighing as he heard the bell ring as the next set of customers arrived at the bistro. 

~~~~~

By the time he was done catering to all the customers, gathering up the plates, taking the trash out. He was surprised by how the time flew, this was something totally unexpected. (Even though when he started it was barely a minute) Usually out of all his previous jobs in the waiting industry it takes more than an hour to get things done.

So he made a few dead plates and a few customers got annoyed with him as Vincent just watched him with disappointment in his eyes, though he must confessed. One of the customers had the same face so he can't be blamed for that right?

Right now it seemed that everyone was heading home he watched the cooks smile at Rody before leaving some say bye to each other and Vincent as well, which was good since his arms were aching a bit in pain from the plates and taking out the garbage that he didn't have time to say . Though he still needed to take out the trash, he gathered up the last remaining dishes and noticed that Vincent was still here. “Oh uh Hey boss…How was my performance so far?”he asked.

Since he wanted to know how he did. After all he made sure to keep up with the workload and the fact he had to deal with a few rude customers here and there but still he wanted to know how he did. “It was ... .Sloppy a few dead plates here and there but over all here”Vincent shrugged not before handing him a container.  Rody took the container and made a face, yeah okay so what a few dead plates happened, but something in his stomach twisted as knots were forming. 

Maybe it was the fact that Vincent gave him a harsh review? He thought to himself. Though no one has ever gave him a food for doing a 

“So um…What’s in the container boss?” Rody asked him. 

“It’s green onion rolls, since you barely ate I took the liberty in making them for you”he shrugged a bit.

“Oh uh…Thank you ... .Um y-you didn’t need to make me anything though. “He smiled a bit though every part of his body was screaming at him not to eat the food even better not to take it from Vincent at all.n Though he looked over and noticed that some of the cooks were watching him a bit which caused his anxiety to build up quickly even more.

“If you don’t want it Rody you can give it back—”Vincent said and reached to get the container back only to flinched when Rody pulled the container away as he laughed a bit nervously.

“No! I’ll take it thank you for the food…Anyways I best be going now”He smiled and quickly left not wanting to stay another moment with Vincent. Rody didn’t understand why he was so nervous around Vincent, He was fine talking to him today and during the interview too. 

"Night..."He mumbled before leaving the bistro in a hurry. 

"Easy Lamoree, it’s probably the stress besides it’s getting late anyways…”Rody muttered before sighing.

He needed to get his mind off of the whole thing, after all it was his first shift. Vincent gave him some criticism not like he hadn’t heard it before from his previous bosses before. Yet for some reason with Vincent it felt different, maybe it was the fact that like he said Vincent was a perfectionist of all things.

Whatever it didn’t matter anyways, he got on his bike and headed back to his apartment feeling the weight of dread leave his body. Damn he must have been really stressed out if all that dread was lifted from him.

By the time he arrived at his apartment,sighs softly and smiled once he made it home. Though climbing up the stairs carrying his bike with him wasn’t idle but hey, what’s done is done, after all he was doing this all for Manon his girlfriend…Well Ex-girlfriend, but this time maybe, just maybe he hoped that working for Vincent Charbonneau would bring her back since he’s working with a very, very famous chef of all things.

As he headed up the stairs, bike in one hand and the container of food in the other hand, Rody couldn’t help but feel uneasy by the fact that Vincent gave him food. Maybe it was a nice gesture for him working as a waiter, I mean he was sure Vince did that to all of his staff right? I mean he didn't have anything else to eat so it was probably a nice thing and a good job for not screwing up even though a few dead plates happened either way.

Well it didn’t matter by the time he arrived at his place, he was completely exhausted from working. Not that he minded but he set his bike against the wall before closing the door(which usually gets jammed from time to time) Rody looked at the green onion rolls before placing them in the fridge as he wasn’t hungry at that very moment.

He walked over to the couch and flopped down on it, he looked over at the phone receiver. “Maybe I’ll give her a call”he sighed before picking up the phone and started dialing Manon's number.

As the phone rang he held his breath. When Manon told him he wanted to break up he thought she was joking and it turns out she wasn’t. She said something to him about not taking care of himself, which okay fine he was lazy but he wasn’t that bad. Besides, Manon deserves the best, because how will he buy her things without being a good boyfriend.

As the phone continued to ring of course she didn’t pick up as he set the phone back down, sighing.”She's probably busy…Not that I blame her it’s pretty late…”Rody sighed and rubbed his eyes tiredly.

Man he was completely tired, but as of now he might as well rest. Since he knows that he has to work tomorrow, also hopeful he’ll get more money since he needs to buy a bed too. Not that sleeping on the couch was bad but it did give him some neck pain, though he’ll try to call Manon tomorrow and hopefully she’ll answer.

With that he just closed his eyes and went to sleep soundly, he really really hoped that Manon would call him back. Maybe she will tomorrow, and when she does he'll treat her out to a nice dinner date and everything cause that's now important Manon is too him and one day he'll marry her. He just hopes she'll call him back.

Since today has been stressful, though, he wondered why he was so scared to take the container. After all, it was free food! Yet…Something about the food made him feel sick to his stomach…Again it could be nothing at all it didn’t matter, he’ll probably eat it later…Right?

Chapter Text

Well this day couldn’t be any worse for Rody. First he overslept and woke up late and how he’s being rained on while riding his bike! How in the hell was he supposed to know it was going to rain?!

Okay well he did hear people talking about rain but it didn’t matter besides, maybe pedalling fast in the rain might dry him? Which is a stupid reason but nonetheless he was drenched as he arrived at the bistro. Though he entered the building of course Vincent wasn’t too happy with him arriving to work…Late…

”Sorry I’m late…” he smiled a bit hoping that Vincent wouldn’t be too mad. Since he can’t believe he’s late on his second day of work.

“Sorry?!” Vincent glared at him, quite pissed. 

Okay so he wasn’t mad… Vincent was furious with him.“Sorry, it doesn't cut it! It’s only your second day and you’re already-” He soon frowned at him and noticed that he was dripping. “Why do you look like that?” He asked him.

Rody looked at Vincent sheepishly and laughed nervously”I uh…I thought biking really fast though the rain would dry me as I go, turns out it soaks me faster” He admitted, even though he didn’t understand why his logic went that route he could tell that Vincent wasn’t too impressed with him at all. 
Vincent just stared at him as he took in a deep breath and pinched the bridge of his nose trying to calm himself down before he did something stupid to Rody of all things. “Deep breaths Charbonneau…Just deep breaths…” Vincent muttered to himself before he walked off.

Rody watched Vincent walk off as he went to the kitchen and grabbed a towel before walking over to him drying him off a bit.”Dry off, you can’t be seen by customers looking like this…” he explained.

That made Rody feel a bit embarrassed that Vincent was drying him off like he was a child, even though he could dry himself. Even worse he couldn’t tell if any of the cook’s were watching Vincent dry him off. “Rody you do know umbrella’s exist for a reason, yes?” Vincent sighed softly making sure he didn’t miss a single spot.

“I…Uh don’t own one” Great now why did he say that!? He could have said he forgot it or at least didn’t know it was gonna rain. But sure, why not tell Vincent Charbonneau that he doesn’t own an umbrella , cause he was wasting his money for his beloved Manon because she deserves nice things.

Rody waited for Vincent to call him an idiot but wasn’t expecting Vincent's response. “Look Rody, I’m giving you my umbrella for the ride back so this doesn’t happen again” He explained.

Oh wow that was unexpected but he also felt bad too, because Vincent was offering his umbrella to him which was great but at the same time how would he get home as well? “Thanks, but how are you going to get home without one? I don’t want to take your umbrella and you end up getting soaked in the rain”

“I live here Rody,” Vincent sighed softly.

“Like in the restaurant ?” Maybe that’s what the office was, I mean it was a farfetched on whether or not that Vincent lived in his own restaurant but he wouldn't be surprise since he thinks his last boss lived in his restaurant before so maybe Vincent did the same thing like his old boss and—

“My apartment’s upstairs…” Vincent raised a brow at him, still drying him off.

“Oh Yeah I knew that…” Rody quickly said not wanting to feel any more dumber than he already was since why on earth would he assume that Vincent would live in the damn restaurant of all things.
Though Rody's mind wandered a bit, not in a bad way but more in a curious way. But it seems that Vincent caught on because of how quiet he was since he wondered what would happen if a fire started.

“Is there a problem Lamoree?” Vincent asked, snapping him out of his thoughts.

“Nah it’s…It’s just that…Isn’t that worrying? Like if something happens to the building it’s all gonna be gone” He explained. 

There was a complete silence from Vincent which made Rody heart hammer in his chest, did he say something wrong? I mean of course he said something wrong he mentioned that since Vincent live’s above the restaurant something bad might happen! He was going to apologise to him but before he knew it. The towel was shoved over his head quickly as Vincent talked angrily, almost hitting a sore spot. “If you have enough time to talk nonsense then you’re ready for work” 

And just like that Vincent took the towel and walked off leaving Rody to deal with the customers. That should have gone better but of course Rody had to open his damn mouth, but whatever he’ll get this day done and hopefully no dead plates ever happen on his watch.

~~~~~

Vincent knew this was a mistake, he knew he shouldn’t haven’t hired Rody. But that didn’t matter though but Rody showing up to work late on his second drench of all things, clearly the fool didn’t even bother checking the weather. 

He won’t lie though the reason why he hired Rody was because we’ll Rody was attractive and the fact he saw his picture before, but that wasn’t the point! Rody had a promising resume of working in the service industry. Yet in the end he realised that was nothing but a mistake since Rody was a bit of a moron, as he watched him serve the wrong table a few times(about 13 times, ironically…)

Though that didn’t matter, what Rody just said to him not that long ago stuck with him. If something happened to the building everything will be gone, I mean he understood what Rody was saying but that was such a random thing to say. 

He went to the kitchen and greeted the cook’s before service started running, not that he didn’t mind but so far there were no complaints and clearly his cook’s were keeping track of the orders.
Honestly he shouldn’t jinx it since who knows if Rody messes up he’ll have to leave an apologise to the customers (which he hate’s doing)

Though so far time seemed to be flying and it seemed that Rody hadn’t messed up yet, which was good so that means he learned from yesterday's mistake. He saw Rody enter the area taking out the trash and greet some of the cook’s before going back to work, but as of now it turns out the day slowed down just a bit.

But soon rush hour started to slow down for now as Vincent leaned against the wall hearing his cook’s talk about the latest gossip or whatever, not that he cared. Honestly the reason why he hired his cooks was the same thing he hired Rody…Not the fact that he found them attractive it was more of the fact they had a promising resume if anything. 

But sometimes the gossip does tend to get interesting that even though he pretends he doesn’t care, they know he’s 

Though he was surprised when Rody came over to him. Yet it seemed that Lamoree seemed a bit nervous. Did a customer say something rude too him or did he have a question? If it was a rude customer he’ll deal with it since he doesn’t like it when the customers tend to threaten or abuse his staff members. He doesn’t allow that sort of thing in his bistro.

After all he does have trauma from past experience before but it didn’t matter, what mattered was Rody, since something happened.

“Hey Vince, can I ask you something?”Rody told him.

Vincent raised a brow and sighed softly. Usually when people go to talk to their boss people usually address them as chef, sir, or boss. He wasn't Rody’s friend so why the hell is he calling him Vince.”It’s Chef…”

As he said that he heard a few of the cook’s snicker a bit which caused him to glare at them as they stopped before going back to whatever they were doing. Again promising resumes but clearly they love drama too much, but of course the damage was already done when he looked back at Rody who seemed to be a bit embarrassed.

He’ll deal with his cooks later about embarrassing the new hire, but right now Rody wanted to say something important…He hoped it was important…Was it important?

“Right,C-Chef…Is it okay if I ask you something?” Rody corrected himself even though he tried to show that he wasn’t embarrassed.

Vincent sighed but hoped that what Rody had to say was really important. “I highly doubt you have enough free time on your second day here to be talking to me this much” he explained, though he couldn't help but grinned when he got a reaction out of Rody.

 “I well…I-It’s a slow hour a-and I’m bored. Besides I don’t see you doing much back here anyways” he countered a bit.

And there it is, not that it didn’t surprise Vincent since he already knew what Rody was going to say. But nonetheless he was right it was a slow hour and cooks are doing there mainly gossip which is probably about Rody.
”I’m supervising, the cooks are supposed to prepare my dishes to perfection” Vincent explained to him. Though he won’t lie he has a bit of OCD, all he knows is that everything needs to be perfect.”Even if it’s slightly off from how I’d make it I have to step in.”

After he said that a few of the cooks rolled their eyes knowing that has happened more than once a few times already but didn’t speak out about it. Yeah fine he was a total perfectionist but it’s not his fault, he wants things to be perfect even if the dishes need to be perfect as well.
Since he actually REALLY worked hard on where he needed to be, not asking his parents for a loan or anything, all of this was made by his hard work.

“That seems a bit harsh, doesn’t it?” Rody pointed out a bit.

And that was that, time was up and besides, customers were about to start piling in. He’s not going to entertain the idea anymore with Rody. Was it harsh? Yes because that’s his job as a chef, but Rody never worked in the kitchen so, he cut the conversation short.” Sorry to interrupt your questions, but you do know asking me so many questions this early doesn’t reflect well on the outlook of your job, right?” Vincent looked at Rody, arms crossed.

Though he smiled a bit when Rody's reaction changed quickly. Just like that he left when the bell rang indicating that the customers were arriving right on time, honestly it was nice seeing Rody getting a bit flustered though of course he looked at the cooks who seemed to look away quickly. After hearing one of them coughing “Seem’s that chef has a crush~” followed my a few snickering

“Get back to work!”He ordered face clearly a bit red.

“Yes Chef!”His cooks grinned as they went back to preparing the food for the customers trying hard not to laugh at him. 

God he was going to die by his cooks if anything, he doesn’t have a crush on Rody. Okay…It was a crush but still he was his waiter and he was the boss. He won’t let some dumb puppy love affect his work environment. 

Again he hates how they’re right since…This was indeed a crush…A crush on a incompetent waiter. Rody would make his bistro lose money and customers.

~~~~~

“Well that went well” Rody sighed and as he finished up taking the last order of customers before walking over to the window giving the cooks the ticket. Though he wasn’t expecting the cook’s to laugh at him for calling Vincent a nickname instead of chef, he could have sworn that Vincent seemed surprised by it. 

Though what Vincent told him about keeping an eye on the cooks for no slip up was something interesting at best. It did seem harsh that he mentioned it though with Vincent's reaction it seemed he hit a nerve.

“That guy has an ego…”He muttered, then again he never worked in the kitchen.

Though he had that feeling again that made him get goosebumps, about Vince saying his dishes needs to be perfect. Man he was truly losing it, Vincent was intimidating as hell but still that was his boss and the cooks didn't seem bothered by his demeanour at all.
Once he heard he quickly went over to the window not realising that he had spaced out for a bit. Damn he really needed to calm his nerves down since Vincent wasn’t a bad person, he dried him off didn’t he? He also offered him his umbrella too.

Since his pervious bosses never did that for him in fact they’ve either fired him for showing up late let alone…Shame him for not having an umbrella.

Rody smiled and handed the dish to the customer smiling happily”Enjoy the meal Madam”he smiled and waited by the till as he noticed that the bistro was about to close soon.
After the last customer arrived and paid him before bidding him adieu, just like that he collected the last remaining plates and headed towards the kitchen doing the same thing he did yesterday.

When he entered the kitchen he noticed that a few of the cook’s stayed behind cleaning up a bit before Vincent walked over to him, taking the plates from his hands as he watched Vincent place the dishes in the sink. “You can go home early Lamoree, the cook’s will handle the rest also here.” He explained

Rody just nodded but noticed that there was another container for him placed on the counter, he realised that Vincent made him another meal and it looked like crepes, mainly blueberry crepes. Soon that feeling of dread returned, not that it was a bad thing but more of the fact that Vincent cooked him another meal for him. “Oh uh…Thank you…I–I…Um” shit he was getting tongue tied at this moment.

Vincent just had his arms crossed and rolled his eyes”Just take the damn crepes Lamoree, think of this as a good job for not messing up”he told him.

Well it was true he didn’t make any mistakes like yesterday after all and learnt from it but still… He just nodded and took the container just as he was about to leave, Vincent suddenly grabbed his wrist making him freeze up a bit and still as a statue, why the hell was he nervous for!? “Y-Yes Chef? I-Is there anything you need—” 

Rody cut himself off as he quickly closed his eyes when Vincent handed something to him, but when nothing happened he opened his eyes only to see that Vincent looked confused by his reaction but realised that Vincent was handing him his umbrella.

“You forgot the umbrella I’m giving you…Rody, are you okay?” Vincent asked him.

Shit… He thought to himself. Rody didn’t even mean to flinch like that! Why was he flinching!? It was just an umbrella!

“Y-yeah I’m fine Vinc—I mean Chef… Just a bit tired is all…Thank you for the umbrella”He said and took it quickly before leaving the bistro as he felt everyone's eyes on him, mainly Vincent’s eyes too. He had to get out of there quickly, since this was getting ridiculous. 

“Rody–”

“Night Vince!”Rody said quickly as he left the bistro in a hurry.

By the time he was outside that dread was lifted off his chest, though he had a feeling he wouldn't be able to eat the crepes that Vincent gave him like the onion rolls too. Though he took a deep breath and opened the umbrella as he walked with his bike back to his apartment fast.

He’ll try to call Manon once more, after all she tends to keep him calm. Hopefully she’ll call him this time. “Please Manon call me…”he muttered as he sped walk holding his bike in one hand and the umbrella in the other.

He really couldn’t believe he just flinched like that! How embarrassing! Since he could feel everyone’s eyes on him. Even Vincent eyes piercing against him as he flinched when he handed him the umbrella. The hell was happening!?

~~~~~

Once Rody made it home he quickly set the umbrella aside and quickly went to the phone receiver and called Manon hoping she would have at least picked up. “Come on Manon…Please answer the phone….”he muttered. But of course that didn’t happen but for some reason his heart wouldn’t stop racing…Maybe he was running in the rain. Though he took in a few deep breaths thinking about Manon as he sighed softly, finally calming down.

“Damnit…”he muttered softly.

Why in the hell was he getting so worked up for? This wasn’t something he did, yeah fine he did get some anxiety jitters before but this wasn’t any anxiety shit or whatever this was different. 

Maybe some food would help but every part of his body kept screaming at him not to eat any of the food that Vince made for him. Even though he knows it's bullshit, like his previous bosses never made him food and they never gave him an umbrella either. Hell free food from your boss was like a better paycheck if anything! Honestly should be devouring it but instead he didn’t know why it made him so ill.

He knows he overreacted over a stupid nice gesture that Vincent was making him, hell for all he knows the cooks are probably jealous that Vincent is cooking him some food which was really nice. 

Though he may as well go to bed hungry since he’s very tired. “I’m gonna head off to bed…”He sighed, rubbing his face, he’ll probably try to buy a burger tomorrow or whatever.

Though that feeling of the food that Vincent gave him was something nice his old bosses never did any of that for him, honestly he should be eating them right now since this will be the only free food he'll ever be getting but every part of his body is refusing it. It's probably the anxiety that Manon hasn't called him back yet, but for now he'll take it easy tomorrow. 

He's doing this all for Manon and Manon only, Vincent is only being nice since he cares about him as a waiter since he's dealing with the customers, but whatever this anxiety ridden feeling is....It isn't helping him at all. 

All he hopes for is for everything to be fine and hopes whatever dread is causing him will go away because there was no reason for him to be terrified of Vincent! 

“I need to sleep hopefully…whatever the hell this is…It better goes away…I just wish Marianne would answer my calls..”He grumbled a bit before heading to the couch before he laid down as he drifted off to sleep.

Chapter Text

After what Vincent had witnessed, clearly he had no idea why Rody reacted the way he did, nor did he understand why he flinched when he handed him his umbrella.”What the hell was that…” he sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.

Was Rody okay? What he said of course he wasn’t okay maybe the stress of working happens and is still learning the ropes, after all it was his second day working.

“Chef…Are you abusing the new waiter?” One of the cooks asked him after washing the last dishes.

“That pretty much offended Vincent, because when did he ever abuse his own staff workers!? “WH—No I haven’t, besides what the hell did I even do Lilian? Pray and tell what have I done to abuse the new server? “Vincent glared at him. 

Soon another cook piped up as the disinfected the cutting boards. “Well for starters, you do have a point boss that certainly was unusual, but you do have an aura that basically shows who is in charge of the kitchen not that I can blame the kid for being terrified of you, fuck I was scared of you, when you first hired me!”

“Oh haha…very funny Fabien….” Vincent rolled his eyes.

“Maybe Rody had an abusive boss back then? We don’t know after all you basically thrusted your umbrella at him and he just flinched” Lilian shrugged a bit before dusting off his hands on his apron.
“I think Lilian is on to something, that could be the reason too, maybe his old boss probably smacked him or worse probably pushed him to the point he needed to clean up if something happened, we don’t even know his background.” Fabien explained.

Vincent sighed softly knowing those could be the possibilities. “Maybe… But the way he looked at me towards the end of the shift, when I had him the meals he looked a bit weirded out…” he explained.

“Well it’s pretty much uncommon for your own boss to hand you food, but you tend to usually do that when we do a good job. But we also see the special treatment too with Rody you know” Lilian grinned a bit.

“Alright you two fuck off and go home, I don’t you two hanging out here any longer. It’s already late” Vincent glared, his face flushing up a bit as he pushed the two of them out of the kitchen as both Fabien and Lilian started laughing.

“Fabe, our boss has a crush, how cute~” Fabien laughed a bit only to wince when Vincent punched his arm.

“Shut up and it’s not a crush, besides the idiot hasn’t been eating at all. Now out!” He huffed as he pointed to the door watching both of his last cooks laughing their asses off as they headed home.

“patron de nuit” They said as they left.(good night)

Vincent sighs softly, as he watches both of them leave trying to take in what both Fabien and Lilian told him, it was a possibility that what they said was true. After all there were bristo's owners who did treat their own employees like slaves or nothing more than scum to them. He’ll try to be more kind to Rody. 

Vincent sighed and locked the entrance of the main room before heading back to the kitchen as he left through the back way locking the door too, since take the ladder back to his apartment. 

He sighed as he took his pack of cigarettes out and started smoking a bit, there was something different about Rody. The first time he hired him Rody was ecstatic of being hired. Who wouldn’t? Yet when he started working yeah fine he gave him food but he noticed that Rody wasn’t eating nor was he taking a break…Just when he handed him the food Rody seemed a bit hesitant not that it was a bad thing after all he did offer to take it back but Rody refused to give it to him. 

But what happened today was a bit different, the fool arrived late to work drenching himself in the rain, then for some reason he brought up the fact that something bad might have happened to his bistro and apartment. (which was a valid reason to be concerned about)
“Rody the hell is going on with you…”Vince sighed a bit and took a drag from his cigarette before exhaling the smoke out.

