Work Text:
“--lier des Roses! Hello? Trey!”
“Ah! What?” Trey blinked, golden eyes turning to his Science Club-mate in surprise. “I’m sorry, Rook. I must have zoned out. Were you saying something?”
The blonde narrowed his eyes, smiling knowingly toward the western corner of the gardens. “Une reverie about your sirène?”
“Huh?” Trey followed Rook’s gaze to the little patch of garden space where Octavinelle’s vice housewarden grew his beloved mushrooms. “Well, actually…”
“Fret not, mon cher Chevalier! I am sure that which your heart yearns for shall be yours in due time, for Destiny loves lovers, or so they say!” He paused a moment, holding a dramatic pose, and cocked his head. Cheshire grin widening, the hunter flourished a bow, tipping his hat gallantly. “With that, I must bid you adieu, dearest Trey! Bonne chance! Happy hunting!” And before Trey could blink, he was gone.
“Wait! Rook! You still need to—” Looking around, he found his enigmatic partner’s space already cleaned and tidied. “Huh…” Running a hand through green locks, he sighed. “So much for that attempt.” He glanced up, addressing the patch of calendula growing next to Jade’s mushrooms. “Thanks for distracting me. If I hadn’t spaced out maybe I could have—”
“My, how sweet. Did the similarity of the yellow petals to a certain someone’s golden tresses send you into an untimely romantic daydream?”
The junior didn’t have to turn to know who had approached him. ‘Well, that explains why Rook ran off so quickly…’
“Hello, Jade.”
“Goodness, don’t you sound dispirited, poor soul. Would it cheer you to know that Rook’s enthusiasm as he greeted me on my way in seemed a tad forced?”
Trey sighed again, moving back to his workstation to finish tending his strawberries. He raised an eyebrow at the mer as he pulled his gloves on, a wry smirk spreading over his face. “It would cheer me more if you didn’t keep perpetuating his idea that we’re in love.”
“Oh, but, Trey.” Jade followed him to the table, leaning in to watch as he deftly snipped dead leaves and wilts off the plant. “You should see the little glimmer of despondency that peeks through his façade every time I happen to let slip something like ‘We’re very close.’…Or ‘Trey joined me at the Mostro Lounge last night.’”
The Heartslabyul vice looked up sharply. “You said that?”
“Well, of course.” The eel’s grin widened as he brought a finger to his chin. “It is the truth, isn’t it?”
Trey’s brow furrowed. “And did you happen to clarify that I was there to pay back a favor to Azul by consulting on the dessert menu?”
Jade’s eyes widened innocently. “Why, no. Should I have?”
The older man shut his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose as he exhaled. “That’s really…” His mouth twitched as unkinder adjectives silently formed on his lips, finally concluding, “…not very nice, you know.”
Teal eyebrows raised, unimpressed. “On the contrary, I think you are missing the point.” Trey suddenly felt his glasses lifted from his face, eyes opening in surprise to see Jade pulling a cleaning cloth from his jacket. “Rook would not be upset about any imagined closeness between us if he didn’t like you, as well, hence you already have your confirmation of his feelings. And so, if you would simply rally the wherewithal to confess, any misinterpretation of my statements would be immediately clarified.” He studied the lenses, wiping off stray dirt and smudges before placing them back on Trey’s nose, smiling. “Worry not, I shall postpone collection of compensation for my aid to a later time.”
The junior leaned down on his elbows, chin in hand, lips quirking into a smirk again. “Gee, thanks. But, seriously…” He frowned again. “There’s no ‘simply’ about it, Jade…” He trailed off, noticing how the sophomore’s attention had turned back toward the path, just as a familiar feathered hat appeared around the foliage.
Rook froze at the entrance of the area, taking in the close proximity of the other two as they leaned in conspiratorially on Trey’s worktable. This time, Trey was able to see what Jade meant for himself, as the hunter’s cheeks flushed faintly and his green eyes shimmered before he quickly looked away, blinking rapidly as he plastered on his cheerful smile.
“Oh là là, pardonnez-moi! I did not mean to interrupt. I seem to have forgotten my gloves. How terribly careless of me…” He chuckled awkwardly, crossed to the lockers on the far wall – and Trey also noticed how Rook purposefully kept his eyes focused ahead of him, not meeting either his or Jade’s gaze for more than a moment. Sure enough, he withdrew his leather gloves from the locker, pulling them on as he returned the way he came in.
