Rover was merely thinking out loud as he looked out the window and mumbled, "I can't believe it's still snowing. We’ve been here for hours."
Luuk stepped up to the window next to him. He also looked at the uncommon sight while he replied, "According to Mornye, there's some kind of bug in the system causing the weather to go haywire everywhere. They're working on getting it fixed as fast as they can but lots of other problems have since arisen because of it."
As if in response to his words, the lights cut out.
"Like that." Luuk sighed. He shook his head. "Best thing we can do is stay put and wait it out, like the announcement said."
"Yeah." Rover nodded. That made a lot more sense than running around haphazardly.
A chill ran down his spine. Damn, the temperature had dropped so quickly in just the last few minutes alone. He could see his breath when he exhaled, even though they were inside. Rover rubbed both his arms in an attempt to generate even a little bit of heat.
"The temperature is dropping fast. Are you all right?" Luuk asked as he eyed the dark-haired man. "You're shivering."
"I'm fine, just uh... a little c-cold." Rover assured him. Was he shivering? He hadn't even noticed. All he did know was that he was really tired and his hands were beginning to feel numb.
Rover turned around so he could get away from the window. He took a single step then tripped.
"Whoa there. Hang on." Luuk said as he reached out to catch his companion. His eyes narrowed slightly then he removed his glove and put his palm against the other man's forehead. "Your skin is freezing."
"Sorry, I guess my feet are kind of numb." Rover admitted sheepishly.
Luuk's brow furrowed and he asked, "How long have you been feeling that?"
"A while... I think... I don't..." Rover paused and squeezed his eyes shut to try and focus his thoughts. He opened them and stared into the red ones fixed upon him. Lovely. "I'm not sure."
"You're showing early signs of hypothermia, I can't believe I didn't see it before." Luuk said with that authoritative doctor tone of his. There was no room for question when he added, "We need to warm you up."
That sounded nice. Rover didn't say a word as Luuk lead him over to the chair on the other side of the room. He was treated with the gentlest of hands as he was seated there.
"Wait right here, I'll look for a blanket." Luuk hummed.
Rover was too tired to argue either way. He waited until the blond returned, only to see he didn't seem happy about the one thin blanket he'd found. Still, he unfolded it and wrapped it around Rover's shoulders.
"It's not enough. I suppose there's no other choice." Luuk said to himself.
"Hm?" Rover managed to grunt. He blinked slowly, so tired. So very sleepy.
"Keep those pretty eyes open, freshman," Luuk said loudly.
Rover jumped. Were they closed? When did that happen? He blinked, then finally focused on the blond standing before him. It took him a second longer than it probably should've to realize that Luuk was pulling his own shirt over his head.
Huh? Wait. That's the opposite of getting warm! Rover would've loved to shout that but he was left completely speechless at the sight of the doctor's bare torso. Whoa. Pretty.
Luuk curled a finger over his mouth and chuckled. "Well thanks for the compliment."
Rover blinked. Wait. Did he just say that out loud? He inhaled sharply when Luuk took his hand and pulled him to his feet. Then the blond sat on the chair where he'd just been and pulled him back down as well. In the end, Rover was straddling the doctor's lap.
He certainly didn't mind being this close to the guy, the opposite in fact, but he was still so confused about what was happening.
Luuk pulled him close, so Rover was pressed against his bare chest. Then he adjusted the blanket across Rover's shoulders to make sure the warmth stayed right where it should.
Rover didn't even have a chance to ask what was going on before Luuk held up his own hand and pricked his finger. Golden blood dripped from the wound, and swirled onto his palm.
Rover was mesmerized by the sight. The liquid moved as if it had a mind of its own, going upward in opposite directions before curling back into itself.
When all was said and done, the gold formed and solidified into the outline of a delicate looking heart. Rover was in awe when he muttered, "It's beautiful."
"You think so?" Luuk asked. He grabbed the heart and tossed it quickly. It stuck into the wall it hit. "The most beautiful things can be the deadliest."
