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Like always, King Ezran was feeling a bit peckish for some jelly tarts. And, of course, like always, Corvus was the one sent to retrieve this magical, mood-fixing snack.
Corvus didn’t know what to expect when he entered Barius’ kitchen that evening, but he definitely wasn't expecting to see Soren coated in flour and angrily cussing out the bread dough.
The smell of fresh bread hit his nose instantly alongside the scent of various jellies and jams.
“Barius? Please, tell me that's you! The bread's revolting!” Soren cried out, trying his best to tame the rogue dough. His dirty blond hair was pulled back by a few pink hairclips with strawberries on them and his apron had ‘kiss the cook’ embroidered into it. Honestly, it looked like he was having the worst battle of his life and he was losing.
“Uh, no, Soren. It's Corvus.” He answered hesitantly. Soren’s head snapped towards him. The man reddened instantly and looked down at his dough covered clothes. He quickly tried to dust off the flour but only managed to make it worse, getting even more unborn bread on his face.
“Corvus! Hey, man.” He chuckled nervously. “I- I know how to bake, I promise! This bread's just…” He glared at the bread as if it were Viren. “...evil. And- and goopy.” He smacked the dough with his rolling pin. The dough stuck to the wood like slime. Soren tried to tear it off unsuccessfully.
Corvus sighed and walked up to Soren's side, grabbing a handkerchief he found on a nearby table to clean his face. Soren let himself be cleaned (though he pouted a bit) and he brushed his hair out of his face again, the hairclips falling out of place.
“Where did you even get these?” Corvus asked curiously, readjusting Soren's clips. Soren paused before replying.
“The market.” He mumbled. “And don’t you dare laugh! I needed something to keep my hair in place!” Corvus smiled gently.
“You know that I would never judge you, right? Plus, they look good on you.” He pushed Soren's hair out of his face lovingly.
“I can help you prepare the bread, you know. I've had a few baking classes.”
“What can you NOT do?” Soren huffed. “You can play the cello, you can track down practically anything, you can fight with CHAINS, and now, you can BAKE?” He caught his breath and resumed his ‘baking’, slathering flour all over the rolling pin. “You are a man of mysteries, Corvus.”
The tracker had no reply to that. He never knew how to react when Soren complimented him like that. Instead, he watched Soren prepare the dough.
“You're doing it wrong.” Corvus pointed out. He took Soren’s hands into his own and showed him how to properly roll around the dough. “See?” He felt Soren's hands shaking under his palms.
“Oh.” He mumbled shyly. “Thanks, Cor. I- I can handle it now.” Corvus pulled his hands off of Soren's reluctantly.
“By the way, where does Barius keep the jelly tarts?” He asked, remembering why he was here in the first place.
“He ran out. He's out right now to buy some fresh jars of jelly. You can't really have jelly tarts without jelly. Then, it would just be… tarts.” He hummed. “He let me help with the bread, though! Not for the jelly tarts. Bread and jelly. Hah! Crazy combo.”
“Do you even know how to bake bread?” Corvus asked skeptically.
“Yes! I mean, sure. A bit.” Soren cleared his throat. “Claudia used to help me.” He finally grumbled. “I wonder if she ever used dark magic to make the bread so good.” He mumbled.
“Let’s not wonder about that.” Corvus suggested. “How did Claudia help?”
“Ah… she… uh…” Soren chuckled shyly. “...did mostly everything.”
“So what did you even do?” Corvus demanded.
“Mix everything up?” He answered hesitantly. Corvus sighed loudly.
“Move.” He ordered, making Soren give him some space in front of the uncooperative dough. He covered his dark hands in flour and started rolling the dough with his hands.
“Ah! What- what are you doing?!” Soren exclaimed. “Claudia and I never did that to our bread!”
“Well, I have and it always worked out just fine.” Corvus replied, tossing the dough around in his hands. “How many herbs did you add in this?”
“None?” Soren answered meekly. Corvus groaned in frustration.
“Where's the… what do you call it, the savory herb? The green one? The one that smells smooth yet sharp?”
“Corvus, all herbs are green and savory!” Soren yelped in panic. “Oh, man, I suck at this! I should've never offered to help Barius!”
