Archive of Our Own ^beta

Every night since their wedding, Valerius had insisted on a meal fit for royalty, shared between himself and Caden by their fireplace. This, oftentimes, lead to making out on the couch and waking the next day to dirty dishes, having been discarded the night before. Caden made sure they were neatly stacked on the tray by the door for the staff to collect later. Valerius thought it ridiculously endearing; how Caden would whine about feeling rude for not helping with cooking, washing, gardening or the like.

Both Caden and Valerius had gained weight since their marriage and neither seemed to mind. The spirits were happier than ever, purring like cats as they wound their tails together like curly pasta. Neither human nor spirit protested against their routine.

This night, however, had not gone to plan. Valerius and Caden had flown to Valinor that morning and had spent the hours playing and flying and lounging until they'd both growled with hunger. Being a public holiday, Valinor's staff had dwindled to nothing but gardeners and, being a Friday, the fridge had yet to be restocked. Valerius grumbled, yanking open every cabinet and drawer. Caden laughed from the nearby bench.

" Uh-oh. I know that look. No meat? " He bit back a laugh and Valerius pouted. He watched as his husband dropped to his knees and nearly tore the handle off the refrigerator, digging his hands through the freezer like a starved man, wearing nothing but a silk robe, tired round the waist.

" Even fish will do, right now... " He grumbled and furrowed his brows as he closed the fridge. " How likely are you to hunt with me, Caden? " He asked, fighting a grin as the blond visibly tried not to gag.

" Yeah, no. Not happening. Ever. " Caden replied, standing and shooing Valerius out the kitchen with a repetitive tutting noise. Caden moved to the pantry and pulled out an assortment of food items, hauling kitchenware onto the counter. Valerius frowned at the counter, watching with a raised eyebrow. Caden plugged a sandwich toaster into the wall and flicked the power with a grin as Valerius groaned.

" Cheese or tuna? " Caden laughed as Valerius slouched miserably over the counter, his messy hair falling over his face. The setting sun poured vibrant hues of pink over the white and blue, almost whimsy kitchen. Caden began to lay out four pieces of bread, opening the butter lid as he waited for a response.

Caden had thought that, maybe, Valerius wouldn't respond at all and would instead prefer hunting alone. A grumble and a mumble were muttered as Valerius stood, moving to wrap his hands round Caden's front and rest his head on his shoulder.

" Cheese *and* tuna. " He responded at last. Caden grinned and got to work, closing the sandwich press over the two make-shift meals.

" You are aware that one measly sandwich will not satisfy me, yes? " Valerius said as he kissed down Caden's neck. The shorter man ran a hand through his lover's brown curls.

" Nothing will 'satisfy' you, if it isn't fresh meat, Valerius. You'll be fine. Besides... we could probably do with eating a little less for now. " Caden had pulled away, plating the food and handing one to his grumbling, grumpy partner. Valerius frowned some more.

" You starve me, Caden. No meat; no neck kisses; no proper feedings. Chione would be dumbstruck. " Valerius said, even as he chuckled and bit into his food, hesitating as he sniffed the warm bread. He grimaced, but said nothing, taking another bite.

" Besided, " -Valerius had said, moving to lounge lazily over the barstool- " I like you like this. The extra weight brings out your muscles. " He shrugged, nonchalant. Caden paused in his chewing, swallowing with force. His cheeks flushed as he smiled from ear to ear, disregarding his food to stand by Valerius, standing between his knees and planting a kiss on his cheek. Valerius hummed, practically preening.

" Mmm... forget the food. I'd like another one of *those,* please." Valerius responded.

If only the other dragon shifters could see him now. Valerius would be teased endlessly.

He didn't really care.