Rover turned to look at him. Beautiful and deadly. It suited the guy. Not to mention warm... wait... a lot warmer than before. Rover wrapped his arms around the blond's waist and laid against his chest. Oh, wow. He was radiating heat now!
He nuzzled the chest in an attempt to get even closer. Ahh. This was so nice. The guy was like a personal heater. Rover let out a content sigh. He could snuggle against him like this forever. Not just because of the heat the blond was radiating, either.
This position felt absolutely perfect. So familiar and cozy. Rover felt like he belonged in Luuk's arms. As if nothing else in the world mattered at all.
"I've been wondering for a while," Rover said softly. He lifted his head to look into the blond's eyes, "What are we to each other?"
Luuk's smile never faltered when he replied, "Friendly acquaintances."
Rover didn't argue as the blond put a hand on the back of his head and pulled him back down again. He laid on that warm chest, listening to the soothing rhythm of the heartbeat within. Comforting, like a distant memory of simpler times. Rover's eyes fell shut. He was half-asleep when the blond spoke again.
Veldora x Rimuru (That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime)
♡ ♡
Veldora was a protector. The Protector. He was given this role and title by his best friend slash favorite person slash the cutest slime he ever did see. Rimuru was not only all of those things but also the only one that'd ever taken a chance on him.
Everyone else saw how destructive he'd been in the past and immediately figured he was irredeemable. Another lost cause in a long line of problems. Admittedly, Veldora got that. He would've been the same in their shoes. But not Rimuru, no!
The cutest slime in human form appointed him protector and then went on a long mission a hundred percent sure that Tempest would be safe in his absence. Of course this was true! Veldora the Storm Dragon was way better at protecting than even he realized himself! Truly, he deserved all the praise! And rewards, yes!
Unfortunately, the only one who could give him either of those things was still not back from his mission. Tempest was safe and running smoothly, that was undeniable. Lately, however, Veldora found a strange new feeling that originated deep within his heart. Longing. He really missed Rimuru.
How long had it been? Why was diplomacy such a lengthy process? Veldora didn't know the answer to either of those questions. Only that he wanted desperately to see Rimuru again. And not just because he'd run out of manga to read.
Though he'd been in such high spirits when given this assignment, quite thrilled that Rimuru trusted him so, that had waned. Now it felt like the days blended together. Veldora felt sluggish.
He flopped face first onto his bed then rolled over. Veldora's eyes fell shut and he sighed to himself. He just wanted to wake up and see his dear friend. Maybe kiss him a little, too. He was sure Rimuru would make the cutest face if he did that. Yeah, that'd be nice. Maybe he’d get to see the guy in his dreams…
Veldora's eyes snapped open. He bolted upright. This feeling! There was no mistaking it! He hurried out of bed without bothering to move the covers and tripped when they tangled around his feet. Bam! Falling on his face was not gonna slow him down. He pushed himself up and was on his way again.
Veldora wiped the blood that dripped from his nose and ran. He ran as fast as this human body's legs would take him. Out of his room and through the labyrinth until he made it outside. Then he ran some more. It was faint but steadily approaching. There was no doubt about it.
Through the streets he ran, not stopping for a thing. When he reached the outskirts of Tempest, he stopped. He hadn't crossed that line since he'd been given his role. Ever diligent, he stood there now and squeezed his hands into fist as he bounced excitedly in place.
It was when he saw the familiar convoy crest the nearby hill that he gasped and lit up. There was no holding back anymore. He just exploded.
"Rimuruuuu!" Veldora shouted as he went barreling towards the guy.
There was no time for Rimuru to brace for impact. As soon as he reached his beloved companion, Veldora scooped him off his feet and spun him round and round happily.
"Kyahahaha! I missed youuu!" Veldora shouted with glee.
"Whoaaaaa! Hold on! Veldoraaaa!" Rimuru yelped as he spun again and again.
Veldora stopped and smiled from ear to ear. "You're really back!"
"Of course I am." Rimuru replied through short gasps for air. He took a second to try and catch his breath.
