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@LITERARYSCENE ✓

Celebrated author Cale Henituse continues to dominate bestseller lists with his acclaimed novel, The Birth of a Hero.

The book had become a phenomenon.

What began as a novel published under the name of a relatively unknown author had grown into an international success. Its characters had inspired countless merch, fan arts, its quotes had flooded social media, and its plot had generated enough online discussion to sustain entire communities of readers.

@thebirthofahero ✓
THE BIRTH OF A HERO HAS OFFICIALLY REACHED ITS TWENTIETH PRINTING!

Thank you to everyone who continues to support Cale Henituse and his work.

Comments 

@heroismenthusiast: TWENTIETH PRINTING????? AND THIS MAN STILL POSTS ONCE EVERY THREE BUSINESS MONTHS.

@caleapologist: his last post was literally a picture of a half-eaten sandwich

@novelupdates: Correction: it was a picture of a half-eaten sandwich with the caption "disappointing."

@heroismenthusiast: HE HAS MILLIONS OF READERS AND THIS IS WHAT WE GET.

@redfoxarchive: this is what happens when you give a man passive income and unlimited freedom

@napenthusiast: he's not even trying to maintain a public image 😭

@redfoxarchive: his public image is that he does not want a public image

@novelupdates ✓
Cale Henituse's The Birth of a Hero has remained on the national bestseller list for thirty-seven consecutive weeks.

Comments

@heroismenthusiast: THIRTY-SEVEN WEEKS. MY MAN IS NOT LEAVING THAT LIST.

@literarysnob: His prose is surprisingly accessible without sacrificing thematic complexity. The narrative's treatment of heroism and personal sacrifice is particularly compelling.

@heroismenthusiast: yeah but did you see the part where the protagonist—

@literarysnob: I am begging you not to spoil the novel.

@heroismenthusiast: IT'S BEEN OUT FOR THREE YEARS.

@literarysnob: Some of us have lives.

@heroismenthusiast: AND SOME OF US HAVE READ THE BOOK SIX TIMES.

@booksbeforeboys
Unpopular opinion: Cale Henituse is one of the most interesting authors of our generation, and I genuinely think his lack of interest in celebrity culture is part of what makes him so compelling.

Comments

@paperbacklover: Agreed. He rarely talks about himself, so most of what readers know about him comes from his writing.

@fictionalmenruinedme: I just think he's pretty.

@bookwormcentral: That was a very thoughtful contribution to the discussion.

@fictionalmenruinedme: thank you. i put a lot of work into it.

@LITERARYSCENE ✓
In a recent interview, Cale Henituse was asked why he chose to become an author despite belonging to one of the country's wealthiest families.

Cale Henituse: "I like writing."

Interviewer: "But did you ever consider joining the family business?"

Cale Henituse: "No."

Interviewer: "Why is that?"

Cale Henituse: "I like writing."

Comments 

@redfoxarchive: THE WAY HE DIDN'T EVEN ELABORATE.

@businessmajorinlove: He could've inherited a whole conglomerate.

@napenthusiast: AND HE CHOSE TO SIT AT HOME AND MAKE UP PEOPLE. RESPECT.

@marbleandwine: His younger brother Basen is reportedly the designated successor, so Cale isn't even obligated to take over.

@napenthusiast: imagine being so rich that your career decision is just picking whichever hobby you want to monetize

@redfoxarchive: not a hobby if he's making millions, babe. that's a business.

@napenthusiast: fine. imagine being so rich that your business is avoiding other businesses.

@BUSINESSDAILY ✓
Alberu Crossman, CEO of the Crossman Group, graces the cover of this month's issue of Business & Beyond.

THE GOLDEN PRINCE OF THE BUSINESS WORLD.

Alberu Crossman had already accomplished what most people could only dream of. As the current head of the Crossman Group's principal businesses, he had become one of the youngest and most influential executives in the country.

His face was plastered across business magazines, news articles, and occasionally, the social media accounts of people who had absolutely no interest in economics.

@crossmanupdates
GOOD MORNING TO THE MOST BEAUTIFUL MAN ALIVE. THAT'S IT. THAT'S THE POST.

[A photo of Alberu Crossman]

Comments

@shareholderofhisheart: I don't know anything about business but I'd invest my entire life savings in this man.

@financiallyilliterate: girl that's not how stocks work

@shareholderofhisheart: DID I STUTTER

@dailyfinance ✓
Crossman Group reports another successful quarter under CEO Alberu Crossman's leadership.

