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Rhaast burst into the front door, somehow opening it without his hands. They were full, carrying what seemed like 20 grocery bags and dropping them to the floor with a huff.
“Hey! Don’t drop those!” Kayn rushed over to the bag, reaching for a carton of eggs sticking upwards from one of the bags, looking them over for cracks. “These are delicate!”
Rhaast rolled his eyes and swatted his hand in annoyance. “But they’re fine... see?” He picked up an egg and turned it around in his hand. “Look, they’re fine. Besides, I got all the bags in one trip. And I got everything on the list.” Rhaast took out a crumped ball of paper from his pocket and tossed it on the table.
“Everything on there is in here,” he pointed at the floor and looked up at the ceiling. “In our house. So let’s start.”
Kayn huffed and put the carton onto the table. They were alright, still in one piece. It’s all he could ask for from a demon. Kayn went to the stove, reaching into the cabinet above to pick up a cookbook. Meanwhile, Rhaast unloaded all the bags, half throwing, half placing the contents onto the floor.
“Rhaast!” Kayn hissed, putting down the book and rushing over to the door. “The fruits and veggies directly onto the floor... really?”
“What?” Rhaast shrugged. “The floor’s clean, I swept yesterday.”
“Liar,” Kayn said up to Rhaast, poking his nose, a slight smile on his face. “I swept yesterday.”
He helped Rhaast put all the groceries away in their proper places, correcting Rhaast’s haphazard placement along the way. Rhaast sometimes made things harder, always doing this his own way, showing his stubbornness in every action. But that was fine to Kayn. He had the enthusiasm and good intentions, he could work with that,
“Alright, Rhaast.” Kayn said as he put on his apron, motioning his head towards the second one on the kitchen counter. “Let’s get going.” Rhaast grabbed it and put on, standing next to Kayn at the counter.
Kayn brought up a deep pan from a cabinet, setting it down. He walked back to the book he put down, flipping to a page he had marked with a sticky note. “Bird.” Kayn commanded, prompting Rhaast to search the kitchen. Rhaast glanced over at the table: nope, not there. On the counter? Couldn’t see it. Did he leave it in one of the bags?
Kayn snickered. “In the fridge, Rhaast.”
He darted to the door, reaching in and bringing the brilliantly colored bird to Kayn. He set it on the chopping board and grabbed the knife. If there was anything that Rhaast was good for, it was handling meat. Expertly, he began to defeather and prepare it. The brilliant sky blue and crimson feathers gathered in a pile in the trash can.
Meanwhile, Kayn grabbed fruits and vegetables from the fridge. He placed them in a big bowl and rinsed them, cleaning them of dirt and inspecting for pests. Kayn diced them effortlessly, making a colorful pile of reds, greens, yellows, oranges, blues, whites. The scent of fresh produce wafted through the house, smelling sweet and crisp.
Kayn and Rhaast finished processing their foods, stepping back to wash hands and pour some wine. They each took a glass, looking at each other and leaning against the wall. Rhaast took a large sip. Sweet wasn’t really his thing, but this one was Kayn’s favorite, so naturally, it was also his.
A small smile formed on Kayn’s face as he approached Rhaast. He lifted himself to his tippytoes and placed a kiss on the demon’s mouth, wrapping his free hand around his waist and pulling Rhaast to him. He leaned his head against Rhaast’s chest, where he placed another kiss and pulled away.
“Love you,” Kayn said simply as he returned to his station. He placed the now-prepared bird into the pan, covering it with seasonings from glass jars in the cabinet. Rhaast stayed put, leaning against the corner of the counter. He watched Kayn work, absorbing his movements in between sips of wine so sweet it made his teeth hurt. He finished the last sip with a gulp, placing the cup in the sink and approaching Kayn from behind.
Rhaast wrapped his hands around Kayn’s waist, pressing his cheek to his neck. “You’re so pretty when you’re making my favorite foods.” Rhaast mumbled into his neck.
Kayn closed his eyes and leaned against Rhaast, holding each other up. Together, they stayed like that. The world slowed down, nothing mattered, everything that they needed was in this room, in this moment. Kayn buried his nose into Rhaast’s hair, taking in the scent of his person. There was nowhere either of them would rather be.
