They walked into the cafe, and the heat was wonderful, as was the aroma of freshly baked pastries. Who didn’t love that smell? He’d still been full from breakfast, but now his mouth was watering. Edward suggested Milo find a seat and trust him to order, so he did. The cafe had a nautical vibe, Vikingdecor, and dark wood panelling on the walls and ceiling. It shouldn’t work as a mix, but it did.
Edward came over, pulling off his scarf and gloves but leaving his hat on. He had such gorgeous salt and pepper hair that he looked quite different when it wasn’t on display. He was also clean-shaven this morning, much to Milo’s disappointment, but it would grow back. Milo wondered if Edward was into rimming. He’d always avoided that area, given Milo was a strict top, but he enjoyed having a tongue in there.
“I got us Kakao, and a slice of Julekake to share,” said Edward.
“What’s that? I’m guessing a cake and a chocolate drink?”
“The cake is actually more like a Christmas bread. It’s got raisins, candied peel, and cardamom pods in it. The trick is to have it with butter.”
“Butter?”
“Yeah. I had it when I was in Oslo around this time of year, and that’s what the locals suggested. The drink is basically hot chocolate, but rich, so I just got us regular ones or we’ll be wanting to go back to bed rather than shopping.”
“I wouldn’t object to that.”
“Oh. Did you not want to...” Edward stopped once he caught on to the joke, and his blush was back.
“Has anyone ever told you how cute you are when you blush?”
Edward groaned and put his head in his hands, but then his shoulders shook with laughter. Milo had to keep reminding himself that Edward might be twelve years older than him, but as far as relationships went, Milo was the one with the experience, and that was a low bar.
The server brought their order over. The hot chocolate had whipped cream and marshmallows on it and looked heavenly, and the cake looked delicious as well.
“Tussen tak,” said Edward.
She smiled at them and left.
“You speak Norwegian?” asked Milo, impressed.
“No, but whenever I visit a country, I always learn a few words and phrases to be polite.”
“Is that a politician thing?”
He shook his head. “It’s something I’ve always done.” He leaned forward and whispered, “Most of them think it’s everyone else’s duty to learn English if they want to speak to us.”
“Wow. I won’t share that anecdote with Kieran.”
“Kieran’s the one who thinks we should all be hung, drawn, and quartered?”
“Pretty much.”
“Can’t wait to meet him.”
“Meet him? What do you mean?”
“Well, eventually. These guys are important to you. Of course I’m going to meet them.”
“Does that mean...” Milo leaned forward this time. “Does that mean you’re going to come out?”
Edward nodded as he slathered the cake with butter before cutting it in half and passing it to Milo. He gave Edward a look that made it clear he required a follow-up statement.
“Have you ever been to London Pride?” asked Edward.
“That’s a random topic change, but yes. I go every year.”
“Okay, well, I’ll make you a deal. I’ll march with you at London Pride next year, as your boyfriend. That gives you a definite end date. As for when, I need to work a few things out when we get back, so can we park the million questions I know you want to ask until then? I just want to enjoy this time with you.”
Milo felt himself get choked up. When had Edward decided all this? Milo loved how many sides there were to him. In the bedroom, he gave up complete control. He could be all shy and vulnerable, and then, at times like now, directand decisive, which was a side he wouldn’t mind exploring in a more private setting. Milo grabbed a napkin to wipe his eyes. Edward smirked.