Veldora wished this form had a tail so he could wag and wag it some more. He was so happy! Anticipation shined in the dragon's eyes as he asked, "Did you miss me? Huh?"
Rimuru smiled warmly as he reached up to pat the top of the dragon’s head. He nodded and chirped, "Yup. I would've said that by now if you hadn't made me queasy with all the spinning!"
"Whoops!" Veldora laughed. He set Rimuru onto his feet and offered him a big ol' grin. It really was him. Veldora’s heart was full to bursting right now.
"I've got something for you," Rimuru hummed. “Here.”
"Oh?" Veldora looked down at what his companion held, intrigued.
It was a small painting. Though it took Veldora a second to realize it was of a dragon's head. Atop that was a little blue slime. Both had happy little pink blush in their cheeks. He'd recognize those handsome creatures anywhere! This was art of himself and Rimuru!
"I painted it myself when I had some free time," Rimuru said softly as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Do you like it?"
"It's my favorite thing on the whole planet!" Veldora shouted. He laughed loudly and danced with joy as he held it up for all to see. "I've never loved anything more!"
Well, that just wasn't true. Veldora leaned down and whispered next to his companion's ear so his voice wouldn’t carry when he purred, "Except for you. Meet me in the usual place later tonight."
Rimuru squeaked and turned an unprecedented shade of pink. Everyone started to ask if he was all right all while Veldora held up his lovely gift and grinned like an idiot. It’d go perfect right above his bed! Gyahahaha!
Diablo x Rimuru (That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime)
♡ ♡
Rimuru opened his eyes and blinked slowly. He was content. In quite a good mood, actually. All around satisfied. The last bits of grogginess faded from his eyes and he turned towards his left. He let out a surprised squeak when he saw a pair of demonic eyes staring at him unblinking.
"You're awake, Sir Rimuru!" Diablo exclaimed. His eyes shined with the joy he just couldn't suppress. If he'd been a dog that tail of his would be wagging at supersonic speed.
"Ah! Y-yeah! Good morning!" Rimuru yelped. He grabbed at the covers, fighting the urge to pull them and cover up. That would've been ridiculous, all things considered.
"Did you sleep well?" Diablo asked.
"Better than I have in a long time," Rimuru admitted. The words barely slipped past his lips before he regretted them. Surely that wouldn't go to the demon's head... right? One look at the way Diablo was sparkling said otherwise.
Ok, yes, last night had been incredible. Rimuru didn't expect he'd ever feel that way about a demon of all creatures. He also didn't want the guy to get ahead of himself. This was just a spur of the moment thing. They'd go back to normal once they left this room. Probably.
That was a problem for future him to deal with. Right now he wanted to bask in the moment. He refocused on his companion to find the demon still staring at him and grinning like an idiot.
"What're you smiling about?" Rimuru asked. All the staring was flattering, sure, but it was going to make him start feeling self-conscious soon if he didn't chill.
Diablo scooted closer to him. He laid his head against Rimuru's chest and wrapped his arms around him snugly then sighed, "You've made me the happiest demon in the world."
Rimuru felt his cheeks heat up. Sheesh. The guy could use a little bit of a filter. "Come on, you're being dramatic."
"I assure you, I'm completely serious." Diablo replied. He lifted his head and said, "I've been in love with you since the moment I first saw you."
Rimuru thought about that for a second. The whole “love at first sight” thing aside, there was a far bigger question that popped into his head. He raised a curious eyebrow at the demon then asked, "Wasn't I in my slime form when we met?"
"Indeed. Never before had I seen such splendorous perfection, such radiance." Diablo cooed. His cheeks darkened and he smiled as he recalled the day. "My eyes were blessed, my world instantly changed. The deepest part of my soul was suddenly awakened."
Rimuru poked the top of the demon's head and asked, "What do you even like so much about that form, huh?"
Diablo's hand slid up Rimuru's back slowly as he purred, "It's so smooth and squishy. It bounces back from anything. Truly the ideal state of being." He curled Rimuru's long locks around his fingers slowly. "Not to mention the most beautiful shade of blue in the universe."