Comments 

@normalpersonbob: i don't understand a single word in this article but congratulations to him and his beautiful face

@economicsmajor: The report is actually significant because the company's expansion into international markets has—

@normalpersonbob: i aint reading allat but is he single tho

@richpeoplewatch
Alberu Crossman arriving at the Crossman Group headquarters this morning.

[Attached: A photograph of Alberu stepping out of a black luxury sedan, dressed in a perfectly tailored charcoal suit, one hand adjusting his cufflinks.]

Comments

@alberuslefteyebrow: THAT'S MY CEO.

@richpeoplewatch: You don't work for him.

@alberuslefteyebrow: YOU DON'T KNOW THAT.

@corporatehell: Imagine being late to work and seeing your boss look like that. I'd apologize for wasting his time and then ask for a raise.

@goldenhour: he looks like he personally owns the concept of money

@crossmanupdates: he probably does.

@napnap0706: he’s a crossman he definitely does lol

@interviewarchive ✓

Interviewer: "What do you look for in a partner?"

Alberu Crossman: "Someone who can keep up with me."

Interviewer: "Professionally?"

Alberu Crossman: "In general."

Comments 

@crossmanupdates: OH HE WANTS SOMEONE WHO CAN MATCH HIS FREAK.

@executivefan: No one said that hello???

@crossmanupdates: dont ruin this for me bye

@overthinkingat3am: "Someone who can keep up with me" is such an interesting answer. Not someone who admires him, not someone who supports his career. Someone who can keep up with him.

@executivefan: You are reading too much into a ten-second clip.

@overthinkingat3am: I’m an English major. Take a wild guess.

@AlberuCrossman ✓

[Attached: A professionally shot photograph of Alberu sitting in his office, looking through a folder of documents. Floor-to-ceiling windows reveal the city skyline behind him.]

Caption: Another productive day.

Comments

@goldenprinceupdates: SIR YOU LOOK LIKE YOU'RE ABOUT TO ACQUIRE MY ENTIRE BLOODLINE.

@crossmanswife: id offer my first born to be his wife im not even joking

@alberuslefteyebrow: BARK BARK BARK BARK

@meiloevveru: he’s the CEO and I’m his Y/N

@pleasepleasemeow: Can everyone in this comment section behave like they have jobs?

@crossmanswife: NO.

@crossmanupdates: the comments under this man's posts are a public health concern

r/FamousPeopleDiscussion

u/DefinitelyNotBroke · 8.7k upvotes

Title: Why does Cale Henituse seem to have zero interest in being famous?

I've been following his career since The Birth of a Hero first came out, and I'm genuinely fascinated by this man.

He's from an extremely wealthy family. He could've gone into business, inherited a fortune, and lived the rest of his life attending expensive events. Instead, he became an author, made an even bigger fortune, and now seems to spend most of his time avoiding interviews.

He's not rude in a particularly malicious way. He's just... uninterested. Does anyone know if he has always been like this?

u/ReadBetweenTheLines · 4.2k upvotes

From what I remember, he was already pretty independent during university. There are old interviews with people who knew him back then, and apparently, he never cared much about the social scene despite attending one of the most exclusive universities in the country.

u/DefinitelyNotBroke · 2.1k upvotes

That's actually interesting. Most people from families like his are trained from childhood to maintain a public image.

u/ReadBetweenTheLines · 3.7k upvotes

I think that's exactly why people find him interesting. He doesn't seem to be rebelling against his family, either. His brother is the designated heir, and Cale seems perfectly happy letting him take the position.

u/BusinessIsMyEnemy · 1.8k upvotes

Imagine being born into generational wealth and still deciding the most appealing career is making up fictional problems for fictional people.

u/ReadBetweenTheLines · 2.9k upvotes

That's what I would do if I had his money.

u/DefinitelyNotBroke · 1.5k upvotes

Honestly, fair.

r/BusinessAndFinance

u/QuarterlyReports · 12.1k upvotes

Title: Alberu Crossman is a genuinely fascinating executive

Putting aside the internet's collective crush on him, the man has a pretty impressive record. He's taken an already powerful conglomerate and expanded its reach significantly. His interviews are also surprisingly measured for someone who has been in the public eye for so long.