Trey quickly straightened up, hurrying around the side of the table. “Rook, hang on! This isn’t—!”
Green eyes glanced back at him, smile tight. “Non, non! I dare not impede further. Chevalier des Roses, Monsieur Prémédité, please do enjoy your afternoon.” With a wink and a tip of his hat, he was gone once again.
“Quite the troublesome little bird to pin down, hm?” Jade rubbed his chin thoughtfully as he gazed after Rook.
“Ughhh, dammit.” Trey tugged at his hair. “That was terrible.”
“I thought it was amusing, actually.” The mer grinned. “It’s rather adorable watching the two of you flounder around like…well, like fish out of water, I suppose.” He chuckled. “I rescind my earlier statement. It was payment enough to witness how awful you are at this.”
“You’re not helping!”
Jade cocked his head. “Did I ever say that I would help?”
“Well…” Trey scratched his head. “No…I guess.” He looked tiredly back at the eel. “So, what? You just want to watch as I miserably fail my attempts at romance?”
“Perhaps.” Sharp teeth peeked through his grin. “It is entertaining.”
The junior slumped on the table, head in his hands. “Great...”
Jade looked at his upperclassman thoughtfully. It was rather fun watching this little tangle of miscommunication unfold, but…He considered Trey a friend. A friend who had aided him before, without asking much in recompense.
Perhaps he could offer a small nudge…
0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0
When the weekend finally arrived, Trey was pleasantly surprised to have a rare day to himself. With no upcoming tea parties, and no dormmates currently in need of tutoring, he could do what he liked with this precious free time.
Not that what he liked to do was particularly exceptional. There is nothing much more normal than a baker’s son experimenting with new recipes, is there?
And so, he holed himself up in the Heartslabyul kitchen, intent on drowning out his romantic misfortunes with flour and sugar.
He had recently acquired some Harveston apples from Epel, the freshman having received more than he knew what to do with from his generous family. Trey mused as he munched on a freshly cut slice. Sweet, but not overpowering, with a slightly tart finish. He smiled. These would be perfect for pastries. His mind began to pour through ideas for cakes, muffins, pies—
His train of thought was interrupted by a sudden knock on the door.
Inwardly, he groaned. So much for his free day. Maybe, after he sorted out whatever was going on, he would still have time to bake at least one or two things…
Pulling the door open, he braced himself for the inevitable onslaught of complaints and supplications. Instead, he was met with the most beautiful green eyes he had ever seen. Green eyes that he would recognize anywhere, that he would give up every free day to gaze at.
“Rook…?”
The hunter seemed almost taken off-guard, which was interesting in itself, but made even more so since he was the one who had knocked. Trey caught the hesitation and unsurety in his expression before it corrected into the blond’s usual cheer. The taller man couldn’t help how his lips curved unconsciously – even the forced facsimile of Rook’s brilliant smile was irresistibly infectious.
“Bonjour, Chevalier! Tu vas bien?”
“Please, Rook. I’ve told you to stop calling me that. But…what are you doing here?”
“Ah, well…” The other vice glanced away, pink dusting across his cheeks. “I came to…to aid you.”
Trey blinked. “Aid me? With what?” 'Not that I'm complaining about Rook being here, with me…'
But the blond’s delicate brow furrowed, and he frowned up at the green-haired man. “Really, Trey. You are being coy with the wrong quarry.”
The baker’s amber gaze flickered down to Rook’s plump, pouting lips and his brain short-circuited a little. “I…am?”
The hunter sighed in exasperation, quickly looking to either side of the hallway, then back to Trey once more. “Indeed. May I enter, s’il te plait?”
“Huh? Oh! Yes! Of course!”
He shifted out of the way, holding the door open for Rook to enter, then closing it behind him. He watched the blond as he curiously examined the assortment of ingredients he had laid out on the counter.
“Sooo, what was it you wanted to help me with?”
Rook turned back to him, smiling widely. “Your romance, of course!”
Trey nearly choked at that, eyes rounding. 'W-What's that supposed to mean?? Does Rook know…??'
But the hunter was already continuing, gesturing animatedly as he danced around the room. “Imagine my surprise when, chancing upon Monsieur Prémédité in the Hall of Mirrors, he told me of how you were struggling to create une belle chose, a token of affection, to present to the one you love. How you had locked yourself in the kitchen to toil – alone – on such a thing, and were in desperate need of aid. Of course, I flew to you in that instant!”