"Only you would think something like that," Rimuru chuckled. Diablo's grip on him tightened so that he was pulled even closer. The demon’s bare skin was warm against his own. Hot, even. He’d likely start to sweat soon. But he made no effort to pull away.
"I could write you a sonnet about each and every little thing about you that is perfect if you'd like," Diablo offered.
"No thanks, I'm good." Rimuru sighed. He rubbed the demon's head tenderly and added, "You really are such a weirdo."
"Does that displease you?" Diablo asked.
A smile spread across Rimuru's face then he replied, "No, I guess it doesn't."
Tears pooled in the demon's eyes. He was on the verge of happy crying again. What a big baby. Rimuru put his hands on both sides of Diablo's face and squished his cheeks. He snickered at the sight then kissed his forehead.
Rimuru’s smile widened. He tilted his head then hummed, "We still have some time before we need to get up so let's just cuddle for a bit, 'kay?"
"It would be my honor to be your cuddle buddy, Sir Rimuru."
Rimuru burst into a fit of laughter. What a thing to hear from a devastatingly powerful demon. He wrapped his arms around Diablo's neck and laid his head against the demon’s chest. Then he let out a content sigh. Truly, this was bliss.
"The rumors you all heard were true," Naito explained to everyone that had gathered at the foot of the bed where Shiki was fast asleep. He motioned toward the blue-haired boy and continued, "He's been in this state for a while now. We’ve confirmed that it's a curse, which means there is only one way to wake him."
"Yeah? And what's that?" Ikari grunted. He put his hands on his hips impatiently and frowned at their teacher.
"True love's kiss, of course!" Kyoya chimed in from the other side of the dark-haired man. He motioned with both hands and smiled from ear to ear while everyone just stared at him afterwards. When he noticed their lack of reaction he pouted and mumbled, "What's with you guys? No reaction at all? Kids these days, sheesh."
After another moment of silence from the group, Kyoya cleared his throat then said, "Yeah, yeah, I know it sounds cheesy, but I promise it's real. And it's the only way we can get Shiki back."
Juji raised his hand in the air then asked, "And what does that have to do with all of us?"
"We managed to narrow it down as much as we possibly could," Naito explained. His expression remained unchanged as he looked at each of his students in turn. "That search lead us to the fact that it's most definitely one of you who checks all the boxes."
“Meaning?” Jin grunted.
“Meaning that one of the people in this room has the power to save his life… with a kiss!” Kyoya chirped.
There were several soft gasps from the group. Everyone glanced at one another.
"We can't figure out exactly who it is, but you certainly know yourself at this point." Naito continued.
"Buuuut since it's kind of an embarrassing subject and all that, we figure this is a great way to handle the situation!" Kyoya chimed in. He looked down at Shiki then up at the group again and hummed, "Basically, we're all going to stand around him and close our eyes. That way the one person who can break his curse has the chance to. Then afterwards we can all go out for a lovely celebratory dinner!"
Homare put both hands on her cheeks and shook her head as she muttered, "Oh dear, that's a lot of pressure."
"Why are Rokuro and I even here? It's not either of us!" Kuina groaned. She hugged the tall boy's arm tightly, which made him squeak softly.
"Even if it was me, I'd probably lie about it because that's too much weight on my shoulders... I feel queasy just thinking about it..." Rokuro muttered to himself as he shook his head.
"Then don't think about it," Kuina chimed in.
Jin crossed his arms and grunted, "We could just leave him like this. He's a lot more likable this way."
Kyoya held up his hands and motioned downward as he asked, "Now, now, can't we all just cooperate and save his life? He'd do the same for any of you. That much is worth a little potential awkwardness, right?"
There was a long bout of silence before everyone finally agreed and stepped close to the bed then shut their eyes.
"Everyone keep them closed until we tell you it's ok to open them," Naito reminded the group. He waited a moment to make sure all eyes stayed shut then closed his own. "You may proceed."
Silence. It was the loudest thing any of them had ever heard. At least before the sudden shrieking.
