Tit for Tat (I)

Mature Content Warning: This section contains a scene of explicit sexual activity. Reader discretion is advised.

The morning sun streamed through the large windows of Black Star Cafe casting a warm glow on the cozy interior. The scent of freshly ground beans mingled with the sweet aroma of pastries, creating a comforting and inviting atmosphere.

Heather moved behind the counter with practiced ease, her movements fluid as she brewed coffee, steamed milk, and chatted with the few early customers.

It was a slow day, which suited Heather just fine. The quiet allowed her to catch up on tasks, organize supplies, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the shop.

A small television mounted on the wall played "Music Vault," a local music channel that often featured performances and interviews. The volume was kept low, a gentle background hum to the clinking of mugs and the whir of the espresso machine.

As Heather wiped down the counter, her attention was caught by a familiar logo flashing across the screen. "Lux" appeared in bold letters, followed by a montage of behind-the-scenes footage.

Her heart skipped a beat. She recognized the stage, the lighting, the opening chords of their new song.

"Aunt Maggie," she called out, her voice slightly louder than usual. "They're on!"

Marjorie, who was arranging pastries in the display case, glanced up with a warm smile. "Oh, let's turn it up then, dear."

Heather quickly adjusted the volume, the music swelling through the shop, filling the quiet space with its vibrant energy. The television now held her undivided attention.

Lux appeared on screen, their figures silhouetted against a backdrop of swirling lights. Rhys stepped forward, his voice cutting through the music with its familiar power and passion. Heather's smile widened. She watched him, her heart swelling with pride, her eyes tracing every detail of his performance.

Emmett's energy was infectious. Henry's soulful vocals added a layer of depth and emotion. Jess's cool composure and sharp dance moves captivated the audience. And Dave, the youngest member, brought a youthful exuberance that made it impossible not to smile.

Heather found herself swaying to the music, her feet tapping in time with the beat. She mouthed the lyrics, her gaze fixed on the screen, completely absorbed in the performance.

The customers who were present, a few regulars enjoying their morning coffee, also seemed to be enjoying the show, tapping their feet and nodding along.

When the song reached its climax, the camera zoomed in on Rhys, his eyes filled with intensity, his voice soaring with emotion. Heather felt a shiver run down her spine. He had a way of conveying such raw emotion, of connecting with the audience on a deeply personal level.

As the performance ended, the studio audience erupted in applause, their cheers echoing through the shop. Heather clapped along, her smile radiant.

"They were amazing," she murmured, her voice filled with awe.

Marjorie, who had also been watching with a fond smile, nodded in agreement. "They've come so far, dear. So far."

Heather felt a surge of pride for Rhys and his group. She knew how much hard work and dedication they poured into their music, and it was rewarding to see them achieve such success.

The music channel continued with its programming, but Heather's thoughts remained with Lux. She couldn't wait to tell Rhys how much she enjoyed the performance, to share the joy and excitement she felt watching him on screen.

And as the afternoon sun began to cast long shadows across the cafe, the quiet hum of the morning gave way to a gentle bustle.

A few more customers trickled in, seeking a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. Heather, her thoughts still lingering on Lux's performance, moved with an extra spring in her step, her smile brighter than usual.

A young woman, her eyes glued to her phone, approached the counter. "Can I get a large iced latte, please?" she asked, her voice barely audible above the soft music playing in the background.

"Of course," Heather replied, her voice warm and friendly. "Anything else?"

"No, that's it," the woman said, finally looking up. "Oh, was that Lux playing earlier?"

"Yes!" Heather's smile widened. "They just released their new album, and this was from their live performance."

"I love them," the woman said, her eyes lighting up. "Their new song is so good. I've been listening to it all day."

"Me too," Heather replied, a shared enthusiasm sparking between them. "They're really talented."

The woman nodded, her attention returning to her phone as she paid for her latte. Heather watched her leave, a small sense of connection lingering in the air. It was a strange feeling, to have her world and Rhys's world collide so casually, to share a moment of fandom with a stranger.

Later, as she was cleaning up behind the counter, her phone buzzed with a message. It was Rhys.

"Just saw the clip from Music Vault. Did you catch it?"