“Soren, calm down! It's alright. I'm here to help.” Corvus reassured. His hands were busy rolling around the dough so he bumped Soren with his elbow. “Why did you want to help him, anyways? Don't you have royal, Crown Guard duties?”
“Ezran gave me some time off from my duties.” Soren confessed. “I.. and I just wanted to use this time to… help Barius out.”
He was obviously lying, but he was blushing so much that Corvus didn't want to make him explode from embarrassment by asking him to tell the truth.
“That's very kind of you.” Corvus said. Soren avoided Crovus’ gaze once more.
“I can't let you do all the work.” Soren finally said. “Teach me your ways, Ô sir bread man!” Corvus stared at Soren with the most unamused expression on his face before he nodded at the pack of flour.
“Put that on your hands so that the bread doesn't stick.” Soren obliged, coating his palms in flour. Corvus handed Soren the dough.
“Now, just squeeze it around, alright?” Corvus instructed, keeping his hands close to Soren's in case he made a mistake and needed support. Soren got the hang of it after a while, smiling when he noticed that the bread was finally behaving.
“HAH, yes! Take THAT, you lump of flour!” Soren yelled triumphantly, raising the dough above his head as if he were showing it to some random god as an offering. Corvus lowered Soren's hands so that he could take the raw bread out of his hands. He set it down in a long tray that would mold the bread into a baguette-like shape and he opened the oven, putting it inside. Turning around, he noticed Soren staring at him. He looked nervous, shifting from foot to foot and looking back and forth between the oven and Corvus.
“I better leave.” Corvus announced. “Ezran will have my head for not delivering him his jelly tarts. I should explain the situation to him.”
“O-oh. Right, of course.” Soren nodded, rubbing the back of his neck. Corvus started making his way to the door before Soren suddenly called for him.
“Hey, uh, Cor? When the bread's ready, do you want to try it? I made it for, uh- for the Council! And you're a part of that, so you should try the bread.” He stammered. Corvus raised a curious eyebrow at Soren but he smiled weakly.
“Of course, Soren. As long as you don't burn it.” Corvus teased.
He was about to reach for the exit’s handle until the door suddenly swung open, nearly hitting Corvus in the face.
“Soren! How's the bread going? Oh, I bet it'll knock his socks right off when he tastes it!” Barius exclaimed cheerfully behind the door. He passed by Corvus without even noticing him, setting the jars of jelly onto the table beside Soren, who was staring at Barius as if he was going to strangle him.
“Don't you worry, he'll love it! Just like how he TOTALLY loves-”
“BARIUS. HI.” Soren yelped, his eyelids flying open. “CORVUS is here! Cor-Corvus, say hi!”
What in the world did Corvus just stumble into? He shot a questioning glance at Soren.
“...hello, Barius.” He greeted hesitantly, squinting his eyes like he usually would when he was confused. Soren laughed weakly, his arms tense at his sides.
“The bread is in the oven.” He announced joyfully. “Corvus, uh, helped, too.”
Barius turned to look at Corvus as if he were a ghost.
“Oh! Hello. Didn’t see ya there.”
“I noticed.” Corvus said.
Soren cleared his throat.
“Let’s, uh, make those jelly tarts, huh?” He grinned from ear to ear, but it was obviously forced.
“What’s wrong?” Corvus whispered to Soren. Somehow, for the entirety of the time that they had spent preparing the jelly tarts, (after Corvus had rushed to Ezran to tell him that a fresh batch of tarts were coming his way) Soren had found a way to avoid speaking to Corvus. Soren never stopped talking to Corvus when he was around. Something was up.
Soren nearly jumped when Corvus’ breath brushed against his neck.
“Pfft, why do you think anything’s wrong, Cor?” Soren deflected as he stuffed the tarts with jelly. Somehow, he had gotten jelly on his face. Corvus wiped it off with his thumb, leaving Soren as red at the jam that had fallen onto his cheek.
“Talk to me, Soren. Please.” Corvus pleaded, helping Soren arrange the jelly tarts on the long, metallic tray. Their eyes caught and Corvus felt sparks fly.
“Oh, wow, looks like I have to go, errr- receive a flour delivery! Be right back, you two!” Barius gave Soren a very obvious thumbs-up before leaving out the back door that was surrounded by bags of flour.