"What the hell are you doing, man!" Shiki cried.
"Saving your stupid life!" Jin yelled back.
"With your face!? Against my face!?" Shiki hollered. The bed squeaked as he bolted upright.
Fully caught up in his energy at this point, Jin shouted, "It's your damn fault for getting cursed in the first place! Do you really think I wanted to do something like that!"
Shiki put both hands on his head and shook it as he wailed, "My purity is gone! I've been sullied by this dirty guy!"
"If you don't shut the hell up, I'll knock you right back out again!" Jin hissed.
"U-um... can we open our eyes now?" Homare asked sheepishly.
"Whoa! Where'd all you guys come from!" Shiki yelped.
Kyoya let out an exasperated sigh then nodded. "Yeah... it's no secret at this point..."
Whatever awkwardness might've been was completely replaced by everyone's deadpan expressions as Shiki and Jin continued to argue as if no one else was in the room. They were lost in their own world and seemed to have no actual sense of just how embarrassing that was.
"Notice that although they're at one another's throats, they've been holding hands this entire time," Kyoya hummed, attempting to lighten the mood in the room just a bit.
"Huh...?" Shiki blinked. He looked down then let out an undignified shriek and shook his hand free. "Let go of me!"
"You let go of me first!" Jin countered.
Shiki shook his head. Nah. Nope. It wasn't real. He chuckled awkwardly before he said, "This whole thing was a fluke. Watch, it won't happen again if you try."
"Of course it won't, you're not cursed anymore, idiot." Jin grumbled. He crossed his arms and glared daggers at the other boy. "Stop looking for an excuse to get me to kiss you again. You're not subtle at all."
"I'm not! Doing that! Gahhh!" Shiki let out a dramatic cry. "I don't understand what's happening at alllllll!"
"That's because you're a certified moron." Jin grunted.
Shiki grabbed him by the shirt and yanked him down to his level then screamed in his face, "You take that back or I'll-!"
"You'll what?” Jin snorted. “Kiss me?"
Shiki's whole face turned beet red in an instant and he let out some odd, animalistic shriek.
As their arguing showed no sign of ending anytime soon, Kyoya turned towards the others and smiled. He motioned towards the door and hummed, "Looks like they'll be at this for a while. Let's all go ahead and get the celebration warmed up for them."
"Everyone follow me," Naito said, calm as ever, while he skated from the room.
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Fandom: Tougen Anki
Relationships: Ichinose Shiki/Kougasaki Jin
Event: Fluffuary 2026 - Days 13 & 14 @fluffuary
Summary:
“Shut up.” Shiki hissed. He crossed his arms on the table then laid his chin in them. “You just don’t understand. I can’t stand him but I also really want to be around him all the time. Its super annoying.”
“You say that yet here you are whining in our ears instead of sitting with him at lunch,” Kuina snorted.
Shiki sat upright and yelped, “What am I supposed to do? Just waltz over there and–”
“Pretty much.” Ikari.
“Yup.” Kuina.
“Y-yeah…” Homare.
“Uh huh.” Rokuro.
“I think what everyone means is that you’re a friendly and talkative person, so that kind of thing wouldn’t be out of the ordinary for you.” Juji explained. “And you can see how the conversation goes from there.”
They were right. Shiki knew he was sitting here moping for no reason and there was nothing he could think of to say that might argue otherwise. Dammit. These friends of his sucked, too. But nowhere near as much as his dumb roommate. Ugh, fine.
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Fandom: Chainsaw Man
Relationships: Angel Devil/Hayakawa Aki
Event: Fluffuary 2026 - Day 15 - Caught in the Rain @fluffuary
Summary:
As it turned out, the weatherman was full of shit. Aki had been lead to believe that the downpour was supposed to begin hours from now. According to what he’d heard, he and Angel should’ve been off work and cozy in their own homes long before the sky split open and dumped water all over the place haphazardly. Not out on the damn street with nowhere around that’d make decent cover. Well, shit.