He noticed that Rody never brings his own lunch and so that is why he started making food for him, hell he hasn't even told him he can’t even taste. But that wasn’t the point, maybe he was just famished and was probably overreacting. Though it didn’t matter Vincent just had his cigarette in his hand before flicking it away as he headed towards his apartment, hopefully Rody would feel better tomorrow. 

~~~~~

Vincent sighed softly when he opened the bistro and of course the other cooks arrived on time as for Rody of course he was running late yet again, not that he was surprised. He knows he could hire other waiters who are more competent or whatever but of course he hired Rody because well Rody again was attractive.
He waited when Rody finally showed up smiling once more but of course, Vincent knew that when he was about to leave all of a sudden Rody would change once more. What was he a damn werewolf? Honestly he didn’t know but like he said he’ll try to be a bit nicer to him.

It didn’t matter he greeted Rody before heading back to the kitchen when the restaurant doors opened once more as he stayed in the corner while his cooks had everything they needed at the station. “So, Chef was he late again?” Fabien asked Vincent as he prepped a few of the side dishes.

“Less talking and more cooking Fabien, I don’t have time to chat and to answer your question he was late.”Vincent explained, rolling his eyes. As he said that he got startled when all the cooks laughed a bit.

“Called it!” they said in unison.

Vincent just rubbed his temples a bit, he swears his cooks and Rody might make him go grey early.” I had no idea that all of my cooks wanted to be fired so badly, so it’s either you all start cooking or you can leave in a single file!”

That made him smile when the cook’s stayed quiet, but when the first ticket arrived they started cooking. So far dinner hour hasn’t been too bad, the tickets coming and going so far all the cooks are cooking perfectly like always. Which was good even sometimes it was mostly Lilian would struggle with one thing that’s when he’ll step in from time to time but as of now things seem to be going smoothly. That is till he saw Rody about to take out the trash only for him to drop it holding his hand elevating it quickly.

“Ow! Damn…”Rody hisses in pain.

Shit that wasn’t good, Vince went over to check up on Rody making sure he was okay but of course he was bleeding from his cut. “Ah it…I’m sorry,there was something in the trash. I-It may have rip the bag open when I dropped it.”

Vincent expected his bloody finger and noticed that the cut wasn’t too deep, while listening to Rody ramble a bit as he made eye contact with one of the cooks to get the first aid kit.

“I-I swear I didn’t throw anything away I wasn’t supposed to! I…I don’t think”Rody muttered looking very concerned.

Vincent didn’t want him touching whatever cut him in the garbage back, clearly whoever was on garbage duty was either Fabien or Lilian. Whatever he’ll reprimand them later for now he wasn’t going to allow injury to get infected. “Rody, listen to me, leave it alone. The cooks will handle it and—” but clearly Rody went over to the mess clearly wanting to clean it up.

“Rody!” Vincent glared at him not wanting him to get injured anymore, and clearly the cooks seemed concerned.

“I can clean up the mess…I just need a second…''Rody muttered, not even listening to him.

Soon Vincent grabbed his face and squeezed it a bit making but noticed how Rody looked at him with fear, as if he struck him. Vincent closed his eyes as he took in a deep breath and calmed himself down. He hoped that Rody didn’t assume he was going to slap him because if he did, he wanted to speak to the previous owner who hired him. “Rody…You don’t need to worry about that ... .Someone else will get the mess…”He explained looking away from him a bit the reason he looked away was the fact that Rody held his cheek as if he slapped him.[Which truly broke his heart]

“Now let me see your hand please…” Vincent sighed when his sous chef gave him the first aid kit.” Merci, Stéphane” he said.

Vincent looked at Rody's finger and disinfected it before bandaging it up nicely.” You can’t be serving customers like this, try to be more careful next time...Okay..”He said worriedly.

Again he might call the previous owner, since if he finds out that he abused his own staff he might call the authorities on them. He wasn’t going to tolerate the fact that someone abused their own staff members.

“Right…thank you…”Rody muttered softly almost like a hush whisper, before looking away from him trying to regain his composure. 

Vincent only nodded damn Rody reminded him of a wet dog. But it didn’t matter at this point since so far everyone seemed to be on a short break after what happened. Not that he didn’t mind it but so far everything seemed to die down as he watched Stéphane clean up the mess as well as a few shards of glass from what he could guess was a broken plate.

Though overall it seems that Rody went back to his normal self once more which is very surprising yet not surprising…It was more…He didn’t have a word for it but it was interesting to say the least.
“Hey Vince, can I ask you something?”Rody asked him while looking at the bandage on his finger.

At this point he rather not correct Rody to call him chef, since it didn’t matter at this point.” It’s Vincent, Rody” That got the cooks to turn their heads in utter shock, but quickly looked away when he glared at them still wondering who in the hell didn’t replace the garbage yesterday since last he checked it was either Fabien or Lillian who were on garbage duty.

“Uh sorry, Vincent, can I ask you something?”He chuckled nervously standing next too wondering where he was looking.
“What do you want?” Vincent asked him, since he was now curious on what question Rody had to tell him after the whole garbage bag ripping apart occurred.

~~~~~

Rody wasn’t expecting Vincent to treat his finger, but when he slapped—...No he grabbed his face right? But it felt like he slapped him, though mainly for the right reason. He didn’t know why he was engrossed in cleaning up the garbage that spilled. After all he did cut his finger on a sharp foreign object but Vincent told him to leave it alone but he didn’t think things were tense after that.
But after the whole thing of awkward silence, he might as well start a conversation with Vincent even though the guy gives him the heebie-jeebies of all things but he might as well try to get along with him.

Though when he called him Vince he wasn’t expecting Vince to call him Vincent of all things. “Earth to Rody, are you listening to me? I asked, "What do you want?”Vincent sighed with his arms crossed.

Damn he zoned out for a bit but nonetheless he cleared his throat and laughed nervously.”So um…How am I doing so far?” It was a genuine question. 

“You haven’t gotten fired yet, have you?” Vincent looked at him, cocking his head to the side.

Damn talk about harsh but true, he made a few mistakes here and there but also him showing up late for work would have gotten him fired but yeah. “Not that I’ve known of so…N-No?”

“Then you’re doing fine.” Vincent explained calmly. Though Rody could have sworn he saw a faint smile on Vince’s face.

Well fine was an understatement he’s been late to work more than once if anything but again Vincent had a point, man the patience Vincent had for him was very interesting of all things cause usually he would have fired right away.  

“So Uh can I have the leftovers?”He asked him, that totally wasn’t the fact he hasn’t been eating Vincent cooking whatsoever. Yup that wasn’t the case at all, not like he thinks his boss would do something to the food of all things nothing at all. Vincent just stared at him before sighing a bit.

”Don’t you have anything you can cook with at your place?”Vincent asked him as he crossed his arms slightly.

Well Rody wasn’t a strong cook and besides he’s still trying to figure out how the hell he set his cereal on fire of all things. “Uh ah. Nah. Even if I did Vince, I’d be a terrible chef. Anything I touch tends to be set ablaze of all things” He explained.

“Well, if that’s the case maybe you can try something simpler than cooking…”Vincent shrugged not before grinning to himself a bit.”Maybe a peanut butter and Jelly sandwich is more your level “he chuckled a bit.

“That’s uh…It’s way out of my league….” Rody muttered a bit.

“A peanut butter and jelly sandwich is out of your league?”Vincent asked him, not convinced.

“Last time I tried to make one it became um…Charcoal…”He confessed, he looked at Vincent face and yeah that’s the face of how the fuck can you ruin a simple easy dish of all things.

Yeah maybe he shouldn’t have told him that he can’t cook for shit but soon his eyes caught something when Vincent pulled out his cigarette pack and started smoking calmly a bit to calm his nerves and it was probably the damn sandwich thing that kind of caught Vince in a stress out mood. “Hey, are you sure it’s okay for you to be smoking in the kitchen?”He asked Vincent.

“It’s my kitchen Rody, I know what I’m doing…”He explained and blew smoke away from him.”If you have somewhat of a problem with it some of the cooks also smoke in the kitchen in their free time.”he told him. 

“I-I see”He muttered to Vincent.

“Are there any more questions you would like to ask me? ” Vincent sighs softly,before taking another drag from his cigarette.

“ I—Ah… No Vince,I better get going bye”Rody said quickly as the silence slowly started filling in before he quickly left the kitchen to continue serving the customers. What happened back at the kitchen could have gone better if not normal.

He honestly had no idea why that feeling of dread kept creeping up when he was talking to Vincent, deep down he really hoped that Vincent didn't make him another meal for him to go since he knows he won’t eat it.

And as much as he appreciates it…He can’t stomach it for some reason!

~~ ~~~

Vincent sighed softly as he watched Rody quickly scurry off in a hurry, of course he would. He finished his cigarette and looked at the cooks who seemed to be quiet about that whole exchange between the two both of them. “Oh for the love of—What now!? “He groaned, pitching the bridge of his nose as he rubbed it, clearly annoyed by how nosy they were.

“So Vincen’t huh?” Lilian explained with a sly grin.

“Lilian I swear at this point Rody would rather not call me Chef and clearly I’m only allowing this.”he explained quite seriously.

“I smell favouritism” Stéphane smiled softly as a few snickers appeared in the kitchen as Vincent's face flushed red a bit.

“I swear not only Rody but my cooks are wanting to kill me so early. There’s no favouritism with Lamoree! Clearly he’s stupid besides, get back to work and I’ll be making him something knowing the damn fool told me he can’t even cook “he grumbled a bit.

“Want us to help cook food for your new boyfriend,Vincent~?” Fabien grinned.

“That’s CHEF too you Fabien and no, Rody isn’t my boyfriend. “Vincent rolled his eyes and started making squid ink pasta with shrimps for Rody.
“Alright enough jibber jabbering, we’ve got an order to make some desserts.” Lilian rolled his eyes grinning a bit as he took the ticket.

With that the cooks went back to work, as for Vincent he made his own food for Rody. It looks good enough but he wants to taste it but so far he has to rely on his other senses, the usual, sight, touch, and smell. He knows he can ask one of his cooks to try it but he knows they trust his judgement since they already know how it tastes and all they can confirm is that it was good.

Vincent can only hope that Rody won’t panic over the food he gives him, as he checked the time he noticed that it was about closing. Though he could finish this meal which was already almost done, some of the cooks even started cleaning up. Speaking of that he wanted to talk to Fabien and Lilian since they were the last two yesterday meaning one of them didn’t check the garbage.

“Lilian, Fabien I would like to have a word with you two about the accident involving Rody slicing his finger but for now I want everyone to clean up”He stated.

“Yes chef” They both said and started cleaning up their stations as everyone did their own things. Vincent sighed and placed the pasta in a container and went out to the dining area and found Rody who was about to enter the kitchen.  “Here it’s squid ink pasta” He explained as he shoved the container in Rody’s hands “You can go home Rody I’ll see you tomorrow”He explained.

Of course he spotted that same dread again and Rody still took the container from him either way. “Oh uh Thanks Vince, I–I’ll see you tomorrow” Rody smiled a bit before he left quickly once again.

~~~~~

Vincent sighed softly as he watched Rody leave in a hurry yet again, but that didn’t matter he went back to the kitchen as Fabien and Lilian were there clearly somewhat arguing with themselves about the garbage thing. “My office, you two, everyone else go home”He explained.
Vincent entered his office as both Fabien and Lilian followed suit, clearly knowing they’ll get the scolding of a lifetime. “You both know the reason why you're here and I don’t care who’s fault it was. One of you should have checked the garbage for anything that wasn’t meant to be thrown away,”Vincent explained as he went to his desk as he sat down, his hands crossed a bit.

"Chef clearly Fabien was the one who had to inspec-"

"EXCUSE ME!! LAST I'VE CHECK I WAS WASHING THE DISHES WASN'T IT YOUR JOB TO CHECK THE TRASH!!"Fabien yelled at Lilian.

"HA! CHEF ARE YOU HEARING THIS I REMEMBERED THAT YOU GAVE ORDERS TOO FABIEN AND-"

Soon just like that, Fabien and Lilian started talking over one another while also pointing accusingly at each other too saying it was so and so fault. Vincent sighed and opened one bottle of wine for himself; he had a feeling that this was going to be a long,long night till the truth came out from either Fabien and Lilian.

For all he knows is that it could both be their fault that Rody had gotten injured but of course with Fabien and Lilian yelling at each other (even though he told him he doesn't care who's fault it was) It became a white noise too him as he wondered what Rody's reaction was again.

Why was Rody reacting like he did something to him, mainly why has Rody been asking him questions which are not work related and seem to be a bit more personal information. Why the hell would he care about whether or not he smokes in his own kitchen, after all he did tell Rody that the cooks also smoke.

Though a part of him wonders if Rody was going through something but then again it could be the stress of working in a restaurant and like Fabien and Lilian said Rody probably dealt with an abusive chef/boss of all things. He only hope's that Rody doesn't see him as an abusive person since he's mainly stressed about maintaining his restaurant.
Vincent knows he has his work cut out for him.He just pulled his cigarette pack out and started smoking once more watching Fabien and Lilian swear at each other as he poured himself a glass of wine.

Chapter Text

Itchy…Rody was so itchy… He had to scratch whatever it was. He started scratching more and more and more…No matter how much he scratched he was itching to the point he kept scratching more and more till his whole body was raw. The itchiness just wouldn’t stop!! He had to scratch whatever was bothering him till he noticed on his wrist and hands were covered in dotted lines.

Why were there dotted lines?

“Lines…wha-”He was so confused, why on earth would there be lines on him.

He looked down and all over his body were lines going up down and around him, it was like he was a piece of meat being prepped to be cut and served on a platter. His heart was pounding in his chest wildly frantically.

“What the hell is this…”he muttered nervously.

Even better, he didn't know what the hell was going on!? What the hell was happening where, was he !? This was too confusing. He needed to get out of here but he couldn’t move, he couldn’t move at all.
He looked up as there were knives, knives flying right at him coming quickly and fast trying to slice into him!!—

~~~~~

“AUGH!! WAIT I-I’M…Still here…” Rody leaned up from his couch feeling his heart pounding in his chest. Was that a nightmare!? Jesus he was sweating, he pushed his (now wet) auburn hair back as he slowly tried to calm his heart down.

He never had nightmares not since he dropped out of college(while getting drunk), but he never ever had them but this one was strange. Weird in fact like he was being prepared to be served on a plate.
“Deep breaths Rody…It was only a nightmare…A nightmare that you became food….”He sighed a bit.

Man he wishes Manon was here, she would have comfort him about his nightmare telling him he should lay off the junk food since there was no way someone would try to prep him as a meal for people too consume.”It’s okay…”he muttered softly finally getting his heart to relax for a moment.

Rody sighed softly and checked the time as he realised he was going to be late for work again. “FUC—!” he fell off the couch and started getting dressed.

He knows he should eat something, hell he didn’t even eat the food Vincent gave too him again, because something always kept telling him not to eat it. Maybe finally his dreams were telling him something about Vincent? No it can’t be since Vincent is a normal guy of course he wouldn’t cook a human…right?

“NO!! H-He wouldn’t do that! He’s a famous chef after all” Rody muttered and got dressed quickly into his uniform of all the things as he took his bike not even bothering to fix his hair nor brush his teeth.

Damn he was very,VERY late. Fuck he’s never been this late before! This time Vincent might actually fire him for his lateness overall he could call saying he was running late but there was no point in doing that, for all he knows is that Vincent must have sent a few of the cooks out to handle the service or maybe he’s the one doing it. “Fuck my life…”he groaned knowing Vincent will scold him for his tardyness of all things.

Though he couldn’t help himself but think about that dream with the knives and the dotted lines, there has to be a meaning behind that right? At least something…right? It’s either that or it’s the damn paranoia of all things or maybe the stress is finally catching up too him of all things.

~~~~~

Vincent sighed softly knowing that Rody was late yet again, he should fire Rody but maybe Rody had a good reason as he waited by the door. They opened an hour ago. Usually Lamoree would be here when people are starting to fill in but so far he was lucky that it was a slow day today. 

“Hey chef, is Lamoree running late again!?” Fabien yelled from the kitchen as he peered into the dining area.

“Of course he’s running late Fabien, give him time the damn fool is always late…”He grumbled.
He really wanted to smoke but he never liked smoking in the dining area at all, Vince was starting to become worried for Rody. Yes his cooks are making fun of him for his stupid crush and favouritism but something about Rody is that he’s very different, like REALLY different.

“You know I don’t understand why you can’t fire him chef” Fabien explained.

“Fabien I’ll fire you if you keep asking me these stupid questi—”Vincent didn’t finish when the bell chimed a bit as Rody entered the dining area clearly tired and over all looking like shit.
“H-Hey Vince sorry for being late again I swear this time I’ll arrive on time !”Rody panted a bit clearly racing to get here.

Vincent was about to scold him but noticed the bags underneath Rody’s eyes and clearly he wasn’t looking too good.”You look like shit Rody…Did you get enough sleep?”he asked him a bit concerned. Well that seemed to shock Lamoree since his eyes widened but laughed a bit as he rubbed the back of his neck nervously.” I well…I had a nightmare b-but don’t worry it won’t affect my performance when serving the customers” he explained quickly.

“Rody I think you should hea—”He got cut off when Rody spoke.

“Alright thanks Vince, besides the customers are coming, ''Rody said, quickly cutting Vincent off as he heard the bell chime before greeting a set of customers before taking them to their seats.

Vincent sighed softly as he headed towards the kitchen, rubbing the sides of his head a bit. Rody needed to rest but whatever if he tells him that he is fine then he’s fine. Though that nagging feeling was getting to him, there was something wrong with Rody, he knows it. 

Vincent sighs softly as he pulls out a cigarette and starts smoking a bit, he can’t believe he was worried for Rody of all people. The first few times of being late he let it slip but this time Rody seemed to be a bit off, he just didn’t know the reason why.

“Hey boss, are you feeling alright?” Lilian asked.

“Yeah…Fine….”He mumbled a bit as he exhaled some of the smoke.  “Alright, just if anything happens we're here for you”Lilian explained as the rest of the cooks nodded in agreement.

Vincent sighed softly of course his cooks would be worried about him, not that he can’t blame them. He is known to have a level head but this time this was different, though so far he watched his cooks do their tasks of handling the dishes and everything. Hell he even finished smoking his cigarette, so far everything was going accordingly so far.   Dishes were coming and going, orders were being fulfilled, there were a few dead plates here and there but so far everything was going fine.

Everything WAS fine…Fine till he smelt something burning as he ran over to one of the stove. As he quickly moved the pan to the side as the flames grew brightly on the stove making him hesitate for a moment before he swallowed his fear down trying to put out the fire. “HEY I DON’T EVEN KNOW WHY I’M PLAYING FIREFIGHTER BUT THE FUCK IS THIS!!!”He yelled.

Soon the cooks stopped looking concerned for a moment. Almost like deers in headlights which pissed him off even more. “What order is this!?” he yelled, clearly pissed.
Though when no one said anything that made him even more pissed off.“Who was cooking this order!? Cause last I checked we weren’t serving this!!”

All the cooks were quiet as Vincent glared trying to kill the flame off from the stove,trying not to shake out of fear.”HEY!!! MORONS ARE YOU JUST STAND THERE OR ARE YOU GOING TO HELP ME!!”He yelled and was pissed.
Soon one of the cooks helped Vincent with the fire”S-Sorry chef!! I made a mistake!”the cook muttered quickly.

“HOW FUCKING WONDERFUL CLEARLY YOU WANT TO SET EVERYTHING ON FIRE!! WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE!?”Vincent yelled angrily once the flames started to die down, which his hands started to tremble a bit…

“I-I’m sorry chef…”The cook mumbled a bit looking down,clearly embarrassed.

Vincent pinched the bridge of his nose, clearly getting a headache he could feel his jitters coming and going as he could feel his leg twitch a bit as he looked at the cook who of course he realised was none other than Lucien.” S-Sorry!? Lucien!! Sorry doesn’t fucking cut it, Now does it!!”

“N-No chef…”Lucien muttered as he looked down.

“Why the fuck would you make that dish in the first place when it clearly wasn’t on today’s menu!?” He asked. “Chef I think you need to calm down and—” Fabien spoke but only got glared at by Vincent.

"YOU QUIET! Lucien answered my damn question, why did you make that dish!?” He asked again. “I…I don’t know chef…I must've-”Lucien mumbled looking down as he averted his eyes from Vincent.

Vincent wasn’t sure if his hearing was going along with his taste.”I-I’m sorry Lucien, You said “You don’t know”???!!!” He glared at him. 

“I…It slipped my mind, I apologise chef…” Lucien continued to ramble a bit. 

Vincent couldn’t believe what he was hearing, he honestly couldn't believe it!“If you can’t follow simple safety regulations it’ll be your own damn fault!!” He said turning off the stove. 

“Yes chef…”Lucien looked down.

“I can’t hear you Lucien! This is my kitchen speak up when spoken too!”He glared at him once everything calmed down.

“Yes Chef!”

Vincent took a deep breath and looked over as he saw Rody looking quite worried, mainly his eyes were on him. How long has Rody been there? Damn he could feel his heart pounding wildly in his chest and as he was shaking a bit. He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. He needed to calm down…He was okay…He was fine…He just needed a moment…“I need a break…Get the hell back to work now! ALL OF YOU!” he snapped before leaving through the back slamming the door. He needed a fucking smoke.

As he was outside he pulled his cigarette pack out and lighter as he started shaking a bit to calm his nerves down, before he lit one of the cigarettes before he started smoking. He wasn’t going to relive that moment…Not again…He will never EVER relive that moment again…

~~~~~

Rody just stood there completely worried for the chef cause all he remembered was flames. S-surely Vincent really didn’t push the cooks head near the fire right? Though he shook his head quickly, no he didn’t do that instead he scolded the cook and honestly he couldn’t help but feel bad for Vincent. 

“Oh hey guys look it’s Lamoree” Fabien said as he pointed over at Rody.

Of course now all eyes were on him, he just stared back at the cooks and smiled.“Uh…Hi yes it’s me…Rody…Um Please to meet you?”he laughed nervously.

We'll he only knew some of their names, mainly four people since he didn’t have time to introduce himself to them or did they introduce themselves to him either. “If you want to talk to Vincent, good luck he’s outside stress smoking. Give him time to cool down or don’t but I think it’s best if he needs the company after Lucien fuck up with today’s order” Stéphane explained pointing her knife at Lucien.

“Oh fuck off Stéphane, I already got in shit by Vincent of all people. “Lucien grumbled a bit clearly, upset that he got yelled at.

“You’re the one who forgot what you were cooking , so he had every right to get mad at you and clearly I can’t believe you almost set his restaurant on fire. I’ve never seen him get so mad that he had to go outside and smoke… “Lilian explained teasingly but was also serious.

Rody just listened to the cooks bicker for a moment. Though he noticed a small rat while the cooks were bickering, he gently shooed it away for a moment, before he slowly slipped outside and saw Vincent leaning against the wall stress smoking. Clearly stressed out beyond his mind about what happened in the kitchen, after all he was going to dump out the trash. So he stood next to him against the wall looking up feeling his heart race a bit nervously.

“Hey Vince…” He smiled, greeting him.

“What do you want…” Vince grumbled a bit coldly after what happened in the kitchen.(Though Rody notice a slight tremble in Vincent’s hand)
Oh so Vincent was mad,mad, guess the cooks weren’t exaggerating whatsoever. Well some light hearted conversion would be fine with him. “Can I ask you something?”

Vincent rolled his eyes but nodded”Go for it”he sighed softly as he took a long drag from his cigarette.

“So…Are you single?”he asked him.

When he asked that question Vincent started coughing as he inhaled too much and waved the smoke away looking at him and Rody swears he could see Vincent blushing a bit. “E-Excuse me?”he coughed as he put out his cigarette. 

“I asked if you're single?”He cocked his head a bit hoping that wasn’t too personal, cause Vincent was attractive looking anyone could have him. Hell even Manon would like a guy like him…But she wouldn’t do that to him.

Once Vincent calmed down how he cleared his throat a bit “Why do you ask?” he asked him.
Damn he didn’t think that far ahead but oh well.” I dunno, I was just curious. I mean you get a lot of ladies right?” he smiled. Though he saw Vincent's reaction seemingly to be a bit annoyed about that. 

“Yeah, sure…”Vince said, not even entertaining the idea of the fact.

“So aren’t you seeing any of them?”He smiled. Vincent was really handsome he won’t deny that but he was a bit jealous, only a little bit. “No…Look I’m really not getting what you’re digging for here”Vincent explained to him annoyed.

Rody rubbed the back of his neck nervously as he cleared his throat for a moment.”Well I guess just-Why are you here?”he asked him.
Okay so that came out wrong;What he wanted to say was why hasn’t he found the right girl yet to marry and settle down. But he continues anyway in case he pisses off Vincent even more so he can explain himself further. 

“It’s just that, You just stand around and watch other people work most of the time. You don’t actually cook, you’re more than stable enough in finances” He added.

“I don’t see your point in this Rody” Vincent sighed.

“Well, couldn’t you just get a manager to run the place while you relax? Settle down with someone?” He explained to Vincent. After the whole thing in the kitchen it was a good idea that he gave him. Rody looked at Vincent's reaction and noticed he had his arms crossed as he rolled his eyes a bit.
”You know, I don’t run the place for money…” Vincent stated seriously. “I’ve got an actual stake here, this is me settling down” He explained to him.

Rody looked at him and was about to ask him about romance if he has all the girls drooling over him but of course Vince beat him to the punch. “Look Rody, chasing petty romances isn’t the-end-all be-all in life.” 

“Wh-P-Petty romances!?” That clearly surprised him, moreover what was so petty about romance!? D-Didn’t Vincent want kids!? A partner for life!? “Who is this all for if it isn’t someone else, what’s even the point if you don’t have a wife or kids to share it with?” He asked him.
Rody really wanted to know what Vincent’s answer to that was. Since there was no way that Vincent was serious, he must haven’t found the right girl yet. 

“Isn’t it enough to have it for myself?”Vincent shrugged a bit.

Wow okay so he is pretty much selfish” Yeesh.. Suit yourself I guess…”

With that question out of the way, they just stood there in awkward silence but Rody swore he heard Vince muttered under his breath for a moment. “What?"

