Check up? Arriving at the shop!
Aki read over the note again, and sighed before folding it along the worn creases. Something told her Raife hadn’t left a note at Morgan’s apartment as well…it was up to her to convince the lad to come.
The larger of the two boxes she’d been carrying rested upon the chair in the hallway…the smaller she still held. Tucking the note away into her pocket, Aki fixed her hair, put on a smile, and raised her fist to knock.
”A moment.” The reply from within was muffled, and Aki heard the clink of glass before the door swung a foot or so open. Morgan rested his weight against the door frame, and smiled through his fall of hair at his petite guardian. He was still wearing a dress shirt and pinstripe slacks from his day, though his feet were bare.
”Ah, it’s you. Something I can help you with, Aki?”Behind him, the massive bay windows that looked over the city glowed with the last bit of light, sparely decorated apartment sprawling with open space. Raising onto her toes, still smiling, Aki peered over his shoulder. “Not going to invite me in?”
”Well,” Morgan drawled, stepping aside to open the door a little wider.
”Since you pay the bills, I suppose it’s only fair.”As always, Aki’s heart sank…at his bitter nature, at the rift between them. Her smile, however, barely wavered. “Ah, that’s okay, actually. I’m on my way to a party, just passing by…”
”Mmm. How lovely for you.” Making his thoughts on socializing with his guardian apparent, Morgan began to shut the door once again…nodding goodbye. Aki caught the door with one hand flat against the wood, points of her ears dipping as she moved the small box forward with the other hand.
“I brought you something, actually. Thought you might like it.” Opening the pastry box carefully, once she was certain he wasn’t going to try to shut the door again, Aki revealed what was inside. A tiny and perfect
petit four, a diminutive square of cake, carefully iced to a matte finish and decorated with icing that looked like a flawlessly tied ribbon.
Morgan sniffed, but his eyes were drawn to the subtle shades of yellow and pink.
”A box inside a smaller box. Ingenious.” It was simply so tiny and perfect, all alone upon the sqare of white cardboard that suddenly seemed much too big.
“It’s for you. Try it…and then I’ll be on my way!” She held perfectly still as he considered, slanted eyes closing the tiniest bit in satisfaction as he reached forward gingerly to pluck it from the box.
It looked just like a present, wrapped carefully in soft paper, and finished with elegant ribbons. Studying it for a moment, he finally bit into it with a small shrug…obviously humoring the woman before him. The icing parted to reveal soft white cake, flavored with just a hint of lemon and honey.
It took him a few moments to realize why Aki was smiling. The cake was gone, and Morgan licking the last bits of frosting from his fingers as though he was a child again. Forcing himself to slow, but certainly not forsaking the last bit by his thumb, Morgan narrowed his eyes. She was up to something.
The pink had returned to his cheeks. Aki smiled, genuinely this time, as Morgan shook his hair back from his eyes. This had been easier than she’d thought. Bowing the slightest bit, she gathered up the larger box that she’d set down…conscious of his eyes upon it…and nodded in farewell.
“I’m glad it met with your approval!” Turning without further ado, Aki strolled back down the hall…the hem of her black dress swirling about her calves.
Morgan spoke quickly, before she rounded the corner.
”More gifts to deliver, then?” His eyes were still upon the box.
Shaking her head, Aki laughed demurely, opening the lid to reveal a couple dozen more of the same…each crafted with care, and tied with a pale icing ribbon. “No, just something for the table. I should be going.”
Tugging his shirt straight, Morgan coughed in disapproval…tucking the tails in as he shook his head.
”A bit late for a lady to wander, on the streets all alone, don’t you think?”One ear perking, Aki considered this, or pretended to. “Perhaps, but it’s not far. I’m sure the
petit fours will meet with no misfortune.” Even the word seemed to bring a new flush to his handsome face. Waiting patiently as Morgan darted inside to put on some shoes and grab his jacket, Aki smiled secretly to herself. Oh, he’d be angry in the long run…but in the mean time, it was too sweet to pass up!
~
The elevator was the last bit of warmth before the chill, brass handled doors of the lofty apartment building parting to present them with the street. Aside from a few cars, parked and gleaming under the gaslights, the road was empty.
Aki reached for Morgan’s arm, slipping one and around his elbow. She was pushing it, and she knew it, but it was doubtful she’d get another chance. It was for this very reason that he resented her…being kept in the dark, and presented like art. There was more to it, this they both knew, but she’d raised a headstrong boy.
A little sugar had always helped, though.
Slowing as they approached the turn, Aki tried to take it casually…wondering how long it would be before he remembered the way. Sure enough, it took only a few feet for Morgan to tug her to a halt.
His pale eyes were serious, blond hair falling back across his face.
”Aki, you said you were going to a party.” His hand was rather tight around her upper arm.
Raising a brow, Aki glanced around…forcing him to note the empty streets that would have indeed been a bit intimidating without him. “After hours, isn’t it? Besides…”
She trailed off purposefully as she opened the large box lid. They glimmered like square jewels, gentle colors stained gold under the lamplight. His fingers trembled, already poised over the treats.
”M-may I?”Ah, so he hadn’t forgotten his manners! “Of course. Any – one - you - want.” She said the last bit slowly, as though that was her true gift. Morgan fell for it, expression relaxed back into rapture, and let his fingertips drift just an inch above the sugared landscape.
Finally, he selected the one in the center…adorned not only with a bow, but the bud of a lavender icing rose as well. Lifting it carefully, he followed without looking up….gaze focused on the perfect confectionary package sitting like an early Christmas gift upon his palm.
“We’re here.” Aki’s voice was gentle, and this time, her hand rested on his upper arm. Morgan nodded absently, resigned to the evening and rather looking forward to the entire box of
petit fours. They weren’t all for him, he knew, but she’d certainly made it worth his while.
Breaking off the buttercream rose, Morgan sucked on it idly as he glanced up at the sign. Some things, he supposed, simply couldn’t be helped.
Reply
