See You At Work

Summary: All Ike wanted was a normal job to pay his college tuition and rent. Having one of his roommates working with him was a nice bonus. The boss who has an interest in crossdressing, however, was not. Modern AU. Ike x Marth.

Warnings: For those uncomfortable with the thought of crossdressing (dressing up like the opposite sex), please do not read further unless you think you could get used to it. Because it's nice to try new things. In fact, feel free to read it and then tell me if you've converted. -rambles-

Disclaimer: Nintendo owns everything. I merely rent their characters.

i.

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Ike sighed as he entered his apartment. It wasn't a depressed sigh but a sigh of relief. After wasting days and nights of his summer break looking for a new job, he finally found an opportunity. The interview had gone smoothly, and he was sure he said all the right things. The only thing he was iffy about was his would-be employer's gentle smile to every answer he gave (it was hard to tell if she was satisfied or smiling out of habit). He'd know by tomorrow if he got the job though. Taking off his shoes, he noticed the flickering light in the living room. One of his roommates must've been watching TV.

"Oh, welcome back, Ike. How was the interview?" Roy gave his friend a quick greeting, then grabbed another potato chip from the bag as he reverted his attention to the screen.

"I think it went pretty well, but the lady who interviewed me was pretty quiet."

"Oo, that can't be good."

"I don't know, she smiled at everything I said but didn't give me many comments."

"We can hope, I guess. How bad do you need this job anyways?"

"Well, let's see. I've been unemployed for two months now. I think the question is more 'how much longer are you willing to feed me'?" Ike plopped down on the couch space next to Roy, taking the chip from the bag offered to him.

"Point taken. What kind of job is it?"

"Just catering. The place is open 24 hours, so I can take any shift I need."

"Hmm, sounds like Marth's job. He's on a graveyard shift again and won't be home till 4 in the morning."

Ike stared at the TV, not actually paying attention to the words uttered by the yellow-skinned animated character on the screen. He and Roy knew each other since high school and decided to share an apartment since they would be going to the same college. When Roy informed him about the 'perfect apartment space' a year ago, Ike had no idea said space would be shared by three people. From the looks of it, neither did Marth. Apparently, Roy threw together a master plan to split the rent three ways.

"Come on, guys! Think of all the money we'll save for tuition!"

"I understand your reasoning, Roy, but... I would have appreciated some advanced notice." Marth looked at Ike briefly, before bringing his attention back to Roy.

"I know, I know. But look at this place! The living room is huge!"

"Roy, you realize this place we're speaking of only has two rooms, right?"

"So? I'll sleep in the living room. I can just do my homework with Ike in his room since we're in the same classes." Ike was going to argue this point, but found no valid reason to object. If it was just for homework's sake, he didn't mind.

Marth decided to make sure. "Ike, are you okay with this?" The other male scratched his head, looking at the bluenette with the smaller build.

"It's no bother. It would probably help both of us be more productive anyways."

"That's great, but I was referring to having another roommate."

"Oh, it's no problem at all. I'd like to save up some money myself. Plus, I get my own room here." Marth thought about his response for a bit, then nodded and reached out his hand to Ike.

"I'm Marth, by the way. You could say I'm a childhood friend of Roy's."

"Ike. Guess we'll be roommates with shorty over here from now on." The bluenettes laughed at Roy's expense and shook hands while their redheaded friend frowned.

"I can tell you two will be getting along. Stop it."

Despite what Roy had said back then, Ike and Marth were not that close.

Marth, being two years older than the two, was much more well-mannered and mature compared to his juniors. Half the time when Roy forgot to buy the groceries, Marth was the one who came home with filled plastic bags in his hands, as if he knew Roy would forget. Though Roy and Marth were close like brothers, Ike knew next to nothing about the man. If he wasn't studying in his room, he was out doing his part-time job. Unlike the younger occupants of the apartment, Marth opted to go to university and needed to pay for the higher tuition costs.

As the cartoon ended with credits, Ike realized something he should've asked a long time ago.

"What does Marth do for work?"

"You didn't know? He works at a cafe as a waiter. You should've asked him for tips on your interview today."

"...Too late now."