“I said I’m gay Rody…What do you have a problem with,that?” Vincent looked at him, arms crossed. Oh…OH! Oh shit we’ll he didn’t know how to respond to that. He wasn’t homophobic or anything. “N-No!”he said, a bit flustered.

Well that was something he wasn’t expecting at all, though he wasn’t going to ask him if all the ladies who fancy him know if he’s gay. Though he knows that was a personal question he wasn’t going to ask him. Though he could ask him for a raise.“Hey Vince um…”
“What is it, Rody…are you going to ask me why I’m gay?” Vincent rolled his eyes.

“WH-N-NO! I was gonna ask if you can give me a raise?...”He laughed a bit nervously, after all he’s been doing a good job so far. Plus he also wants to get something for Manon when she comes back.
“pfft…Hah!” Vincent laughed a bit at him for a moment. “So is that a no or?” Rody asked him.

“Oh right, yeah that’s a no, you’re not getting a raise” He explained to him. “This is your fourth day working Rody so no, you’re getting a raise “Vincent smiled softly shaking his head a bit.

“Ugh…” Rody knew he was right but it was worth the shot nonetheless but at least Vince was calming down. He really thought that would work, he wasn’t going to lie. “But since you're asking, why do you need one anyways Rody” Vincent asked him and asked him now quite interested on what the reason was behind this.

“Well it’s for this girl, her name is Manon. I should have just enough by the end of the week. Just a bit more could be ample for something really special “ He smiled happily talking about Manon, yeah fine it’s a huge puppy love but Manon deserves the best. 

Vincent sighed softly”You make tips. Do good at your job and you’ll do good enough for whatever pet project you have outside of work” he said not too impressed by how love struck he was for Manon.

“Also why do you need this much money anyways? Is she really that excessive with cash? “ He asked him.

Okay that struck a nerve with Rody. “O-Of course not!” He said quickly but now he mentioned that he has bought Manon almost a few things.”Well..I mean a little, yeah. But she’s not prissy or anything. And she’s worth it! Every cent of it, she’s worth all of it Vince. And when I can show her just how much she means to me, this’ll all be worth it too “ Rody explained happily to Vincent of all things, he was deeply in love with Manon. She was the sun to him and he loved her for almost every little thing she did.

Once he finished rambling Vincent made a small mph for a moment as if he was lost in thought for a moment.

”What?”he asked him 

“Nothing…” Vincent shrugged a bit, waving him off which was a little rude.

“Rody if you’re done asking me questions you can head back inside and do your job since I don’t want any more dead plat—”Vincent added but Rody cut him off quickly. “I have one more question…And that’s it”he said quickly. 

“We’ll then ask Lamoree you better hurry for I send you back inside to do your job”Vincent sighed softly.

Sometimes Rody tends to wonder when his luck will run out before Vincent blows up at him for wasting both of their time. “Well, do you like your job?” he asked.
Vincent looked at him before sighing”I’ve dedicated my life into making this bistro as successful as it is now.”

“Yeah but..Do you like it? “Rody pushed just a little bit. He wanted to know his answer to that.

“What do you mean by that Rody? “Vince questioned him, which thankfully he wasn’t mad at him for asking such a stupid question.

“Well for someone who claims that they’re a proud owner of this restaurant, I don’t think I’ve actually…You know, see you cook?”He stated, while rubbing the back of his neck nervously.
Finally he got it out, he honestly was holding that back. Since whenever Vincent made him the food he can’t tell whether or not he made it.
It may sound rude but he needed to get that off of his chest of all things but mainly it was about that damn nightmare too he had and he never ever wanted to deal with it ever again. Fuck for all he knows maybe Vincent doesn’t even have time too cook.

When he looked up he saw how stunned Vincent was, fuck now he wasn’t sure that he messed up. Actually he might be fired for asking such a stupid question. He was about to apologise but what Vincent said cut him by surprise.

“What about you…”He asked.

“I..Uh…I mean it pays me money” He told him truthfully. Though he didn’t understand what point Vincent was trying to ask him, he can tell that Vincent was being a bit vulnerable towards him which…he thinks was good.

“What did you want to do before this? I doubt you wanted to wait tables for a living” Vincent sighed and averted his gaze from Rody. Well shit that caught Rody off guard but if Vincent was being vulnerable then he might tell him.” Well, I uh..I guess I was studying in school for something for a bit”

“Oh what were you going for?”Vincent asked him, now curious about what he was studying for, which in all honesty is very embarrassing to say at least since how in the hell was he supposed to say Hospitality.

“You’re definitely going to make fun of me for it, if I told you”Rody coughed a bit and rubbed the back of his neck nervously. “You don’t need to be worried about that.”Vincent shrugged a bit, not before laughing to himself.” It can’t be any more embarrassing than as you are now”

And just like that all trust went out the window just like that. “Yeah see, that kind of talk is exactly what I mean…”  Vincent laughed a bit and sighed softly, Rody could swear he felt his heart flutter a bit but quickly ignored that thought.

”Hurry up and get back to work Lamoree before the cooks get nosy, they love drama and thank you for keeping me company…”he added.
Rody looked at Vincent and cleared his throat a bit and nodded though he forgot that Vince did mention the cooks were nosy”O-Of course Vince, I…I better get going”He said quickly as he rushed inside not wanting to anger any of the customers who were waiting.

Yet as he headed inside he noticed that some of the cooks stumble a bit and pretended as if they were busy and totally not— So he wasn’t wrong Rody thought to himself before heading back to the dining area

~~~~~

Vincent watched Rody rush inside, before sighing a bit but it was clear as day that he was sure that the cooks were 100% eavesdropping on their conversation as he noticed that Rody paused for a moment before heading back inside, Which he wasn’t even surprised about in the slightest. Once he entered the kitchen of course all the cooks looked away smiling as they continued to make the food.

“I know you nosy assholes were listening to us and Lamoree caught you guys so before you say anything no I won’t be making any moves on him.”

“Aww…boo”The cooks grumbled a bit.

“Children, all of you now get back to work now”Vincent grumbled a bit, crossing his arms a bit clearly flustered of all things. 

“So boss you didn’t answer Rody's question after all since you mainly deflected the conversation onto him instead~”Lucien teased a bit.
“Of for the love of God, Is it about the cooking thing? Cause the answer is none of your business.” Vincent rolled his eyes a bit.

“You still haven’t told him you can’t taste, have you?” Fabien sighed softly.

Of course that was the deal but when his silence said everything all the cooks looked at him as they rolled their eyes quite annoyed by this fact, mainly because he knows damn well the cooks will nark on him to tell Rody sooner or later. 

“You know boss you’ll have to tell him sooner or later” Stéphane shrugged a bit not even bothered when Vincent glared daggers at her.

But of course all the cooks agreed with her nodding their head. “For fuck sakes I’ll tell him soon now can you all get back too work…Besides I need to make something for Rody in the end”He grumbled. 

“Strawberry shortcake?” Fabien and Lilian said in unionison before laughing their asses off once they realised they both said it together.

“If you want to know then yes, now everyone shut the fuck up and leave me alone for at least 5 minutes…Just 5 fucking minutes is all I need”

“You got it Chef, we’ll leave you alone but never stop teasing you about this cute crush you got on the waiter~!!” Fabien laughed.

Vincent took a deep breath and muttered to himself for a moment, he swears he shouldn’t have hired them but knows they could at least handle his bullshit and moreover they didn’t care that he was gay which was a good thing.
But that didn’t matter, he needed to start making the strawberry shortcake, though it made him a bit worried that Rody might not be eating his food though it didn’t matter. He didn’t want Rody to starve himself and clearly the idiot was in love who wastes his money on someone when in reality he should be taking care of himself.

Though it didn’t matter, as he went to the fridge and started to make the Strawberry shortcake for Rody.

Chapter Text

“Why can’t I…”

Rody couldn’t move…Why couldn’t he move…This must be another nightmare but this one was different, it felt like he was stuck in a box or something. Something he couldn’t get out of, even though he could see the pitch darkness

“God please let this nightmare end…”

He started shaking whatever he was stuck in, clearly it wasn’t working but that didn’t mean he was going to stop. The first nightmare was horrible since he was gonna be butchered of all things now this one was something different. He just wanted to wake up and escape from this nightmare…At least he wasn’t being butchered…

Fuck this was very stressful he moved and moved trying to get out whatever he was stuck in. “P-Please let me out…Please…” As he shook more and more he looked around and noticed that he was stuck in a meat package of all things.

~~~~~

Rody shot up awake and grumbled a bit trying to relax his heart. “What the fuck is with theses dreams….At least I didn’t get butchered like last night…”he sighed softly. 

These nightmares were getting weirder and weirder, why are they starting now?! He checked the time and noticed that he was late yet again, that’s because he stayed not fearing about the knives stabbing him plus he feels like crap too. But then again Vincent will probably forgive him for being late.

We’ll the good thing coming out of this was him being…he thinks friend with Vince of all things. After all Vince did tell him that he was gay of all things and the cooks seem to like Vince of all people.
Though when Vince gave him the strawberry shortcake it sadly reminded him of Manon’s baking of all things.  He couldn’t eat it…He just left it in the fridge with the other food that Vincent made, though of course that dreadful feeling always returned when Vincent handed him the food.

Also meeting the cooks was a bit interesting and he wasn’t wrong, after he went inside he saw that the cooks were definitely eavesdropping on them which embarrassed him of all things as he quickly took off. Vincent was indeed correct because when Vince gave him the strawberry shortcake they seemed to be a bit giddy about Vince handing him the food of all things. Though that didn’t matter he better get going, he was late as is. Besides he was sure that Vincent was already in the kitchen and probably serving the customers.

”Man I fucking hate nightmares…”he grumbled a bit.

He grabbed his bike and went on his way to work. Fuck he feels terrible all because he stayed up fearing for another nightmare to strike at him again. But of course that didn’t work in his favour, but whatever he didn’t want to dwell on anything. He needs to get to work.

~~~~~

Rody was late yet again, though that didn’t matter usually he’ll show up anyways. Vincent knows he shouldn’t be allowing this bad habit, but he’s gotten used to it so it never really bothered him. “So chef I think your boyfri-”Fabien grinned but was cut off by Vincent.

“Fabien, if you speak I’ll demote you from cook to waiter like Rody or the better choice being fired. He’s not my boyfriend and yes he’s always late, yes I know I should be firing him but I won’t okay, end of discussion”He glared at him. The cooks stayed quiet but smiled softly as they continued to work knowing that Vincent favouritism is clear as day since last time they did that they got a verbal and clear warning.

“You know chef, It’s clear you have feelings for Rody of all things. It’s very adorable~”Lilian teased a bit.

“I’m going too wack you with the frying pan…Can you all shut the fuck up about Rody. I swear to god I think I made a mistake in hiring you guys as my cooks…” Vincent rubbed the side of his head blushing but heard the bell ring, knowing Rody arrived as he clearly heard him swear a bit too himself as Rody poked his head through the window.

“S-Sorry I’m late! Thanks for taking over Vince!”Rody said quickly before running off to write down the orders.

“CHEF HE’S HERE~” The cooks said happily, swooning a bit.

Vincent glared at them.”That’s great, that also means you can do your jobs as cooks and stop talking about Rody”He glared at him. “Also I don’t want another accident of a fire happening, so Lucien I’ll be keeping an eye on you”

“WH-Chef! It was a one time thing!!” Lucien grumbled a bit not liking being called out. 

“And clearly it’ll happen again.” Vincent narrowed his eyes a bit, crossing his arms softly. He leaned against the wall as he watched the cooks take the orders and started prepping the food before giving it to Rody.

Though as he watched the cooks his mind started to wonder a bit, he heard Rody mentioning the name Manon before. That can’t be the same Manon that Rody was referring to right? Though knowing his cooks they’ll say something stupid about Manon or whatever.

But whatever he thought nothing of it, though he really keep a good eye on Lucien of all things cause last time was a disaster no less, even worse he lost his cool. Mainly because of the teasing but also the fact that he worked hard to earn his bristo, yeah fine he can’t taste anything but that doesn’t mean he can’t cook. At least he has his other senses of which is good. 

So far everything seems to be going good, no accidents or anything. Though he supposes he won’t mind reading the reviews happening for his bristo, so far everything seems to be fine though the part of Rody being incompetent left a bad taste in his mouth. Yeah fine Rody was a bit of an idiot but that doesn’t give them the right to talk bad about him.

“Uh oh We know that face…Chef how are the reviews for La Gueule de Saturne? Surely not bad”Lilian asked him as he served the last dish to the window. 

“It’s nothing….”He grumbled and tried to ignore the bad reviews about Rody of all things.

Speaking of Rody, of course the fool entered the kitchen, which caused all of his cooks to have a shit eating grin on their faces. This make’s Vincent take a mental note to himself that there'll be no gossip in his restaurant of all things. Though he heard Rody walk over to him quickly, He didn’t even put the review’s away. “..Hey Vince” he said tiredly.

Vincent sighed softly and set aside the reviews.”Hi Ro-” He didn’t even finish saying his name since he saw the bags underneath his eyes. What the fuck is going on with Rody.”Jesus, you look terrible. Did you get any sleep last night?”He asked him,very concerned for his well being. He didn’t think he would be this tired, was he even sleeping!? The hell was going on with Rody at this point he was fine for the last 3 days.

“I…Uh…I had another nightmare….”Rody explained, looking away from him a bit.

Of course it was another nightmare, but he wasn’t going to push him about his dream or whatever nightmares Rody was having.”Yeah I can tell. Did you have something you wanted to ask me, Rody?” Rody gave him a small smile but noticed the restaurant reviews in his hand.

”Hey, what are you reading?”he asked him.

“Restaurant reviews.” Vincent shrugged, not really understanding what Rody was trying to get at. But of course Rody leaned close to get a peek at the reviews which made him push Rody away with his face slightly flush.
“What does it say? Does it mention me?” Rody asked, trying to reach for it.

Why did that fool have to grab the damn review from his hands even worse in front of the cooks which he could probably tell are enjoying the scene between him and Rody of all things but more importantly he knows damn well their gonna make fun of him for pushing Rody away.
Though his heart did break when Rody was right on the nose not before crumpling the paper tight staying quiet for a moment. He didn’t want Rody getting hurt over some stupid review by some stupid people who no even fathom of the idea of someone working in a resturant. “They didn’t mention you…No…” he said quickly lying to Rody.

“Awww damn. They don’t appreciate good service!” Rody huffed a bit, clearly not happy that he wasn’t mentioned. 

Vincent would rather keep it that way, he knows that Rody isn’t the best server but he doesn’t want him to be upset. “Guess not…”he muttered.

Though he made eye contact with the cooks and of course they look at him connecting the dot realising that Rody had negative reviews but they didn’t say anything, which Vincent was grateful for. 

“Is there anything else Rody?” Vincent asked Rody as he looked away from the cooks quickly.

“I…Can I have a break?...I’m getting kinda tired…”Rody asked him, rubbing the back of his neck. 

“Why did you not have anything for lunch?” Vincent swears that Rody was going to kill him with how he’s not taking care of himself. Actually why is he asking such a stupid question, Rody can’t even fucking cook let alone take his own food from his home.

“I-It’s more so because of the-...N-Nevermind,um,no I didn’t. I couldn’t afford to bring anything….”Rody mumbled a bit.

Vincent sighed softly, he swears Rody is making him turn grey. But what was the first statement he was going to say, maybe it was probably the nightmares or something. Though he wasn’t going to let Rody starve himself. Vincent sighed softly as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

”I suppose I could let you eat the leftovers, the patrons that didn’t finish their meals after all” he explained. After he said that his heart fluttered a bit when Rody perked up a bit very excited when he said that. Oh for fuck sake’s he was so gay for this man.

“R-Really!? You’re being serious!?” He asked him like an excited dog. Fuck he hate’s being so gay for Rody of all things, but he took a deep breath and nodded.” Sure I am..” 

Though his mind started to wander back towards the reviews, his restaurant was his pride and joy but the reviews of how the service was was making him angry as what was supposed to be inner thoughts became outer thoughts.” But you better enjoy those meals more than those fucking customers did and appreciate the table scraps I’m bothering to feed you!! ” he glared, crumpling the paper in his hands even more. 

Of course Vincent heard his cooks trying to tell him to calm down but in the end he was far too gone in his rage.” Once you’re shift’s over all these dishes better be licked fucking spotless… ”

Once he calmed down from his rage he noticed that Rody seemed to be recoiling back in fear of his sudden outburst. “A-Aye aye sir!” he said quickly, looking away from him. 

“I…I apologise Rody….”He sighed feeling embarrassed that he lost his temper at Rody and he could feel his cooks judging him for it too, he swears they really want him to hook up with Rody. 

Though after he apologised it seemed that Rody nodded understanding why Vincent lashed out at him but smiling again. Dammit why is Rody quick to forgiveness of all things!? “It’s okay Vince…”He smiled softly.

Of course the silence said it all, it was a bit awkward for him now since that outburst, he was pretty sure that Rody thought the review for the bristo was about the cooking so he pretty much understood that his temper got the better of him. (Which is slightly true). “So Vince, you got a favourite food?”Rody asked him. Grinning happily at him.

Of fucking course he was asking him, how the hell was he suppose to say he can’t taste anything. Clearly he looked at his cooks who seemed to be delighted that there was no escape for him to dodge the question even though not then less than a minute ago they were pissed at him.
“Not really,no” He said quickly, he wasn’t going to be laughed at for his lack of taste. All because he was stupid child who destroyed his own taste buds, after everyone kept telling him that being a chef requires having taste.

Rody narrowed his eyes at him but shrugged.”That sounded pretty noncommittal”

Okay so Rody was stupid but he wasn’t that stupid. Vincent sighed softly and looked away from him.”Well, there’s not much that I can really pick from…” fuck he sounded nervous when he said that but also dodging the question yet again.

“That’s not an answer” Rody retaliated.

Vincent felt his face burn up a bit more when his cooks coughed a laughter as they quickly looked away. He was going to throttle Rody and the rest of his cooks, but it seems there’s no way to deny it. “Then I guess…Lemons…” He explained to him.

“Oh, like Lemon pie or Lemon tarts?” Rody asked him. 

Vincent sighed softly and crossed his arms a bit“No just lemons”.

Vincent looked at Rody who seemed to be processing what he said though it was clear he was even more confused than ever. Of course the cooks looked at him, ushering him to tell Rody he has no taste buds. Even though he’s getting to that point.

“How can you stand just eating raw lemons?? Aren’t they sour?” He asked him. 

Well this was it, the big reveal. He felt his heart pounding in his throat as it was threatening to jump out of him at any moment. But all he could give Rody was a simple blunt answer but he averted his gaze from him.”I…I wouldn’t know.” After he said that he looked back at Rody who seemed to be shocked but confused too.

”Wh-”

Vincent just cut him off quickly. He didn’t want to hear any pity from him for not having his taste. “I don’t have any sense of taste Rody…”There he finally got it off of his chest. Though his cooks seemed happy, now their gaze focused on Rody. Though he knows that his cooks will probably defend him if Rody makes fun of him for not having the ability to taste his food.

“Yeah, I could see the decorations out there, what’s that got to do with it?” Rody asked him.

Okay so Vincent takes back on Rody being smart, this man was completely smart as a rock but sadly enough a rock was smarter.”N-Not! Ugh !” Why was he so stupid!? Did he really have to spill it out for him!?
“No…I lost my ability to taste food when I was younger…”He explained, he looked away from him though he kept his eyes on his cooks in case they did something stupid to Rody but for now they didn’t do anything but there gaze was now on Rody to see what he’ll say about the lack of taste.

We’ll Rody wasn’t expecting that answer, not that Vincent can really blame him but of course the words escaped Rody's mouth quickly. “Whoa-What really!? No wonder your food tastes like that, you must be a miserable cook.”

“What's wrong with my cooking!?”he asked, quite upset since that stung him. Was his cooking that bad? He has his other senses yeah fine he can't taste his cooking can't be that horrible right? 

“A…Um…nothing sir…”Rody said quickly feeling like he messed up a bit after hearing his voice. Vincent looked over at the cooks and could see that some of them were holding Fabien and Lucien back from trying to get at Rody. 

Vincent sighed when Rody noticed that the cooks were holding them back trying to almost get at him. He seemed a bit perplexed by their reaction but Vincent sighed softly.”What about you?”he asked him.

“Huh?”

Vincent sighed softly pinching the bridge of his nose.”What’s your favourite food?”he asked him.“Do I have to just pick one?”Rody asked him. 

Vincent looked at Rody and rolled his eyes but smiled softly to himself.”That sounded pretty noncommittal”

~~~~~

Rody looked at Vincent and bit his bottom lip of course and came back to bite him in the ass.”Alright,alright…I guess I eat whatever my girlfriend is into?”

That was at least a good enough answer to him, though he was a bit surprised that Vincent can’t even taste. Also he did curse himself that what he said about Vincent cooking was meant to be an inner thought but of course his mouth said it anyways. Also he was pretty much confused on why Fabien and Lucien were trying to get him, was it because his damn mouth ran quickly because of the lack of taste?

“Rody that’s also not an answer…”Vincent narrowed his eyes at him, arms crossed even more.

Jeez damn okay you know what at least it was a pretty good answer than whatever Vincent said. What was it again?”Still better than lemons…” he muttered underneath his breath.

“Nevermind….”Vincent glared at him as he soon looked away from him quite hurt by his comment, well shit he didn't mean to make him feel bad!

Rody looked at the cooks and he froze like a deer in headlights as now they had let go of Fabien and Lucien as they held their knives out glaring at him which was his que to quickly leave the kitchen, cause damn what the hell was their deal!? Whatever okay what he said was a douchebag move, though he couldn’t help but feel sorry for Vincent of all things. Losing your sense of taste was something he couldn’t understand, he just doesn’t know how to ask how he lost that taste.

But it didn’t matter he started working anyways also he’ll have to apologise to Vincent later, but for now he’ll continue to work at least he’ll get to eat the leftover cooking from the cooks at least. Hopefully he prayed they didn’t poison it because of their reaction to what he said to Vincent.

Though he wrote down the orders and served the customers like usual, he couldn’t help but think about what Vincent told him. He couldn’t help but wonder how he lost his taste since he didn’t elaborate further. But so far everything seemed to be going smoothly minus the part of pissing off Vincent and the cooks but everything seemed to be fine. 

At least it gave him an idea on why he wasn’t eating Vincent’s cooking since he knows that Vince wasn’t lying when he said he lost his taste as he saw how the cooks were when he was trying to confess to him about it. 

“Man…I didn’t need to be rude about it but seriously he liked eating raw lemons?”he mumbled to himself as he gave the last dish to the customer who thanked him happily.

“Enjoy your meal sir”he smiled before he waited by the till. He checked the time and sighed softly knowing the bristo will be closing soon, hell he saw a few of the cook’s leave a bit early while saying goodbye to one another fuck even Vince too.(not him of course)
Soon when the late customer left Rody bid them a good night watching them leave and just like that the lights were off, everyone went home. Though in all honesty he hoped that Vincent was still around since usually by now he’ll give him some food he cooked.

