#pastry chefs and kittens as promised!

[littlemissgot7]

sunbeam

Jaebum | 3765 words | pastry chef!au When a stray kitten shows up outside of Jaebum’s cafe, she’s determined to befriend it.

The cafe, tucked away in a not-so-busy corner of Seoul, was small and bright. Light filtered in through the large windows, bathing everything in the early morning glow of golden sun. There were little vases with sprigs of flowers on each of the tables, each in exactly the same place they’d been left the night before.

She smiled as she ran her eyes over everything, the golden light sinking into her skin and making her feel warm. She loved the cafe. It was the first place that she’d found since she moved to Seoul that really felt like home.

“Alright!” She clapped her hands together before grabbing her apron from behind the counter and neatly tying it around her waist. It was time to get things ready for their morning regulars.

---

It was her job to open the store in the mornings. That included making sure the register was prepped and everything was in the right place, but also that the sweet treats of the day were out for display. She poked her head around the corner into the kitchen, pausing for a moment to watch the owner of the cafe as he bent over the freshly-baked macaroons, piping delicate patterns over them.

The owner of the cafe was tall and handsome and perhaps one of the most talented pastry chefs in the city, but he was stern and sometimes intimidating. The other pastry chefs - Jinyoung, Mark, and Youngjae - were welcoming and friendly, if occasionally snarky, and always seemed unaffected by Jaebum’s strictness, though that may have been because they were used to it from being friends with him for years. She had joined the team a few months before to help on the storefront side of things. Jaebum liked being back in the kitchen; the others took turns manning the store, but things had gotten a lot easier for everyone when she started. She loved every minute - especially minutes like these, when it was just her and Jaebum in the shop and she could steal a few to watch him work.

She cleared her throat softly, stepping into the kitchen fully. It was to the side of the main store with large windows as well, and the light shone off his hair; he was ethereal.

“Sir?”

He didn’t look up. “Hm?”

“Are these ready to go out front?” She pointed to trays carefully lined with breads and pastries and miniature cakes, all of which were even more delicious than they looked.

“Yeah.”

“Okay!” She grabbed the first tray and carried it out to the display case, transferring them to pretty white plates as she hummed under her breath. Just another morning.

---

“Noonaaaa!” Youngjae popped into the shop thirty minutes before his shift was supposed to start, hopping over to join her behind the counter. She finished helping the customer there (who blushed profusely when Youngjae waved at her) before turning to the youngest pastry chef.

“Yes, Youngjae?”

He grinned, leaning back against the counter and shrugging. “Just saying hi!”

She rolled her eyes, wrinkling up her nose at him. “Why’re you so early?”

He shrugged again. “Just got up earlier today. I’ll man the counter for a bit.”

She hesitated. “Are...are you sure?” She didn’t want him to work outside of his hours, but she hadn’t had a break since she started that morning.

“Sure thing, noona! I don’t mind!” He pushed her away from the register, and she gave him a grateful smile as she headed to the back. She flopped down in a chair in the back office and let her eyes slip closed.

A second later, her eyes shot open. “Right!” She jumped back to her feet, sneaking to the kitchen and peeking in. Jaebum wasn’t there and Jinyoung was busy decorating a special order cake, so she grabbed one of the saucers and poured a little bit of milk in it, carrying it slowly to the back door to make sure it didn’t spill.

She’d noticed over the past week or so that a stray kitten had taken up residence in the bushes around the cafe. It looked small and malnourished and would whine and run whenever it saw her, but she was determined to help it. For the past few days, she’d been putting out saucers of milk for the kitten; at first, it wouldn’t come out when she was there, but it was slowly warming up to the idea of her being there - just not too close.

She closed the back door behind her and crouched down, placing the saucer of milk an arms length away from her. The kitten stared at her from the edge of the bushes. “Shhh, it’s okay...it’s okay...”

The kitten took one hesitant step out of the bushes and, when she didn’t snatch the milk away, it darted forward, clumsily licking up as much as it could. A smile blossomed over her face.

“There! See, I won’t hurt you,” she cooed, inching forward little by little. When the kitten realized, it’s head shot up and it stood completely still, staring at her with wide, terrified eyes. She slowly stretched out her hand, letting the kitten sniff her. “I just wanna help, little one.”

“What are you doing?”

The voice rang out behind her and she squeaked in surprise, whirling around, losing her balance, and ending up falling on her butt. In the process, her hand shot out toward the kitten and it, afraid of being hit, lashed out at her wrist before darting back to the bushes. She hissed, grabbing her arm and holding it still as she looked up at the person standing over her.

“Sir!”

But Jaebum didn’t look angry, like she thought he would; she could have sworn that something like concern flickered across his face. He reached down, helping her to her feet. He grabbed her hand and turned it over in his until her wrist was exposed.

There was a long scratch across her wrist, bright and red and slowly oozing blood. Before she had a chance to say anything, he pulled her back into the cafe, leading her to the kitchen. He stopped in front of the sink, turning it on and letting it run for a second until it was lukewarm before he slipped her wrist under the stream. She bit her lip gently; it stung.

Once he washed the cut, he let go of her hand, disappearing around the corner and reappearing with a first aid kit a moment later. He rummaged through it until he found a bandage and wound it around her wrist.

“Be careful with strays,” he said finally, his eyes darting up to meet hers.

She nodded slowly. “I know. It wasn’t her fault, though; I startled her.” She fidgeted. “I feel bad for her.”

Jaebum was quiet for a moment, just staring at her, before he sighed and turned to pack up the first aid kit. “You should get back to work.”

She straightened. “Yes sir!” she chirped, hurrying out to the store front.

Jaebum watched her go out of the corner of his eye, then turned and leaned against the counter. So she liked cats, huh?

---

Over the next couple of weeks, every time she went out to feed the little black kitten, she found a saucer of milk already out. At first, she thought that maybe she’d just forgotten to take in the saucer from the day before, but she snuffed out that idea by the second day. Two and a half weeks after it started, she finally discovered the culprit.

She peeked out of the window before going outside to see if there was already milk out, only to spot a familiar pair of wide shoulders and messy brown hair sitting on top of the picnic table. She opened the door, letting it shut quietly behind her.