"Next time, maybe?"

"I hope there's no next time soon. It'd be nice if I got the job."

"Ha ha, don't worry 'bout it. You're a nice guy. When you want to be. Anyway, I'm sure they'll look passed that tough appearance of yours and see what a big softie you really are."

"Okay, Roy. I think that's beyond the point I was trying to make."

Roy simply snickered and decided to turn on his gaming console as the cartoon ended. He tossed a controller to Ike. "Play a couple rounds with me? It's so boring going up against CPUs all the time!"

"Sure, because there's nothing better to do during summer vacation, what with the sun shining brightly outside... the weather being just right for some basketball or tennis..."

"What, you wanna play Mario Tennis instead?" Ike was about to respond to the not-so-bright comment, but he sighed instead and slumped into the couch.

"...Nevermind. Just start the game."

::::

What was intended to be "a couple rounds" stretched into hours of competitive gaming. Since Ike didn't play as much due to his intense job hunting, Roy thought he would've gotten rusty. Oddly enough, Ike was still in top-shape gaming-wise, winning half the matches the two have played so far.

"Damnit! You always pick the guy with the huge-ass sword! Use someone else for a change!!" Roy prided himself on being the best gamer in the apartment; he couldn't let Ike take that away from him!

"You never said I couldn't use the same character. Besides, you keep picking the one with fancy footwork." Ike smiled at the grumble emitted from Roy. As they were selecting the stage for their next clash, the front-door opened.

"Wow, you guys are still up?" Marth shut the door and took off his shoes. His roommates looked back at him, and then at the clock that hung on the adjacent wall.

Midnight. 'A couple rounds' obviously meant seven hours of gaming. They even forgot to make dinner since the two simply dug into the pile of chips Roy had stocked up on yesterday.

"You're back early, Marth. Not busy tonight?"

"There's never that many customers on Thursdays, so they let me off early."

Ike noticed something odd and sniffed at the air. "...What's that smell?"

"The boss gave me some food to take home, but I'm too tired to eat it. I'll leave it on the table if any of you want some yam fries and sandwiches." As Marth dropped off said items in a plastic bag onto the kitchen table. Ike and Roy thanked him for being their messiah once again (mostly for Roy, who would starve if no one helped him with cooking). As the oldest member went into his room, Roy turned to Ike with a smirk on his face.

"Winner gets first dibs on the food."

"You're on."

::::

Ike woke up the next day from a vibration coming from his left pocket. He grabbed for it with his eyes closed, still not willing to wake up to the start of a new day.

"...Hello?" He jumped as he recognized the voice on the other side. "Oh! Hi, Zelda! ...Yeah, I'm free....Yeah... Okay.... Great, I'll see you in bit. At two, right?... Got it, thanks a lot." He pressed 'END' as the conversation came to a stop.

He got the job!

It may not have been his dream job, but he was now employed! Now he could get his own groceries and pay for his portion of the rent again! Pumping his fist into the air, he felt the need to tell somebody about his new employment status. He ran out to the living room and spotted Roy, who passed out on the couch while they were gaming last night.

"Roy! Hey!" He shook his friend awake in his excitement, and said friend was not pleased.

"WHAT!? Can't a guy sleep without any disturbances!?"

"Roy, it's noon. And I got a call just now from the person who interviewed me yesterday."

"Oh! What'd she say, what'd she say!?"

"I got the job. In fact, I'm heading over there at two for my first shift."

"Congrats, man. I knew you could do it. Plus..."

"Hmm?"

"All the girls will be running to that cafe now just to catch you in a dress shirt, black vest, and black apron."

"...It's a simple cafe, Roy. I doubt that'd be my uniform. Aside from the apron."

"Oh, you'll see."

"No way."

"Bet you twenty bucks that that's your work attire from now on."

"Since you're feeling generous, sure." Ike had seen what the other employees wore when he was interviewed, and it was certainly not what Roy described. Like he said before; it was a simple cafe, with black walls and modern looking furniture that came in either a chocolate brown or vanilla white, occasionally patterned with the odd design. But, if his friend was such a believer of his own words, he might as well make a few bucks off of him.

"...Is Marth up yet?"

