Fez doesn’t notice it at first.

At first, you’re just… there.

Sitting behind the counter while he counts cash. Hanging around the store when it’s late and quiet. Asking questions that aren’t nosy, just curious—about music, about random things, about how long he’s known Rue.

You don’t push. You don’t judge. You don’t try to impress him.

That’s probably how it starts.

One night, you mention you’re cold. Not complaining—just stating it. Fez pauses mid-sentence, disappears into the back, and comes back with a hoodie.

He doesn’t say anything when he hands it to you.

You take it without making a big deal out of it.

Later, he realizes that was the first time he gave someone his hoodie without thinking twice.

Another time, Ashtray’s playing a game on the floor, laser-focused. You sit nearby, watching quietly. When Ash loses, he curses under his breath.

You just smile and say, “You almost had it.”

Ashtray looks at you. Then hands you the controller.

Fez watches the whole thing, something warm and unfamiliar settling in his chest.

He starts doing small things. Waiting until you get home before locking up. Texting to make sure you ate. Standing a little closer when things get tense.

None of it feels like a choice. It just feels… normal.

Then one night, Rue mentions your name casually.

“You care about them,” she says, not even looking at him.

Fez laughs it off. “Nah.”

But later, when the store is empty and the lights hum softly, he thinks about how he knows your favorite drink. How he notices when you’re quieter than usual.