After what could have been a minute, a week, or a century, Rhaast opened his eyes again. He pulled away, not before leaving a kiss on Kayn’s shoulder.
“Getting hungry...” Rhaast mumbled, placing a final kiss on Kayn’s head. He turned around to Rhaast, smiling at him for a moment.
“Well, I’ll have this done in no time. Don’t want to keep you waiting.”
Kayn returned to the bird, sprinkling herbs and powders of all colors, smells and textures on. He placed the fruits and vegetables in and around the bird, seasoning them as well with vibrant multicolored spice mixtures. Once it was all done just like Rhaast liked it, he lowered it into the oven to cook. Over time, a fragrant, savory smell spread into the kitchen and leaked into the other rooms of their house. Kayn opened a window to let some fresh air in, where he saw Rhaast sitting outside.
Rhaast was sat on the bench in their garden, holding the bones and scrap meat he removed. He tossed them into the forest nearby one by one, watching animals and plants move to grab it. Kayn took a seat next to Rhaast, a chilly breeze passing by making him shiver.
“How do you stay out here? It’s cold, Rhaast.”
Rhaast reached an arm around Kayn’s waist, minding the blood on his hands. “I never really get cold. I like this weather.” He placed a quick kiss on Kayn’s temple. “Go inside, I don’t want you getting cold just ‘cause you want to sit with me, love.”
Kayn got up, returning the kiss with one to Rhaast’s cheek. “I’ll be inside in a minute.” Rhaast called after him as Kayn returned inside, tossing another bone.
Kayn began to wipe down the counter, pushing peels and crumbs into the trash and loading the sink with used utensils. He proceeded to get a large bowl, eggs, flour, and a few more ingredients that the cookbook called for. Kayn cracked eggs, sifted flour, chopped fruit, and measured milk, combining them into the bowl and mixing. He poured them into two pans, placing them into the oven.
He glanced over to the window, where Rhaast’s horns were slightly visible. He was still outside. Perfect, Kayn thought. The cake would be a surprise, as long he stayed out there.
With a sudden urgency, Kayn whipped cream with a mixer, adding fruit juice for taste and color. The white cream turned pink, like fluffy cotton candy. Kayn cut up more fruit for the outside and opened a jar of frosting. The sweet, fruity smell of the cake began to drift, partially drowning out the meat.
To make everything perfect, Kayn began to set the table. He threw a flowered tablecloth over it and set two plates across from each other. The fresh bouquet of flowers Rhaast had picked for him on the way to the market was placed onto the table to the side. Kayn grabbed some new candles and put them on the opposite side, placing a pack of matches nearby for later use.
Kayn glanced out the window again, catching Rhaast’s thin red horns from the same place on the bench. Magically, he was still outside. Probably sketching, Kayn thought. Rhaast didn’t talk much about his art, and rarely showed Kayn any of it. Maybe he was embarrassed to indulge in the arts, uncomfortable with creating when he was made to destroy. Kayn let him be, and got by with the occasional sketch or painting that appeared on his pillow, on top of his clothes, or on his nightstand. The subject was different every time: a scene from the top of a tree, a single flower on a simple background, or a bird pecking at the ground, though one thing remained the same. At the bottom right corner, in red, was the same name over and over. Rhaast. No matter how insecure Rhaast seemed to be about his art, he always claimed it, boldly and proudly with his name in vibrant ink.
It made Kayn happy that Rhaast was able to be vulnerable with him. It must not be easy, learning to love when the word, let alone concept, was previously foreign to you. But Kayn was patient, he had time, and his patience paid off tenfold. Love from a demon was like nothing the world has to offer, and Kayn was lucky to have Rhaast.
Through his thoughts, he barely heard the oven timer. He rushed over, slipping on mitts and removing the cake tins. He brought them onto a rack to cool and finished setting the table. A bucket of ice was brought out, in which he placed a wine bottle and set down glasses. He folded their napkins the way he was taught how, assembling it into an elegant bird, and placing them onto their dishes.
With the help of a fan, the cake managed to cool off in time. Kayn cut the red cakes to size and put the pink cream in the middle, spreading a generous layer before putting the top layer on. He coasted the outside with white frosting, and finished by placing a pattern of pink and red fruits on top. Hurriedly, he made room and pushed it in the fridge, successfully hiding it from Rhaast.
