“You’re welcome Artie. I’m glad you liked it.” He noticed him lean in and smiled a bit, giving him a gentle peck on the lips before pulling away and watched him cut the cake. Well, this was the ultimate test. Arthur was going to taste the cake and he just hoped on whatever lucky stars (if they even existed) he had that it would be the best cake ever. He would have gone with a different flavor like Maddie had suggested, but this was Arthur’s favorite and what better way to go than with that?
He took the plate that was handed to him and waited for Arthur to take the first bite. “Go on Artie.”
Arthur nodded, taking a taste. The butter cream had kept it moist and its rich flavour was pleasant. A tad too sweet for his preference, however with a strong tea and the fact that his birthday only came once a year it was something he could endure.
“It taste wonderful.” Arthur chimed after taking a bite, before going for a second one. Alfred (and Maddie) had done such a wonderful job that considering vocalizing praise wasn’t a problem.
“Is that an apple compote?” He asked, tearing the cake apart to see layers of apples and cinnamon between the layers.He waited patiently for him to give his opinion, taking a bite as well. Oh no, he made it too sweet….he shouldn’t have added an extra teaspoon of sugar. Oh great, now it was going to be ruined. Wait…did he just compliment the cake? Well..maybe it wasn’t so bad after all.
“Oh…thanks Artie! I’m glad you like it!” He smiled and took another bite, taking a sip of the tea. Not really his strong point, but…he can do this for one day. Even with the sugar he put in his own tea, it still had the bitter aftertaste to him.
“Hm…? Oh…it’s fine right? I mean…if you don’t..I can try and make something else!”
“No, its wonderful. I’m glad you thought of me when making this for me. I didn’t expect it, honestly. Perhaps you should teach me how to make this some time. A private lesson of sorts…” Arthur hummed, licking the cake fro his fork clean.
He leaned over and gave him a kiss on the cheek and smile warmly,
“Thank you for making this birthday meaningful. I appreciate it… really I do.”A sigh of relief escaped at that. Well, at least he didn’t mess up then if he thought it was wonderful then. Wait…did he just hear him properly about private lessons….? And would it be….not so smart of him to understand that Arthur was hinting that as well as something….else within the context…?
“Oh…well I mean…I can try and teach ya how to make it!” Alfred smiled, finishing the last of his slice and sighed in content, a light blush dusting his cheeks at the slight kiss on the cheek.
“Artie, it was the least I could do to celebrate the most special day of the world. Without you, I probably wouldn’t have been raised by the most awesomest guy that I have come to know and love to this day. I’d have done more…but I know you’re not the type to have huge birthday parties.”
Arthur smiled at Alfred’s innocence and nodded, “I’d love to.”
Arthur surprisingly finished all of the sweet, wiping his mouth clean with the napkin, before pushing the plate away from him.
“Quite so.” Arthur replied to the comment about the parties.
It was always too much fuss to him and he hated being reminded of those who hated him.Parties were usually events that would force people into attendance which is why he preferred quiet celebration or celebratory dinners with those closest to him. If others left a card, a phone call or a gift he was sure to thank them properly and acknowledge them for their kindness, but being with Alfred like this was much more genuine and he didn’t have worry about something fake.
“Alfred darling, thank you so much. Your efforts were not in vain, I can assure you.”
“Well awesome! I’ll find a day when we’re both available and give ya the lesson then!” Alfred noticed him finishing the cake and immediately got up to clean up the table. It wouldn’t be right if the birthday celebrant had to work in cleaning up the mess. After bringing the plates back to the counter and went back to his seat and nodded.
“You’re welcome Artie! Well, I’m so glad to hear that from you!”