I understand why people are fascinated by his personal life, but I'm more interested in how he manages to maintain such a controlled public image.

u/NotAnAccountant · 5.5k upvotes

Because he has an entire team of people whose job is to make sure he doesn't say anything stupid.

u/QuarterlyReports · 4.8k upvotes

That is certainly part of it, but even in unscripted interviews, he seems very good at reading the room.

u/DefinitelyAnAccountant · 3.1k upvotes

I attended a business conference he spoke at last year. He was very charismatic in person. He also answered questions without making the audience feel stupid, which is a surprisingly rare skill among executives.

u/NotAnAccountant · 2.2k upvotes

Okay, so he's rich, handsome, competent, and polite? That's deeply unfair to the rest of us.

u/QuarterlyReports · 3.7k upvotes

The man has flaws. He has to.

u/NotAnAccountant · 2.9k upvotes

Name one.

u/QuarterlyReports · 1.8k upvotes

He probably doesn't know how to use an air fryer.

@booksandbrainrot ✓

[Video: A slideshow of Cale Henituse's official photos, book covers, and screenshots of his replies to readers.]

On-screen text: 

POV: your favorite author is a millionaire nepo baby who could've inherited an entire business empire but decided writing fictional people was more appealing.

Audio: An overly dramatic sound effect.

Comments

@redfoxarchive: he really said "I don't want to work" and accidentally became internationally successful

@booktokaddict: accidentally????? HAVE YOU READ THE BIRTH OF A HERO?????

@ilovetboah: he looks like his characters… hot and beautiful.

@calenya: and he’s gorgeous as hell too!

@napenthusiast: and yet he still manages to give the impression that he would rather be unconscious

@literarysnob: His writing is genuinely excellent, though. His characterization is nuanced, his pacing is deliberate, and his themes are—

@napenthusiast: he's a sleepy little rich man.

@literarysnob: I hate this app.

@mikaela298: new here, how is he rich?

@caleismistrue: he’s a Henituse, a generational wealthy family known for producing luxury wine and marbles all across the world.

@tboahispeak: not to mention the fact that he’s earning millions of money from his book.

@shaiwantssleep: is there any way to read his book online?

@imgaytochads ✓

[Video: Alberu Crossman walking into a boardroom, followed by clips from several interviews.]

On-screen text: 

Things Alberu Crossman has that I don't:

• Money.
• Influence.
• A successful career.
• A beautiful face and body.
• A functioning sleep schedule, probably.

Comments

@financiallyilliterate: "probably" HELP

@alberuthesun: he looks like he sleeps eight hours a night and drinks water

@corporatehell: as someone who works in corporate, I can confirm that no CEO sleeps eight hours a night.

@goldenprince: DON'T RUIN THIS FOR US.

@businessmajorinlove: imagine being his employee and having to present a report while he's looking at you like that

@corporatehell: I would CREAM

@crossmanupdates: HELLO???

@goldenhour: i refuse to believe this man is single

@unemployedstacy: oooh who did u just introduce me to… 

@goldenprince: he’s Alberu Crossman, currently the CEO of a billion dollar corporation lol

@hotmenlovesme: i want his babies

@BUSINESSDAILY ✓

Crossman Group Pledges $30,000,000 to Education and Community Development Programs.

The Crossman Group has announced a $30,000,000 philanthropic initiative aimed at improving access to education, providing scholarships for underprivileged students, and supporting community development programs across the country.

CEO Alberu Crossman personally attended the announcement, where he emphasized the importance of making educational opportunities accessible regardless of a person's financial circumstances.

INTERVIEW EXCERPT

Interviewer: The Crossman Group has made several substantial donations over the past few years. Why has education become one of your primary philanthropic priorities?

Alberu: Because opportunity shouldn't depend entirely on the circumstances someone is born into.

Interviewer: Your family has had access to considerable wealth and resources for generations. Do you think that has influenced your perspective?

Alberu: Of course. It would be ridiculous to pretend that I understand every difficulty someone might experience simply because I've read about it. But I do understand that having access to resources gives you the ability to make certain things easier for other people.

Interviewer: So you see philanthropy as a responsibility?

Alberu: I see it as an opportunity. Responsibility is recognizing that you have the means to help. The opportunity is actually doing something with it.

Interviewer: What would you say to people who believe large corporations donate primarily for publicity?

Alberu: I'd say they should look at where the money goes, who benefits from it, and whether the programs continue after the cameras leave.

Interviewer: That's a rather pointed answer.

Alberu: Was it supposed to be controversial?

@crossmanupdates

HE'S HANDSOME, HE'S SUCCESSFUL, AND NOW HE'S FUNDING SCHOLARSHIPS????? WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO WITH THIS INFORMATION.

