sports was never something he used to impress people, and he definitely didn’t use it to pick up men. so although the compliment wasn’t one he was familiar with, it still caused him to smile brightly. being appreciated for his sport was a quick way to get in his good books. “ you think it’s hot ? ” he questioned, wanting him to repeat it. not for his own ego, but more because he enjoyed how it sounded coming from enzo’s lips, which he had caught himself staring at.  “ i’m not red, shut up. ” a lighthearted jest, and a denial all the same. enzo often has him feeling a type of way. he made a mental note to prevent himself from reacting that way again, at least when possible. “ no past talk. got it. ” separating work and home was not something will could relate to, as it had always blurred for him. soccer was his life and took up most of his time, it had been that way since he was twelve. but for once he would make a conscious effort to do just that, it suited him just fine.

glancing down at the delicious and prettily decorated food in front of them, had him wanting to break his strict diet. “ if you just wanted to get me shirtless, you could have just said so. we could have just made plans to sneak into the swimming pool. ” whilst he had never taken someone there himself, from what he heard from his teammates it was a tactic that worked. the lack of clothes was easily excused on a workout in the water. the smile that had spread across his lips dropped instantly when enzo mentioned visiting the bookstore. he was there, and didn’t say hi. despite being as hot headed as he was, will couldn’t be mad, considering this was how they played it. ignoring each other in public was a sad but common occurrence. “ I wished you would have said hi. it’s boring there, I could use your company any time. ” hearing he had been mad at him hurt a little, but he couldn’t allow himself to give more empty apologies. leaning forward, eyes meeting his, growing curious. “ yeah, is it an appropriate question ? ” knowing enzo, it could go either way.

“ what can i say, i’ve always been attracted to athletes. so yeah, it’s definitely one of my favorite languages. and you’re cute when you talk about your team.” enzo realized his last few words were odd when said out loud. “ not gonna lie. that all sounded a lot better in my head.” once again he found trying to impress will involved his random brain farts. “you are red. and i’m sorry captain, but i’m going to do everything in my power to fluster you, will.” enzo said unapologetically. “you know. you deserve to hear about how great you are and how cute you look. if that gets you flustered, so be it. you deserve it.” enzo held this gift in mixing serious talk with comedic banter,and somehow it has managed to be beneficial for him. 

“Enzo if you’re not careful we’ll be suffocating under the size of my ego any minute.” Sam was accustomed to their usual back and forth but that didn’t mean he wasn’t susceptible to the man’s charms. His cheeks were definitely starting to flush a red. “However, your lack of faith in my antics is slightly damaging so that will help even it out I’m sure. I’ll be able to prove myself eventually though, watch this space.” He scoffed as Enzo told him to take the cake anyway, deciding that he’d drop it back off at work if they were still open by the time he left the bakery. “I knew it, I knew there was a reason you wanted me to come see this place. If I start spilling over my speedos I am holding you solely responsible.” He responded by mimicing the other’s actions, knocking him with his knee as well. Following suit he took a croissant, closing his eyes as he took in the glorious pastry. Enzo did have great skill, so far he was batting three excellent creations for three. “You know what I’m really surprised by? How you still have such great abs when you make things like this on the regular? I’d be a potato on this couch feeding myself croissants like royalty. But you’re continuing to be full of surprises Enzo, it’s very intriguing to say the least.”

“Surprised mine hasn’t already put us in an episode of Chicago Fire.” Him seeing Sam’s red cheeks only added fuel to the fire for Enzo. He thrived off reactions from others that he’s caused, mostly for harmless fun but there were his rougher moments. “That’s your fault and I can’t be blamed. Don’t they teach you control in swimming?” Enzo teased before putting more cake into his mouth followed by the bread. When Sam nudged Enzo’s knee back, Enzo jokingly grabbed for his own knee and acting as if it was the worst pain he’s ever felt. “I take back what I said, if you’re that strong maybe you do have control.”  Sam’s question threw Enzo off guard, and he could immediately feel his face getting hot. “Cheerleading keeps me in shape. That’s my secret. I try not to eat everything I make and it takes a lot of restraint.” That last part about Enzo being full of surprises made him chuckle “I get that a lot. Most people expect me to be a football or basketball player with a cheerleader girlfriend. But instead I’m a bisexual king who cheerleads, bakes, and taking good torso pics.” He pulled up his shirt to show off and play along with his statement. 