Heather's fingers flew across the screen. "Of course! I turned up the volume and watched the whole thing. You guys were amazing!"

"Glad you liked it," Rhys replied. "We put a lot of work into that performance."

"It showed," Heather typed back. "You were incredible."

"Miss you," Rhys's message read.

"Miss you too," Heather replied, a warmth spreading through her chest. "When will I see you again?"

"We have a short break after the last music show performance," Rhys said. "I'll come see you then."

"I'll be waiting," Heather replied, her smile widening.

The rest of her shift passed in a pleasant haze. She served customers, chatted with Marjorie, and cleaned up the shop, her thoughts filled with Rhys and the anticipation of their upcoming reunion.

The cafe, usually a place of quiet solitude, now felt charged with a different kind of energy, a warmth that radiated from within her.

As the last customer left, and the warm glow of the cafe faded into the cool evening, Heather began her closing routine. Just as she was about to switch off the lights, her phone vibrated with a text from Rhys.

I love you.

A soft smile spread across Heather's face, a warmth blooming in her chest. Curious about the sudden, heartfelt declaration, she playfully replied, ???.

Another message arrived instantly. Just wanted to say it. I love you.

And I miss you.

I miss you whenever I'm not with you.

Same, she texted back, her fingers lingering on the screen.

After locking up the cafe, Heather decided to walk to her condominium. She'd informed her aunt she'd be staying there for the night, needing a change of scenery.

Instead of the usual bus ride, she opted for the longer route, wanting to stretch her legs and clear her head. The cool evening air and the rhythmic cadence of her footsteps were a welcome contrast to the bustling cafe.

Reaching her unit, she flicked on the lights, the familiar space welcoming her with its quiet comfort. She sank onto the couch, peeling off her shoes and socks, a sigh of relief escaping her lips.

For a few minutes, she idly scrolled through her phone, catching up on social media, before finally heading to the bathroom for a relaxing shower.

Inside, the bathroom filled with the warm, humid air, and the soft melody of her favorite playlist drifted from her phone. She lathered her hair with shampoo, her voice joining the song in a quiet hum, the suds slowly dripping down her face.

Suddenly, she felt a pair of arms wrap around her from behind, the unexpected touch sending a jolt of surprise through her. Her eyes, still closed to avoid the stinging shampoo, widened slightly.

"Rhys, is that you?" she asked, her voice a mix of surprise and delight.

"Mhm... Were you expecting anyone else?" Rhys murmured, his head resting on her shoulder, a playful but possessive undertone in his voice.

"What do you mean, 'anyone else'?" she retorted, lightly nudging his arm with her elbow. "There's no one else but you."

"Wait, let me wash my hair first," she said, trying to gently dislodge his arms, but he held her firm.

"Okay," he whispered, his warm breath tickling her ear.

She continued washing her hair, the warm water rinsing away the suds, Rhys's embrace a constant, comforting presence.

Once finished, she turned off the shower, swiped the water from her face, and turned to face him, her hands resting lightly on his chest.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice soft, her eyes searching his.

"I missed you," he said, his lips forming a playful pout. "Didn't you miss me?"

"Of course, I did," she replied, a gentle smile gracing her lips. She playfully tapped his pouting lips, making him smile.

Rhys took her hands in his, his touch sending a shiver down her spine. He kissed the tips of her fingers, then the soft skin of her palms, his gaze never leaving hers. He then lowered his head, his lips finding hers in a tender, lingering kiss.

Heather's eyes fluttered closed, her senses heightened by the warmth of his touch and the familiar scent of his cologne. The kiss started soft and gentle, a silent expression of their longing.

Then, Rhys deepened the kiss, his tongue tracing the outline of her lips, asking for entrance. Heather parted her lips, and their tongues met in a slow, sensual dance.

The kiss deepened, a slow exploration of their shared affection. Rhys's hands moved to her waist, pulling her closer, their bodies pressed together.

Heather's hands found their way to his hair, her fingers tangling in the damp strands. The kiss slowed, and Rhys gave her lips a final, soft smack before slowly lifting his head, his eyes filled with a tender warmth.