Archive of Our Own ^beta

Gandus wouldn't say that her life was easy. Far from it actually, growing up in the foster care system and all that. Constantly being passed from one home to another–shit messes with your head. 

It didn't help that she also got kicked out of university because of animal testing. "Unethical"   they said, but she thinks it's the quickest way to becoming better than everyone in class, she knew  she had the skills, the brains, and the talent to make it. They're all just ignorant about how it all makes sense in her head. 

They wouldn't get it anyway.

Now she's been robbed of her 'being the greatest chemist of all time' ' future and forced to look for an alternative.

Which she did find...eventually.

I mean how hard can mixing shit for a drink be? It shouldn't be that different from chemistry.

It may not seem like it, but Gandus actually is a light sleeper. Always alert, and ready to strike. As expected from someone that was a problem child during her teen years, constantly sneaking out and getting into different sorts of trouble. Getting into fights here and there.

So it wasn't a surprise that she woke up before her alarm. There was however, a different kind of surprise that greeted her in the form of a text message. 

We're over, I have a new babe now.

Then a picture of Hermod next to a sports car was sent right after.

Rage

The fact that she had just been dumped by her boyfriend— ex for a car ( a car for fucks sake ) via text message enraged her. She swears she'll kill him and hang his head in her dingy little apartment.

She didn't really love him, he was more or less entertainment. A plaything if you will, a source of different kinds of... substances, yeah. 

She wasn't seething right now because she was heartbroken, fuck no. She was furious because he broke up with her first. 

She made sure she is never abandoned, never left behind. Not anymore, no she had built up so many walls for that to happen. She is always the one that leaves first, always. 

So for him to cut her off way before she did...

She needed to punch something... her ex specifically. 

She needed to let out some steam.

Running it is.

She got dressed as quickly as she could, locked her door, and left.

The thing about Gandus when she's mad is that she tends to fixate on the things that pissed her off, completely forgetting other important things. Her head only clears and breaks that focus when she's finally exhausted. 

Finally feeling a little fatigued after her run (she had great stamina which is sometimes a curse), her head clears up and only then does she realize that today was her first day on the job and only had a few minutes before the shift starts.

Fuck.

She sprinted again only this time heading the opposite direction.

"Gandus, you're late, on your first day too." Her coworker – Capsize was her name said. Tone obviously displeased.

"Sorry." Gandus mumbled, it's not often that she apologized. But she needed this job right now, and if she wanted to keep it for a while she had to get over her pride.

One day, things will go my way. One day, I will be in charge and no one will tell me what to do. 

One day, I swear.

Gandus was shown what things are and where they go. She was smart, she picked things up quickly. 

"Hello there" A voice came from over the counter. 

Purple.

She was met with purple. Purple eyes that showed wisdom and kindness behind them. Long purple hair split in the middle, a few strands framing her face. She wore a small smile. 

She's a beautiful woman, even Gandus could see that. But she was currently preoccupied with what her coworker was saying, and was still pissed with her ex. She felt her blood boil again at the reminder of him and all she could offer the woman across the counter was a nod.

Gandus didn't really mind if it came across as rude. She didn't care for first impressions if she was never going to actually know a random customer. 

"Alright, seems like things should be fine now... I think. Just let me know if you run into some issues. I'll be in the kitchen if you need me." Capsize then turned to Gandus, her eyes squinting in suspicion. She then looked at the other woman in the room. 

"Hang out sometime this weekend? If you aren't too busy dying making presentations of course." Gandus could see that she was hopeful. 

Ah, so they know each other. Probably friends.

"We'll see, honestly things have been rough lately..." 

"It's okay, no pressure, I get it." Capsize then nodded, wearing a sad smile as she disappeared into the kitchen.

And then it was just her and the pretty lady with purple hair and eyes. Eyes that just kept staring at her. Staring instead of ordering a drink. 

Gandus didn't really want to deal with weird (but pretty) customers this early in the morning. She was tired already and not the good kind like after beating someone up because they wronged her. 

"Miss, I don't really have all day here. May I just get your order?" Slight irritation was obvious in her voice, and if that wasn't enough she could also feel her eye twitch.

"Sorry, sorry, it's just..." The woman almost looked apologetic.

"I mean, to be fair there are no customers yet, just me. Shouldn't you at least try to show enthusiasm?" She added, it seemed like she wanted to make small talk. 

Gandus didn't really like small talk. If there isn't any reason to do it, why bother right? She also didn't like people telling her what to do. But this woman just pushed her buttons in all the wrong places. 

She wanted to punch something again. 

She knew she needed this job though, so she forced the fakest service crew smile, unpleasant thoughts running through her mind. 

The lady in front of her seemed satisfied, she wore a smug smile. 

This bitch.

"Alright, alright, I think I'm ready to order." She looked like she was up to something.

The gods really were testing her today. Correction—they keep testing her everyday.

