The Sample Platter
Chapter 8
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If any were to ask Atemu what was something he favored in taste, he would always answer with the same. Since coming to Japan, he has had the experience to try a whole new level of cuisine. The flavors, bold, sweet or savory, were a delight upon his palate when the opportunity came about but there was one that would always be top of the list.
It couldn't be argued against and for yokai who thought his words meant a forthcoming meal that was being simmered to the peak of flavor...they would be sorely mistaken. Even now, the serpent prince couldn't think of anything better. Of course, the location they were in was probably in bad taste to think of something other than the food presented to him, especially when it's a place chosen lovingly by his partner.
They were currently sitting at the city park, out of the way in a reclusive little spot that would protect Atemu from sight of the usual bustle of foot traffic to cross through the park. Yugi himself didn't know just how much those laws from the university extend outside of university grounds but rather play it safe than sorry. In light of that kind thought, the two in question were settled on a sizable picnic blanket, not enough for Atemu but still pretty big, with a basket curled in the grip of Atemu's tail tip.
It was open, exuding a number of different scents to Atemu's tongue to catch. They were all appetizing, making the serpent curious about what was in the basket, nearly sneaking it from Yugi a couple times until his small partner caught on. He fought for the basket a few times, both coming to a compromise with the basket nestled in the small coil of Atemu's tail tip while Yugi set up everything else.
Plates and cups were set out, a thermos pulled from the basket to sit between them. Atemu watched him with a loving gaze as he worked. "So is there a special occasion for setting this all up, sugardrop?" Atemu asked, trying to sneak the basket close once again only for the handle to be caught in Yugi's hands.
"No peeking!" Yugi reprimanded with a soft laugh before smiling. "I've been thinking for a while now. You've been in Japan for a couple months yet I don't think you've had a chance to try much of the cuisine. We have so much it would be impossible to get to it all. So I went looking for a few recipes...and made a picnic for us." Atemu was honored and flummoxed. A meal? For him? by his darling little mate? Bless be to Wadjet that he gained such a thoughtful partner~
"Now, I will admit I am not the best cook and burned a few things along the way. Mama told me to instead work on things that didn't require a whole lot of prep so hopefully these are to your liking."
Pulling the basket close, Yugi reached in to take out a few containers, Atemu's tongue flicking and scenting the air like a curious puppy. Yugi laughed when he saw the dark tongue flicking rapidly to catch onto anything hidden within the containers, opening one to reveal delicately made sandwiches. Another flick of the tongue had Atemu catching onto the sweet, fresh taste of fruit and cream.
They were perfectly cut into triangles, the pink of strawberries standing out from the sweet cream they rested in. Atemu's eyes glowed then looked toward Yugi with a smile. "They already look delicious. I will admit I don't have the biggest sweet tooth, yet my mouth waters to taste your delicacy." Yugi flustered under the praise, reaching in to take out one of the sandwiches to hand to Atemu.
"I just hope they taste good. I'm sure I ruined about three batches of the cream before I got it right."
"I'm sure they are sweet enough. Not as sweet as you but a contender." Atemu purred, plucking the sandwich from Yugi's hand to take a bite. Once the morsel of food hit his tongue, an explosion of sweetness engulfed his taste buds. A shudder ran down his spine, savouring that one bite. There were no words to describe this wonderful delicacy.
It was such an extreme change from honey sweetened fruit and dates back home. Sweet, succulent and full of flavor, Atemu couldn't get enough of this one bite. So enthralled by that single bite, he had missed Yugi calling for him a few times until a weight landed on his coils, making his eyes snap open. He glanced down to Yugi who was looking back at him, sitting on one of his coils, hand raised on the path to touch his face.
"You alright? I lost you there for a moment."
Atemu swallowed the bite, swiping a lingering spot of cream from the corner of his mouth before grinning. "My apologies, precious. This sandwich was just crafted with such mastery, I was lost savouring the first bite. It kind of reminds me of the day we had our first real kiss."
"O-oh?"
"Yes~" Atemu took another bite of the sandwich, savouring its refreshing flavor before speaking again. "When we kissed, my body jumped like a livewire. You were a decadence that couldn't be replicated. Soft and sweet with the sharp bite of spice. I wanted to savour every second of that moment." His tail finally relinquished its hold on the basket, slithering forward to loop around Yugi's hip, bringing him close.
"Any yokai would tell me that is instinct speaking, that I want to gobble you up and the need to keep you scented and charmed as my own is my claim to keep you as a meal for later. They are wrong, I want to savour everything about you little by little as we build our lives together. Watch you ripen into a fine adult who is apt to all yokai, mostly the naga for you will live among them soon."
Yugi had a red flush across his face when Atemu finished. This was nothing new when it came to the anecdotes Atemu would spin for him about every little aspect he loved about Yugi. Yet the words he spun about their first kiss sent a warmth through him that made him giddy and bubble with joy. You only get one first kiss and that kiss had to be something special.
Atemu wasn't alone with such thoughts. That day when they shared their kiss, Yugi himself knew there were many risky factors when your partner is a venomous serpent with a pair of lethal fangs just waiting behind those passionate lips. Yet, there was a thrill behind the knowledge of that danger, Atemu obviously having complete control of himself to never think to prick Yugi accidentally when they kissed.
Like Atemu, Yugi couldn't get enough of Atemu's flavor after sharing that kiss and many more after. There was something wild about it, powerful and sharp with the wicked bite of the venom to linger at the edges. It was indescribable but Yugi was certain the risk was welcomed, savouring that excitement as he did learning and becoming part of the yokai realm.
"I don't know what to say...that's so sweet of you, Atemu~"
"I can say plenty more but that would disrupt this wonderful meal you've prepared. I want to savour more of your work. Starting with the rest of this sandwich."
Yugi laughed, nodding, opening the other containers. There was cold soba, miso soup and a big omurice to split [Yugi noted that one was the favorite among the dishes]. Each bite was savoured happily by the serpent, in absolute bliss for this outing Yugi lovingly prepared. He wouldn't mind more outings like this, just sharing a day together with his mate and his delicious cooking.
When all the food was finished, leaving them full and content, Atemu wrapped Yugi into his coils, falling for a well-deserved nap under the sun, getting the best of both worlds. A nice sunbath for the serpent prince and a warm nap for the precious human.