      most would find themselves satisfied with the victory of being right, however this wasn’t the case for will. “ stick with me long enough, and you’ll find yourself saying that a lot. they didn’t make me captain for no reason.” truth was, if he was right, it was only because he was echoing earlier advice and warnings he had received from others. the thoughts he had were little of his own accord. which was why he struggled to step out of his comfort zone, and enzo suffered because of it. “ I promise. no leaving this time. I’m all yours. ” a statement that could have meant many things, if will had ever allowed it. still, he faked a smile, ridding the statement of any seriousness. only turning into a genuine smile as brown eyes met his, and a wink had his cheeks flushing once again. something about enzo had him hypnotised. when in his company, he found there was little he wouldn’t do for him. 

will had lingered outside the store for a good twenty minutes before finding the courage to walk in. but once their eyes had met, his nerves were put at ease. enzo was good at that, which was one of the various reasons he always returned to the man. will watched as the baker closed the shutters, making him feel all the more safe. something that could make will sad if he lingered on it for too long. instead, he made himself comfortable, finding a place to sit, although keeping his distance. they didn’t need a repeat of past mistakes. “ shirtless hiking sounds … perfect. think you can keep up ? ” enzo was more than capable, however will wasn’t about to push him too hard anyhow. hiking was not something will would ever turn down, enzo was growing to know him all too well. the boundaries could be erring into date territory if will would allow it, although he never could. not officially, anyhow. 

“ i never said to get used to it. and just so you know, it’s hot as hell when you talk about sports.” enzo admitted as he finished the last of what he needed to do to close. he was happy he’d already counted the money in the register, most people used cards nowadays so it made everything easier.  it was will’s words and smile that would give him hope that things would be different than they were, and moments like this that kept him on the line. he palmed will’s left hand with both of his own, “all mine, huh? i can tell i’m making you feel some type of way, those strong cheekbones of yours are redder than these cake pops.” enzo teased. “ - but seriously, let’s not talk about the past right now? you’re not supposed to bring problems from home to work.” enzo joked, letting go of will’s hand when he realized he’d been holding on a little too long.

She laughed, completely agreeing with him. That would probably never happen, even when Enzo was an old man. “And it would be my last day breathing on this Earth, so I’m glad we’re in agreement,” she said with a grin. As he stepped away to take the call, Gemma didn’t mind, though she was eager for more of that cheesecake. Since no one else was around, she wandered around the counter, helping herself to another bite. Once she was closer to where Enzo had went, she could overhear his conversation, though she wasn’t trying to. It surprised her to hear him talking to his mom. As far as she knew, him and JC didn’t talk to her much. She turned as he came back, biting her lip nervously. “I didn’t know you were talking to your mom… or giving her money,” she said, admitting that she had overheard everything.

Enzo went silent when she revealed she’d heard the entire conversation on the phone. He sighed, leaning against the counter closest to him. “She contacted me months ago when I was drunk and stupidly decided to answer the phone. I’ve been giving her money since.” It felt as if an entire weight had been taken off of him, but it didn’t help any because no he was going to ask her to lie. “JC doesn’t know. And i need to do me a favor and not say anything. I know that I’m likely being bullshitted. But..she’s our mom.” Enzo was rarely serious as he was now, and the look on his face to Gemma had to show it. “Please.”

Quinn opened the bakery door, the bell hanging above it ringing annoyingly as she stepped inside and  the smell of pastries and cake hitting her nose almost instantly. She looked at the array of baked goods they had displayed in front of the counter, she stood with her arms resting on the display case when she was done browsing for something she wanted. “I don’t blame you for going off like that, some people just don’t use common sense.” She shrugged. “Can I get  three red velvet cake pops?”

Enzo was happy that she agreed with him, and he jokingly did a fake sigh after. “Thank god you agree, I can’t have any more complaints about my language on my record.” He grabbed her the cake pops from the display case, throwing another one in because they were already preparing more. “Added an extra one on the house. And would you like to try this new strawberry cheesecake I’ve made.” Enzo knew it was probably hilarious to see a 6′3 man get excited about baking, but he didn’t care at all.”