“Sir?”

Jaebum glanced over his shoulder before turning around fully when he saw her. The kitten was cradled in his arms, rubbing its head against the inside of his elbow and looking overwhelmingly content.

“She’s really sweet once she gets over being afraid of you,” he said with a grin and she blinked. Her boss? Cuddling with a kitten? Her strict, no-nonsense boss? Cuddling with a kitten?

He shifted the kitten to his palm, holding it up and out toward her. The kitten wiggled it’s paws playfully. “Come say hi!”

She sat down next to him on the table and Jaebum transferred the kitten to her arms, but left two fingers there to absentmindedly scratch it’s head. When his sleeves got tugged up, she noticed long thin scratches across his wrists. She glanced at him, and the smile on his face made her feel warm.

“Um...I didn’t realize...you liked cats. I didn’t think you’d like that I was feeding the stray. But...you’ve been...?”

Jaebum laughed. “I love cats. Besides, you seemed to want to help this one, so I figured I would too.” He leaned back on his palms, staring up at the trees above them.

She picked the cat up, holding it at eye level. “Oh man, you are so cute, aren’t you?” She leaned forward, booping her nose against the cat’s and giggling before cuddling it back against her chest. “Jaebum, do you think...she could stay? In the cafe? She could be our little cafe pet!”

“Sure.” He didn’t hesitate.

“Really?” She hadn’t exactly expected for him to agree quite that easily.

“Yeah.” His soft smile was back and he leaned over, rubbing the kitten’s head fondly. “Youngjae’s allergic, but if he doesn’t forget to take his meds, we should be fine.”

“Thank you, thank you!” she chirped. “I’m gonna go make her a little bed out of a couple towels in the office, okay?” She jumped nimbly down from the table, cooing over the kitten as she took it inside, beaming.

Jaebum watched her go. Though he loved their new-found pet, it wasn’t the cause of the warm smile on his lips.

---

Youngjae whined at first when the kitten started staying in the shop, until Jaebum told him he could bring his dog in as well. Coco and Kunta got along fabulously and, when he didn’t forget his allergy pill, Youngjae was his usual happy self.

On this particular morning, she grabbed Kunta, holding her tightly against her chest as she wandered into the kitchen. Jaebum was the only one there that morning - Jinyoung usually worked mornings with him, but had a doctor’s appointment and the rest of the day off, so Jaebum was by himself. She leaned back against the counter, gently petting Kunta’s head as she watched Jaebum knead pastry dough.

He glanced up, his eyes first landing on the cat before moving up to meet her’s. “You know, she really shouldn’t be in the kitchen when I’m making stuff we’re going to sell to the customers.”

She pouted. “I’m done with prepping the store for opening and no one else is here and I’m keeping her in my arms so it’s fine!”

Jaebum just smiled, shaking his head slightly as he turned his attention back to the dough in his hands. He worked quietly and methodically and, when he was done, he placed the dough in a large bowl, covering it and leaving it to rise.

He brushed his hands off on his apron as he approached her, reaching out for the kitten in question. She let Kunta jump into his arms; he scratched the back of the kitty’s head and she almost immediately started to purr.

Having a kitten in the shop suited Jaebum.

“Hmm?”

“What?”

“You said having a cat in the shop suited me.”

She suddenly flushed bright red when she realized that she hadn’t just thought that and had, in fact, said it out loud in front of the actual person she was thinking about. She groaned, tucking her face in her hands.

“What does that mean?” He leaned against the counter next to her. When she didn’t answer, he nudged her shoulder.

She sighed, lowering her hands. “You just seem more relaxed than you used to. More willing to joke around. I dunno.” Her cheeks burned, but he laughed, dumping the cat back in her hands and washing his in the sink.

He grabbed a pan full of perfectly formed macaroons and began to pipe small paw print shapes on the top of them. She put Kunta down, shooing her out of the kitchen, and slid across from him, leaning over to watch him work.

“What’re you doing?” he asked after a moment, pausing to look up at her. There was a hint of teasing in his voice and she wrinkled up her nose.

“I like watching you work. It’s amazing. You’re so good at what you do.”

“It’s just practice.”

“No way. I mean, part of it’s practice, sure, but I also think you’re just inherently really talented. I mean, how else would you come up with recipes and designs and stuff the way you do? It’s seriously amazing!”

There was a beat of silence before he held the piping bag out to her. “Want to learn?”

Her eyes widened and her initial reaction was to shake her head furiously. “I’d ruin them!”

Jaebum smirked. “Probably. But I ruined a lot of pastries when I was starting, too.”

“Are...are you sure I can try?” The tips of her ears tingled. Ever since she’d started working at the cafe, she’d wanted to learn. She’d spent plenty of long nights trying to replicate delicate flavors and crispy pastry doughs in her small apartment, but this would be the first time doing so in front of Jaebum and suddenly her stomach was in knots.

“I think you’d be great at it.” His smile was back, the gentle one that reached his eyes.

Though hesitant, she tightened the apron around her waist and washed her hands diligently before standing next to him. He pressed the piping bag in her hands, wrapping his around hers to demonstrate how to hold it.

“Hold it gently, and don’t rush.” He murmured the instructions; he was close enough that she could feel his breath on her neck and her already-red cheeks deepened further. She bent over the macaroons the way she’d seen him do a hundred times, swallowing quickly.

Her first attempt was as much of a mess as she thought it’d be; it didn’t look like much except wobbly ovals that were barely filled in, complete with bits of icing coating the pan around the macaroon. She whined when she pulled away to look at it, but Jaebum grinned, picking it up.

“A beautiful first attempt!”

“It’s horrible!”

“It’ll taste the same as the ones I did,” he pointed out, holding it in front of her face until she took a bite. She licked the icing off her lips, trying to hide her smile (and failing miserably).

“It was only good because you made them!”

“You’ll get there.” He popped the second half of the macaroon in his mouth, pointing at the tray. “You should try again.”

Though she was horribly embarrassed and didn’t want to show him her failures, if it meant continuing this - this playful banter, this lighthearted lesson, this moment with him - she would gladly oblige.