"I am now, you two talk too loud." The oldest walked into the living room with a comb in his hand, trying to get the tangles out of his hair before heading out to work. He smiled at the other bluenette. "Ike, congratulations on the job."

"Thanks, Marth."

At that moment, Roy's stomach emitted a loud cry. "...Marth? Mind making breakfast- I mean, lunch?"

"Don't I always?" Marth passed his comb to Ike and headed for the kitchen. While Ike idly wondered if Marth was telling him to comb his hair, Roy turned on his gaming console again.

"Best three out of five, I get your toast if I win." Ike rolled his eyes. Roy had to stop abusing his gaming talent. Not that Ike wasn't just as good though. He'd like the extra piece of toast before work anyway.

::::

In the end, since Roy had complained so much about Ike using the same character all five rounds to beat him, Marth ended up making his little friend another piece of French toast to make up for it. The oldest really did spoil him.

"I have to head out now, I'll see you two when I get back." Marth reached for his bag, but Ike had beat him to it.

"I gotta get going too. Are you headed east?" Ike shouldered his own backpack while carrying Marth's messenger bag as well.

"Always. If you're going downtown, we're probably taking the same bus too."

"Perfect." He looked back at the redhead who was still chewing at his breakfast. "Catch you in a bit, Roy."

::::

The bus ride was about fifteen minutes from their complex. Seeing his workplace through the window, Marth pulled the string for the next stop. He waved to Ike and got off the bus, expecting the doors to simply close behind him. He didn't know Ike would be following.

"You get off at this stop too?"

"According to my map, yes."

"That's a coincidence. Where do you work anyway?"

"Um. A place called Hyrule Cafe, apparently." Ike showed the card of the cafe to Marth. Marth really didn't see it though. He just stood there with his face frozen and his eyes wide.

"Y-You're working there!? Now?!" Ike stepped back a bit from the raised volume in Marth's voice. The other man started to become flustered as he looked to Ike for an answer.

"Yeah... I had an interview here yesterday and they called me back today to work... Do you go there often?" Marth turned away and started walking. Ike, who had no idea what caused Marth to make such an outburst, simply followed the other male to make sure he was all right. It was on his way to work, anyways.

When Marth entered a cafe, Ike stopped by the door. Isn't this...?

"Hey! Marth! How are you?" A blond came up to greet the older of the men. Marth smiled in return. The blond later spotted Ike as he entered the cafe. When the two made eye contact, the blond raised an eyebrow. "...Are you... the new employee?" Ike nodded. Marth flinched.

"Is... Zelda here?" The younger male looked around the cafe. The place was empty save for one customer who was typing away at his laptop, his coffee mug still steaming beside him.

"She's at the back taking a phone call. Why don't you have a seat and I'll tell her you've arrived?" Ike thanked her as she went to the back of the cafe. Marth would've followed, but Ike grabbed him by the arm before he could escape.

"Marth, why didn't you tell me you worked here!?"

"...You never asked." Ike sighed at the cliché answer, despite the truth in it. "Anyway, now you know. I have to admit, I'm as surprised as you are to be working at the same place as a roommate."

"Better me than Roy?" Ike joked, for he knew how dependent the redhead could be on Marth sometimes.

"Possibly." Marth shook off Ike's grip and placed his bag in a cubby. Ike simply sat down on a tall stool by the counter, waiting for the blond to return. "Tell me..." Ike looked up when the demand was voiced. Marth turned to face him while putting on his apron. "Do you... work the night shift?"

"I'm not sure. Zelda just told me to come in today. To be honest, I'm hoping to stay on a morning or afternoon shift for the summer." Ike might've mistaken, but just now Marth seemed to show signs of relief when he found out the details. Whatever the expression had been though, it was quickly wiped away with a smile from the older man.

"I'm sure if you tell Zelda about it, she can arrange it for you."

"Probably."

Their conversation was cut short as the blond returned with a brunette woman.