Kayn made his way to the door and peeked his head out. “Honey? I think the food’s ready.”
Rhaast put his tools into a box and set it on the ground. He lifted himself from his spot on the wooden bench and followed his human inside. Kayn lifted the bird from the oven and onto the stove, now golden and cooked. Rhaast washed his hands and pulled a knife from the block and began to cut. He removed the pairs of wings and set them aside, precise and delicate strokes finishing the job quickly. Kayn plated some of the meat and scooped the now-cooked produce soaked in broth onto the dish.
Kayn brought it to the table, dropping the used knife into the sink and placing it in between them. Rhaast moved over from washing his hands to the table where Kayn pulled out his chair for him. Rhaast smiled, giving Kayn a peck on the cheek before sitting down. Kayn lit the candles between them, and quickly sat opposite of Rhaast, watching him look at the meal spread out in front of him.
Rhaast held out his hand, beckoning Kayn. They held each other’s hand over the table, Rhaast’s thumb gliding in figure-8s over Kayn’s knuckles, fingers, and back of his hand.
“Thank you for this...” Rhaast began, meeting and holding Kayn’s gaze. “For all of this. For everything. Thank you, Shieda.” The intimacy of hearing his birth name put pink across his cheeks, and he couldn’t resist the smile that began on his lips and travelled up to his golden eyes.
“Of course. It-” Kayn began. “It’s nothing, really. I just... love seeing you enjoy the things I make for you.” Kayn blinked appreciatively at Rhaast, and gently pulled his hand away. Rhaast followed suit and picked up a fork. Kayn waited for Rhaast to serve himself, and Rhaast waited for Kayn to do the same.
He’s the chef, Rhaast thought. He should have first pick.
I made this for him, he should take all he wants. I’m not even that hungry anyways, Kayn said in his head.
For a minute, they sat in semi-awkward silence, waiting for the other to move, not wanting to move first.
Kayn gave in, grabbing a bone of seasoned meat. Instead of bringing it to his plate, he reached across the table and dropped in on Rhaast’s. He smiled and stuck out his tongue and Rhaast as he sat back down.
“Eat! I made this for you, darling.” Kayn said, “It’s your favorite after all.”
Rhaast huffed and began to serve himself, loading his plate with meat and roasted fruits and vegetables of all colors. Kayn opened the wine and topped off their glasses as Rhaast began to eat. Kayn put his elbows on the table and rested his chin on his hands, watching Rhaast devour his plate. He shoveled forkful after forkful into his mouth, swallowing with what looked like no chewing. It was certainly a sight.
Kayn started to chuckle, catching Rhaast’s attention, making him swallow. “...What?” Rhaast said through a mouth full of food, the single word almost lost in translation.
The chuckle formed into a full-on laugh, as Kayn leaned back in his seat and threw his head back. He took in a gulp of air and leaned his chest against the table.
“You! You’re so...” Kayn pointed at Rhaast, mouth agape to reveal half-chewed vegetables. “Can’t you eat civilly? This was supposed to be romantic, Rhaast.”
A smile on Rhaast’s face appeared that matched Kayn’s which was accompanied with a rumbling laugh. “Well, you insisted that I enjoy myself. And here I am: enjoying myself. You should have been more specific.” Rhaast pointed his dirty fork at Kayn, poking it at him from where he sat to emphasize his point.
“If you say so, Rhaast.” Kayn said to him, narrowing his eyes and maintaining the smile on his lips. He took a piece of meat from the plate, followed by a second scoop of produce and broth.
Kayn followed suit, inhaling his food like Rhaast continued to do. Sloppily, not bothering to move his teeth and making a mess of his neatly prepared plate. This isn’t exactly what he had in mind for a romantic homemade dinner with Rhaast. But it was still romantic, in a way. Their own type of romantic. Rhaast and Kayn romantic.
They couldn’t help but laugh, Kayn at how ridiculous they were being, and Rhaast at how silly Kayn looked trying to mock him. The eating eventually halted and gave way to full-on laughter. The kind that makes your stomach hurt, leaves you gasping for air and releases tears onto your cheeks. Once their breath was spent, all that could be heard were frantic gasps and smacks on the table, both faces scrunched up, bearing huge smiles.