---

When Mark and Youngjae walked up the sidewalk, they stopped for a moment when they saw what was happening in the kitchen through the big open windows. Jaebum was leaning over next to her, his hand over hers as he helped guide her to drawing the perfect paw print.

“Thank god.”

“Finally!” Youngjae agreed, putting his puppy down and letting her scamper around his feet.

“At least they’re doing something other than just throwing glances at each other across the cafe.” Mark pushed his hair out of his face, then shook his head and let it fall back down over his forehead.

“We’re gonna have to break them up though; the store’s gotta open and we’ve gotta bake.”

Mark bent down, rubbing behind Coco’s ears. “Let’s just wait til they’re done. There aren’t that many macaroons left.”

---

She started reading cookbooks and practicing techniques when she was home at night and whenever she had down time at work. She was determined, now more than ever, that she was going to learn to bake something that she was proud of so she could show him.

One day, during the slow hours in the afternoon, she was sitting at the counter with a cookbook and a sketchbook, yawning profusely. She never got enough sleep any more since she’d stay up baking, and it always hit her the hardest during the slow afternoons.

Kunta hopped up on the counter next to her, rubbing against her arm; she wanted attention.

“Not now, baby,” she mumbled, absentmindedly scratching Kunta’s back for a second before going back to her sketchbook. Kunta whined and flopped down on the counter, her tail swishing as she watched the empty store.

She slid down, resting her head on the counter as she doodled. She wanted to make something that both tasted and looked good, something simple and pretty that she could give to him to show him how serious she was about learning and would maybe hint at the feelings she harbored.

The late nights had caught up with her, though.

Just...just for a minute...just til my eyes...stop hurting...

She was asleep immediately.

---

Kunta hopped off the counter and trotted to the kitchen, meowing and circling Jaebum’s legs.

“Kunta, you’re supposed to be in the store.” Jaebum sighed, nudging her away with the side of his leg. “Please, girl.”

But Kunta just meowed louder, pushing against him as best as her little body could. Jaebum groaned, scooping her up in one hand and marching her out of the kitchen.

“Kunta really can’t be in the kitchen, so could you--” He stopped when he saw her asleep on the counter, her pencil wobbling loosely in her hand. He glanced down at his cat, who looked smug. Oh.

He plopped Kunta on the floor and she, satisfied that she’d gotten him that far, scampered off to her favorite corner to nap in a sunbeam for the rest of the afternoon.

Jaebum watched her sleep for a moment before shuffling over to her, slipping the pencil out of her hand. He slipped his arms around her back and under her knees, hoisting her up and letting her fall back against his chest. Usually he would have reprimanded an employee for falling asleep on the job, but...

He put her on the couch in the office and shut the door behind him as quietly as he could, resolving to let her sleep as long as she wanted. As he passed the front counter, he caught sight of the books and changed course to put them up, but stopped when he saw her sketchbook.

Drawings of pastries filled the top page, and every page before it. Cakes and tartes and bonbons and macaroons and candies, all sketched out with different decorations. Flowers, hearts, little cat paws... the designs were fantastic, full of life and care.

So this is what she’d been up to.

After a moment, he stacked the cookbooks and pushed them to the end of the counter. He went back to the kitchen with the sketchbook tucked under his arm.

---

She woke with a start. It took her a moment, but, when she realized where she was, she swore and jumped up, dashing out of the room and skidding to a stop in the doorway to the kitchen.

“Sir! I am so sorry, I didn’t mean--I swear, it wasn’t on purpose--I would never--!”

When he looked up, all she could see was the smile tugging at the corner of his lips, the one he was trying so hard to hide.

“It’s okay; you’ve been working a lot.”

“I--”

“It’s okay,” he repeated, turning his attention to the batter he was mixing; blueberry muffins, judging from the smell. “You should just go back to work.”

She bowed quickly and backed out of the kitchen, hitting her temple with the heel of her hand. “How could I have fallen asleep, I mean, really, what the heck is wrong with me I can’t belie...” Her soft mumbles trailed off when she got to the counter.

Her sketchbook was there, closed and placed neatly in the center of the counter. That wasn’t overwhelmingly surprising, but what was on top of it was.

A small round cake - chocolate, her favorite flavor - was on a little saucer. A beautiful flower had been piped on one side, bright and bold and surrounded by leaves. A thin heart, drawn in white chocolate, stood out of the cake and was dusted with powdered sugar. Her name had been piped on the edge of the plate.

It took her a moment before she recognized it as one of her designs, one of the things she’d been wanting to try to perfect for Jaebum. And next to it, placed neatly beside her notebook, was a small flyer for a baking and decorating class.

Her eyes started to sting.

Someone behind her cleared their throat; she whirled around, finding herself face to face with the head pastry chef himself. He was close, too close; she went cross eyed staring at the name of the cafe embroidered on his shirt and she took a faltering step back so she could look up at his face.

“Did...did you...?”

“I’m sorry I looked at your sketchbook.” Jaebum nodded toward it. “But those are beautiful designs. You’ve got a lot of talent.”

“I...” She blinked, shaking her head slightly as she tried to collect her thoughts. “And...and the class?”

“You want to learn to make these things, right?”

She nodded.

“It’s a place to start. We could go together.”

“But you don’t need it! You’re great already!”

“Yeah, but I want to be there to help you. I thought it might be more fun than your typical first date.”

“But you--wait, first date?”

Suddenly he seemed much less sure. “I mean, if you want it to be. It doesn’t have to...”

But she was beaming. She grabbed the cake and ran her finger through the chocolate icing before booping his nose, leaving a dot of icing there. “I would love to go to baking class with you on our first official date, Jaebum.”

He laughed, smearing a bit of icing on her nose as well. “Then it’s a date.”

“It’s a date!”

Across the shop, Kunta curled up in her sunbeam and purred.

[ds-ts-smut-fics]

Sweet On You [Chapter Three]

Giggling and bouncing a little on his feet like a puppy, Patton grins, holding a small tin close. It was so adorable how Virgil had sent him the address to the restaurant the day before, asking that Patton didn’t look up what it was, just to surprise him. 

Standing now in front of a small, picturesque diner, out of the way from most of the traffic and busy shops, Patton can't help but coo. "It's so cute!" 

