The sun made a slow descent behind the buildings along the crowded streets, a chilled breeze blew through the hordes of patrons, sending many of them into nearby shops. Light found himself shivering in the cold air, rubbing his biceps to warm them. His golden eyes widened slightly when a leather coat was set onto his shoulders; flitting his eyes towards a gentle smile, he could feel his cheeks warm with a blush. 'Never would I have considered Beyond to be a total sweetheart.'
A group of women in elaborate chocolate inspired dresses passed the couple, giggling and chatting amongst themselves loudly. The fairy lights that were strung across the walkways of the city began to light along with warm colored paper lanterns and brightly colored balloons with more fairy lights inside them. Light watched them with an awestruck expression. A soothing hum came from next to him. "Beautiful… isn't it?" The brunette sighed happily as the chef continued. "Honestly, next to an actual holiday… this is my favorite time of year, it's bright and cheerful. All the warm colors paired with the actual colors of autumn."
Light glanced around and immediately understood what the raven was saying, there was a soft warmth about it. "It really is, thank you for bringing me, Beyond."
"Brendon." The raven's voice was hardly above a whisper, if Light wasn't paying attention he wouldn't have heard it.
"Pardon?"
"Please, call me Brendon… it's my actual name." Beyond sighed and stared at the lanterns with a whimsical smile. "My true name is Brendon Lawliet. Please, feel free to call me that… no, I would actually prefer it."
The raven smirked towards Light who only blushed in response before speaking again. "So, what's with the code name?"
Beyond paused before answering. "Hmm. Brendon Lawliet has a record. Beyond Birthday doesn't. So, when given an alias, most people don't look further into the matter. I believe, if most people knew of my prior history, they'd be less inclined to work with me… so, Chef Beyond Birthday was born. There are only five people in the world that know that I'm Brendon Lawliet… you being the fifth."
Blinking rapidly before shaking his head, the brunette timidly reached for Beyond's hand. "Well, it's not like you killed anyone, right?"
Clasping their hands together, Brendon sighed. "No, but I had a lot of cleaning up to do." The raven's phone chimed forcing the two to begrudgingly release the clasp of their hands. Pulling the device from his pocket, Brendon smiled a little bitterly. "Looks like we've got at least the next week off."
"Wha- Why?" Light peered into the lit screen to see a message from Gordon Ramsay.
'I'll be commandeering your kitchen this week after it's fresh, deep clean. I think it's time Hell's Kitchen met its newest host location. I've got a brilliant idea for the newest take. I think they'll be tested through Hell's Kitchen home location and the semi finalists will be flown to you guys at Epicurious. If they can handle your restaurant's volume of orders; I think that would make a lovely elimination round, who can keep pace in real and raw settings. I trust my season 13 Champion can handle this task. I am trusting your judgment Lawrence and Brendon. This will give your restaurant a unique opportunity to offer the finalist a position in your kitchen or future kitchens should you find them suitable for your growing brand!
Also, I took care of your pest problem. It's up to her broadcasters of her final outcome, however, she has been banned from Ramsay Productions and I have released a statement with the network that I refuse to work with someone who is willing to use such underhanded tactics to recruit a chef to her network.
Also, Lawrence, I will need a full roster of your kitchen staff so they can properly be reimbursed for the loss of work.
Thanks boys, Gordon.'
Blinking his eyes rapidly before Light snickered. "He seems so nice!"
The raven rolled his eyes before smirking and stating, "He is. His television personality is his brand. But, in person, he's a pretty cool guy, he's basically the dad L and I never had. He's helped me in the kitchen and helped L with the front of the house. Near is his wife's sister's kid… or maybe a cousin? Either way… works out in the end." Brendon leaned in closer with a gentle smile. "Where were we?" The raven lifted Light's hand. "Ah. I remember, I was trying to distract you with the scenery before stealing another kiss."
Flustered and blushing brightly Light attempted to sputter out a response before their fingers intertwined. "Well.. ah. Um.." lifting his amber hued gaze up to a picturesque romantic ember stare. "You don't need to distract me… you could have just—"
Light's statement was interrupted with a gentle tug towards the older of the two and a soft pressure onto his lips, which was subconsciously mirrored. Quietly parting the embrace, Brendon flashed a sweet smile. "We should head back. You have my coat and I won't survive October weather without it for too long."
"Okay! But, first!" Light pulled Brendon's face towards his and set their cheeks together and laughed while saying 'smile' loudly. The brunette quickly stole a selfie with the confused raven before having his cheek receive a near bruising smooch. While reviewing the photo after sending it to Sayu; Light quickly blushed and wished he'd looked at it before sending it. It was a Live photo, if she holds down on the photo, she'll definitely see the stolen kiss. 'She probably won't. Why would she have any reason to?'
Wearing an unamused face while carrying the stage on his back. Brendon sighed and groaned out. "I'm carrying you… why?"
"First of all, cute selfies. Secondly, you said you'd get cold soon, carrying me will keep your muscles warm… also, I'm tired and you're kind of a simp." Light let out a cheeky chuckle then yelped when his thigh got pinched. "Okay. I'm the simp. But, you're so strong, you proved that in your kitchen! I'm helping you, help me to help you! You're warm aren't you?" Light giggled slightly when he heard the grumbled protest before leaning in and whispering in the raven's ear seductively. "I'll make it worth your time and effort if we can get back soon." Light startled slightly when the pace was picked up. 'Oh shit… I didn't think he'd take that seriously… Am I going to be able to?' Light's thoughts began to take a nervous turn. 'Might have bitten off more than I can chew.'
