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Vampire was getting anxious.
Two months wasn’t.. that long, right? He’d never dated seriously before this, so he wasn’t sure.
But, still. Two months in, and him and Licorice hadn’t even kissed. That had to be weird, right? He figured relationships went much quicker than this. Well, at least that’s what all the stories had said, anyways. He had no idea of the authenticity of them.
Vampire tried to brush these thoughts off as he examined himself in the mirror. He was anxiously running a wide toothed comb through his hair, a small frown on his face. He looked as unbelievably dashing as ever, no doubt about that. Licorice had still been asleep when he’d headed to the bathroom to get ready for the day, and with his sleeping schedule, Vampire doubted he’d be up anytime soon. He pondered what to do for a moment, before settling on making breakfast for the both of them. He was sure Licorice would appreciate it, even if he wasn’t a top notch chef. He was certainly much better than Licorice, at least- Vampire didn’t even trust him to make microwavable macaroni. He’d tried, once, and the microwave started smoking, so they’d both decided it was best if Vampire did most of the cooking, and Licorice did cleaning, laundry, stuff like that. Vampire had worried it was too much work, but Licorice was.. much more energetic than he was, and he’d assured him it would be fine.
Vampire buttoned up his shirt, before spinning on his heel to head towards the kitchen. He made sure to walk quietly until he got far enough away from the bedroom- wouldn’t wanna wake the little greasy bastard that was still asleep. He hurried off to the kitchen, opening up the cabinets to pull out what he needed, and began his task.
Time passed much quicker than he thought it would, and before he knew it, he had a moderately acceptable breakfast. Eggs, toast- the basics, y’know. He’d made two plates, of course, setting each plate and their respective drink onto a tray. He’d gotten himself, of course, a small glass of grape juice- not alcoholic, he wouldn’t get drunk THIS early in the morning. He’d decided to get Licorice his usual- a mug of a liquid that could barely be considered coffee. He didn’t exactly understand, but Licorice liked his coffee just.. filled with milk and sugar. He couldn’t judge, though, Vampire thought as he swiftly carried the tray down the hall back to their bedroom. He peered around the doorway at Licorice, who was still asleep in bed, looking thoroughly exhausted. His bags were darker than ever, and his hair was an absolute mess- tangled, messy, all that shit. He looked perfect, of course.
Vampire walked in quietly, setting down the tray on their desk next to a photo of himself and Alchemist. He hesitated, before leaning over the bed and gently shaking Licorice by the shoulders. The man groaned, swatting weakly at his hand. Vampire snickered softly, reaching up to ruffle his hair before pulling back. “Morning, sunshine.”
Licorice grunted as he forced open one eye to peer up at him, before his usual frown came into place.
“Ugh… Good morning. I wish you were dead.”
Vampire’s grin widened. “Aw. Really? I had no idea I meant so much to you. Anyways-“ He stepped back, gesturing to the tray. “Your dearly beloved boyfriend has gone out of his way to make breakfast for you. You’re welcome.”
Licorice blinked at him owlishly, rubbing his eyes sleepily with his hand. “O-oh.. Are you sure? You, uh, you didn’t have to.”
Waving a hand dismissively, Vampire nodded. “Yes, I’m sure. I know, I spoil you. I wouldn’t have made it if I wasn’t sure. Ah-“ He raised a finger in disapproval as Licorice started to climb out of bed. “Don’t worry, there’s a tray for a reason, you can stay in bed.”
Licorice frowned, before settling back into the mattress. “..Fine, but if we get crumbs on the sheets, it’s your fault.”
Vampire hummed with another quick nod, lifting up the tray and walking around the bed to his side. “Wouldn’t have it any other way, dearest.” He clambered into bed next to him, pulling the blanket back up over himself and setting the tray in his lap. Licorice hastily shuffled over to him and rested his head against his shoulder. In response, Vampire slid his arm loosely around him, pulling him close against his side. “You’re sure touchy this morning.” He mumbled, resting his cheek against the top of Licorice’s head.
The smaller man grumbled softly and buried his face into the crook of Vampire’s neck. “It’s ‘cause I’m still tired and you’re warmer than the bed. Don’t let it give you an ego.” Vampire only hummed in affirmation, lifting up Licorice’s mug for him. He took it quickly, before pausing and glancing down into it, before up at Vampire once more. “It… This has sugar, right?”
Vampire chuckled softly, nodding. “Yes. I could never forget. You threaten to execute me every time I forget, so I learned.”
Licorice smiled for a moment in response, taking a small sip from his mug before sighing and setting it back on the tray. Vampire watched him for a moment as his boyfriend settled back onto his shoulder. He smiled warmly at him, closing one eye and hugging him a bit closer. “You’re cute when you smile, y’know.” He purred, resting his cheek against his head.