Thinking of something, he slips his phone out after a small juggle of objects, sending a text.

Patton:

Hey, baby! How should I find you? Are you here yet?

Anxiety: 

I’m inside. I’m at the booth in the corner. 

Humming softly, he tucks his phone away, opening the door and making his way to the indicated booth. "Hiya, darling! Oh! Um… Anxiety?" 

Pausing in his motion to offer a hand and tug his date into a hug, his eyes flick over the features of the young Hearst scion before the smile returns even if a bit more nervous. "I'm Patton… You're expecting me, right?"

Anxiety grabs his hand and pulls him into a tight hug. He- She? He? -doesn’t seem to realize Patton recognizes him. “Hi. I’m Virgil.” 

Humming, he returns the tight embrace. "Hello, Virgil! He/him pronouns, yes, kiddo?"

He nods, blushing a little. He slides into the booth. “Yeah. Should I have mentioned, um, that I’m trans before we met up?” 

"It did throw me off a little? Only because I wanted to make sure I wasn't approaching a random person and making them uncomfortable, though!" Giggling, he sits and slides over the tin. "For you, baby!" 

Virgil perks up, opening the tin. 

Leaning over and pointing things out, Patton giggles happily. "Chocolate chip cookies, chocolate marshmallow swirl fudge, some salted caramels and brownies with walnuts and chocolate chunks! All homemade fresh just for you!"

Virgil smiles, clasping his hands together. “Thanks, Patton! This looks great.” He looks up at him shyly. 

Blushing a little with pride, Patton hums. "Thanks, kiddo! I'm training as a pastry chef at La Princessa, so I hope they came out good enough…"

“We can try them after we eat? They look great.” Virgil shuts it back up, and then reaches over, taking Patton’s hand. 

Nodding, Patton grins, squeezing Virgil's hand and lifting it to press a gentle kiss his knuckles. "Of course! Got a plan on what you'd like to eat?" 

“How about you order for me?” Virgil smiles cheekily.

Laughing, Patton opens the menu, and grins, remembering Virgil saying he's a vegetarian. "How about the veggie cheeseburger, I'm thinking you're a cheddar person… fries and a diet soda."

“That’s a good pick,” he says. “I’ve had it before, it’s good.” 

They order their food once the waiter comes around, Virgil putting in two milkshake orders. 

Patton blushes, tracing a small pattern on the table. "So, I'm guessing this is kinda under the radar for you, kiddo?"

Virgil’s eyes widen, and then he blushes. “Oh… I was hoping you didn’t recognize me. I guess that was stupid, though.”

Patton gently squeezes his hand. "You are fairly well known, darling… I don't mind it, though?" Smiling softly at him, he giggles self consciously. "I just hope to be able to do well by you?"

Virgil looks him over, smirking confidently. “I’m sure you’ll do fine.” 

Laughing, he grins wide. "Thanks, baby girl! I mean, baby boy! Oopsie!" The mistake making him blush and groan as he drops his face into his hands.

Virgil bites his lip, and then bursts into laughter. His face red from embarrassment, but looking genuinely amused. 

Looking up, Patton offers a small smile, "Sorry, baby…"

“It’s fine,” he promises. He looks down at their hands. “Honestly, other than my friend, you’re the only one who’s, like, bothered to correct yourself. It doesn’t bother me if you mess up sometimes.” 

"I try to get it right…. pronouns are important, baby boy.” 

They pull their hands away as the server comes with their food and milkshakes. 

“So… what do you like to do for fun, hmm?” Patton asks. “Tell me what interests the lovely Virgil."

Virgil hums, sipping on his drink. “Well, I’m in school for creative writing. I don’t go to class much, though.” 

"Not as interesting as you'd thought, or not good teachers?" Tipping his head, he smiles, eating some fries.

He shrugs. “It’s just boring. I didn’t really want to go in the first place.” 

"You'd rather just write, then? Or is there another dream you'd like to pursue?" 

He shifts uncomfortably, taking a long sip of his milkshake before answering. “I don’t know. I’m in college because my parents told me I had to go. I’m not sure what I want to do yet.” 

Offering his hand again, Patton smiles. "That's okay, baby… you don't have to know yet! I only figured out that I wanted to cook things. I've been doing pastry for years, but I'm actually going to school for it now!" 

Virgil forces a little smile, running his thumb over Patton’s palm. “Thanks. What classes are you taking?” 

“Well, a lot of courses on food preparation and history of different cuisine. It's a bit hard to explain… Basically, we study the history and tradition and then how to make it! Then there's classes on english, math, and business, it's a fun combination!"

He nods. “That sounds a lot cooler than all my classes. The only ones I really enjoy are the business and finance classes.” 

As the waiter takes their plates, Patton orders some more fries before turning to Virgil with a soft hum, taking the smaller hand in his again.

"So maybe you'd like to go into business, baby? Make your own or invest in another's dream!" Lifting Virgil's hand, he smiles, kissing the palm.

Virgil can’t help but smile at the kiss. “Well, I’m supposed to inherit my parents’ business when they die. They want me to start up my own smaller one before that, though, for practice. I kind of want to make a publishing firm.” 

"Combining the two interests! I like it! Perhaps you should send an email to your advisor and see if there's a way to work the class schedule to make this more possible…" Gesturing happily as he talks, he kisses Virgil's hand again. "Oh, I'm so happy for you, baby boy!"

Virgil laughs. “It’s not that big of a deal, you dork!” He takes his hand back, rummaging around in a bag he brought. “Here. I have something for you.” 

Giggling, Patton grins before pulling in a little.  "Sorry… I get excited easily?" 

Virgil waves his hand dismissively. “It’s cute.” He pulls out an envelope, holding it nervously. “This might be hasty… But, well… I guess I have a good feeling. So here.” He thrusts the envelope in Patton’s direction, not meeting his eyes. 

Taking it, he tips his head in curiosity, eyes going wide as he gasps. Inside is a credit card and a small wad of cash. "Oh! Thank you, baby! I promise to treat you right and not betray this trust!" Kissing both palms, he grins, plans of dinners and quiet dates out dancing in his mind.

“So…” He blushes, squeezing Patton’s hands. “Is it official, then?”