Yet he didn’t even show up…Which was honestly concerning on his part becasue…He would offer him the food by now…

He took a deep breath and ventured to the kitchen feeling his heart pound in his throat of all things.”Y-You’re just going to apologise to him R-Rody no need to be nervous…”He laughed a bit.

~~~~~

As he entered the kitchen he couldn’t help but feel that dread creep in, he shivered a bit looking for Vincent but didn’t see him. Though his office door was open, He knows he should peek but he’s never been inside Vince’s office before.
Rody entered his office and took a look around for a moment, he noticed a cabinet full with papers. Mainly filled with tax forms,recipes,ingredients, and so on.”Clearly he does the budgeting himself…”Rody mumbled a bit.

He feels like he’s snooping but it wouldn’t hurt getting some information, though he noticed a frame newspaper clipping review on the wall about the restaurant. Of course it didn’t surprise him that there was positive feedback and people were excited about it.

“Huh well then…”Rody picked up a picture of the bristo on opening day and could see Vincent smile happily which is very rare, but it seemed very genuine in this photo.

He set the photo down, though his eyes caught his attention on a different picture frame and of course he went over to it as he picked it up he almost dropped it in shock but composed him for a moment. There was a man and woman standing nexting to each other, probably Vincent’s parents. Though the woman in the picture looked shockingly similar to Vincent. 

“I wonder if Vince has a good relationship with his parents…”Rody muttered, setting the frame down.

When he set the frame down he noticed the newspaper review from today that Vincent was reading. Of course he was going to read it for a moment, I mean it doesn’t count as snooping does it(He already knows he crossed that line when he barged into Vincent’s office)

“The week’s menu showed promise-However, I couldn’t say for the service. The staff that had been waiting on my table had been incredibly unprofessional and brash. While this may have been a one off incident it was surprising as I’m accustomed to La Gueule de Saturne’s staff being more than professional, and I fear it may show a slip in taste and refinement from the hiring process the bistro is known for-”

Rody wanted to read more but the aggressive scribble of a pencil or maybe pen seemed to scribble out everything that was mentioning him. On how he performed his service while serving the customers of all things. “Why would he lie to me…”Rody muttered and set the newspaper review down for a moment and rubbed his eyes a bit.
Rody sighed softly, maybe he was being too paranoid about Vincent. Fuck he was acting like Vince was going to kill him of all things. Not that he doesn’t doubt it but he was about to leave the office before spotting Vincent trash can, he may as well clean out if he had junk in there.

As he approached it something caught his eye. “Wait is that-”He picked up a crumbled picture of Vincent and…Manon. Why was Manon in that picture with Vincent!?!? 

He looked through the trash and noticed love letters and enduring notes in it as well. All of them sighed with her signature. “I…I think I’m gonna throw up….”he muttered setting the letters back down in the trash of all things even though he feels like throwing up in it too.

There was no way that Manon went on a date with Vincent of all people. Vincent just told him he was gay! W-Was it a lie? M-Maybe they went out as friends, y-yeah that could be it s-since maybe Vincent probably or maybe Manon read the room wrong. After all Vince never responded to her letters…r-right?
As he left his office he noticed that Vincent left a container of Croque Madame on the counter. Fuck did he see him!? He wasn’t so sure because if he did then Vince would have asked him why he was snooping in his office of all things. 

“Deep breaths Lamoree you’re clearly overreacting…”Rody sighed softly and took the container, clearly he made Vince upset since he usually hands him the food but this time he left it out for him.

As he left the bristo he felt his heart pounding wildly in his chest of all things, it was clear as day he was overreacting though the love letters Manon wrote to him was something, w-was she cheating on him with Vince? N-No she couldn’t have maybe they weren’t love letters r-right?

“I’ll ask him later…I just hope I don’t have another nightmare…”Rody sighed, taking the food as he headed out knowing that he’ll probably have a nightmare either way. But for now he needs to get to the bottom of this since why would Vincent hangout with someone like Manon let alone...Why would Manon be with someone like Vincent in the first place....Since Vincent couldn't even taste a thing in the first place. 

"Vincent...What are you hiding from me..."

Chapter Text

“Where am I…Why can’t I see anything”

Of course it was another nightmare of all things. Of course it was, though this one felt weird…Different it was like he was stuck in some box but a box he was standing in with no exit of all things.

He pressed against the wall feeling his surroundings but soon a light turned on and heard the sound of a microwave…He was inside a damn microwave of all things!? Fuck he was sweating and getting too hot…—

DING!

~~~~~

Rody jolt awake again this time annoyed as he rubbed his eyes tiredly.”Of fucking course….”he grumbled looking at the sweat on his arms though he looked outside his window, while he noticed that a few stupid kids were laughing as they kicked a ball into one of the poles, since that is what jolted him awake thinking he was in a bloody microwave.

Though what he witnessed yesterday was something he wasn’t expecting, he was going to apologise to Vincent. Though snooping through his office and finding the love letters from Manon was something he wasn’t expecting, not one bit.  

When he arrived at his apartment he cried himself to sleep thinking about Manon, he felt like crying now. Hell he didn’t even like coming to work either but he checked the time and noticed that he was late but not too late. Though he knows he hurt Vincent too and he didn’t want to feel the wrath of the cooks either all because of the lack of taste…

But it didn’t matter anyways he just did what he usually did, get ready for work, deal with the customers and take the food that Vincent gave him.

Though he had a feeling that the food was pre-made ahead of time,he could tell that it was a slow day today. Nothing much was happening. He just took a deep breath and stared at the phone. He wanted to call Manon and wanted her to tell him what happened between her and Vince.

But that wouldn’t happen, she hasn’t been answering his call. How could Manon do this to him!? He wants to blame Vincent, he really, really does! How could Manon be with him since Vince was rude and arrogant to be around. Did she even know he couldn’t taste!?

Rody sighed softly and closed his eyes a bit as he counted to 5 before opening them again. “Vince didn’t respond to her letters, Lamoree remembered that…”he said to himself.

It was true that Vincent didn’t respond to them, hell if Manon wrote him letters he would write up a storm of how amazing she is, how much he means to her, how much he wants to have a family with her, how they should grow old together…But that doesn’t matter, he had to get to work, even though it would be awkward as hell.

“Fuck…”He groaned as he placed his head in his hands, how in the hell was he suppose to apologise to him?!

~~~~~

Rody took a deep breath as he arrived at the bistro, usually Vincent would greet him or something but clearly when he stepped inside the air felt thick. Clearly he didn’t see Vincent but he got to work right away, greeting the customers and everything. 

Though the idea of Vincent and Manon being together made him a bit ill, he has to remember that Vincent didn’t even respond to her letters.

Though he did his routine of serving the customers as he wrote down the orders and everything. Though he couldn’t help but hear that some of the cooks grumbled softly about what happened yesterday.

It wasn’t his fault that his damn mouth runs faster than his head. It was a pure honest mistake on his part, besides he was going to apologise. He just…Didn’t know when he was going too. After all, he was grateful that today was a slow day. Which also gave him the chance to take out the garbage too, though he dreaded entering the kitchen of all things but then again he might have a chance to apologise to Vincent.

So he took a deep breath and entered the kitchen but it was clear as day that some of the cooks weren’t too thrilled seeing him there but they didn’t say anything which was good…He thinks, though he couldn’t help but notice that Vincent wasn’t in his usual spot watching them.

Rody opened his mouth to say something but was cut off by Stéphane”...Chef Charbonneau is in his office working on taxes or whatever...He wishes not to be disturbed…”She said harshly as she chopped the vegetables aggressively.

For a moment Rody saw his life flash before his eyes but nodded before taking a deep breath.”L-Look I was going to apologise to him last night and—”damn why did he care about what the cooks thought.

“I’m sorry…I didn’t mean to say that to him yesterday…I just…I dunno, I can’t relate to Vince with him losing his sense of taste…What I said to him was uncalled for and I’m sorry…”He explained to the cooks nervously.

He looked at the cooks and they seemed to narrow their eyes at him thinking about his apology. It wasn’t long before Fabien spoke”Alright then, we’ll forgive you for now. We know he is hard to handle but trust us when we say this he isn’t a bad cook never forget that”he explained seriously.

Soon the rest of the cooks nodded agreeing with Fabien's statement. 

Rody smiled as he was forgiven though he couldn’t understand why they thought of Vincent so highly? It was probably that he achieved owning his own bistro without the sense of taste or was it the fact that they didn’t judge him.

It really didn’t matter but to him at least he got one apology out of the way just…The next apology will be harder than the first one…Just apologing to Vincent was different, and with Vincent not popping out to say hi or greet him showed that Rody really…REALLY had his work cut out for him

But it didn’t matter he just continued to go back to work as he took the garbage and quickly left to toss it outside but before he headed back inside before resuming cater the customers.
Though that nagging feeling kept bothering him that he didn’t see Vincent, not that he didn’t mind it. It just made him feel even more anxious since he was fine seeing Vincent once in a while but him being away in his office made him very nervous.

Rody smiled as he checked the time since again he was grateful that today was a slow day. Besides it was closing time which he was also grateful for, when the last customer finally paid for their meal.

Even though it was a short day it didn’t feel like one, though he couldn’t stop thinking about what happened for what he said to Vincent. For all he knows is that he’ll never get that chance to apologise to him. Honestly he didn’t even deserve Vince’s forgiveness since he did insult him for his ability to cook.(and the fact he also couldn’t taste)

He sighed softly and was about to leave but got startled when Vincent appeared in front of him.”JESUS!!”he yelped a bit.

Vincent rolled his eyes and handed him a container.”It’s a fresh Lemon tart…”he explained before walking off to the kitchen.

Rody took the container and opened his mouth before he closed it. Damn he was such a coward also he was surprised that Vincent made him something yet again but also it was kind of a dickish move too(Even though he deserved it) Since Vince actually made him a lemon tart because well…

“Ah! W-Wait Vince! “Rody wanted to follow him but he sighed it didn’t matter he was sure that Vincent didn’t want to hear his apology anyways, besides he needed to head home since he’s very tired anyway.

Rody bidded his goodbye’s to the cooks before heading out since he wasn’t sure whether or not Vince was in the mood to talk to him. Though it didn’t matter he was tired anyways.

~~~~~

When Rody got home he set the container aside but of course didn’t eat it, though he was somewhat okay if Vincent made him something it didn’t mean that he’s gonna eat it. For all he knows he doesn’t trust his cooking, which is very stupid since everyone else can eat it but not him.

It didn’t matter though he just flopped down on the couch and closed his eyes for a moment, man the way Vincent just appeared was like a fucking ghost. He swears that Vince is going to give him a fucking heart attack with how quiet he is on his feet. There was barely anyone around he was sure enough he could have at least heard him or something.

Though it didn’t matter these nightmares were kicking his ass, maybe for a moment he might have a quick nap. Hopefully to combat the nightmares after all(though he knows he might get them even if he napped)

Just as he was about to close his eyes his phone started ringing.

That made his eyes shot open as he looked at the phone ringing. Who the hell was calling him!? Was it Manon!? His heart was beating wildly in chest, maybe it was Manon after all there was still some time in the day.

Rody took a deep breath and picked the phone as he smiled happily, it’s been so long since he last heard his sweet Manon voice for a long time. He’ll tell her everything about how working hard being a waiter paid off so he can spoil her and tell her everything and explain how much stress he’s been dealing with.

“Hi,hello? Manon is that you?” he asked hoping that was her, begging that it was her.

“ ...Pardon?”

Well it wasn’t Manon but it was the last person he was expecting to call him all of sudden after what happened since he did embarrass him.
”Oh V-Vince! Sorry about that I thought…” Well he didn’t want to say Manon since that would be too awkward in the end.

“Nevermind? What’s up?” He asked him.

“ Are you free tonight?” Vincent responded a bit.

Well that was something. Why on earth was Vince asking him if he was free tonight? He hoped he wasn’t asking him out(Though he won’t lie Vince was attractive), maybe he just wanted to talk to him or something. “Uh…Um..what?”

“ I’m hosting a dinner party at my apartment and was checking if you’d be available”

“Oh! that’s what you meant” Oh thank god he wasn’t asking him out. Though won’t it be a bit awkward between the both of them? After Vincent basically shoved the lemon tart to him before walking off. Maybe Vince got a bit embarrassed since the cooks did kind of threaten him in the end, that’s what he could pinpoint. 

It took him some time to register what Vince said to him.” W-Wait, you’re inviting me!?” There was no way he was being invited to a party being hosted by Vincent! He felt his throat dry up as he felt his heart pounding in his chest for a moment, wondering if he should go.

“ Is that a yes or no Rody?” 

Rody thought for a moment and took a deep breath. This could be his chance to apologise but another thing came to mind that he wanted to talk to him about, mainly it was about Manon.” I-...W-Well sure. But before that I wanted to ask you about-”

“ Be there in the next few minutes, see you later Rody”

Rody placed the phone back in the receiver and pinched the bridge of his nose, of course that would happen he’s not even surprised.” I guess I can ask in person…”he muttered a bit.

Though he should change into something nice at least for the party, hopefully nothing with a stain on it too. “ Why did I even say yes?”he groaned.

That didn’t matter though since he found something nice to wear that didn’t have any stains on it. He honestly hoped it wasn’t one of those fancy yet elegant parties since he didn’t have any formal attire to show up, he hoped it would be a plain jane party.

By the time Rody reached Vince’s apartment he felt that his heart was about to leap out of his throat. This was clearly a mistake and every part of his body was screaming at him to leave and get far away from Vince at all cost.
”This feels like walking into a mouse trap…M-Maybe I should just ditch and tell him I got into an accident or something the next morning….”

As he was about to turn tail and run, but of course the door swung open as Vincent answered.” Oh good you made it”he explained leaning against the doorframe.

Welp there not turning back now.” Oh h-HeYy V-ViNce” man his voice cracked a bit. How fucking embarrassing. Fuck why was he so scared he started rambling about how excited he was being here of all things but his anxiety kept building up to the point he wanted to break down crying.

“You don’t need to act so excited. Come in. There’s wine on the table…”Vincent explained calmly to him.

Rody took a deep breath and composed himself for a moment nodding a bit. This was a party after all and Vince invited him but that means there were going to be guests here too which means he’ll be safe.”Right uh…Pardon the intrusion…”

Damn he was such a fucking idiot of all thing, when he entered his apartment it was nice. Better than his own apartment though he noticed that Vincent was wearing a simple turtleneck sweater of all things and he can’t believe he’ll say this but it looks good on him something better than seeing him in his original work attire or whatever it was called.

~~~~~

Vincent watched Rody as he came inside his apartment clearing scanning items around seeing what kind of things he had. Though he only asked Rody to come over since he wanted to talk to him, he also knows he avoids him at work. “Wow, this place sure looks..uh…well…Your taste in interior designs never goes anywhere I guess” Rody explained not really knowing what to say.

Of course he would say something like that, not that he was surprised or anything, but he wanted to invite Rody to his place even though he had his own doubts. Since Rody has been acting strangely…It was actually worrisome if he was being honest and he cared.

“Hold on a sec, Where are?…I thought this was a dinner party?”Rody said, looking at him. Vincent just had his hand on his hip when Rody realised that there was barely anyone here, well clearly Rody arrived on time before it even started(Which he should have been doing from the very beginning)

“It is.” He stated.

“Then why am I the only guest here?” He asked him.

Of course right off the bat Rody got nervous very quickly, fine if he didn’t want to be a guest he may as well serve the food to the others.  After all, he didn't want to kick him out after making the effort to come here, so he might as well make a light joke out of it.”Guest?” 

“Yeah? I’m supposed to be your guest right?” He asked him nervously, shifting his feet a bit.

Oh for fuck sakes, He was a guest what does he want to be a guest or not. It was a small dinner party but clearly the way he was acting showed that he was even more nervous. “No Rody,in fact I had to find someone to cater for them when they arrive.” he said sarcastically.

“Wait, you called me here for work!?”He glared at him, quite offended.

Vincent looked at Rody wondering how he didn’t even catch that sarcasm. Clearly he was kidding but the look on Rody’s face spoke volumes…Vincent could feel his blood pounding in his ears as he felt how clamy his hands got as Rody looked ready to kill him for thinking of such a thing.
”The dishes are on the kitchen counter, Rody, go fetch them and—”he was cut off when Rody interuptted him.

“WH-No-Now listen here Vince! I may work for you but I’m not your pet dog or whatever! B-Besides I came here to ask you about—” Rody glared at him but of course he was cut off by the door bell.

“Oh that must be them, Were you saying something?” Vincent said quickly as he looked at Rody before he went to the door, that was scary to scary if he was honest, he knows Rody is strong…He saw it first hand but thankfully the guest arrived on time.

“Gah..Alright fine” Rody sighed and headed towards the kitchen.

Vincent let out a sigh of relief as he the guest arrived before grabbing a few glasses of wine shaking a bit before he took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. Clearly he chatted with a few of them talking about whatever is happening with their lives or what not though he started to grow worried since Rody was taking his time.

But soon after awhile Rody showed up with the tray but went over to him.”Vince listen I have something to—”

“Offer the guest? Yes you do” He explained quickly scared about what he might do to him but for now he’s grateful for the guest truly he is.

Though he saw the annoyed look on Rody’s face, whatever he wanted to talk to him about was clearly important, but he stood on the sideline watching Rody offer the tray to the guest.

Vincent soon noticed that one of his guests, pretty sure it was Richard, was staring at Rody and it seemed that Rody knew him too.
But he served one of the guests who took the food and chit chatted for a bit while he overheard what they said about him being desperate in which he was not. In fact he just finds Rody company charming to say the least.

Though he kept an eye on Rody for a while watching him disappear and reappear as he handed out another platter to a friend from Uni. It was the same thing on how he and Rody met and so on but what caught his attention was Rody asking him a certain type of question only for his friend to tell him that he shouldn’t be snooping around.
But of course it spooked Rody as he stayed quiet and went to get another platter, Vincent sighed softly clearly Rody was in fact snooping (Of course he had a loud voice and could clearly hear him)

Though he smiled softly to himself when he heard the last guest spoke to him.”You do, the chef can hear you. Your voice is pretty loud by the way”he explained to him.

“W-Wait really!?”he muttered quite scared.

Of course he could hear him but he shrugged anyways but handed out some wine to his guest anyways. Though before Rody could die of embarrassment Richard walked over to Rody narrowing his eyes a bit before smiling.

“Rody is that you?”Richard asked him.

Well things got interesting to say at least, how in the world does Richard know about Rody were they friends? Vincent just handed the wine to the others as he watched, clearly both Richard and Rody talk of course both were loud and his other peers were talking amongst themselves mainly about Rody of all things which he wasn’t surprised.

Rody looked at Richard and seemed to force a smile and clearly it was an awkward smile too. “I thought so, it is you!” Richard grinned happily. “It’s me Richard from class, remember!?”

“Oh Uh…” 

“Econ, remember? I think you were majoring in hospitality, too” Richard proclaimed.

That made Vincent raise one brow, Rody working in hospitality? Is that what Rody said about making fun of him? We’ll Rody wasn’t wrong based on his behaviour but he wondered what made him drop out of the course of all things. 

~~~~~

Soon Rody made eye contact with Vincent and quickly ducked his head as he looked away from Richard of all things” Right…Right…Um College is a bit fuzzy for me…”

“I stop seeing you after a while, did you switch majors?” Richard asked him.

That threw him into a loop. Clearly that question caught him off guard.  “Ah Um…W-Well I…” Rody stuttered clearly nervous.

”I…I flunked out…”Rody admitted, he might as well tell the truth that he dropped out anyways.

Richard laughed softly. “Oh yeah, we kinda assumed.”

“I-I’m sorry We?” Rody asked him. Who in the hell is we!?

“Yeah everyone from class thought you wouldn’t keep up for long. Your poor parents, how did they take it? They must have been really disappointed right?” Richard continued. “But it’s really surprising to see you again! Though what I really wanted to know is how in the world did you end up working for someone like chef Charbonneau?”

Rody glared at Richard but he swears his vain almost popped out on what Richard said. “Did you get on your knees and beg him or something? Haha!” he laughed at him.

“I gotta go piss…”He glared at him even harder. 

“I..Pardon?”Richard asked looking confused.

Rody eyes hardened and repeated himself. “I gotta piss real badly….”

“You could have just said the bathroom” Richard explained.

“Okay bye fuck you…”Rody glared at him and stormed off too Vincent Why in the world did Richard have to be here!?
“Hey Vincent now can we talk!?” He glared at him.

“Yeah sure just don’t take out your anger on me…Fine let’s hear it…”Vincent sighed arms crossed as he took him to the kitchen and away from prying eyes and ears as well.
“How do you know Manon?” He asked him. Clearly he wanted too know why on earth Manon was sending him letters.

“Who?” Was all Vincent could respond to him with.  

That pissed him off, he does know who Manon is!? “MY-” Rody took a deep breath and exhaled out slowly.

”Manon, the one whose picture you have in your office, The one who's been sending you letters…My Girlfriend ”

Vincent rolled his eyes and sighed softly”Are you sure we’re even thinking of the same girl?” He asked him not even amused.

Rody glared even more”I-I saw the picture in your office, Of course I’m-”

Vincent looked at Rody and sighed softly.”No, we're not because Manon told me she dumped some pathetic red haired plouc a week ago and in case you forgot I’m GAY Lamoree…In return it can’t be the same one…”

“W-Well Yeah…But”

