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“Athel? Baby?” Cynlaef calls as he heads down the hall and down the steps. “Are you up?”
Osbert trails behind him slowly. “He should be still asleep.” He grumbles. “And so should we.” He yawns and stretches his arms over his head. Rolling his neck and cracking his spine and he lets out a low groan.
Cynlaef raises an eyebrow as he glances over his shoulder. “You sound like an old man.”
Osbert shrugs as he leans closer to Cynlaef, wrapping an arm around him. His other hand snakes down and pinches him on the ass. “I’m a little tired and sore after last night.” He says, nipping the other man on the back of the ear.
Cynlaef snorts as he twists around and wraps his arms around Osbert’s waist. “Didn’t hear you complaining last night.” He says as he leans close enough to brush the tip of his nose against Osbert’s.
Osbert shrugs. “Didn’t complain last night because it was fucking amazing but now I’m cranky and tired and I deserve a day in bed. Or at least a few more hours.”
Cynlaef tilts his head and lifts a hand to Osbert’s face. He cups his cheek and brushes his fingers under the other man’s eye. “Poor baby.”
“Damn right, I am!” Osbert nods. “Now take me back to bed now please!” There’s a very distinct whine in his voice.
Cynlaef giggles as he pulls away and detangles himself. He grabs Osbert’s hand and laces their fingers together before he tugs on him. “Come on. Let’s find Athelstan and then we’ll spend the day in bed, alright?”
Osbert exhales loudly and nods. “Better be fast.” He grumbles.
Cynlaef smiles as he tugs on him again. “Just come on.” They continue through their apartment but soon the smell of sugar greets them and Cynlaef thinks he can hear Osbert’s stomach rumble. He giggles again as they head into the kitchen. “Athelbaby?”
Athelstan looks up as he hears the voice. He smiles and waves, his hand covered with an oven mitt. He’s dressed only in a pair of very faded, loose sleeping pants and a very bright pink, frilly apron. He turns as the oven timer beeps and bends to pull the door open. He quickly grabs the tray of cookies and sets them on the stove before he turns and grabs a tray of uncooked dough. He puts them in the oven, closes the door, and sets the timer. Then he takes off the oven mitt, picks up a spatula, and starts moving the cookies to the cooling rack.
Osbert blinks and rubs his eyes as he takes in the bright pink that is Athelstan. “What are you wearing?”
Cynlaef smiles as he steps closer and leans against the counter. “That’s the apron I got you as a gag gift for our 2 month anniversary, isn’t it?”
Athelstan laughs and nods as he holds up the spatula and twirls. The apron kicks up a little, fluttering around him. Then he picks up the hem like it’s a dress and does a little curtsey. He catches Osbert’s gaze and the other man looks confused. Athelstan resumes moving the cookies and clears his throat. “Before you, Os.” He says awkwardly.
“Oh.” Osbert says slowly and nods.
Cynlaef leans closer and brushes his shoulder against Obsert’s. “Before we met you.” He says softly.
Osbert sighs deeply as he leans against the counter. “I know you two were together before me… but I guess… I just forget… because I like the three of us together.” He mumbles and shrugs.
Athelstan nods as he picks up a cookie and holds it out to Osbert. “I do too.” He says softly. Osbert hums as he takes the cookie. It’s still warm and he breaks it in half, watching the chocolate chips ooze a little. Cynlaef leans across the counter and reaches for a cookie. Athelstan frowns and immediately smacks his hand with the spatula. “No!”
Cynlaef yanks his hand back and pouts. “Why does Os get one and I don’t?”
“These aren’t for you!” Athelstan says.
Cynlaef glares at him. “You gave Os one!”
Athelstan waves the spatula around. “Because he’s sad!”
“Well… I’m sad now too!” Osbert hands half his cookie to him and Cynlaef quickly takes it. He lifts his half to his mouth and moans as he takes a bite. It’s warm and gooey and just perfect.
Osbert smiles and hands Cynlaef the rest of his cookie before he quickly leans across the counter and grabs another cookie. “I’m still sad so I need another one.” He says as he pushes away from the counter before Athelstan can swat at him. “And I need milk.”
Athelstan huffs out as he watches Osbert head to the cabinets. “Fine.” He pushes the tray to the center of the counter. “These are for you but you can’t have the next batch!” He says, pointing the spatula at Cynlaef.
Osbert grabs a coffee cup and turns for the fridge. He balances the mug and his cookie as he opens the fridge and grabs the milk. He pours himself a cup before he shuts the door and turns back to dart across the kitchen. He leans against the counter beside Cynlaef and sets the mug of milk between them. Cynlaef immediately dips the other half of his stolen cookie into the milk before eating it. Osbert smiles as he does the same. “Who’s the other batch for?” He asks between chewing.
Athelstan picks up a cookie and breaks it in half. He stretches across the counter and dips it into their milk. “Santa.” He answers with a straight face before he takes a bite.
Osbert blinks. “Santa. Like… Santa? Santa!”
Athelstan nods. “Yeah, for Santa.”
Osbert and Cynlaef exchange a quick glance. “Athelbaby… you know…”
Athelstan rolls his eyes as he dunks his cookie again. “I know he’s not real but my sister and I used to make cookies for Santa with the nuns and I just… I wanted to make them.”
Cynlaef smiles. “Okay, that’s sweet. But… what are you going to do with them?”
“Leave the best looking ones out on a plate near the tree.” Athelstan says with a duh tone in his voice.
Osbert raises an eyebrow. “So… then they’re free game if someone wakes up and eats them?” Cynlaef elbows him and Osbert shrugs. “Just asking.”
Athelstan laughs and nods. “Yes. After Christmas Eve. Then you can have them.”