Nodding, he grins. "I think it is, my baby boy! How about giving daddy a kiss to seal the deal, love?"

Virgil leans over, resting a hand on the side of Patton’s neck and giving him a soft, sweet kiss on the lips. The strawberry milkshake he was drinking is still on his tongue. 

Humming as it mixes with the chocolate, he slides a hand down the back of Virgil's head to hold him in place for a deeper kiss. "Mmm… delicious, baby boy~!"

Virgil pulls back as his back started aching from the awkward angle, blushing and rubbing his thighs together. 

Grinning, Patton nudges his plate closer. "Go ahead and eat more, baby, I think you might need your energy tonight~!"

Virgil grins back, happily finishing the fries. “So are you coming over tonight, then?” 

"If you'd like me to, I'd enjoy it a great deal, baby boy… that's a big thing for you, and for me. Being affectionate and loving with each other and caring for your needs!" Stroking Virgil's hand when he's finished, he grins and gives a small wink. "Repeated care if necessary!"

Virgil was grinning so wide it hurt. He pulled out his phone and typed for a minute. 

Anxious Kitten: 

I know your dorm sucks but i’m gonna need the apartment empty tonight. I sent u money for dinner

Astronomical Dork: 

That's fair. Date going well with your potential daddy? 

Anxious Kitten: 

So well. 

Virgil shoves his phone back into his pocket so he can focus on Patton. They finish up their food and Virgil covers the check and the tip, before pulling Patton out of the restaurant. 

“I’ll text you my address,” he says, taking Patton’s hand. “You’ll meet me there?”

Using the soft hold to swing Virgil into a tight hug, Patton grins. "I wouldn't miss it for all the world, baby boy!" 

Virgil hugs him back tight, staying there for a minute with his face buried in Patton’s neck. He was already so… comfortable. 

Nuzzling Virgil gently, Patton smiles. "Like being in my arms, baby? You feel so lovely there…"

“I love it,” he whispers. He forces himself to pull away, though, kissing Patton softly. “Come on. Let’s go back to my place.” 

Humming, Patton nods, "Let's, baby~ Did you have a ride?"

Virgil nods towards one of the cars, the nicest-looking one in the whole parking lot. “Yep. See you there.” 

"Lovely!" He kisses Virgil softly before walking towards a well kept but much older, light blue beetle, calling back, "I'll see you there soon, baby!" 

*** 

Virgil gets home- maybe breaking a speed limit law or two -and immediately sets down the tin before he rushes around the apartment, trying to get everything as clean as possible. 

He was already a pretty sloppy person, but now that he doesn’t have his parents reprimanding him every time he didn’t clean up after himself, his apartment was constantly a tornado. He was fine with it- but he wasn’t so sure Patton would be. He spent the next few minutes scooping up pizza boxes and dirty laundry and trying to shove everything back into its place. 

Whistling softly as he drives, Patton has a small, sappy smile on his face as he thinks about his new relationship. He's just so cute! Oh my goodness… I can't screw this up!! He seems, so okay with how bouncy and fidgety I am! Please, whoever, make this speed at which we're moving be a good sign? Stopping on a whim, he gets a flower for Virgil, having them wrap it in purple paper before continuing on to Virgil's address.

Soon pulling into the parking lot, he runs a hand through his hair and hides the sunflower behind him as he walks up and rings the buzzer for the apartment. Virgil lets him up, waiting at the door. 

Smiling, he presents the flower and offers Virgil a hug, "Hiya, sunshine!"

Virgil’s face turns bright red. He takes the flower with a big smile, staring down. “Th-thanks, Patton. Uh- Here, come in.” 

Virgil didn’t have a vase to put the flower in, so he found the tallest coffee mug he had and filled it with water. 

"I'm going to have to buy you a vase, aren't I, baby? Good surprise, then?" Toeing off his shoes, he follows Virgil, sliding his arms around him in another hug once the flower and mug are set down. 

Virgil leaned back against him, wrapping his arms over Patton’s. He laughed. “What, you don’t think that looks good?” The mug reached up to half of the sunflower, making it slouch over, the words “I’m a writer; I hate people” wrapped around the mug. 

"It does, but I think you'd like to use your mug sometimes?" Nuzzling Virgil, he grins happily. 

“I have other mugs.” He turned around in Patton’s arms, leaning back against the counter as he pulled Patton in for a kiss. 

Humming into the kiss, Patton presses Virgil into the counter more and tips his head to deepen it, hands settling on his hips as his eyes slide shut with a hum. Virgil draped his arms over Patton’s shoulders as he kissed him, his heart beating hard in his chest and his head feeling fuzzy. 

His fingers sliding around to caress Virgil's ass, he moans softly. Virgil bucks his hips into his touch, letting out a soft noise of surprise. 

Squeezing gently, he grins against Virgil's lips. "Too much, baby boy?"

“Not even close,” he mumbled. He was so turned on. 

"Mmm… good~!" Squeezing and rubbing more, he cups his ass and lifts Virgil a bit to sit on the counter. "Spread those sexy legs for daddy, baby boy~"

Virgil leaned back, moving the sunflower out of the way and spreading his legs with a grin. 

Sliding his hands up the spread legs, he hums softly, rubbing the soft thighs as he steps in closer. "Such a good boy~!"

Virgil wrapped his legs around Patton’s waist, pulling him closer and trapping him there. 

Chuckling, he nuzzles Virgil. "Needy, baby boy?" Virgil nodded, lightly grinding against Patton’s front. Moaning, Patton grinds back against him. "O-oh~! Keep doing that and I'll be getting the condom from my wallet to take you right here, baby… bed~?"

Virgil scooted forward and held onto Patton for him to pick him up. “Upstairs, first door on the left.” 

Easily lifting Virgil, Patton nuzzles his neck as he follows the directions, "Want to see your face as I mold you to me, baby~!" 

Virgil kissed along his neck, sucking and biting little marks as Patton walked. 

Gasping, Patton growls softly, pressing him against the wall at the top of the stairs and squeezing his ass, "Mmm~"

“Daddy,” Virgil groaned. “Daddy, need you.” 

Standing again, he claims Virgil's lips eagerly as he continues to the bedroom, "How do you want daddy, my sweet boy~?" 