“I would say you should drop by a meet or a practice but then I’d have to compete for your attention and I’m too much of a peacock to want to share. Maybe I’ll need to have a private practice soon.” That and there would be no denying he’d get a little jealous and that wouldn’t do, Sam had sworn that after his summer he wasn’t going to get himself caught up but he could already feel himself walking a few fine lines. “Aquaman? You know I’m hardly the king of the water but I will take it. One day you’ll learn to not doubt me, like I said at the time, there’s always a method to my craziness.” Sam watched as Enzo went back into work mode, continuing to eat the cake he’d been given as he tried to stay out of the way. Normally he would have offered to help but if the roles had been reversed Sam knew that he’d have been able to shut down a lot quicker on his own than having to give ot directions to someone who didn’t know what they were doing. He hoped Enzo was the same and he wasn’t coming off as rude. “Enzo I can’t eat a full cake and I live alone so I don’t have people to share it with. I’m the one who has to wear speedos I can’t be piling on the cheesecake pounds.” Even though he’d have happily eaten the whole thing he had to be smart. Sam followed Enzo through the shop, enjoying his quick glimpse into the behind the scenes of the bakery. It always interested him what places were like behind their shop fronts. “I need you to tell me something Enzo and please answer truthfully. Are you a feeder?” Sam chuckled as he looked at the spread the baker had pulled out his creations from the fridge, laying them out in the most intricate fashion. It was cute watching Enzo fuss over the way they looked on the table, his passion shining through. “Okay the carrot cake is last because, well it just is. Croissants first?” He asked, reaching for one slowly so that if Enzo had another idea he could stop and change.

_

“There are some pretty hot guys and girls on the swim team. But I think you’d have them beat.” Enzo thought the football players were going to be the hottest on campus, but that was far from the truth. “I’m excited for the day that comes when I’m not doubting you, until then, i’m gonna have to second guess you.” Enzo was always excited to watch others eat the food he made, especially when he genuinely cared about what the other person thought. He’d been baking for a long time and should be more confident in his craft, but that reassurance would have to come from others before himself. “Then you can share it with your friends and let me know what they think. The more compliments, the merrier.” Enzo’s eyebrows raised, wondering what Sam was going to say before realizing he’d been joking. “You bet your ass I’m a feeder.” He nudged him with his knee from the spot next to him on the couch adding to his previous words. “Croissants first.” Enzo grabbed one from the bowl, and popped it into his mouth. “Damn, I’m an amazing baker.” He looked at Sam. “ Bet you were surprised to see Torsoman had skills other than nice abs, aren’t ya?”

      feeling a sense of relief wash over him as enzo confirmed their relationship. it was more than telling that will needed confirmation regularly. if more to remind himself that’s all this could ever be. but the fact that enzo allowed himself to claim it to be just that, was a concern. will didn’t treat him well, but he wasn’t going to try to protect him. it wasn’t his place to do such a thing. that was the risk enzo decided to take when he got involved. “ well, as your friend, I feel I should give you some advice. when someone wants to make it up to you, you should try to get the most out of it. ” enzo had to be aware that will was desperate to make it up to him, still he didn’t take advantage like most people in his life would. and although they were just friends, ‘handsome’ caused a flutter in his stomach, one that was quite foreign to will until he had met enzo. maybe because it felt so forbidden, something he doubted would be leaving him anytime soon. this feeling he urged himself to cover by biting down on his bottom lip, hard, containing any risk of a smile from emerging. “ here. here is fine. ” unfortunately fine was all he could offer. will would like nothing more than to take him back to the comfort of his own apartment, where they could be truly alone, but here was safer. where nothing could happen, and he could keep his distance. if it came to it, he could run, if necessary. most importantly, this was a place he didn’t need to fear that they would be caught by others. “ here is fine, right ? ” a part of him wanted the man to tell him no, force him elsewhere, but he would likely panic if that situation arose.

enzo was so used to living a life that involved him working hard and doing things for others, so it was hard to be on the ‘making it up to you’ train. seeing as the other was trying hard, enzo realized he should take a step back. “ you know, there’s not many people who are able to actually get me to admit when someone else is right - and here you are.” that was his own weird way of saying that will was right without directly admitting it. there weren’t many places they had the option of going, and at least there were slim odds someone would bother them. he wasn’t going to push will out of his comfort zone, and he’d rather him not be looking over his shoulder. “here is fine unless you plan on leaving me with a bottle of wine and these deserts.” enzo teased, hoping to pull a smile back on will’s face and ease his nerves. he moved his hand on will’s shoulder for a moment, “ here is 100 percent fine.” a hopefully reassuring grin formed across enzo’s face, giving will another wink when they locked eyes.

