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The tray of brownies sat innocently on the kitchen table, Nina’s scrawled note propped next to it: “Special Brownies – Enjoy responsibly.”
And, well, Wylan can’t resist an offered treat.
Wylan, entirely oblivious to the implications of “special,” had helped himself to two before heading off to find Jesper.
Jesper was tinkering with his pistols at the small workbench in their shared room when Wylan burst in, cheeks flushed and eyes sparkling.
“Jesper!” Wylan exclaimed, practically bouncing on his feet.
Jesper grinned at Wylan’s enthusiasm, leaning back in his chair. “To what do I owe the pleasure, merchling?”
Wylan didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he darted forward, looping his arms around Jesper’s neck and pressing a kiss to his lips.
“Well, hello,” Jesper murmured, very pleased, as Wylan deepened the kiss. “Someone’s feeling bold tonight.”
Wylan giggled against his lips, his hands roaming a little more insistently. Jesper pulled back slightly, surprised by Wylan’s unusually forward demeanor.
“Not that I’m complaining,” Jesper said, “but are you alright, love?”
“Perfect,” Wylan replied dreamily, nuzzling Jesper’s neck. “You’re perfect.”
Jesper chuckled, but concern flickered in his eyes as he noticed Wylan’s dilated pupils and the faint sway in his movements.
“Wylan, did you eat something unusual today?” Jesper asked, gently holding Wylan’s face to look at him more closely.
Wylan frowned, as if trying to remember, then gasped. “Brownies! Nina made brownies!”
“Oh no,” Jesper said, immediately putting the pieces together. “Wylan—”
But Wylan darted away before Jesper could finish, his laughter echoing down the hallway.
Kaz was deep into his nightly work when Wylan burst into his office, closing the door behind him with a loud thud.
“Can I hide in here?” Wylan asked, grinning as he leaned against the door.
Kaz stared at him, perplexed. “What are you talking about, Van Eck?”
“Jesper’s looking for me,” Wylan whispered conspiratorially, creeping over to Kaz’s desk. “But I’m hiding. You won’t tell, right?”
Kaz’s eyes narrowed as he observed Wylan’s flushed face and uncharacteristically playful demeanor. “What’s wrong with you?”
“Nothing!” Wylan said, spinning in place. He suddenly stopped, his gaze landing on Kaz’s liquor cabinet. “Oh! Is that whiskey? I’m thirsty.”
Before Kaz could stop him, Wylan made a beeline for the cabinet, fumbling with the handle.
“Enough,” Kaz snapped, moving swiftly to intercept him. He took Wylan by the shoulders and steered him toward the couch. “Sit. Don’t move.”
Wylan pouted but obeyed, flopping onto the couch. Kaz poured a glass of water and handed it to him, watching closely as Wylan drank.
“You’re high,” Kaz said flatly.
Wylan giggled, setting the glass down. “You’re so smart, Kaz. You know everything. And you’re so... so dashing.”
Kaz froze, his expression caught between exasperation and disbelief. “You’re clearly out of your mind.”
Wylan stood, wobbling slightly, and before Kaz could stop him, wrapped his arms around Kaz in a shy, loose hug. “You’re the best, you know? You act all grumpy, but you care. I like you.”
Kaz stiffened but didn’t push Wylan away. “Sit down before you fall over,” he grumbled.
Satisfied, Wylan curled up on the couch, his head resting on one of the cushions. Within minutes, he was fast asleep, his chest rising and falling steadily.
Kaz sighed, pulling a blanket from the back of the couch and draping it over Wylan.
Jesper burst into the office a short while later, his worry evident. “Kaz, have you seen—oh.”
He stopped in his tracks, taking in the sight of Wylan curled up under the blanket, and Kaz sitting at his desk with an expression that was both annoyed and strangely fond.
“He’s fine,” Kaz said curtly. “Nina’s brownies.”
Jesper exhaled, rubbing a hand over his face. “Of course. I should’ve guessed.”
Kaz shot Jesper a glare. “Keep a better eye on him next time.”
Jesper stepped closer, crouching by the couch to brush Wylan’s curls out of his face. “Thanks for looking after him,” he said softly.
Kaz didn’t respond, turning back to his papers. But as Jesper gathered Wylan into his arms to carry him back to their room, he caught the faintest twitch of a smile on Kaz’s lips.