Virgil settled back against the soft pillows and plush blankets, spreading his legs. “However you want me, daddy.”

Stroking up Virgil's body, Patton hums, sliding their clothes off slowly, "I think I want a taste of you and then sink inside you and see how loud you can scream for me, baby~!"

Virgil groaned, bucking his hips. “God, yes, please.”

As he strips them, he sets the condom aside, settling between the spread legs with a grin as he kisses down his chest. "Going to be such a sweet treat for daddy to eat, baby~?"

“Yes,” Virgil whined. “Please, please, get on with it!”

Giggling, he holds Virgil's legs open wider, sliding a pillow under his hips before lapping over his clit and slit lightly. "Mmm… good things take time, baby! Got to do this right~!"

Virgil shuddered, rubbing himself against Patton’s mouth. Licking inside, he hums softly, nibbling on his clit and holding him still. 

He whined. “Ah, daddy, Pat-” He moaned. 

"Going to cum for me, baby boy?" Stroking over the damp slit, he hums softly. 

 “Getting so close,” Virgil pants, gripping the sheets. 

Sliding his fingers inside, Pat rubs at the sensitive clit, licking deep inside along with them. "Cum~!"

Virgil came with a shout, his back arching.

Grinning, Patton kisses and licks him through the high as he slides a lubed finger over Virgil's hole. "So good for me, baby boy~!"  

Virgil pulled Patton up, giving him a hard kiss on the mouth. Kissing back with a moan, he lets Virgil taste himself on his lips, stroking over his hips and holding him close. Virgil grabs Patton by the arms and flips them over, grinding down over his cock and kissing down Patton’s neck. 

Gasping, Patton thrusts up. "Fuuuck~! C-condom, baby boy!" Pointing, he moans out as he grabs the slim hips.

Virgil scrambled to pull Patton’s wallet out of his pants, pulling out a condom and shoving it into Patton’s hands while gripping Patton’s shoulders and grinding down. 

Chuckling, Patton unwraps the condom and slides it on, grinding back. "Ride me, baby~!"

Virgil sunk himself down onto Patton’s cock, maybe a little too fast, groaning and pressing his forehead against Patton’s shoulder. Holding Virgil's hips, he hums, giving him a moment to recover before thrusting up into him with a moan. Virgil meets his thrusts, mewling and tipping his head back as pleasure races through his body. 

Kissing up the arched neck, Patton moans against his skin, fucking up into him hard. "Oh, oh fuuuck~! Too good, baby!"

“Daddy,” he panted, “harder!” Virgil was getting closer and closer, head fuzzy with pleasure as Patton brought him down hard on his cock, over and over again. 

Grinning at Virgil's reactions, he flips them, raising one of Virgil's legs to wrap around his waist so that he can slide in deeper and harder. "As you wish~!"

Virgil whimpered and came after a few minutes of this. Following soon after, Patton moans out, holding Virgil close and kissing him deeply. Virgil kissed him back, and then collapsed onto his chest, breathing heavily and looking him over with lidded eyes. 

Grinning, Patton catches him and rubs over his back. "Good, baby?"

“So good,” he sighed, realizing that was the best sex he’s had in a while. “Are you spending the night?” Thinking over his schedule just to make sure, Patton nods, stroking up the soft chest. "I had hoped to… give you all the cuddles and affection you deserve."

Blushing, Virgil rolled over to lay on the mattress, cuddling into Patton’s side. “Shh. Go to sleep.” 

Wrapping around Virgil with a grin after disposing of the condom carefully, Patton tugs blankets up around them. "After you, baby!"

Leaning over and giving Patton a soft kiss on the cheek, Virgil begins purring, “I made the right choice.” 

Rubbing softly behind his ears, Patton captures soft lips gently. "We both did, dearest…"

Virgil settles back against him, yawning and closing his eyes with a loud purr, quickly falling asleep. 

Humming, Patton gently pets him and yawns, slowly following Virgil into sleep after one last kiss to his forehead. "Goodnight, Virgil… My sweet baby boy."

Tag list:

@useless-gay-baby @nsfsanders @sinfulstorytime @felicianoromano @xpouii @chocolocosstuff @dn-fan21 @peachybee-alex

[ericthelavender]

Come hither and let me tell you a tale. A tale on the level of Game of Thrones. A tale of the bitterness of Trump’s America. A tale of deceit, of treachery - tyranny even.

A tale... of the Thanksgiving Chili Cookoff.

I, Eric, am but a humble baker in a small yet delightful grocers market. I am also the newest addition to the tight nit crew of pastry chefs and cake adorners, being an official member for naught a year. And after hearing whispers of the aforementioned oncoming event, I began to buzz with excitement. I. Love. Chili.

However, you see, this annual tradition is quite personal between the head of my lot, Debbie, and the market’s director, Kevin. As the rumors are told, Kevin had once reigned champion year after year, his recipe for meat, beans, and tomato sauce - unmatched. Until, one day, Debbie participated... and stole his crown. Ever since, the two have battled honorably to hold the title (and to win the $100 giftcard) as top chili champ.

And so, at long last, the day hath come upon us. To my surprise, before the taste testing began, Debbie had confided in us and asked of us to pledge our loyalty to her. To pledge our vote, you see, as her pot was number three. And the others agreed vehemently... 

I did my best to remain neutral yet assuring. I am loyal to my leader, but I do not believe in such tactics in the face of democracy. Therefore, I made no promise.

I savored and pondered over the four samples of chili, eventually coming to a decision and writing the number corresponding to the pot I chose on a small piece of parchment, casting it into the ballot box. When I returned to our neck of the woods, my two comrades quietly shared their thoughts on the four pots of chili. One of them, Maricruz, asked me inquisitively, “Which one did you vote for?”

I was a fool.

“I did not vote for Debbie’s.”

They both looked upon me in flabbergast. And as irony follows me like a needy kitten that must be by my side constantly while clumsily knocking things over and always breaking my sh**t ... (training is not going well), Debbie strides right on in with impeccable timing. 

I can see the shift in Maricruz’s eyes in the split second she made up her mind.

