Babies

Spring was just around the corner and the cherry trees had just started to bloom their first flowers, decorating the boring grey streets where Jamie decided to open his first pastry shop. It looked like a flower who decided to rise in the middle of a concrete sidewalk, it's so easy to spot the pastel pink walls decorated with sage green details among all these monochromatic buildings.

《Humans are so flavourless and unoriginal, at least I have some taste.》

Jamie huffed while looking at the outside of his shop. You could easily tell he was the owner of the place by the way the colors of the building matched those of his hair and clothes. Either way, having a building that stood out so much from all the others would only have helped with the business. However, the pink haired demon knew nothing about humans and even less about everything work related, especially the financial part and he knew only one demon capable of opening his eyes about this matter.

《So you decided to start a business in the Human Realm without knowing the basics of a human job?》

The tall demon asked. His voice was calm and soothing but you could definitely hear the disappointment in it. Jamie tilted his head, looking away from Gale's cold gaze. It wasn't the first time he ended up getting scolded by the Prince of Greed himself and, even though Mammon wasn't really a mean person, Jamie couldn't help but feel like he was being treated like a child.

《I'm not trying to fit in, I'm just trying to do my job. The real one.》

Beelzebub replied, with an ounce of sarcasm.

《How do you think you'll manage to complete your tasks if you don't start being more careful about your surroundings?》

Gale insisted, taking out a bunch of runes from his pocket and scattering them on the wooden low table that was placed between the two men.

《I did some researches about human jobs, specifically catering since that's the type of job you decided to undertake!》

the runes started glowing, reproducing what appeared to be a slide projection of the various steps one should take to start working in restaurants and such. Jamie was more focused on the whole show that Gale pulled with his runes than the research itself.

《As you can see there are a few steps that you're missing right now》

Gale continued, pointing at a word in the staff chapter.

《...Sre...tiaw?》

Jamie frowned while trying to read that weird word. The other demon stared at him for a moment in complete silence, only disappointment in those golden eyes.

《It's waiters, you dumbass, you're reading it backwards.》

Gale grabbed a rune and flicked it on Jamie's head who let out a small whine.

《Waiters, as humans call them, are like minions you can command and make them do whatever you want.》

Mammon explained, showing his friend the outfits a waiter usually wears.

《So they're basically slaves, I didn't know humans had those too!》

Jamie replied, still massaging the forehead where the rune hit him.

《Yes! And at the end of the day you have to pay them for doing work for you.》

Gale nodded, scrolling through other pages from his research.

《But, fret not! Humans usually give the minimum wage for this kind of job so you don't have to worry too much about that》

As soon as Gale finished explaining this part of the job, Jamie giggled quietly. Of course he was going to talk about that, you can't expect otherwise by the "almighty" Prince of Greed.

《Thanks for your help, Gale. I really appreciated it, I'll make sure everything will be set perfectly before the grand opening.》

Beelzebub stood up, bowing his head as he did, before leaving the library where the two decided to meet. Jamie's pastry shop was only a few days away from the grand opening and, despite the various signs hanging on the windows, no one had yet crossed the threshold of his building to apply for the waiter position. The demon sighed, rubbing one of the strand of white hair in frustration. He was sitting alone behind the empty counter that was supposed to showcase the various home made sweets.

《This is such a waste of time. I could have just summoned minions myself, it would have been much easier.》

Jamie thought out loud, quickly changing his mind as he realized that maybe having a bunch of demons working in the human world would have blown his cover. The pink haired demon gritted his teeth, finally giving up to the idea that no one was going to show up for that position and that he had to take the failure and go back in hell. He stood up from the chair and grabbed the paper he had in front of him. He was about to leave when he heard the bell attached to the door ring.

《Hello?》

The voice of a young man echoed in the empty shop, making Jamie's ears twitch as he heard the sound. He quickly glanced at the guy standing by the door that was slowly closing behind him. He was about his same height, long white hair tied with a red bow that made it look like a single streak of blood across a blanket of snow. He looked strong yet so delicate, even his way of walking was nice. Yeah, he was overall pretty.

《I apologize, pretty face, we're closed.》

Jamie explained, trying to avoid the guy's blue eyes and walking away from the counter.

《I... I know! I was passing by and I saw the signs outside. I'm looking for a job!》

These words almost made Jamie's hair antennas raise for excitement but he managed to keep his composture and human appearance.

《But if you already have found someone else I will continue with my research. Have a nice da-》

The guy couldn't even finish the phrase when he got interrupted by Jamie getting back to the counter and placing back the load of paper he had in his hands.

