TAGS/WARNINGS: Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics, Omega John, Alpha James, Alpha Greg, Alternate Universe - Coffee Shops & Cafés, AU, Knotting, Anal Sex, Rimming, Anal Fingering, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Age Difference, Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, Fluff, Friendship, Friends to Lovers

Written for the Rare Pair Bingo-Word: Coffee Shop AU

Tumblr about my stories: JaimiStoryTeller

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John's POV
He doesn't think much about the military alpha over the next few weeks because his life gets rather insanely busy. Tuesdays and Thursdays are still dedicated to classes, Wednesday is the craziest day between his meetings with the instructors throughout the day and is work in the afternoon. Plus he has now he has added working on Fridays and Saturdays as well. That means all of his spare time is taken up by him trying to get all of his home study done in roughly half the available time. The only advantage is that the sisters do not seem to mind him brining his homework with him in order to work on assignments during free moments.

The sisters traditionally close the café for the day before, of, and after Christmas in order to spend it together and go visit with whatever distant relatives they still wish to see. They had invited him along, only to have Greg tell them that he was unavailable. He can still remember the look of shock on the ladies faces when the alpha announced he was going to the Lestrade family Christmas. He had considered arguing about it, particularly since none of the Lestrades had actually asked him, but decided not to because of the warm feeling from the idea that someone wanted him around. Instead he had spent his last day off before Christmas shopping for everyone, wanting to get small gifts for each.

On the twenty-third the sisters closed the café early so that they could host a small Christmas party for all the employees. Most of his coworkers merely get Christmas cards from him because he is not close to the two betas, Mary and Elizabeth, that work the day shifts or the alpha, Jake, that works in the kitchen with the sisters. However for his bosses he has small gifts, partly for being two of his first friends after Greg and partly for being so supportive.

For Misty he had gotten a collection of cookie cutters, one-hundred different ones, some that are plastic, some that are metal, all of them are different size and shapes. She had thrown her arms around him in a quick hug, making him freeze up.

"Thank you," she murmurs in his ear.

Blushing, he nods, not saying anything.

She lets go of him, stepping back and beaming at him.

Still blushing, he hands the box he brought with him to Autumn, and appreciates the fact she does not feel the need to hug him like her sister.

After opening it up, she beams at him, stating, "Thank you John, that's a great gift, I always love sampler packs."

He had got her a box of Christmas themed coffees and teas, twenty different varieties of both, with three servings of each.

The sisters share a look before Misty hands him an envelope and continues to beam at him.

Opening the envelope, he is surprised to see a round trip plane ticket to New York City, two weeks reservations with a well known omega hotel, and a week's worth of classes at the American Barista & Coffee School. He had mentioned being interested in going last month but had not expected this. He couldn't accept this, it was worth way too much!

"I can't," he mumbles in shock trying to hand the envelope back, "it's too much."

"Nonsense dear," Misty replies with a small smile.

"Besides, it's already paid for, no refunds," Autumn states quite clearly as she goes through her new tea and coffee options.

"But it's too much!" he exclaims a bit louder than he had originally planned on and draws the other threes attention.

"I've already made arrangements with that determined omega who runs the houses and classes, she's all for you getting classes that could help you in the future." Misty responds in a no-nonsense sort of way. "I realize that they are not medical inclined but you had mentioned wanting to try them."

For a very long minute he stands there staring at the sisters before he finally tucks the envelope into his coat before whispering, "Thank you, really, thank you!"

The rest of the party is spent with him visiting with the others, eating cake and other baked goods, and trying the various homemade teas that Autumn had designed.

When he got back to the flat it was to pack a small bag, because apparently as soon as his dark-haired flatmate gets home they are heading to the farm for three days.

"We'll leave in the morning," the alpha remarks as he stumbles through the door, "I'm too damned tired to drive right now."

"I brought home a few sandwiches in case you're hungry," he offers the taller man.

Smiling tiredly at him, the alpha wanders into the kitchen to get some food before showering and heading to bed.

Actually that's a good idea, and he does the same, showering once the alpha is done and going to bed so that he can get up early in the morning.