"Welcome, Ike. I'm very glad you could make it today!" The elfin woman strolled cheerfully towards the men. She gently took Ike's hand, raising it to the level of her chest and caressed it with both hands, as if providing comfort to a confused child. Ike felt his cheeks getting a bit warm. "There are only a few patrons right now, but it'll pick up soon, so let's get you started first." Ike tensed up and nodded obediently at his new boss. From the corner of his eye, he could tell that Marth noticed his reaction and was chuckling. He focused once more on the new boss as she released him and clapped her hands together. "Oh yes, how could I forget the introductions! You already know me as Zelda; Peach is our head waitress, so you can ask her about anything, and Marth here is the jewel of our cafe."

At that, Marth coughed purposefully and frowned at the brunette, but her smile was unfazed. Ike just quirked an eyebrow at the title. He was curious, but Zelda had every intention to answer the unspoken question.

"Honestly, when Marth joined our nightshift, business has never been better! This cafe would never have continued the twenty-four hour routine were it not for him!"

"A well deserved title, then, don't you think, Marth?" Ike was only teasing, but Marth decided Ike should see the frown he originally formed for the brunette as well.

"Zelda, I was talking to Ike earlier and he says he prefers morning and afternoon shifts. Can we arrange that?" The brunette thought for a moment.

"Well, I actually wanted him to work afternoon and night shifts, but-"

"I-I'm fine with working night shifts too!" The phrase came out louder than Ike intended, but he really didn't want to blow his chances at this job. At the moment, this position was essential for his survival since Roy could cut his supply of food at any time. Knowing Roy, he'd abuse such power when given the chance, as a little bit of revenge for all the times Ike beat him during their gaming sessions.

"Really? That's wonderful! However, nightshifts are different. You see, this cafe is--"

"I'LL TAKE HIS NIGHTSHIFTS!" Once again, the woman's speech was cut short. Marth's hand had covered her mouth during his exclamation, so she looked at said young man in bewilderment. "I... Um... " Marth removed his hand and opted to whisper something to Zelda instead. Ike observed his boss' expressions: from understanding, surprise, delight, to excitement. Marth stepped back with a red tint on his face and retreated to the back room, leaving the boss with the newcomer.

"Ike! Why didn't you tell me you already knew Marth?"

"...You... never asked." Maybe cliché answers weren't so bad after all.

"I never asked, but I would've liked to know." Hm. Point taken. "So you're fine with just working mornings and afternoons?"

"I'm happy with any shift, but I do prefer to work when the sun is out."

"Such a healthy young man. We need more members like you on this crew!"

"Uh... um... thanks?"

"Really, our crew and customers seem more and more nocturnal as of late, but I suppose the cafe is more exciting at night."

"What happens to the cafe at night?"

Zelda was about to answer his question, but then she remembered the favour Marth had requested. "Oh, just special showcasings of outfits that I've made over the years. The guests really enjoy the extra show." It wasn't the whole truth, but for now, it would do.

"That sounds like a pretty neat idea. What kind of costumes do you make?" Zelda had an urge to once again answer the question with all the juicy details, but she held back. Mentions of her interest always got her going, but for Marth, she'd keep the speech to herself.

"Oh, you'll just have to see for yourself someday when you work the nightshift." The woman smiled at the newcomer, who nodded understandingly. "Well, we've talked for quite awhile! Let's get started for real this time. With Peach here to show you how things are done around here, you'll be a top-class waiter in no time."

The blond waitress came out from the back on queue. Zelda simply patted Peach on the shoulder, exchanged eye contact, and headed for her office in the back. It was obvious to Ike that the two women shared a strong bond to be able to communicate without words. While Ike's mind wandered to the wonders of friendship, hard cardboard hit him square in the face.

"OW!" He held his nose; not expecting the sudden collision it would have with the cafe's menu.

"Alright, Ike. It's no time to be dazing! Here's the menu for mornings, afternoons, and nights at the cafe." The object that had assaulted Ike's nose was placed into his hands. For a cafe, the menu was thicker than he thought. "I'd like you to take this home and try to memorize all the items and where they are on the menu. As a waiter, you have to be aware of what we serve and react if a customer needs help or recommendations." Ike nodded, signalling Peach to go on. "Aside from that, let's start your training! Remember, at Hyrule cafe, we treat as guests like royalty. Be kind, smile, speak softly... treat them like... a princess or a prince!" At this, Ike furrowed his brows in confusion.