No trees, no bus stop, and the nearby stores were closed. This really sucked. He knew typhoons could be unpredictable, but this was ridiculous. His wet clothes were uncomfortable and heavy and cold. At least they should’ve been. It took Aki’s brain a moment longer than it probably should’ve to realize that he wasn’t actually getting wet. Aside from the initial surprise and random raindrop here or there, he was totally dry. That was odd.
Aki looked above himself curiously. He didn’t know what he’d expected to see but it certainly wasn’t a feathery wing shielding him from the storm.
Ah, home sweet home. Tsukuyomi set down his keys in their little bowl on the table by the front door. He kicked off his shoes then wandered deeper into the apartment. Finally, he stopped in the living room and looked around. Empty. Well that just wouldn’t do.
"Ousukeee where are youuu?" Tsukuyomi called. He waited for a moment. Then another. When there was no response he added, "I have a surprise for you!"
"Quit with the shouting already, dumbass."
The familiar grumble from behind himself made Tsukuyomi gasp and spin around. His eyes immediately landed upon his partner. He took a moment to drink in the sight of the guy. The wrinkly loose clothes, that silly bedhead, and the unmistakable grogginess in his eyes... he'd definitely just been napping. How adorable.
Tsukuyomi reached into his coat pocket and pulled out the very special item he'd procured. He was all smiles as he offered it to his companion and chirped, "There you are! I got you something! Here!"
Ousuke's gaze fell to the envelope he was being offered. He took it slowly, looked up at his partner, and asked, "What's this?"
"A gift," Tsukuyomi hummed.
After a second to frown at him, Ousuke finally looked down at the envelope and opened it. He pulled out two thin rectangles.
Tsukuyomi watched in real time as his partner's interest level went from casually curious, to completely enthralled. Ousuke's eyes widened in a way that was so comical it was a shame he hadn't thought to take a picture. It was all he could do to hold back his chuckle.
Ousuke looked up from his gift and yelled, "These are tickets to- !"
"Yup. The upcoming championship fight." Tsukuyomi nodded with a smile that stretched from ear to ear.
"They've been sold out for months!" Ousuke shouted. He looked from the other man to the tickets he held in disbelief.
"Trust me, dear, I know," Tsukuyomi snickered. He held up a single finger, winked, then added, "But Madam Myorinpa was insistent that I be adamant in my search! And what luck I never gave up!" He nodded enthusiastically. "It took the power of several lucky items to get them, you know. Would you like to hear about which?"
"Hell no." Ousuke immediately cut off that line of thought. Moving on, he pumped his fist in the air and shouted, "I don't know how you did it, but this is awesomeeee!"
Tsukuyomi continued to smile as he said, "Naturally, as your partner, I nominate myself as your plus one."
"As if I'd bring anyone else," Ousuke snorted.
Ah, that adorable blush that darkened his companion's cheeks. A rare enough sight that it made Tsukuyomi's heart flutter as if he was a silly child. Seeing such a sight, feeling such a feeling, both absolutely made any suffering he might've gone through to acquire the tickets totally worth it in the end.
Ousuke rubbed the back of his head and glanced off to the side as he muttered, "I don't have anything for you..."
Tsukuyomi stepped closer to his partner, so he was completely in the other man's personal space. He leaned in and whispered, "I assure you, there's only one thing I want in return."
Ousuke's gaze fell to the other man's lips. They lingered there for a heartbeat before he looked back into his eyes and asked softly, "Yeah? What's that?"
"A rematch," Tsukuyomi purred. He traced a little circle in the middle of the other man's chest then poked the center as if it was a target getting hit by an arrow.
A crooked smile spread across Ousuke's face. It was accompanied by a knowing gleam in his eyes. He cracked the knuckles on his right hand then replied, "I'll go get changed."
Tsukuyomi watched his partner hurry off with a hop in his step. He waved the fingers on his right hand and called after him, "Make sure it's something suitable for an ass-kicking, darling!"
"I'll make you eat those words, ya bastard!" Ousuke shouted back from the other room.