Comments

@financiallyilliterate: apply for a scholarship apparently

@crossmanupdates: WAIT. ACTUALLY.

@collegecrisis: no because imagine getting your tuition covered by a foundation run by the most handsome man alive

@ilovenerds: Please remember that the scholarship recipients are the point of the program, not the CEO's face.

@collegecrisis: i know TT i'm genuinely glad they're funding students. i'm just saying the CEO could've been ugly and still done a good thing, but unfortunately he looks like THAT.

@goldenprinceupdates: THE CROSSMAN GROUP JUST CHANGED PEOPLE'S LIVES AND YALL ARE STILL TALKING ABOUT HIS JAWLINE.

@collegecrisis: WE CAN APPRECIATE TWO THINGS AT ONCE.

@educationwatch ✓

The Crossman Group's new scholarship program will support students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, including assistance with tuition and other educational expenses.

Comments

@ihatelessonplans: As someone who wants to teach someday, I hope programs like this continue. So many capable students struggle because education is expensive.

@crossmanupdates: this. THIS is why the announcement matters.

@goldenhour: The most important thing is making sure the program is accessible and sustainable, not just announcing a large amount.

@businessmajorinlove: Agreed. I hope they publish regular reports about how the funding is distributed.

@crossmanemployee: The foundation has an annual public report. They take the program's accountability requirements seriously.

@girlonyacht: i came here to thirst over a rich man and accidentally learned about educational funding

@collegecrisis: personal growth.

@alberucrossman ✓

[Photo carousel]

1. Alberu speaking with representatives from an education nonprofit.
2. A photograph of students attending a scholarship orientation.
3. Alberu standing beside several members of the foundation's team.
4. A photograph of the scholarship program's announcement.

Caption: An investment in people is an investment in the future. Thank you to our partners who continue to make this work possible.

Comments

@goldenprinceupdates: HE LOOKS SO GOOD DOING GOOD THINGS. I'M SICK.

@crossmanswife: SIR PLEASE DONATE TO MY HEART. IT HAS BEEN THROUGH ENOUGH.

@corporatehell: Your heart is not an eligible beneficiary.

@crossmanswife: BLOCKED.

@ihatelessonplans: Thank you to everyone involved in making these scholarships possible. Education can change the direction of someone's life.

@alberucrossman ✓: I couldn't agree more. I hope the program opens doors for students who deserve the opportunity.

@ihatelessonplans: HE REPLIED TO ME. I'M GOING TO BECOME A BETTER PERSON.

@normalperson247: It's nice seeing a public figure acknowledge the people doing the actual work behind a program.

@goldenhour: Exactly. The foundation has an entire team of people working on this. Hopefully, they get the recognition they deserve, too

@LITERARYSCENE ✓

Bestselling Author Cale Henituse Donates a Portion of His Book Earnings to Children's Homes and Orphanages.

While Cale Henituse is best known for his internationally successful novel, The Birth of a Hero, the author has quietly maintained a charitable commitment that few of his readers knew about.

According to his publisher, a percentage of the royalties from his book sales is regularly donated to orphanages and children's homes, helping provide necessities, educational materials, and other resources for children in need.

The arrangement has reportedly been in place since the early success of his first novel, with contributions continuing as his readership and book sales have grown.

When asked about the decision, Henituse offered a brief explanation.

Cale Henituse: "The book sells well. I don't need all of it."

@heroismenthusiast

WAIT. WAIT WAIT WAIT.

A PERCENTAGE OF CALE HENITUSE'S BOOK ROYALTIES GOES TO ORPHANAGES?????

AND HE'S BEEN DOING THIS FOR YEARS?????

Comments

@redfoxarchive: THIS MAN HAS BEEN DONATING PART OF HIS BOOK EARNINGS WHILE WE WERE COMPLAINING ABOUT HIS UPLOAD SCHEDULE.

@bookwormcentral: Consistent support can make a real difference for children's homes. I hope the donations help provide children with access to education, books, and the things they need.

@heroismenthusiast: imagine buying your favorite book and knowing that a portion of what you paid helps children. i'm actually emotional.

@literarysnob: It's a lovely example of how the success of a creative work can extend beyond the author and the readers.

@caleismisreal: he writes a book, makes millions, gives some away to children, and then goes home to ignore his notifications.

@redfoxarchive: THE CALE HENITUSE EXPERIENCE.

