CHAPTER 31: NOT A MAID CAFE IN FINE PRINT

"There’s no way in hell I’m wearing something like that!" Leo gapes at what Ethan holds up in his hands. It’s after closing time, and Ethan brought him up to his room, saying he had to show him something. If the omega knew it would be something like this, he would’ve just went home.

The traditional black and white maid outfit hangs on a thin wire hanger. The short white sleeves are puffed up and lined with flower-y lace. The collar is sharp and it buttons up to the neck. The white apron has frills along the hem, and the black skirt looks way to short to be considered appropriate for anything other than the bedroom."Is she crazy?" Leo scoffs. What in the world gave Roxanne this terrible theme idea?

Ethan purses his lips and lays the dress down on his bed next to the second one. It’s bigger in size and it’s clear it was meant for the two of them to wear. He admits, when his mom brought up the idea, he was hell bent on refusing. However, mother’s have a special way of guilt tripping, and Ethan caved. "It’s not that bad. It’s cute."

"Sure, I’ll admit that." Leo nods his head, strands of blonde hair falling into his eyes. His fashionista is begging to come out. He eyes the lace with discontent. He thinks it’s a little over kill. It’s like the person who designed it couldn’t pick between cute and sexy. If the promotion date wasn’t around the corner, he would’ve taken the time to alter it.

The omega frowns, looking away from the offending costume because the more he does, the more he wants to nitpick at it, and glares at Ethan, "It doesn’t matter. My answer is no."

"Come on," Ethan bumps his hip into Leo’s, who loses his balance and stumbles. He glares at the beta who offers a half smile in apology. "It’s just for the fliers."

Leo scans the dress meant for him once more. Roxanne is seriously crazy. His legs are going to be exposed, not that he’s self-conscious about them. It’s the exact opposite, his legs are so fine that he doesn’t mind showing them off. It’s just that the dress barely reaches mid thigh based on the length, and he’d rather not flash the neighborhood his balls when he bends over if he ever dropped something.

"We’re not running a maid cafe!" He tries again. He glances over at Ethan and raises a pale eyebrow, "Aren’t you worried it’ll mislead the customers?"

The beta shrugs, "We’ll put in a fine print that says we’re not one."

Leo scoffs, because of course he has it all figured out, "No!"

"It’s not that bad," Ethan rolls his brown eyes. He grabs the dress by the thin wire hanger and holds it up to Leo’s petite body. He tilts his head, scanning him from head to toe. "You’ll look cute! You have a soft face that-"

"Do not finish that sentence, Ethan." Leo glares at him. He yanks it out of Ethan’s hands and throws it on the bed, "Then you do it!"

"I am! So do it with me." Ethan crosses his arms over his chest and glowers. "Then consider this a debt paid since you messed with me phone earlier."

Leo’s nose wrinkles in distaste. Ethan is still upset about that text message.

Leo smacks himself on the forehead, because he’s clearly not getting out of this one. Not between his guilt and his best friend. He pouts, his gaze drifting to the maid outfit, "Fine."

After changing into the costumes, Leo took extra time to find a pair of knee length socks - Ethan doesn’t ask how he manages to find one in his room when he doesn’t buy them. The beta chalks it up to Leo leaving them behind after visiting.

Leo styles his hair, and then Ethans’ after convincing him it will be good for the fliers. Ethan and Leo go back down to the restaurant. There’s a makeshift green screen, a cheap camera, and a sample plate of his mom’s cake to use as a prop. It’s a good thing Roxanne decided to go out with Jessie tonight.

If she had stayed behind and saw the two of them, he fears she’ll never let him hear the end of it.

"Do you have any idea what poses we should use?" Ethan asks as he sets the camera up on the table. It would’ve been nicer if they had a tripod, but since this promotion is a one time thing, he doesn’t see the worth in investing in one.

They decide to take individual pictures of themselves, and then a few together.

Leo naturally takes on the persona of a model, and easily guides his friend when it’s his turn. When it’s time for both of them to take photos together, the two hold up the sample cake and smile at the camera that was set with a timer. In the next pose, Leo pretends to eat one, and Ethan licks icing from off of his finger.

"I think that should be enough." Ethan says as he scans through the photos.

"Good. How about we take one just for us." Leo pulls his phone out and wraps his arm around Ethans shoulders. They take a selfie, and Leo sends it to Ethan.

He bites his lip when he sees the chat between him and Max. Not wanting to think about it too much, because if he does he’ll just chicken out, Leo takes another selfie. He bites the tip of his finger, and flutters his lashes at the camera. Then, refusing to hesitate, he sends it.

Would Max even like something like this? Leo helps Ethan clean up, pulling down the make shift green screen and folding it up. Max wouldn’t think it’s too weird, right? Leo purses his lips. Why isn’t he responding yet?

Leo unlocks his phone just as a chime alerts him to a new message.

Max: Wear that the next time we meet.