《N-not at all!》

He yelled, quickly clearing his throat and lowering his voice.

《I mean, we're still looking for people and I'm willing to consider your application》

Jamie sat back behind the counter, motioning the white haired boy to sit in front of him.

《Just come and sit here so we can discuss about the position's requirements.》

The guy did exactly what he was told, he sat in front of Jamie and adjusted the lock of white hair in front of his eyes, tucking it behind the ear in such an elegant way. If first impressions are actually the key for a job interview, this man ticked all the boxes. Jamie was completely focused on the human, he never actually saw one so close, alive at least. He was analyzing him so carefully that he didn't even notice he was talking.

《Are you going to ask me a few questions or do you want to spend the whole day staring at me?》

The boy sounded very annoyed, which made Jamie shook his head and regain control of his thoughts. He couldn't afford to make any missteps with the only human who was actually interested in the job.

《Is this how you address to the person who could become your boss? How rude.》

Jamie crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow. He wasn't annoyed in the slightest but he thought that teasing this boy a bit could have been fun.

《So, let's start with the questions, shall we? What's your name?》

The demon grabbed a pen, bringing it to his mouth and biting the tip lightly, showing his fangs. The human frowned at the sight of Jamie's sharp canines.

《It's Fei, Fei Dustlight.》

《Fei... Fei...》

Jamie kept repeating, tapping the pen on his lips and looking at the ceiling. Fei stared at him in confusion, wondering what the guy in front of him was thinking about.

《What a weird name!》

Beelzebub finally spoke, making Fei curl his upper lip and blush in anger.

《EXCUSE ME?》

Fei yelled, he felt like Jamie was making fun of him and he was considering getting up and leaving.

《My sincerest apologies, it wasn't my intention to hurt your feelings. I just think your name is really peculiar. Never met anyone with such a unique name.》

The demon smiled, sending shivers down Fei's spine. Something was off about the pink haired guy and he definitely felt it in the air.

《You're hired!》

Jamie announced, signing a white paper with only two words written on it. Fei looked at the paper and then stared at Jamie.

《What?! Aren't you going to check my resume?》

The human asked, concerned about everything that happened so far. Jamie looked down at Fei for a moment, refraining from telling him that he had no idea of what a resume was.

《That's honestly all I need to know. I just need someone who knows how to grab plates and bring them to the right table. No extra requirements needed.》

Jamie explained, sliding the paper and pen across the counter to make Fei sign as well.

《I'll take care of the kitchen and counter, which is the most complex part. You and your future co-workers are not allowed around those.》

The demon kept explaining, stopping for a moment when he noticed Fei's frowning expression when he mentioned the kitchen. Of course humans are not allowed in the kitchen of a demon, but maybe that sounded a little too suspicious.

《Because we don't need extra people in the kitchen and if it gets too crowded it's gonna get dangerous for the staff and I don't want that for my employees~》

Jamie concluded, tilting his head while smiling. Fei was still feeling a bit suspicious but he was aware that Jamie had a point. Kitchens can get a bit busy and being in the way can lead to some dangerous situations.

《I understand. What about the salary?》

Fei asked, taking Jamie by surprise. He didn't really think about that.

《Well, I'm going to be honest, you're the first person who showed up today so I didn't really think about it. But I won't play any trick on you, I promise.》

said the demon, lowering his tone a bit. He was being honest after all but he still felt a bit guilty for not knowing these "basic human things". Fei was very quiet, he didn't really complain or anything, he just limited himself to staring down at the paper in front of him. He didn't know what Jamie had in mind and he was starting to get frustrated. Fei sighed, grabbing the pen, placing the tip on the paper and stopping before he could sign.

《You'd better pay well...》

He says before signing and dropping the pen on the counter. Jamie looked down at the signed paper, feeling like he accomplished the biggest achievement ever. Fei stood up from the chair and bowed his head, thanking Jamie for the small and confusing chat they just had. The demon watched the guy slowly walking away from the shop.

《My name is Jamie by the way!》

He shouted before the door finally closed. He sat back down, feeling a bit exhausted for doing absolutely nothing and hoping Fei heard him. The white haired boy was standing outside the shop, wondering what the hell just happened inside that pastry shop and heavily reconsidering his application.

《Jamie...》

he said quietly, looking at his feet and kicking a pebble out of the sidewalk.

《What a stupid name.》

He smirked, walking away with both of his hands in the pocket of the big sweater he was wearing.