Warning: Pure, unadulterated fluff.

Rating: K

Length: 214 words.

Cheese

"Brother, do you want an egg salad sandwich?" A radiant face made its way into Cain's vision and he blinked, stirred from his absent-minded doze in the shade. How could he have fallen asleep? One minute, he'd been eating a baguette slice spread with Adage cheese (specially imported from Italy); the next, Merry had popped up. I must be on my guard more, he reminded himself, especially in an open area like this. From Cain's spot under the tree, he was completely vulnerable to be hit anywhere except his back.

"Bugger egg salad," the Count grumbled, shifting to finish his bread. "I hate it." Having already discarded his jacket, Cain leaned back against the old oak and took a long look out at the river. Peaceful, clear—unpolluted. It was a sheer wonder in this day and age, what with factories and poorhouses cropping up all over the place.

Distracted, Cain didn't notice Merry sneaking up his chest with aberrant intention.

A squeak, a small slip of the tongue, and the younger Hargreaves pulled away, giggling now. "You taste like cheese, Brother," the blonde child laughed, and then sprightly turned around to play in the river with Riff again.

Fingering his lips, Cain wondered if he'd have to rethink his opinion about egg-salad sandwiches.

End.

Author's Note: Wanted a full-blown picnic novella, but it wasn't to be. Be satisfied with this, then.


Kaos does not own Earl/Count Cain or Godchild.