The Heartslabyul vice fought to keep his expression neutral as he realized that Jade had decided to amuse himself once again.
“But, Trey.” Rook had come to a stop directly in front of him. His voice was low and serious when he spoke again, lightly chiding, “If you aren’t planning on confessing right then, you really musn’t give so much information to your giftee. You risk spoiling the surprise. Jade is quite clever, you know.”
Trey tilted his head thoughtfully, as his mind started working. “Yeah, he is, isn’t he?” 'Maybe…I can use this. This time, maybe Jade actually did help!' He smiled. “Don’t worry. I think my ‘giftee’ will be plenty surprised.”
He moved over to the counter, only slightly surprised to find Rook following. “…Are you planning on helping me bake?”
“Mais oui!” The immediate and enthusiastic response was followed by a hesitant pause, then, “…if you will have me, that is.”
Trey couldn’t imagine a universe in which he wouldn’t want Rook beside him. He reached to adjust his glasses to hide the flare of pink in his cheeks at the blond’s phrasing, clearing his throat.
“O-of course. Hmm. How are you with a knife?”
“A knife? My specialty is the bow, but…” Rook brought a finger to his lips briefly in thought. “…I can skin a rabbit in under a minute, if necessary.” He looked back at Trey. “Does that help?”
The taller man couldn’t suppress his grin. 'What a very Rook answer.' “That’s fine. You can take your time with this, though.” He gestured to the crate of apples. “I’d like about 6 of these sliced thinly, with the skin left on, please.”
The hunter smiled back as he began pulling off his gloves. “My, that confident look in your eye is rather dashing, mon beau Chevalier. That, bestowed along with one of your delicious creations, and your sirène will be sure to swoon!”
“Heh. I guess we’ll see…”
They spent the next hour or so in pleasant work, as Rook prepared the apples and Trey made the dough. They chatted and joked as they did, and every time Trey heard the blond’s musical laugh, he fell a little more in love.
Having finished his assignment – mixing the apple slices with sugar, cinnamon and cornstarch – Rook was now sitting at the kitchen island, chin in hand as he watched Trey dot the pastry dough with blended apricot preserves.
“Why do you keep taking the pastry in and out of the refrigerator?” he asked curiously.
The taller man glanced up, smiling good-naturedly. “It’s to firm up the dough so that it’s easier to work with. Unbaked dough starts falling apart and getting sticky when it warms up too much.”
“Ah.” The hunter nodded. “There are countless little details one must learn to perfect this craft. What a joy it is to witness a master in his element.” He beamed from his seat.
Trey chuckled. “But isn’t that how it is with anything? Figuring out all the tips and tricks of the trade is how you become a master.” He brought over the bowl of apple slices. “Come help me with this part, Rook.”
The shorter vice walked around to stand at the baker’s side, nodding as he instructed him on how to place the apples. They got to work, carefully covering the tart with layer after overlapping layer of slices. Rook tried desperately to ignore the fluttering in his stomach every time their hands brushed, every time Trey’s broad shoulder bumped against his own. He was, after all, helping his friend court another.
He could ignore – had to ignore – his feelings, for Trey’s sake…
But, finally – or perhaps, all too soon – the last apple slice was placed, and they stood back from their work. Rook’s face lit up in delight as he gazed down at it.
“Oh là là! It looks like a lovely, red rose! Très bien!”
“Yep. And now, we bake it.” Trey slid the sheet pan into the oven and set the timer. He turned to face Rook once more, hands on his hips. “So, we have 45 minutes. What now?”
The blond blinked in surprise, before glancing away awkwardly. “Eh bien…perhaps it is time for me to adjourn. The tart is all but complete, non?”
The green-haired man raised an eyebrow. “So you’re just gonna leave me to wait almost an hour here, by myself? I don’t think so. You signed up for this, so you’re seeing it through to the end.”
Rook laughed softly. “Yes, I suppose that wouldn’t be very sporting of me.” He smiled. “I shall stay. However…” His green eyes glittered with fond resignation. “Perhaps I should teach you some courting etiquette – since your target has thus far eluded you?”
Trey chuckled, as well, pulling out a chair as the blond sat across from him. “Sure. I could use the help.”
