Work Text:
A harsh cold slapped his skin the moment he got out of his sheltered cave. The one that was filled with his men after hunting, where they spent the rest of their day drinking and sharing laughter because of the stories that they told. He knows thinking about it gives him more heartbreak and pain, but he has to, in order to remember, make sure that no one will ever forget.
He took one last look at the walls of this cave, thinking to himself that maybe the clouds in his head started to turn gray because he was so sure that for a moment there, he was so sure he heard the singing voices of his own men that he once shared bottles of beer and bread with. Maybe the ghosts never disappear, even on days when he thought he wouldn't be able to care.
He remembers the silly stories that he collected, from those that were from their childhood, devastating experiences, and sweet tooth nightingales. It was devastating, reminiscing memories he tried so hard to suppress. In the end, it was all futile. He accepts. When he began to walk back to the home that he now knows, all he had left was a small smile.
The first thing that greeted him upon entering the cabin was the smell of pancakes, cocoa, and black tea. He could hear silent humming from the entrance and he couldn't help the smile that started to take shape in his mouth.
He removed his snow-surrounded boots, scarf, and coat, making sure to pat them nicely and cleanly to remove some snow that got stuck on them. He felt his heart warm as he looked at the scarf hanging on the rack, knowing full well that it had been woven for him by a pure heart.That's all it took for him to swoon. He hasn't even seen the said man cook pancakes today, and he's already losing it.
As he approached the kitchen, the humming grew louder, making his heart warmer. Then, there he is, standing with a pink heart-shaped apron wrapped around him, a star-shaped clip on his bangs, and a smile on his face. Resident pretty boy, the love of his entire life.
Seeing that on site didn't leave Vox any other choice. It wasn't his fault that a beautiful human being was just standing there right in front of him, looking like all of the seasons combined, just unbelievably ethereal. So you can't really blame him if he suddenly took Ike in his arms and started pecking his cheeks from behind, earning a little squeal from his man.
"Vox—Stop, the pancakes will get burnt!"
Vox thought Ike was being silly, because how could he stop himself from showering his lover with affection when he looks like this first thing in the morning? There's not even much sunlight because it's winter, but how come this man in front of him is shining? Maybe something really is wrong with him?
"I'm sorry, love. I just can't help it."
He said with a hint of slyness in his voice, making sure to pout to make his 'apology' sound realer. He buried his face in the crook of his lover's neck, leaving kisses here and there, feeling the blushing man shiver at each contact.
Ike turned around and started to push Vox away, making him giggle, seeing the shorter one struggle.
"Sit down now. You don't want to eat burnt pancakes, don't you?"
"I mean, if it's from you, I wouldn't mind at all, Darling. I can even eat more than pancakes. Maybe y—" And that's when he felt hands grab his cheeks, pulling him down.
He felt something fluffier than any other pancake meet his lips. Eyes wide open, meeting eyes that were shut, a wide grin escaped from his face.
When Ike pulled away, he turned around so quickly that if Vox had looked away, even for a millisecond, he would've missed the redness of his nape and ears. His smirk grew bigger. Ah, he has to stop now or things will escalate and Ike won't be able to finish whatever he's working so hard to cook for him.
So he just let his finger slowly touch Ike's nape, coming closer, putting his head above Ike's shoulder, quietly watching this lovely man cook fluffy pancakes for him. He prides himself on his kitchen skills, but nothing beats the cooking of his lover, especially when it's specifically made for him.
He watched Ike flip pancakes, make a new one, flip them again, and he couldn't believe he was here, in love. Being this lucky in life means he can actually experience pure bliss and happiness, having someone who loves him enough to study, prepare, and cook fluffy pancakes for him.
It always blows his mind away whenever the thought of 'Ike is mine' goes into his head. Too unreal, like the man himself.
"Do you want syrup for the pancakes or leftover ice cream?" God, he's in way too deep now.
"Anything that you want, love." He heard a chuckle, which also made him smile.
"Ice cream it is. Prepare your throat, Vox."
Can we kiss again?
Vox took Ike's left hand and brought it to his lips, kissing it gently, blowing on it, making it flushed and cozy.
"A cough, or a sore throat, won't be able to hinder my adoration of you, Ike."
Ike laughed at that, letting his head rest on Vox's chest.
"As you should."
He does and will continue to do so.
He's happy now. This moment he'll never forget. He's going to live his life happily, making sure that the next time he meets his clan, he has even more stories to share.
This time was filled with the man that he loves. With the man that filled his heart with everything that he never knew he needed.