"Isn't that... a little too much?" Before Peach could respond, Marth came out from the backroom, wearing a wine red dress shirt, black vest, and black apron. Ike's eyes widened as he muttered: "Shit."

"Excuse me?" Peach looked to the newcomer with a slight frown. Marth had heard the curse, but ignored it to attend to the only customer at this time.

"Uh, no, it's nothing, I just... remembered something." Who knew Roy was a boy who had the goddesses at his side. Ike thought for a moment. At least Roy won't know how right he was about the uniform unless he visits the cafe... but what happened to the uniforms he saw last time?! "Peach, is that the outfit that waiters wear around here? I swear it was different last time..." He pointed to Marth as a reference. Peach smiled, knowing a question would come up sooner or later regarding their dress code.

"We change our outfits around here quite often. It's really up to Zelda whether she wants to try something new or not. Take mine for example." Ike hadn't thought about it before, but Peach was wearing a pair of dress pants that matched her black dress shirt adorned with frills at the edges. It was something he could see Marth in more so than Peach. "Usually I wear a skirt or dress to work, but Zelda said she wanted to see me in something a little more masculine, so we picked these out from the closet."

"...Closet?"

Peach grinned almost mischievously, grabbing Ike's arm and dragging him with her for a little adventure. "The closet. It's a collection of outfits that Zelda has made or bought, and the staff are free to wear them." Although the part of the cafe accessible to the public was only an average size at best, the back hid away a long hallway with many rooms, one of which was marked with Zelda's name on a gold plate. A few doors passed that, the pair had reached a room with no label. "This is the closet."

The knob turned from within, scaring both Ike and Peach as a boy emerged from the room. The boy however, did not seem to notice the duo until he smacked into Ike's chest. "WHOAH!" Ike winced at the volume while the brunette fell backwards and landed on his buttocks.

"Pit! That's where you were! I waited forever for you to come back to the front!" Pit, as Peach had called him, sat up sheepishly and waved hello to them.

"Sorry, but Zelda thought of this crazy idea of putting me into a dress for tonight, so I was trying not to bump into her..." Ike twitched slightly at the remark. He wondered why the boss had such strange interests.

"Sorry to break it to you, Pit. But she's your boss who comes here everyday. The chances of you not seeing her are very slim."

"...I'm good at hiding?"

"Right. Now go out there and give Marth a hand. I'm going to show our new crew member around." Pit directed his attention to the one Peach had mentioned, proceeding to scan Ike from top to bottom, looking thoughtful for only a moment.

"I see... So you're the one who's going to work with Marth on nightshifts?" Ike was going to object, but Pit continued in an enthusiastic tone. "I knew it! Zelda's always looking for someone big and strong to bring out a more effeminate side of Marth. The guests will love it!" Ike paled at Pit's theory. He rummaged in his mind for a response but could only leave his mouth hanging open without uttering a sound. "Looking forward to your performance." Pit patted the new member on his shoulder and walked on, being especially quiet near Zelda's door.

"Um... what is this... about bringing out an 'effeminate side of Marth.'..."

"Don't worry too much over it," Peach slipped through the door to 'the closet', Ike following close behind her. She flicked on the lights, letting the white light fill the room immediately. Much to Ike's surprise, the place looked like a professional make-up studio. Clothes on racks lined the walls on every side, with a set of mirrors and make up stations in the centre. Ike was almost afraid that they'd train him for runway rather than catering.

"To the left we have men's clothes, and right is for women. Centre is unisex." Peach took a few outfits out from the left side of the room and shoved them into Ike's arms. "Try them on, would you? Just come out to the front when you're ready."

Ike nodded, still dumbfounded by this extension of the cafe. As he headed to the dressing room, who couldn't help but notice a pink nurse outfit in the corner. He could only guess what went on in his new boss' mind.

::::

Marth knew he wouldn't be able to hide it forever. But he was going to try anyways. Unlike the other cafes, Hyrule Cafe was special due to the interests of Zelda. She was a master of crafts and single-handedly saved this cafe with her innovation. He had been a regular of the cafe before the power shifted to Zelda, and the difference was immediate once the lass took charge. But no matter what changes were made back then, he never expected himself to be part of the infamous nightshift.