“Also stay out of my office Rody…”Vincent glared at him. Rody sucked in his teeth and nodded before quickly leaving him alone, quite scared. Knowing damn well he slipped up by going into his office but that also means he didn’t see him snooping around too.

~~~~~

Vincent watched Rody disappear as he sighed softly pinching the bridge of his nose, clearly it turns out they were talking about the same Manon but then again why did Manon even call Rody some plouc? Maybe she was upset about taking a break from the relationship? It didn’t matter though what mattered was Richard's attitude.

“Everyone get the hell out…Party’s over…”Vincent explained as he left the kitchen and went over to everyone.

“Wh-Vince what do you mean? We just got here”Richard explained to him.

Vincent glared at him. He wanted to stop Richard from making Rody nervous but clearly it was like watching a train crash or car crash and you couldn’t help but watch. So he smiled again and pointed at the door. “Richard I’m not asking, I'm telling you get the hell out…NOW!” 

Richard raised his hands up”Sheesh Alright…I-I’m going man…”He said quickly as he left the party with the others.

Vincent took a deep breath and sighed softly pinching the bridge of his nose clearly annoyed by what just happened.

“J'ai besoin d'un putain de verre…”Vincent muttered and poured himself a glass of wine as he sat on his couch drinking it.(I need a damn drink)

Honestly, who knew things would have taken a turn for the worse also the fact that Rody had gone snooping in his office was basically an invasion of privacy of all things,also why in the world would Rody snoop through his things?

Vincent took a sip of his wine as he closed his eyes a bit but noticed that Rody was taking his sweet time, clearly he was snooping around his apartment of all things. He took a deep breath and sighed softly before setting his wine down as he got up to go and check on him.

“Rody better not be in my damn room…”Vincent mumbled a bit.

Vincent sighed softly, he didn't understand why Rody was so tense around him, actually it was the other way around, Rody was scaring him he just didn’t know why. Fuck he was getting tensed even worse he was actually terrified of Rody of all things, he took another sip of his wine before setting it down to calm his nerves.

“I need to make sure that idiot isn’t doing something stupid and moreover I have to call Manon because she left her stupid necklace…”He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. Though he kept it safe he just doesn’t remember where he left it of all things…It must be somewhere in the bistro.

Vincent took a deep breath and got up from the couch before downing the rest of his win to calm his nerves before he went off to find Rody, he checked the bathroom and noticed that he wasn’t there leading to one place he knows where he is…

”Of course…”he groaned.

Vincent sighed as he walked down the hallway and turned on the light and saw Rody tensing up quickly, clearly he was looking for something.”Rody you looking for anything specific ?” he asked him, leaning against the door.

He watched Rody jumped a bit out of fear before he turn around and looked at him laughing a bit nervously. “AH! U-Um y-yeah I was just…Lacking for a naproom ....”

Vincent looked at him like he was stupid. Was he trying to say he was looking for a place to sleep or that he needed to use the bathroom? 

”Pardon?”

He watched Rody cough a bit clearly in his throat”I-I mean. T-Taking a nap. In the bathroom…”

Vincent didn’t look convinced. “Is that supposed to be any better?” He asked him.

Just what in the hell was Rody doing in his room of all things, he just seem to be worried with Rody snooping around his room.

“W-Well is it?”Rody asked him, rubbing the back of his neck. Vincent rolled his eyes and held himself closed, almost bruising himself a bit out of fear because he didn’t know why Rody was in his room in the first place.
”Y–You know you don’t have to serve the guest anymore…Come on now”He explained to him. 

“W-Wait that really worked?”He asked him.

Vincent bit his tongue wanting to say “No you moron, I kicked them out because of Richard and the others clearly talking about you of all things.” But he didn’t he just walked off as Rody trailed behind him.

Dammit why did Rody have to be so aloof at times mainly, by the time they arrived at the main area he crossed his arms as he looked at him a bit. “Where did everyone go?”he asked him.

Vincent looked away from him a bit, sighing”They went home” he explained. Though he didn’t want to say he kicked them out of all things. “What…That’s…This early in the night?” he asked him.

“Something came up” He explained to him. Again Rody didn’t need to know he kicked them out because of how much they were talking about Rody for being weird and the fact that Richard was pushing Rody’s buttons of all things.

“Is everything okay, Vince?”

That seemed to make him tense up a bit, no everything wasn’t okay with Rody snooping around for god knows what. Honestly he should have just fired him but deep down he couldn’t since he wants to help him too, he actually doesn’t even know what he's doing.

 “Vince…Are you okay?” Rody walked over to him.

Vincent felt his heart hammered in his chest as he looked away”You better go home Rody…You have work in the morning…”he explained quickly.

“Ah right…My last day…”Rody muttered a bit.

To Vincent’s surprise he almost felt relief for a moment since tomorrow is Rody’s last day, not that he didn’t mind it but Rody's whole demeanour changed after the third day of work as he started acting strange towards him.

“Well thanks for the party I guess…”Rody smiled a bit though it was pretty awkward.”Goodnight Vince…”

Vincent stared at him before taking a deep breath and sighed.”Goodnight Rody…”

Once he saw Rody leave, Vincent quickly locked the door before he went over to his couch and collapsed on it trying to calm his heart down. To be far he was glad Rody left though a part of him grew concerned, why was Rody in his room of all things and more over did he take anything that he wasn’t suppose to take…

“I need a fucking drink and need to call Manon…”Vincent mumbled.

Chapter Text

Manon sighed softly, taking a deep breath and exhaled slowly. It’s been a week since she   broke up with Rody. She really loved him with all of her heart but he was toxic to himself and moreover she been ignoring his calls. 

“Oh Rody please get better…”She sighed softly.

She really needed some time away from him, cause she knows if she goes back she’ll help him continue his bad behaviour to please her to things she never wanted. “Please be okay…”She sighed.

It wasn’t that she wanted to break up with Rody, it was more of the fact that he was hurting himself. She wanted Rody to love himself like how he loved her, but clearly his love for her was too much to bare. It was as if she was watching him kill himself over her approval of everything.

Yet she allowed it, she allowed that type of behaviour to continue to the point it became out of hand for the both of them, yet she wondered how Rody was doing. She was worried for him and his health after she broke up with him in a park, he practically begged her not to.
Which if she was being honest with herself…She didn’t want to in fact she was ready to take it all back, to take back the break up but she knows what would have happened if she didn’t go through with her plan.

Soon her phone rang making her tense up thinking it was Rody for a moment but she let ring for a moment before it went to voicemail. 

“Ah Marianne…I know it’s late and—”

Manon eyes wide as she picks up the phone answering it quickly, a bit glad it was Vincent instead of Rody even though it hurt she was actually glad it was him.
“Oh Vince, Hi! Sorry for not answering I… Is there any reason why you're calling? You usually don’t call unless it’s important ” she explained.

“Well it appears you left your necklace at the bistro somewhere, I was planning on giving it back to you soon though I may have missed placed it. ” He explained.

Oh right, the necklace of her and Rody, damn she forgot she kept it but she showed a picture of Rody and saw how flustered Vincent upon seeing him and had a feeling that Vincent was gay, so they decided to stay as friends while she still used him as rebound after her breakup with Rody. “Oh really that sucks we’ll call me back when you find it. I’m sure it snapped off without me knowing it…Though you sound tense, is everything okay…”

“...Well…I don’t know how to say this but…”

“Oh dear what happened?” She asked him. She ‘ll support Vincent in any manner after he allowed her to be used as a rebound to get over Rody knowing she’ll relapse back into him, soo she wrote Vincent love letters and everything though she feels ashamed for calling Rody a plouc which he wasn’t she was just upset and heart broken is all.

“Well I hired Rody as my waiter but….He seems off…” Vincent explained to her.

What? That wasn’t the Rody she knew, the Rody she knew and loved was always honest and sweet.” Is everything alright?”she asked him.

“He seems to be…Aggressive towards me…I won’t lie Marianne but I’m…I’m a bit scared for my life, I know you told me that Rody is caring but…He seems a bit off…He is snooping around my place and the bistro and as well as my office…In which he found the love letters too…” 

That wasn’t good at all, not all. She thought he threw them away but clearly something happened.”I..Are you okay Vince?”She asked him.

“Yes I’m fine for now as for Rody on the other hand… He’s been acting weird around me…He hasn’t been eating recently and is acting paranoid around me…” Vincent explained to her.

That wasn’t her Rody. Her Rody would never ever harm a human being, hell she remembered he cried when he stepped on a fruit fly, that was her Rody but this Rody on the other hand…

 “A-Are you going to call the police?...”She asked him.

There was a long silent pause on the other end of the line, in which she could gather that Vincent was thinking for a moment. She didn’t want the cops to get involved but the way Vincent was telling her how Rody was acting was odd. Was it a bad choice that she broke up with him?

“N-No…I’m not getting the police involved…Who knows how Rody will react…Besides tomorrow is his last day…I just…I don’t know what I’ll do if he snaps…” Vincent sighed.

Manon could tell he was stressed, maybe she should come by and check up on Rody to make sure he doesn’t hurt Vincent, or himself in that fact.
“I’ll stop by tomorrow to see things myself okay…I don’t the both of you getting hurt…”She sighed.

“That would be great Manon but I assure you that the cooks and I have it under control…Though I think him seeing you would be a bad choice, but if you think that is the best choice by all means go for it…” Vincent added.

Manon sighed softly in the end Vincent was right, coming to the bistro might cause Rody some stress but also relief too, but it might make him relapse back into her if she showed up unannounced or worse might get jealous if he assumes that she and Vincent are dating when in fact Vincent was gay.

“Yeah…I’ll come by tomorrow just make sure you stay safe okay…Who knows what will happen…I-I just don’t you or Rody to get hurt in the end you know…”She explained.

It was clear as day that Rody wasn’t taking care of himself, that isn’t what she wanted. She wanted him to get better to work on himself, she wanted Rody to love himself first. She told him that but he’s taking it the wrong way to try to win her back, that was something she didn’t want happened and it is happening of all things. It was heartbreaking that Rody can’t seem to love himself first.

“ Marianne you there?”

Oh shit she didn’t mean to space out.”Y-Yeah I’m here is something the matter?”she asked him.

“I’ve told you I can't taste right?” 

Well that was an odd question of course she remembered he couldn’t taste after he told her what happened when he was younger. She was proud and impressed that he still became a chef because his other senses heightened. “Yes you told me, why?…What happened?”

“I’ve told Rody that I couldn’t taste and what he said surprised me to say the least…He told me that that I’m a miserable cook or something…I had to make sure that the cooks didn’t throttle him but…I’m not trying to be paranoid but it seems to me that he has been refusing to eat my cooking…D-Did he always have that problem?...Not eating I mean”

That wasn’t her Rody…Her Rody would never say something so rude like that. Though he did lie to her about her baking being good even though it came out bitter(Since Vincent told her because she used the wrong ingredients).”No he never had a problem with eating why…Vincent what is going on with Lamoree?”

“I…I don’t know.. he told me something interesting like…He’s been having nightmares…He does what he’s supposed to do but whenever the shift ends…He always tenses up and gets on alert like I’m about to do something to him of all things. I’m…” 

“Vincent you okay?”Manon asked him a bit worriedly. 

“Yes I-I’m sorry…I think I’m being a bit paranoid and overreacting… I just wanted to let you know Marianne. I wish you a goodnight” He explained.

Manon sighed softly and checked the time.”I..I see goodnight Vincent…”she muttered before hanging up the phone. Manon sighed softly feeling a bit worried for the both of them, what was Rody doing. Why on earth was he snooping around? He never ever snooped, because he found the love letters and thought of the worse possibility that Vincent might have…

“He wouldn’t thing of such a horrible thing! Even if Vincent did try I wouldn’t go down without a fight, besides he wouldn’t do that. Vince hate’s eating and he wouldn’t kill someone, he doesn’t have it in him…”She explained to herself.

Manon looked at the clock on her dresser and noticed that the time was 2:30 a.m, she should go to bed but the fear of Rody doing something stupid will cost him being in trouble and worse Vincent getting injured…If Rody finds the necklace.

“Oh my god…”

Manon got up quickly and threw on her coat not caring if she still was in her pajamas. She needed to find that necklace…No She and Vincent needed to find that necklace!!

“OH MY GOD!”She screamed.  

She didn’t care how late it was she needed to get to Vincent’s apartment, she needed the key for the bristo to find that necklace.
They need to find that necklace, everything that could go wrong will go wrong if Rody finds that necklace. She doesn’t care if she has to go dumpster diving to see if it was there! They had to find that necklace.

“DAMNNIT RODY!” she groaned and put on her shoes before slamming her apartment door shut, she knew that Vincent would be pissed but also concerned that she came to his apartment of all things.

“Please please…Let the necklace be lost…Please don’t let Rody find that damn necklace….”She muttered as she raced down the stairwell going quickly, not even caring if she worked up her neighbours.

~~~~~

Vincent sighed softly as he took a deep breath, the party was a bit of a disaster of all things, he should have maybe not called Rody and just had his guests over and be done with it. Then again if Rody refused to come he wouldn’t have minded it. Actually it would have been better that Rody never came to his apartment of all things. Fuck maybe Fabien was right but in the end he couldn’t fire him though he was glad that this was his last day of all things.

Though he couldn’t go to bed, something about Rody snooping around his room made him feel a bit uneasy. What was he looking for? Moreover what was the deal with him being a bit possessive about Manon. Manon is her own person and she could do whatever she wanted.
Hell she practically told him about their relationship of all things in which he couldn’t help but pity Rody. Clearly his parents coddle him so much that he must be dependent on someone who might not have the same feelings as him, besides with Rody he’s clearly not working for himself to buy himself a new apartment but more to impress Manon of all things.

He just stayed on his couch before tensing up when he heard aggressive knocking, fucking that couldn’t be Rody at this time of night right? He just stayed glued to the couch and every part of his body was screaming at him to grab one of the knives in case it was Rody.

“V-Vincent l-let me in please it’s Manon!!!”

Vincent sighed a breath of relief but got up quickly letting Manon inside his apartment but noticed she was still in her pajamas and wearing a coat.”Manon what are you doing here?”

“I…Do you have the keys for the bistro!?”She said quickly in a panicked voice.

“I..I yes…Yes I do…Manon what is going on?”He asked her. He didn't understand why she was asking that question and clearly didn't understand why she was freaking out.

“The fucking necklace if Rody finds it….God…If he finds it…..”Manon trembled a bit before she looked down not realising she was crying.

Ah shit well that’s one way to spend his night. Vincent sighed and went to grab some wine for the both of them.”Manon deep breaths and sit down…”He said quickly and poured two glasses for them. 

Clearly something caused Manon to run here. When he walked over to the couch he sat down not close to her but handed her the wine as he tried to calm down and took it.”Calm down and take deep breaths…Why do you want me to open the bristo?”he asked her.

“V-Vincent when you told me he found the love letters his reaction wasn’t great and we both know what he’s thinking don’t we….”She muttered a bit but took a sip of the wine.(Which was slowly calming her down)

“Yes…What about it?”He asked her.

“If Rody finds that necklace ....Who knows how he’ll react!?”She stated very worriedly.

Vincent took a deep breath and sighed softly. She was indeed correct that if that necklace ends up in the hands of Rody automatically he would assume he did something to her of all things. “I understand but I have no idea where I placed it Marianne, I clearly have no idea where it could be of all things and I know it’s not in the office…”He explained to her.

“M-Maybe one of the cooks threw it out by mistake? Hopefully they did…”She muttered a bit sighing as she leaned on the couch.

Vincent looked at her and sighed a bit knowing that searching the entire bistro would be a waste of time mainly with the both of them but they would be very exhausted they wouldn’t be able to find it.
“Manon they didn’t they would have told me…It’s somewhere in the bristo just I have no idea for all I know it could be in the cabinets or the fridge of all things and I’ve checked so have my cooks too. Clearly it is blending in somewhere, look if I find it tomorrow I’ll give it to you…”Vincent sighed softly as he rubbed the back of his neck.

Manon stayed quiet but drank the wine calmly, sighing softly. “ I…Rody isn’t a violent man…H-He’s passionate of all things….I just…Vincent he cried over a damn fruit fly of all things…I just…Was breaking up with the worst choice for me and now your getting involved in this drama of my romance life with him….”She explained.

Vincent looked at her and laid his head against the cushion, closing his eyes a bit. “I think you breaking up with Rody was something he wasn’t expecting but you told him right off the bat that he needed to take care of himself…I think he’s withdrawing…”He explained to her.

He wasn’t wrong though Manon had every right to be very worried about him and Rody too. The withdrawing part could be a context clue of Rody’s paranoia of all things and clearly he’s him as a monster or something.

“Manon listen I…”Fuck he didn’t even know what to say to her. 

Manon had a very good valid reason for everything that could go wrong, not that he can blame her. Rody was strong hell if he wanted to he could snap his neck like a twig of all things but for now stressing about this wouldn't do the both of them any good.

“I know Vince…Just please stay safe and if you do find that necklace mail it to me okay…Please…”Manon sighed as he finished her wine.

“I will…”He muttered softly as he traced the rim of the glass.

“C-Can I have more wine Vince?”She asked him.

Vincent set his glass down and went to get the bottle before coming back, setting it down for a moment. “Here’s the bottle…Also Manon ... .Just letting you know that my cooks would let him touch me.” It was true that his cooks were very protective of him, even though they can be a bit incompetent at times they wouldn’t allow things to happened to him, hell they probably will kill Rody if he ends up hurt. And that was the last thing he wanted.

Manon laughed softly and nodded.”I’ve met them and I could tell..You know Fabien and Lucien are very close with you….I’ve seen it…”She smiled.

Vincent smiled softly and nodded.”Yes the two morons in my whole line of cooks, Lucien almost set the kitchen on fire and Fabien is nosy for his own good.” he chuckled.
”Clearly they’re the big brothers of the group….Don’t tell them I said that, they wouldn’t even let me live it down”

~~~~~

That made Manon laugh for a moment as she nodded a bit.”Yeah okay I won’t tell them…But again I don’t want you to end up getting hurt Vince, cause of some random misunderstandings of all things” she explained. She watched Vincent nod a bit, as he finished the late drop of his wine before rubbing his eyes tiredly.”Like I told you before I am scared of Rody…More than you realise…You do know that I lov-”

“Yeah I know you're in love with him…I saw it when I showed you his picture, honestly you were a distraction that I needed my own withdrawal from Rody but thanks for being a friend to Vince...A really good friend and thank you for being the one to be my rebound since you know.”She smiled, since it was true she was grateful to have someone like Vincent to be used as a rebound if she would have went to anyone else it would have been a different story, so again she was grateful for Vincent excepting to be the one offered her as rebound in more of a friendship way instead.

Manon saw Vincent's reaction but he seemed relaxed, she didn’t care if Vincent was gay hell Rody was an attractive guy of all things. She wasn’t jealous in fact she was happy, if for some reason that Rody wanted to be with him she wouldn’t mind since Vincent seemed more level headed.

“Thanks for the wine Vince and I’m sorry for coming to your place unannounced of all things…”She sighed. 

“It’s fine actually, I needed to call someone and I’m glad you came thank you…”He smiled softly.

Manon nodded and sighed softly a bit.” I just hope Rody doesn’t do anything stupid….”

“We can only hope Manon…”Vincent sighed softly.

She knew he was right, Vincent was 100% correct though a part of her blames herself for this terrible outcome of Rody slowly, losing it to the point that he might lash out at Vincent or worse harm him. 

“I know…”she sighed, knowing that the only thing they have right now was hope. Hoping that Rody didn't do anything stupid, that all she'll have to hold on for now is hope…She didn’t want Rody to do anything to Vincent. 

Oh Rody what is going through your mind? Manon thought to herself.

Chapter Text

Of course this was another nightmare but this one was strange. Rody felt something smooth like porcelain. The next thing he knows is that he gets stabbed by a fork, shocking him as he’s pierced onto the plate making look up as he sees a familiar figure eyes grinning utter delight staring down at him.

~~~~~

“Vincent!?” He gasped before sighing a bit trying to calm his heart down.  Fuck that wasn’t he was expecting… He checked the time and noticed how early it was, it was 5:00 a.m, he never felt this much paranoia. There was something wrong with Vincent, he knows it…

Rody sighed softly as he leaned up and looked at the freezer key on his desk, he remembered the last time that Vincent was in there while he was snooping through his office. Clearly Vincent was hiding something from him, clearly he knows Manon and if he was lying to him then why was he lying!?

If Manon wasn’t answering his calls then maybe…”N-No he wouldn’t would he…”He laughed a bit clearly he was losing it he knows it.

Rody took a deep breath today was his last day of work, Vince was probably opening the bistro after all m-maybe just maybe he can talk to Vince and apologise for his weird behaviour… But there was another part of him wondering what was inside the freezer of all things, something nagging at him to find out why Manon wasn’t calling him.

Rody took a deep breath and sighed softly as he took the freezer key, all that anxiety was going all over the place. God he was about to throw up his own heart of his own nerves. He needed to check the freezer. Something about the freezer had been nagging him. Every part of his body wanted to know what was in the freezer.

“It’s probably nothing…”he sighed but still pocketed the freezer key. He was surprised that Vincent didn’t notice him pocketing it, hell as he was investigating around he felt utter dread when he looked out Vince’s window. 

Seeing a shadowy figure of Manon staring back at him was something he wasn’t expecting, he was certain it was the nightmares getting to him even the lack of sleep too.  He was just going to work early, hell, he’ll probably be early too, the earliest he’s ever been in his entire life.

“Please let me be wrong and that it’s all in my damn head…Please let this be the lack of sleep of all things…”He muttered and left his apartment.

When Rody arrived at the bistro he could tell that all the lights were off but the door was clearly opened for the cooks to arrive. It was a different scenery… Every part of his body made him want to turn tail and leave. But he couldn’t back out now, not after stealing the freezer key, not after finding out the love letters in his office.

As he entered the kitchen area his heart was beating faster in his chest as he walked over to the freezer, every part of his body was telling him to enter and checked inside. He was sure that Vincent was in his office, after all he made it this far and unlocked the door to the freezer before he entered as his eyes widened seeing a familiar necklace in the freezer that made his heart drop.

~~~~~

Vincent was clearly searching through his office for the damn necklace, he passed out on the couch and woke up early and saw Manon asleep too on the other end of the couch.

After the conversation he had with Manon he understood her reason behind the damn necklace. He just had to leave early but not before making her breakfast and leaving it in his fridge. He hoped that the necklace was in his office, clearly what happened yesterday with the dinner party and Manon coming over was something else. But in the end both He and Manon knew something needed to be done, which was finding that damn necklace.

Vincent just opened every drawer from his office, his own adrenaline running. Cause when he checked his room to see if anything was missing he noticed his freezer key was gone, now it was either Rody took it or it was in his office.  “Fuck…Fuck…”He said quickly,slamming the drawers, the freezer key wasn’t there at all.

As he and Manon talked yesterday, clearly he was glad that Manon knew he wasn’t crazy about him thinking he was being paranoid by Rody. She was actually terrified for him not that he couldn’t blame her, cause clearly she connected the dots of something bad could happen.

He hoped he could find the freezer key in his office, but he swears he took it and left it in his room.

“Damnnit…fucking hell….”He muttered.

He checked high and low all over the place inside the bistro, hell he had to make sure that the locket or whatever necklace it was didn’t break off in his room. But if it was in the freezer…He could have placed it in one of the delivery trolleys with the new delivery of meat.

If Rody took the freezer key that means…

Vincent felt his heart pounding in his head,till he heard someone enter the kitchen. He held his breath hoping it was at least one of the cooks, he hoped that it was one of his cooks but of course it wasn’t since he heard the sound of the freezer door being opened and just like that his heart dropped into his stomach.

“Oh please no…”

Vincent took a deep breath and grabbed the bottle opener as he tucked it in between his hands. Fuck he didn’t know how unstable Rody could be at this moment, there was no way in hell that stupid locket was in the freezer this whole time…

“Please…Please…Lucien…Lilian…Fabien…Anyone please show up please…”He begged and slowly left his office, he could feel the blood pumping in his ears and he looked into the freezer and see that Rody is staring at the locket covered in blood as there tears rolling down his face as if he was numbed. Of course there was blood on it…There was no way in hell that Rody thought the animal blood was human blood.

He was about to do something when he and Rody made eye contact with each other. Vincent looked at Rody's eyes and could tell they were full of fear and paranoia, even rage, that wasn’t good.  Vincent soon quickly shut the freezer door locking it as he closed his eyes hearing pounding on the metal door.

“ YOU FUCKING MONSTER YOU KILLED HER DIDN’T YOU!? ” Rody screamed pounding at the door. ”VINCENT LET ME OUT!!! ” he yelled loudly.

Vincent stayed quiet but let out a startled gasp as he heard Rody thrusting himself to break it down the door. That shit almost made him cry but he saw the door move but luckily enough the door was stronger than Rody.
Vincent closed his eyes as he slid down on the ground, his heart pumping. He didn’t even realise that Rody was running towards him, he just acted by locking the freezer door. He wasn’t going to kill him but he knew damn well he needed to call the police.

Vincent just crawled on the ground he could barely move, he was grateful the freezer could be locked on the outside and not the inside. He just went to his office and dialled the cops, shaking with fear, but he didn’t say anything when the operator answered.

“911 what’s your emergency—... ”

Vincent didn’t know what came over him but he hung up the call. He was scared that Rody would hear him talk but deep down he knows the police will still come if someone hangs up meaning that someone was in danger, and he was in danger because Rody became unstable.

“F-Fucking hell…”he looked at his hands and noticed they were trembling, he thinks he was having a damn panic attack. Rody needed to cool off, when the cops get here he’ll let them open the door since he was sure that Rody still had the damn freezer key with him.
Vincent just closed his door to his office and started crying or was he already crying? he couldn’t tell. He never ever felt true fear like this before, this was something coming out of a horror movie. He had to stay calm, he needed to stay calm. The cops were already on their way, he really hoped that the freezer would be strong enough to keep Rody inside.

Vincent closed his eyes, his heart pounding loudly in his chest, he just closed his eyes tightly. That is till he hears the sound of a window breaking. “Oh fuck please…please no….” he said quickly.

~~~~~

Vincent came out of his office and saw Rody in which they made eye contact once again, Vincent didn’t say anything while holding the wine opener in his hand, he could see that Rody was unstable.

“Hey maybe we can talk about this Vince”Rody said calmly to him. 

Vincent looked at the door to the entrance of the kitchen if he was quick enough he could run. Rody wasn’t even sane anymore hell he didn’t even know Rody would show up this early, the idiot would usually show up late.

The air was so thick, but Vincent made a run for it but of course his arm got grabbed by Rody. Fuck Vincent thought internally trying to get out of Rody grip he used the wine opener and stabbed Rody ear with as he pulled down tearing it, in which made Rody let him go.

Vincent just stared at him now in fight or flight mode as he watched Rody recoil back holding his injured screaming in pain as he looked at Vincent clearly pissed and afraid of him. How ironic, Vincent was terrified of him over a stupid and yet small misunderstanding. Vince just held his ground knowing that was a stupid move but there was no other way, if he ran Rody would still grab him.

Right now he is stuck. 

“I..I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO EVEN SAY TO YOU, HOW COULD YOU EVER THINK OF-MAKING FOOD OUT OF!?” Rody yelled with anger which slowly faded to paranoia.

”Oh God...I-Is every you cook made out of…”

There was no way in hell that Rody was assuming he was cooking people and feeding it to other people. Vincent glared at him but tried to keep a level head, even though he slashed Rody in the ear this probably will stall him some time to make an escape.

“D-Do you...A-Are you even hearing yourself!? N-No…That’s disgusting...I would never serve anything like that in my kitchen….”he explained quickly to him even though there was a slight tremble in his voice, as he slowly backed up away from Rody just slowly.

“B-But then…WHY HER!? WHY DID YOU DO IT, WHAT REASON WOULD YOU HAVE TO BUTCHER HER!?”

Vincent stopped moving slowly as Rody fell back into a rage. He didn’t even butcher Manon, shit maybe he should have woken Manon up and maybe things would have resulted this or maybe this was probably the better outcome. He didn’t even know what to say to Rody at first  till he looked over at the steak on the table. Did he really think that steak was Manon? That is what is being served for today so the cooks can learn how to make it.

“WHAT DID SHE EVER DO TO YOU!? WHY DID YOU HAVE TO KILL HER!?”

Fuck Vincent was going to regret this.”S-SHE’S…Augh…Damnnit Rody!? SHE’S NOT DEAD!”he yelled. 

This was so tense, Vincent had no way out. This was the worst possible outcome to ever occur for him, his own damn life was on the line of all things. Rody fucking snapped and is now assuming he kills and cooks people for fun, he prayed that the cops would arrive soon.

“W-What?...”

Vincent hoped that would have calmed him down but clearly it did the opposite of all things. As he heard Rody laugh a bit looking at him with a craze look in his eyes, fuck that wasn’t good.

“T-That’s Vincent…That’s fucking insane, you know that right?” He told him. Clearly not believing him.

Vincent stayed quiet, he felt his throat tighten up for a moment, he soon slowly moved away from Rody by another inch. Praying that Rody wouldn’t notice him backing away. If anything were to happen fuck he shouldn’t be thinking of anything negative, he had to stall for a while just a little bit longer till someone arrives.

“W-WH-Why me…Y-YOU ATE MY!...M-My ear…You ate my damn ear…” Rody glared at him.