Licorice huffed, rolling his eyes. “Ugh. Liar. It’s not supposed to be cute, it’s an evil smile.” He grumbled, but Vampire didn’t miss the way his cheeks reddened slightly at the compliment, and the way the corners of his lips turned slightly upwards.
Vampire thought for a moment about having mercy on the poor man, before hugging him tighter and raising one hand to tangle his fingers in the shorter man’s dark hair. “Mm, no, I mean it. You’re adorable.”
Licorice blinked in surprise, his shoulders tensing slightly, stammering over a response for a moment. “I-I— you.. uh-“ He mumbled incoherently for a couple seconds, before raising his hands to clutch weakly onto Vampire’s shirt and burying his face into his chest. “Shut up.” He grumbled into him, shaking his head into his chest.
Vampire laughed lightly, deciding to take mercy on him and just ruffling his hair with a happy sigh and going to take a sip of his own drink. Licorice stayed nestled into his chest, still gently grabbing onto the fabric of his shirt. Vampire just shrugged it off and went to eat his food.
After a couple minutes of this, Licorice finally pulled back with a soft grunt, before following up with Vampire to eat his food as well. Vampire had finished by the time he started, so he just instead buried his face into Licorice’s hair and waited for him to finish, still cradling him close against his side.
A few more minutes of comfortable silence passed, before Licorice finally finished up his coffee, sighing softly as he lowered the mug. Vampire wordlessly took the tray and slid it onto their smaller bedside table, tugging Licorice a bit closer.
After a moment of silence, Licorice glanced up at him. “..Uh, do you.. mean it?”
Vampire paused, caught off guard. “Huh? Mean.. Mean what?”
Licorice fumbled with the sleeves of his shirt for a moment, biting his lip and glancing off to the side. He was blushing. God, he was so perfect. “You- uh.. what you said earlier. Did you really mean it, or were you just.. I don’t know, saying stuff?”
Vampire stared dumbly for a moment, before a sunny smile spread across his face once more. “Oh, about you being cute! Of course I meant it, love, you’re precious.” He cooed as he reached down to pinch Licorice’s cheek with his thumb and forefinger.
Licorice pawed his hand away with a slight pout, shuffling to lean further into his shoulder. “..Okay, I-I guess.” He hesitated for a moment. “This is stupid, but, uh, you promise?”
He was so precious, Vampire could’ve burst into tears on the spot. But he instead just beamed down at him and nodded, raising up his hand and holding out his pinky. Licorice looked confused for a moment, before sighing and begrudgingly holding up his own and linking it with Vampire’s. “There. Pinky promise, dear, you are the most adorable person I’ve ever met.”
Licorice sighed contentedly, even though the look on his face was nothing other than pure embarrassment. “Okay. I, uh.. Thanks. Or- whatever, I don’t know-“
Vampire just nodded, hesitantly lifting up Licorice a bit to let him lay against his chest instead. Licorice went along with him easily, closing his eyes and nuzzling into his chest once he got into position. Vampire couldn’t be happier- he had the most precious man in the entire damn world cuddled up to him, but.. Something was still gnawing at him.
Of course, it was that stupid, stupid kiss thing. Vampire wanted to kiss him so badly- he wanted to kiss him until he was breathless and shaking, until he couldn’t even think-
Instead of doing this, he just cleared his throat and said one word. “Licorice?”
The man nestled into him looked up with tired eyes, nodding slightly. “Hmmh..?” He tilted his head a bit. His eyes widened slightly when Vampire tugged him closer to his face, until their lips were only a few inches apart.
Vampire stared at him for a moment, eyes half lidded and his brows furrowed in worry. “..You’re so perfect, dear. I just.. want you to know that.”
Licorice’s mouth hung open for a moment as he blinked stupidly at him. He was clearly startled by the closeness. “You- you- uh-“ He blinked furiously a few more times, his face becoming that familiar shade of pink. “Am- am not. Liar.” He finally settled on. He didn’t move away, though- instead raising one hand to rest it on Vampire’s chest.
Vampire paused, lifting up his hand to cup Licorice’s face. “You are.” He murmured, glancing him over as the man in front of him grew ever more flustered.
“..Can I kiss you?” Vampire whispered softly, and he couldn’t be even an inch away from his lips at this point. He could smell the coffee on his boyfriend’s quivering lips.
Licorice stared for a moment, before nodding wordlessly and clutching tighter onto his shirt. Vampire didn’t miss a beat, tugging him forward and gently pressing his lips to his. It was.. clumsy, and messy, and Vampire’s absurdly large teeth got in the way more than once. Licorice still tasted like coffee, and his lips were chapped and dry. It was perfect.