"Hey, Marth! How are you?" The upbeat voice of his senior (yes, senior. No one could ever guess Pit's age) sent Marth back into reality. "What's wrong? You seem distracted."

"Just... thinking back to the old days when Zelda first ruled the cafe." He sighed. Why did he get himself dragged into this? Oh right, high pay.

"Ha ha, I see. Well, don't get too distracted though. You know how busy Friday nights can be." Indeed, on Fridays, you could expect the place to be packed by seven. The student checked the clock. Three thirty. He'd have to pick out his night outfit soon.

::::

From the back, Ike came out dressed in a wine blue dress shirt, buttoned to the top, and a pair of black dress pants. Marth noticed the white leather shoes were not part of Ike's usual wardrobe (when did Zelda stock up on shoes?).

Pit whistled at the newcomer. "Lookin' stylish, Ike~" He circled around Ike once, then again going the opposite direction. "Hmm...."

"What?" Ike was starting to worry that his outfit looked ridiculous on him, even if he took much longer than he should've sifting through the pile Peach gave him.

"Lemme just adjust your clothes a bit." Pit reached up and undid the top button of Ike's shirt. Needless to say, he startled the new crew member. "Hey, don't worry, I know what I'm doing!" He continued down the row of buttons until he reached the one just above Ike's belly button. Ike jumped once more when Pit put his hands on his bare chest. A few nanoseconds later, Pit's hands pushed aside the shirt fabric and pulled out the tucked in shirt, leaving Ike's upper body exposed. A red blush formed on the junior's cheeks shortly after.

"U-Um..."

"There we go! Now, the girls will be all over you!" The angelic employee stepped back, showing off the finished product to Marth. The shorter blunette could only laugh.

"He...he looks like a nightclub host, Pit!" Pit looked hurt, but when he examined Ike again, he too had to agree with the statement.

"Wow.... what do you know... He kinda does."

"Thanks for the observation, Marth. Not helping."

"Everyone has to experience the 'dreaded first day of work'. You'll look back years from now and thank me for the memories."

"Doubt it." The conversation would've flowed perfectly fine, but Pit decided to open his mouth.

"Maybe that's why Zelda picked him to be your partner. Your fangirls will tip triple as much with him around you, Marth!" Marth froze. Ike's jaw dropped. Did he hear that right....???

"Wait, what fangirls--"

"No! No! Don't take it seriously, Ike. Pit is speaking nonsense again! Ha ha, he's always such a joker."

"Oh, I should show Ike that picture of you in the maid dress! He'll love i- OW." Pit quickly shut his mouth when he felt a sharp pain on his butt. Marth should consider cutting his nails before pinching because it hurt like hell.

"Oh Pit. You're. So. Funny." Had he the courage, Pit would've squeaked out loud and ran outside to escape that glare on Marth's face. That glare along with the smile. When Marth smiled like that, it could only be bad news. But because it was so intimidating, Pit kept his feet planted to the tiled floor.

Meanwhile, unknown to what had been happening behind the scenes, Ike could only ponder on the last statement he heard: Marth in a maid dress. Oddly enough, the image he thought up in his head was rather pleasing. He blamed the university student for having such a feminine face and flawless white skin.

A group of school girls entered the cafe at this time, waiting for service. Ike swallowed. They'd be his first batch of customers on this job. Marth nudged him with an elbow and handed him an apron. "Let's get to work." Ike did an affirmative gesture, but the entire time he was trying to get his roommate's image out of his head.

"Welcome to Hyrule Cafe."

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TBC.

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Again, another failed attempt at a long one-shot, but I figured the time skips provided by chapter fics would be nicer for this one. The plot is set out; I just have to type it!

The only thing I'm unsure of is the rating. At the moment, I'm thinking of keeping it at T, but it's possible to push it to M. Some feedback, perhaps? My fiction only lies in those two ratings; I'd like to know what you guys prefer.

Other comments and critiques are more than welcome, of course! I try my best to respond!

- Fhal