@novelupdates ✓

According to the publisher's statement, the charitable contribution comes from a portion of Cale Henituse's royalties rather than a separate fundraising campaign.

The donations support selected orphanages and children's homes, with funds allocated toward children's daily needs and educational opportunities.

Comments

@paperbacklover: So every time the book continues selling, the donations can continue too? That's genuinely wonderful.

@bookwormcentral: As long as sales generate royalties under the arrangement, yes. It's an ongoing commitment, not just a single donation.

@heroismenthusiast: THE BOOK THAT KEEPS ON GIVING 😭

@redfoxarchive: CALE HENITUSE ACCIDENTALLY CREATED A CHARITABLE BUSINESS MODEL BY WRITING A NOVEL.

@literarysnob: don't think the word accidentally applies here.

@calehenituse ✓

I've seen the posts about my book royalties. Yes, a portion goes to children's homes and orphanages. The arrangement has been in place for a while. Please don't feel obligated to buy my books because of it. Read them if you want to.

Comments

@heroismenthusiast: SIR. SIR, WE ARE ALREADY BUYING THE BOOKS.

@caleapologist: The fact that he doesn't want people to feel pressured into purchasing his work TT

@caleisgod: HE COULD HAVE MADE A WHOLE CAMPAIGN OUT OF THIS. HE COULD HAVE PUT IT ON EVERY BOOK COVER. HE COULD HAVE TALKED ABOUT IT IN EVERY INTERVIEW.

@napenthusiast: and instead he told us to read the book if we wanted to.

@bookwormcentral: I appreciate that he doesn't want charity to become a marketing tactic. People can support the cause in other ways, too.

@fictionalmenruinedme: i bought the book for the plot and now i'm crying over the children who benefit from it.

@calehenituse ✓: I hope you enjoyed the plot.

@fictionalmenruinedme: HE REPLIED TO ME WHILE IM CRYING.

@LITERARYSCENE ✓

In a rare interview, Cale Henituse discusses the charitable commitment attached to his bestselling novel.

Interviewer: You've been donating a portion of your royalties to orphanages and children's homes for years. Why did you decide to do that?

Cale: I was earning more than I needed.

Interviewer: Was there a particular reason you chose to support children?

Cale: Children should have opportunities. Their circumstances shouldn't decide everything about their future.

Interviewer: Did your own childhood influence that decision?

Cale: Not everything has to come from a personal tragedy. I have the means to help, so I help.

Interviewer: You've never made this a major part of your public image. Why?

Cale: Because I'm not selling the donations.

Interviewer: But wouldn't talking about it encourage other people to contribute?

Cale: Then talk about the organizations. Talk about what the children need. Tell people how they can help. There's no reason they need to spend their time talking about me.

Interviewer: Do you intend to continue the arrangement with your future books?

Cale: Yes.

Interviewer: Even if your next books aren't as successful as The Birth of a Hero?

Cale: I'll donate what I can. It doesn't have to be the same amount every time.

Interviewer: That's a very practical answer.

Cale: It's a practical matter.

@caleisgod

"He has the means to help, so he helps."

I'M GOING TO NEED EVERYONE TO LEAVE ME ALONE FOR A MOMENT.

Comments

@bookwormcentral: I think what gets me is that he doesn't present it as something extraordinary. He's not asking to be praised for it. He simply believes it's something he can do.

@napenthusiast: meanwhile, i feel accomplished when i remember to bring my own reusable bag to the grocery store.

@literarysnob: Small acts of consideration still matter. Not everyone has the financial resources to donate money.

@napenthusiast: thank you. i will continue being poor and considerate.

@redfoxarchive: CALE HENITUSE IS MAKING US REFLECT ON OUR LIVES THROUGH A TWITTER THREAD ABOUT HIS BOOK ROYALTIES.

@heroismenthusiast: HE WROTE A BOOK AND WE ALL GOT CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT.

Cale Henituse had spent the better part of the afternoon pretending he wasn't waiting for Alberu Crossman to come home.

It was a stupid thing to do, really.

He was a grown man. He had a successful writing career, a comfortable apartment, a perfectly reasonable collection of hobbies, and absolutely no need to spend his afternoon checking his phone every half hour. 

Unfortunately, his boyfriend was Alberu Crossman.

The man had a talent for making even the most ordinary things unnecessarily difficult. He worked too much, forgot to eat when he was busy, and had an infuriating habit of saying he would be home at six only to arrive at eight with a smile that suggested Cale should be grateful he had shown up at all.

