A/N: Just a little tidbit of what I've got planned going forward! That's right, I've officially returned after an almost year off! I hope that from this point on I'll remember what I've always loved doing, and that's writing! So here's just a quickie and I should have a proper chapter up within the next couple weeks.
The familiar aroma of "home" washed over Riley as she strode through her front door and into her fairly messy apartment. Despite only being gone for a short period of time, she felt an almost overwhelming relief to be back in her own space. "Well," she thought as she watched Mori carry her bag in from the car downstairs, "almost my own space." Seeing her tall host stride from her front door and into her bedroom made a very inappropriate thought pop into her mind. With a slight shake of her head she disregarded the thought temporarily and followed him, "Thank you for carrying that in for me but I could've done it."
He put down the bag and turned to her with one of his eyebrows slightly raised, "You couldn't walk up the stairs without help."
Hearing his voice immediately sent her body aflame despite the teasing remark he knew would get a rise out of her. Taking the bait, she hobbled up to him and poked him in the chest, "You were the one who helped me up like I couldn't do it myself. Had you not been there I would have been just fine I'll have you know."
The deep grey of his eyes danced with a sort of softness the baker was beginning to get accustomed to. "I like helping you." His blunt way of showing his affection once the two were alone left her blushing and mildly bewildered.
"Well," she started and gripped one of his hands in her own, "what should I do to repay you for your help?"
Something about being together with Riley seemed to bring out a bit of a mischevious side in Mori which made him pull her close against him and brush a finger along her cheekbone. Feeling a small tremor travel through the young woman at his touch, he pressed his forehead against hers and heard her breath catch. "Smile."
Her expression immediately brightened as she pushed him away and laughed, "You're such a tease!" Also feeling a bit playful, she struggled against his embrace which refused to let loose. "I will not be treated this way in my own home!" She giggled while pushing against his chest. During their little tussle, Mori managed to twist his baker in his arms and tickle her side with his free hand. "Alright!" She yelled, "Alright you win!"
At her words they stopped struggling, giving him the opportunity to plant a quick kiss on her temple. "Good night Riley."
Finally breaking free of his encased arms, she turned and mockingly said, "Yeah yeah get outta here. You know I would've won if I weren't so broken right now!" She herded her romantic interest out of her apartment before standing in the doorway. "Anyways," she continued, locking eyes with her tall host, "I suppose you're all going back to school tomorrow. So I'll see you then?"
A new wave of affection seemed to wash over Mori as he stood staring at the blue eyed woman in front of him. "Of course," he answered then gave her a small kiss at the corner of her lips. The sweet smell of cake seemed to radiate from her skin and stuck with the host even long after he heard her door click closed.