Okay he seriously fucking lost it, that would be so disgusting. Vincent backed away from Rody again.
”That’s…” he didn’t even know how to respond to that, he wasn’t a fucking cannibal even better he can’t taste.He only stabbed his ear because he was defending him.

“S-SO YOU DO EAT PEOPLE!?”

Vincent stared at Rody with shock.”NO!” he yelled. “I-I CAN’T STAND EATING!!” He blurted out. He despised eating but clearly it doesn’t matter how many times he cooks everything still tastes the same dry and bland. 

Soon there was a total complete silence, Vincent just held his breath as he stared at Rody. Vincent looked at Rody before he took off running with Rody trailing behind him as he dashed out towards the dining area.
He needed to escape from him with how unpredictable Rody was, after telling him he couldn’t stand eating he saw the gears turning in Rody’s heading. He wasn’t going to eat Rody, he would never ever take another’s person life.

~~~~~

As he ran he felt Rody grab him tightening his grip, in which Vincent had too twisted his arm out of his grasp, Vincent could feel a bruise forming on his arm as he looked at Rody with fear in his eyes. Fuck he it felt like his arm was about to snap off him!

“You…You never answered how you knew her…H-How do you Manon…There’s not point in dodging the question now,right?...There’s not much fucking else to hide”

Vincent held his arm as he looked at Rody if unease, fuck okay clearly all reason went out the damn window. But he’ll stall a bit to save his energy while running away from Rody. That's if either his cooks arrive first or the damn police will show.

“I-It wa-...It wasn’t long, this wasn’t some long grift. A short while before you asked for this job…S-She showed passing interests in me but I wasn’t interested, It felt like an obvious rebound on her behalf…”He stated, trying to keep calm.

”I-It wasn’t till you gave me a sob story about her…”He added

Vincent felt bad for Rody yes, but was he really going to kill him because he knew Manon? Or was it the fact he allowed Manon to ground herself with him. Till Rody only  got better.(Clearly that wasn’t the case in this situation) But in the end Manon was grateful that she made a new friend, someone who made sure she got her bearings together of all sorts.

“D-Did you even care about her!? S-She looked happy in the photo with you” 

Vincent held his breath of course he did, he still cared for Manon. Maybe this was the reason why he didn’t wake her, hell if she were to get injured by Rody of all things who knows what will happen. Besides, the only reason why she was happy in the photo was because he got embarrassed by seeing his picture.

“THE PHOTO YOU TRASHED IN YOUR OFFICE”

Vincent stayed quiet for a moment feeling his mouth going dry, he was cleaning his office beside’s he knows that Manon has a copy of that picture anyways. He was backing up yet again as he slowly peered over his shoulder waiting for someone, anyone to enter at this moment to stop Rody.

“D-Did…How could you…Did you even care for her…” Rody asked him in a hushed whisper.

Vincent didn’t even know how to respond, Rody still assumed that Manon was dead. “I…”He really had no idea what to say to him at this point. 

Though with his lack of words Rody got extremely pissed off at him, which made Vince gripped the wine opener tightly in his hands. He didn't want to kill him, he really didn't but with all this chasing and talking was making him exhausted.

“ So it was just some sick game to you!? You didn’t even love her!?” He snapped.

“B-But you did! You cared so deeply about her, Still do Rody!!”Vincent glared at him fuck he wanted to cry, but he wouldn’t allow his feelings to take over. His life was on the line at this very moment. It doesn't matter his feelings for Manon were platonic, he LOVED Rody not Manon.

He noticed that Rody's face looked pretty much surprised. ”D-Don’t say that…Don’t!”

Vincent knew he struck a nerve, he struck a deep nerve by saying that. He soon bolt off again playing ring around the rosie around the stove’s with Rody running after him. This was a damn integration for him, did Rody want him to admit that he killed Manon!?

Vincent backed himself against the wall as Rody stared at him almost with the intent to kill him. He was expecting Manon to be brought up again but what Rody said made his blood run cold.

“Jesus, do you do this to all of your employees!? Is this why you have a few staff members like the magazine says!?”

Vincent glared at him and took a deep breath”W-What…” He didn’t harm Lucien, what happened was a damn mistake and an accident.
If Rody was thinking that he abused them he was deadass wrong…Was this how Rody was seeing him? An abuser towards his own damn staff!? He never abused his staff! Vincent made a promise to himself that he would NEVER abuse his staff like what his old…His old boss did…

“T-That one cook-the guy he just disappeared one day…”

Clearly Rody didn’t know that Lucien was always the type to stay quiet when things happen. “He doesn’t like talking much…you acted like I killed him!? I couldn’t fire him over a simple mistake!”

Of course when he mentioned the fire part, that clearly caught Rody’s attention as he glared at him pissed off. “Why couldn’t you have…!? Why didn’t you fire me!?” Rody snapped at him quite angrily beyond belief.

“Why didn’t you quit!?” He retaliated back to him, Rody had many chances to leave! When Rody talked to him he could have told him he was quitting but he never did, he got all friendly with him.
Now looked where that got him! Being chased by Rody all because he thought he killed Manon, all because he couldn't handle a simple breakup!

“ Because..BECAUSE IT WAS ALL FOR HER! THIS WAS ALL FOR HER!! YOU KNEW THAT! YOU KNEW THAT DAMN WELL!!”

Vincent knew that was the case but still, he couldn't have done that. Manon told him all that he can’t even take care of himself.”WHAT IF SHE DIDN’T WANT THAT!” was all he could say.

“ S-Shut up!! I-I still can’t believe you were planning on feeding me something like-Thank god I’ve never ate any of the food you’ve been giving me”

“Y-You haven’t….”Vincent didn’t mean for that to slip out, he didn’t mean for that stupid heart break to slip out. He knew that Rody wasn’t eating, he knew it but what he told him was the worst pain he ever felt.

“ They're all just sitting in the fridge. I don’t need to try them to know that they don’t taste like real food…You always made me lose my appetite guess now I know why…”

Vincent closed his eyes quickly trying to ignore that pain he felt when Rody said that but he ignored that, it doesn't matter if Rody ate the food or not but he did quickly run past Rody, as he entered the main dining hall trying to get to the exit. 

~~~~~

He knows he shouldn’t look behind him but he did anyway as Rody grabs him once more this time not letting him go squeezing his wrist tightly. Vincent closed his eyes tightly trying to break out of the grip.

“ D-Do you regret it!?” Rody asked him.

Vincent didn’t understand that damn question why did it have to be so cryptic!? Regret what!? Hiring him or the fact that in Rody’s own crazed him he killed Manon of all people.

“I-I Rody you're hurting me…What are you saying!? Y-YOU’RE THE ONE WHO ASKED FOR THE JOB!!”he screamed a bit when Rody squeezed his wrist more, it felt like they were about to break..
Fuck Rody was going to snap his wrist like a pencil, where the fuck was his cooks and where the hell was the cops!? What was taking them so long to show up he twisted a bit trying to loosen his grip from Rody but every time he tried the grip tighten even more.

“Y-You’re rotten! V-Vince listen…JUST LISTEN! ” 

Vince winced in pain trying to fight back some tears of how sore his wrist was becoming. He looked at Rody with fear, though he’s trying not to show it, he’s fucking trying.”I-I’m listening…” Fuck he was trying to stay calm, he really,really was. 

“ If..If everything else so far has tasted like nothing to you…What make’s you think I’ll be any different!”

Again with that stupid cannibalism!?

Vincent was about to say something about that but clearly Rody wasn’t listening anymore, he can’t argue with someone who’s psyche snapped in half over a breaking point because Rody couldn’t handle a simple break up.

“ If you’re really doing all of this just so you can taste again? When it turns out I’m just like any other, what will you do?” He asked as he slowly loosen his grip.

“You could have killed her-You would have killed me for no reason…Are you really ready to deal with that!?”

Vincent wasn’t even trying to kill him, nor did he kill Manon. Was Rody finally calming down he couldn’t tell, but judging by the look in Rody’s eyes that clearly wasn’t happening.

“ If this is your idea of trying to make yourself happy…I don’t think you’ll ever be full”

Vincent winced as he tighten the grip once more not before he spit on Rody face making him pull away too wipe the spit off his face, In which Vincent took that opportunity to start running off to the kitchen as he ran towards the end of the stove ducking down as he held his breath before hearing Rody run in the kitchen before heading towards his office.

~~~~~

Before Vincent could say anything he felt Rody grab him not before stabbing him in the neck with a now broken wine bottle. The pain was unbearable, was this how he was going to die!?

Vincent held his neck as he looked at Rody with complete fear with tears rolling down his face as Rody looked down at him and started crying while laughing at the same time. 

He watched Rody just slowly move towards the freeze looking at him while Vince’s eyes followed him. 

His heart was beating like crazy as the blood pooled down the tile floor from his neck…He didn’t want to die…He didn’t want to die…

It wasn’t long when Rody came back he closed his eyes feeling something smooth and warm being poured on him, yet Vincent knew what it was…He looked up at Rody seeing he was pouring a bottle of oil on him.

It wasn’t long till he heard the sound of a match striking which made him cry even more, he was shaking. He looked at Rody wanting to beg, to plead with him to not do this…He wanted to speak but he couldn't. Everything was hurting but he was shaking…

More tears continued to roll down his face as he was sobbing a bit. Everything was hurting but—He couldn’t speak…He couldn’t speak…He was scared, he was terrified, seeing that flame he knew what Rody intent was!

Soon Rody just dropped the lit match and—

Vincent blackout he heard sirens fill the air. He heard someone calling his name and he wasn’t sure who it was…Probably Fabien...Maybe Lucien or was it Manon? He really doesn't know he's just very tired…The smell of smoke made him sick and lights were flashing…He was exhausted. It wasn't long before Vincent closed his eyes once more…

He should have probably fired Rody…

Chapter Text

Manon didn’t mean to sleep long, when she woke up she had a crick in her neck since she fell asleep at Vincent’s place, after expressing her worries about Rody finding the damn locket but she grew concerned when Vincent didn’t even bother waking her up. Yet that wasn’t going to happen as she woke up a bit before she started coughing as it wasn’t something she was expecting let alone finding it hard to breath.

It wasn’t long till she noticed flames hugging around every corner of Vincent’s place, its was getting harder to breath as she inhaled more smoke. She looked around and noticed how smoking and dark Vincent apartment was as she started hacking and coughing even more. It wasn’t long till a firefighter came in taking her in their arms as they quickly left, while she was coughing and grappling onto them.

Manon doesn’t know how long she’s been out or how long it took for her to be finally away, but her lungs were burning let alone her eyes were itchy as well…It wasn’t long till she realised that the sound of people screaming and covering their mouths made her look around dazed. 

Where was it Rody? Did something happen to Rody? Or did something happen to Vincent?

Though the firefighters gave her a respiratory mask as one of the ambulance people did a medical check up on her asking her questions but she was dazed as the sound of crackling fire was coming from The La Gueule de Saturne, her heart dropped at the sight of the now burning building as firefighters were trying to put out the fire. 

She didn’t even what was going on until she saw him…And to her horror she saw as Vincent just laid on the ground getting medical attention with a respirator mask of his own while he was getting treated for burn marks on him, it wasn’t long till she noticed that Lucien and a few cops were holding Fabien back.

“YOU SON OF A BITCH!!!L-LET ME GO!!”Fabien yelled at Rody, his knuckles slightly red.

“F-FABE C-CALM DOWN!” Lucien glared at him trying to keep him calm, even though he was pissed by what he witnessed.

Manon's eyes widened when she saw that Rody was being questioned by the cops looking dazed and confused on what just happened till he locked eyes with her. His face was slightly bruised up, maybe from Fabien, but the blood on his hands…Oh god…

She was going to throw up.”R-Rody…”

“Madam…Are you Ms. Vacher?” one of the cops asked her.

“I…Yes…Yes I am I…Can–What happened!?”She asked the officer removing the respiratory mask from her face as she coughed a bit, there was no way that Rody tried to murder Vincent. It’ll be all over the news and worse his life would be ruined…

“Miss, Mr.Lamoree here tried to murder Chef Vincent Charbonneau because he kept muttering that Mr.Charbonneau murdered you and—”

Once she heard the officer say that her mind went blank as she just stared at Rody in shock and horror, that wasn’t her Rody. Why would Rody do something like this, why would he go out of his way to harm.

“MISS YOU CAN’T—”

Manon glared at the officer and paramedic who tried to stop her but she walked over Rody who was getting consulted by an officer Rody but she shot a stern glare at him.”Bougez, je dois lui parler à ce moment précis...”she huffed and went over to Rody was staring at her in a daze. (Move over, I need to talk to him at this very moment...)

“M-Mano-”

Manon slapped Rody across the face hard that she was sure it echoed. She watched as Rody held his face as he wanted to cry for being slapped by him. “COMMENT OSES-TU!! V-VOUS...RODY POURQUOI L'AS-TU FAIT !? POURQUOI AVEZ-VOUS ESSAYÉ DE TUER VINCE !?” She screamed, forgetting all english. Why…Why would he do such a horrible thing!? (HOW DARE YOU!! Y-YOU...RODY WHY DID YOU DO IT!? WHY DID YOU TRY TO KILL VINCE!?)

Why would he do something so horrible to another human being, she soon broke down crying. This wasn’t her Rody, she just took a deep breath and looked at the officer.”Put him in therapy or something…I want to know his reason behind this…I’ll even pay for it..”She explained.

Once she said that she heard Fabien speak.”Wh-ARE YOU FUCKING NUTS!? HE TRIED TO MURDER VINCENT AND YOU SAY THERAPY I WANT HIM DE-”

Manon glared at him, quite pissed.”WOULD YOU SHUT UP!”she yelled. That got Fabien to keep his mouth shut as he looked down. Manon doesn’t like conflict nor does she like arguing but she took a deep breath as she watched the paramedics carefully brace Vincent on the stretcher before carrying him to the truck.

“Does anyone want to come with us while he wakes up?”One of the paramedics spoke out.

Lucien squeezed Fabien's hand gently.”W-We’ll go.. Come Fabien…We wouldn’t want Vince waking up alone now do we?”he muttered a bit. Fabien looked on the ground and went inside the truck to make sure that Vincent was okay.

Manon watched Lucien afterwards as he looked at Vincent clearly distressed but tried to stay positive of all things. She watches the ambulance truck drive off going to the nearest hospital. Soon she turned her attention to Rody. Clearly Rody had some stitches done on his ear, clearly it showed that Vincent was defending himself. 

Manon took a deep breath and watched Rody get escorted by the police as he got put in the cruiser still staring at Manon unable to say anything but was in a state of shock after she slapped him.

“Miss Vacher, would you like to press charges on him for assaulting your boyfriend?” the officer asked her.

“Vincent Charbonneau isn’t my boyfriend, he’s a close friend of mine…as for the chargers that’s up to Vincent himself…”She explained seriously before walking off, her heart breaking for Rody. 

“This is all my fault…”She whispered softly.

~~~~~

Rody couldn’t believe that this was happening before him stood Manon, alive and well breathing… Or it was probably a hallucination, well it wasn’t when he felt her slap him across the face pretty hard. Swearing at him in french, not that he could blame her after everything that just happened between him and Vincent.

Vincent…oh god…h-he stab him and burn him aliv—

He was a murder…he tried to murder his own boss, for what!? F-Fuck he doesn’t even know a-and Manon. Rody looked down at the dried blood on his hands, he was a murderer and now he won’t know if Vincent will live.

All because of his stupid paranoia…He hurt Vince, he hurt him to the point he stabbed him. He felt ill like he was gonna vomit. He just pressed his head against the window of the cruiser of all things. He wondered how his parents would react to him trying to kill a famous chef of all things but stabbing him with a broken wine bottle and lastly watching the bistro flicker as the flames climbed. What hard earning Vincent achieved for himself was...

“I..I don’t even deserve to live…”He mumbled.

The drive to the police station was quiet, he didn’t even know what state Vincent was in. He just stabbed him in the neck and burnt him alive! After all he thought Vince was trying to…He thought Vince was trying to murder him. T-The bloody locket he found in the freezer was…Was it a prank? A prank that went too far to the point he tried to murder Vincent? Or was it an accident that the damn locket got stuck in the freezer.

Rody didn’t even know anymore as hot tears rolled down his face, he was fucked up wasn’t he..Fucked up in the head that he got paranoid by Vince for his lose of taste…All that came to him was Vincent being a damn fucking cannibal and that he thought he ate his ear…

Rody closed his eyes tightly as hot tears rolled down his face, the hell was wrong with him. He didn’t even say anything during the ride to the police station but heard the officers talking to one another.

“Damn why did he do such a thing?”

“I don’t know maybe he wanted revenge, after all the Vacher’s family are food critics and I’m friends with them but maybe it was a messy breakup that he decided to murder Charbonneau”

“That’s pretty fucked up if you ask me, hell I wouldn’t even care if my ex got with a famous chef…”

“Yeah we’ll some people are just possessive of things they grow attach too and can’t move on”

Rody wanted to hold himself and cover his ears, he didn’t want to hear any of this right now. He knows he tried to kill Vince, he just lost it. It wasn’t…He just…He hoped that Vince lived… Once he arrived at the station, the officers escorted him out as they placed him in a holding cell. They clearly didn’t even bother washing the blood off his hands; he just had to look away from it.

Clearly the officers were talking to one another as they looked at Rody for a moment. Soon the phone rang and they answered for a moment. He clearly didn’t want to know what they were saying about him, but he heard something about therapy from Manon. Oh god….H-He didn’t want to go through therapy…But there was something wrong with him…Yet he didn’t want to go to a mental asylum! 

He just started crying, fuck he was so scared and paranoid that his damn mind fucking snapped to the point he tried to kill Vince. He wasn’t even sure that Vincent was alive after all he stabbed him in the fucking neck with a broken wine bottle. 

He should be given the death penalty instead, for trying to murder Vincent cause that’s what he deserves. Soon one officer approached him and sighed.”You’re being assigned to a doctor, who specialise in mental behaviour, though be lucky that the Vacher’s daughter is willing to pay for this she called us which I find pretty amazing…”he explained

Rody looked away from the officer, of course Manon would do such a thing for him but he nodded. What could he say? Oh wow Manon is so great that she’s helping me not go to prison!? 

“Also she told us that you’ll be seeing a specialist tomorrow called Aurore D’Amboise”He explained before leaving.

Rody just nodded even more and looked down on why in the hell would he do such a thing. If Vincent live’s he’ll probably show up and explain what happened, this was a nightmare he wished to wake up. Maybe he fell asleep on the job and is waiting for Vincent to shake him awake because he was having another nightmare. But clearly this was reality, he wanted this to be a damn nightmare all because of his damn paranoia.