Naturally, whatever was so funny becomes less and less funny by the minute. Finally, their lungs are given mercy and allowed to gulp a full breath of air. Tears were wiped, breaths were caught.
Somehow, through the laughter, Rhaast had cleared the plate of food in front of them. He got up to get a second helping, filling the dish back up. Kayn loved to watch Rhaast enjoy the food he had made for him. His eating slowed down, but progressed nonetheless, until his plate was clear. He rested his utensils on the plate and drank the remainder of the wine in his glass.
Rhaast leaned back against his chair, wiping his mouth with a cloth and letting his head fall back. Kayn felt the same way, too full to move.
“Thank you, Kayn.” Rhaast said from his chair, tilting his head up to face Kayn. “Thank you for making this for me, babe.” The pet name put a smile on Kayn’s face, to which he simply said, “Of course, Rhaast. I love you.” Kayn let himself lay back for a moment, echoing Rhaast’s words in his mind. Babe. God, he was such a sucker for this demon. His demon.
He let out a big sigh before he forced himself up. He gathered their plates and utensils, placing them next to the sink to do later. He grabbed new dishes, placing them on the table, taking advantage of the fact that Rhaast’s eyes were closed.
Kayn went into the fridge, kneeling down to grab the cake. He lifted it up and to the table, walking as quietly as he could. That was all for nothing, as one of Rhaast’s eyes was open as he made it to the table. He placed it in the center, showing it off proudly.
“Surprise!” Kayn said with a smile, moving to Rhaast to leave a kiss on his forehead. “Just for you.”
Rhaast was speechless, staring at the tall cake now in front of him. He said nothing and grabbed Kayn, hugging his waist and holding him close. Kayn’s heart fluttered in his chest, caught off guard by Rhaast’s movement. He put his hand on Rhaast’s head, running his fingers through his dark, curly hair. He’s gotten lost in the coils before, allowing his eyes and fingers to get carried away in them. Rhaast’s grip loosened at the sensation, allowing Kayn to continue for a few moments more.
Rhaast pulled away, standing up and grabbing a knife. He made the first cut, revealing the pink and red insides. He cut a generous piece and grabbed the plate across the table from him. He pushed it back to its place, motioning for Kayn to sit down. Kayn moved to the end of the table, not before quickly darting out to the cake, smearing a glob of frosting onto Rhaast’s nose. Rhaast froze in disbelief, like a spooked cat.
Kayn let out another fit of laughter at Rhaast’s clueless expression. Rhaast soon joined in and caught Kayn off guard. He took his revenge with his own fingerful of frosting, smudging it on Kayn’s nose and dragging a line to his cheek. Kayn moved his head in for a kiss, Rhaast’s tongue sweet, if not a little tempting. Rhaast moved his clean hand to Kayn’s head, pushing him into the kiss. Their tongues met cautiously, not wanting to shatter the delicate pureness of the moment. They pulled away from each other, licking their lips in an attempt to catch what was remaining of the other on themselves.
Finally, their rivalry died down, and they returned to their seats with battle scars of frosting.
Kayn returned to his side of the table, sitting down to the incredibly large slice of cake Rhaast has cut for him. He ate, somehow, despite being full.
“You’re so cute when you do these things for me, Shieda.” Rhaast said in between bites of cake. Kayn couldn’t help but smile back at him.
Rhaast got up from his seat and approached Kayn. He lifted him up into his arms, carrying him bridal style to their room. The slowly setting sun cast the room in an orange glow, pleasantly warm and inviting. Rhaast laid him on the bed gently, placing a kiss on his forehead before climbing onto the bed himself.
They undid the freshly made covers of the bed, lifting them up and crawling underneath. Kayn rolled over to his side, allowing Rhaast to take his place behind him. Rhaast pulled Kayn down so that his head was against his chest, placing his chin on the top of Kayn’s head. He wrapped his arms around Kayn’s midsection, holding him tight and close. Their legs wrapped around each other, somehow finding a comfortable position in a tangled mess.
Rhaast leaned down, leaving kisses along his human’s cheeks, jaw, and behind his ear. A simple “I love you” and warmth was all Kayn sensed as he let himself fall asleep in Rhaast’s grasp.