“Well maybe you should make an appearance at the pool sometime, I’ve heard that speedos can be rather revealing and you know, glistening abs really do hit differently.” Sam wasn’t always so brazen with his flirtations, he was never shy about them but there seemed to be a lack of worry when talking with Enzo that allowed him to just say whatever he wanted without thinking how it would be received. “I’ll keep that in mind.” He answered, winking at the other again. “As of yet I have nothing that says you are anything different than a man of his word.” Sam brought out his perfected fake pout as Enzo spoke about the aftermath of their cheese adventure. “Well at least you were really hydrated! Fine you get to bring it up like five more times, one for each horrible thing we tried, and then after that it’s over forever.” Sam took another mouthfull of the cake, not wanting to stop eating it. “Well it was an hour well spent, I really can’t believe you’ve been able to create things like this all this time and I never knew. The opportunities wasted is almost painful.” It was interesting getting to see this side of Enzo, it wasn’t like they knew a great deal about each other. They hadn’t really spent much time together and all of their online conversations until recently had been along a very narrow minded and semi-anonymously path with only one thing in mind. But with every little bit he learned Sam wanted to know even more about him. “Well you’re in luck actually, I stopped by here because I was looking for something to do and I thought I’d just drop in to have a chat. If you are sure you can close early I’d love to do something, yeah.”

-

“ Send the invite and I’ll be over.” He rolled his eyes with a smile on his face at Sam’s winking. There’s nothing he wanted more than to see the other man naked, and that was a fact he’d make known. “Sounds like a deal to me, aquaman. That’s the new nickname for you. You’re stuck with it. And I did taste some great things. The donut with cheese was way better than it should have been.” Enzo was happy Sam continued eating the cake, taking note to continue sharing his practice cakes with him. He quickly began the closing procedures for the bakery, which was a process that he loathed doing.  “I’ll be sure to pack up the rest of that practice cake for you to take. I try not to eat these. I’d gain way too much weight.” It took him around 10 minutes to finish closing. The last thing he did was turn off all the main lights, put up his apron, and lead Sam to the backroom.  The backroom had a couch, a television, and an area he never went in. His practices deserts were in the spare fridge. “Alright. I have these blueberry muffins, a few croissants, pomegranate slushie in this giant cup, aaaaaaand this carrot cake. Made all of these today because it was a slow day.” He put everything he could in the most extra and organized way possible on the mini table in front of them. “So, feel free to be honest and I’ll dive right in with you.” 

“Oh special treatment huh? I like it. Although I can’t tell if you’re just trying to get access to more pictures of my ass, not that I’d blame you.” Sam looked over his own shoulder as if he were checking himself out, turning back to Enzo with an approving nod and a cheeky smile on his face. “You want the whole package now do you? He’s making all the demands today but flattery will get you everywhere and luckily I am always happy to have my ego stroked. Although would that mean i’d need to buy two cakes? Who am I kidding the fact you get to look at my nudes is the payment, you’d be thanking me with the cake.” This time it was Sam’s turn to wink, still smiling. “Wait am I actually getting free cake?” He couldn’t hide his excitement as Enzo came out with the cheesecake, his eyes lighting up and his mouth almost instantly salivating. It looked wonderful and he could only imagine how it would taste. “Two weeks, that’s a real commitment. Listen, we both know that the cheese experiment didn’t work out like I planned but you are not allowed to keep bringing it up. You win some, you lose some and sometimes you ruin multiple great foods with cheese sauce. This already has cheese anyway so I think we’ve got enough.” Using the fork Sam took a mouthful of the cake, his eyes closing as the flavour washed over his tastebuds. Based on the cookie he’d ate at the fair he knew that the man was a good baker but this cheesecake was one of the best he’d ever tasted. “My god Enzo, this is magnificent!” He complimented rather excitedly before taking another mouthful.

“abs, ass, and potentially something else - who knows.” Enzo teased once more, admiring Sam showing off his body. There was not going to be any complaining coming from him. “Keep at it with the pride and confidence, because it’s pretty hot, not gonna lie to you.” Enzo felt his face getting a little warm, and he immediately played it off as him needing to wipe his face from the heat (that didn’t exist).  He nodded, “At this point you should know that I may joke around, but I practice what I preach - most days.” Enzo shook his head. “Nah. I gotta keep bringing it up. I had to drink hella water when I got home. You have to let me bring it up.” His heart began beating faster before Sam tried the desert, for some reason, he always expected people to not like what he baked. When Sam gave the compliment and went in for another bite, Enzo sighed in relief and grinned from cheek to cheek. “Whew. I’m glad you like it. I’d been working on it for about an hour.” He knew that it had to be hilarious watching a 6′3 man getting excited about baking, but he enjoyed it. “Quick question. Are you free for a bit? I could close up early and we could hang out. i have more stuff to try.”