“I-I’m so sorry Vincent…”He sobbed a bit not even caring anymore.

~~~~~

Manon sighed softly as she took a deep breath and went to the hospital as she also got a physical check up but Vincent on the other hand she wasn’t sure if he’ll live, she was beyond nervous. Why in the world didn’t he wake her up? If he would have just woken her up she would have helped him.

“Why didn’t you wake me up Vince…”She muttered and walked over to the receptionist desk. “Bonjour…I’m looking for Vincent Charbonneau room…I’m his-”she was soon cut off by the nurse.

“Oh yes honey I’m so sorry for what happened to your boyfriend, he's in the ICU. He’s resting after some surgery, he’s knocked out on some hard drugs so please be very quiet with him. His friends are with him and I’m sure he’ll be happy with his girlfriend showing up” the nurse smiled at her.

Manon cringed a bit. "He's not my boyfriend he's my friend..."She explained before took off to see how Vincent was doing. 

This could have been avoided if she went with Vincent to help him find the locket, though she probably knew the reason why he didn’t wake her was probably the fact that Rody might hurt her. Not that she would blame him but still he got injured and worse he could have died.

Manon made it to the third floor and walked down the hallway and noticed that Fabien was outside his head buried in his hands shaking a bit. She took a deep breath and walked over to him sadly.

”Fabien…How is he?”she asked.

“...He’s asleep…Just…Please I…I’m scared for him”He muttered as he looked at her.

Manon nodded understanding what he means, he’s scared that Vincent injuries might kill him but so far if he’s asleep that means he’s doing okay.” Vincent…He’s tough you know that…”She sighed trying to cheer him up.

Fabien didn’t even say anything after that, Manon understood that meant the conversation was over. She went inside the room and saw that Vincent had bandages around his neck as he slept soundly, next to him was Lucien holding Vincent hand a bit worriedly but looked up seeing Manon.

“Oh Manon…Hi…”Lucien smiled sadly.

“I…How are his injuries…W-Will he be fine?”She asked him. She wanted Vincent to be fine.

“I..The doctors said he won’t be able to talk for a while but only temporarily and just needed some rest after the surgery…Though he might need to do some vocal training…”Lucien explained looking at Vincent.

“I..I’m sorry…”She said quickly.

“Don’t be miss Vacher, It wasn’t your fault that Vincen-” 

Manon cut him off.“No it is my fault if I would have just woken up then maybe…Maybe none of this would have happened. If..If..If I just woke up and helped him find the damn locket maybe..Rody wouldn’t have lost his mind for finding the locket…It’s my fault that he’s injured isn’t it…”She choked on a sob as tears rolled down her face. Lucien looked at her and shook his head.

”You didn’t know…Vince didn’t know either….What matters is the fact that Vincent is…Alive…he’s breathing at least…”He muttered softly as he rubbed his face tiredly.

Manon looked at Vincent and in a chair as she looked at him sighing softly. “It feels like I caused Rody to lose his mind…”She confessed to Lucien.

“No you didn’t, you didn’t know Marianne fuck WE didn’t know…If we would have known things would have been different. Though are you sure that Lamoree needs therapy?” he asked her.

“Yes…Something happened and I wanted to know if I caused him to push himself over the edge because I broke up with him of all things and—”

Manon was cut off by Lucien.” MANON!”he yelled but froze when he noticed that Vincent stirred a bit in his sleep winicng a bit as he had bandages all over him clearly for the burns he recived before calming down.

”There are people who…Listen what happened wasn’t your fault I don’t want you to think it was your fault and I’m sure Vincent will agree with me on that part too. Some people fall in love to much and love can either be a good thing or a bad thing…You loved Rody and he love you too…Fuck Vincent loved him as well…Love can either make you happy or it can hurt you…You loved Rody because you wanted to save him…In the end he loved you too much to let you go…Do you understand what I’m saying?”he asked her.

Manon looked at Lucien and nodded, wiping away her tears. “It’s just that Rody would…He never…”

“It’s okay…It’s okay…”Lucien muttered holding her.

Manon didn’t even notice that Lucien got up and started hugging her. She just broke down crying holding him tightly, this wasn’t supposed to happen, none of it was supposed to happen, yet Lucien was right Rody loved her too much to the point that his love for her blinded him. She really hopes the person she called would help Rody understand what caused him to lose his mind, but for now she’ll be with Vincent then tomorrow she’ll go see Rody in prison with his therapist to talk about what happened to him.

“Lucien…Can you call me when Vincent wakes up or at least call my parents to tell me?”She asked him, pulling away from the hug.

“Of course I will, besides I think visiting hours are coming to a close…I’ll see you later…”Lucien smiled and left the room.

Manon heard Lucine talk to Fabien before hearing both men leave, once they were gone Manon looked over at Vincent as she got up and went over to him as she gently held his hand, scared he would break underneath her. “Vincent I’m sorry for now coming to save you…But I know you forgive Rody…I promise you I’ll help him okay and when you wake up you can talk to him…I called a specialist to talk to him her name is Aurore D’Amboise she’s pretty good at her job and…I’ll try to bail Rody out of jail while arguing with me parents just…Hang in there okay…”She smiled softly before leaving his room taking a deep breath.

“Oh Rody…Why did you have to get yourself into trouble like this…”She muttered and left the hospital.

Chapter Text

Rody was scared meeting this D’Amboise even worse he was in the damn interrogation room of all things waiting for this specialist. But of course to rub it in his face they left a newspaper talking about the horrible incident that happened. How in the world does the press find things out like this?

“Owner of the La Gueule de Saturne, Vincent Charbonneau was attacked and is now in critical condition as his waiter Rody Lamoree, stabbed him in the neck with a broken wine bottle let alone suffering some. Eye witnesses stated that Lamoree seemed a bit unhinged. Watching the building burn while firefighters went inside retrieving the chef who was unconscious, the state of Vincent Charbonneau is unknown at this moment and—”

Rody looked away from the newspaper, he just needed to wait for his therapist or specialist or whatever they were. He was happy enough that Manon came by for some support and will try to pay his bail even though he doesn’t deserve any of that kindness.

He looked at his hands and shuddered a bit as he closed his eyes tightly, the moment he grabbed Vincent. He didn’t want to think about it, all he knew was that the blood felt warm on his hands.

Rody shook his head. He shouldn't be thinking about that after the good news he heard from Manon…Well some-what of good news is that Vincent is alive, Thank God for that. Though he damaged his vocal cords…

Vincent couldn’t taste and to add insult to injury he tried to murder him only in damaging his vocal cords in the end. What the hell was wrong with him? While being lost in thought he snapped his head up as he saw a woman entering the room wearing a white lab coat but she smiled softly.

”You must be Rody, I’m Dr. D’Amboise…”She said sweetly

Of course he just stayed quiet, clearly she probably knew everything. Why in the hell would he need a damn specialist to ask him what the hell happened. “Rody I know how you're feeling, you must be confused and scared. Would you be okay if I asked you a few questions?”

“I…I guess so are they listening?”Rody mumbled under his breath but only loud enough for his specialist and he thinks therapist too.

Dr.D’Amboise smiled softly and shook her head.” They’re not listening. I made sure of that but I will have to report back to them whether or not you are sane…”She explained very seriously.

“Okay…”he mumbled.

“Wonderful, now I promise you I’ll help you out in any way I can. Now may I ask how you're feeling?”

Rody sighed softly of course she’ll start off with that.”upset,heartbroken…confused…”he admitted.
“I see, Mr.Lamoree, did you ever experience any Excessive fear or extreme feelings of guilt while working for Mr.Charbonneau?” Dr. D’Amboise asked him.

“I..I yes…I think when he made me dinner…The first time I started working with him…”He explained to her.

“So that’s when the paranoia started?”

“N-No I mean…I don’t know I thought it was anxiety…but then…I started getting nightmares ... .of me being butchered…packed…microwaved…and…”Rody felt his throat get dry.

“You don’t have to talk about this if you don’t want too”Dr. D’Amboise explained calmly to him.

“I just…Manon she’s…She was my girlfriend…we took a break about me not taking care of myself…I just thought working extra hard would make her come back and-” He rambled on for a while once his therapist looked at him with pity.

“Rody, have you ever had your heart broken before? Because from what I’m gathering you talk about Miss.Vacher like an obsession. You didn’t even know how to cope with the fact that she ended the relationship with you so instead of trying to make sure you take care of yourself you tried to win her back?”

Rody chewed the bottom of his lip, was it an obsession he had with Manon? It didn’t feel like it though now that he thinks about it. He called her more then once wanting to speak to her fuck he even wrote her letters too.

“I..I guess so…”he mumbled.

“I’m not here to shame you, it’s actually common to have an obsession with a person. Did your parents ever tell you that some relationships end or something of the sorts?”Dr. D’Amboise asked him.

“No they didn’t, my parents told me..They told me that you know when you find your soulmate you must love them forever”He explained to her.

Rody noticed that Dr. D’Amboise face contorted a bit as she sighed. “I see…No offense to your parents but sometimes finding a soulmate take’s time and sometimes it’s hard to find the right one…I think your parents caused you to have this fantasy that made you believe that Manon was your true love till the moment she broke things off with you am I correct about that?”

Rody looked down from her and nodded.”I..I think so…”

Rody sighed softly was that really the case, I mean yeah his parents did make him believe in fairy tales about finding the right one and clearly he thought Manon was the one that he became—”Oh god…Was I jealous that I—”

“No no, calm down Rody. I don’t think that was the case. In theory you didn’t know how to handle the break well, it messed with your psyche. You couldn’t handle the fact that Manon left you, it drove you to the fact that you continued to stop caring for yourself…Which led you to stop eating, withdrawal from close friends, start acting anxious around others which I assumed was the case with Charbonneau” She pointed out.

Rody nodded and looked down.”B-But that ended up with me trying to kill Vince and I belong in a cell away from everyone…All because of a misunderstanding”he looked down.

“What you had was a reaction you thought that Manon was in danger which basically triggered a fight or flight response on you. Anyone could understand what that feeling is like, you were under constant stress and pressure. Though I believe the paranoia caught up when you found the locket correct?”

Rody only nodded and looked away for a moment.”I but I still tried to kill him. Why would I do that instead of talking to him!?”he asked Dr. D’Amboise. He just didn’t understand why on earth he would commit such a horrible crime of all things.

“Did you ever experience hallucination or any type of tense feelings towards him?” She asked him.

“I..Yes but what does have to with what I did to him an–”He was soon quickly cut off by her.

“Mr.Lamoree what you experienced was paranoia around him, Mr.Charbonneau is a type of person that people can’t gadge. He made a name for himself, being a young chef owning his own bistro with the lack of taste was a trigger response for you.”Dr. D’Amboise sighed softly.

Rody opened his mouth to say more but again Dr. D’Amboise beat him to the punch.”I think you not knowing his lack of taste was the response that made you think Manon was in danger, the unease he brought to you made you very paranoid around him. Where there's time he noticed your paranoia and wanted to send you home?”

Rody looked down and nodded a bit. Looking down from his therapist, he was honestly surprised that Manon found someone like Dr. D’Amboise. Even though it was awkward he was listening to what she was saying.

“Basically all that paranoia builded up and up till it toppled over, causing your psyche to crack. You reacted as if Charbonneau was attacking you when in reality you were-”

Now it was Rody who cut her off.” I was attacking him…Dr. D’Amboise can I…Is Vincent awake?”he asked her.

He knows that an apology won’t be enough for what he did to Vincent, but he wanted to see if Vincent would be fine seeing him even though he knows he’ll probably be banned from the hospital or worse the cooks attacking him.

“I’m not sure but I can ask as for now I don’t think you’ll be allowed to see him, but if by a miracle that Vacher girl bails you out I may have to convince the cops you had a mental breakdown, something beyond your control” Dr. D’Amboise explained.

Rody nodded and looked down for a moment, shaking a bit as tears rolled down his face.”I just…am I a bad person?”he asked.

“Well do you regret it?” She countered

Rody looked at her in shock, of cours he regrets what he did!”Of course I regret it! I almost tried to murder my boss and-”

“Then you're not a bad person, what you had was a human reaction but it took a hit on your mental health to the point you snapped. “she said placing his thumb and middle finger together snapping it.

“I hope to talk with you again soon, Rody. I must report back to the officers and tell them my evaluation and I must say they’ll understand”Dr. D’Amboise explained before leaving the room.

And just like that Rody was alone all over again. This time in a cell because of his own stupid paranoia of all things, he wanted Vince to be okay. Though deep down he was sure that Vince didn’t want to see him, he saw the bruises on his wrists. 

“I can’t believe this is happening…”he muttered.

~~~~~

Vincent was in pain, just told pain. Everything hurts, he was sore too. What happened? All he remembers was running from Rody then getting stab but the feeling of oil and a a lit match—

Oh right…Rody trid to kill him…Now he remembers. Is he dead? Doesn’t feel like it but he should be. Vincent soon opened his eyes a bit and blinked a few eyes, his vision a bit blurry but but one eye seemed to be glossy, winced a bit he was sore though he looked around his surroundings and noticed he was at the hospital. 

He leaned up a bit slowly as he touched the bandages on his neck wincing a bit, he tried to open his mouth but of course no words came out it felt as if his throat was burning and his while body was aching and it felt like someone was stretching his skin. 

But his voice his voice felt—Oh god…did Rody? Did Rody make him mute?

While looking down a doctor walked in and smiled. “Oh Mr.Charbonneau your awake, that’s good and-”

“W-Wh” He tried to speak but it came out raspy and rough. It felt like his throat was burning as if it was on fire.

“Ah! Please rest your voice, your assailant set you one fire as well as he also stabbed you reaching your vocal cords. Please try to not speak too much, your voice needs a rest. I’ll give you a pen and some paper to write anything you need down okay”The doctor explained.

Vincent nodded and watched as the doctor gave him a pen and paper before he quickly started writing. “ How long was I out? Where’s Rody?”

“You’ve been out for about 1 whole day, the surgery went well and you were given hard drugs, as for this Rody kid..The man who burnt and stabbed you he’s in police custody-and-SIR!”

Vincent leaned up as he tried to leave the hospital only for the doctor to push him. He had to see Rody, he had to see him. Was it a stupid choice that he wanted to see Rody? Maybe he just groaned and leaned against the pillow clearly annoyed.

“May I ask why you want to see him?”

“I just want to,please let me see him “

Vincent didn’t really have an answer to that he just..He just wanted to see Rody, he was actually worried for him. Rody was dealing with something and he just…He didn’t really know he wanted to make sure Rody was okay.

“I..Mr.Charbonneau I don’t think that would be a good id-” His doctor spoke but kept his mouth shut as Vincent glared at him dangerously. “I’ll see what I can do for you but please understand that the visit may not be possible…''The doctor explained to him.

Vincent just rolled his eyes. “I don’t care make it happen ASAP” 

Vincent watched the doctor sighed before looking at him.”Is there anyone in your contact list you want us to call letting you know that you woke up?” Vincent nodded. “Marianne “Manon” Vacher”

“Alright we’ll ring her up letting you know that you're awake, also your diet will be liquid for a while Mr.Charbonneau” his doctor explained before leaving him alone to go and call Manon.

I drink smoothies so it’s nothing new. Vincent thought to himself. He looked out the window but noticed that on the desk was the newspaper. No doubt it was about him and Rody. Mainly Rody stabbing him in the neck, also who in the hell would leave the newspaper here.

Though he doesn’t have a doubt that it was probably either Lucien or Fabien hell he wouldn’t be surprised Lilian was the one reading the newspaper. He knows how protective his cooks can be, besides he was sure that Fabien tried to kill Rody. Vincent just sighed softly and looked out the window listening to the birds sing.

He never really liked the hospital, when he lost his sense of taste so many damn tests because his parents worried for his future. He became an owner of his own bistro, yet he grew worried about his parents finding out he got stabbed and burnt in the neck by his own waiter. 

Vincent didn’t want to think about that for now, besides Rody was in his own personal hell since he’s awake he’ll post his bail or hire a damn lawyer for him if need be. What happened was nothing more than a mere accident and he doesn't care if people find him crazy for wanting to see the person who tried to kill him.

It doesn’t matter, I just want him to be safe. I care for him and…I still love him even though I shouldn’t.

Vincent laid back down against the pillow, he was a bit scared to see his scar. Hell he was lucky to be alive of all things but a scar on his neck that nearly cost him his life…his voice of all things is something he could live with.

Vincent just hoped that Rody was doing okay, he wanted to let him know that he forgives him, though Rody might think differently but he does forgive him.

He just continued looking out the window till he heard the sounds of heels clicking on the tile floor which made him look over as he smiled softly seeing Manon, her brown hair all dishevelled.

“H-Hi” He spoke out even though he winced a bit.

Manon ran over to him and smiled happily” Thank god you're awake and you shouldn’t be speaking the doctor told me. Also I’m getting Rody help, he’s seeing a specialist and everything…I just want you to understand that what happened to Rody was nothing more than a-Wait what are you doing?”

Vincent wrote something down quickly to her quite worried. ”How is Rody…Is he okay? I’m not mad at him. I’m concerned for him, is he alright?”

He just wanted to know if Rody was doing okay, he really hoped that idiot was okay. If Rody gets hurt he swears he’ll kill Rody himself.

“He’s doing alright, though he feels depressed that he hurt you Vince. Not that I can blame him, he’s quite worried for you honestly I got a report back from his specialist that his had a psyche breakdown about me…But it turns out he wasn’t doing well from the beginning after our break…Though I do still believe I’m at fault for the way things ended up…But the specialist assured me that it wasn’t my fault…His paranoia got the better of him and he needs time to heal….I’ll be posting for his bail even though my parents are against it. Rody regrets what he did, you know.”Manon explained to him.

Vincent looked at her and looked down. Clearly the damn fool was suffering in silence because he didn’t want to admit he needed help? “I’ll kill him, idiot could have let me taken care of him”

Manon laughed when he wrote that down but he couldn’t help but smile though it didn’t last that long since he knew that Rody’s true feelings for Manon were pure. Even though it did make him end up in the hospital of all things.

“You know Vincent…I think Rody and I should probably stay as friends…I’m not saying this because you love I’m doing this because Rody needs some stability in his life and closure too and I think you can help him out as well what do you say?”she smiled and looked at him.

Vincent thought for a moment and smiled. ”Sure I can work with that”

“Wonderful though I wish I could discharge you from the hospital, I’ll try to make a bail bond for Rody as quickly as possible okay. Just rest up and take care of yourself okay.”Manon smiled softly.

Vincent nodded and leaned against the pillow, it would be awkward seeing Rody again though a part of him is scared of what will happen if Rody see’s him not talking or worse, but as of now he just wanted to sleep for a moment.

“Oh Vince you seem tired…Do you want to rest? If you want I can tell Rody that you’re awake. How does that sound?”Manon smiled.

Vincent nodded to both of those questions, he just leaned against his pillow tiredly. He just wanted Rody to know that he wasn’t mad at him, truly he’ll never understand why he’s still in love with Rody.

“Alright I better get going Vince, I’ll even call the cooks to let them know you're doing fine and awake”She smiled before leaving the room.

Oh please don’t Vincent rolled his eyes as he watched Manon leave but for now he was going to rest up. Who knew things would have ended up like this? Well mainly for him but it doesn't matter he just hope’s that Rody is doing okay.

Chapter Text

Rody couldn’t believe it, that he was getting out of jail thanks to Manon, it feels like he doesn’t deserve her kindness after everything just happened. He hurt Vincent, fuck he tired to murder him and now here he is in front of the damn hospital where Vincent was staying at.

God he felt like throwing up, how would Vincent react seeing him!? Would he hate him? Manon told him he wanted to see him? Maybe this was a mistake, Vincent probably lied to Manon so he can show him how much he hated him and-

“Rody, what's wrong?” 

Rody looked and saw Manon looking quite concerned for him.”Rody you spaced out on me, are you okay?”she asked him.

“I…Manon how-Fuck I don’t think I can do this…”He explained and buried his face into his hands. 

How could he show up to the damn hospital when everyone read the fucking papers for stabbing a well known chef that he worked for let alone burning him alive at the same stime. The nurses probably will call the security in case he does something.

“Rody listen to me I’ll be right here with you every step of the way, I make sure nothing happens to you I promise. Now come in I’m sure Vincent would like the flowers you have for him he’ll love it”She smiled.

“What if Fabien and Lucien are there….”He muttered, clearly those two would be the last people he wanted to see right now even though they have every right to be mad at him for trying to murder Vincent so him being the first thing they’ll see won’t be so pretty.

“Well they’ll have to go through me if they try to harm you.”Manon huffed, crossing her arms not before dragging Rody inside the building.

“Ah! W-Wait Manon I don’t think that-” 

“Quiet Rody” Manon rolled her eyes and started dragging Rody down the hallway, shooting sharp glances at people for staring at Rody.

Though he was thankful for that it didn’t stop the snide remarks on what he did to Vincent of all things. Clearly he could hear them whisper to one another in shock and confusion with a hint of hatred.

“He’s out? I thought he was still in jail”

“Isn’t that the guy who stabbed Chef Charbonneau in the neck?”

“I heard he’s getting therapy, even though he should be in a jail cell rotting away”

“What's a psychopath like him doing here in this hospital…”

“How is this psycho out!? Didn’t he also set Charbonneau a blaze? Should we call the cops? Security?!” 

“Isn’t that the Vacher’s daughter? I thought she was dating Charbonneau that poor girl doesn’t realise he’s sick in the head”

It really was hard trying to ignore their words, it really was. Though with Manon dragging him down the hallways made his anxiety rise up, how will Vincent react upon seeing him? Was Vincent asleep? Or maybe he was doing something with the doctors and they’ll have to come back later? Fuck he was really getting in over his head.

“Hey Lamoree, deep breaths okay.”Manon said as she smiled softly at him.

Rody didn’t realise she stopped pulling him let alone stop holding his arm like he was a toddler of all things.

Rody took a few deep breaths and exhaled slowly for a moment. “I..Thank you Manon…I’m sorry for causing so much distress to you and…To Vincent as well”He muttered a bit.

“Listen doofus, what happened was nothing more than your own anxieties getting the best of you. Remember what Dr. D’Amboise talked about it with you, it wasn’t your fault. Yeah fine shit like this happened besides you told her you regretted it didn’t you? I’m sure Vincent understands what you were going through, trust me I just know”She smiled softly at him.

Rody just looked at Manon and nodded. He wondered how he dated such a smart and beautiful girl like her only to push her away from his own selfish desires, but that didn’t matter since he was happy she decided to be his friend. Even though it was awkward, after some chatting with Dr. D'Amboise told him to go easy and not jump into it head first so he did exactly that.

“Thanks Manon…”He smiled softly and honestly, where would he be without Manon.

Manon smiled back at him and started walking, which he was thankful enough that she wasn’t dragging him like a toddler since that was really embarrassing.

~~~~~

As they continued to walk, Rody noticed that Fabien and Lilian were there which made his blood run cold as he slowed his pacing down trying to hide behind Manon. He knows they wouldn’t be happy seeing him, he knows that as well.

Though it was clear that hiding from them did help since he heard Fabien's voice quite clear as day who was pissed off.

“WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK IS HE DOING HERE!!??” He yelled.

Manon glared at Fabien and marched over to him as she jabbed his finger at him.”SHUT UP!”she snapped a bit.

“NO SERIOUSLY WHY IS H-” Fabien didn’t get to finish when Manon cut him off a bit as she jabbed his finger against his chest.
“The reason he’s here is so he can see Vincent”She glared. Not wanting to scream since they didn’t need an audience.

“WH-MANON THE GUY STABBED VINCENT IN THE NECK ALSO LETS NOT FORGET TURNED HIM INTO A HUMAN STEAK!!” Lilian shouted quite upset as he hugged himself.

Rody looked away from them knowing they were right, they had every right not to trust him with Vincent every damn right. But He wanted to see him he wanted to apologise to him and-Fuck he doesn’t even know.

“How can we trust some psychopath to not kill him in a vulnerable state, Marianne!” Fabien glared at her.

Rody soon glared at Lilian and Fabien. “I-I Won’t hurt him! You guys have every right not to trust me but I came to apologise ! Vincent can tell me to fuck off or whatever but that doesn’t give you two the right to-”

“Oh shut it Lamoree! If Vincent didn’t have his stupid fucking feelings for you then none of this wou-”Fabien spoke only for Lilian to slapped his hand on his mouth glaring at him.

Lilian looked at Rody and took a deep breath.”Vincent’s awake just…Manon can you watch him please”

Rody looked at Fabien and Lilian not understanding what Fabien was talking about till it sorta hit him like a ton of bricks, Vincent loved him didn’t he. Always looking out for him even though he was acting paranoid around him, fuck there was a lump in his throat that made him feel even more guilty.

Manon nodded and ushered the two away” Please let us see him and I’ll make sure Rody doesn’t do anything to him I promise you”She smiled softly.

Rody watched Fabien and Lilian walk away but shot a quick glare at him not that he could blame them.
Though he stood in front of the door and looked at Manon who didn’t seem to be going inside Vince’s room with him.

“Uh Manon, aren't you coming inside with me?”he asked her.

“Actually no, I trust you not to hurt him Rody you’ve been doing amazingly so far.”She smiled softly at him.

That made him panic. Why was she coming inside with him if he attacked Vincent upon seeing him!? H-He didn’t want to hurt Vincent since Manon won’t be with him to keep him in check. Oh god he felt like throwing up this was a horrible mistake and—

“Rody, listen to me I’ll be outside and when things get bad I’ll come in and get you out of there just start slow..I can’t always be here for you okay”Manon explained softly to him understanding his anxieties.

Rody just stared at her and nodded he swallowed the lump in his throat before he entered Vincent’s room he swears he could hear his blood pumping in his head, it feels like he’s going to faint but he knocked on the door gently but once he heard no answer he took a deep breath and opened the door gently.

There on the bed was Vincent just staring out the window clearly lost in thought but more over he seemed very content. Almost as if he was at peace with himself, which honestly broke his heart. But seeing the burnt marks on him…It made Rody want to look away but he caused that to him he was the one who did that and yet—“V-Vince?” 

~~~~~

Vincent had his eyes closed enjoying the sunlight on his face, though he didn’t tell Fabien or Lilian that he wanted to see Rody, knowing them they would have freaked out. But he was happy that Manon told him that she got Rody out of jail, it made him smile a bit as Rody was slowly healing alongside him.

He took a deep breath and sighed softly before his eyes widened after hearing a familiar voice.

T-That can’t be…

Vincent turned around and saw a bouquet of flowers as Rody smiled nervously as he walked over to them.

“R-Rody..” Vincent winced a bit, he knew he shouldn’t be talking but seeing Rody here made his heart soar as he teared up a bit.

“Ah! V-Vince you shouldn’t be talking you know! After I..I…”Rody looked down as he set the flowers aside on the bed looking down.

Vincent reached out and gently took Rody’s hand, giving it a soft squeeze reassuring him that he was alright.

Though it broke his heart when Rody quickly pulled his hand away from him, not that he can really blame him. After the accident he had with him, of course Rody would be scared of hurting him once more mainly because of the burnt marks. 

“I..I’m sorry Vince I’m afraid I’ll hurt you again…”Rody muttered and looked at the healing bruises and burns on his arms and wrist.

“I-It’s..F-Fine…'' He said, in a raspy voice.

“Vince please don’t speak…Your voice needs a rest. I don’t want you to get in trouble if it doesn’t heal properly”Rody scolded him like a child.

That made him roll his eyes but nodded though it made his heart soar when Rody gave him the flowers. They were beautiful, there were so many flowers that he knew the meaning of them as an apology though his eyes caught the roses.

Vincent opened his mouth to say something but knowing Rody he might get upset so he grabbed his pen and paper writing something down to him. Before handing it over to Rody.

“Why the flowers Rody? You do know the meaning behind the language of flowers  right?”

“Vince you do know that flowers don’t talk”Rody chuckled as he rubbed the back of his neck a bit.

Vincent looked at Rody and snorted a bit of laughter a bit even though it hurt a bit making him rub his neck a bit he was smiling softly. Rody your so stupid 

Vincent wrote each meaning of the flowers Geraniums,Blue and Purple Hyacinths, Pink Roses, Yellow Roses, Red Roses and White Orchids.

“Geraniums are known for their ability to survive in harsh conditions, which can symbolise resilience and a commitment to overcoming a difficult situation. As for the Blue and Purple Hyacinths,These flowers symbolise forgiveness and reconciliation. Though they also also convoy feelings or remorse and a longing for peace.
Pink roses are a powerful way for asking forgiveness and remorse.
Red Roses are love and passion.
Yellow Roses on the other hand are also the same as the red roses which is unconditional love,care, and affection, though it shows that you love the person and you care for hurting them.
Now lastly White Orchids, can be a thoughtful and meaningful gift to give as a symbol of apology. The flower can be interrupted as a sign of remorse and wrongdoing.”

Vincent looked at Rody and it seemed that he was skimming what he wrote down which made him roll his eyes.

“Vince you have such messy handwriting”Rody muttered his voice wavering a bit.

That wasn’t good he was about to speak when Rody just pulled him in for a hug, startling him a bit as he had a small ptsd moment with Rody grabbing him let alone with the fact he set him on fire... But he held him close, holding him tightly not wanting to let him go.

“I love you…” Vincent said softly even though his voice hurt.

Once he said that he was fully aware that Rody might not feel the same thing about him, he was 100% prepared for the total rejection and heartbreak coming. It was foolish of him still being in love with the person who stabbed and burnt him, but it was the truth he still cared about Rody and he didn’t care if people thought he was insane.

Vincent could already hear the snide comments about him forgiving someone like Rody and how could he be in love with someone who’s very sick in the head, maybe he was sick in the head too not that it really mattered but he’ll always be there for Rody no matter what.

“Vincent…I…please don’t stress your voice out…Please I heard what Fabien said about you loving me and…I can’t be with you I’m scared I might hurt you again…”Rody laughed softly crying a bit.

Vincent seemed to be taken aback by this but he smiled softly and wiped away his tears a bit not before giving him a kiss on his forehead softly that he held his hand once more intertwining his fingers with Rody’s.

“Vincent wha-”

Vincent just kissed him softly on the lips shutting him up for a moment before pulling away and just gave him a sad smile. That’s the least he could do. He just wanted this moment for himself; he just wanted to let Rody know that he loved him.

Though when he pulled away he looked away from Rody, it was stupid thing he just did clearly it was very embarrassing for him but what he wasn’t expecting Rody to..Laugh? Why was he laughing!?

“Vince, I swear you are so cute”He laughed softly, smiling softly.

Vincent felt his face burn a bit as he looked away clearly embarrassed.