Corvus firmly placed his hand on the table between Soren and the jelly tarts, redirecting his friend’s attention to him. With a single raise of the eyebrows, Soren winced and tried his best not to look at anything below Corvus’ eyes.
“I’m sorry!” He blurted out. “I haven't been honest. I… have been feeling weird lately, and I thought that baking would… help.”
“What? Soren, are you sick? Hurt?” Corvus leaned forward, ready to check Soren for any wounds. Soren pushed Corvus’ hands away from his face that was glowing pink.
“No, no.” He laughed softly. “It’s not that. Just…” He sighed weakly. “I- I made the bread for you, Cor.”
Corvus pulled back for a moment, taken aback by the admission.
“For me? Soren, why didn’t you tell me?” He smiled. “There’s nothing wrong with baking me some bread. You just have to warn me so that I can repay you.”
“It was meant to be a surprise. But you barged into the kitchen, and then with all the stuff that Barius said…” Soren facepalmed himself, leaving a faint handprint of jelly on his forehead. “I knew you would catch on. You're just so… so smart and perceptive.” He sighed.
Corvus forced his expression to not let on how surprised and flattered he was, but he still felt his cheeks burn and his lips quirk up.
“You know, you can't expect me to take you seriously with jelly on your face.” Soren touched his forehead, only to feel the sticky jam where his skin should’ve been.
“Ah, shit.” He grumbled, getting ready to facepalm himself again but reminding himself that his hand was covered in jelly and that would only make the problem worse. Corvus chuckled lightly and used the same (cleaned) handkerchief from earlier to clean Soren. Again.
“I can clean myself, you know.” Soren grumbled.
“I'm aware.” Corvus continued nonetheless. He felt the blond's heavy stare on him and he tried his best to not shiver.
“Why did you cut Barius off earlier?” Corvus asked to break the silence.
“He was going to spoil the surprise.” Soren mumbled, smiling meekly.
“Soren, it's just bread.” Corvus reminded dryly.
“I- I know! But the bread's special.”
“How special can bread be?” Corvus laughed. “Hey, I'm flattered by the effort, but it'll be gone in a few hours if I like it enough.”
Soren remained silent, fighting back a smile.
“You'll understand later.” Soren said ominously. Corvus forced himself to not beg Soren to tell him.
They continued preparing the jelly tarts while Soren hummed Camp Katolis songs under his breath.
…
“Wow! These are SO good!” Ezran exclaimed, grinning wide. He was stuffing his face with the freshly made jelly tarts that Soren had carried all the way to the throne room, yapping on about how he was ‘repaying Corvus for his help by saving him from pulling a muscle’ or something.
“You guys are the best! Barius, too! I'll make sure that you never go to jail, ever!” The young king kicked his feet on his throne. Bait shifted in the king’s lap, snorting in annoyance.
“Uh.. thank you, King Ezran.” Corvus said loudly, bowing. Soren clumsily followed his friend's lead. Ezran raised his hand, letting the two stand straight.
“So, are you guys baking together now? That is SO cool.” Ezran giggled. “I have to commission you guys to bake me a giant cake with only jelly tarts on it AND in it!”
“Oh, no. I suck at baking. I nearly burnt everything multiple times.” Soren shook his hands in front of him, smiling modestly.
“That's only because you were too busy singing and dancing to Camp ‘K-A-T-O-L-I-S’ songs.” Corvus grumbled under his breath.
“Hey, I heard you humming along, chain-man! I even saw you sway your hips a bit to the beat, Mister ‘I used to lead the songs at Camp Katolis but I never actually sang them in front of Soren to prove it’!” Soren imitated how Corvus supposedly danced, putting his hands on his hips and moving them from side to side at his imaginary song beat.
“I did not dance, especially not like that.” Corvus denied indignantly.
‘‘Uh, yes, you did.” Soren objected with a smirk. Playfully, he bumped his side to Corvus’. “C'mon, don't be shy!”
Corvus shot Soren the most frustrated and embarrassed glare known to man.
Ezran laughed heartily, patting Bait's head to channel his intense giggling.
“Hahah! Oh, I am so happy that you two are getting along.” He sighed, trying to calm down. “It's like seeing a see-saw finally even out.”
“What?” Corvus squinted at Ezran.
“What, what? You know! Your personalities balance each other out. Corvus is all moody and calm while Soren is goofy and expressive! It's the perfect match!”