There was no holding back the little chuckle that escaped Tsukuyomi now. He curled a finger over his lips and let it out. Then he wiped the corners of his eyes and sighed dreamily. He really loved his life.
Today was a big day! One of the biggest ever, in Edgar's humble opinion. Unbelievable as it was, he and Ranpo were on a picnic they'd planned. Or, rather, Edgar was a guest attending a picnic that Ranpo planned. He never thought he’d experience such a thing, for a multitude of reasons.
Ranpo had been busy with Edgar's personal cook for the past few days. Together they'd come up with special meals for each of them. So they each had a unique basket of goodies. Edgar had no idea what was in either, or if he should’ve been concerned. Mostly, he was buzzing with anticipation.
Though he was told he didn't have to do a thing, he did spend a pretty penny on the nicest blanket he could find. It was his little way of contributing, and one less thing Ranpo had to worry about. His favorite detective deserved to eat in style, after all.
It was all rather exciting for Edgar. Spending time with Ranpo like this was already the best on its own, but knowing he'd gone out of his way to plan something special was just the epitome of euphoria. Now that they were both seated on the blanket with their special baskets in front of them, it was time for the reveal! What ever would he find!
Edgar reached into his basket and pulled out the first thing he felt. A familiar smooth shape. He looked down at the bottle in his hand and blinked.
"Amontillado?" Edgar asked no one in particular. "A fine vintage at that." Well, he was certainly one to appreciate a good sherry. It paired very nicely with chicken.
He reached into the basket and grabbed the second thing. Some mixed berries. Healthy and delicious, no complaints there. It was when he grabbed the next item that he was given pause. "Annnd... some cold pizza."
"What do you think? Pretty great, huh?" Ranpo asked with a grin.
"It certainly left me speechless," Edgar replied. It wasn't a lie. He had no idea what he was supposed to say as he looked at all the seemingly random things he had.
Maybe they’d make more sense as a cohesive meal with everything else included. He watched as his companion went through the contents of his own basket. Edgar merely blinked while Ranpo pulled out slice after slice of cake and set them down on the blanket.
"Just how many different cakes do you have in there?" Edgar had to ask. Was there nothing else?
"Five!" Ranpo chirped. He was positively beaming.
"My, my, you did keep the cooks busy," Edgar chuckled. He could only imagine how stressed they'd been trying to meet all the guy’s demands.
Well, this might not have been what he'd expected but it certainly was appreciated. Ranpo went out of his way to plan this meal, and that meant Edgar would treasure it. As such, he poured himself a glass of sherry.
To his surprise, he noticed one more item in his basket when he set down the bottle. Edgar removed the slice of cake and examined it.
"Carrot?" He asked.
"I know you like your veggies, even though they’re pretty gross, so I made sure to include one for you," Ranpo nodded with a grin.
Edgar chuckled to himself. This was both the strangest and most heartfelt meal he'd ever had. It was obvious that Ranpo had clearly gone out of his way to include things he knew he liked... even if they didn't really make much sense together.
If nothing else, Edgar appreciated the sentiment. He picked up his cake and scooped up a bite. After trying it, he nodded and said, "Mm. Quite good. Just the right amount of sweetness. I'll have to have the chef make it more often.”
"Really? Let me try!" Ranpo exclaimed. He turned towards his companion and opened his mouth expectantly, as if he didn't have all those other cake slices placed around himself.
Edgar offered him the next bite without even a moment's hesitation. Ranpo gladly accepted it. He took a second to savor the flavor before giving his expert opinion.
"Wow, it's surprisingly yummy." Ranpo hummed. His eyes shined like marbles in direct sunlight when he asked, "I guess I like veggies now too, huh, Poe-kun?"
There was nothing Edgar could do about the little smile that spread across his face before he replied, "I don't think I'd go as far as to say that."
Ranpo took a bite of cake then asked, “What’s that look for?”
Edgar was sure he’d never seen a sight more adorable than his companion sitting there with his cheeks stuffed like a chipmunk and icing on his face. He meant every word as he said, “I’m just extremely grateful for today. Thank you, Ranpo-kun.”