“Debbie, I think you should consider cutting someone’s hours.” She glances back at me, my hear sinks to my stomach, I know I am being betrayed. “Someone that didn’t vote for you, maybe?” The snitchery. Debbie manages to put together the pieces and snaps her head in my direction, mouth agape, eyes wide in shock.

After moments of me stumbling and stuttering, trying to find words to defend myself, Debbie interjects. “Who did you vote for?” I pause, the room is quiet. “Number four.” I whisper carefully. “You voted for Melony!?” 

Alas, Melony was to Debbie as Debbie was to Kevin. A contender that threatened her position of power. Someone that had dethroned her once before. I had not a clue. And again, that foul little irony kitten reared is’t fluffy little head once again. Melony walked by and gave us a farewell as she was leaving for home.

Debbie smiled and waved to her, but quicker than a heart beat her eyes were trained back on my person, burning with the flames of a thousand suns. I turned to Maricruz. “How could you do this to me? You didn’t even hesitate.” 

“I believe in loyalty.” I shook my head at her. “Well I believe in fighting for what’s right.”

In the end, I will forever be known as a traitor, reminded of my place amongst the group of long time ride or die friends. I am the outsider. But I take solace in knowing that I posses some power. For when I bake, I can deny Maricruz all access to extra morsels and sugary snacks to quell her sweet tooth. 

That will be my payback. That will be my vengeance. I will not make that mistake again.

[deojoon]

macaroons : 1

crossposted on ao3

/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10

not telling yall what series this belong to or what’s the ship in this fic yet

Summary:

Imagine this you’ve gotten comfortable with your delightful apple pie but then you see macaroons, knowing how expensive it is, how rare and how you shouldn’t wanna try it but unfortunately your stomach has other plans. Well, it was the exact case for kihyun at least. or how kihyun and yoongi ended up in this confusing drama called ‘life’

Notes:

as i was writing angel part 2 i thought os this and wrote it. I was supposed to be doing my chemistry hw but fuck it. i like writing more anyways. it might not be as long as i estimated to be but its also gonna start a series. once i get to the plot. i have 2 other new series im writing at the same time this one and sky blue. I’m a creative mess. but yall love it ! ill try to update something every day in december, because ultimately im doing this to practice my writing. anyways enjoy this new series hehe i promise it all fluffy with humor maybe slight angst but i really dont know yet. ill stop rambling enjoy !

Imagine this you’ve gotten comfortable with your delightful apple pie but then you see macaroons, knowing how expensive it is, how rare and how you shouldn’t wanna try it but unfortunately your stomach has other plans. Well, it was the exact case for kihyun at least.

Kihyun knew better than to go to the new maid café with a famous bakery around the corner from his apartment. He immediately regrets it as he approaches, he sees a long line but luckily he moved quickly and was able to get a spot behind the door. A boy in a butler costume approached him

“ hello sir, here’s our menu so you’re ready to go inside and order !” he said with too much energy for kihyun’s liking.

But he takes the menu and said thank you regardless.

Knowing he shouldn’t splurge with his money, already knowing what Yoongi would say if he was there. As he got closer inside he thought it was getting progressively worse, how much he loved the simle but warming atmosphere. The cherry on top was the cute bakery associate in a maids costume, with her blinding smil- okay so it was more than one thing that’s keeping him here but that irrelevant.

Kihyun pouts as he’s unconsciously waiting in line, moving when necessary. Kihyun being himself, was too busy cursing himself to realize it was his turn to order.

“ excuse me, master ? are you ready” the woman with a blinding smile said

“uh.sure.i kinda want the macaroons but at the same time, the apple pie” kihyun stuttered, getting lost in her eyes.

“Mm, our pastry chef makes the best apple pie ! I recommend that” the woman said charmingly

Kihyun was so anxious he just nodded, knowing its better to be safe than sorry.

A woman in a chefs coat came out with a permanent scowl on her face and a pan full of cakes. She places them in the display window and looks and kihyun.

“kid, since you sound interested in my stupid fucking expensive pastries ill let you get some for free” the tall woman in a big chef’s coat said while throwing stuff in a cute box.

The woman in the maids’ outfit looks star struck when she saw the scowling other.

“kitten, stop watching me and finish the transaction” the tall woman snapped

“yes boss ! is that all master” the woman called ‘kitten’ said

“yeah”

“Your total is $3.25”

‘that cheap ?, wait what the hell’ kihyun thought while grabbing his wallet

“kitten’ noticed his face and giggled then winked

“boss told me to shh ! make sure to come back”

Kihyun nodded and grabbed his baked goods.

He shook his head as he made his way out of the café.

We walked back to his apartment, opens the door to see Yoongi sitting on the couch.

“your finally back did you get anything for me?” Yoongi grumbled

Kihyun looked at his roommate while taking his shoes off at the front door in the cramped apartment

“you told me not to get you anything dickhole”

Yoongi groaned

“fine”

As he throws himself on the couch.

Kihyun shakes his head at his friend’s childish behavior and walks over to the kitchen to put his goods away

[tastesoftamriel]

Into the unknown (a long tale by Talviel)

Middas, 10th of Second Seed, 4E 206. I sat upon Roach, at the crossroads where Falkreath met Cyrodiil and Hammerfell. I’d finally made my way through all of Skyrim, managing to pry as many recipes as I could from as many people as I could, and taking on the odd cooking job until I was summoned to the Blue Palace to cook for High Queen Elisif and her court, with astounding success. Word of my fame had spread through the province. I was officially ready to move on. Now I was torn between where to go, to the west into Hammerfell, or south-east to Cyrodiil. Several days ago while I was making camp, the wandering Khajiit, M'aiq the Liar, joined me and we exchanged stories (though he did most of the talking). “One does not simply cross the border,” he said, as we parted ways. Roach snorted, stomping a hoof with impatience. Guiding her along the road, I officially crossed the border from Skyrim, and made my way into Cyrodiil.