“A beautiful, handcrafted gift is a wonderful start, but you still must make your feelings clear. This has only taken this long because you are both so reserved! One of you must take the initiative – pourquoi pas toi, Chevalier? You will need to rally your courage and make your confession! Once you know that he accepts and returns your feelings, ask if you can kiss him. You must ask permission – this is important, and utterly romantic. I am certain he will say yes, et voilà!”
“That’s it, huh?” The baker looked at Rook affectionately. “And what should a good confession entail? Can you give me an example?”
The hunter closed his eyes a moment, thinking. When he looked back at Trey, a soft smile played across his lips, and his pretty green eyes narrowed warmly. “I know not when I fell in love with you, for it happened without warning, and easily as breathing. Now, like the air in my lungs, I find it hard to breathe when you are not near. When we are parted, I cannot help but long to see you again. And when I sleep, the happiest of my dreams are of you. I love you with not simply my heart or my mind, but to the core of my soul. It is as though my very being was formed with the sole intent of loving you. I…I…”
When Rook trailed off, the green-haired man leaned closer. “Yes?”
“Non…That is enough. You get the idea.” He leaned over in his chair so that his blond locks hung like a curtain over his face, hiding his embarrassment.
Even if he couldn’t see it, Trey was sure that Rook’s face was redder than ever before. He had revealed a bit more than intended with the confession. But that was all right. It only served as a boost to Trey’s confidence.
The timer went off in the next couple minutes, as they sat. The taller vice stood, clapping a hand on the other’s shoulder as he passed to the oven.
“Come on. Let’s see how it came out.”
He watched Rook take a visible deep breath, shoulders rising and falling, then get up and walk over. His face was schooled back into his normal expression, but Trey wasn’t fooled anymore.
The delicious scent of cinnamon and apple filled the kitchen as the oven was opened. Trey used mitts to remove the baking sheet and place it on the counter. Rook gasped excitedly at the rose that had formed, with perfect crisping around the edges, turning the apples into deliciously sweet petals.
“Well…” The Heartslabyul vice came to stand beside him. “What do you think?”
“It is magnifique! Beauté! Absolutely perfect, Chevalier! You truly are a master pâtissier.” The blond smiled up at him. “Now, all that remains is to present it to your beloved.”
“That’s right.” Trey pulled out a couple small plates, forks and a pie server. He stepped past the confused hunter, cutting into the tart without hesitation.
Rook’s eyes widened. “W-wait! Don’t you need to--?”
He froze as a plate was set before him, a flawless, glistening piece of apple blossom tart sitting in its center. Slowly, he raised his head to meet passionate amber eyes.
“Rook.” Trey couldn’t help the smirk that curled his lips as he continued, “‘I know not when I fell in love with you, for it happened without warning, and easily as breathing. Now, like the air in my lungs, I find it hard to breathe when you are not near. When we are parted, I cannot help but long to see you again. And when I sleep, the happiest of my dreams are of you. I love you with not simply my heart or my mind, but to the core of my soul. It is as though my very being was formed with the sole intent of loving you.” He moved forward, placing a hand down on the counter by the smaller man’s hip.
The blond continued to stare at him with wide, damp eyes. “B-but, Jade…Were you not…?”
Trey reached his free hand to gently cup Rook’s chin. “It was never Jade, Rook. Just you.” He leaned in closer, voice lowering to a whisper, and the hunter found his eyes closing instinctively. “I’ve been dying to kiss you. Please let me?”
Rook didn’t even get to complete his nod before the taller man was diving forward, capturing his lips with his own. He threw his arms around Trey’s neck, holding him close as their mouths moved against each other. The kiss broke after a moment, and Rook’s eyes fluttered open to see the baker gazing down at him in such loving adoration, that the hunter couldn’t help but pull him back in for more.
When Trey’s tongue swiped over his lower lip, he eagerly opened himself up to his ardent exploration. The taller man was gentle, but thorough in his ministrations, and easily drew moan after gasping moan from the blond. He had thought that Rook’s laugh was his favorite sound in the world, but now there were other contenders. Any of the myriad sounds he pulled from the hunter as he trailed his mouth over his fair skin could easily be in the running.
Trey’s fingers threaded through silky blond hair as he pressed the smaller man back against the counter, unwilling to separate now that they had finally found each other. He spared just one final thought before losing himself in his new lover’s embrace…
He would have to find a way to thank Jade for all his help.