“WHAT?” Soren yelped, then slapped his hand over his mouth too late to stop himself from saying that.
Ezran paused for a moment, staring at the two older men curiously.
“Wait… you two aren't…?” He raised his hands a bit as if to gesture something but decided against it.
“My King, what are you talking about?” Corvus tried his best to not sound too demanding, but this was frustrating him. His tone was sharp.
“Nevermind.” Ezran drawled out hesitantly, his gaze jumping from Soren to Corvus repeatedly, getting even more suspicious with each glance.
“Yes, nevermind!” The young boy cleared his throat. “Thank you for the jelly tarts! You may, uh, go do your duties!” He waved his hands unceremoniously, splattering jelly on Bait’s forehead. The toad licked it off with a frown.
Corvus bowed his head to hide his unsatisfied expression from Ezran and turned away, glancing behind him to see if Soren was following him.
When the guards behind them closed the doors, Corvus didn't even notice Soren at his side, fixing his hair subconsciously.
Corvus was snapped out of his thoughts when he heard Soren talking.
“Sorry, can you repeat that?” Corvus asked, dazed.
Soren stepped in front of Corvus, stopping him from taking a step further. He set his hands on his friend's shoulders.
“What's going on with you?” He repeated.
“What do you mean by that?”
“You're acting weird. Quieter than your usual quietness.” Soren accused, poking Corvus in the chest. “I'm here to listen to you, you know.” He huffed.
“I know, Soren. Thank you.” Cor sighed, leaning into Soren's touch for a moment. “I'm just thinking about what Ezran said.”
“And?” Soren blurted out.
“I think he's right. We do… balance each other out.” Corvus admitted. Soren grinned like an idiot. He cleared his throat, trying to play it cool, and set a hand on his hip confidently with the other still on Cor's shoulder.
“Just like a see-saw.” He said smoothly. Despite the words being absolutely ridiculous, his tone made Corvus’ heart skip a beat. Or maybe it was his pose, or his smile? Or the proud look in his eye?
“...yes. Like… a see-saw.” Corvus repeated cautiously. Soren gave him an even wider grin to fuel the rapid beating of his heart as he dragged his friend along behind him by the hand.
“I know exactly what’ll cheer you up!” He announced cheerfully. Soren didn't even give Cor the time to guess. “Bread!”
…
Back in the bakery, Barius was tending to the jelly tarts that weren't kidnapped by Soren or Corvus, stashing them all into a box.
“You're back! Good. It’s all-”
“HI, BARIUS.” Soren exclaimed, blinking rapidly at Barius.
“Woah-!” Corvus yelped when he was pulled into the bakery by Soren, nearly making him fall over his feet and into Soren's arms. He was held by the nervous Soren around the shoulders and his chest was patted by Soren's shaky hands supportively. Corvus shot him another suspicious glance, removing his arm from his shoulders.
Barius grumbled something under his breath before turning his back to the two men, boxing the jelly tarts away.
“Soren.” Corvus called accusingly, expecting an answer for this strange interaction.
“Corvus?” Soren mumbled weakly, his smile trembling anxiously.
He dropped the facade a moment later, shoving Corvus into a chair with the most fearful yet demanding look in his eyes.
“WHATEVER. You'll understand soon! DON'T GET UP.” He snapped, leaning in close and poking Corvus’ chest again. Corvus tried to keep his ground, but he did lean back in the chair when Soren got close enough for their noses to touch.
“Wh-what? Soren! What the fuck are you talking about?!” Corvus cursed without thinking, calling to him, but Soren was already running off to the oven, pulling on oven mittens and retrieving something from inside. Corvus was stuck in his seat in pure shock and confusion, staring at Soren.
When Soren finally turned around, Corvus wanted to groan frustratedly.
“You got this panicked over BREAD?” Corvus spat, ready to punch Soren. He was so worried that something serious was going to happen, that Soren was going to reveal a deep, dark secret or something.
But, no.
BREAD. Bread, of all things!
“Seriously?!” He continued. He only managed to lift his butt a few centimeters off the chair before Soren forced him to sit back down with a fierce look, keeping a hand on his shoulder to assure that he would stay in place.