she sidles up to the counter, pleased to see enzo behind the counter. he looks to be wrapping up a phone call so starts her perusal of the daily baked goods without him. palms pressed against the glass, she ohs and ahs over the decadent croissants and flakey pastries and perfectly soft cookies. when she finally registers the tail end of his conversation, her drooling comes to a prompt halt. resting her elbows on the glass casing, she settles in to eavesdrop comfortably. she muffles a laugh behind her palm when he denies the callers request once more. she grins and wiggles her fingers in a silent greeting when he finally spots her. when he abruptly hangs up she widens her dark eyes, her berry stained lips stretching over the silent ‘wow’ stretching and elongating the syllable. “i mean.. maybe it’s an anniversary gift? or maybe she just thinks she takes a really good nude?” she contemplates, features lifted up in amusement. “gotta love her confidence though.”

Sam had been in town to drop by his work briefly to get his schedule for the next week. A flying visit that had barely taken him a few minutes before he was back outside, coffee in hand of course, trying to think of something else to do so that the trip would be worthwhile he remembered what Enzo had told him at the fair about his job at the bakery. Hoping that the man would be at work that day Sam entered the shop, empty bar himself and a familiar body standing with his back to him on the phone. It took almost all of his effort to keep quiet as he listened to Enzo fight with the caller, the whole thing seemed like it had been written for a TV show and couldn’t actually be real. When Enzo finally spoke to him Sam gave in, bursting into laughter. “I’m afraid I don’t think you can help me, I was here because I had heard that you guys were putting nudes on cakes for people and I wanted in on that action. But from what I just gathered it was a lie and I can’t send people a cake with my cake on it? Heartbreaking.”

Enzo didn’t know if it was because he just had some bad luck or if it was a coincidence but he always attracted the crazy customers and calls. Sam’s presence brought a smile to his face when he realized who walked into the bakery as it was a pleasant surprise. “ You know, if you asked for your nudes on a cake that I’d make an exception.” Enzo teased with an added wink. “There has to be a frontal and back pic though. Swimmers usually have bodies that need to be broadcasted.” He decided to surprise Enzo with a free cheesecake that he’d been practicing on. “I’ve made about 15 cheesecakes in two weeks trying to make the perfect strawberry one.” Enzo knew he sounded like a nerd right now, but he didn’t care. He handed the male a fork and a medium sized slice. “And no, you’re not allowed to put cheese on it.”

she can’t help the amused grin on her lips as she fusses around the bakery , trying to decide between all the pastries and cake , something that was entirely impossible for someone with as sweet a tooth as hers . without having made up her mind she turns to the counter with a smile , she could imagine it wasn’t the first call of that sort they’d gotten . “ i for one think she sounds like a very classy lady . ” she jokes before offering him a shrug as honestly she didn’t know . “ you’re the expert . what do you recommend , i can’t make up my mind . ”

enzo smiled at the sight of one of the bakery’s most loyal customers, someone who didn’t act on ass all the time because they were a regular. “a classy lady who will no doubt try to get me fired.” he shrugged, not at all caring. “she’ll have to get in line though.” enzo rested his hands on his red apron, trying to decide what she may like. “if you’re down for something not on the menu. i’m making these snickerdoodle cookies with some new cinnamon. want to try?” he put on his baker mittens to pull the cookies from the oven. “don’t worry about paying. these are off menu.” he left them on the tray to cool before moving to pull two blueberry muffins from the display case. “ don’t worry about paying this either, we are about to close and we don’t need these going to waste.”

“You? Toning down? Is that even possible?” she teased, pretending to look shocked. Once he mentioned a PR disaster, she put her hand over her heart, getting even more dramatic. “Not a PR disaster!” she declared, pretending to faint at the very idea. With Enzo always talking about public relations and image, it was an easy thing to joke with him about. “I know. I’m something amazing and you absolutely love me. Sadly, we can never give in to our incredibly intense love for each other for the sake of JC’s sanity. Our love is forbidden.” Yes, Gemma was very good at being overdramatic and making anything into a story from one of her books. She happily took the taste of cake, moaning as it hit her taste buds. “This is amazing!”