Cale was not grateful. He was, however, making dinner. Which was entirely unrelated. He had simply bought too many groceries. And the recipe was easy. And Alberu had mentioned, several days ago, that he liked the dish.

That was all.

Cale checked his phone. 6:12 p.m.

No messages. He set it facedown on the counter. Three minutes later, he picked it up again.

Cale: are you coming home late?

The reply arrived a few minutes later.

Alberu: Leaving now, dear. Why?

Cale: no reason.

Alberu: Have you eaten?

Cale: yes.

Alberu: What did you eat?

Cale stared at the screen.

He could have told the truth. Instead, he decided that his boyfriend did not deserve the satisfaction.

Cale: food.

Alberu: You're a terrible liar.

Cale: and you're a terrible boyfriend. come home and find out.

Cale put his phone down before Alberu could respond. He regretted the last message almost immediately.

Not because it was untrue, obviously. Alberu was an objectively terrible boyfriend in his standard, particularly because when it came to his work schedule and his complete disregard for Cale's perfectly reasonable desire to spend an entire evening doing absolutely nothing together.

But telling him to come home had sounded suspiciously like admitting he wanted him there.

The sound of the front door opening was the best thing Cale had heard all day.

He refused to acknowledge this.

"You're home," he called from the kitchen.

"I live here," Alberu replied.

"Unfortunately."

Cale heard the familiar sound of keys landing on the counter, followed by footsteps approaching the kitchen.

He kept his attention on the pot. He would not turn around immediately. That would be embarrassing. He counted to five.

Then he felt arms wrap around his waist. Cale nearly dropped the spoon.

"Alberu."

"Hello."

"Your hands are cold."

"Then warm them."

"Use your pockets."

"Your pockets aren't nearly as comfortable."

Cale rolled his eyes, though there was nobody around to appreciate the gesture. Alberu rested his chin on Cale's shoulder.

Cale could feel the weight of his head, the warmth gradually returning to his hands, and the way his boyfriend seemed to settle against him as though he had been waiting all day for this exact moment.

Which, Cale supposed, was possible.

Alberu was irritatingly affectionate in private. The public saw the polished executive, the man who could dismantle an argument with a smile and make an entire boardroom fall silent with a single look.

Cale saw the man who came home and immediately attached himself to his boyfriend like an overgrown house cat.

He wasn't sure which version was more troublesome.

"Long day?" Cale asked.

"Terrible."

"Did someone annoy you?"

"Several people."

"Did you fire them?"

"No."

"Shame."

Alberu laughed. Cale felt the sound against his shoulder and tried very hard not to smile.

It was ridiculous, really, how quickly the tension seemed to leave Alberu's body. His arms loosened around Cale's waist, and his breathing grew slower. The man had spent the entire day making decisions that affected hundreds of people, and apparently all he needed to recover was a kitchen, a warm meal, and someone willing to insult him.

Cale could work with that.

"You can let go now," he said.

"No."

"I'm cooking."

"I can see that."

"Then you can also see that you're in the way."

"I don't think I am."

Cale closed his eyes. He was going to murder this man. Affectionately, perhaps, but murder all the same.

"Alberu." 

"Cale."

"Move."

"Give me a kiss first."

Cale went completely still. There it was.

The problem with Alberu Crossman was that he had absolutely no shame.

Cale turned his head just enough to glare at him. “You've been home for 2 minutes."

"And thirty-five seconds."

"That doesn’t make it any better."

"I've missed you."

"You saw me this morning."

"An entire workday has passed since then."

"Do you want a medal?"

"I'd prefer a kiss."

Cale stared at him for a long moment.

Then he leaned over and pressed a quick kiss to Alberu's cheek.

"There. Now move."

Alberu didn't move.

Cale narrowed his eyes.

"That was your payment."

"I believe I was promised a kiss."

"You received one."

"On the cheek."

"Do you want another one on the other cheek for symmetry?"

Alberu turned his face toward him. Cale stared. 

Cale kissed him. Properly, this time.

It was brief, warm, and entirely too effective at making Cale forget what he had been about to say. When he pulled away, Alberu looked unbearably pleased with himself.

"I love you," Alberu said.

Cale turned back to the stove.

"Your standards are concerning."

Alberu kissed his temple before finally releasing him. “Liar.”

Cale returned to stirring the pot.

His ears were warm.

He decided that was the stove's fault.