“Yes, seriously! And I told you not to get up!” Soren snapped. Grabbing a knife, he clumsily cut the bread with his right hand, since he was using his mostly dominant hand to hold Corvus. After a few moments of struggling, Soren managed to separate one piece from the rest with a sigh of relief.
For the first time in a few minutes, there was vulnerability in his expression. He showed Corvus the inside of the bread, and the tracker was shocked speechless.
Somehow (maybe when Corvus had gone to talk to Ezran about the jelly tart shortage), Soren had managed to add a design inside the bread. It was a bit wonky, but Corvus could obviously tell what it was.
A grey chain that outlined a pink heart.
“How did you make this?” Corvus gasped at the craftsmanship, reaching out to examine the bread.
“I had some help from Barius.” He admitted shyly. “Do you like it?”
“Of course!” Corvus snapped instantly, desperate to show Soren his appreciation for this gesture. It was like Corvus was blessed by the heavens when Soren smiled at him, so proud that his chain man liked his gift.
In a split second, Soren had pulled Corvus off his chair and into his arms, strangling him in a hug and lifting him off the ground in the process. Corvus’ arms were stuck to his sides and he felt the bread get a bit smushed between them.
“The bread.” Corvus choked out, wriggling his hand away to keep the bread safe.
“Oops.” Soren mumbled. Hesitantly, he dropped Corvus to the floor, who was now tense all over but still smiling. Corvus took a bite of the bread and was surprised by the combination of tastes. There was a bit of strawberry, perhaps a few nuts (Corvus could tell that they were almonds, his favorite), and the overwhelming, delicious and melting texture of fresh bread on his tongue. Had Soren deliberately put in all the things that Corvus liked into one food?
Soren stared at Corvus, worriedly scanning his face for any reaction.
“Soren, this is amazing!” Corvus exclaimed, grinning. “You didn't have to do all of this.”
“Who cares!? You deserve it! Remember when you baked cookies for the ENTIRE Council? I still dream about those cookies! This is my revenge, Corvus! I want you to yearn for this bread like I yearned for those cookies!”
“Soren, that was… four months ago!” Corvus reminded him, stifling a laugh.
“Yeah, and I expect you to dream about this bread for the REST OF YOUR LIFE!” Soren threatened, lightly punching Corvus’ shoulder. His sides were starting to hurt from how much he was laughing.
“I'm glad you like it.” Soren suddenly mumbled.
“You made it. Of course, I love it.” Corvus blurted out.
Soren chuckled a bit.
“Hey, now you're making me jealous of bread.” He joked. “I'll have to keep it away from you so that you don't get too obsessed.”
“Ah- nope! This is my gift. You can't take it back.” Corvus shielded the bread with his body, now between Soren and the table.
Soren huffed dramatically, crossing his arms.
“Aw, man! Looks like you love the bread more than me, now.” He teased, naturally leaning in a bit closer and poking Corvus’ arm. Corvus leaned back on the table with one hand, unable to stop smiling at Soren.
“You keep moving away when I get close.” Soren suddenly noticed. Corvus caught a hint of disappointment in his voice and he felt the strong urge to get closer to him to make him feel better.
“Do you want me closer?” Corvus asked for permission, as blunt as ever. He didn't like kicking around the bush: most of the time, it was better to face everything head-on.
Soren stammered for a moment, struggling to find a not-embarrassing reply.
“Uh- yeah. I'd like that.” He finally admitted. It took a while, but his hands found their way to Corvus’ waist, wrapping around his lower back. His smile reassured Corvus in ways that words would've never been able to. Corvus rested his face in the crook of Soren's neck, silently breathing in his scent. Soren reminded Corvus so much of nature, like his boldness and his sweet heart. Maybe that was why Corvus found so much comfort in him. Slowly, their movements blurred into a soft hug, an embrace so gentle that Corvus couldn't believe it was real. Corvus didn't even realize that his fingers were tangling into Soren's messy hair, brushing out his knots.
“Do you actually like the bread more than me?” Soren asked weakly.
“No, Soren.” Corvus sighed. “I would choose you over bread any day. Except if I were starving.”
“Oh, that's very nice.” Soren grumbled, squeezing Corvus’ waist in retaliation.
“Ow! What, do you want me to become a cannibal?” Corvus huffed, pulling away to glare at Soren. “You would be the last person I'd eat. I love you too much.”
