The Painting

[Merav Malahi de Valentin]

"Oh good," I said happily, before taking a bite myself. He wasn't lying, it was good, and the colored frostings were lightly fruit flavored.

[Darien Kachine]

"You do know how to spoil me," I told her, smiling across the table.

[Merav Malahi de Valentin]

"I try," I said, before taking another bite of cake. "I know you work so hard, you deserve some treats."

[Darien Kachine]

“You’re going to have me growing out of my clothes with treats like this,” I said with a chuckle between bites.

[Merav Malahi de Valentin]

"Not if you exercise," I said with a grin, before blushing a little. The thought of him nude always did excite me.

[Darien Kachine]

“Or perhaps I’ll just forget to eat while I’m painting for a couple days,” I said after I’d finished the last bite and set down my fork. “Right now I’m so full I can’t imagine eating again.”

[Merav Malahi de Valentin]

I chuckled at that, he certainly wasn't the only one guilty of forgetting to eat. "I can't wait to see what you paint next," I said, as I rose to clear the dirty dishes from the table.

[Darien Kachine]

“I’ve a commission from a Duc. He wants me to paint the engagement portrait for his daughter,” I told her.

[Merav Malahi de Valentin]

I smiled broadly. "That's wonderful," I said, as I returned to the table. "It sounds like a very important job for you." The aches in my shoulders told me how late it was, and I stifled a small yawn.

[Darien Kachine]

“It is,” I said, nodding and rising to help her clear the table. “Though what’s important isn’t always what’s most enjoyable.”

[Merav Malahi de Valentin]

I frowned. "I am sorry," I said. "Do you expect it will be dull?"

[Darien Kachine]

“Depends on if the couple is truly in love or if this is a marriage of position,” I said, shrugging a little.

[Merav Malahi de Valentin]

"How will you be able to tell?" I asked, looking up at him.

[Darien Kachine]

“You can tell as soon as you see the couple together. It is the same as with any couple in love or not,” I answered.

[Merav Malahi de Valentin]

"Oh," I said. Can you tell that I'm in love with you? I bit my tongue on the thought that surfaced as I yawned again. "It's getting late," I commented.

[Darien Kachine]

“That it is,” I said, nodding a little.

I leaned in and kissed her cheek softly. “Thank you for the wonderful meal.”

[Merav Malahi de Valentin]

"You're welcome," I said. Standing on my tiptoes as I usually did, I kissed his lips softly.

[Darien Kachine]

I returned her kiss, a low sound of pleasure escaping me. I knew she likely needed to return home, her schedule was busy as was mine, so I let myself just enjoy the kiss.

[Merav Malahi de Valentin]

When the kiss ended, I asked, "Would you like to come to my house one night soon?"

[Darien Kachine]

“I’d like that very much,” I told her, smiling. “When shall I come?”

[Merav Malahi de Valentin]

"Whenever you like," I said. "In two, maybe three days time?"

[Darien Kachine]

“Three days would work,” I said, nodding a little. “I’m engaged the in two evenings hence.”

[Merav Malahi de Valentin]

I nodded. "Three days, then," I said. "Will you come after dinner, or before?"

[Darien Kachine]

“After most likely,” I answered. “I have an appointment that afternoon for a marquing and it will likely run through dinner.”

[Merav Malahi de Valentin]

I nodded. "Then I shall see you three days hence, after dinnertime," I confirmed. Standing on my tiptoes, I kissed him again sweetly. "Have a good night," I murmured. "Don't work too hard."

[Darien Kachine]

“You either,” I murmured, caressing her cheek softly before stepping back from her. “Good night, Merav.”

[Merav Malahi de Valentin]

"Good night," I said, gathering my basket, and with a last look, let myself out. Three days could not pass quickly enough.

[Darien Kachine]

I watched her go before finishing tidying up a little. Then I put out the fire and went to bed, feeling the emptiness of it acutely.