The lady took her sweet time thinking of what to order. And Gandus? She was growing impatient, tapping her fingers at the counter hoping the woman in front of her would take the hint.

Well at least she's pretty.

Gandus didn't mind a little eye candy once in a while.

"I'll have whatever you recommend." She finally said with a playful smile.

"Miss I just got here." Was she serious? She was there when Capsize said it was Gandus' first day. Obviously she wouldn't know what drinks she would personally recommend just yet.

"And?"

"I can't recommend anything yet, it's literally my first day" Gandus spoke, voice monotone.

"Well then make me anything you want." There was a playful glint in her purple eyes.

Gandus paused.

How amusing

Everyone in the service industry knows that the workers are the followers. The clients have the power and that the customer is always right. But now she had control.

At least for the drink the woman ordered.

Interesting

Just a few moments ago this woman was telling her to be enthusiastic, pissing her off for real honestly. But now she's letting her do what she wants? She sure made it difficult for Gandus to decide what to think of her.

That's okay, she can handle a little challenge.

"Alright, and name?" Gandus asked as she held a cup on one hand and a pen on the other. 

"Ianite." 

Gandus finally had a name to attach to that pretty face.

"For here or to go?" 

"To go please"

"That'll be $2.75" 

She nodded after receiving the payment. She could make something normal, but would she? No, not really. Not after the shitty events of this morning. And sure Ianite might have redeemed herself... somewhat , but where's the fun in that? Besides, she feels like the woman isn't the type to back down despite her looks.

Making up her mind she only had one thought left.

How can I make the worst drink possible without getting fired?

Gandus hasn't had this much fun in a while, all thanks to that purple lady—Ianite. Satisfied with her concoction, she added the coffee lid and sleeve, finally finished and ready to serve.

"Order for Ianite." Gandus couldn't wait to see the look on Ianite's face once she finally tastes it

"That's me, thanks." She grabbed the cup and took a sip. 

Gandus didn't miss the way she tried her best not to spit the liquid out. 

She almost laughed. 

"How is it?" Gandus couldn't help but tease. She didn't stop the smirk forming on her face.

Ianite forced the drink down her throat and choked back a cough. 

"Great! It's great! So great in fact that this might be my new favorite order." 

It didn't really matter to her whether Ianite liked the drink or not. Her reaction and the way she handled things was entertaining enough to change her mood about what happened with Hermod. 

"Good to know, I'll make sure to improve it next time you visit." Gandus leaned on the counter, her head resting on the inside of her hand.

"Aw, you shouldn't... I wouldn't want to impose." Ianite awkwardly laughed. It was obvious she couldn't take another sip of whatever her drink was, even if she tried.

Gandus grinned menacingly. This whole situation was very amusing, to the point she didn't want it to end just yet. 

And it seemed she wasn't the only one feeling this way.

She didn't miss the blush that rose on Ianite's face, just a moment before she took another sip from her not-so-poison coffee.

Or the wince she made.

Gandus had to admit, it was pretty impressive how she drank the coffee a second time.

This woman...

Gandus ignored the feeling in her chest.

No words were exchanged for a moment, just the ticking of the wall clock breaking the silence. 

"Well, thank you again... for the drink. I have to go now, it was nice meeting you Gandus." Ianite said after a while.

Gandus nodded. There was something about the way Ianite said her name. She finds that she doesn't mind it.

She felt conflicted, just moments ago she wanted their conversation to end as soon as possible. Now that Ianite needed to finally leave Gandus feels... disappointed? She didn't really understand, it's not like they wouldn't see each other, she was friends with Capsize, she'd probably see her again. 

Wait, why is she so concerned about seeing her again anyway. They were strangers. 

Ianite turns, ready to leave.

Not yet.

Maybe Gandus just likes being in control. Maybe it's because Ianite gave her the chance to do whatever with her order that she felt she had an ounce of power over the mess that is her life. Maybe she doesn't want the feeling of uncertainty, not towards their possible future interactions, or lack thereof.

No, she doesn't want things to end this way.

She needed to do something. Things will end on her terms.

She writes her phone number on a napkin.

Before Ianite leaves the door, she calls out.

"Miss, wait." 

Ianite looked confused for a second.

"Here, extra napkins." Gandus handed her the extra napkins, her number hidden from view.

"...Thanks?" Ianite grabbed the bunch and finally left. 

Gandus had low expectations in her life at this point. Unfortunate events kept following her, almost like a shadow. She didn't really think that secretly handing her number to Ianite would mean that the woman would want to continue talking. 

It's fine, she didn't need anyone anyway. 

Her phone buzzed, she opened a text from an unknown number.

Hi! This is Ianite ^^

Save my number?

Gandus purposely ignored the feeling in her chest when she read her name written down, a lopsided smile forcing its way into her lips as she wrote down a reply.