Soren's eyes widened comically along with his grin.
“What?” He laughed. “Is this how you're telling me? Wait, you're serious! You love me!” He repeated. “HAH! Take THAT, bread!”
Corvus groaned in frustration. “Shit. I can't believe I just said that.”
In reality, Corvus had a whole thing planned out on how he would confess to Soren. He would’ve persuaded Ezran to arrange a morning patrol in the forest one day with him and Soren alone. Soren would've been in his ‘guard’ mindset, so when Corvus would’ve given him a few flowery gifts and told him the truth. Soren would’ve lost his mind.
But this was fine, too. Corvus could always just arrange that as a surprise date, later.
If Soren loved him, too.
If.
“Me, too!” Soren was as red as a tomato, grinning from ear to ear. His smile then faded, and Corvus’ heart dropped as he started imagining the worse. Soren didn’t like him back. Soren was disgusted. Soren only liked him as a friend and loved him as a friend.
“Aw, damn. You ruined my second surprise.” He grumbled.
“What?” Corvus stammered.
Soren moved Corvus to the side so that he could reach the bread and knife. Cautiously, he cut the bread once more, but now in the middle. Pulling the middle piece out, somehow, Soren had added an extra design in the center of the heart.
“I.. love you.” Corvus read. When he turned to look at Soren, he smiled lovingly.
“You do?” Soren nodded eagerly.
“I LOVE YOU!” He exclaimed. “Like, so much! It hurts. I can’t stop wishing to be around you and with you and just near you.” Soren continued, obviously relieved to finally admit his true feelings towards Corvus.
“You just repeated the same thing but with different words.” Corvus pointed out.
“Shh! Don’t ruin my lovesick monologuing!” Soren put his finger to Corvus’ lips to silence him. Corvus pushed the finger aside, intertwining his fingers with Soren’s.
“Wait, before you continue.” Corvus paused. “Where did Barius go?”
“Oh, he left when I gave him the signal.” Soren explained simply.
“What signal?” Corvus snickered.
“Don’t worry about it.” Soren smiled, brushing off the question with a flick of the wrist. Corvus sighed but let it slide.
“Anyways, the monologue!” Soren raised his pointer finger to the sky dramatically.
“If you include even one cheesy joke, I will punch you.” Corvus warned.
“I no longer have a monologue!” Soren said with the same dramatic tone as earlier.
Corvus chuckled softly and Soren joined in.
“Do you want to make a bread sandwich with me?” Soren asked eagerly. Corvus’ eyes widened in alarm.
“A WHAT?”
Soren grinned.
“Alright, THIS will change your life.” Soren warned as he grabbed three slices of bread. Then, he put all the slices together, one on top of the other.
Corvus was speechless for a very long moment.
“... wow.” He huffed, unamused. “Now, only you could’ve come up with that.”
“It’s the bread sandwich of love, Corvus! Our child!”
“Since when?!” Corvus’ voice raised by an octave. Sure, children were alright, but they were way too early in the relationship to actually discuss that stuff, right?
“When we sculpted it in our own image, Corvus.” Soren said graciously, gesturing to the oven. Corvus sighed as loudly as he could.
“You’re terrible.” He grumbled.
“Sure, but you love me.” Soren smirked. “You said it yourself!”
Corvus sighed once more, but now with a smile on his face.
“I'm glad that I did.”
“Me, too! Now, I can hug you even more!” Soren pumped his fist in the air joyfully.
“You're going to kill me with your hugs, one day.” He joked.
“Then I'll make sure to hug you as much as possible before that happens!”
Corvus laughed again, which made Soren’s heart skip multiple beats.
“Your laugh is so nice.” Soren sighed. “I should make my jokes better, just to hear it more often.”
“Oh, don’t you dare.” Corvus menaced.
“Oh, yes, I do dare. I’ve been holding back so many jokes…”
“Someone, save me.” Corvus groaned, rubbing the bridge of his nose.
…
Outside the bakery, Barius felt tears of joy well in his eyes.
“I knew it. They’re so in love.” He wiped his tears. Finally, his baking was serving a greater purpose: true love!
He sniffled, finally turning away from the window he was looking through.
“Oh, I owe Opeli so much money.” He remembered, sighing, and shuffled away as he counted the coins that he owed her.