My mother is an Imperial, hailing from the city of Kvatch, which was totalled during the Oblivion Crisis but built anew before the Great War. Her family was not prosperous, like all who had lost so much during the Crisis, but they were driven away by the fear of the city’s close proximity to the Aldmeri Dominion. Finding work in the Market District in the Imperial City, my grandmother was a cook and cleaner in the district tavern, while my grandfather worked as a gardener throughout the city. My mother was only 12 years old when they moved, so she helped both her parents with their jobs until she was old enough to find work at a weapons shop (where she subsequently met my mercenary father years later, and fled before the Great War). She considered the Imperial City to be her true home in Cyrodiil, and I was curious to see it myself despite the damage done by the Thalmor there. In the three decades since the war, the Imperial City had come a long way in its refurbishment, despite the assassination of the Emperor Titus Mede II in Skyrim by the Dark Brotherhood in 4E 202. Once again, the Empire was faced with the same situation as during the end of the Septim line, and a newly reformed Elder Council was put in place to govern until a new Emperor could be put in place on the throne. However, in spite of a lacking leader, the city flourished and the debris of war was just a memory to the younger folk.

I picked my way west towards Bruma, a town on the tip of the border, and worked hard at the ancient and esteemed Jerall View Inn. In three weeks I was ready to make my way south towards the Imperial City, trembling with excitement to see the lore and legend with my own eyes. I was no supporter of the Empire, but in comparison to the genocidal alternatives of the Aldmeri Dominion and the Stormcloaks, they were kittens in comparison. I tucked my amulet of Talos into my tunic just to be safe, and made my way inside. The vastness of the city and its districts was like nothing in Skyrim, where the biggest cities I had seen were Solitude and Whiterun. Clutching my recommendation from High Queen Elisif, I made my way towards the legendary Tiber Septim Hotel, hoping to find work in their kitchens. The proprietor was a snooty Dunmer woman, who took one look at my letter of recommendation and shook her head at me. “We don’t serve Nord cooking here. Try your luck elsewhere and when you can cook like an Imperial, come find me and we can organise a trial.” She said, as I slunk towards the door feeling humiliated.

After wandering the city and finding mostly squalid or simple taverns and inns with nothing to offer to my culinary education, I finally came upon the Akatosh Tavern in the Elven Gardens District, which before the war had apparently been called the King and Queen Tavern and had been standing since the 3rd era. It was comfortable and homely, and they took me in happily upon seeing my recommendation. The head chef, a portly Imperial named Garrus, was relieved to have an apprentice to help with the kitchen work, and was accommodating and helpful, sharpening the basic knowledge of Imperial cuisine I had picked up in Bruma. He sent me weekly to the countryside outside of the city to pick herbs and vegetables, and when he discovered I was an adept hunter, sent me to collect game (“Why buy from the markets if we can get it for free?” he often said). I soon discovered Imperial cooking to be more flavourful than what I was used to. Marinades, dips, and an abundance of olive oil were staples of our kitchen, as were cheeses (I was introduced to something called ‘feta’, which was also popular with our Khajiit and Redguard patrons). Fresh fruit and vegetables that I had only heard of were rife, and I was ecstatic to finally test my skills with something totally new. To think, just a week from Skyrim’s borders would yield such new experiences! Already I was plotting my trips into Hammerfell, High Rock, and even the deep south under the Aldmeri Dominion, which my parents strongly opposed, being worshippers of Talos.

On my days off, I explored the city, and smiled when I saw Guild marks carved next to every shop and home. Our little Riften Guild had begun its ambitious expansion to conquer all of Tamriel, and while the Grey Fox of the third era was now just a fable, Brynjolf was most certainly real and was running the Guild with clockwork precision and determination. We penned letters to each other frequently, where I talked about my adventures and he about the rapid expansion of the Thieves Guild now that we were once more under blessing of Nocturnal. I made a point of buying items from fences whenever I could to keep the gears of the Guild oiled, and each transaction was made with a knowing nod. As Brynjolf had said, once a thief, always a thief. Each of his letters were in envelopes with a wax seal bearing the mark of the Guild, which when opened smelled strongly of cinnamon and cloves that I always breathed deeply from, wishing we were close.

Two months went by at the Akatosh Tavern. I had gone from being an errand-runner and dish washer to a chef of equal standing with Garrus, who showed no sign of having his position threatened as he knew of my intent to try my luck again at the Tiber Septim Hotel. Until then, I was groomed in the ways of Imperial cuisine, until I was able to handle the kitchen on my own while he took a much deserved holiday. Word spread around the city (not without the help of some name-dropping by the Guild) about my cooking, and soon the dining room of the tavern was packed, day and night. I made fresh mozzarella by hand and kneaded fiddly filo pastries. I mastered stuffed grape leaves and marinated vegetables. The sticky, sickly sweet confectionery, soaked in syrup and nuts, that the Imperials adored were churned out in huge batches that we put on display for our hungry patrons. Soon I was hoisted from the kitchen to cater to parties and fancy dinners at rich homes around the city, until a courier came to me one day bearing the message that the proprietor of the Tiber Septim Hotel wanted to speak with me. Smiling at my triumph, I walked over while greeting the odd customer or merchant who had come to recognise my unnatural grey head around the city.

The Tiber Septim Hotel’s dining area was close to empty compared to the Akatosh Tavern, I observed when I walked in. The snooty Imperial proprietor looked stressed when she saw me, and offered a huge salary for me to move over from the tavern. Knowing I had the upper hand, I leapt at my chance. “I want one month’s salary in advance. I plan on making a journey through the province, to take some time off work and see if there is anything else to learn on the road.” Wearily, she agreed, and I signed a contract there and then that would keep me employed for six months. Grinning from ear to ear, I knew I’d done it. When the year was up, I would probably be cooking for the Elder Council and getting a glimpse into the Palace that was a mystery to all but the privileged. I shouldered my satchel, whistling an old Nord tune, and went to fetch Roach from the stables. The south and west of Cyrodiil awaited, unfolding countless promises and Ayleid ruins to explore despite the damage done by the Thalmor. Further to the south lay Elsweyr and Valenwood, and back north, Hammerfell and High Rock awaited me. Tamriel was sprawling, but I knew I had but a month to cover Cyrodiil alone. I set Roach on a fast trot, and we made our way on the road. As it turns out, leaving Skyrim for the greatest adventure of my lifetime was the best decision I had ever made. M'aiq was right. One does not simply cross the border- one crosses it with an open heart, an open mind, and the promise of the open road.