Rody smiled softly but sat down on the bed making sure he didn’t over crowd Vince “But I didn’t say I didn’t love you back I’m just…scared of hurting you…What if I lose it and this time…I..I just”

“I-It’s fine..Y-You won’t and— '' Vincent started coughing a bit which made it worse, he wanted to tell him that he wouldn’t hurt him. He hasn’t done anything yet to him and nor has he caused him bodily harm to him.

“Vince!”Rody hugged him and rubbed his back soothingly.”S-Stop talking, dammit. I know what you want to say and I know but…I think we can give it a try…I-I mean us dating”Rody smiled his face slightly red.

Vincent stared at him in shock and started crying, but these were happy tears he just smiled happily as he didn’t even realise that Rody hand was on his face but he leaned against it sighing softly.

“Y-You okay Vincent…I didn’t mean to make you cry…”Rody muttered thinking he did something wrong.

Vincent smiled and shook his head and wrote something down quickly. “ You didn’t make me upset, these are happy tears Rody..When I get out of the hospital…Can you take me home?”

~~~~~

Rody couldn’t believe that Vincent wanted him to take him home of all things, it would be awkward but after Vincent kissed him which was bold of him not that he was surprised by that fact.

He smiled softly but he could help that his eye’s travelled towards his neck. It made him nauseous that he stabbed him in the neck, he wondered how bad the scar was and worst of all he after he stabbed him he poured oil on him and lit a match…He remembered seeing the fear in his eyes before he dropped the match and—Rody just quickly grabbed Vincent's hands and kissed them softly not before looking at Vincent sadly.

“V-Vince I’m sorry…I–I’m so–Sorry…I’m sorry-”He sobbed a bit.

It wasn’t long when Vincent just moved his hands away before pulling him into a hug which made Rody hug him in return as he started crying against him. How can someone like Vince forgive him!? 

“S-So um..I guess we're dating huh?” He asked him. Though he couldn’t help that his face felt hot as Vincent started chuckling a bit as he nodded a bit, though a part of Rody felt dread too since Vincent’s cooks won’t be too happy with him.

Soon Vincent pulled away and noticed that he wrote something down quickly. “Don’t worry I’ll handle my cooks, I could tell you’re feeling a bit of dread plus they’ll call me stupid for dating you”

Rody chuckled softly and sighed a bit. “I-I know that but what if they try to kill me?!”

He watched Vince roll his eyes but smiled softly, shaking his head a bit. Rody didn’t even need Vince to speak nor write what he was thinking. “Yes I know that so stupid Rody”He rolled his eyes a bit.

Though it made him smile and Vincent laughed again but got worried when he winced a bit. “Ah sorry!”he said quickly.

Rody was nervous, he really, really was extremely nervous. Getting back into a relationship again after ending one which caused him to almost murder Vincent was something so dangerous but he wanted to take it slow, so they could build the relationship together.

“I-Is it okay if we can ease into the relationship Vince? I don’t want to coddle you or push you away since I tend to get in over my head…”He explained calmly to him. Since that was the best way he could describe it to him.

He watched Vincent smile and nodded a bit though he took the flowers and placed them on a table seeing Vince write something down quickly.

“Thank you for the flowers Rody, there beautiful and I love you”

“I love you too Vince”He smiled. Though he did feel a bit dumb since Manon helped him pick out the flowers though of course he was drawn towards the roses too, but he had now idea that flowers had a language to them of all things.

“I have to get going Vince..I’ll see you later. I’m sure visiting hours are almost over, I promise to come by and talk to you about almost everything okay”Rody smiled as he placed his head against Vince’s.

Vincent smiled happily and held him close as if he didn't want him to leave him. “S-stay..”

Rody looked at Vincent and sighed softly.”No talking. I don't want to leave but trust me I have to go okay Vince I promise you I’ll come by to visit okay I love you”Rody smiled and pulled away from him as he stroked his cheek gently.

“Bye Vince I’ll come back tomorrow okay”Rody smiled softly.

~~~~~

When Rody left Vincent's room he saw Manon just standing there smiling happily with her hands folded close to her chest grinning happily. “Don’t tell me you heard any of-”

“I’ve heard all of it!”Manon giggled happily and hooked her arm around Rody’s. 

Rody just groaned, annoyed knowing that Manon 100% was going to be all excited and happy for him that he and Vince are finally dating one another.

“Manon please not now…If you heard what I told Vince and I want us to take things slow…”He sighed softly but smiled softly.

“Yeah,Yeah I know”Manon smiled happily as she left the hospital with him.

Sometimes Rody wondered how things would have been different if his mind didn’t snap like that, he could have gotten back with Manon but then again Vincent would have been heartbroken.

Though if he went through on what he was about to do he was happy that Fabien stopped him from doing something stupid cause he was going to do something more worse than Vincent will ever know.

“Rody you okay?”Manon asked him, breaking him out of his dark thoughts.

Rody smiled and nodded a bit before sighing a bit.”Y-Yeah just a bit tense you know and like I’ve told you I-I’m scared with how things will changed and that…What if Vincent changes his mind Manon…What if—”

“Hush, hush! Come let’s get going and I understand Rody but remember this is a happy moment between you and Vince, so cheer up and enjoy this moment that he’s still here okay. Remember you can call Dr. D’Amboise if anything is bothering you, Rody. I’ll be with you every step of the way don’t you ever forget that.”Manon smiled.

Rody looked at Manon and sighed a bit not before smiling happily knowing that she’s right. “Thanks Manon, I needed to hear that. Also I-I have no idea what Vincent like’s! I-I mean I know he likes lemons or what not but what am I supposed to do!? I burned his home and bistro down…Oh Man this is so fucked up!” He whined burying his face into his hands

Manon just stared at him and sighed. “Take it easy Rody, I’ll help you and provide some help to rebuild Vince’s home and bistro okay”She hummed, patting his back. 

Manon knows this will be different but it’ll be more of a slow build of trust between Rody and Vincent and like she said She’ll be with him every step of the way.

Chapter Text

This was nerve wracking. It's been a few years, maybe months since Vincent got discharged from the hospital and mainly the renovation of Vincent’s Bistro and home had been rebuilded during the past year. 

Yet here was Rody cowering behind Vincent who just had his arms crossed looking at his cooks. “I still stand by my decision”He pointed out. 

“Chef…HE STABBED YOU AND LETS NOT FORGET HE BURNED YOU ALIVE KNOWING YOU HAD A FEAR OF FIRES!” Lilian shouted angrily.

Of course everyone nodded in agreement as they glared at Rody. “And he’s still part of this staff, he’s my waiter,” he explained seriously. 

Rody just watched how calm and serious Vincent was mainly the fact that he was in boss mode not caring about what the others were thinking about him. I mean they did have every right not to trust him let alone forgive him.
He did hurt Vincent and they had every right not to trust him, really but he was getting better slowly but a part of them still feared he was going to hurt Vincent. 

“Chef…Listen…We don’t trust him at all…”Fabien said seriously. 

“Okay then quit, in fact all of you quit. If you cannot respect my decision and my choice then I’m afraid you picked the wrong job by working for me. I don’t care if you don’t like Rody, if you don’t like the fact that he’ll be working for me, quit.”Vincent explained.

That took Rody aback even the cooks too, he couldn’t believe what Vince was saying. Vincent was picking him over his own cooks? 

As Rody watched all the cooks think for a moment, it wasn’t long when they just sighed softly looking at Vincent for a moment. Staring at him thinking for a while not before shooting sharp glares at him. 

“You love him don’t you…”Stéphane sighed. 

This made Vincent nodd a bit as he crossed his arms. “My decision still stands, the door is right there.”

“Fine, we’ll stay just in case that bastard tries to do something we’ll put him in the freezer and this time block the window”Fabien explained seriously. 

When Rody heard that he sighed but also at the same time felt fear but he took in a deep breath. “I–I promise no….Not promise I swear I won’t hurt him. J–Just give me a chance please…”

It was the truth but with the eyes on him to which they just waved him off a bit. “Yeah,Yeah, Yeah don’t get your hopes up. We're still going to watch you Lamoree, just because Charbonneau has a thing for you doesn’t mean we trust you not yet.”Lucien explained dangerously. 

“Trust goes a long way…I would love to be proven wrong”Stéphane pointed out. 

“Well glad that everyone agreed not to quit, now everyone… Back to work!” Vincent said, quickly as he clapped his hands twice. 

“YES, CHEF!” 

With that everyone started working, Rody sighed softly and was about to wait the tables but froze when Vincent grabbed his arm a bit. “Not you, my office…right now”He explained before walking off. 

Rody felt his heart hammer widely in his chest but nodded as he followed Vincent in his office. 

~~~~~

It felt strange, very strange being back in his office. Very strange, everything changed so much, though what happened, happened. Not that Vincent cared in the slightest but seeing Rody look around his office seeing how some of his things were salvaged by the fire was amazing to say the least. 

“Vince I–”

Vincent raised his hand up, making Rody close his mouth quickly. “Rody look…If you don’t feel comfortable working here for me or with my cooks just let me know. “He explained. 

He wanted to give Rody that choice, but he knows deep down no one will hire him after that stunt he did by stabbing and…He looked over at the picture seeing the reflection of his burns before looking away as he looked over at Rody instead.
Vincent knows what he looked like, he was a bit ugly with the burn marks let alone the scars on his neck too, but he survived something which should have been possible in the first place. 

“What!? Vince I do feel comfortable! “Rody said quickly standing up. 

As Rody said that, Vicne couldn’t help but feel a smile on his face as he sighed a bit, shaking his head ever so slightly. “Are you or are you saying that to make ME feel comfortable?”he asked. 

Of course he spotted Rody’s face turn flush a bit as he looked away from him. “Lamoree, my sweet fraise, there's no need for you to make me comfortable. I’ve told you when you arrived at the hospital that I will still love you.”He smiled.

It was true all of it was true, he wanted Rody to be comfortable and deep down he knew how scared Rody seemed to be with the fact that he had to continue to work for him after what happened.
He knows the people wouldn’t be coming to his bistro anymore for allowing someone like Rody to be serving them food. But it was HIS bistro and Rody was HIS boyfriend in the end.

So everyone's opinion was invalid or discarded he didn’t care, at least Manon would have his and Rody’s back even though people would think she’s crazy for doing something like that. 

But they’re all crazy, he is, Rody, Manon even his cooks are crazy. He loved Rody and he would kill for Rody either way. Yeah fine he was scared to be touched by him let alone near the neck and arms it was scary. It takes a lot of time and trust to be built up between both he and Rody.
Yet once day he just held Rody hand randomly not long before Rody started crying hugging him to which he returned the hug back as he didn’t pull him away and started crying as well but happy tears were there instead and—

“Vinny…Your crying…are you okay?”

Vincent blinked a bit as he quickly used the back of his hand to wipe away some of the tears before he smiled. “Yeah I’m fine, just having a moment with how much trust was built along the way.”He told him. 

“You sure?” Rody asked. 

Vincent looked at him and smiled softly nodding. “Yeah, I just realised how much I love you and I don’t care if people think I’m stupid or crazy for falling in love with someone like you. What happened was nothing more than an accident, just a kitchen accident. 

“Well…Vince, let me be honest with you I promise you nothing makes me uncomfortable, I mean yeah I am a bit uncomfortable but mainly with the cooks since I’m scared of the fact they might kill me”Rody told him truthfully laughing a bit. 

Vincent smiled softly, shaking his head a bit but still smiled sweetly. “Rody…should we go out on a date?”He asked. 

As he asked that, Rody got all flustered and clearly nervous. “WH–!? I mean sure yeah! W-we can go out for dinner and everything but what about–”

“Don’t matter, if people want to stare let them, I don’t care about my reputation, I don’t care if people don’t come over to my bistro, and frankly I don’t give two shits if people stare at my scars, what happened was nothing more than a mere accident in the kitchen, things like these happen in the kitchen.”He explained. 

What he said was true, he didn’t care if people looked at them weirdly or disgusted or if they thought he was doing this out of pity for Rody. He leaned over and took Rody hands into his and smiled sweetly at him. “I love you Rody Lamoree, more than you could ever imagine,”he explained. 

As he said that without warning Rody just grabbed the back of Vincent’s head before kissing him which made Vince get all flustered as he kissed him back, before pulling away as he got on his desk not long before he took Rody’s face into his hands kissing him.

God Vincent thinks he’ll never ever get over the fact that this is his life now. Though Rody pulled away not before he gasped as Rody picked him up holding him in his arms in which Vincent wrapped his arms around Rody's neck as he legs wrapped around his waist. All he told Rody he wanted to go on a date with him. 

Vincent pulled away from the kiss and laughed a bit resting his head against Rody’s laughing a bit. “Rody that was too much…”

“Sorry I just love you so much,”Rody grinned. 

Again Vincent just told Rody how he felt, he wasn’t expecting such a passionate and fierce kiss, it caught him off guard. Which made him forget that his cooks were working and honestly he probably know they were—

“Oh sorry…I didn’t mean to interrupt” 

That made both Vincent and Rody freeze up as they looked over to see Stéphane, Lilian, Luc,Lucien and Fabien as they all had their heads inside the office, mainly them just rolling their eyes but seeing a smile. 

“We were getting worried, didn't know we were interrupting” Luc coughed clearly embarrassed. 

“Yeah we thought Rody was doing something and something he was doing~” Stéphane teased. 

As she said that Vincent felt his face turn even more red as he watched Luc,Lucien, and Lillian pay Fabien. “Told you assholes they were going to fuck and—

Vincent felt how red his face was. “OUT! OUT! EVERYONE OUT!! ALSO FABIEN YOUR STUCK ON BATHROOM DUTY!!”

Soon all of his cooks scattered away like rats just laughing. Vincent should have fired them when he had the chance but he looked over at Rody who was staring at him. “Rody what–”

It was long when Rody smirked at him before changing the way Vincent was position in his arms switching to a bridal style. “Come, I want to try out your bed to see how long it could last~”

That was it, Vincent covered his face out of shame and embarrassment as Rody carried him out of his office and walked away from the cooks as they headed straight to his apartment quickly. 

“Don’t think you’ll get any sleep my dear, it’ll just be you and I~”Rody purred.

Now Vincent is rethinking his choice since he created a monster, all because he…Actually he forgot but he doesn’t think he’ll make it let alone thinks his new bed will survive. “I–okay…”He whispered clearly flustered.

He loved Rody but he might die this way instead!

Chapter Text

Rody sighs softly as he taps his fingers on a table near a cafe, he was nervous since Vincent did invite him out for a dinner date or something. Though Rody averted his gaze as a few patrons muttered something about what he did to Vincent and that Vince is dating him. Honestly it didn’t affect him the only reason why he averts his gaze is because he didn’t want to cause a problem.

Though that didn’t matter he didn’t care what people were saying about him, hell he was honestly grateful that Vincent still kept him as his waiter much to the cooks dismay about that.
Vincent basically told his cooks and he remembered it clearly since it was about a month ago. ”Anyone who has a problem with Rody has a problem with me” okay that wasn’t what he actually said but it was similar either way.

Rody found it sweet as well as sexy, that Vincent was defending him even though it could cost him his reputation of all things, but luckily enough his cooks stayed which surprised him but at the same time not really since they still cared but still threatened him in the end in case he hurts Vincent again which was...All the time

In the end he was happy that he and Vince started living together after he got discharged from the hospital. It took some time for them to bond and heal together mainly for Rody, also the fact that when Vincent started working again he wasn’t expecting Vincent to show up at his apartment and made a face of disgust(Not that he can blame him).

As he waited patiently for Vincent’s arrival he felt a bit nervous. Since he was planning on leaving as everyone was whispering mainly glancing over at him because well…What he did was big and it was very national all over France.
While he was lost in thought a pair of finger snapped in his face making him look up and he just smiled happily”Hi Vince~”

Vincent smiled back and sat on the other side of the table smiling happily at him.”Hello Rody…I’m surprised you’d actually accepted my invite to dinner, though we both know that I can’t taste~”He chuckled a bit.

Fuck he was so gay for Vince and it wasn’t even funny. “Haha y-yeah…”Rody smiled. 

He loved Vince with all of his heart. His voice got better. It was a little bit raspy but not too raspy since he was talking when he wasn’t supposed to. Though the faint scar on Vincent's neck and burns made him feel a bit ill, Vince always told him it was okay, even though he regrets it and thought Vince would hide it.

But of course knowing Vincent he didn’t even bother hiding it, he actually wore it like nothing ever happened to him. When they were cuddling the other day he couldn’t help but ask Vince why not hide his scars after everything he did to him what Vince told him shocked him.
”Why bother hiding something that already happened, people are going to stare and ask questions either way. We all have our own scars. You either embrace it or you can be ashamed of it. I embrace it like how I embraced my loss of taste, I don’t need people’s pity nor do I need their judgement. I love you Rody never ever forget that, this was nothing more then a simple accident basically an accident in the kitchen”

Yet here’s Vincent wearing a simple sweater showing off his scar not a care in the world as other people stare but if they stare to long he’ll-

“Hey Assholes, take a picture it’ll last longer” Vincent sneered a bit at a couple who was staring at him for a while mainly at his scars, scaring them a bit as they quickly looked away apologising while leaving the cafe.

He’ll put them in their place and it was a real turn on for Rody. “How have you been Vince?”he smiled happily.

“I’ve been good not assumed by the couple staring at me, but I’m happy we’re on a date,”Vincent chuckled a bit.

“Y-Yeah um..Do you want me to call a waiter, or?”Rody didn’t even finish when Vincent made eye contact with one waiter. “Excuse me, I don't understand why we haven’t received our menus…”he stated.

That cause the waiter to panic and quickly apologise as he took off to hand them their menus.”There problem solved Rody”

Rody smiled softly and chuckled a bit.”Vince you could have waved them down and not death glared at them.”

“We’ll they should have handed you one right at the start, I don’t tolerate people not serving you properly over what happened a year ago or whatever”Vincent rolled his eyes and took the menu when the waiter returned.

Rody gave the waiter an apologetic look and looked at the menu as he smiled. “Is there anything you want to drink? Maybe perhaps eat ? I mean they’ve got Lemon margarine and key lime pie”He smiled happily.

“Rody it’ll taste like nothing but…We’ll get two lemon margarine and lemon tea for me Rody what do you want?”Vincent smiled softly. “Oh uh…J-Jasmine tea will be fine I guess” Rody stuttered a bit, damn Vincent and his cute smile.

Vincent smiled and handed the menu’s back to the waiter.”We’ll go on, we don't have all day for you to gawk at me and my boyfriend”He glared at the waiter who scurried off quickly.

“Vince please be nice to the servers..”Rody smiled and held his hand softly.

“I’m only nice to you and besides he was staring at the scars a bit too long and might as well have asked for a picture. Though I must admit…You didn’t have to be so rough with me you know while we're at work”Vincent explained.

Oh shit right that. Rody drummed his fingers on the table clearly looking away as he blushed a deep scarlet red. I mean he couldn’t help himself, Vincent was so attractive and honestly he made sure to kiss every scar on him, burns and all.

Vincent smirked and cocked his head to the side. “I still have some of the hickies to prove it~”

Rody eyes widened at that before he narrowed them. Two can play that game… He thought and without any warning he held Vince’s hand as he intertwined his fingers with his hand before bringing it close as he kissed his knuckles smiling a bit as Vince's face turned a bit red. He’ll never get bored of making him flustered.

"More will come later my dear~”He smiled.

Vincent looked away from Rody clearly flustered but smiled. “Shut up you oaf” 

Rody smiled happily as he chuckled. “You’re so cute, I love you so much”

“I love you too”Vincent mumbled clearly flustered but smiled happily.

~~~~~

Vincent sighed softly but smiled a bit. Though he must admit dating Rody has been a challenge to him but not him but to Rody as well, moreover he has grown accustomed to his scars.

At first he was nervous about Rody having a panic attack upon seeing it. Again he can’t blame him, being burnt and stabbed; though he wanted to start off the relationship slowly, only hiding the scar whenever he was around Rody.

Though as time passed he grew more and more comfortable that he started showing it around Rody.

Of course as that was happening, they started living together and when his bistro was finally done being built as well as his apartment, he decided to let Rody stay with him. Yet allowed him to work back as a waiter much to the cooks dismay, not that he couldn’t blame them even though his cooks made it very clear that if Rody did anything they would hurt him.
Though when he gave them the questions to either quit they never manage to surprise him since they wanted to stay only because of the fact that they didn’t trust Rody but still made bets either way since they caught him and Rody kissing in his office to the point they forgave him since the bistro was under… ”Maintenance” 

Vincent felt his face heat up but luckily the waiter showed up handing them the Lemon margarine and their teas not before looking at the scars as they realised they were staring before they left with an apologetic look.

Vince just rolled his eyes and took a sip of his tea though he wished they added more lemons to it, but it’ll do. He may need to ask for extra lemons to add to his lemon tea. “You know how much I love you Rody, I was scared that you wouldn’t want a relationship with me after everything that has happened. Not that I can blame you but when you reciprocate my feelings for you well…It made me overjoyed”He stated to Rody, smiling a bit.

It was true he loved Rody with all of his heart, when they first started dating he didn’t care what people told him or how it was a mistake being with someone who tried to take his life.

Rody was his and only his, the love of his life. Even though again people well assume that he’s crazy for being with someone like Rody. Yet that didn’t matter though he couldn’t help but get up from his place as he went over to Rody as he gently placed a hand underneath his chin as he smiled softly.”You feeling alright love?”

He smiled seeing how flustered Rody got as he watched him nuzzle his face into his hand and nodded a bit not before he gently grabbed it and kissed it softly. Vincent swears every time that Rody does that he falls in love with him all over again.

“I–Damn I love you so much.”Rody said clearly embarrassed and kissed his hand

Vince sighed but smiled softly and kissed his cheek. “I love you too”

~~~~~

Rody looked at Vincent and smiled happily. He kissed Vincent sweetly, he really loved him. Fuck he was so lucky to be with someone like Vince, hell he was happy that Manon became his friend of all things he honestly didn’t deserve any of this. “I love you so much Vince~”he smiled.

“I love you too,”Vincent muttered a bit but smiled happily.

He loved it whenever Vince get’s all shy, it was so cute seeing him all embarrassed. He loved him so much, after all he wanted to ask Vince to teach him how to cook though he was sure Vince wouldn't allow him to do that.

"Feeling better now Lamoree?”Vincent asked him.

“Augh! I’m back to Lamoree Vince?!”Rody gasped a bit, after everything they had been through. He was demoted back to being Lamoree, how rude. “I thought you loved me Vince” he pouted.

“I do love you Rody~”Vincent smiled sweetly at him.

And just like that he forgot what he was so offensive, he loved when Vincent smiled at him it really warmed his heart he just held him close happily. “Have I ever told you how much I loved you Vince?”

That got Vince to snort a laughter as he covered his mouth a bit looking away for a moment as he nodded.”Y-Yes you have more then once actually~”

Rody smiled happily and nuzzled into his neck just gently brushing the scar, kissing them, being very gentle. “Your so beautiful Vince~”
Rody grinned a bit when he felt Vincent buried his face against his neck feeling embarrassed.

“Rody, can we please have our food,”He muttered softly, clearly embarrassed.

“Of course Vince”Rody smiled happily, he really loved Vincent with all of his heart. But he’ll stop embarrassing him for now since he really wanted to try the lemon margarine, he never had it before but he might have fun with him after dinner.

“I love you Vince, I love you so much”Rody smiled as he watched Vincent go back to his spot. 

Though he looked at his wonderful boyfriend who just rolled his eyes for a moment but smiled softly.”I know Rody and I love you too now shut up as enjoy the damn food okay “he smiled and took another sip from his tea.

“Just so you know after this dinner we're going back to your place and let's just say the same thing will happen once again~”he grinned as he watched Vincent choke a bit on his tea blushing a deep red. 

“Rody!”Vince yelled, coughing , clearly stunned and embarrassed.

Rody chuckled a bit. “What? I speak my truth and I love you so much”He grinned which earned him a slight glare from Vince.
Though that didn’t matter he knew Vince would forgive him, but Rody looked at the lemon margarine not before he took a bite of it as he smiled softly realising that lemons were his favourite food now.

“I love you Vinny,”He said. 

“I love you too Rody and don’t eat with your mouthful”Vincent scolded him. 

Rody truly loved this man, he truly did. Yet he couldn’t help but think that maybe in another universe Vincent was some type of crazed person but that won’t ever happen, besides this is the only Vince he’ll care for in this life.  But that didn’t matter, after they’re done eating he was going to rock Vince’s world yet again and this time he’ll make sure the bistro will stay closed for maybe a month or two.