After the most amazing three seconds of Vampire’s life, he pulled back, beaming, before his smile immediately dropped. Licorice was… oh no. His eyes were clearly wet, and his face was too red, a slight sniffle coming from him as soon as he pulled back. Vampire’s heart nearly snapped in half, before he hurriedly cupped Licorice’s face again to tilt his head up to make him look at him. “Darling- darling, what’s wrong? We don’t have to do it again, if you don’t want to-“ He trailed off as a few tears rolled down Licorice’s cheeks, a soft whimper escaping him.
Licorice sniffled for a moment, raising one hand to wipe at his eyes. “You..” He started, before letting out another shaky sigh. “I.. I’m in love with you. Like, uh.. really in love.” He said breathlessly, eyes glued to Vampire’s chest- he was looking everywhere but his face. “Um.. Is- is that… okay?”
Vampire paused for a long moment, before a relieved smile spread over his face. “Of course. Of course that’s okay.” He reassured him, before wrapping his arms around Licorice and hugging him tightly to his chest. Licorice tensed up in his arms, before melting into his embrace and tentatively hugging him back. He felt so.. small like this. He was thin and frail- Vampire could probably throw him, if he wanted to. He’d never do that, of course, he just wanted nothing more than to hold him in his arms forever. “I’m in love with you, too.” He whispered into Licorice’s hair, rubbing small circles into his back as he cradled him closely.
Licorice let out a weak sob, burying his face into Vampire’s chest. He was gripping onto Vampire’s shirt with all the strength he could muster, but even that wasn’t much. “I-I.. you-“ He whimpered weakly again, and Vampire could feel wetness seeping through his shirt where Licorice had buried himself into. He didn’t mind. “You.. are- are you sure? I-I can be, um, a lot. I’m.. I’m really.. loud, and I can be kind of annoying, and I don’t really know how to show.. affection, and-“
Vampire shushed him, closing his eyes and pressing a kiss to the top of his head. “Of course. Yeah, of course I’m sure. I’ve never been more sure about anything in my entire life, darling.” He said softly. Licorice nodded wordlessly into him. “Look at me?” Vampire asked quietly, slightly loosening his grip on Licorice.
Licorice pulled away to look up at him, a fragile, tearful smile on his face. When Vampire rested a hand on his cheek, Licorice immediately leaned into the touch, grabbing for his wrist to pull him closer.
Vampire gently wiped some tears from his cheek with his thumb, leaning forward to press a small kiss to the tip of his nose. “You don’t have to worry. I’m just as new to this as you are, sweetheart.” He smiled down at him.
Licorice nodded slowly, closing his eyes and leaning further into Vampire’s hand. “Okay.” He whispered. “..Thank you.” He murmured as he hugged onto Vampire’s forearm.
Vampire smiled wider. “Of course. I love you. So, so much. You are so..” He sighed softly, kissing his forehead and pulling him close with his free arm. “You’re perfect. And beautiful. And so, so smart.”
Licorice purred slightly at the praise, nuzzling into his hand. “Mmh.. tell me more.” He murmured tiredly.
Vampire obliged him, of course. How could he not? “I love when you get excited after you learn a new spell. And I love how you get all embarrassed when you ask me to help tie your cloak. And when you ramble about the things you like?” He did a chef’s kiss. “Amazing. Beautiful. Fantastic.”
Licorice giggled softly, leaning into his chest. “Mm.. you mean it?” He was uncharacteristically giddy, and Christ, was it adorable.
Vampire nodded with a slight grin. “One hundred percent, darling.” He pressed another chaste kiss to his lips, which, to his surprise, Licorice quickly returned enthusiastically. He pulled back after a moment, ruffling his hair once more.
Licorice sighed in content. “Mm, okay... You’re stupid.” He said softly, raising a hand to rest on his chest as he buried his face back into it. He was tracing small hearts into Vampire’s collarbone with his finger. “..You love me?”
Vampire nodded quickly. “I love you.” He affirmed.
“Promise?”
“Promise.”
Licorice was satisfied with that, it seemed, as he closed his eyes and went quiet, wrapping both his arms and legs around Vampire, humming softly into his chest.
Vampire was positively over the moon. He didn’t show it much, though- just gazed adoringly down at him, running a hand through his hair lovingly. “You’re still sleepy, dear..?”
Licorice nodded hesitantly, clinging tighter to him. “Is that okay?”
Vampire smiled warmly, nodding and continuing to pet him. “Of course. You go to sleep, dearest. I’ll be right here when you wake up.”
Licorice hummed in acknowledgment, nodding and going silent. Vampire went quiet as well, simply cradling the man closer to him and closing his eyes. They both quickly fell asleep, and Vampire was happy to report that when they woke up, Licorice didn’t even hesitate before giving him a good morning kiss.