Curling up on the floor, Rex covered his eyes when the two human beings fell into another round of kissing.
-------------
The front door opened with a click, and Maximillian entered the house with some breakfast.
"You are awake," he noted as he closed the door behind him.
Julian was sitting on the floor, a simple rug offering scant warmth between him and the cool surface. Rex was curled contentedly at his side, like a gigantic mound of fur.
"You are back," Julian replied with a smile. "I almost thought that you ran away after taking advantage of me."
A chuckle escaped Maximillian. He set the breakfast bundle on the coffee table before he sat next to Julian and scooped him onto his lap.
"Last night was amazing," he whispered before he captured Julian's lips in a kiss. "I can't run even if I want to."
Julian hooked his arms around Maximillian's neck and rubbed their noses together.
"I guess I have you on the hook now."
"You do," Maximillian agreed.
Julian's lips curled up into a smile. Maximillian massaged the back of Julian's neck affectionately and said, "Let's have some breakfast. You must be famished."
"I am."
Maximillian took Julian by the hand and steered him toward the coffee table. He then unpacked the breakfast bundle he brought from outside.
Two steaming venti-sized coffee cups sat prominently on the table, each accompanied by a retinue of sugar and cream packets. Beside them lay a pair of colossal baguette sandwiches, at least half a foot long. Their golden-brown crusts promised a satisfying crunch, while glimpses of the rich fillings beneath only heightened Julian's hunger.
Vibrant green salad, succulent tuna flakes, creamy cheese, and perfectly sliced boiled eggs peeked out from within in a tantalizing manner.
Chili and mayonnaise dressing completed the picture, adding a touch of heat without drowning the other flavors.
"Mmm."
Maximillian carefully picked out a sandwich and handed it over to Julian.
"Here. Do you want sugar and cream in your coffee?"
"Mhm."
Julian bit into his sandwich and let out a blissful groan.
"Oh, it was good."
Relief spread on Maximillian's face. He didn't know much about Julian's likes and dislikes, thus he had to rely on the sandwich shop's intuition to craft together a delicious and fulfilling breakfast for him and his lover.
At eight, Maximillian looked at his wristwatch and declared woefully that he had to go to work.
"Awww."
Julian pursed his lips in a playful pout. "Leaving me so soon?"
"I will be back tonight," Maximillian slid his hand into Julian's dark blond curls and gently massaged his scalp. "If you don't mind waiting until seven, we can go out and have dinner together."
"I don't know, Agent," Julian leaned against Maximillian's hand and purred like a cat. "I don't think that I have that much free time."
After all, it was Wednesday and Julian was in the middle of finishing his doctoral dissertation.
Although disappointment crept in Maximillian's heart, he nodded in understanding.
"I can adjust to your schedule," he offered.
Julian's lips curved into a mischievous grin.
"I will cook dinner tonight. Why don't you come by at seven?"
...
Maximillian hesitated, not because he considered himself above frozen dinners or instant noodles, but because he knew he could offer Julian a healthier and more satisfying meal. Clearing his throat, he proposed, "Why don't I cook for you tonight?"
Julian, with a playful arch of his brow, countered, "Are you questioning my culinary skills, Max?"
"... No, why would I?"
"Or do you think that I am going to make you eat frozen food for dinner?"
"... I never said that."
Julian wrapped a hand around Maximillian's tie and tugged him closer.
"Then just come by at seven, alright?"
"... Yes, dear."
Curling up on the floor, Rex covered his eyes when the two human beings fell into another round of kissing.
And yet, after everything had been said, Maximillian still felt ill at ease for not contributing to dinner. He whipped out a platinum debit card and slipped it into Julian's hands.
"The PIN is 9864. It has a maximum withdrawal limit of 10,000 Euros a day. You can take as much as you need."
"..."
It seemed that he scored himself a rich sugar daddy.
Julian shot Maximillian a shifty smile.
"I am not going to go bankrupt from cooking dinner for two."
"I never said that," Maximillian replied with a self-sufficient smile. He then pulled Julian into his arms for one last kiss.
"See you tonight," he said. "I am looking forward to dinner."
After Maximillian left, Julian pivoted on his heel and stared at Rex.
"Woof?"
"Up for a grocery shopping spree, Rex?" Julian held the black card up between two fingers.
"Woof!"
An hour later, Julian and Rex meandered through the aisles of a large supermarket.
He tossed various ingredients into the cart, mentally constructing their dinner menu. When he arrived at the meat section, he had to pause for a while to weigh the merits of chicken versus beef.
When he held the pack of chicken against the food scanner on his cart, it immediately gave him all the information he needed.
"1000g, 6.99 Euro.
Whole chicken raised on a certified organic farm at Westenfall for the highest quality and peace of mind.
Stored at a perfect 40°F to ensure freshness and safety.
Free of harmful viruses, bacteria, and worm infestation.
No added preservatives for a pure taste.
Enjoy for up to two days when stored at 40°F or below."
Just then, a blaring announcement sliced through the supermarket's ambient noise.
"Attention everyone, please pay attention to an important update from the Eichwald Police Department. Bruno Cadwick, convicted yesterday of a crime attempt at the Riverside bookstore, has escaped from prison this morning.
Civilians, please be on high alert and return home immediately.
I repeat..."
Julian furrowed his brows and tightened Rex' leash around his hand. It was that unusually strong alpha again.