Lovely Bastards (BxB) (MxM)

(Bonus Story) Part 3 - Just Deserts

"Why are you so good at everything?" Charles sighed, licking his lips as Amos pulled the tasting spoon back.

"You're getting pretty good at cooking, yourself."

"Mm... Not like you."

"I've always found it soothing and satisfying, and I've worked in the restaurant business all my life. If I hadn't decided to study economics, maybe I would have decided to become a chef."

After Kit moved out to start his EMT training, Charles and Amos had moved in together, giving up their respective places and finding a comfortable flat with a small outdoor area.

Their kitchen was lit with a warm, cosy glow, clean but comfortably cluttered with herbs, pans, and crockery. It had wooden countertops and terracotta-coloured walls. 

"Did you like math in school?"

"Oh yes."

"I did too." He sighed contentedly against his partner's chest. 

"I didn't mind chemistry either," Amos murmured into his hair. He paused, and nipped at his earlobe playfully. "You're sodium sweet tonight."

Charles huffed a startled laugh. "That's terrible. I love it. But be warned - I've heard them all." He kissed him sweetly. "I'll have to keep my ion you."

"In your element, I suppose."

"Just periodically." Charles giggled softly despite himself - not at the jokes, it was just so rarely he got to see his partner's silly side. He knew it was difficult for Amos sometimes, to drop his reserved facade and show playfulness in everyday life. 

"Do you need to molecule off?"

"Oh - stop it, you! Kit will be here soon and look at the state you've got me in."

Amos hummed, nuzzling him briefly before stepping back. "I suppose I should set the table then."

"Yes - and I need to concentrate and plate these desserts."

Today, Charles had been tasked with making dessert.

In some ways it was more difficult than cooking the starters and mains, and Amos was a far more accomplished chef than he was.

But it reminded the blond a bit of chemistry - the exact measurements, specific steps to follow in a certain order, reactions taking place. Provoking and manipulating those reactions. Elements combining, changing shape, volume, and texture with the addition of heat, air, water.

He had prepared the chocolate mousse yesterday and now he just had to top it off with whipped Chantilly cream, raspberries, salted caramel sauce, and praline. He hummed, lining up the bowls of components and glasses to arrange them in.

"Amos?" he called softly. "Would you taste the caramel? I'm not sure I got the amount of salt quite right..."

A warm, solid presence at his back made him sigh contentedly, leaning back against his chest and holding up a tasting spoon to his lover's lips.

He couldn't help but watch the way Amos's full lips closed around the small spoon, licked the viscous sauce. The sight made him squirm a little.

"Mm," Amos said, leaning down to press a soft kiss to Charles's cheekbone. "I think it's perfect."

His hands were resting on his hips and Charles turned his head to kiss him properly, parting his lips to taste the burnt sugar and butter.

Amos hummed again, surprised and approving, and pressed closer to him.