“Pigs would fly way before that.” He replied,  being serious in an Enzo Carlisle way. Enzo grinned as wide as he could at her teasing him, not at all phased it because he knew he was extra. “I can honestly say that I think she’d lock me in my room somehow.” He watched as she tasted the cake, his heart pounding slightly faster out of fear the cheesecake wouldn’t taste great. Thank god that she ended up loving it. “I’ll be sure to give you a bigger piece to g-” Enzo was interrupted by the sound of his phone vibrating. The smile on his face quickly faded away at the notification of his mother calling. “Sorry, G. One second I’ll be back.” He walked away towards the back, making sure to be out of sound. His mother spoke to him for a brief moment acting as if she wasn’t going to ask him for money before the question inevitably came up. “Yeah. Mom..I’ll fucking send it. You know I’ve given you money to know when your bills are due, so there’s no use lying.” Enzo quickly hung up the phone, not realizing he’d been on the phone for 15 minutes. “Sorry. One of the cheerleaders has been asking me to help her with a project and I’ve been blowing her off.” He was lying, but didn’t need this getting back to his family.

       the wink he received in return of his never-ending reddening cheeks, only caused him to flush further. enzo had been his one and only moment of weakness. one that he was still entranced in. “ I get that a lot. I can’t say I understand it myself, but I’m not complaining. I don’t want you to be mad at me. ” if he used big brown eyes to his advantage, he wouldn’t admit to it. most touches had him tensing up, but he didn’t feel such a need to pull away as enzo’s hand came to rest on his forearm. he stared at the small affection as he listened to his words. unsurprisingly, even coming from a man’s mouth the word caused a twist in his chest. no word in the world made him panic more than the word ‘boyfriend’ did. coming from anyone’s mouth. however, will appreciated the attempt to ease his worries all the same. “ I know … but I don’t want to hurt you. we’re friends, right ? ” accompanied with a sad smile, they knew all too well that was the best he could ever offer. happy to have the conversation change, he wasn’t going to complain about enzo closing the store early on his behalf. “ good. it saves me from buying up the whole store to get you to close early. ” their was benefits to knowing enzo, the wine and food the least of it, but were benefits all the same. it wasn’t a mystery how he had gotten here with this man, as charming as he was beautiful. “ you’re kind of stealing my thunder, I’m supposed to be making it up to you. ” the comment on his smile suddenly making him self aware. it wasn’t something will did a lot, not genuinely anyhow. it was a compliment that almost made his heart pang, until he remembered that enzo was just genuinely nice, and likely complimented many people on a day to day basis.

“Noise complaints? For what?” He asked with a chuckle, “you having parties without me?” With a smirk, he answered his best friend’s question. “Burritos before bros!” He joked patting Enzo’s shoulder. Finally, putting the jeep in drive, Mateo drove the two to their destination. Upon arrival, he parked the vehicle, unbuckled his seatbealt and jumped out to head inside. He assumed that Enzo would be following right behind if he wasn’t beside him. “So, what’s up, buddy? I feel like it’s been a minute, huh?” He smiled at him as he looked over the menu to see what he was going to order. Maybe it wasn’t too long since the two had seen each other last but Mateo felt that the two didn’t get to discuss each other’s lives. “How’s the love life?”

        no matter the feeling enzo had for will, he was always greeted with friendly humour, something that always put him at ease. it made it all the more easier to ignore the hurtful things will continued to do, and fall back into old routine. his comment made his cheeks flush, clearing his throat as he tried to gain composure. “ hey, I’m happy to provide any, uh… material for said nude cake. but that invitation has been noted. ” enzo knows just as well that he will be cashing in that invitation in no time. he glanced towards the door, making certain that no customers dared to intrude on their private moment. “ ghosting is extremely shitty. but I had a pretty good excuse. ” he hated the thought of letting enzo down, but it was one he had become all too familiar with. tilting his head, a small, sincere smile playing on his lips. “ cheesecake it is then. you know it goes great with some wine. maybe some dinner too. ” they were never meant to exist in each others worlds, but they still forced it all the same. when it came to the matter, enzo was just as stubborn as will. for that reason, he knew the baker would forgive him in no time. 

will kept his eyes on the roof, looking anywhere but to the employee on the phone. this conversation was beyond awkward, and not a request he has ever had to deal with. perks of working in a bookstore, he supposed. “ definitely not nudes on a cake. but I need a cake that says ‘ I’m sorry I ghosted you the other night and you look good in an apron ’, think you could help me with that ? ” he looked at him, seriousness clouding his eyes. he didn’t treat enzo well, the selfishness within him always had its way when it came to their friendship. “ unless you think nudes on a cake would actually help ? ” now that he gave it more thought, maybe the customer was onto something. will didn’t know much about relationships, only that when you fucked up, you said sorry with cake and flowers.