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The weather was quite pleasant that Sunday, so Barok and Kazuma decided to eat breakfast outside, in the garden. The food itself wasn’t different from usual, but the fresh air and change in scenery seemed to give it a new taste.
That was nice… Since Klint and Irene passed away, Barok had avoided those small pleasures, which reminded him too much of his brother and sister-in-law. Now, with Kazuma’s frequent presence in his home, he was relearning to enjoy such things again, disconnecting them from those painful memories.
Kazuma drank his tea, gazing distractedly at the flowers. It had taken the two of them some time and effort to turn that mix of overgrown and dry plants into a presentable garden once again, but the result was lovely—maybe not as stunning as it once had been, with Irene and their gardener taking constant care of it, but still pleasant, especially since now it was theirs.
Barok took a slice of the cake Iris brought them the previous afternoon—strawberries and cream—and, as he was about to take a bite, he stopped the small fork halfway to his mouth. Once again, he looked at Kazuma: being there with him reminded Barok of something Klint and Irene did sometimes, in mornings when their spirits were particularly high.
“Kazuma…”
“Hm?”
With a slight smile on his face, Barok brought the fork closer to Kazuma, who looked from it to Barok.
“What are you…?”
“I’m trying to feed you,” said Barok.
“Yes… I can tell.”
His confused reaction made Barok’s confidence falter a little. “Is this strange?”
“No,” Kazuma said, quickly. “I mean, just unexpected.”
“I see. I thought it was a common thing between couples.”
“Well, it might be… I wouldn’t know.” Kazuma shrugged, smiling at him. “Fine, go ahead.”
He opened his mouth, and, carefully, Barok brought the cake to it. It didn’t seem difficult when he imagined the scene, and yet, a slight tremble of his hand made him stain the corner of Kazuma’s mouth with cream.
“Oh, I apologize…”
“Seriously, Barok…” Kazuma spoke with his mouth full, staring at him in disappointment. “You ruined the romantic atmosphere.”
Barok shook his head. “It had already been ruined by your grin.”
“So, now it is my fault…”
“It certainly would not be mine.”
“Because you are too perfect to make mistakes?”
“Precisely.”
Kazuma sighed, cleaning the cream from his face with his thumb, licking it. “I need to do something about that confidence of yours…”
Barok observed him, amused. “What do you have in mind?”
“Nothing yet, but I’ll come up with something.”
“How mischievous.”
Kazuma laughed, taking a sip of his tea. “But I’m surprised… Who would have imagined that Prosecutor van Zieks had such a corny side?”
Barok brought his hand to Kazuma’s chin, lifting it. “What have you just said?”
Kazuma grinned. “That you are the most gorgeous man I’ve ever laid my eyes upon.”
Barok tried, but failed to hold back a smile. “What am I going to do with you…?”
“I have a few suggestions.”
“Don’t even begin.”
“You underestimate my imagination, especially when I’m this close to such a handsome man.” Kazuma stopped for a moment. “You know, now that I think about it… Maybe it’s my fault that you got too confident.”
“It took you this long to realize it, love?”
Kazuma leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand while looking at Barok. “Aren’t you particularly bold this morning, my dear lord?”
“What can I say… It is a nice morning.” He reached for Kazuma’s face, caressing it. “And with some lovely company, as well.”
“You can’t win me with sweet words, you know?”
“Would you want me to stop?”
“Don’t you dare.”
Barok smiled, closing the distance between them, giving Kazuma a brief kiss on the lips. Kazuma hummed, seeming pleased.
“Alright, time for me to return the favor.” Kazuma took a piece of his cake, then brought the fork close to Barok’s mouth. “Open wide.”
Barok stared at that small piece of cake, unable to react for a moment. Then, he averted his gaze, feeling a strong warmth cover his face.
“This is embarrassing…”
His response made Kazuma furrow his brow. “You did the same thing to me just now.”
“I know… I did it without thinking.”
Kazuma simply stared at him for a long while, and Barok couldn’t gather the courage to meet his gaze.
“Barok…” said Kazuma in a low, paused manner. “Open your mouth, or I’ll make it even more embarrassing for you.”
“Please, don’t.”
“You know I will.”
Yes, Barok knew it way too well. Sometimes, to the point of wondering how he had managed to survive for so long with such a bold man as his lover. He briefly glanced around, then at Kazuma, who seemed to notice his plans, narrowing his eyes.
“Don’t you even think about—”
Before he could do anything, Barok jumped off the chair, sprinting away from Kazuma.
“Come back here!”
He could hear Kazuma dashing after him. Barok didn’t really have a plan after that, so he simply kept going; however, Kazuma was a faster runner than himself, and soon managed to grab him by the wrist, pulling him back. He pushed Barok against the wall, trapping him in place by slamming his hands on both sides of Barok’s head.
“Barok van Zieks!”
They stared at each other for a moment. Kazuma was doing his best to look angry, but Barok’s attention was somewhere else: he was at the tip of his toes, and still wasn’t tall enough to face him without having to look up.
So adorable…
Barok covered his mouth with a hand, barely able to contain a small laugh. Kazuma managed to keep his angry expression, but a red flush covered his face.
“What are you laughing about?” he asked.
“Nothing.”
“Do you have a problem with my height?”
Barok couldn’t hold it back any longer, giggling at that irritated tone. Kazuma grumbled something as he moved away, sitting on the floor with his knees bent, burying his face in his arms. Barok crouched beside him, hugging his shoulders, kissing his head.
“You have the perfect height,” said Barok.
“This doesn’t make me feel better, coming from you.”
“It gives me a comfortable rest for my chin.”
Kazuma raised his head, glaring at him. “Anything else you want to say, my lord?”
“Yes.” Barok made an effort to keep a straight face. “Your excessive anger makes you look even more adorable than usual.”
Kazuma grunted, and Barok took great pleasure in that reaction.
“You’re so annoying,” said Kazuma.
“To be fair,” said Barok, “usually, I am the target of your annoyance. I am simply returning the favor.”
“You say that as if you don’t love my annoyance.”
“I suppose I became used to it.”
Kazuma sighed. He leaned in Barok’s direction, reaching for his cheek, lightly pinching it. “Why do you have to be so difficult?”
“For your enjoyment, of course.” Barok took his hand, kissing his wrist. “Are you pleased?”
Kazuma smiled. “Very much.”
Barok pulled him closer into a hug. They stayed like that for a moment, then Barok stood up, offering Kazuma his hand.
“Come,” he said. “Our tea will get cold.”
Kazuma didn’t protest, and soon they were back at the garden table and their unattended breakfast. Kazuma looked at his slice of cake, then raised his eyes.
“Will you let me, now?”
The idea was still embarrassing, but Barok wasn’t willing to try a second escape. Slightly reluctant, he responded.
“As you wish…”
Kazuma fed him the cake, managing not to make a mess like Barok did; then, he observed Barok with a pleased smile.
“How was it?”
“Not as bad as I thought,” Barok admitted.
“See?” He laughed to himself, taking another piece of cake. “More?”
The question made Barok smile. “Please.”
Now he could understand why Klint and Irene enjoyed it so much.